January 2025 favourites

I will say I'm not very girly—though between you and me, I wish I was just a little girlier. I often find myself reflecting on this desire, feeling a tug between my natural inclinations and the societal expectations that sometimes surround femininity. I take after my dad in many ways, standing at a height of 5'7.5 inches, which is quite tall for a woman. My physical attributes include big hands and big feet, which can make me feel somewhat out of place in certain situations. Additionally, I struggle with being overweight, which can sometimes affect my self-esteem and how I perceive my own femininity.

Despite my wish to embrace a more traditionally feminine appearance on the outside, I have to admit that there are aspects of femininity that I genuinely enjoy. For instance, I absolutely love getting my nails done. There's something incredibly satisfying about having beautifully manicured nails, whether I opt for bold colors or intricate designs. It's a small indulgence that makes me feel a bit more polished and put together. Similarly, I find joy in playing around with makeup looks. Experimenting with different eyeshadows, lipsticks, and blushes allows me to express myself creatively and can transform my mood in an instant. Trying out new skincare products is another passion of mine; I relish the feeling of taking care of my skin and discovering new routines that leave me feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

In addition to these activities, I share common interests with many women that bring comfort and joy to my life. There's nothing quite like curling up under a soft, new blanket, especially on a chilly evening. I also have a love for fresh-smelling candles; the ambiance they create can transform a space and elevate my mood, making even an ordinary day feel special.

In essence, while I may not fit the conventional mold of being girly, I find joy in the little things that bring a sense of femininity into my life. Balancing my natural inclinations with my interests allows me to carve out a unique space where I can celebrate both who I am and the aspects of femininity that I cherish.

Periodically, I'll share a list of my monthly or bimonthly favorites. These will include things I've enjoyed during that time, such as a book I can't stop reading, a must-know new makeup product, or a hobby I've recently taken up.

Health and beauty.

My January nail design.

I don't usually consider myself very girly, and my go-to nail choice is classic black, which resonates with my style. Black nails, whether solid or with intricate designs, are timeless and chic, offering an edge without flamboyance.

However, I enjoy occasionally stepping out of my comfort zone. This year, I wanted a fresh start with nails that embody renewal, reflecting the new year's energy.

My goal was a design that sparkled, capturing celebration subtly. I aimed for a balance between eye-catching and understated, aligning with my personal style.

Ultimately, I sought a look that felt new and exciting, embracing the new year's spirit with gently sparkling nails, reflecting my aspirations while staying true to my aesthetic.

Pixi sheet face masks

I've used Pixi face masks before, but it's only as I've gotten older that I've truly learned how to maximize the benefits of my skincare products. Establishing a solid skincare routine is crucial for making other products work effectively for you. Although I've tried numerous face masks over the years, I must say Pixi face masks are currently my favourite. My fiancé and I have been experimenting with them recently, and we both love how our faces feel afterward.

I struggle with facial hydration, and no matter how much water I drink or moisturizer I apply, my skin always seems dry and flaky. You might think this is eczema, but it isn't. After using Pixi face masks, my skin appears glowing and hydrated for days, providing an excellent base for my makeup.

Maybelline vinyl ink

Maybelline Vinyl Ink liquid lipsticks have been available since 2022, but I've recently become enamored with the formula. I've always appreciated liquid lipsticks, but those who have tried them know that some don't last well or tend to crumble easily. The Maybelline Vinyl Ink lipsticks stand out because they don't dry down to a completely matte finish. This might make you question their effectiveness, as a liquid lipstick that doesn't fully dry might seem pointless. However, I appreciate this aspect because, despite not being entirely transfer-proof, they are easy to touch up, and applying a new layer doesn't cause them to crumble.

Food

Lemon muffins

Lately, I've been enjoying a hot cup of coffee and a lemon muffin for breakfast. I've been trying to lose weight, but I often forget to have breakfast on busy days. So, a coffee and a sweet lemon muffin are perfect when I'm on the go.

This sweet treat has really helped me make better choices throughout the day and stick to my calorie goals without depriving myself of life's simple pleasures.

Homeware

Lamps

My fiancé and I recently invested in rechargeable stick lamps that hang on the wall, and can be removed from their stands. We found them on Amazon for £20 for the pair, and they have been very useful at night. Anyone who has lived with a partner knows the challenge of getting up at night without waking them, whether it's to use the bathroom or get a drink. My fiancé and I often faced this issue, and using regular bedside lamps would wake us up whenever one of us needed to get up for any reason.

These lamps have been a lifesaver; I no longer wake up when my partner comes home from work or gets up in the middle of the night. The lamps are bright enough to see what you're doing but not so bright that they illuminate the entire room.

They are also excellent for ambiance, providing just enough light to make any room feel soothing. I notice the charge lasts around 12 hours before they begin to dim and require recharging.

Comforts

Slippers

Last year, my fiancé gifted me slippers for my birthday, and they have been a blessing these past few months. It's been quite chilly here in England, and I've been particularly feeling the cold in my ankles. The slippers he gave me resemble little boots with a fur lining and a knitted exterior. They are cozy and warm, providing great comfort when the temperature falls.

Tumbler

A few months ago, I purchased some tumblers from B&M for just £4. On social media, many people have been promoting tumblers that I find outrageously expensive. The tumblers I got from B&M are affordable and work wonderfully. I'm not going to pretend that the expensive ones don't have advantages over mine, because they do. However, if you're like me and don't want to take out a mortgage just to keep your drink cold all day, these tumblers are fantastic. As I mentioned, the pricier tumblers have their benefits; for instance, some are leak-proof, which these aren't. But if you need a tumbler for work and home, you can spend £8 and still save money compared to the others, having one for each place. The B&M tumblers can also easily switch from a cold drink tumbler to a hot one by simply removing the straw and twisting the plastic seal.