Can you believe that we are already in the second half of October?! I feel like every year feels that way, but like everything else in 2020, this year that feeling is just amplified. I have been so overwhelmed with a bunch of things going on and I haven’t been posting like I was, but I couldn’t let this week pass without sharing some of the things that are helping me get through this crazy time in life.
Xtend Barre… Let me explain the reasons why this is the top of my list:
a) for as long as I can remember I have wanted to be a ballerina. I was not graced with any gifts that led me to being a ballerina, but for 30 minutes a day, Xtend Barre lets me pretend;
b) Did I mention its only 30 minutes? I have been able to fit it into almost every day for the past 3 weeks…. And you kind of feel like you are spending 30 minutes with Kristen Bell - seriously, Andrea Rodgers is Kristen Bell’s exercise twin.
c) It doesn’t make me feel like I am going to die and yet my muscles are always sore the next day. Pretty much every workout ever has made me feel like I was going to die. I love Pure Barre, but there is always a time in each class where I think I might die. So far, I have enjoyed not really experiencing that. But I also haven’t done a cardio class, so stay tuned….
2. Williams-Sonoma Spiced Chestnut soap collection - It smells like pure holiday happiness. I got a little set with their countertop spray to see if I liked it and I LOVE it. I almost enjoy wiping down the counters now. They have hand soaps, lotion, dish soap, candles, counter spray…and I promise, you need some.
3. Spotify’s “Soul Coffee” playlist - This playlist has been really on target with the fall vibes I am looking for while I am working. Its not too slow but not too upbeat either.
4. Needlepoint - I decided on a whim, probably influenced by Carly, who I have been following for almost a decade now (how am I that old?), to start doing needlepoint. I quickly discovered this is not a cheap hobby. I started searching for a project under $20 and found these adorable eyeglasses case kits on Amazon. I am wrapping up this blue cheetah print one, but this orange blossom one might be next up. But I also have this sunflower one waiting for me too. If you think you might be a Grandmillennial too, I highly recommend giving it a try.
5. And finally - Holiday cards. This was one of my favorite things about becoming a “real adult.” As soon as Daniel and I were engaged, I started doing an annual holiday card. This year, I quickly realized we had basically no pictures because #quarantine and we didn’t really want to take new ones…. so I am using a few from our engagement pictures, because do we really look that different? No. We do not. haha… Anyway, I have two custom card sites that I use and both are running promo’s right now: Simply to Impress (35% off right now) and Basic Invite (30% off right now). I love that both of them create an “address book” for you so every year its easy to get those addresses together.