Warning! Period post!

Good morning readers!

This post is about periods, again, because let's be honest, my period is something that should be discussed because not everyone has "normal" periods and mine are far from it....until now!

I got a lovely surprise Thursday morning without knowing it. My period tracker in my phone said I wouldn't get my period until November so I didn't think that it was going to happen...until it did.

I had no warning signs, which are typically food related or cramps. So before my period I often want cheese, chocolate, and baked goods. This time around not so much. I did devour a gluten free brownie but that's normal, I love them. So when I woke up with it, I was shocked! I had no cramps and no bloating. I felt a little chubby but felt like I was just having one of those days. Well turns out, my body didn't cramp this period, AT ALL. I'm on day four and I haven't had an episode with my endo. I cannot believe I am even writing these words. In 21 years of having my period, I have suffered from cramps due to my illness. I have never had a completely cramp free month, until now. I don't know why or how or what on Earth made it this way but it is this way. I brought my meds just in case and even toyed with having my doctor call in a Rx to CT but I didn't need it.

I'm sitting here thinking "it has to happen" because I expect to it happen. But it hasn't. I am so grateful to have a hassle free period this month.

I'm so grateful for this particular period and crossing my fingers that this can be the new normal.

Thanks for reading!

New Hair Product Alert!

Greetings faithful and loyal readers,

I have started using a new shampoo and conditioner at the suggestion of my hair stylist (Anny VanDriel--she's BOMB! check her out). I've been using their product, Milk for over a year and love it. But now they have a shampoo and conditioner. It's called NUDE and I absolutely love it. I've bene using it a week and my hair feels amazing. So I was curious if they were gluten free and turns out THEY ARE! They have a pretty incredible story: http://www.gmreverie.com/about/


Here are the products I use:

Milk, NUDE: Shampoo and Conditioner: http://www.gmreverie.com/shop/

They are pricey but they are worth it for the amazing outcome and quality ingredients in the product :)

Check it out :)

The magic of dry brushing!

                              

         This photo was taken March 26, 2016.

        

This photo was taken within the last 6 months before I started dry brushing or right when I started.

I really wish I had a before photo of my stretch marks but you can hardly see them here! I spend maybe five minutes before my shower and lotion up. But I'm not really, at this moment, doing anything else. As I've said, barre and eating habits are suffering but this is proof that dry brushing works!

* the only thing altered in these photos is the case of my phone which doubles for a wallet :D

Staying active

This weekend was very busy in terms of physical activity. We did a lot in terms of walking, barre, one of us did a crossfit workout while the other rode a stationary bike (that was me) and we walked to and from the house we are checking in on. It's been awesome to be moving so much. On the weekends, I rarely get to my goals on fitbit but this weekend I made them all! I made some conscious choices and got off my butt. I know people who make a point to move extra on the weekends but to me, weekends are made for "slothing." But not anymore. I need to make a conscious effort to be the best possible me I can be.

I find that if I spend time watching tv or just laying around, I don't want to do anything else. Because I'm in school now, my time is even more precious. I must make time for all things I want to do including being physically active. I know too many people who let that go while they are engaged in PhD work. There has to be balance so I can stay me.

For me, active life isn't about working out excessively, it's about moving around and making sure my body isn't stationary for too many days.

This body is the only one I have so why not take care of it? If I don't pay attention to the cravings for movement, food, water, leaning, etc, I'll fall apart. So everyday make a choice to take care of this one vessel you've been given. Try new things and surprise yourself!