And just like that, another month has come to an end… I know I say this all the time, but wow does time fly! I finally understand what the adults meant way back when. But anyway, that’s just how things are once you grow up I guess. So I shan’t waste my precious time complaining about the fact how little time I have. Instead, let’s get into my May favorites!
May Favorites: Beauty
Starting off the May favorites with the beauty section, as I usually do. If you have read this post, you know I have put myself on a little bit of a shopping ban. So before this month I thought I wouldn’t have any beauty favorites to talk about at all, but of course, I was proven wrong. For one, I did buy some things (I absolutely needed them!). And also I’m currently trying to use up as many products as I can before the move, so I don’t have to take them with me. And that meant rediscovering long lost treasures.
Colibri Calming Moisturizer
One of these long lost treasures worth mentioning in the May favorites post is the Calming Moisturizer by Colibri. If you’re a regular on this blog, you might already know it, because I mentioned it in my morning skincare routine. For some reason, probably in order to try something new, I stoped using this one altogether. But after finishing my night cream, I thought I would use this one up. And what a great decision that was! It really is nice and calming on the skin, with ceramides and vitamin E. This makes for a great daytime moisturizer as well, since it’s got a light, non-greasy formula. So if you don’t want to get a special creme for morning and night, this one is a great option!
Mixa Panthenol Comfort Body Balm
This body balm is something that I absolutely needed and thus broke my self-imposed shopping ban. But I already knew that I would love it, because I have never not liked a product by this brand. And I mean, I actually did need a new moisturizer…
Because this one has got panthenol in it, it is really calming on the skin. So great if you have been catching some sun rays the past few days! And super affordable as well, so highly recommend.
May Favorites: Fashion & Accessories
Knitted Tank Top
My most worn item this month by far was this cute knitted tank from Only. Perfect for this time of year, since it’s a bit warmer than your standard tank, but not too warm to make you sweaty. Love a transitional piece! Plus I basically wear 50 shades of beige this time of year, and this one fit perfectly with my other beige & neutral pieces.
The material itself is pretty stretchy, so it hugs you in all the right places. One thing to keep in mind: it is slightly shorter than your average tank, but nowhere near passing as a crop top. But if like me you love tucking in your tops, you need a high waisted pair of bottoms to do it. (Got that sorted for sure!)
Pearl Hair Clips
I actually meant to include these lovely hair clips into last months favorites post, but forgot. Luckily, I enjoyed wearing them just as much this month! They obviously come in a pack of three & in different sizes (they are bigger than they appear on the picture as well!), and they hold my hair back sooo well! I use them for little half up-half down moments, they are definitely too small to hold up all the hair.
Usually when I use clips like these I have to redo it every couple of hours (at the latest), but these I put in in the morning and don’t touch them until I go to bed. And they do feel really well made, considering the price. So far, all of the pearls have stayed on, and it doesn’t look like they are about to fall off at all. So definitely recommend these!
May Favorites: TV & Netflix Shows
Queen Charlotte
I love period drama series, Downton Abbey and Bridgerton being two great examples. So when I saw that Netflix had released a spin off of the Bridgerton story – Queen Charlotte – I jumped on it! Sadly, as of now, there are only 6 episodes, but I loooved watching!
Queen Charlotte is, as the name would suggest, about how the Queen Charlotte came to be. A prequel to Bridgerton, if you will. And just as in the original Bridgerton stories, the plot is twisting and turning! Highly recommend you watch it if you haven’t already!
Let’s Dance Finale
Is anybody surprised? Not really, right? We had it coming. And Anna Ermakova has more than earned to win the Let’s Dance trophy, there’s not arguing about that. Not that I could judge her dancing on a professional level, because I really haven’t got a clue about dancing, but it was wonderful to watch regardless!
The only sad thing about it: we have to wait almost a whole year for the next season!
May Favorites: Books
Unfortunately – or maybe not – I was sick again this month. Nothing serious, but bad enough not to go to work. The good thing about being bedridden: lots of time to read! And I finally got to finish some of the books I bought what feels like ages ago.
Why We Sleep By Matthew Walker
This book to me weeks to finish, even though it doesn’t even have that many pages. And this is actually the books own fault – hear me out. Before I started reading Why We Sleep, I would get up every morning at 6 am, get washed, dressed and ready, then make myself a cup of tea or coffee and read for 15-30 minutes. That’s what I called Me-Time. But while reading this book, I came to understand that forcing myself to get up at 6 every morning actually did more harm than good. Because if I’m being really honest, I could have gone back to sleep while reading the book, coffee in hand. And I felt tired pretty much all throughout the day. So I changed my alarm to 6:30 – just 30 minutes more – and I am a changed woman. Most days, I even wake up a couple of minutes before my alarm. And instead of fighting to urge to snooze the alarm over and over, I am actually awake and ready to start the day! Plus I have way more energy all day long. Just because of 30 minutes more sleep! I honestly couldn’t believe it, and I am so so happy that I tried. The downside to sleeping longer though is that I no longer have time to read in the mornings. But since I also don’t feel incredibly tired in the afternoon anymore, I get to do my reading then. So I guess it all works out.
If you struggle with sleep/being tired or lacking energy constantly, I highly recommend reading this book. It also talks about all the scary health problems that both an acute as well as a chronic lack of sleep will bring. Super interesting & worth implementing into your sleep routine!
10 % Human By Alanna Collen
Gut health is something that I’m really really interested in, having learned so much about it recently. Even before reading this book, I knew that a healthy gut microbiome is important for well being. But I didn’t know the extent of it. From the obvious like digestive problems to acne and allergies, to the less well known autoimmune diseases and cognitive dysfunctions, the gut microbiome seems to be involved in absolutely everything. So keeping it happy and healthy seems to be a sensible thing to do.
This book also discusses the impact even a single dose of antibiotics has on the gut microbiome – they are bacteria after all. Give this book a read, you will likely reconsider taking an antibiotic the next time you have a simple cold (which likely isn’t caused by bacteria anyway)!
Glucose Revolution By Jessie Inchauspé
Last but certainly not least on my list of May favorites books is Glucose Revolution by Jessie Inchauspé. Summed up in one sentence: It talks about balancing/stabilizing your blood sugar levels to give you more energy, less cravings, clearer skin, and lots of other health benefits. Not only does it teach you why glucose is important to your body and what too much of it can do, but there are also 10 hacks on how to improve your blood sugar levels. And they are super simple, easily incorporated into your day to day life.
I have been implementing these hacks into my life for a couple of weeks now and I do feel a difference. Once again, I have more energy throughout the day. I don’t crash after lunch anymore, or needing something sweet after dinner. Could be a placebo, but I don’t think it is. I will keep you posted!
May Favorites: Podcasts & Music
DOAC Episode 243 with Jessie Inchauspé
If you don’t want to read the book I just mentioned, give this podcast a listen! This of course is how I found out about it, and Jessie already gives a lot of great advice in this episode. To make this topic even more appealing: she also teaches you how to eat cakes, chocolate and the likes, without doing harm to your body!
Subtract by Ed Sheeran
I am a big Ed Sheeran fan, and eagerly awaited his new album “Subtract” that came out a few weeks ago. Naturally, I have been listening to it on repeat. My favorite songs are “Curtains”, “End of Youth” & “Toughest”. If you follow Ed on Instagram, you might know that he really went through some shit the past few years, and it’s highly reflected in this album. So a lot less of the happy, cheerful songs. This actually kinds feels like listening to someones therapy – but in a good way.
I am actually going to stop myself here, I don’t think I have ever had so many favorites, so many things to talk about in one month! So if you stuck around til the end, thank you so so so much! I know it was a long one…
Lots of Love,
Lena
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored.