What I’m Crushing On in February 2023

I can’t believe we’re entering the second week of February already. January just flew by, which is unusual for me since I find it is typically a slow month. Because we enjoyed unseasonably warm weather in Toronto in January, I was able to get outside more including going to the theatre, going out for dinner, going skating and even going for a few runs! Since we didn’t have a lot of snow, driving was much easier. The weather forecasters say that February is going to be just as mild as January, which is wonderful! It will make the winter more easier to bear. In the meantime, I have a few favourites I would like to share with you. Keep reading to learn about what I’m crushing on in February 2023.

Abbott Elementary

I only discovered the Abbott Elementary TV series after it won the Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globes 2023. Triple threat actor/producer/writer Quinta Brunson created and stars in this quirky mockumentary about teachers at a predominantly Black school in Philadelphia. Upbeat (but a bit naive) second grade teacher Janine Teagues (Brunson) is eager to create improvements in the school. Because the school is underfunded and conditions are poor, the turn-around for teachers is high. Janelle James as the image-conscious Principal Ava Coleman is hysterically funny. For example, Coleman’s main priority is capturing engaging video, mostly of herself or what she’s wearing, for her Instagram followers. Teagues’s colleague teacher Melissa Schemmenti (played by Lisa Ann Walter) is from “Joisey” and has relatives in the “enforcement” business. Tune in on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on Global TV in Canada or ABC in the U.S.

Go As A River by Shelley Read

I received an advanced copy of Go As A River by Shelley Read and was hooked by the fifth page! Some have compared this book to Where The Crawdads Sing although I can’t comment on that since I have not read that book. On a Colorado peach farm set among the mountains, seventeen-year-old Victoria Nash works the farm while looking after her family since the death of her mother. She meets a captivating young man, Wilson Moon, from out-of-town purely by chance while running an errand in town. Their meeting and passionate relationship changes the course of both of their lives. Read is a gifted writer who paints exquisite pictures with her words. For example, she describes the look of snow as “sifted flour”. The story has benefited from an editor’s ruthless pen as there is nothing extraneous or drifting about the plot. This 300+ page novel weaves themes of racism, the environment and personal strength to create a truly memorable experience for the reader. The book is on sale March 28, 2023 for CAN $26.95. ISBN No. 978-0-385-68877-2

Vichy LIFTACTIV Retinol Specialist Serum

If you are obsessed with anti-aging skincare products like I am, you’ll want to know about a new product from Vichy: LIFTACTIV Retinol Specialist Serum. This serum contains 0.2% pure Retinol, which is good for people who have never used Retinol before. You will give your skin the opportunity to get accustomed to Retinol by starting with a smaller dosage such as 0.2%. In case you’re not aware, Retinol helps promote the production of collagen, which reduces the look of wrinkles. Retinol also improves skin texture and tone. Vichy LIFTACTIV Retinol Specialist Serum also contains 0.2% Hyaluronic Acid and 8% Glycerin, which adds moisture to the skin to further reduce the appearance of fine lines. I love how light this serum is and the fact that the formula is fragrance-free and free of silicone. Purchase online at Vichy or at Shoppers Drug Mart for $66.95 (30 ml).

V-Neck Essential Layering Tank from Cleo

I had to include the V-Neck Essential Layering Tank in White Geo Print from Cleo in what I’m crushing on in February 2023 because it’s such a versatile piece! I can wear this spring sleeveless blouse with a pair of white jeans and sandals or dress it up with my faux leather beige pants and yellow cardigan. The top is $29.90 (and is currently 20% off!) and comes in sizes XS, S, M, L, XL and XXL. I love that this top is eco-friendly since its made from 93% recycled polyester and 7% elastane. The elastane gives it just enough stretch for a super comfortable fit.

I hope you enjoyed reading about what I’m crushing on in February 2023. You may be interested in reading, “Things To Do Family Day Weekend 2023 in Toronto“.

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