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Last Wednesday night while I was harvesting collard greens from our garden for dinner, I saw a honeybee on a marigold moving in slow motion. See, it had been a really warm, muggy start but ended super chilly and rainy. This poor bee was cold! I quickly snapped off the marigold bloom and carried it inside, placing it in a mason jar with a breathable cover. Within five minutes, the honey bee warmed up and was buzzing like crazy to get out. I brought him out on the deck and opened the jar – and he took off, full speed.

Sweet and horseradish spicy pickles have got to be my favorite kind of pickles.

Nothing tastes better than a fresh autumn apple paired with cookie butter = my favorite mid morning snack at my desk.

While we were in Portugal, there were little cans of sardines everywhere! I even saw an old man fishing for sardines off the dock one evening; they were silver and glittering in the water while the sun set. I remember my mom loving a canned variety of fish – Santa would bring her one each year – but I guess I never knew what that variety was. I picked her up a can of sardines from the most darling circus shop in Porto. Well, as it turns out, she does NOT like sardines… she loves smoked oysters! Whoops! RC and the beau shared the can of sardines and I picked up a can of oysters from Trader Joe’s for my mom. It’s the thought that counts, right?

There really isn’t enough time in the day to have two down-time hobbies. One cannot be a reader AND a knitter. I know this because I’m back on a knitting kick and can not balance each activity, probably because I knit before bed… when I use to squeeze in reading. I’m okay with this: creating something with my hands is extremely gratifying and I’ve got a bin full of yarn just waiting to be transformed. I’m currently knitting a shawl, with the details of a fern – my first time using fingering weight yarn and attempting lacework.

Last week we had to replace our entire roof, as it had been leaking for over a year. We thought we had patched it, but it wasn’t good enough; the summer’s storms brought puddles in our sun room / dining room. The cost ended up being $3k more than the original quote because there wasn’t a single sheet of plywood on our roof, under the shingles. For those of you who know nothing about roofs (that was me last week), the plywood is a key layer to not only keep your home warm, but leak proof. Needless to say, I am thankful for our emergency fund and we are officially back in Baby Step 3. Ebbs and flows and it feels good to have my head above water with zero sense of panic.

My go-to diffuser blend this season: 2 drops Stress Away + 1 drop Cardamom + 1 drop Cinnamon Bark (I think it smells like cinnamon rolls in the oven.)

There are less than 90 days left this year, do you have any goals? I want to run a fast Troy Turkey Trot – hoping to get back to where I use to be (8 min/mile for a 10k) and learn to play at least one Christmas carol on our new-to-us piano. Practice makes perfect!

Our water bill is the lowest it’s ever been – $87 (that’s for a quarter)! And our utility bill (electric and gas) is the same cost we spend monthly on the internet ($65). I love playing the “how low can we get it” game… fully knowing both numbers are going to rise as the temperatures drop. I always have a goal of not turning on the heat until Thanksgiving but that’s going to be even harder this year with a dog that has zero fat and minimal fur. So far we’re bundling him up / getting cozy with pj’s from Australia, a throw and a comforter.

Speaking of pajamas from Australia: we ordered RC a pair and a tee with a turtleneck (I’m telling you, I was NOT a person who would opt to dress a dog but it’s hilarious and adorable and now I understand why some people do it, even if their dog doesn’t need the layers.). They finally arrived Friday night, which was perfect because we were expecting our first frost = temperature expected to drop in the house. We put them on him, snapped the photograph above and lounged until bedtime. Well in actuality, he lounged on the couch with my husband while I took a bath, read and snuggled in early for bed. Next thing I know, I hear my husband shouting for me, “RC KILLED A SKUNK!” I didn’t believe him the first two times, shouting “WHATTTT?!” in total disbelief.

But the smell permeating upstairs got me out of bed and dressing, lickity split.

It was the worst skunk smell I have ever smelled. And I’ve smelled dogs get sprayed by skunks. My senior year of high school, my first time ever driving the lovin’ oven to school, my dog Leroi got sprayed, UNDER my car. That thing smelled so bad rolling into the parking lot that day. And then there was the time I was dog sitting for my parents and our pit bull Trigger got sprayed, for the second time! It was horrible. But what happened Friday was far worse.

RC came running up on to the deck with a mouthful of skunk. Literally, a chunk of said animal. In addition to getting sprayed, he attacked it and took off with a mouthful. Poor skunk. Poor RC. He had so much spray in his mouth he was foaming like crazy. It took me like 5 minutes to prep the bathroom and get a bathing solution ready, but we got it done together as a team.

The next morning when RC pooped, it was green and smelled of skunk. Ugh, poor RC. (Can you imagine what that tastes like?!)

My go-to skunk bathing solution: 1 16oz bottle of hydrogen peroxide + 1/2 cup baking soda + 2 tbps of Thieves dish soap | After this initial wash, we then washed him with the AnimalScents shampoo. His body is so soft and stink-free, his face on the other hand… (I was hypersensitive washing that area, as I didn’t want the skunk oils to get into his eyes.)

My go-to laundry solution for the pajamas that got sprayed: 1 full cap of Thieves laundry soap + 5 drops Purification Essential Oil Blend + run the load on SANITIZE mode = worked like a charm! No skunk smell whatsoever leftover on the pajamas from Australia.

5 of my Favorite Young Living Products

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Last year a wrote a post around my birthday with some of my favorite Young Living products and I figured I’d do it again because it’s fun looking back to see what I was enjoying at a specific time. That was a long list and at 33 I don’t have it in me – read: I don’t want to spend my day off in front of the computer. I took the day off to reflect, make lists, write down goals and get shit done. My birthday is my New Year and it’s only fitting that I include a short list with some of my favorite green products.

This is what I do to all of my bib numbers (if you’re a weird numbers person and a runner, you’ll get this, ha) 23 = 2+3 = 5

  1. Thieves Laundry Soap: I only have one designated job in our home and that’s laundry. The beau does the dishes and I do the laundry. I’ve always been sensitive to scented laundry soap and after doing my research about free & clear, decided to make my own. (BTW, that post was written 8 years ago.) I continued to make my own but to be honest, DIY everything can be a little overwhelming. So when Young Living released their laundry soap I jumped on that train as fast as I could, ha! This is and has been the only laundry soap used in our home for the last 3+ years. Yes, the bottle is small and when you order it for the first time you’re going to say, “holy heck this is so tiny?! You’re kidding me!” – I know, because I said the same exact thing. But it works. And it’s mega concentrated. The bottle says it’s good for 64 loads but I’d like to say at least 75. The scent is light (Thieves oils = hello extra immunity boost) and it’s plant based. Oh, and marathon tested and approved. Ha! If you order it on Essential Rewards, you’ll also earn $2.95 – $7.38 back on future orders, all depending on how long you’ve been participating in the wellness program. For me, I’m at 25% or $7.38, so I’m paying $22.13 for the bottle = 30 cents per load. Remember, what you wash your clothes with stays in your clothes. You then wear your clothes which touches your skin, which is your body’s largest organ. What goes on your skin goes in your body. This is why I love the Young Living laundry soap = no worries!
  2. Clary Sage: In 2018 I made the decision (with the advice of my OB/GYN PA) to take myself off of birth control. I had been on it for 15+ years which honestly scared the crap out of me. The reason why I had originally gone on it wayyyyy back in high school (or was it middle school?) was to regulate my cycle and reduce the amount of cramping I was experiencing. Now as an adult, I’ve found a way to support my endocrine system without the use of medication: clary sage. This oil has been a game changer for me. For the first couple of months off birth control I did nothing to support this system to see what my body would do on its own. My cycles were irregular, as expected, and oftentimes accompanied with heavier cramping like the good ‘ole days. Then I started using Clary Sage. I’d like to think this oil supported my endocrine system to regulate my cycles, which are now just as predictable as they once were. The week prior and during menstruation I specifically use Dragon Time, which also contains Clary Sage, directly on my abdomen or inner arms. Cost breakdown: there’s about 250-300 drops in each 15ml bottle. Depending on the day (and I don’t wear this oil daily), I’m using anywhere between 1-5 drops (smell is strong and a little goes a long way), about 20 cents per use. I can’t tell you the last time I purchased this oil but it was a least a year ago.
  3. Lavender Calming Bath Bombs: If you know me, you know I hate showering. And I love to take baths! I’ve swapped the classic Avon bubble bath (RIP my beloved childhood scent) for this fun, fizzy (and safe!) option. The smell is so relaxing (hello, lavender!) and because there’s coconut and sweet almond oil in the mix, my skin feels so so soft afterward. Another perk: because there’s no artificial coloring, they won’t stain your tub! Oh, AND THERE’S ZERO FRAGRANCE! I took this off of Lush’s website: “Settle in for a good soak with an original Lush invention, exploding with essential oils and tons of fizzy fun. Whether you’re after a relaxing, petal-laden floral soak or an invigorating multilayered explosion of color and scent, there’s a bath bomb perfect for every bathing experience.” but when you look under ingredients, what do you find? Fragrance. FRAGRANCES ARE NOT ESSENTIAL OILS. Oh, and before I end this rant: just because something is vegan DOES NOT MEAN IT’S HEALTHY. Hello, Oreo example, ha! Price breakdown: there are four per package = $6.43 per bomb and that doesn’t include the 25% back if you order them on Essential Reward. Lush = $6.95 per bomb. Boom.
  4. Thieves Roll-On: Same great oil, even easier to use throughout the day! This essential oil blend aka powerhouse supports your immune system and comes pre-diluted so you can just roll it on whenever it’s needed. I keep this product on my dresser and use it in the morning while I’m getting dressed (bottom of my feet) and at night before I slip under the sheets (also great on the back of your neck). And because it’s already diluted, kiddos can easily grab and use as well. Because it’s the winter and we’re all locked inside with yuck circulating in the air, I recommend this product for every single person. You get a Thieves! You get a Thieves! Everyone gets a Thieves roll-on! (said in my best Oprah voice)
  5. ART Intensive Moisturizer: I just ordered this product for the first time back in November because I knew the cold air was coming and I wanted to be prepared. I’ve been using and love the light moisturizer for years but knew I’d need something a little heavier December thru February. The scent is light and it doesn’t feel heavy – I’ve been loving it! I use this cream daily after washing and using the toner. As you can tell, I’m a mega fan of the ART line. It works for me and it’s simple to use; I’m a not-too-many-steps kind of gal. Wash. Toner. Moisturize. Two months in and the container still feels full. I know the light container lasts me about 6 months so if this is similar, it would be about $10 per month.

You gals (and guys), it’s hard to choose only 5 items! But these are the items I use the most at 33, so far. Young Living is so much more than oils and as someone who prefers not to have to stop at multiple locations, I love the simplicity of having everything shipped to my doorstep from a single website.

What are your 5 favorite Young Living products?

My 23 Favorite Young Living Products

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Because my birthday was on the 23rd and I’m personally having a birthday promotion for any new members from now until the end of the month, I figured I’d share some of my favorite Young Living products. 23 to be exact. I have more but this post is going to be long enough, ha!

Edit: if you’d like a sample of one of the products listed below, just let me know! I’d love to get that mailed out to you! 

In no particular order:

  1. ImmuPower : this is a new to me oil and being completely honest, it smells like your house the day after you made tacos for dinner (there’s cumin in it) BUT this is an immune system powerhouse… it even says so in the name. I have the beau rub in 1-3 drops on my spine before bed and always wake up feeling my healthiest.
  2. Thieves Laundry Soap : this is the only laundry soap we use in our house. No dyes, no fake fragrances, no formaldehyde… yes, that’s typically found in other brands. I went through Mortuary school, formaldehyde is not something you want to come in contact with on a daily basis. Smells great and is good for 64 loads!
  3. Peppermint EO (regular and Vitality) : I use this daily to help support my digestive system by adding a drop to my water or chocolate shake. I also rub it directly over my lower stomach before heading out for a run. It’s also wonderful rubbed on your temples after a long day at work.
  4. Lavender EO : We use this oil every single night as a part of our bedtime routine. Helps promote rest and relaxation; we diffuse it and also rub it on the bottom of our feet (vita flex points can be found in a reference book / online).
  5. Dewdrop Diffuser : I have had and currently use a number of Young Living’s diffusers. Current inventory count: five. Hands down the dewdrop is my favorite because it is quiet and fills an open space nicely. And I like the shape. Yes, you can buy diffusers for slightly less online or at other random stores that don’t specialize in this category, but they’ll probably die within a year, especially if you use it daily. Been there, done that. My oldest diffuser right now is probably 4-5 years old and isn’t showing signs of slowing down.
  6. NingXia Red : This whole body supplement is something I drink at least 2oz of each morning. Do your research, the wolfberry has a number of benefits. I drink it chilled with a drop of Black Pepper Vitality EO and Lime Vitality EO.
  7. Sulfurzyme : This supplement combines wolfberry with MSM, a naturally occurring organic form of dietary sulfur needed by our bodies every day to support the immune system, the liver, circulation and proper intestinal function and works to scavenge free radicals. If you’re an athlete, I highly recommend this product to help promote recovery. I take 2 capsules on days that I workout.
  8. Life 9 : This is a new to me supplement but so far, so great! It has 9 beneficial bacteria strains (probiotics) that help promote healthy digestion, supports gut health, and helps maintain normal intestinal function for overall support of a healthy immune system. I take this supplement when I’m not brewing my own kombucha, and this month I’ve taken the month off = 1 capsule before bed. Have you every heard the saying “healthy gut, clear face?” I attribute my clear skin to having a healthy, happy gut. (The capsule is vegan friendly too!)
  9. Satin Facial Scrub Mint : I love love love this product! A little goes a long way, so I’ve had my current tube for about a year, if not longer. Smells great, feels great and isn’t too rough on my skin. I leave it in the shower and use it once a week. A great gift!
  10. Wolfberry Eye Cream : is a natural, water-based moisturizer and is used under your eyes to soothe and minimize the appearance of fine lines. The tiniest bit goes a long way, if you ever want a sample, I’d love to share!
  11. Thieves Dentarome Ultra Toothpaste : I have to admit, it took me a long time to get use to Young Living’s toothpastes because they don’t foam like traditional toothpastes. But that’s because they are lacking sodium lauryl sulfate, which is good because this surfactant is linked to skin irritation and painful canker sores. No thank you! It’s much easier to use if you’ve jumped on the electric toothbrush bandwagon.
  12. Thieves Fresh Essence Mouthwash : No disgusting dyes (ever wonder why a traditional mouthwash is neon blue or green?), no artificial flavors and no alcohol = no painful burn after you’re done using it! I use this at least once a day and it’s great to gargle with if you’re feeling a tickle in the back of your throat because it is loaded with a bunch of essential oils.
  13. Half way thru! If you’re still reading, you’re a trooper! Lavender Hand & Body Lotion : I love the smell of this lotion and I love the way my skin feels after using it. Like many of Young Living’s products, a little goes a long way. This is the only lotion I keep in the house (yes, it was hard breaking my Body Shop addiction) but it’s the only lotion that doesn’t give me a headache these days – and that’s because there aren’t any fake fragrances in it.
  14. Seedlings Baby Wipes : Yup, I don’t have a kid and I still buy these! Oh, the smell is heavenly and they aren’t harsh on your skin. I use these to remove makeup and I’ll also pack a couple when hiking. They are perfect after a long day in the woods (if you’re camping out and not showering).
  15. Thieves and Lavender Foaming Hand Soap : I have both and love both. The Thieves is great, especially this time of the year with a lot of funk floating around. I keep the Thieves downstairs in the kitchen, and the Lavender upstairs in the bathroom. Pro tip: you can reuse the containers and make your own soap easy peasy when empty.
  16. Savvy Minerals Blush in color ‘I Do Believe You’re Blushin” : I recently went to a Savvy Minerals get-together and tried the entire line, this is my favorite product. The color is great and so pretty on – really, if you’re in a hurry and can only pick two items to wear, I’d choose the blush and mascara. It’s light, long lasting, you don’t have to worry about toxic ingredients and it’s vegan. Next month you can buy a starter kit with the makeup, I highly recommend giving it a try!
  17. White Angelica : This is a blend that I’ve worn for many years. It can create a positive atmosphere and inspire feelings of security and optimism – no matter what life throws at you. If I know I’m going to be facing challeneges, I lather this baby on my shoulders and march out the door – watch out world!
  18. Peace and Calming : I’ve been using this oil the longest, as this oil is the one that I use to use with the kiddos during their bedtime routine. It’s a smell that takes me back and I love diffusing it – I’m hoarding a good amount of it ha ha. Seriously, if you know someone who’s having a baby, this little bottle is the perfect gift.
  19. Valor : This oil is second in line for using the longest and it’s one of Young Living’s top selling products. It’s finally back in stock after many years of waiting and you can only buy two a month. Seriously, we all LOVE (and hoard) valor. It personally gives me the feeling of strength, so if I know I’ll need it before a race or challenging day, I lather it on the back of my neck. I also dilute this oil in the Sensation Massage oil and use it as my daily perfume on my wrists.
  20. Copaiba Essential Oil : I find this oil intensifies other oils. After a long hike or run, I love to apply this oil directly to my legs or feet (or whatever is tired) with Peppermint or PanAway for an added cooling sensation. You can also ingest the Copaiba Vitality oil, and I do this by adding it to my daily NingXia on the days I workout.
  21. Dragon Time Essential Oil Blend : This is a blend that has a sweet, herbaceous aroma and can help promote feelings of stability and calm during cycles of moodiness. See what I did there? Know what I’m talking about? I love this oil blend and think that every woman should have it in her wellness routine.
  22. Into the Future Essential Oil Blend : I LOVE this blend! When you’re evaluating and setting goals for the future, lather this blend on! I wore it during my time of transition – while looking for a new job late last year – this smell keeps me positive and focused. I’m all about positive affirmations, add this to your daily pep-talk.
  23. Last but not least, any of the citrus essential oils, both regular and Vitality : Citrus oils really lift my spirit. They remind me personally of warmer, sunnier days, and I love to add them to my diffuser and to my water. Lime, Grapefruit, Lemon, Tangerine, Orange and Bergamot – they can be mixed and matched, oh, the possibilities are endless. Two reminders: if you’re adding oils to your water, make sure what you’re drinking out of is NOT made of plastic. The oils will eat or breakdown the plastic and you don’t want to ingest that. Also, citrus oils should not be worn in direct sunlight = they’ll increase your chance or burns and sun spots. I like to wear them above my heart.

Phew! That’s a long post! With a photo of the essential oil rack my dad made me for my birthday – he’s the best! I have this hanging up in our kitchen with the vitality oils that we cook with, I add to my water and oils that I diffuse frequently in this area.

Edit: this is by far the most popular post (currently) I’ve ever published – why hello there new readers! It’s scary leaving behind products you’ve used and loved – I know because it’s taken me years to make healthier swaps for old products – but I’ve got a little push in the right (or should I say green?) direction for you: Sign up with your Premium Starter Kit and not only will you save $140+ AND earn 10% back AND get this month’s FREE oil, BUT I’ll also mail you my favorite go-to sleep support blend! It’s ah-mazing! Well, that sounds gimmicky, ha! But no gimmicks here my friends, just pure, plant based love – 25+ years strong! <3

 

September In Review

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September went by fast! So fast, I didn’t have the opportunity to celebrate the first day of Autumn until a week after the fact. I blame a physical inventory count at work and I also blame the weather – I can’t look cute in a pair of tights when it’s 90* out!

In total, we dumped $7,610.32 toward debt this month! HOT DAMN! This includes minimum monthly payments plus any extra cash left over in our budget. We paid off student loan #1 in full and are now snowballing into debt #2, which is my credit card debt. Initially I opened this card up via Banana Republic and the interest rate was up around 27%. Yeah, not a wise decision. I closed this account years ago because I knew I couldn’t trust myself, but even with consistent payments, I was barely making progress. After getting a mortgage from SEFCU last year, they offered us a credit card at a much lower rate (6.9%) and I jumped at the opportunity to transfer the balance and save some money with interest. Now more than ever I’m determined to clear this one up.

In regards to food and eating out, we stayed right on budget. In fact, we had about thirty dollars left over that will be applied toward debt this month. It’s tempting to buy up alllllll the pumpkin beer this season but I’m trying to practice self control. Ha!

We only tried a couple new recipes this month, including the best burger in the world via Bosh… that wasn’t my favorite, at all.  The beau seems to think it’s because we strayed too far from the recipe, but I’m reluctant to try again because I was STARVING the day we ate these and if they didn’t taste good when I was hungry, then they aren’t worth trying again. Sorry, no photographs, it wasn’t worth it. On to the next veggie burger recipe.

I made a batch of this chicken soup but vegan, and to be honest, it was super bland and not good. I don’t know what happened, I think I need to switch up the Goya seasoning and cook the pepper/cilantro less. I didn’t want to waste the huge pot of leftovers, so I decided to make a homemade pot pie. I used this recipe for inspiration. I could tell the beau was hesitant, especially when I chose a roll of crescent dough to plop on top but let me tell you, it was delicious! We ate the whole pan. And all of the crescent rolls. Whoops! I had enough soup leftovers to make a second batch, so I did and threw it into the freezer (just the filling) for a future autumn meal. Cannot wait!

The only other recipe we tried this month was for zucchini rice. We had all of the ingredients already on hand, it was super easy and was super tasty! A keeper! However, I’d probably save this for next summer, as it was very light and I know we are shifting from zucchini season to squash season = my body is craving heavier meals to fill me up.

We saved a little bit of money in a couple other categories as well: utilities, phone and essential oils. This month’s electricity / gas invoice was our lowest yet! I’m pretty proud that we didn’t use our air conditioners once this entire summer, just a window fan in our bedroom. I’m also proud that we have yet to turn on the heat. Yes, it’s only the third of October while typing this out but it’s been chilly! Time to bundle up! My personal goal is not turning it on until November… we shall see. My mom use to have a rule growing up that we couldn’t turn the heat on until Thanksgiving, yeah, we’ll see how long we can last. Also, isn’t it frustrating when your “delivery” fee costs more than your actually usage?!

Last month I walked into AT&T to change my cell plan, for the first time since 2003. I realized that I could be saving about $20/month with a newer plan, but my contract (who knew I even had one being a customer for 14 years) isn’t up until November 11th. So, I walked out without changing anything… but when I went to pay my bill, I had a random 20-ish dollar discount applied. I admittedly didn’t question it and paid on time; hopefully it’ll extend into this month. *Update since first writing this: I’ve received this month’s bill (October) and it was about $20 more than usual. I called customer service, explained that I never authorized a change in contract, and I’m back to normal. Phew!

Essential oils. This topic I’m going to discuss in further in a separate post but a lot of people assume that essential oils are expensive and that they can’t afford them. WRONG! Well, admittedly some of the individual oils are pricier than others, but personally I invest in them every month to support my overall health = less healthcare bills later. And I’m not purchasing just oils, I’m purchasing: our supplements, our laundry soap, my face care products, etc. AND I’m basically earning 25% cash back on every purchase. Can’t say that about any other store (Target, Hannaford, etc.) without having to open a credit card, which is the opposite of what I’m trying to do by paying off my debt. I’ve been preparing for the changing of the seasons with my purchases and have been sticking to our wellness plan. No extra oils for us unless they are free (and yes, that happens at least once a month). I only spent 1/6 of our budgeted allowance for this category in September.

Other stats for this month: I hiked only one mountain, went to one Mets game, I had two job interviews, we attended the Apple & Wine Festival and I read three books.

As I recap each month on this debt free journey, feel free to ask me any questions or tell me what you’d like covered – I’d love to share the process to help inspire others to become financially free!

Supporting my health this winter

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The cold is finally here, yay! I mean, brrrr! I honestly don’t mind the cold but it did come rather quickly this past week, leaving me scrambling to find my two pairs of running tights. Super happy with myself and my decision back in October to join the local YMCA; now that I’m not on a team, I’m running solo more. And if it’s cold, I tend to make excuses. I’ve got a date with the treadmill tomorrow morning and I couldn’t be happier. Who am I?

Back to the cold. Winter is here and so is flu/sinus/cold/all around feeling shitty season. I’ll admit, I was starting to get the winter blues. But then the beau pointed out that its light out past 4:30PM = instant mood changer. That and with the approaching change of the calendar year, I was determined to get myself on a routine. I’m going to elaborate more on this topic the closer it gets to my birthday later this month, but there are things that I’ve started to incorporate into my daily life to help support my body during this tough season.

  • Eat healthy, drink plenty of water. Aren’t we all aiming to do this, especially this first week of January? I honestly don’t drink enough water when I’m home, so my goal has been to drink as much water as possible while at the shop because I know my habits later in the evening. A big glass of water at night and first thing in the morning also helps keep me hydrated (and my lips less chapped). And to touch on the food topic: spicy. I tend to crave this when I’m not feeling 100%; maybe its my body’s way of saying: if its hot enough, it too shall pass.
  • Exercise. After the marathon I naturally took a break and ran when I wanted to and that was wonderful. But after a month of that, my back hurt. And my mood wasn’t the nicest. And my jeans fit a little tighter – ha! I’m back in the swing of things and listen, I don’t care if you’re a tourist at the gym this season, enjoy your stay while it lasts! But seriously, it feels good to be fit all year round.
  • Get a good night’s rest. After a week off from work, hello crazy sleep cycle. I legit can’t fall asleep before 1AM now… that’s why I’m up writing while the beau is tucked in listening to a podcast. At #almostthirty I fully understand the benefits of a full night’s rest and am doing everything I can (ahem, exercising like a madwoman to tire myself out) to catch some zzzz’s. What has helped me: take a bath (or hot shower), drink chamomile and lavender tea and diffuse a blend of essential oils to help calm me down and create a bedtime routine.
  • Support my respiratory health. In addition to the essential oils that I wear on a daily basis (because I love the way they smell and make me feel), I’ve been applying R.C. on my chest. It smells like Eucalyptus (because it has three varieties in it) and reminds me of a sweet-smelling Vicks vapor rub. And peppermint. It’s been in my purse on a daily basis for over a month now and I swear it helps ease tension.
  • Support the body’s natural defense. I’ve been experimenting with supplements lately (some studies say they’re worth it, others say they aren’t) but I’ve been feeling great and I think that’s all that matters, right? I’ve always heard, “more vitamin C!” if you feel sick (think those little Airborne packets) so I’ve been drinking citrus essential oils. A concoction in the morning, a few drops throughout the day, which also helps me drink more water because its flavored! I’ve also been diffusing these citrus scents to lift my spirits because to me, the smell of grapefruit reminds me of summer.
  • All things Thieves. All I’m going to say about this one is: Google it. I’ve switched over to Thieves: hand wash, toothpaste, mouthwash, all-purpose cleaner and laundry soap over the last month and I LOVE the way it smells. But my favorite is the original essential oil lathered on first thing in the morning and on my feet before I fall asleep… whenever that may be.

And with all of that being said, I better knock on wood because I don’t want to get sick – ha! What do you do to help support your immune system during the winter?