March Favourites

It’s a couple days later than I had hoped, but here it is…my March Faves!

Breakfast

Breakfast. Brunch. Brinner. It’s always been a fact that I could eat breakfast for every meal of the day. It’s a definite favourite. March was no exception, and I also believe I upped the ante. During our New Zealand trip, I did everything possible to find breakfast options wherever we went. My favourite choice/indulgence on vacation was this French toast brioche. I ended up eating a very similar meal a few days later in a completely different town because I couldn’t stop thinking about it! {I do make a healthier French toast at home, but the one from vacay- pictured below- was off the charts}.

Dinner Item

Although I have been eating my veggies and protein, I’ve actually been extremely unenthusiastic towards dinners lately. Can I just have breakfast again?

Snack

I came across these Emma & Tom’s cacao and coconut bars, which are so so good! Ingredients: dates, raw cashews, raisins, coconut, cacao powder. Perfect for storing in my bag when I’m out and hunger strikes. Since I can’t find Larabars here in Brisbane, this is a great substitute for an old fave. I also make my own sometimes, but since my food processor is on the brink of death along with my blender, I haven’t been as keen to use it.

An honourable mention goes out to five:am Vanilla Bean yogurt. I stepped outside my yogurt comfort zone (yes, these kinds of comfort zones exist too) and can’t even handle how I’ve been missing out in this deliciousness.

Workout

I was literally all over the place with my workouts in March. I started the month with my typical Body Attack/Body Pump routine, spent a week tackling another blogger’s workouts, and then another 9 days on vacation. I must say, it was awesome to get some hikes in while in New Zealand. When I lived in Calgary, we got out to the mountains several times each summer and autumn for some amazing hikes, but living in Australia doesn’t quite allow for the same sort of activity. Both Adam and I were sore after our hiking adventures, which is always a good feeling! It was also such a refreshing change (literally) from the gym.

Beverage

Green juices and smoothies! I know I’m about 2 years late on the trend, but I’m in love. I definitely require some added fruit though, like bananas and mangos! Otherwise, I just find them a bit too pungent or something.

Baby Related

Thomas is definitely a full blow toddler. He is developing quite the little personality, which some days proves to be quite trying. He knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to let me know via insane shrieking at a decibel I never knew existed. He hates sitting still and just wants to motor around and be constantly entertained. We are tired and clearly have our work cut out for us, but on the flip side, this stage is truly more entertaining and hilarious than ever.

Clothing Item

I bought these Ziggy skinny denim jeans last month, but made good use of them in the cooler New Zealand temps. I’m much preferring the skinny distressed jeans lately over the previous baggy, boyfriend style.

Reading Material

When Martha came to visit in December, she brought me Leandra Medine’s book, which I’ve been thoroughly enjoying. The Man Repeller has always been a blog favourite of both Mar and I, so she obviously knew I’d appreciate the read. It was the prefect vacation book!

Blog of the Month

Amy over at The Little Honey Bee has been on fire lately! I’ve enjoyed following her Whole 30 challenge over the past month. Her meals inspire me to eat clean as well, and even though I’m not a crossfitter, I appreciate the effort and dedication she has put into her new sport. We both come from athletic backgrounds and played university sports, not to mention she’s Canadian too, so I always feel like I can relate to her on a foundational level. <3

Beauty Product

I’d gone far too many months without using a facial exfoliator. I picked up this one from L’Occitane en Provence, and even after using it for a few weeks, I noticed a big difference.

I’ve been using it in conjunction with their brightening serum (at nighttime only). I haven’t been consistent with it yet, but have really liked the results nonetheless. My ‘very late 20-something’ skin seems to enjoy the extra attention these days.

Music

I don’t think I consciously listened to music in March. Not even at the gym, as I lost my iPod charger for over a month. Oops!

Guilty Pleasure

Vacation treats. Like Haribo candy. And ice cream. It was a bit out of control, but hey…what’s vacation without some indulgence?

Wish List

I was so close to buying a faux fur/shearling Lilya vest that I found in a boutique in Nelson, New Zealand. I definitely have non-buyers remorse, but luckily found it on their Australian online site. Brisbane doesn’t really require much winter attire in the way of jackets, but I could definitely make a vest work!

What I’m Proud of this Month

I passed!!! I am officially a certified Les Mills Body Attack instructor! I just received the letter when we got home the other day, and was not expecting to receive my evaluation so quickly (sometimes it can take 6-8 weeks for processing). Needless to say, I am so relieved and excited to have accomplished a goal that I’ve had for many years.

Areas for Improvement this Month

No more computer or iPhone before bed! I was having a terrible time getting to sleep last month, so have been shutting off electronics an hour before going to sleep over the past week and it’s actually made a world of difference. This hasn’t been great for blogging, as it is one of the few “me times” I have in the run of a day, but I just can’t compromise health!

Things I am Looking Forward To (in the next 30 days)

– My parents are coming! They’ll be here for three whole weeks, and I am so excited! Mom made the trip last year when Thomas was born, but Dad hasn’t been here yet. I’m really looking forward to spending some time with them here in Brisbane and I know they are excited to see us, especially Thomas. It’s difficult not having family around to see your child grow, so we will definitely make the most of our time together. 

What are you looking forward to in April?