THE WORKING GAL
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February is that quiet middle child of months—no longer carrying the pressure of New Year's resolutions, not yet blessed with spring's renewal. It's shorter than the rest (thank goodness), colder than we'd like, and sandwiched between the chaos of January and the promise of March.
But here's what we love about February: it's the permission month. Permission to slow down after January's hustle. Permission to prioritize comfort over productivity. Permission to buy yourself flowers instead of waiting for someone else to do it.
This month, we're rounding up 30 things inspiring us—a mix of products we're actually using, experiences we're prioritizing, books we're reading, and small moments we're protecting. Some are investments, some are free, all are February-appropriate.
The Cozy Upgrades
1. A Heated Blanket That's Not Your Grandma's
The Sunbeam Heated Throw has been getting us through these cold evenings. It's machine washable, has 3 heat settings, and auto-shuts off after 3 hours so you don't wake up in a puddle of sweat. February is for staying warm without apology.
2. The Oatmeal Bath You Didn't Know You Needed
Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment turns your tub into a skin-softening spa. Your dry winter skin will thank you, and it's the perfect excuse to take a long bath on a Tuesday night.
3. Slippers That Look Good Enough to Wear on Camera
UGG Scuffette II Slippers are the investment your feet deserve. They're warm, they last forever, and they make working from home feel slightly more luxurious than it actually is.
4. Hot Chocolate That's Actually Good
Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix is the adult version of childhood hot chocolate. Make it with oat milk, top with marshmallows, and pretend you have your life together.
5. The Diffuser That Makes Your Apartment Smell Expensive
Vitruvi Stone Diffuser in Terracotta. It's pretty enough to display, powerful enough to actually scent your space, and makes February mornings feel a little more spa-like. We're running eucalyptus or lavender on repeat.
The Self-Care Non-Negotiables
6. The Weekly Everything Shower
Not just a regular shower—the full experience. Hair mask, body scrub, face mask, the works. Sunday nights have become sacred for this 45-minute ritual that makes Monday feel slightly less offensive.
7. Journaling Without the Pressure
Forget the aesthetic bullet journals. We're talking messy, stream-of-consciousness writing in whatever notebook you have. Five minutes before bed. No rules, no judging yourself for what you write.
8. The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum
Winter skin is doing the most, and this affordable serum helps with texture, pores, and overall evenness. It's under $7 and actually works. Apply after cleansing, before moisturizer.
9. Saying No to Weekend Plans
February weekends are for staying in. Your friends will understand. The FOMO will pass. The feeling of being fully rested will not.
10. The Face Mask That Actually Does Something
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask is the multi-tasking hero your skin needs right now. Use it as an overnight mask, a 10-minute treatment, or even as a primer before makeup. It's worth the investment.
The Books We're Reading
11. 'The Midnight Library' by Matt Haig
Perfect for February's introspective mood. It's about parallel lives, second chances, and making peace with your choices. Not too heavy, beautifully written, impossible to put down.
12. 'Maybe You Should Talk to Someone' by Lori Gottlieb
A therapist goes to therapy. It's funny, heartbreaking, and weirdly comforting. The kind of book that makes you feel less alone in your mess.
13. 'French Children Don't Throw Food' by Pamela Druckerman
Even if you don't have kids, this book about French parenting philosophies is fascinating. It's really about boundaries, patience, and a different approach to life. Plus, it makes you want to move to Paris.
14. Re-reading Your Favorite Comfort Book
February is too short for books that don't spark joy. Pull out that worn copy of your favorite novel and read it again. No guilt, no pressure to start something new.
15. Poetry (Yes, Really)
Mary Oliver, Rupi Kaur, or whoever speaks to you. Read one poem before bed instead of scrolling. It hits different in February.
The Products Worth the Money
16. A Desk Lamp That Doesn't Give You Headaches
BenQ ScreenBar Plus sits on top of your monitor and lights your desk without glare. It's changed our work-from-home setup completely. February days are short and dark—good lighting matters.
17. The Water Bottle You'll Actually Use
Owala FreeSip is having a moment for good reason. It has a straw AND a regular spout, keeps water cold for 24 hours, and fits in your bag. Hydration in February is not optional.
18. A Foot Peel That's Weirdly Satisfying
Baby Foot Exfoliation Peel is gross and amazing at the same time. Your feet will shed like a snake for a week, then they'll be softer than they've been in years. Perfect for February when no one's seeing your feet anyway.
19. The Lip Balm That Actually Works
Aquaphor Lip Repair. Not cute, not trendy, but it's the only thing that's saved our lips this winter. Apply before bed and wake up human again.
20. A Silk Sleep Mask
SLIP Silk Sleep Mask blocks out light without pressing on your eyes or messing up your lashes. February mornings are dark, and staying asleep longer is a blessing.
The Experiences We're Prioritizing
21. Galentine's Brunch Instead of Valentine's Drama
Gather your favorite women, make mimosas, wear pink if you want. Celebrating female friendship is infinitely better than the pressure of February 14th.
22. The February Reset (Not a Resolution)
Mid-month check-in: What's working? What's not? What do you want to keep from January? What needs to go? No judgment, just honest reflection.
23. Buying Yourself Flowers Every Week
Trader Joe's bouquets are like $7. Fresh flowers on your desk or kitchen counter transform your entire space. Stop waiting for someone else to buy them.
24. The 'One Nice Thing' Daily Practice
Every day, do one small nice thing for yourself. Could be making your favorite coffee, taking a longer shower, or wearing that outfit you're saving. February is short—use the good stuff.
25. Screen-Free Mornings
Just until you've had coffee and breakfast. The world can wait 30 minutes. Your nervous system will be grateful.
The Entertainment Keeping Us Sane
26. Rom-Coms Without the Cringe
'Set It Up' on Netflix is the underrated gem. Smart, funny, and the leads have actual chemistry. Perfect for a February night in.
27. The Playlist for February Moods
We're building one with Lizzy McAlpine, Noah Kahan, and Gracie Abrams. Melancholic but hopeful. Perfect for rainy February afternoons.
28. Cooking Shows as Background Noise
'Salt Fat Acid Heat' or 'Somebody Feed Phil' while you meal prep. Comforting, non-stressful, and might actually inspire you to try a new recipe.
29. Whatever Guilty Pleasure Show You're Embarrassed About
February is too short to pretend you're above reality TV. Watch 'Love Is Blind,' embrace the chaos, text your friends about it. Life is hard enough.
30. The Power of Doing Absolutely Nothing
Sometimes the best thing on this list is lying on your couch, staring at the ceiling, thinking about nothing. No productivity, no optimization, no content consumption. Just existing. February gives you permission.
Your February, Your Rules
February might be the shortest month, but it doesn't have to be the most stressful. It's the bridge between winter's heaviness and spring's lightness—the month where we get to just be.
Take what speaks to you from this list. Ignore the rest. Buy the cozy blanket or don't. Prioritize the self-care rituals or skip them when you're too tired. Read the books or rewatch your comfort shows instead.
The only thing that matters: making February feel like yours. We'll be back next month with 30 more things inspiring us, but until then, stay warm, stay soft, and remember that sometimes the most productive thing you can do is rest.
