Today for Thinking Out Loud I’m simply going to share with you some of the things I’m loving lately. While this may come off as a sales pitch, it’s not meant to be. I love reading about stuff other people love — and as was the case with Wendy’s recommendation below a few paragraphs, sometimes it’s something I end up loving too!

Essie Treat, Love & Color Polish
I’ve been using it for a couple of weeks now. It’s a lot simpler than regular polish: two coats and you’re done and it kind of looks like your nails are buffed or almost like a french manicure. It’s kind of a translucent, slightly glitterly nail polish (yes, I totally made up glitterly).

It doesn’t dry immediately, but I do it a couple of hours before bed (after changing into my pjs) and it doesn’t smoosh.

It stands up fairly well to a week of housework, too (and I’m not wearing gloves). You can find it here at Target (not an affiliate link).

A weekend at home
Seriously, it’s been so long since I wasn’t driving to my parents on the weekend. Even though this weekend will be super busy getting ready for my racecation, I’m stoked to not have to drive three hours one day.

My thermoball
Thanks to Wendy @ Takingthelongwayhome, I bought a North Face Thermoball (Amazon Affiliate link) a couple of years ago. If you run hot, it’s probably not for you, but despite our mild winter (which is kind of hard to type after having 2 feet of snow dumped on you in one day), I have had several occasions to wear my Thermoball this winter.

It’s how I managed a feels like negative numbers 12 mile run last week — Mr. Judy ventured out for a small amount of time to do a chore, and he couldn’t believe I was out there running . . . for hours. Of course, there’s a vast difference between standing out there in that arctic blast and running in it.

I’ve found them at a good price at 6pm.com, too.

My toasty tights
These toasty tights are perfect for cold, windy days; they’re from Skirtsports (I’m an ambassador, but I don’t make any money if you purchase through my link). I’m pretty sure they also saved me from a bloody knee when I fell last week — although even they couldn’t save me from a bruise, but really, I’m fine (the bruise I got on my finger on the treadmill yesterday actually hurts more).

These tights are a bit stiffer and more compressive around the middle than the normal Skirtsports tights, but I got them in my regular size (small) and that’s been fine for me. They also have a pocket on each leg, which I love.

They have heavier panels on the areas that tend to take a direct hit from the wind, although I find that sometimes my hamstrings and thighs get pretty cold. And that’s where the toasty cheeks skirt comes in (which is not the skirt pictured above, by the way).

180 Wind Gloves
I don’t feel the need to wear two pairs of gloves with these on, even on the coldest days; and I’ve never felt the need for hand warmers, either. You can find them here (not an affiliate link).

I got them on sale a few years back, and they’ve become my go-to cold weather running gloves.

Trader Joe’s Organic Ginger Turmeric Tea
No caffeine and full of anti-inflammatory ingredients. Does it help with the aches and pains? Who knows. But it’s very soothing. You can also buy it on Amazon here (Affiliate link).

Adding dark chocolate covered crystallized ginger to my overnight oats
One of these days I’m going to write a post on the benefits of ginger. I’ve actually got it started.

I’ve been adding a little ginger to my overnight oats for a long time. It already has some chocolate chips in it (of course). And I have some dark chocolate crystallized ginger on hand. So one day I decided to chop it up and add it also. The chocolate just melts into the overnight oats, making them even more chocolatey (another made up word that should totally be in the dictionary!).

I’m not sure I’ll continue with it, but I’ve done it a couple of times now and I do like it.

You can still run Utah with me
And maybe meet a few of your favorite bloggers. I don’t have any more entries up for grabs, but code crj15 will get you 15% off your race entry (register here).

Come for the mostly downhill Boston Qualifier course, finish for the 10th anniversary jacket. Don’t forget to let me know if you do register — I’d love to meet you! It’s gonna be a party.

No news is good news
Not so much going on in Bandit-world. There’s a chance he could be getting a new furry friend in a month or so. Not a dog. That’s all I’m saying right now.

Talk to me. Tell me in the comments:

What are you loving lately?

What is the weirdest ingredient you’ve ever put into oats?

What’s your favorite cold weather clothing item?

I’m linking up with Amanda at Running with Spoons for her: