Good Monday morning friends! Did y’all have a good weekend? This was our last weekend of James being home for holiday break and he goes back to school tomorrow!

If you’re new to Monthly Loves, it’s a quick post where I share what I’m loving for that month, with the aim to highlight fun and fabulous things I swear by, some things I might want to try, great deals, and under $50 finds!  All perfectly appropriate for the flavor of each month!

Last month instead of focusing on the physical items I love, I thought about all the things I cherish during the holiday season and the things I enjoy doing with my family. It was a nice change and a great reflection on holiday traditions, but after browsing online last week, I’m excited to share what I found that’s new!

Since January always signifies a fresh, new start, I’m bringing you some workout faves, a budget-friendly high-waist skinny jean, a few new tops, and my winter skin saver!

Striped V-Neck Tee • Gingham Top  • Cute Gym Bag  • Be A Nice Human Tee • High Waist Crop Jeans

Star Necklace  • Pullover  • Moto Leggings  • Pink Sneaks  • Face Oil  • Swimsuit

JANUARY LOVES

Striped V-Neck Tee • For some reason, I can never have enough striped tops in my closet!  They go with so much from jeans and tees to skirts and pants.  And you can always mix them with a bright or patterned bottom.  In Spring, I especially like stripes and florals.  I chose this tee because it’s a great deep v-neck and I like the sporty stripes! It’s under $25! 

Gingham Top • Everyone needs a classic gingham button-down top in her closet! I’m smitten with this one for both the cute red heart on it and the price! It’s also under $25!

Cute Gym Bag • Is getting in shape one of your goals for the year? I happen to think equipping yourself with some great quality workout clothes and a gym bag makes hitting the gym less painful!  I like the shape, size and color of this bag.  It has inner and outer pockets and is lined! When I used to work at an office and worked out on my way home (before kids!), I always packed my gym bag the night before and had it ready to go for the morning.

Be A Nice Human Tee • Just, yes!

High Waist Crop Jeans •  After two kids and a belly that definitely isn’t 25 anymore, I’ve come to really appreciate a high waist.  This one isn’t so high that it’s uncomfortable, but just high enough to hold you in.  They have a good bit of stretch and a nice wash, fitting TTS, but you could probably size down if you’re in between sizes.  I ordered my regular 25 and they fit fine- they are supposed to be crop, but on 5’1 me, they are all the way to my ankles. And they’re under $65! If you want to see a ‘live demo’ check out my InstaStories.

Jeans • Tee • Perfect T-Shirt Bra • Necklace

Star Necklace •  I thought this necklace was so cool with the stars and how artfully they are placed! So pretty and will definitely dress up your outfit!

Pullover • I ordered this pullover a week ago and am still waiting for it! I had hoped to have it by now so I could actually review it for you, but because it’s by Zella, I know it will be great quality.  I dig the criss cross front, arms and slouchy neck.  Perfect for cold days heading to the gym or even running around in.

High Waist Moto Leggings • Friends! These leggings are awesome! I just got them because I wanted long leggings for cold days, but these make me feel like a BAD@SS!  The moto part with the mesh is super cool and the high waist does all kinds of magical things for your waist! Trust me, I’ve got a lot of flabby, loose skin on my belly, but you can’t tell that much in these!  They are on the pricier side- but well worth it!

Pink Sneaks • I finally found a blush pink pair of sneakers that I’m crazy about!  Not only are they super pretty, they are lightweight and cushiony and good for both running errands or low impact workouts. I’m super happy with these!

Face Oil • With this cold winter weather, my face has been so dry lately!  That’s part of the reason I’m focusing on drinking more water lately!  Did you join our IG chat on Wednesday with Veronika and Sara? We’ll be doing a #HappyHealthyYou chat every Wednesday at 8:45 p.m. along with a GIVEAWAY each week!  For the first giveaway, we gave a $50 gift card to Nordstrom, but we’ll be changing it up to keep it fresh each week! #HappyHealthyYou

So, back to the face oil, I swear by this stuff!  I’ve always used it at night, but I’ve also been using it in the morning lately because I just love everything about it and it’s very hydrating without breaking out my sensitive skin.  I just put a couple drops into my palms and rub my hands together, then lightly apply to my face.  It’s great for your hands and nails too!  I even put it on my feet and elbows! Bonus that it smells great! It’s expensive, but a little goes a long way and this bottle will last you forever!

Swimsuit • I’m hoping that getting back on the bandwagon with fitness will have me in swimsuit shape by March!  I’m already seeing so many adorable swimsuits already, like this one ruffled one-piece (bikini version), this scallop one-piece and this ruched, bandeau style one piece.  I had that one in gingham last year and LOVED it! It fit like a dream!

I’ll be doing another swimsuit fit and review when it gets warmer out, but several from last year are still available online so check out this swimsuit review (bikini edition) if you missed it!