On the go stress relief

Good morning everyone!

I know I promised holiday updates, and I've been falling just a bit behind with them. I figured to get back on track, what would be more appropriate than a little  the go stress relief help?

Now there are so many products out there for stress relief- some more travel friendly than others. 

Origins Peace of Mind, Bach Rescue Remedy Spray, Lavender Essential Oil

Each of these products aims to ease stress and tension, and comes in a size perfect for travel (though the lavender needs some modification). 

So which to choose?

Each retails for about the same price, but has a different delivery system and effect. Origins is a cream rubbed on pulse points, Bach a spray which is sprayed under the tongue, and lavender can be mixed into a solid perfume and applied to pulse points.

Origins Peace of Mind:

This was my first purchase, as I love origins products and couldn't resist an aromatherapy product! While the bottle is extremely small, it lasts forever. You only need a very small amount to rub on your temples and your neck. The cream is like a very thin lotion, and absorbs quickly without leaving any residue or shine. As soon as you apply the product, you can smell the strong, almost minty smell. It's strong, but it's relaxing. Breathe deeply. The product is also cooling and as you rub it in, you can feel the tension melting away. 

I've always had chronic tension headaches, and this product is great for providing relief when even medication couldn't. It's also an amazing treat for stiff necks after a long plane ride. 

Bach Rescue Remedy Spray

This bottle is a little bigger than origins, and has also lasted me quite a long time already. You spray twice under your tongue and enjoy the ease of it all. The product doesn't have the best taste- it tastes "natural" a little flowery (not in a good way- like chewing on weeds) and grassy. Thankfully, the taste is only present while you spray the product, and quickly disappears. Even though it was unpleasant, it was not nearly enough to turn me off from this product. I actually carry this around in my purse, even after condensing my bag to only the essentials. 

Bach's is so easy to use and really does provide that "calm" feeling. It almost seems to just... slow me down. I'm not sure if it's the act of stopping to help myself, or the product itself that calms me, but either way it works! 

Lavender Essential Oil

Now this is a "tricky" product to review, as I bought it but don't use it in this form. I use lavender in an oil burner (amazing),but that's not exactly travel friendly. For the skies, I whipped up a solid perfume using lavender as the sent. You can find some pretty simple recipes online, and I'll try to post about the one I use if I can find/remember it. I would say this is the most "airport friendly" , as in the solid form it is, well... solid. Which eases the hassle of all the airport liquid restrictions. It also sort of sits where you apply it, so those sitting around you won't be subjected to the smell. (Even though it is quite lovely). 

Besides the fact this is the most travel friendly, I found it the least effective. While the sent is pleasant and the ease of use amazing, It didn't seem strong enough. I'm going to try a different recipe for the perfume and see if I can't get a better result. 

What are your travel stress relief tips?

Time to Get Moving

Good Afternoon Lovelies! 

In an effort to avoid the long "to do" list i've complied due to the up and coming end of semester, I've been browsing some of my favorite blogs. 

Doing so, I read a post by a lovely health and fitness blogger, who writes Rachel's Fit Health. In her guest writer's post, she asks for her followers to volunteer something that has helped them personally, and could benefit others. 

I've always been a pretty active person. I participate in a whole host of outdoor activities, but have always had trouble sticking to a daily exercise plan. I've always had some sort of motivation, but recently, I've recognized two somewhat short term motivating factors. 

1. A trip to florida and the bahamas with my boyfriend and his family for Christmas.

2. A skiing trip with my family in early march. 

Ok, So #1 is quite obvious. Even in the winter, my trips to the bahamas involve bathing suits. Everyone would love to look great in a bikini right?

#2 on the other hand, is a whole different story. My dad is an adaptive skier, meaning he ski's on a monoski due to a physical disability. 

A monoski is basically a chair that has a ski on the bottom. The skier has two small skis on the end of their poles, called "outriggers". 

Here's my motivation:

I've been skiing almost all my life. I'd like to think I'm pretty decent at it. My dad has been a monoskiier for just about six years. (but was a pretty avid downhill skier before is accident).

He can kick my butt. 

He's  ruthless. Races. Technique. Endurance. 

Ok, so sometimes he cheats... but still. It's just not right. 

So here it is...

My goal:

Improve strength and endurance and [hopefully] have a shot at holding my own on the hills. 

I know that's in no way specific, or any sort of plan, but it's a start. 

...This morning's run couldn't hurt either.

What is your motivation for eating right and exercising?

For more information on adaptive skiing and a little motivation-

Wild Weekend TV

or to volunteer with Michigan Adaptive Sports

http://michiganadaptivesports.org/

Meeting the family: What to wear

Hello lovelies!

As you may know, I'm spending the holiday season with my boyfriend's family. 

You can read up here.

Well... yesterday was the first of these holidays. P.s. Happy belated Thanksgiving!

I took the opportunity to review my "what to wear" guidelines. 

All I was told about the feel/dress code for the event was that it was "casual". 

Helpful. Right?

If your significant other is like mine, you may not get any more than this to go by. Still, there are things you can do to ensure you are dressed properly. 

-If you have met any other (preferably female) family members, it is helpful to casually ask their advice on family event dress code. (facebook makes this easy as pumpkin pie)

-When all else fails, dress safe and adaptable. A dark pair of jeans and a cute top can be dressed up or down with accessories and needed. 

This is what I wore. 

Top and Scarf: H&M

Jeans: Abercrombie and Fitch

Shoes: Toms

Ring: Handmade

Nails: Essie Hot Cocoa

This outfit ended up being perfect for the event, though the picture's don't do it justice, as this was taken upon arriving back at home, after the six hour drive, and the event. 

I will also be spending Christmas and New Years (2 week trip) with his family, and will be sure to update what to bring on an extended (his) family event. 

What was your most memorable "meeting the family" moment?