Five Habits Challenge

Could you use some motivation and accountability when it comes to taking care of yourself?  I sure could!  There are 5 basic personal habits that I'm wanting to be more consistent with at this stage of my life.  Nothing crazy or too idealistic- just some basic things that make me feel better and more prepared to take on whatever comes each day...

Anyone is welcome to join me in this challenge.  The more the merrier!  I'll post the tracker and you can download it and print for free.  If you'd like to be part of the private facebook group I'll be creating for this challenge and be eligible to win the prize (your choice of Posh products worth the total sum of donations I receive minus tax and shipping) please donate $5 by clicking on the paypal link here:

 If you live near me and want to use cash or would like to mail a check that's fine too.  We can all support and encourage each other through the group!  I'm really looking forward to it!  Here are some of the details:

And here's the tracker for the first challenge starting May 19th.  Who's in??

Are You Drinking Enough Water?

Nobody needs to tell you that getting enough water is essential to your health. Or that it's vital to flushing out toxins and helping all your organs (including your skin!) work properly.  We've heard it over and over and we all know it's true.  Whenever I feel "off" the first things I've learned to ask myself are these questions:

1.  How much water have I been drinking lately?

2.  How healthy have I been eating?

3.  How much exercise have I done?

4.  How much rest have I been getting?

5.  How are my stress levels?

I seem to start with water because that's the easiest thing to fix!  Well, theoretically right?  We have easy access to clean drinking water all day long so what's holding us back from downing more of it??  In my case (and I suspect I'm not in the minority here) it's the R word.

 

Remembering.  

I can't hold myself up as an example of a perfect water drinker, but I am going to share a few things I sometimes do to make it easier on myself to remember.  It will still take effort, but like meal planning, it's always helpful to do the thinking before dinnertime (or bedtime- in the case of realizing you didn't drink enough water that day!)

One idea is putting all the water you want to drink for the day in the fridge.  That way you can visually see how much is left to drink and you don't have to look for a clean container and then fill it up each time.  I find myself drinking out of mason jars because I always have plenty around and I love that I can put lids on them.  I just drink right out of the jar and when it's empty I rinse it out and let it dry for the next day.  Fill them all up again at night or first thing in the morning and put them back in your spot in the fridge.  You'll have to train your family not to touch.  They can get their own water.  These ones are off limits ;)  I like to drink 12 cups a day (3 quarts) especially during the summer.  But if I only get through 2 of these (8 cups) I still feel good about that and count it as a success.

Another thing that I use when I'm REALLY having a tough time remembering is a water drinking app.  I have this one and really like it.  You can set how many reminders you want and at what times of the day... you can even take a picture of the different containers you drink out of and click on the one you want to log.  It's easy.  But you have to have your phone with you to get the reminders.  Logging each drink can be a bit of a pain (although it's only one click) but if you want to accurately keep track of how much you're drinking there's no better way!

So what do you do to make sure you get enough water?  Any other tips and tricks to share?

Rest and Hydration Facial

This nightly routine has been making my face feel fabulous so I thought I'd share it.  This investment in yourself is a fantastic price for such high quality ingredients, especially when bought together in a bundle to take advantage of the Buy5 Get1 Free deal.  The amount needed is so small and effective that these products will last a good long time.

Step 1: BFF Exfoliating Face Wash- Use a very small amount (1/2 pea-size) with plenty of warm water and lightly scrub face avoiding eye area.  Rinse and pat dry.  Alternatively, Complexion Perfection could be used instead.  It is also a peppermint exfoliating face wash- though slightly less exfoliating.

Step 2: Rain Mask- Smooth a thin layer over face and neck.  Leave on for up to an hour then rinse and pat dry.  (Rain mask is gentle enough to use daily- I currently use it about twice a week).  Another moisturizing mask that could be used here is The Saint.  It is avocado and honey based.

Step 3: Sweet Young Thing- Use just 2 or 3 drops and rub into bare clean skin, focusing on wrinkle prone areas like forehead and around the eyes and mouth.

Step 4: Sleepy Stick (or Healer Stick)- Swiping a layer of shea butter directly underneath my eyes and on my lips is SO comforting and nourishing any time of day but especially at night.  The sleepy stick contains lavender oil and the healer contains orange oil.  I love using the lavender scent at bedtime.  I keep it on the nightstand next to my bed just in case I want more :)

Step 5: Night and Day Moisturizer- A pea-size amount of this intoxicating lavender heaven is enough for my whole face.  The scent is strong at first (breathe deeply and enjoy!) then dissipates as it's absorbed.

Step 6: Sweet Dreams Night Creme- Ideal for maturing skin, this luxurious creme is wonderful to put on my cheek and neck areas for an extra boost of hydration.  Like the others, a little goes a long way and the subtle pressed petal scent is a lovely one to go to bed with.  It compliments the lavender so nicely.

Step 7: Rest up and let the magic do it's thing while you look forward to the incredible youthful-feeling face you'll most certainly have in the morning.