Goodbye January

Doesn’t Christmas just seem an age away? The whole of January I suffered from that post-Christmas depression faze, but now February has rolled around, the thought of tinsel makes me want to throw-up (it always kind of does, actually). So goodbye January, and a warm hello to February.

January Favourites

1. Deliciously Ella Cookbook: Being one of the first Health Foodies I discovered and later being one of the main inspirations to go vegan, there was no doubt Ella’s book would end up in this months favourites. Even though she’s a gluten-free vegan, I firmly believe that these recipes can be loved by herbivores and carnivores alike - that’s a tried and tested fact.
2. Maybelline Colour Drama Lipstick in Red Essential: Any fans of the Nars Lip Pencils should definitely try these out. I’m sure I’ve even advised some customers to go out and buy one of these rather than wait for the Nars ones to come back in stock, but sshh…
3. Space NK Shimmering Spice Candle: Even though we used to burn this candle all day long in the shop, it’s warm spice scents were just so addictive that I couldn’t resist buying one to burn all January long - trying desperately not to believe Christmas was in fact over.
4. Maybelline Colour 24HR Tattoo in On and on Bronze: This product has always been a favourite of mine and probably always will be. It’s easy to use alone blended across the eye or as a base for a bronze smokey eye that won’t budge. 
5. thisworks Deep Sleep Pillow Spray: ‘The miracle solution to a good night’s sleep’. I love my sleep a bit more that I care to admit and end up grouchy if I get any less than usual, so a couple spritz of this on my pillow has me knocked out all night long. 
6. Living proof Prime Style Extender: I’m not sure how exactly to state my love for this product, or to the whole brand. This product acts as a primer to help keep styles in for longer, so even on freshly washed hair days, my curls last all day. It works. Quite simply, it works.

January Eats

1. Chocolate-Courgette Muffins: My family often question what on Earth I’m trying to feed them nowadays, up there with Sweet Potato Brownies, this was one of those wacky recipes that made them question my sanity. “Courgette in muffins, really Kay?” but the courgette was completely undetectable and replaced the use of oils to give the muffins that moist texture that makes them oh-so mouthwatering when warm out of the oven. They were delicious, oil-free, refined sugar-free, vegan and the perfect treat to start the New Year. (You can find the recipe in The Oh She Glows Cookbook).
2. Breakfast Bowl: Soya yogurt, Rude Health granola, banana and a sprinkling of chia seeds. 
3. Vegan Salad Bowl: These are a daily occurrence for me. They’re super easy to prep at the beginning of the week and make for a filling and nutritious lunch. To this one I added in some leftover roasted sweet potato.
4. The Ultimate Vegan All-Day Breakfast: Back in my hometown there is this amazing vegan and organic cafe and I couldn't resist popping in last week. Next time I've got my eyes on the dairy-free cakes! 

How was your January?

K

Goodbye, February

February, with want of a better word, has been fantastic. 

No seriously, without a hint of sarcasm, February has been a jam-packed, amazing month and it seemed to just fly by. Friends have turned 18, we finally moved house, and I passed my driving test (it was a shock, trust). We finally finished our college production of "Just So!", which was an amazing performance from all of the cast, and seeing as I'm still singing all the songs in the shower, I think I'll admit that I do miss it terribly. This month I've possibly baked and consumed far too much than I should have done, but it's been busy so I'm off the hook, right? Oh, and as per, I dread my bank statement coming through.

(Popart Fancy Dress/Motivational Monday Quote/Valentines Day Jam Pops/Singing Concert/Cast of Just So!/First drive out in Forrest)

With another busy month looming, I'm determined to get back on track with my health and fitness. February has been so busy and exhausting that I let myself give in to temptation too easily. So this means no more chocolate Kathryn, and loonngg hours at the gym working on your shit again. Dare I say it? I actually miss the gym. I like to work to improve myself and have set a goal of running the local 10K in September as something to inspire me.

I'm also determined this month to get my head down and take my education seriously. Now that Uni's have offered me places, everything's becoming so much more real and daunting. 'Damn, I actually need grades to get in'. Maybe this means just spending 5 more minutes on my homework, or just putting 10% more effort into class discussions - anythings possible as long as I put my mind into it.

And lastly in March, without wanting to sound cheesy, I just want to enjoy it. I've realised how quick this year is already going and I don't want to waste it. I need to put down my phone and spend more time outside, with friends and family, pick up my guitar and sing a little more - just do things that make me happy more often.