This is a feature in which I want to share some of the things that have me obsessed from month-to-month, whether it is music, food, make-up, or anything else that makes me giddy during the month.
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News – For a while now, I have been getting the day’s headlines sent to me by the fabulous people at The Skimm, and seriously, these daily emails are the highlight of my morning. I absolutely love their irreverent approach to the news and their snarky editorial asides. They are wonderfully nonpartisan, and honestly, their drinking games for the various political debates have been the only thing keeping me watching them. I also love the fact that they send the news to you via email rather than you having to visit a website. If you have not had a chance to try this fun little news service for yourself, do yourself a favor and sign up today!
Music – Would it surprise you if I said I was still obsessively listening to the Hamilton soundtrack? Actually, I think Holly might be more obsessed with it than I am. She pretty much listens to it “non-stop.” (Ha!)
Accessories – 
I have been switching back and forth between these two since I got them, and I have to share my love for them. They are so light and fun and absolutely perfect for my needs. They are roomy without any interior dividers to provide bulk. I can carry two planners, my laptop in a protective case, a small accessory bag filled with pens, another small accessory bag filled with the laptop’s power cords, and still have room to sneak in a pair of heels (on wintry days when I need to wear boots into the office) or my lunch. The length of the shoulder straps are also perfect for fitting over my winter coat without sliding off. They are durable and easy to clean – one is vinyl and the other is a treated canvas. Plus, they add an element of whimsy to my day. I have even used one or the other as a purse/tote for days at the studio or theater and I don’t want to shove all of the snacks and water bottles into one of my leather purses. Extremely handy, versatile, and adorable, I love using one of them every day.
TV – 
It is brutal and dark and we love it. For me, there is something about these very damaged souls doing everything in their power to protect the civilians within their jurisdiction. They are all so righteous about some things and yet so very flawed. The costumes are outstanding, and the entire series is a somewhat terrifying glimpse into the past. If you have not had a chance to watch it yet, I highly recommend it!
Makeup – 
Tarte makes amazing products, and they have become one of my favorite brands for good reason. However, this Smooth Operator Finishing Powder is amazing. It goes on over all of the other layers and leaves a translucent, matte finish that blends everything perfectly and leaves you with that flawless look that people like me – with oily, acne-ridden skin and large pores – have always tried to have. The best part? It lasts all day long. I am sure it has something to do with the clay or whatever. I just know it works and works amazingly well. A little goes a long way too, which makes the price tag much more palatable. Seriously, using this every morning has made me so happy. It is a miracle in a tiny little jar.
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These are just a few of the things which have made me happy this month. What are some of your favorite things for February?
I like Ripper Street too. Have not watched the 3rd season. Need to remember to do that.
The third season is SO good. Enjoy!
I am not a huge TV person either, but sometimes something works for me. So, maybe I should try Ripper Street. I would rather read. lol
I would rather read too, so I understand completely. There are series I want to watch but I never want to watch them when Jim does. And then I never think about turning on the TV when I do have time.
I LOVE Smooth Operator! I used to rarely powder because my skin is so dry…it could easily leave me looking patchy and flaky. But since I’ve gotten my skin in better, more hydrated shape, I love using this powder over my t-zone in the mornings and it really helps with the wear of my makeup. I’ll definitely be buying a full size when the time comes, but the sample has lasted me the better part of a year. lol Also, I recently signed up for The Skimm, and I LOVE it!
I received mine as a sample too and am nowhere near close to needing to buy the full-size version. I knew you would love The Skimm! It is perfect for you!
Among my favorite things this past month: Kim and I getting together with neighbors to play cards and go on a chili taste-off tour, Infomagical, reading Being Mortal by Atul Gawande, watching the Mission Impossible movies in order with Kim.
I really need to read Being Mortal. I haven’t watched the Mission Impossible movies in ages!
We watched a bit of Ripper back when it was on AMC but for some reason didn’t keep up with it even though we enjoyed it. I’m going to have to check it out on Netflix!
We finished the series on Monday, and now I feel bereft. It was so good! Now I have to find something else to watch together. Jim’s selection does not leave me very impressed or interested.
Okay I am interested in this tote bag business. I keep thinking I would like to have a new bag that would carry my laptop and a few other things — like where I could take it on a two-day trip? It and a purse? Could I do that, do you think?
Also: HAMILTON!
Yes!! My laptop is really small, and I can carry my laptop in its neoprene case and two big bulky A-5 planners and still have room for high-heeled shoes and a small accessories bag with my laptop power cords. Take out the two planners and you would have plenty of room for a change of clothes and an accessory bag. I think that is what I love most about it!
oooh I loathe my laptop bag so I’m going to check these out! I will check out the Skimm too!
I have some tarte that was a gift and I’m definitely in love. Their products are great so far.
Orla Kiely for the win! She has a plethora of other designs too. I just really liked the waxed canvas and the vinyl versions. Basically, I liked the outside designs. 😉
I hope you love The Skimm as much as I do. I can see you being a HUGE fan of it!
Ah, Tarte. Such good stuff. Expensive but I find it lasts forever because a little goes a long way.
So many good things on this post! I need to download Hamilton. I have been wanting to try it. I’m desperately in need of a new laptop bag – these sound perfect! And they’re so cute! Am going to look into them for sure.
I too have horribly oily skin and need some new makeup that works. Thank you for sharing this!
Yes, you need to listen to Hamilton. Everyone should listen to Hamilton. 😀
I love these bags. I don’t like all the pockets and dividers that come in most laptop bags; with these, I just use a neoprene laptop protective case and then have room to put whatever else I want in there each day. Light, durable, and versatile – so much better than the other laptop bags out there!
You are very welcome! I really love the Tarte line for oil control. Their pressed powder is impressive too, as is their cheek powder. There is something about the clay they use that makes it last and last and last.
I’ve heard great things about The Skimm and really should try it. But, I figure one more email subscription is the last thing I need…I already don’t have time to read half the emails I get!
I know what you mean, but it is the one email I make sure I read every morning. Everything else waits until I have some time, but that one I read on my phone or first thing when I get to the office because I love it so much.