Throughout the week my nails get beat up. Between working at the coffee shop, typing on the keyboard all day and general household chores, my nail polish maybe lasts 3 days if I'm lucky. I've heard all the rage about gel nails but I've never personally had them done as I don't usually have the time to get my nails done professionally. Nor do I have the time to do my nails 3 times a week. I decided I'd try the Sensationail at home Gel Nail Kit which claims to last up to 14 days.
I snapped a couple of shots right after I painted them. Keep in mind I'm no nail expert, so I tried to avoid my skin and cuticles as the instructions said but you know, I did the best I could. The kit comes with a UV light, a gel nail polish, a gel base and top coat, a gel primer, gel cleanser and lint free pads and a buffer stick. Detailed but easy step-by-step instructions also come in the kit. I got my color in Raspberry Wine but there were lots of different options. I'll update you in a few days on whether or not the nail polish lasts without chipping.
I found my kit here: http://www.amazon.com/Sensationail-gel-polish-starter-kit/dp/B007YQURGU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425178983&sr=8-1&keywords=sensationail+gel+nail+kit
Have you ever had a gel manicure? If so, how long did it last?
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Friday, February 27, 2015
No Fashion Friday
Do you ever just have those weeks where you can't get yourself going, no matter how many cups of coffee you have? This week has been weird. And hard. And there really isn't even a reason for it. Needless to say, this morning I threw on what I like to refer to as my "I don't give a crap uniform." Basically some leggings and a decent sweater. You know, the kind of thing where I look just barely decent enough at work that no one will complain, but no where near acceptable enough to be seen by more than my co-workers and my unfortunate husband, who, very nicely still tells me I'm beautiful. The point is, obviously no one would appreciate my outfit today so I just wanted to pop in to say have an incredible Friday and let's all just be thankful this week is over. Have a happy weekend everybody!
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Let's get real: Talking Babies
It's always distressing for me when people ask when my husband and I are going to have kids. This is because, as thirty somethings, this question comes up often. When? How many? etc, etc. The thing is, my husband and I AREN'T having kids. Long before we got married my husband and I had many discussions about children and made a conscious decision not to have them. End of discussion right? WRONG! What started out as my parents disappointment turned into family, friends, and even complete strangers trying to convince us we needed kids and even becoming downright hostile when the answer was still a resounding NO!
Now let me explain something here. I LOVE kids. I adore them! I have nephews and nieces who I absolutely love to spend time with and who I would do anything for. And then at the end of the day I give them back to their parents and go back to my completely fulfilling life. Is this cheating? Yeah a little, I get to have all the fun and none of the responsibility. But my husband and I made, what I repeat, was a CONSCIOUS decision not to have kids.
To start from the beginning, I was never a girl who wanted loads of babies, or quite frankly, to even get married. My goals in life were never to have the house with the white picket fence, the 2 kids and 1 dog scenario. I have never had a maternal instinct and quite frankly doubt it will develop all the sudden. To put it simply, motherhood was never something that I felt I needed or wanted.
Now, I have a few friends who really really want kids desperately and can't have them. This saddens me to no end. And yes, even makes me feel guilty. To be fair though, and realistic, even if I did have said baby, what would that change for anyone else? I feel like so often in life we get caught up with our own needs and wants that when it's not the same as someone else's we feel they owe it to us to live out our own wishes. Why is that?
In a recent conversation with a friend, she kept saying to me she couldn't understand my not wanting kids because her kids were the most important thing in her life, as they should be. I explained to her that in my current situation I feel complete fulfillment. I don't feel like I need to have a child to add to that. And I don't feel that I need have a child because somebody else needed that. Looking at it realistically, if I had a child, it's me who would have to raise that child, it's me who would have to pay for that child and stay up all night and worry about that child so it's quite interesting to me that so many people have opinions on the matter.
This is not to say I don't understand people's curiosity. Whenever you encounter a different way of thinking it's a normal reaction to want to know why. I have a lot of really good friends who do just genuinely want to know my feelings on the matter. Which is great, its not something I shy away from talking about. But what I struggle with is the people who think you should just have them because that's the "normal" thing to do. Or the people that think because you don't want children that you hate them or can't possibly be a good person. None of these things stand true for either me or my husband.
At the end of the day, I feel like people should always take a step back and understand what they truly want or need in life and what it would take to make them happy and DO IT. Despite what other people might think, not everything is right for everybody, and that's what makes us all unique and special!
Tell me, what makes you feel fulfilled?
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
I Love Drugstore Makeup Tag
Because I'm feeling a little uninspired today (quite possibly from lack of sleep) I'm going to cheat and do a tag post. As always, I tag everyone to do this!
1. What is your favorite drugstore brand overall? Physician's Formula, hand's down! Even though I love a lot of drugstore brands, I've consistently liked EVERYTHING I've gotten from that brand.
2. What are your favorite face, cheek and lip products? For face I like Maybelline's Fit Me Foundation or for days when I want a lighter formula I like Physician's Formula's tinted CC cream. For lips I love NYX's products, specifically the soft matte lip creams or the butter glosses. Cheeks are hard because blush is definitely my number one favorite makeup product. I would say current favorite is Milani's Rose powder blushes.
3. Least favorite product? Hmmm, this one is hard. I guess for me my least favorite product is the Maybelline Baby Lips, I know everyone loves them but they dry my lips out and just feel really waxy.
4. What is the best makeup bargain? e.l.f.'s baked makeup is such a good product for such a great price. Also Wet n' Wild's highlighters are gorgeous and their eyeshadow palettes specific to eye color are amazing.
5. What is your favorite underdog product? Now I had to sit and think long and hard about this and a makeup product that I think is amazing that no one ever talks about is the NYC City Duet 2-in-1 lipstick. The formula in their lipsticks is amazing but the 2-in-1's specifically give the perfect shade of color and are so unique. Plus the names on them are classic!
6. A drugstore product that is overpriced? The Physician's Formula brand. Yes I did say it was my favorite and it is, but it is pricey. Is it worth it? Definitely! The products are great quality and last forever, however, they are the highest priced items at the drugstore so I ALWAYS wait for a sale to buy them.
7. Best drugstore dupes? Obviously the e.l.f. Studio blush and contouring powder is a good dupe for the Nar's blush and contouring powder. I also think Wet n' Wild's Ticket to Brazil bronzer is a really great dupe for Tarte's Park Ave Princess bronzer and I like it a million times better. It's not at all chalky and gives the perfect golden glow.
8. Drugstore product that isn't worth the hype? I never like these questions, what works for me may not work for someone else and vice versa. If I had to say something that I don't think is worth the hype, it would be the batiste dry shampoo in any of the scents. It always leaves my hair chalky and has a grainy texture, yet it's one of the most loved dry shampoos. That one is definitely not worth the hype in my book!
I definitely have more likes then dislikes when it comes to drugstore makeup! Tell me what you guys like from the drugstore!
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Oops...major dinner fail
Now, let me just start out by saying that I am no grill guru. In our house, that would be my husband. Ever since our bike ride last weekend, I've been craving BBQ chicken. No, that isn't as random as it sounds. During our ride, we happened to bike past a family who had decided to have a BBQ right off the trail, at the park grill. Hence, the chicken craving.
Tonight, since my husband worked later than me, I decided to fire up the grill and give it a go. Now, of all the chicken parts, the drumsticks are my absolute favorite. Not as healthy as, say, a chicken breast but I mean, that's where the good stuff's at. I threw on my drumsticks and 40 minutes and a few blazing flames later they were done. Or at least, I THOUGHT they were done. I even threw them in the oven on the warm setting to keep them hot until hubby came home.
So imagine my surprise (and disgust) when I took a big bite to find my drumstick undercooked. Yuck! Luckily a quick nuke in the microwave solved that problem but still...
The only two pluses to the night were that my husband's chicken breast was perfect (stupid healthy chicken breast) AND my husband, the grill guru, also made the same mistake a couple weeks ago. Well, you live and learn and pray you don't get stomach poisoning, am I right?
Tell me, what was your biggest dinner fail?
Tonight, since my husband worked later than me, I decided to fire up the grill and give it a go. Now, of all the chicken parts, the drumsticks are my absolute favorite. Not as healthy as, say, a chicken breast but I mean, that's where the good stuff's at. I threw on my drumsticks and 40 minutes and a few blazing flames later they were done. Or at least, I THOUGHT they were done. I even threw them in the oven on the warm setting to keep them hot until hubby came home.
So imagine my surprise (and disgust) when I took a big bite to find my drumstick undercooked. Yuck! Luckily a quick nuke in the microwave solved that problem but still...
The only two pluses to the night were that my husband's chicken breast was perfect (stupid healthy chicken breast) AND my husband, the grill guru, also made the same mistake a couple weeks ago. Well, you live and learn and pray you don't get stomach poisoning, am I right?
Tell me, what was your biggest dinner fail?
Monday, February 23, 2015
Sinus Sufferers Rejoice!
I started suffering from allergies about 15 years ago when I moved from a wet, green climate to a dry desert one. At first I got the occasional sinus headache, which turned into seasonal allergies, which turned into year-round allergies which then led to full blown sinus infections. I've tried every OTC medication for allergies/sinuses available. Now while I obviously still and will continue to suffer from the occasional allergy outbreak, I've gotten them under control to the point where I don't have a severe sinus infection 3 or 4 times a year or feel miserable for days or weeks on end.
The first product I found that I swear by is the Neti Pot with saline solution. This is a sinus rinse which uses saline mixed with water to clean out the sinuses. You can buy premixed solution packets or make your own (I buy them because, well, I'm lazy.) It's best to use it with distilled water but I just use plain old tap and haven't had any issues (because once again, lazy.) I use this twice a day but I do warn you that if you do use this and suffer from severe allergies like I do, once you stop you will feel congested within a day or two. I'd rather use this then take an allergy pill or shot every day, but that's just my personal feeling.
The first product I found that I swear by is the Neti Pot with saline solution. This is a sinus rinse which uses saline mixed with water to clean out the sinuses. You can buy premixed solution packets or make your own (I buy them because, well, I'm lazy.) It's best to use it with distilled water but I just use plain old tap and haven't had any issues (because once again, lazy.) I use this twice a day but I do warn you that if you do use this and suffer from severe allergies like I do, once you stop you will feel congested within a day or two. I'd rather use this then take an allergy pill or shot every day, but that's just my personal feeling.
I got my pot at Walmart but buy the solution packets at Costco or Walgreens
A recent find that has really helped during the dry Winter months is the Vick's Cool Mist Humidifier. I prefer the cool mist humidifiers although I have tried both. I just find they are more comforting when I have sinus issues and don't leave as much of a wet area around them. The one I have can also have a menthol patch added to it so that it really soothes my sinuses. This helped a TON this past season as we've experienced an unusually dry Winter. The one I use is filter free so you never have to worry about the added irritant of changing it and it automatically shuts off so that when there's no more water left you don't have to worry about it being a fire hazard. The downside? It doesn't last more then 6 hours if you use it on the full setting, which is the only setting that mists.
The only place I was able to find a table top humidifier like this was at Smith's in the children's area
If I do have to resort to taking a pill for my sinuses, the one that surprisingly helps (without giving me the nasty hangover in the morning) is Tylenol Extra Strength. It seriously reduces the pressure along the forehead and orbital bone, making having sinus pressure a lot more bearable. Used along with a sinus rinse and humidifier, I've been able to cut out sinus infections completely and limit the amount my allergies interfere with my day to day life.
Pretty much available at any drugstore
Keep in mind, I'm not a doctor and don't recommend this if you have allergies beyond hay fever, etc. This is just what worked for me.
Tell me, what do you guys use to combat allergy/sinus issues?
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Stress Less Sunday
One of my favorite stress-busting activities is definitely taking a long, hot bath. Unfortunately, I rarely have or make the time to take one. Since I've been experiencing some extremely irritating allergies lately, I figured today would be a great day to take a nice soak. I've got a few products I've really enjoyed using lately to make my bath time even more relaxation inducing.
This creates the best bubbles and the lavender makes it sooo nice!
I love adding bath oils which really help my skin stay extra hydrated
I finish up using the body wash from the same line
The lavender scent makes this trio the perfect thing for a nice hot bath to unwind from a long week.
What are the products you love to use in your bath?
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Let's Talk: Traditions
My husband and I have a thing for traditions. This extends far beyond the normal holiday/summer vacation traditions that limit most people. No, we can make traditions out of practically any event in our life. We even have a place we have to eat at after a hospital visit.
Today's tradition though, is about our Friday night ritual. Every Friday night for the past few years we drive somewhat impractically out of our way to a carhop diner called Kirt's. Kirt's is a locally owned throwback drive-up restaurant serving typical diner food. Their cheeseburgers are amazing, their french fries are the best I've ever had and their prices are the lowest we've paid for a meal in a long time. The owners are extremely friendly and lest you think we only make a tradition out of the place we eat, they even remember what meals we order (because it's practically the same thing every time.) There's something incredibly comforting about eating at a place that knows your car and food order by heart. If you live up in North Ogden, I'd definitely suggest giving Kirt's a try!
Today's tradition though, is about our Friday night ritual. Every Friday night for the past few years we drive somewhat impractically out of our way to a carhop diner called Kirt's. Kirt's is a locally owned throwback drive-up restaurant serving typical diner food. Their cheeseburgers are amazing, their french fries are the best I've ever had and their prices are the lowest we've paid for a meal in a long time. The owners are extremely friendly and lest you think we only make a tradition out of the place we eat, they even remember what meals we order (because it's practically the same thing every time.) There's something incredibly comforting about eating at a place that knows your car and food order by heart. If you live up in North Ogden, I'd definitely suggest giving Kirt's a try!
Note the sign which often features local news!
Tell me, what are some traditions you have?
Follow Kirt's on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kirts-Family-Drive-Inn/117428924943459
Friday, February 20, 2015
Friday Fashion: February Layers
Even though it is unseasonably warm right now here on the West Coast, it is still pretty chilly. We may not live in the Windy City, but the wind right now still cuts like a knife! And me, I am the queen of layers. I literally buy clothes based on their layer-ability. Is that even a word? No but seriously, I love me some basics that can be layered into something fun and relatively fashionable but still keep my tush warm.
I'm just going to tell you right now, until I get better at this, my photos will be incredibly awkward. Because that's just how I roll. The midi skirt I'm wearing is in fact a dress, which makes it one of my most worn pieces because it transitions so well between seasons. Over that I threw on a boxy black sweater which is super warm and cozy. Then I topped it off with a fuzzy cardigan for added warmth. And can we please just take a minute to appreciate those booties? If there is only one thing you need to know about me, it's that I freaking love a black bootie. I literally have a hundred pairs, and every Christmas or Birthday (or general feeling spendy day) when I want yet another pair, my sweet husband just looks at me like I'm a little mental, but still lovingly obliges. Did I mention I happen to have the best husband? Anyways, needless to say, these shoes, they are what dreams are made of!
Are you guys as into layers as I am?
Grey Dress : Forever 21
Black Sweater : Shopko
Black and White Stripped Cardigan : Forever 21
Black Boots : Shoemint, the Casandra boot
I'm just going to tell you right now, until I get better at this, my photos will be incredibly awkward. Because that's just how I roll. The midi skirt I'm wearing is in fact a dress, which makes it one of my most worn pieces because it transitions so well between seasons. Over that I threw on a boxy black sweater which is super warm and cozy. Then I topped it off with a fuzzy cardigan for added warmth. And can we please just take a minute to appreciate those booties? If there is only one thing you need to know about me, it's that I freaking love a black bootie. I literally have a hundred pairs, and every Christmas or Birthday (or general feeling spendy day) when I want yet another pair, my sweet husband just looks at me like I'm a little mental, but still lovingly obliges. Did I mention I happen to have the best husband? Anyways, needless to say, these shoes, they are what dreams are made of!
Are you guys as into layers as I am?
Grey Dress : Forever 21
Black Sweater : Shopko
Black and White Stripped Cardigan : Forever 21
Black Boots : Shoemint, the Casandra boot
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Getting Fit: Morning Yoga
As far as Yoga goes, I think you either love it or you really don't understand the hype. I am one of those people who are absolutely obsessed with Yoga. Besides being my exercise of choice for toning my body, I feel like mentally it helps me clear my mind and really gives me focus.
Lately I've found that I love to do Yoga in the morning when I first get up. It warms up my body for the day and puts me in a healthy mind frame right from the get go. It also helps me drink water first thing in the morning. Typically the first thing I reach for is coffee, but when you start your day sweating you tend to go for water, which is really the best thing you can do for your body.
As far as Yoga goes, there are so many different types of practices you can do. Often if I can't unwind from a long day, I like to do a relaxation yoga practice. When I have a little more time to work out, I like to do a full on intense yoga video. In the morning, I tend to do a morning practice yoga video that gives me enough energy without being so intense as to cause injury to my body before it's fully warmed up. The video I've been enjoying lately is this one below:
But I love to switch it up and try different videos depending on how I'm feeling. You'll notice the one above is only 30 minutes. That's because a) I really can't be bothered to work out for any longer period of time first thing in the morning and b) I get up super early as it is and it would be impossible for me to get up any earlier to do a longer video.
Let me know if you try the video and what you thought of it.
Lately I've found that I love to do Yoga in the morning when I first get up. It warms up my body for the day and puts me in a healthy mind frame right from the get go. It also helps me drink water first thing in the morning. Typically the first thing I reach for is coffee, but when you start your day sweating you tend to go for water, which is really the best thing you can do for your body.
As far as Yoga goes, there are so many different types of practices you can do. Often if I can't unwind from a long day, I like to do a relaxation yoga practice. When I have a little more time to work out, I like to do a full on intense yoga video. In the morning, I tend to do a morning practice yoga video that gives me enough energy without being so intense as to cause injury to my body before it's fully warmed up. The video I've been enjoying lately is this one below:
Let me know if you try the video and what you thought of it.
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
25 Questions Tag
I felt like doing a tag today so here is the 25 questions tag! I tag everyone to do it!!!
1. What is your middle name? It used to be Marie but now its Newlin, my maiden name
2. What was your favorite subject at school? English
3. What is your favorite drink? I would love to say water but it's really Coke
4. What is your favorite song at the moment? Right now, it would have to be The Only Song by Sherwood, it's what I keep going back to
5. What is your favorite food? This is probably the hardest question for me. LOTS!
6. What is the last thing you bought? A Sensationail gel nail kit
7. Favorite book of all time? This is also really hard, I hate choosing one thing but probably The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
8. Favorite color? Purple
9. Do you have any pets? No, but I'm desperate for a dog
10. Favorite perfume? Rock Princess by Vera Wang
11. Favorite holiday? Halloween!!!
12. Are you married? Very happily married
13. Have you ever been out of the country? If so, how many times? Yes, just once, to Mexico
14. Do you speak any other language? Very broken French and very broken Korean, so really no
15. How many siblings do you have? One older brother
16. What is your favorite shop? Ross
17. Favorite Restaraunt? Yeesh, another hard one. Probably The Timbermine or El Matador depending on the occasion
18. When was the last time you cried? Over the weekend at a movie, last week at a commercial...since I hit my thirty somethings I cry a lot more...
19. Favorite Blog? I really like http://www.skunkboyblog.com/
20. Favorite Movie? Oh man...probably Wristcutters: A love story
21. Favorite TV show? Adult cartoons or anything on the ID channel and also Bones
22. PC or Mac? PC all the way!!!
23. What phone do you have? The Samsung Galaxy S4
24. How tall are you? 5'2"
25. Can you cook? Yes and I LOVE to cook!
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Maybelline FIT me! Matte + Poreless Foundation
While the rest of my skin is incredibly dry, my face remains ridiculously oily. I mean seriously, majorly oily. I've struggled to find makeup products that will last on my face til the end of the day. I use primers, powders, blotters, makeup setting sprays, the works! The Maybelline Fit me foundations were a new discovery for me. About 2 months ago I tried the regular formula and while I loved the coverage and the color, well, fit me, it still left me looking slick about half way through the day. A few weeks ago I saw the new Fit me Matte + Poreless and thought I would give it a go since it's specific to oily skin. Holy amazing, this stuff is AWESOME! First, it gives me a totally clean, matte finish. Second, it lasts all day. Now if I have a super long day and am going out after work then I do touch it up with some powder around the t-zone, but for the most part, I can wear this all day and not really worry about it. Its definitely one of the few holy grail foundations I've found that is great for oily skin!
I wear shade 115, Ivory
What are your favorite foundations?
Find the FIT me! foundation here : http://www.maybelline.com/search.aspx?q=fit%20me%20foundation
Monday, February 16, 2015
Stress Less Sunday...on a Monday
Valentine's Day threw me off track a little bit but I still wanted to write about a stress less day. My day happens to be Sunday but obviously you can do a stress less day any day. My stress less Sunday this week was a bike ride. 20 miles to be exact. Now this might not seem like a stress relief to some people, but for me, I love bike riding. Especially the kind where I'm not in a hurry and I can take in my surroundings riding at my own pace. We live really close to a trail that goes through wooded areas, has a river running by it and is incredibly scenic. I was able to take in the beauty of the woods while clearing my mind of my worries. It was also really nice weather, in February! It was a great stress less Sunday for me!
What did you do for your stress less day?
What did you do for your stress less day?
Sunday, February 15, 2015
Valentine's Recap
Yes, I know Valentine's is the most commercialized holiday ever, but I still love it. And I am lucky enough to have a husband who knows that Valentine's Day is all about the woman! AND I feel incredibly fortunate for that! That being said, my husband spoiled me once again this year. We had a couple's massage, went to a movie and had a really nice dinner. I love that we made Valentine's all about the experiences and not about the presents this year. As I get into my thirty's that is way more important to me.
My Valentine's Day outfit
Me and the Hubby
How did you guys spend your Valentine's?
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Saturday Soundtrack: Less Than Jake and Reel Big Fish
My husband is a HUGE music lover. I'm talking HUGE! So for Christmas I got him tickets to go see Less Than Jake and Reel Big Fish (hence the late Friday night). Both bands are ones we've both loved since high school so it was so fun to share this experience together. Talk about a throwback!
Reel Big Fish have been a band for 23 years!
What was the last concert you went to?Friday, February 13, 2015
Fashion Friday FAIL
Well I was going to do a post today called Fashion Friday, show you my outfit, make an appearance on my own blog...that ended up not working out. My sweet husband was kind enough to act as my photographer and took some lovely photos for me. BUT, me being the incredibly organized person that I am totally forgot my USB for my camera at home (see, it happens to everyone!). Which wouldn't be a big deal except that tonight we won't actually be getting home until midnight. And if you know me, you know this is WAY past my bedtime. Like 3 hours past my bedtime. Because I'm a 30 something and that's what happens! So today, unfortunately you just get this rant and a Fashion Friday fail. Be sure to check the blog out next week though, I promise you there will be more than just words on a page!
How has your Friday been?
How has your Friday been?
Thursday, February 12, 2015
e.l.f. Lip Exfoliator
Where I live it gets really really dry, especially during the Winter. I've found as I've gotten older that my skin loses moisture a lot quicker; This includes my lips. I used to be able to swipe on some chapstick and call it good but these days regardless of how moisturized I keep my lips they become dry and chapped. And lets be honest, as a girl who loves her lipstick, that's not really an attractive look.
A couple of months ago I started using e.l.f.'s Lip Exfoliator. The name obviously explains what this product does, but this is ridiculously easy to use and works wonders for my chapped lips. First of all, it comes in a convenient tube. To be honest, I'm far too lazy to use those lip scrubs that come in pots. You know, the ones where you have to use your finger and it gets all messy. With this lip scrub, you simply put it on the way you would a chapstick and your done. No mess, no clean up and super soft lips. This lip exfoliator is also infused with Vitamin E, Shea Butter, Avocado, Grape and Jojoba Oils so it leaves lips feeling super soft. I use it once to twice a week and haven't had dry cracked lips all winter. At only $3.00 a tube, you really can't beat that!
To find this on e.l.f.'s website, click http://www.eyeslipsface.com/studio/lips/lip_balm/lip_exfoliator
Tell me, what do you do to keep your lips from getting chapped in the winter?
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Let's Talk : Organization
I am 100% one of those people who cannot function without a to-do list, a shopping list and a date planner, to name a few. I literally have to pencil in making a phone call or writing an email if I actually expect to do it. If my house is not clean, my mind is a mess. If something's not in it's place, I'll probably never see it again. You get the idea.
So imagine my horror when I married someone who has never even seen a day planner. Well, that might be a little bit of a stretch, but not by much. I spend more time helping my husband find where he left his car keys then I do making a 3-course meal. I mean, the man would lose his head if it wasn't attached to his body. When I asked him why he can't just be more organized, he explained it's not that he doesn't want to, he just doesn't know how. I've been creating lists since I was old enough to write so to me this was such a crazy explanation, but one that totally makes sense. Much like my struggle to start a healthy lifestyle, many people have no idea how to be organized. I thought I'd share a few of my tips on how I keep my life on track, without losing my mind in the process.
First off, set a routine. Start slowly and work your way up. If you find that every day you have things that need to get done, such as writing emails, making phone calls or simply eating breakfast, make a schedule. Sure, this may seem silly, but if every day you had a set time of when you wrote a paper or ate your breakfast, it would most definitely get done. I like to write emails while drinking coffee, that way I can still get what I need to done while fitting it into my regular schedule. Multitask where you can, and reserve the time you need to focus for just that. Also, write out a schedule day by day, and tweak it until it works for you. Once you've set up something you can stick to, then you can use it for an extended period of time. And remember, things change, life changes, and its okay for you to adjust your schedule when you need to. Being too much of a stickler can also make life difficult. (Just ask my husband.)
For me, part of the comfort of home is that it's comfortable but functional. As if I haven't said it enough, I like everything to have a place. My keys go on the key hanger every night. That way, in the morning, I know exactly where to find them. My jewelry goes in a jewelry dish, my shoes go in their designated spot, etc. Now, this isn't to say I don't ever come home and kick my shoes off under the table and forget where they are two months later, but it is so much easier to stay organized when things have their place. This isn't to say you can't change things up, rearrange furniture and find different ways to store things, because those are the things that will help you continue to stay organized as your life and tastes change. When I was a teen I stored all my makeup in a Caboodle. Obviously that's not really my style now but as I've grown older I've found ways to be organized that fit my life better.
The goal is to start simple and to find what works for you!
I hope these tips helped and I want to know some of your secrets for staying organized.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Getting Fit : Garmin VivoFit
Like most 30 somethings, one of the things on my list of New Years resolutions was to get fit. I have always had an average body type. I never had to work too hard to stay slender or think about what I was eating on a day to day basis. However, after turning 30 my body changed. First I gained 5 pounds, then 10. Now, 30 pounds up, I'm starting to realize that in order to maintain my average physique, I not only have to work out regularly but I also have to make smarter choices about what I put into my body (and as a person who is addicted to food, this is no easy feat, but that's a post for another time.) Add to that the fact that my husband talked me into riding Salt to Saint this year and I have no choice but to start thinking about my physical well being.
Now I am a total routine person. I can't possible stick to anything unless it has a time and place in my life. Changing how I eat and starting to work out, well, lets just say I've been trying and failing at this for a few years now. So, this year, the year I decided I REALLY needed to get fit (if for nothing else then self preservation, did I mention Salt to Saint?) I also decided that I needed to change my frame of mind. Instead of trying to do a total overhaul on my life, I decided to take it one step at a time.
Enter in the VivoFit. Step number 1 for me, was definitely figuring out how to get more movement in my day. For 40 hours a week, I sit at a computer for 10 hours a day. This means I have gone days at a time sitting on my ever expanding derriere. According to an article in the Washington Post, this can lead to organ damage, muscle degeneration, leg disorders and many other health concerns. None of these are worth sitting for hours at a time. The benefit of something like the VivoFit, is that you can see when you have been sitting for too long, as a red bar is indicative of sitting for more than an hour at a time. When I see that red bar light up, I know that's my que to move. For me, this little push is all I need to make sure I am getting my legs a much needed stretch. This little watch can also track your sleep and help you keep track of calories burned. The downside to the VivoFit is that if you don't notice the red bar, there's no other indication to get up and walk. Luckily for me, I've been so obsessed with this little gadget that I find myself checking a little too regularly.
This is the first step in my get fit plan, let me know if you'd like to hear more about the changes I'm making.
To find out more about the VivoFit, visit : http://sites.garmin.com/en-US/vivo/
To read more about the dangers of sitting, visit : http://apps.washingtonpost.com/g/page/national/the-health-hazards-of-sitting/750/
Now I am a total routine person. I can't possible stick to anything unless it has a time and place in my life. Changing how I eat and starting to work out, well, lets just say I've been trying and failing at this for a few years now. So, this year, the year I decided I REALLY needed to get fit (if for nothing else then self preservation, did I mention Salt to Saint?) I also decided that I needed to change my frame of mind. Instead of trying to do a total overhaul on my life, I decided to take it one step at a time.
Enter in the VivoFit. Step number 1 for me, was definitely figuring out how to get more movement in my day. For 40 hours a week, I sit at a computer for 10 hours a day. This means I have gone days at a time sitting on my ever expanding derriere. According to an article in the Washington Post, this can lead to organ damage, muscle degeneration, leg disorders and many other health concerns. None of these are worth sitting for hours at a time. The benefit of something like the VivoFit, is that you can see when you have been sitting for too long, as a red bar is indicative of sitting for more than an hour at a time. When I see that red bar light up, I know that's my que to move. For me, this little push is all I need to make sure I am getting my legs a much needed stretch. This little watch can also track your sleep and help you keep track of calories burned. The downside to the VivoFit is that if you don't notice the red bar, there's no other indication to get up and walk. Luckily for me, I've been so obsessed with this little gadget that I find myself checking a little too regularly.
This is the first step in my get fit plan, let me know if you'd like to hear more about the changes I'm making.
To find out more about the VivoFit, visit : http://sites.garmin.com/en-US/vivo/
To read more about the dangers of sitting, visit : http://apps.washingtonpost.com/g/page/national/the-health-hazards-of-sitting/750/
Monday, February 9, 2015
Manic Monday
I know that for most people, Monday is the most dreaded of days. I am fortunate enough to work my day to day job from Tuesday through Friday, so I never really get a case of the Monday blues. In fact, most Monday's for me are spent working on the aforementioned errands list most of us 30 somethings can never seem to get through.
However, this Monday for me really was a Manic Monday. Maybe its because I hadn't had coffee for two days. Maybe it was because I had to actually leave the house and deal with other human beings who were suffering from the Monday Madness. Either way, after a doctor's appointment and a work meeting, well, lets just say I ended up having two huge cups of coffee. Thank goodness for the little things!
Tell me, how do you beat the Monday blues?
However, this Monday for me really was a Manic Monday. Maybe its because I hadn't had coffee for two days. Maybe it was because I had to actually leave the house and deal with other human beings who were suffering from the Monday Madness. Either way, after a doctor's appointment and a work meeting, well, lets just say I ended up having two huge cups of coffee. Thank goodness for the little things!
Tell me, how do you beat the Monday blues?
Sunday, February 8, 2015
Stress Less Sunday
Every Sunday I like to do at least one thing in my day that I consider a stress relief. I have always been a huge believer that mental health is as important as physical health and I basically use this ritual as a way to reboot before starting the following week.
Now I know for many of us that this can be tricky, since we usually spend our free days away from work running errands, cleaning house, or any of the other list of chores that never seem to reach an end. But everyone should allow themselves some time, even 10 minutes, to do something that helps them clear their mind and relieve some tension.
That being said, this week I was fortunate enough to take a few hours to go down to Crystal Hot Springs. My husband and I are lucky enough to live relatively close to the Springs and today I was able to sneak away for the better part of the afternoon for a nice long soak. The Springs are open year round and its an amazing way to relax while actually doing your body good. Crystal Hot Springs actually have the highest mineral content in the U.S. so if you do live close I would highly suggest checking it out! For more information on Crystal Hot Springs, you can find them at www.crystalhotsprings.net.
Tell me, what do you do to unwind at the end of a long week?
Now I know for many of us that this can be tricky, since we usually spend our free days away from work running errands, cleaning house, or any of the other list of chores that never seem to reach an end. But everyone should allow themselves some time, even 10 minutes, to do something that helps them clear their mind and relieve some tension.
That being said, this week I was fortunate enough to take a few hours to go down to Crystal Hot Springs. My husband and I are lucky enough to live relatively close to the Springs and today I was able to sneak away for the better part of the afternoon for a nice long soak. The Springs are open year round and its an amazing way to relax while actually doing your body good. Crystal Hot Springs actually have the highest mineral content in the U.S. so if you do live close I would highly suggest checking it out! For more information on Crystal Hot Springs, you can find them at www.crystalhotsprings.net.
Tell me, what do you do to unwind at the end of a long week?
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Building a blog, Part 1
I know, I know, this is a LIFESTYLE blog, don't worry, but I just thought I'd start my first post out by talking about why I wanted to start a blog and a little bit about the process.
I have wanted to start a blog for years. I kept thinking about it and dismissing the idea but the thought of having a blog kept coming back again and again. I've always loved writing, and always loved reading, and as the internet has become more and more apart of daily life, I've felt compelled to want to become a part of it. When I finally got the courage to confide in my husband he was all for it, and even willing to help me! And thank goodness for that because I don't know the first thing about building a website.
That's the first thing I want to say, building a blog is a lot of work. All the things you don't think about like needing a host (what is this, a dinner party?) for your site and actually putting together the components of your blog, just totally escaped me. I just wanted to write. So after months of working with my husband and doing a lot of research my little contribution to the great wide web is finally here! Let me know if you want to know more about my journey to building a blog. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy.
I have wanted to start a blog for years. I kept thinking about it and dismissing the idea but the thought of having a blog kept coming back again and again. I've always loved writing, and always loved reading, and as the internet has become more and more apart of daily life, I've felt compelled to want to become a part of it. When I finally got the courage to confide in my husband he was all for it, and even willing to help me! And thank goodness for that because I don't know the first thing about building a website.
That's the first thing I want to say, building a blog is a lot of work. All the things you don't think about like needing a host (what is this, a dinner party?) for your site and actually putting together the components of your blog, just totally escaped me. I just wanted to write. So after months of working with my husband and doing a lot of research my little contribution to the great wide web is finally here! Let me know if you want to know more about my journey to building a blog. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy.
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