My Favorite Things: February 2019
Click here for last month’s faves!
With February being the shortest month, the 28th kind of snuck up on me. But the end of the month means spring break (for one of my schools, anyway), getting closer to those dreamy spring days, and also - new favorites!
DISCLAIMER: While this post is not sponsored, any link marked with an asterisk (*) is an affiliate link, meaning if you click it and make a purchase, I make a small commission!
SKINCARE
Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser. This was basically the only face wash I used throughout college, but decided to try a few new things after I graduated. Having given other brands a shot, I’ve returned to Glossier. I have extremely sensitive, combination/oily skin that basically has a mind of its own. I only get stress-related breakouts, but keeping excess oil off of my face while maintaining a good level of hydration is crucial. Glossier’s Milky Jelly Cleanser is pretty much the only face wash I’ve used that hasn’t been too drying, too overly hydrating, or too harsh. I use it twice a day, and it always leaves my face perfectly soft, smooth, and feeling squeaky clean!
Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream. I used another eye cream religiously last year, and while it worked, I noticed that I often had tiny bumps under my eyes, like my pores were clogged - despite the product claiming to be non-comedogenic. I later came to find out that the produce contained one of my allergens: formaldehyde. In doing a better job of searching for products that avoided my allergens, I came across Drunk Elephant - which lists the ingredients that are in their products, but also the ones that aren’t. Instantly I found 4 of my allergens in their “what it is formulated without” section on every product page. I noticed firmer under-eye skin within two weeks, and using this in combination with my jade roller has really improved my under-eye puffiness! (linked in image)
Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30. I’ll be honest, I was very skeptical about this. I read a few reviews saying that it left a white cast on darker skin, pilled, and had a strange texture - but I still wanted to give it a shot. I tested it out in the store for a bit, and wasn’t crazy about the texture at first, but quickly got over it, it really blended in just fine. I blended it in on the back of my hand, and noticed a very slight white cast that disappeared quickly. I’m not one to spend $34 normally on sunscreen, but for an ample amount of something that I’ll use every day (a little really goes a long way with this), doesn’t make me breakout like a few others have, ultimately doesn’t leave me with a white cast, and doesn’t pill, I got over the price tag.
SMALL SHOPS
Walter & Rosie Candle Co. If you ever walk into my office, and it smells like waffles - this is why. I purchased my first W&R wax melt in 2016, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Aside from the sweetest shop owner, the candles and wax melts themselves are actually amazing. The scents are all long-lasting, and reminiscent of your happiest and most magical memories. Currently, my favorites are Breakfast with the Mouse, Great Hall, Main Street Confectionery, and Beach Club. Springtime scents are coming soon (like tomorrow, if you read this on the 28th)! Using MAYA10 at checkout will let you save on your order! Shop opens every Friday.
Viva La Mouse. I have a few pairs of ears from Viva La Mouse, most are a few years old now, and they look the same as they did when I first bought them. They’re so well made, and most notably - comfortable! These donut mouse ears are easily one of my favorite pairs, but there are SO MANY cute pairs to choose from!
Pretty Little Monograms. I’m honestly a sucker for anything monogrammed. PLM was actually the very first small shop I purchased from for park apparel! I love the classic PLMouse design (shown), but my favorite product would have to be the Pack-N-Go rain jackets! I keep one in my schoolbag, one in my car, and one actually in the closet. They’re perfect for rainy park days, and so easy to store in a park bag, put on quickly, and then pack up again!
Homegrown by Meg. Pins. Stickers. Luggage Tags. Tees. Aside from the fact that Meg is truly one of the most uplifting people I’ve been blessed to have in my life, she has the cutest designs in her shop! Don gifted me with the Destination: Magic Luggage Tag (in my favorite color), I have her stickers on my laptop and all around my office - and the pins of hers that I have are truly some of my favorites. Peep that middle one - seriously how cute is that??
EATS
Speckled Hen (Strasburg, PA). It’s the sweetest little spot I’ve come across in a while. The food was delicious, the smoothies were so fresh, and I can’t wait to go back in warmer weather and try their lavender lemonade! The café itself is beautifully sun-soaked, is decorated with art that’s available for purchase, and had a guitarist playing perfectly ambient music throughout the day.
Terrain Café (Locations in CA, CT, MD, and PA). Terrain is like a cute, expensive little paradise. The store itself is absolutely stunning (and where I bought my favorite fairy lights), and has everything. Whether you’re the type who can kill the “impossible to kill plants” (me), or an experienced green thumb, the store is really wonderful. But what I loved most - was the café. It’s quaint, with lots of natural lighting, greenery, mason jars, and delicious fresh food. The flower pot bread was tasty, albeit dense; and the entrees were really enjoyable. Don and I split an order of ricotta and pear fritters to start (with blue cheese sprinkled on top, as recommended by our waitress, and it was delicious). For our entrees, I ordered the Brioche French Toast, while Don opted for the Breakfast Board. We capped off our meal with lattes, then went back to exploring the store a bit more. *To clarify, we actually went in January, so the menu has since rotated, but I’m itching to go back ASAP.
Passenger Coffee (Lancaster, PA). I’m making a point to drink less coffee - despite the aforementioned Terrain latte - and have only had a handful of cups since the first of the year. One of these cups happened to be at Passenger Coffee earlier this month. Its cozy, super aesthetically-pleasing atmosphere complemented the delicious lattes that Don and I enjoyed. The perfect spot to get a little work or reading done, or just catch up with friends!
sweetgreen. Obviously, nothing new. But I could honestly live off of the same 2 sweetgreen meals forever and be a happy camper. My favorites are Guacamole Greens (sub onion for corn), and Chicken Pesto Parm (hold the spicy broccoli, but douse it in hot sauce). I’ve craved these two basically every day this month, but managed to limit my sweetgreen visits to once a week or so.
If you try anything here, or visit any places, let me know!!
Magically,
Maya
