Nurse's Fav Items Feb 2020
Hey guys! I have another list of random stuff that makes me happy to share with you. These 10 things have played big parts in my day-to-day life over the last 29 days. Cruise this list and click some of the attached affiliate links to get your own. There are also some non-affiliate links thrown in there, too. If you already love something on this list, I want to hear about it in the comments. Oh, and I threw in an extra thing as a bonus. Enjoy all 11 of my February favorites!
Staying Home: It’s winter and those who know me know I hibernate like I am competing for a prize. I love my home and I work to make it my snuggly little haven. As I’ve gotten older, I have less and less FOMO and enjoy the pleasures of not spending outrageous prices on cocktails, always getting the best seat in the house, and having my two favorite creatures (my boyfriend and my dog) nearby.
Nivea cream in a big ole tub: I am a long-time, die-hard fan of the tiny tins of Nivea heavy cream for my dry nurse hands, but this 13.5 oz. “bucket” of the lighter body cream is single-handedly saving my skin this dry winter (well, that and the Nivea in-shower lotion - which is pure gold). Used together, they’re unbeatable.
My Vicks sinus steamer. As someone with long term sinus issues, these dry winter months require adding some moisture. I love this personal steamer so much because not only does it bring moisture to my dry, painful, face tunnels, but it makes my skin look youthful and plump. Who doesn’t like looking healthy and rosy-cheeked after a little mini home spa treatment? I set it on my makeup table, close my eyes and breathe in the warm steam for a few minutes before I do my makeup or before bed. I haven’t yet used this for a time when I’m congested, but there’s a little drawer that pops out where you can add special Vicks vapor pads to help open up your airway. Overall, the relief this has brought me has already made it worth its price tag.
Salads with cruciferous vegetables. Adios soggy salad. Even if you have to respond to a code in the middle of your lunch when you come back that salad made of shredded cabbage, carrots, kale, and Brussel sprouts will still be crunchy AF. Plus the phytochemicals in these veggies do a body good. There are lots of recipes out there for salads with these crunchy veggies, but really you can play around with what you like. I love changing it up based on what looks the freshest at my grocery store.
Homemade ginger sesame dressing for the aforementioned crunchy salad. When I eat this dressing at work, nurses on the other end of the nurses’ station are like “Whatcha eating? That smells goooooood!” Don’t take my word for it, stop at the grocery, buy a few staple items and then learn to whip this up for an easy shift meal. The dressing will last a little while so you can make it in advance.
Lemon Essential Oil in my “Morning” Shower. Ok, so I wake up in the evening, but you get the point. After I start up my warm shower and before I get in, I give a brief shake of oil under the running water. The lemon vapor is fresh and bright and helps wake me up. I do the same thing with eucalyptus or mint when I’m sick. It’s a simple act that feels really nice and boosts my mood. Use whatever oil fits your mood.
Soft Lounge Pants. The boyfriend and I and I look forward to the part of every day where our responsibilities end and we can put on our “softie” pants. Winter is my least favorite season, but at least I get to bask in the warmth and coziness of being stuck indoors wrapped in soft warm fabrics from top to bottom. If you’re sitting in your home right now, and you’re not going anywhere or expecting guests, why are you wearing regular clothes? Embrace the Cozy.
My Hydrojug. These 2.2L jugs have become the cool thing among nurses in my hospital. I can say I was inspired by YouTuber Holly Gabrielle, and my coworkers have caught on now, too. With lots of colors and sleeves to choose from, everyone can have their own JugStyle.
Curology is the Shittt. You guys, after decades of unruly, acne-prone skin, I’ve taken the plunge with Curology. I am not sponsored by them, but hot damn, sign me up. They said you should use it for 90 days before making up your mind. I’m ten days in and feeling like I’ve got the best skin of my life. I just had a period with no major breakouts and that is a feat worth raving about. I haven’t worn makeup in days and don’t feel ashamed of my bare face. I’m holding any further thoughts because I want to do a separate review on this amazing face wash, moisturizer, night cream trio. Let me just say it is the newest item to make the favorite list.
L'Occitane Shea Butter lip balm. This is my ride-or-die lip balm. I’m on my 4th tube of it and I don’t need any others ever again. While I would ordinarily laugh at a $12 lip balm, I’d got to bat for this stuff. My lips can get really rough in the winter if I lose this little tube. All of the L'Occitane products I’ve tried are lovely, but this is the one I have with me at all times, year round. It’s not tinted, not greasy, not sticky. I give it as gifts for the holidays. Get you some.
All right, guys, that’s it. Those are my must-haves for February 2020. I don’t want you to ever feel like you gotta’ buy shit to keep up with the people you admire, which is why I included some things that are actually good for you and don’t require giving Amazon money if you’re not into that. I just wanted to share with you some things that I have and love that you can have, too. I’ve learned about so many things from blogs and vlogs I’ve come across, and joining in is fun. Talk to me below. What are your crunchiest salad fixin’s? Favorite dry weather skin care? Your favorite simple-yet-so-luxe tips?
