Rachel was so extremely kind and brave to host all of you yahoos today. Head over to her place at Efficient Mama to link up your #5Faves. And, don’t worry. I will be watching in the wings. I never miss ya posts, dahlin’s. I’m a sucker for #5Faves.
And, while you’re at it, subscribe to her blog. She’s always posting really helpful stuff like her Nourishing Chicken Broth Recipe, Natural Ways to Speed Up Colds, and a whole slew of helpful tips in her top 10 of 2014.
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Disclosure: I have received free Netflix streaming and a streaming device as part of my membership on the Netflix Stream Team. All opinions expressed within this post are my own.
It’s not that I don’t like food and healthcare. Those are some pretty great things, I suppose. It’s just that I am over the Supersize Me and Sicko spin-offs and looking for documentaries that are about anything other than that at all. Do you feel me?
So, these are five documentaries that I’ve recently watched, enjoyed and wanted to share because I love you, and I care about your brain. AND, they are all streaming on Netflix right this very instant.
Inside the US Secret Service
Coolest Thing Learned: The president always travels with his own personal blood supply.
Jig
Best Line: “It was like walking into a Shirley Temple convention.”
Mystery of a Masterpiece
Not Really Spoiler: This didn’t end how I wanted it to. It was still fascinating.
The Fruit Hunters
Ok, this sounds like it is about food, but it’s better than that.
Best Part: Watching Bill Pullman geek out over ripe fruit.
Inside: Lego
I’m not even really a Lego person. I’m more into, like, not Legos. But I found this to be so gripping. Not gripping, but “interesting” sounds lame. It was good.
Load me up with your fave doc recs. I’m a big fat sucker for them.
Loading InLinkz ...Anna is here again, and this time it’s a double whammy. A #5Faves and an announcement. Bet you can’t guess what it is. I bettttt…
Oh, a new little baby.
A new immortal soul, a new little light in the world, shining without being seen. The only tangible proof that there’s a baby even there was a line on the pregnancy test, my uncharacteristically intense craving for Pepsi, and a bloat that could propel me to India if you put a propeller on my bum. Like a happy and nauseous dirigible.
These pregnancies are starting to feel like the academic years. Nine months on, three months summer, nine months on again–at least this time around. I’ve found myself looking at this long stretch of time sort of like I did back at the start of a new school year, all psyched to start fresh, do my homework before I was tired dead shell of a human, wear a cute outfit every day, an excel in everything. About a week in, I’d usually lose a lot of morale and settle on wearing a hoodie every day and doing my homework during Oprah commercials.
But now, I’m hoping to start off the pregnancy right. My last one I gained more weight than I should have, ate way too much ramen (I was pregnant with a boy, after all, and he might as well have been a college guy as he came out the size of a line-backer), and was a cranky and tired mess. Perhaps that’s just pregnancy, but I’m going to try a five new things:
© rohappy / Dollar Photo Club
I will strive to only do things I consider beautiful or useful. Like the way people manage the clutter in their house, they strive to only keep possessions they consider beautiful or useful. I’m hoping to do the same in my daily life—not using pregnancy as an excuse to binge watch Sister Wives, but perhaps to pray, read, sleep, or talk to a real human when I have a chance to decompress. And when I’m with my kids, not sit idly on my iphone while I supervise them, but talk to them, engage with them, or at least LOOK at them while I work on something else. This does not mean constantly being productive—this only means to do things that will really help me with my short term goals of that moment—help me truly rest, help me work, help me grow in grace, even when I’m uncomfortable.
I’ll only put in my body what is beautiful and useful. Is chocolate beautiful and useful? You’ll bet your sweet a** it is. But I’ll try and stick with only a few pieces, not enough to make me grow a third thigh in addition to a human. I’ll only eat the frivolous stuff to the extent it is useful—in giving me a small treat, a lift, but not a sugar or caffeine high. And just because I may not be in the exact mood for a salad or a sweet potato, doesn’t mean I shouldn’t just suck it up and eat it to nourish myself the right way. I’m hoping this will physically make me feel better overall through the pregnancy. My future child has a whole lifetime to eat a massive bag of Doritos in one sitting—let’s give him/her a chance to start AFTER he/she emerges from the womb.
Reflect OFTEN on how this is a fleeting season. Looking at my first two, my pregnancies with them seem like such a side note. They felt awful during, but look at what we received: beautiful, unique humans who will grow, eventually sleep through the night, eventually won’t poop their pants, eventually won’t need ME at all. This will pass. And it will faster than I realize. I will not be the size of a parade float forever.
I’ll ask for and take help easily. I am pregnant with my third baby. My first two are still very young and needy. I will be very needy. This means there will be days when I will look like the hind leg of a mountain goat and be about as friendly as one if there was an annoying chipmunk behind it. Therefore, I’m going to push my pride aside and accept the help of people around me who offer it, and try to recognize days when I genuinely need to ask for it, and accept it BEFORE the point of desperation.
I’ll forgive myself (and others) easily. I won’t hit all my goals every day. I’m knocked up. It’s okay. Also, those around me won’t be able to read my mind. I’ll probably be an irritable grump that may be an irritable grump to those around me. But instead of being a crotchety pregnant lady, asking for grace in the times where I want to be mad at someone close to me.
Hopefully my resolution will last more than a week before I dive off the deep end into a kiddie pool of ramen noodles and the last 40 seasons of Gilmore Girls, but I’d appreciate your prayers as I grow this next kiddo.
Anyone have any words of wisdom on raising three? Something beautiful to tell Anna?
Loading InLinkz ...You’ve got to be kidding me, Jenna.
Hear me out.
I hate going to the dentist, but I do it because I like my teeth in my mouth, and I also like it when people are willing to talk to me face to face without grimacing. But, I only go two times a year because I am not a glutton for punishment. So, what do I do in the in-between times? I learned this method from a dental hygienist friend, and I swear by it.
© lotus_studio / Dollar Photo Club
Floss First: I think everyone knows you’re supposed to floss everyday, and like, three people do it. Whatever. I’m not a dentist. I don’t judge (stupid, judgy dentists…I kid). But, start by flossing to loosen everything up (yum!); it makes brushing everything out easier. And, if you have hardware in your mouth – I have a built in retainer – junior high forever! – try Superfloss. It has a nice threader on it to get those hard to reach places.
Mouthwash Second: After flossing, you’re going to want to rinse out all of that gunk. What better way than to use mouthwash in lieu of water? I like Listerine Total Care Zero because I’m a big baby.
Brush Third: I use an Oral-B Complete Action Power Toothbrush. That’s a…mouthful. ha. Right. And, don’t forget to scrub the roof of your mouth and your tongue. While you’re at it, run your toothbrush over your lips to exfoliate them. This will make them nice and smooth for applying lipstick.
Tongue Scraper: This is so gross, so I’m not even going to talk about it. But, just buy one. Scrape your tongue regularly.
Drink Water: I’m a terrible water drinker, so I had to come up with some tricks to force it down my throat. If you’re like me, check out my Dehydrated Girl’s Guide to Water. Having a hydrated mouth keeps the bacteria at bay, obvs.
Any tips I need to sink my teeth into?
Loading InLinkz ...Usually before I shop elsewhere, I check Etsy because – indie artists and PayPal. Things I love. Here are my #5Faves purchases as of late. Shameless promotion: check out my shop. New Valentine’s Day necklace up!
Dia de los Muertos Rosary: Allison designed this piece for me so that I could pray for souls in purgatory and the unborn. And because I love DdlM. In case you didn’t know me.
Plush Crown: Sam is forever nabbing all of Ellen’s tiaras and snapping them in two like, “I mean, it’s just plastic, it’s really just… A piece for Gretchen Wieners, a partial Spring Fling Queen…” So, anyway, we bought him his own plush crown, and um, it’s adorable.
Lion Pouch: I originally bought this to put some prayer books in until I realized I measured wrong. Measure once, buy twice. So, since I still love it, I am using it to organize some embroidery stuff. I feel like royalty.
Hair Clips: These were stocking stuffers for my girl who loves “hair pretties.” She is also a sucker for Peppa Pig. Perf.
Dapper Fox Tie: When I saw this tie I thought 1. my brother must have this and 2. that fox is so dapper. Turns out it’s called the Dapper Fox Necktie. So fitting. It really…suits…it. ha.
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Looking to make Lent a little more meaningful or even just easier? Both of those adjectives would certainly help you prepare and focus, yes? Yes. Here are my favorite Lent resources. I hope it is a pious one for ya.
40 Simple Lenten Activities for Kids: This is the first year that Ellen really understands the liturgical year. I tried some of this stuff before, and while I am sure it was beneficial in some way, I think this year she will actually be able to put two and two together.
Walk with Jesus Through Lent Ornaments: I’ve had my eye on these bad boys for a few years now. I love having a tangible thing the kids can do each day during seasons of preparation. And, I really want something reusable like our Advent calendar. Maybe I will bite the bullet and grab these this year?
Easy Meatless Meals: Certainly you will be attending a fish fry or two, but don’t forget there are some insanely easy and filling meatless meals you can make right at home. My favorite? The bean burritos.
Picking Your Sacrifice: This guide is more specific to Friday abstinence, but I think all of the ideas are very appropriate for your Lenten sacrifice. Find a new idea that will help you grow this year.
Blessed is She Lent Journal: I used the Advent journal last year, and it was the most fruitful Advent I have ever had. No joke. I cannot wait to start using this on February 18; I really love having something concrete I can go to each day to keep my grounded. You can preorder the journal right now. Hot Tip: the Advent journal sold out last year!
For more Lent resources, check here. Some links may be affiliate.
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Loading InLinkz ...I’ve never been hugely pregnant in the winter before, so maybe that’s it, but this winter has been a rough one. I feel like the days are actually shorter than they have ever been and the sun is shining less than it ever has. Drama.
That being so, I’ve never really thought to find ways to “beat the winter blues,” but this year I’m trying it all. Here are my #5Faves:
Get out of the house no matter how long it takes. With two kids and coatsbootsgloveshatsscarves, it feels insurmountable. But if I just tell myself it’s going to take a while and plan to go somewhere that won’t exhaust me too much, it’s so worth it. I don’t feel as bad when I come home and plop them in front of the TV while I recover. Often we run to the gym for…exercise. You knew that. That’s good for you too.
Buy a therapy light and take your vitamin D. I have it on good authority that these things work. I don’t want to brag or anything, but a couple of doctors told me these things really make a difference. Yeah, I know doctors.
Get dressed and make the bed each day. It is soooo easy to sit around in my jams, but by the time 2pm rolls around, I always regret it. I just feel more productive and stuff like dat when I do these things.
Use essential oils and elderberry syrup so you don’t get sick on top of being stuck in your cabin with that fever. I like OnGuard by Doterra, and you can make your own syrup if ya like. Google it. For more info on essential oils, check out my guide.
Embrace winter. Accept winter. It’s not like hating it will make it go away faster. Just come to terms with the idea that the days are shorter (but gradually getting longer!), and the kids are going to get stir-crazy, and it’s cold, and and and. It’s just the way it is. Make a paper chain or something and count down the days. The kids might like that, right?
What are your hot tips for beating the cold?
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Loading InLinkz ...One time, my friend’s mom told me to squeeze my butt cheeks together before pulling on my pants, and then my underwear wouldn’t give me a wedgie after suiting up. I’ve been a sucker for hot tips ever since. Here are my #5Fave makeup tips. Not butt tips. Sorry.
Stick Your Finger in Your Mouth: After applying lipstick, stick your finger in your mouth and purse your lips. While pursing, pull out your finger. All that lipstick could have been on your teeth. You’re welcome.
Hold Your Makeup Remover Cloth on Your Eyes: Do this for 10 secs before removing your eye makeup. It loosens up the mascara and eyeliner and makes it a breeze to wipe away after that.
Never Put Concealer on Your Eyelids: It just ends up creasing and looking oily. And, if you put eye shadow on top of it, that gets all creasy too.
Hot Pink Blush: No idea what color blush to use? Try a hot pink. It is flattering to almost every skin tone. Just don’t go crazy brushing it on like tribal stripes, Cindy.
Green Makeup: If hot pink isn’t enough, buy a tube of green makeup (I like Physician’s Formula) for blemishes. Just dab some over any red spots or areas, and then conceal as usual. It really hides the redness. I would know.
Loading InLinkz ...Lots of Qs in my inbox about using oils, so here are some of my favorite tips for getting your crunch on. As you’ll read, I use Doterra, but these tips work for the oils closest to your heart. If you’re looking for more info, check out what I’ve written about oils, browse my easy getting started guide, or check out one of my favorite sites for looking up info.
Diffuser Necklace: A diffuser necklace is an easy way to keep your favorite oils close all day. I use one from that link I loved you with. Just a couple of drops of Balance and Serenity inside, and I have them calming me throughout the day.
Makeup Removal: Use fractionated coconut oil (FCO) for makeup removal. If you are out of Kirkland makeup remover cloths (my true fave) or just looking for a more chemical-free option, use FCO on a cotton ball to take off your makeup. Seriously works like a freaking charm.
Diffuse TriEase: During allergy season, I put equal drops of peppermint, lavender and lemon in my diffuser to take the edge off itchy eyes and sneezing. You can also make a roller bottle
of this to travel with. Just apply it to your hands, rub together and inhale.
Roller Bottles: I make up roller bottles topped off with FCO for a few reasons. First, it makes putting them on the kids easier. I don’t have to dilute with FCO before putting oils on them; they are already ready to go. I also like to put smellier oils in bottles; I don’t like those on my hands all day, so I roll them on. Finally, I can travel with oils more easily when I mix some in a roller bottle. I always carry a 1:1 drop ratio + FCO bottle of Balance and Serenity in my purse for panic attacks.
Beat Winter Sick: Combine regular use of OnGuard with a dose of elderberry syrup. Separately. We do this everyday, and so far so good. Jinx, be gone with you.
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Loading InLinkz ...I think Kelly said it best the other day:
I get serious anxiety when there is too much clutter in my life. So, you can imagine my Christmas joy when I am trying to cram a buncha new toys and lovelies into our home. You know I was at the store the other day buying storage bins to organize the new stuff. Oh and making a nice ol’ Goodwill pile.
But, I think this year more than ever, my family got me. They know that I love useful and clutter-free gifts. Here are my #5Faves:
Young Living Oils: Mike bought me Peace & Calming and Stress Away. He loves buying me gifts that ease my anxious mind. And, although I am mostly a Doterra girl, I wanted to try some YL oils after Carolyn sent me a literal bottle of Joy.
Stock Pot: Gone are the days I have to put four small pots on all of my burners in order to make a large batch of soup to eat and freeze. I graduated into new domestic territories.
Date Nights: Both sets of our parents bought us gift cards for fancy restaurants and included babysitting to sweeten the deal. A night out with just Mike is always what I want.
Calming Video: I won’t post it here because it’s long and mushy, but Mike recorded a video of himself talking me down from a panic attack. Can you tell my anxiety has been bad this pregnancy? Anyway, his reasoning was so that I could always have his voice in my pocket during times when he is not around to help me.
Kindle Freetime: My brother works for Amazon and scored one of these for the kids. Now I don’t have to let them touch (and mess up, delete, rearrange, lock out, sneeze on, grub up…) my iPad. It’s a total kid tablet, and I can download whatever I want them to use and put a time limit on their usage. It also comes with a sweet – and already proving useful – case to keep it from the inevitable.
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