6 Things I'm Loving Right Now, Vol. 10

So yesterday was my birthday. I turned 34 and ate some delicious chocolate desserts. Do I feel older? No. More mature? Definitely not. Happy to have concluded yet another year of life? Yes. I love birthdays for this very reason because I feel extremely blessed to have experienced the people, places and things that make my years. So here's to this year and beyond.

And the pumpkin bar birthday cake that I'll be eating at my parents' house on Thanksgiving. Because I don't let a birthday go by without pumpkin bars. It's tradition.

But now, since I can't stop thinking about how good they'll taste, I'll distract myself by entertaining you with a few of the things that I've been loving lately. In no particular order:

1) Skoop B-STRONG Protein Powder

A few weeks ago, the people behind Skoop reached out to me on Twitter and offered up some samples. What is Skoop? 100% plant-based, GMO-free protein. At the time, I was out of protein...and I'm a huge fan of delicious plant-based protein...which, in my opinion, is very hard to find. And it's safe to say that Skoop is delicious. The only thing I don't love about it? Super expensive up front. But if healthy protein is really important to you, and if you do the math, then it might be worth the investment. It's not something I use regularly, so I've made the (giant) bag they sent me last—I've still got a ton left and I've been using it maybe once a week for almost two months. I'll be sad when it's gone, but I'm gonna love it while I can. (Note: I'm also kind of obsessed with the Blender Bottle they sent me.)

2) Barre Fit
I've been teaching a barre class at the gym. No, I'm not certified by a specific barre-based organization. I'm going off experience and research. And I'm loving every minute of it. It's a non-traditional barre class in that it fuses ballet with traditional strength training, although my class tends to lean more toward traditional barre exercises. Regardless. I think it's definitely something I want to pursue from a more professional standpoint. Like, a certification of some sort.

3) Runner's World Magazine
I've been reading Runner's World off and on for a few years now, but lately it's been the magazine I look forward to the most every month. Yeah, I bit the bullet and got a subscription.

4) New Winter Clothing

1. Favorite V-Neck Cardigan (Target)
2. Candie's Mid-Shaft Buckle Boots (Kohl's)
3. Coated Jacket (H&M)
4. Muk Luks Sky Boot (Kohl's) (not online)

I've been shopping, friends. I desperately needed a new coat, and my boots were pretty much done for. And while I'm still in need of some clothing, I did find a nice sweater at Target. There will be more shopping, for sure. But I'm being very strategic with my money right now. I want to buy pieces that I can wear this year and next (and next). The term "capsule wardrobe" is floating around the Internet right now. And while I'll never limit myself to just a few key pieces (because that's no fun), I am inspired to shop smart.

5) My 2015 Planner

I know I'm not the only one that geeks out over new office supplies, particularly when it comes to planners and notebooks. I thought about getting one of those major life planners off Etsy or whatever, but I think keeping it simple is what seems to work best for me. So I picked this guy up at Target. Yeah, polka dots!

6) Barbies

My parents are cleaning out their attic and basement, which means they're finding boxes filled with things that belong to me—like my old Barbies. I was obsessed with Barbies. When I stopped playing with them, I evidently boxed up my favorites. And now my daughter is playing with them. When she saw them for the first time, her eyes bugged out of her head. We went from having Anna, Elsa and Ariel "Barbies" to having a collection, including Skipper and Ken. I secretly love it when she asks for help with things like shoes and coats. Once a Barbie lover, always a Barbie lover. At least in my case.

Question: What is one thing you're loving right now?