January Favorites

I was surprised to hear how many people had 3-day weekends this weekend! It was not the case for me, but I don't really mind. In fact, having a job that I like (and don't dread!) may actually feel better than an extra day off...but maybe I'm just saying that because I didn't get one.

It's been a few months since I did a "Favorites" post, so I thought I'd let you in on what I've been loving lately. Besides the pretty white blanket of snow that I woke up to this morning.

Tell the Wolves I'm Home

My friend (and college roommate) Katie recommended this book in the comments section of this post. I was intrigued and immediately put myself on the waitlist for the eBook from the library. Then my mom read it and agreed that is was fantastic. I got so excited to read it that I fervently checked my email for weeks, waiting for a notification from the library. When the fateful day finally arrived, I gasped so loudly that Kate thought something was seriously wrong. (I suppose it was a bit dramatic.) Anyway, I downloaded the book and spent the weekend curled up on the couch with it. It really is so, so good. It is the story of a 14-year-old girl who loses her uncle (and best friend) to AIDS and her struggle to deal with life in his absence. The relationships between her and her uncle, her sister, her parents, and her uncle's longtime partner (whom she didn't know about) are perfectly portrayed, and the struggles she goes through feel so real that I could almost remember what it was like to be 14. My heart ached nearly the entire time, but it was so worth it.

Running Buddies

I've loved my running group since the day I joined, but never have my running friends been more important to my training. For the first time ever, I've been able to drag my butt out of my nice, warm bed while the temps outside dip well below freezing.  Let's just say there is absolutely NO way I would have made it 14 miles in 10 degree weather over ice and snow all on my own. There are 3 of us training for the Oz Marathon (which is April 20th), and it's so nice and encouraging to be in this together.

This Cowl Scarf

My friend Laura made this cowl for me for Christmas, and I just love, love, love it. I've been wearing it both for warmth and fashion. I especially love it for shielding my face from bitterly cold winds when scurrying across a parking lot. And the dark grey color goes with everything!

Baths

The last time I was on a bath kick was when I was living in a teeny tiny studio apartment in NYC. The bathroom wasn't large by any means, but it felt surprisingly spacious compared to the rest of the thimble-sized living space. A full-sized tub felt downright gigantic, so I found myself hanging out in there a lot. I've been drawing more and more baths recently, but it's not for the space, it's for the warmth. I've found that promising myself a nice, hot bath is a great way to get me out into the cold to run errands or work out when I'd rather sit on the couch.

Hunter Green

I know emerald is the color of the year, but I quickly and urgently became obsessed with the idea of painting a room or wall or piece of furniture hunter green. I'm trying to hold back to see if it lasts, but the den has been calling my name. I mean, what better room for a dark, cozy color like that? If I could snap my fingers and it be done, we'd be snuggling up in a ski lodge-inspired room tonight, complete with thick wool blankets, board games, and wood paneling. (I think I could even get Kate on board with this awesome toboggan shelf!)

What are you loving lately?