February 2017 Favorites

I thought it would be fun if I took a moment each month to let you know what things are currently striking my fancy, so here goes the February installment! Current favorites:

Book: I've been enjoying Brené Brown's The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are. I've been taking notes like crazy (8+ on my computer) and trying to absorb all the wisdom. I love how she writes such practical things in a way that I had never thought of before. I've also read Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead, another book of hers, and it was fabulous, too! It currently resides on my nightstand. : )

Food: My family made some chocolate-dipped strawberries and bananas this week when we had dinner together. They were so simple, but so tasty! I also sampled some delicious Whole Me lemon berry chia granola at the Fit for Her Minneapolis event earlier this month, which I loved!

Verse: "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago." - Ephesians 2:10. I love being reminded that I, that we, are God's masterpiece, His workmanship, something He's immensely proud of and satisfied in. We aren't mistakes. We aren't accidents. We're beautiful and beloved treasures of the Most High. Not only that, but He has good things in store for us. He knows each of us so well that He has set apart things for us to do, unique ways for us to impact the world around us. How amazing is that?!

Song: "Road Less Traveled" by Lauren Alaina. I love the reminder to stand out, be different, be yourself, and not find your worth in your appearance or your ability to fit in.

Why do you keep on staring? That mirror, mirror, it ain't fair at all Dress sizes can't define, don't let the world decide what's beautiful

You won't make yourself a name if you follow the rules History gets made when you're acting a fool So don't hold it back and just run it Show what you got and just own it No, they can't tear you apart

If you trust your rebel heart, ride it into battle Don't be afraid, take the road less traveled Wear out your boots and kick up the gravel Don't be afraid, take the road less traveled on Take the road less traveled on

Don't follow anyone March to the rhythm of a different drum Why do we analyze, break out, and criticize the crazy ones?

You won't make yourself a name if you follow the rules History gets made when you're acting a fool So don't hold it back and just run it Show what you got and just own it No, they can't tear you apart, no

If you trust your rebel heart, ride it into battle Don't be afraid, take the road less traveled Wear out your boots and kick up the gravel Don't be afraid, take the road less traveled on Take the road less traveled on Take the road less traveled on

Put your hands up, show me that you're one of a kind Put your hands up, let me hear your voice tonight

If you trust your rebel heart, ride it into battle Don't be afraid, take the road less traveled Wear out your boots and kick up the gravel Don't be afraid, take the road less traveled on

TV Show: I've been watching Revenge on Netflix, and I love how complex it is, even if it gets a little darker and more diabolical than what I usually gravitate toward. I can't anticipate what happens next and am continually surprised at how all the characters stories and motives are so interconnected. I also watched all of Hart of Dixie and fell in love with the characters. It helps that Needtobreathe's music was featured in a few episodes (including a huge dance number in the finale), and they performed on the show, too!

Memory from last month: I had a really good time hanging out with some of my best friends for a galentine's party a few weeks ago. We had lots of treats, watched the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movies (sort of, we may or may not have talked all the way through them), and did each other's makeup, trying all sorts of new products. It was so good to catch up with them and just spend time in each other's company.

I also had a wonderful time at the Fit for Her Minneapolis event hosted by nourish move love, Fit Foodie Finds, and The Her Initiative. We had an intense HIIT barre workout, ate delicious snacks, perused some amazing products from local, women-run businesses, and raised $6,700 for clean water and hygiene education!

Looking forward to this month: My sister's birthday is in March, and I'm excited to celebrate with her!

Now it's your turn. What are some of your favorite things? I'd love to hear them!

Book image source: https://www.amazon.com/Gifts-Imperfection-Think-Supposed-Embrace/dp/159285849X

TV show image source: http://masterherald.com/

Wholeme image source: wholeme.com