January + February Favorites 2026
It’s already March! Eeek! January and February seem like eons ago…
Nevertheless, the blog must go on!
Unfortunately, my Deezer links have stopped working on the blog. I will post a Spotify song link for the time being, but I will workshop a workaround!
Topicals Faded Under Eye Brightening & Clearing Eye Masks
These eye masks do wonders for my under-eye area! After each application, my eyes look brighter, plumper, and more moisturized. I can’t speak much for its efficacy in reducing the look of dark circles, but if they moisturize well, I’m sure consistent use definitely makes a difference in the appearance of dark circles.
Breakfast Salad Bowls
Yum yum yum.
I saw a TikTok recently of a creator who makes breakfast salads daily, and I thought I would try it myself. After making one bowl, I was hooked. These salads are so nourishing, filling, and tasty. I found myself not that hungry for hours after my first salad, a stark difference from my typical snacking throughout the day.
I like to include some combination of hard-boiled eggs, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, white beans, chicken sausages, arugula, and spinach. I also make my own salad dressing, using olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, oregano, and Dijon mustard. The dressing, combined with the salad ingredients, is chef’s kiss. The acidic kick of the dressing pairs well with the brightness of the arugula, too. I now make this breakfast daily!
If you make or plan to make breakfast salads, what other ingredients do you like to include??
Brussels Sprouts
I need to put a disclaimer for this one!!! Let me emphasize that I do eat fruits and vegetables!! Similar to raspberries in my previous favorites blog, I haven’t tried Brussels sprouts as a kid, only as an adult. (I feel I must put this disclaimer because I know it’s all too common for some adults to not eat any fruits and vegetables.)
The few times I’ve had Brussels sprouts (before making breakfast salads), I thought they tasted good! I was actually surprised that Brussels sprouts have a reputation of being one of those veggies that people don’t like or don’t think smell good.
I toast them on the pan with a little butter, and they taste so yummy! I’m so happy to have included this veggie in my daily intake, and to increase my intake of vitamins, protein, and fiber from just this one vegetable.
Pasta Salad
While trying to figure out what lunch to make with all of my leftover ingredients one day, I ended up making a delicious pasta salad. I included lettuce, spinach, chicken, cavatappi pasta (the pasta shape is crucial, in my opinion), tomatoes, and shaved parmesan. I made the same salad dressing that I make for my breakfast bowls, too (I have the recipe memorized).
I love the mixture of different textures and tastes in every bite. The salad is so quick and easy to make, and is more filling than you’d think.
Presentation be damned, I just wanted to eat lol.
The Gluten Free Brothers Bites
The wisest of the wise advise against grocery shopping while hungry, advice I seldom follow, for lack of discipline.
I visited my local Sprouts recently and impulsively bought these protein bites from The Gluten Free Brothers. As soon as I got in my car, I opened the bag and tried one (the woes of grocery shopping while hungry), and with the taste of the chocolate, I was on a ride. These are sooo good! They’re perfectly chewy and sweet; it’s like I’m eating a chocolate treat in the middle of the day. I especially love the small boost of protein they give while only being 100 calories.
Gap Factory Pajamas
I wanted to refresh my nighttime pajamas, and after a quick search online, I came across this purple plaid pajama set! I love that they’re 100% cotton and super comfortable. They were also listed at an affordable price (thank you, Gap Factory!!). I sized up when ordering to ensure that they’d fit looser, for a more comfortable night’s sleep each night.
I even did a mini photoshoot after trying them on:
Finding the Trader Joe’s Stuffed Animal Mascot
We all need to explore the world with a little more whimsy and childlike wonder. Luckily, this trait comes naturally to me.
I kept coming across a cute stuffed monkey plush after a few visits to my local Trader Joe’s. I looked it up online and found out that every TJ’s hides a stuffed animal mascot in their stores! How cute!!! Children can even tell employees that they found the mascot and earn a prize, such as a sticker or a lollipop. I don’t tell the cashiers, but I try to take a picture of the plush each visit.
The one at my local TJ’s is named Mandy. I visited a TJ’s near CSU Fullerton once and found their mascot, Titan, a stuffed elephant plush. This is a homage to the school’s mascot, Tuffy Titan, of the same animal variety.
Sometimes I reach out and pet the plushies. Don’t tell Mr. Joe, please.
This is such a cute tradition, and I hope TJ’s keeps it up!
That’s my list for the past two months! Yay!
This list isn’t as long as a two-monther may be, but I am trying to focus on continuing my habits from the past couple of months (such as exercising, walking 10k steps a day, etc.). It’s quite a challenge in today’s climate (sighhh), but I’m doing my best while staying engaged and sane in the world.
Take care of yourselves and each other, dearest friends.
See y’all next time!