Challenge :: September

I've decided on a challenge for this September. I'm going to take on the 30 Day Yoga Challenge with Erin Motz and DoYouYoga. Here’s four reasons why:

I’ve started this challenge before, but never finished it.

I would like to start working on a daily fitness routine.

Yoga is a gentle way to get moving and connected every day.

Erin Motz is an amazing yoga instructor, even when separated by a screen.

If you'd like to join me or just try the challenge for yourself, the sign-up page can be found here! I'll be posting weekly blog updates on my progress to keep myself accountable. Let's do this!

Seeking :: Suggestions from Ladies

Ladies, I'll be honest with you. Every month, my cramps are awful. When regulated with hormonal birth control I can avoid going to the ER, but they still hurt. For some reason, this month I have been incapacitated for two days instead of the usual one. I get awful heartburn from ibuprofen, advil, and some types of Midol.

Currently, I use heat and essential oils to ease my cramps. My go-to options are ThermaCare heat wraps for my lower back (and even with the coupons, these are quite expensive) and Lunaroma Menstrual Cramp Relief Aroma.

Do you have a holy-grail product that you use during that time of the month? I'm looking for suggestions for new products to try. I need to mix things up a bit, and try something new. Let me know in the comments if you have any suggestions!

Lists :: September Project

I consider fall to be my springtime - a fresh start and a chance for new beginnings. I'm trying to decide on which 30 day project to kick off fall with. I already have a few daily personal challenges I will be locking down on, but I would like to complete a structured 30 day challenge as well. Some options I have been mulling over include:

1. Blogilates Beginner Calendar
2. One Month Spending Freeze
3. The 30 Day Minimalism Game
4. 30-Day Yoga Challenge with Erin Motz
5. 30 Day Meditation Challenge

I'll decide on a project for September by this Sunday!

Sale :: DeploymentProblems

One of my absolute favorite online shops is having a Spring Cleaning Super Sale tonight at 5pm CST. If you haven't already heard of DeploymentProblems, you should check her out on Instagram (@deploymentprbs) and Twitter (@DeploymentPrbs) while her website is down to prep for the sale launch.

Moo is a firecracker and I adore her!

I have a few personal favorites from Deployment Problems - a camo bow to match my boyfriend's favorite hunting gear, a Patriots glitter hair bow to rally in the fall, and an adorable stars-and-stripes knit infinity scarf. Her products are an amazing quality for such a great price, and I can't stop coming back for more!

If you love: strong coffee, plenty of glitter, cute scarves, supporting our troops

Go to: DeploymentProblems at 5pm CST!!

Trend :: Coconut Water

Coconut water has been on my radar for a while, but I've been holding off because the memory of The Great Juice Cleanse Disaster of 2013 is still fresh in my mind.

If you like coconut water, read no further.

I bought a box of Vita Coco's Pure Coconut Water at my local grocery store. It was vile.

but it looks so damn good with an Instagram filter

I chilled it, but it still somehow tasted like warm saliva. I couldn't even look at it after forcing myself through a quarter of the box - I buried it in the dark depths of my fridge, waiting to find a suitable cocktail recipe that might be it's saving grace.

Lists :: Things I am desperately in need of

1. a mani-pedi

2. a hot stone massage

3. a hair cut, color, and blowout

4. an eyebrow wax

Since working at a hair salon, I have been a very loyal customer to a few local businesses. When I am able to afford to pamper myself, I go to a certain shop to see a certain person. But lately, I've been itching to try something new. Maybe it's the limited availability of my old favorites with the holidays fast approaching, or maybe I just need to step outside my comfort zone. Either way, any suggestions for local VT businesses that offer great services within my post-grad budget would be greatly appreciated!

Lists :: Fall Activities

Because it is finally officially fall (my autumn starts strictly on September 1st, by the way…), I thought I would drum up a list of 30 things I would like to do this season and celebrate the end of my 30 day blogging challenge. To those who may find this list stereotypical, this list is not for you.

1. hike the long trail to Camel's Hump
2. hike Mount Mansfield before the heavy snow starts
3. visit Ethan Allen's homestead
4. visit Shelburne Museum 
5. go to the Saint Albans Raid
6. go to the Food & Wine Fest and Shelburne Orchards
7. get all my holiday shopping done before December 1st
8. move into a new apartment
9. try a wine tasting at a new vineyard
10. try a flight at a new brewery
11. gain 5lbs
12. gain 10lbs
13. gain 15lbs
14. go late-season berry picking
15. go apple picking
16. go pumpkin picking
17. carve a pumpkin
18. learn how to bake an apple pie from Chris' mom
19. learn how to cook another dinner dish that isn't spaghetti
20. dress up for Halloween
21. save $1000
22. get snow tires before mid-October
23. get my bangs cut?
24. build a leaf pile for Lulu to jump in
25. drive through the White Mountain National Park
26. get a massage
27. drink more water
28. get cider drunk
29. eat more fall treats than I should
30. buy a new burgundy sweater