1. So Jay and I are really not into celebrating Valentine’s Day, but I happened to be at Hannaford earlier that afternoon and saw they had cookie cakes near the check out. Soooo, I mean, I suppose I can “celebrate” if it means cookie cake.
2. My little valentines <3
3. Unfortunately, Alex has caught the cold that Lucas started with last week, as have I…so Alex and I had a day at home yesterday to work on feeling better.
I sort of freaked when he woke up from his nap yesterday with a fever of 101.5 (I’ve been on total flu alert, despite us having gotten the shot) so I wound up bringing him in to get tested because I’m crazy. Thankfully, it was negative.
4. I recently came across this old post of mine — 12 Things I’ve Learned in My First Year of Parenting — and it was a quick reminder of just one of the reasons I love blogging so much. I had completely forgotten about writing that post, and it was so fun to look back on. If you read it, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
5. Essential oils. I need HELP. I bought a starter kit from Young Living a few years ago, and since then, I’ve used certain oils sporadically. I go through phases where I’ll diffuse some, or roll on others, but I never know if I’m even doing anything “right.” I’ve also purchased a few different oils outside of the starter kit (R.C., SniffleEase, Eucalyptus Globulus, to name a few).
I basically just want to be able to write down my needs and have someone give me a full breakdown of what to use, how to use it, and when. I mean, that’s not asking so much, right?? ; ) Pinterest, by the way, totally overwhelms me when I try to look there. (But in all seriousness, if oils are your thing, I’d love to chat!)
6. Okay, crowdsourcing here on this one…if you had $300 to spend on ANYTHING fitness related (trackers, home equipment like weights, treadmill etc., classes, memberships…) what would you purchase?? My employer recently started offering an annual $300 fitness reimbursement which I’m SUPER pumped about, but I’m trying to choose wisely!
7. Who’s with me????
8. We bought a new car! The entire process went much smoother (and quicker!) than I expected, and although I was sad to have to say goodbye to my old car, this new one is a pretty sweet replacement (we stuck with another Honda CR-V). And I will say, for those of you who are local and in the market for a new car, Mohawk Honda in Schenectady was wonderful. Shoot me a message and I’ll let you know who to get in touch with over there!
9. Having to deal with DMV? Not something that’s typically on the top of my priority list. Getting in and out of there in less than 5 minutes when having to surrender my old plates? Biggest shocker of the week!
10. I am officially obsessed with all things germs right now. Every time I turn around, someone we know (ahem, us included!) is sick with something, whether it be a cold, the stomach bug, or the dreaded flu. It’s terrible! I am ready to keep the boys out of public until May, where we will all simultaneously be going stir-crazy.
11. I scored some sweet deals this past weekend with some Old Navy Super Cash. I am obsessed with THIS TANK (for layering, for on its own), and wound up purchasing it in three more colors. Looooove. I also got a couple of things for Lucas, including this adorable hoodie, which is from the BOYS section. We are quickly moving out of the toddler sized clothing…gahhh.
12. This post seems to have a growing number of exclamation points. My apologies. Apparently I’m excited today!
Alright I’m also calling it quits, too, since it’s getting late on Thursday night and I need to try and rest up to get rid of this crappy cold. I hope you all have a fabulous Friday and a wonderful weekend ahead.
**Despite my post being lighthearted and fun, I know I cannot write today without acknowledging the unthinkable tragedy that took place in Broward County, Florida earlier this week. I truly wish I could properly articulate just how sad and angry it makes me to hear yet another incident like this. Something needs to CHANGE. My deepest thoughts and condolences go out to all of those affected. <3
I hear ya on the essential oils. Would love to know how to properly use them as well. I would like to know if they are harmful to cats or not. So many different opinions on this.
I am with you on the essential oils thing. We actually have two diffusers and a bunch of different oils that we diffuse, simply because we like the smell, but I would love to know more about what to use for what symptoms. But you are right – there are SO many articles out there about it that it gets really confusing! If you figure it out, let me know…
I don’t really think there’s a “right” way to use oils. I say go with what you like and feels right to you. I personally don’t believe in using oils to heal oneself, but adding a bit of peppermint to my temples or under my nose definitely makes me feel refreshed and alert. I, too, have heard things about diffusing oils and cats, so maybe look into that! And use the reimbursement for classes! You can experience new things and meet new people. You can also get a tracker for like, $100, that does the minimum things – heart rate, steps, etc. – Kaitlyn | http://www.poweredbysass.com
Hey Courtney! I have been reading your blog for a long time but don’t comment much. I just wanted to say I went back and read your “12 things I’ve learned about parenthood” post and loved it! My husband and I just had our first baby boy 3 weeks ago and as a new, tired Mom is was just what I needed to hear! Thanks so much for sharing that post again and always being so real and honest. This new Mommy thing is hard but SO worth it!
Regarding your question about what we would spend $300 on related to fitness: It really depends on your time restraints, whether you can motivate yourself to workout at home, etc. If you feel like you are always crunched for time, I would suggest using the $300 to purchase a year-long membership for an at home program like Beachbody On-Demand ($99). You could use the rest of the money to purchase free weights, bands, etc.
If you are the type of person that needs to get out to be motivated, I would suggest looking around to find classes you would enjoy. $300 may only last you about 3 months, but it is totally worth it if it is something you enjoy and makes you look forward to working out. I found that I was getting in a rut with doing workout videos at home and going to Planet Fitness. So I took a free intro class at our local Orangetheory gym and LOVED it. It energized me and I bit the bullet and paid the $90 for 8 classes a month. It’s pricey…..but your health and happiness is worth it!
I hope this helps!
Eye to eye on the extra toasty cheez-its! Cheez-its are my kryptonite, so they are rarely allowed into my house. Re: $300 on fitness, I say spend it on classes! I am so much more motivated going to a group fitness class with friends than I am going to my building’s gym w/just treadmills and free weights.
$300 fitness credit?? That’s AMAZING!
If I had $300 to spend I’d go with a personal trainer. I know you’re a PT too, but sometimes having new workouts or that extra motivation to go 100% is exactly what I need.
just read your post about the 12 things I’ve learned the first year of parenting and what really really resonated with me was when you said its almost scary to have a love for something that much. And I couldn’t agree more! My best friend does not have kids yet, and one time I was talking to her and trying to explain that love/feeling and I said…why do we even have kids?” and what I meant by that is because you love them sooo soo much that you also worry so much too, and if something were to ever happen to them, how would you even go on? So I was saying why have them and even put yourself in that position!? Which sounds crazy in itself and of course I love my kids and would have them again…its just a very weird feeling!
Just a note that whatever you do with the essential oils, don’t ingest them! Also, I know you have a kitty and I’m sure you’re careful but essential oils can be toxic to pets. Cats lack the liver enzyme glucuronyl tranferase which is important in the metabolism of essential oil, so it can be fatal if ingested.
I like diffusing lavender for relaxation but I don’t use oils for anything other than good ol’ aromatherapy.
I would totally use the $300 fitness credit for a year long subscription to BeachBody. I have a gym membership that is a waste because I can’t get there with two little ones.
Also, I am so grossed out by germs recently (I wasn’t even this bad when I was a teacher). Sadie just recovered from her 5th cold of the season, and it developed into pink eye :( I was so afraid that the baby was going to get it or me or my husband but somehow we survived. I did buy the Seventh Generation disinfectant spray and literally doused everything (toys, toy box, couch, pillows, high chair, you name it, I did it) It’s safe enough that you don’t have to wipe anything off, just leave it dry for 10 minutes. I now spray everything at least once a week. Preschool germs are the worst!!! Good luck!
I’m a doterra essential oils fan and I love The essential midwife fb page. TEM.
Awesome for kids recipes and mamas. For your allergies you should try a roller mixed of lavender, lemon and peppermint!
I am a doTerra wholesaler and it took me a good year to feel comfortable using essential oils. I am still very cautious using them and avoid certain ones for nursing and I do not use them on my 19 month old- any and all are not supposed to be used on children under 2. The Facebook group and website Using Essential Oils Safely is a great resource. You can’t trust someone from an MLM to tell you the right way to use them. Do not ingest them and be careful around your cat.
I use them mostly to make my own homemade cleaning supplies.
And we have totally been hermits this entire winter. I have skipped birthday parties and basically grilled anyone my kid will be around to make sure they aren’t sick 😂
Girl, I can’t help you with essential oils, but I can help you with your hair! I am a rep for Monat and one of the main ingredient in all of the products is a Rejuvenique oil that nourishes and energizes the scalp. It helps repair your hair and adds long lasting shine without the damaging side effects of silicone. If you want to know more send me a message and I can explain more!
I use my work re-imbursements for races. They get me motivated to train and I get swag for free since the race entry is re-imbursed :)
I’m a Young Living distributor and can help you if you have questions! Send me an email! I also recommend the book Essential Oils Pockect reference that is on Amazon for around $25 I think. It has so much information in it!
I would spend my $$ on yoga classes! I have been dying to get back into a yoga routine.
I know you are worried about the germs, but also think about these illnesses as your bodies building up immunities! Trying to put a positive spin on things for you:)
My employer gives us $250 a year. I usually get vitamins (hair and nails, one a day) I get some of my beachbody stuff with it as well. We can also use ours at the Healthy Living Market in Wilton Mall so I could go grocery shopping. You should check out your list if they offer one, ours had massage therapists on it!
Courtney ~ who did you buy your starter kit from? They should be helping/guiding you. And facebook groups are the best teacher. They have so many suggestions, recipes, ideas – that’s where our local group discusses EVERYTHING…and I mean everything!
I love essentials oils. I don’t get sick anymore like I used to. I am only familiar with the Doterra brand but I recommend finding facebook groups/youtube videos/instagram for Young Living. I like to roll the oils on my spine and bottoms of feet. Make sure you have immunity blend..that is my top oil.