I do want to stay germ free, yes, but I also want to continue to stay stress free! The previous week I had seen a lot of warning signs for too much stress. I felt depleted, I worried a lot, and my body had done too much physical work. NOT GOOD! This is what led me to write in DON’T MESS with STRESS post. And ya know what? After writing it, I decided I really needed to take my own advice. STRIVE more to stress less. Practice what you preach, right?
- Less Running, More Recovery Yoga- done! Ran only once, and did yoga 2x. Spent time leisurely walking trails with the pups.
- Don’t teach more than 2 classes – this was hard. teaching means extra $$ which causes less worry. But honestly, it was a nice break for teaching so much lately.
- Take care of little aches and pains NOW- I felt a little pull in my calf last week so I immediately applied the Kinesio Tape. Gosh this stuff is MAGICAL!
- Don’t rush my quiet times in the morning- I definitely enjoyed getting up a little earlier so that I could spend more time reading my bible and writing in my prayer journal. It helped set the tone for the day.
- Eat WHOLESOME, get in some extra nutrients, especially protein!- Extra protein scoops to my smoothies, extra eggs to my breakfast, and extra quality calories in general. Luckily GOTEIN graciously sent me a pack of their Vanilla protein samples, so it was even easier to take protein with me when needed. No stress there!
I even added a few servings to my Cookie Dough HEALTHY BITES to pump up their nutrients.
What is this GOTEIN? Here’s a little info from their site.
Gotein is a protein supplement specifically designed for individuals on the go. Whether you are an athlete with a hectic training regimen or someone with a busy day to day schedule, Gotein is a perfect protein supplement. Designed to mix in a standard 16.9 oz water bottle, Gotein is a portable source of protein for any individual. Simply add a stick of Gotein to a standard 16.9 oz bottle of water, shake and then enjoy. Gotein provides 17 grams of protein and is the only protein drink mix that offers 24 of the essential vitamins and minerals needed to fuel the body.
My thoughts? I actually really enjoyed it mixed in my oats, almond milk, and on the go shakes. It was creamy. A slight after taste due to the whey, but I think that’s true for most whey proteins.
Now, the week has ended and I’m feeling recharged and rebooted. The daily stress is still there but my body and mind are able to handle it better. So I am bookmarking this post as a reminder. Whenever I feel the weight of stress piling up, whenever I start to see those warning signs, I will come back and read what worked and take my own advice.
Life’s to short to mess with stress, right?
Wanna try some GOTEIN yourself? The lovely folks at GOTEIN are offering to send a sample pack to one reader.
You know the drill….
- Check out GOTEIN’s website and tell me what flavor looks good.
- Like them on Facebook
- And tell me how you STRIVE to STRESS LESS. Did you do it this week?
Cheers to a stress free and healthy weekend!
LC
Disclaimer: I was not reimbursed by GOTEIN to share my opinion. This review is solely based on my own thoughts and suggestions.
133 comments:
good morning lindsay! so glad it is friday too and unfortunately my stress hit a feverish pitch last night. so i went for a good walk this morning with pepsi, gonna drink lots of water today, and gonna hit a quick strength workout before work to hit this friday on a positive note.
so glad you are taking care of yourself!
What are these cookie dough bites? Where have I been?
Thanks for always staying so positive...you are my daily dose of 'keep it in check' inspiration. :)
I am trying so hard to slow down the stress!!! One of the things that helps me feel better is doing things for / giving things to other people. So lately I've been ordering nice wholesome gifts for some of the important people in my life.... for example I just bought some natural dog treats on etsy to send to my dog [who lives with my dad so that he wouldn't have to move from city to city to city with me & Max]. It's helping a little!
I got stressed out that my wedding dress was a little snug during my first fitting this week but then I realized that I have control over that. Instead of being stressed about it, I took control and got in an extra hour of exercise and passed on the ice cream. :)
I want to know more about the Kinesio tape-do you apply it yourself? I've heard good things and seen some videos about where to tape depending on what hurts. I'm intrigued!
I am LOVING this post. Such a good reminder that there are things we can do to reduce stress without feeling like we are just spiraling out of control or must give into the stress. Lately I have been trying progressive muscle relaxation techniques, deeper breathing, and changing my language from "can, should and must" to "hope to, will and can."
I am gonna go with vanilla flavor and I liked them on fb!
I was feeling this way a couple of weeks ago so I backed way off. Only ran twice that week and had some R&R! It was great. I think the best way for me to reduce stress is to breath and take it down a notch. Oh and healthy eating!
I'm learning to not take things so seriously. Just to relax and laugh. Last night I made your gf chocolate peanut butter cups for my triathlon teams training weekend...of course I tried one, amazing!!!
That chocolate gotein looks great!! Have a wonderful weekend!
woo hoo friday!! i've been making a list of the things swarming in my head that i need to do and crossing them off one by one! it's a start ;) I'm not on facebook... but I usually stick to vanilla or chocolate protein powder ;)
Hmm did I strive.. Well yes. My working out is my strive for stress free. Being home ALL day with my 5 children is a blessing but it can be trying. The constant calling for MOM or fighting etc and dealing with teens does take it's toll. I work out 5-6 days a week so it def helps keep me sane. :)
The best thing against stress is going to the beach. There, I forget about everything, as if I were on holidays.
Liked them on FB. (Florencia P.A.)
All flavors look good but I would choose "chocolate".
I'm pretty sure I did well in the stress-less category this week. I'm feeling pretty "light" and happy today - it could just be a good case of YAY IT'S FRIDAY, though. - I'm not sure. ;-)
Gotein - I'd want to try vanilla, seems the most versatile to me!
I love that you cared so well for yourself during the past days! :D And I especially love that you start your days with some time of contempplation and focusing on spiritual growth. This is so great! I don't read the Bible so much, but I do mindfulness meditation regularly, and I feel the best when I start a day with it. I believe that there's the same truth in all real spiritual paths, so it doesn't really matter which one you follow, as long as you're on the way. When you've find the way that is the right one for you and decide to follow it, it'll take you to where you want to get. :)
Sorry, I'm very tired at the moment, and this shows in crappy English. :D (Yesterday I wanted to write an email to my supervisor, and I fell asleep 4 (!) times while writing it, so this is the state I'm currently in ... Time for de-stressing! :D)
I woke up today with unwanted stress,and my neck just got stiffer and all I needed was to hear something like this!!
Silent/stress-free mornings are soo much required!!and so is physical rest/yoga.
I am glad you are doing good :)
Ooo their strawberry looks good!!
And I like them on FB! And I strive to stress less by praying :)
Vanilla looks good! I love chocolate, but I prefer vanilla flavoured stuff :)
SO happy for you! That you were able to release some stress by walking the pups and doing some lovely yoga! That tape looks soo cool!!
Have a great weekend!!
Mmmm, chocolate :) Keeping the stress down is all about simplifying for me - I stress when I'm overwhelmed so I either need to just start crossing things off the list or eliminating commitments. I don't mind having a lot going on but I have to be organized to tackle it all!
i'd prob do vanilla -- sounds good to me! To stress less (i'm a bit stressed right now -- day 25 of no-days-off!) I've been meditating. It's been helping a lot!
I'd probably choose the vanilla and then chocolate. I've always wanted to try kinesio tape! I heard nothing but good things about it! It would definitely help when I play volleyball b/c my shoulder is so messed up :-/, but thats what happens when you stop doing your shoulder rehab like you were instructed to do
I like to take an epsom salt bath at least once a week to unwind a little. I hadn't taken one for 2 weeks because of all our events, training, teaching group X, graduation, and everything else lol but I had one last night and I'm feeling sooooo refreshed :-)
I liked them on Facebook :-)
Yum! I LOVE chocolate protein powder. I've been digging the chocolate kind from muscle milk (light) since it doesn't have any lactose. Have you tried that one? What do you think of it? So I think I'd like the chocolate gotein. I also need to try your healthy bites! I am now a fan on FB ;-) Have a wonderful stress-free weekend!! I am vowing to do the same!
i liked them on facebook (=
I hope you're feeling better!!!! :D
Have an awesome weekend, Lindsay!
Jason and I are trying to hold on to our "vacation mode" feeling - he went back to work today (one day work week, now THAT'S stress less!) and I'm gearing up for normal next week. sometimes when I have a stressful and busy week and cannot adjust it, I will make plans for something fun to look forward to (and preferably something that is stress reducing!) so I can think about it and know "this too shall pass". my next week will be like this, so I need to make fun plans for the weekend...
I like Gotein!! I have n't had it in a while, but I do remember liking the flavors and the fun stick packaging humors this product junkie... :) which flavor? I ALWAYS think chocolate sounds good!
the vanilla or chocolate gotein sound perfect!
i volunteer atleast once a week because, in comparison to others, my stress is nothing
I've always been curious about that tape. I need some magic for my legs this week. Glad you scaled back on the classes this week. Probably needed that rest! I've not seen gotein anywhere. Very interested in it. I would have to go with vanilla to be honest. I am a plain and simple girl ;-)
Oh, strive to stress less...Um, really really need to work on this one. Definitely didn't happen this week. I do have vacation coming up and really hope to sort of re-start, re-focus myself after that.
The Vanilla GOtein looks good-- I try to not care about what people think if I can - which normally I can't because how people are behaving around me-or looking at me- affects me deeply
I want a cookie dough healthy bite - yum! I love your list of things you did to stress less. Yoga is a healer for sure. I've really been loving it. I checked out the website - I think the vanilla and chocolate sound great! I strive to stress less by having you a friend. :) I reap the benefit of your morning quiet times, too! Love you, friend. Happy Friday!
Lindsay,
I LOVE all the changes you're making, in fact I am going to write today or this coming weekend about why I'm cutting back on my mileage-many of the same reasons you are. I love having more time to walk with Nick and Mosely and also run with them because they don't do longer runs. So much more imp to spend quality time together!
It's so wonderful to see someone making such positive changes while they continually evaluate their life and health balance. You are inspiration! :)
Hope you have a wonderful weekend! :)
oh I nearly forgot to answer your Q: In addition to cutting back on running mileage I'm going to strive to get my runs/workouts in before breakfast and move all of my working time earlier and make it more productive so that I'm not writing and doing blog stuff at midnight! :P
Sounds like the stress-free goals are working...continue! I havent seen that kinesio tape...I need to get some to have on hand! The cookie dough bites look amazing! Happy Friday Linds and wknd!
Katie : )
sweet! those PB cups are freaking amazing. I agree!
Lindsay
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yes, I am right there with you. And it works great, thank goodness!
Lindsay
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actually, the hubs tapes it for me. He's mastered the wrapping skill! haha. But
you can do it yourself and yes, it works GREAT!!
Lindsay
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I have been wanting to try Gotein forever, but it is a little on the pricey side for me to buy it before I've tried it! I would be thrilled to try the vanilla kind, and I really like that it's gluten free!
To manage stress, I have been taking some vitamin supplements and doing my best to keep my diet healthy. I have also started reading books again, which is something I love doing but never had time for during the school year!
Also, because I can't seem to get this thing to log me in using blogger, I'll leave my blog URL just in case I win and you need to contact me! :) http://lifeatreflux.blogspot.com
Girl I am SO sorry that you have been so stressed. You are so smart to lower the running and up the yoga. Yay for taping. I like to get messages when I am super stressed and writing in a journal is the best!!! More protein wahoo!!!! Vanilla for me:) LOVE YOU!!!
Another great, inspiring post :-) I love chocolate so I would definitely go for that.
I took a huge break from everything yesterday and it was wonderful, today I am just going to relax and do some homework (even though I might be stressing a little about that!)
Happy Weekend!!!
vanilla all the way because I have been loving on vanilla oats in the morning!
so proud of you for stepping back and allowing yourself time to rest and breathe. It's so hard for me to pace myself sometimes and take time off, but it is always so beneficial for my physical and mental health in the end
I'm so glad you found what works for you. I hope you get to try GOTEIN and
thanks for leaving your site. I think you can just log in too and leave your URL
if thats easier. Cheers Ashley!
Lindsay
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I'd kind of like to try strawberry. I usually go for vanilla because it seems to have the highest amount of protein and lowest amount of calories and sugar, but the strawberry looks comparable.
I strive to stress less by getting in some exercise, going for a walk, or reading a book... or just crawling into bed for a few more minutes (or, as is usually the case with me, hours) of shut-eye.
Out of curiosity, do you apply the kinesio tape yourself or do you have someone who applies is for you? I have some, but even using the online tutorials and such can't seem to apply it quite right, but I'd like to be able to use it =\
I love waking up early to get some morning relaxation in! it fuels my day!
STRAWBERRY would be my flavor of choice of course! =)
I'm always striving to stress less... you know my drill -- bubble baths, wine, kombucha, "me time" while making time for the hubs and new/old friends annnnd lots of time with my furbabies =) haha
ok and some retail therapy works wonders. wooooonders. now I need a job to fuel the retail therapy though!
xoXOxoJenn @ Peas & Crayons
oh that sounds nice! enjoy those walks. I applied the kinesio tape once myself
and then usually the hubs does it the rest of the time. You should definitely
try it out or maybe grab someone to help you apply it. Its worth it!
Lindsay
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uh, ditto! I need a job that can provide me with Kombucha money and Retail
therapy! lets create one.
;)
Lindsay
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i hope that vacation involves some TX time. haha.
Lindsay
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oh well said. I love your giving heart. thats a perfect way to manage stress,
give to others!
Lindsay Cotter
Nutrition Manager & Fitness Consultant
lyndzut@sbcglobal.net
www.cottercrunch.com
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LOL! yes, it totally humors me too! I like the flavors. Actually really creamy.
Well, here's some maybe good news for you to hold on to. James might not be
doing the VINEMAN race in California come july. Instead, he's looking into a
race in Portland. And I would come!
Lindsay
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I do like the muscle milk lights. This taste just like it and its good on my
stomach. YEA! As for healthy bites, I am starting to ship them so you are
welcome to try them out ANYTIME. as long as you don't mind paying for shipping.
:)
Lindsay Cotter
Nutrition Manager & Fitness Consultant
lyndzut@sbcglobal.net
www.cottercrunch.com
________________________________
did you drink a kombucha while bathing? now thats relaxing! haha.
Lindsay
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K Tape is awesome! Has helped my hubs tons. Wow, I can really relate to this post... just feeling a little worn down. I'm looking forward to spending time with my hubby, sister, & dad this weekend... no schedule, just relaxing!
I think the Gotein looks awesome! I'm pretty much a vanilla girl when it comes to protein, so that's what I would pick.
me too. Praying does wonders. Hope your job and school are going well!
Lindsay
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oh no, not good. Enjoy some rest and maybe a massage to feel better.
Lindsay
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you really are super mom Nora! I am so glad that you are able to get out and
exercise. That "me time" is precious for you, I am sure.
Lindsay
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those all sounds great! I might steal a few. What are the progressive muscle
relaxation techniques?
Lindsay
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I agree! that does help. I bet your cute pup is so happy! wish you were able to
give them to him personally. Feeling better these days?
Lindsay
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You are doing a fabulous job of destressing in all capacitites! Your morning routine sounds like it is truly making an impact on the rest of your day.
I am a vanilla girl! I have seen Gotein popping up and would love to check it out!
from what I read in your posts, you conquered this week with stress less! I
am in awe. Awesome jess!
Lindsay
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Liked on facebook !
I destress best by going to bed EARLY to start fresh. And, walking my furbaby Cooper is always a relaxing activity! :)
jenny, I feel like we are on the same wave length of life. I love that. Great
encouragement for each other. Enjoy your walks this weekend!
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I would probably choose the vanilla.That way i can use it for anything!
well said friend. Its hard to keep that pace if we don't take time to regain
strength, ya know? Have a wonderful weekend Mariah
Lindsay
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I strive to stress less by taking at least 5 minutes a day to close my eyes and mediate. The deep breathing really calms me!
well you do the same for me. i really don't know how I functioned without you
before. :)
Lindsay
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I destress by taking my time in the morning. I work late in the day, so having a slow morning full of quiet time, workouts, and me time keeps me calm and ready to take on the day.
I liked them on facebook!
and the chocolate looks good!
oh my gosh Oh My Gosh OH MY GOSH I hope so!! let me know - I'll make sure the dates are FREE! WEEEEE!
I liked them on Facebook!
I think Vanilla would be my top choice!
I just love you and this post! You are awesome. I think chocolate would be my choice. :)
Great job this week trying to reduce stress in your life. I often try to eliminate some stress by writing down what I think HAS to be done that day, and then getting rid of the parts that aren't vital. It makes the day seem more manageable and make me less stressed! I haven't been great about it lately though, unfortunately lots of stress involved in the house building process at the moment.
I strive to be stress free by taking long walks with my pup after work. Cellphone and technology free. Just me and the pup. (and the cows, horses, sheep, and roosters that live on the farm road we walk. :)
I'd love to try the vanilla, most likely!
and I liked them on Fb.
To stress less this week I am going to meditate. I did one hour the other day and felt great! I need more of this in my life for sure.
Hi, Lindsay! I'm so glad I found your blog! I started to come down with something this week, so I'm feeling under the weather but hoping I can still fend it off. It's stressing me out because I have a BUSY weekend of activities in Texas with friends...and I want to be healthy/not be sick girl! So, to reduce the stress, I'm doing what I can--drinking lots of water, had a healthy breakfast, and I'm drinking a lot of tea and thinking happy thoughts. OH, and I need to have a quiet time--love that you wrote about yours here. :) Much love! XO
GAAH, want that kinesio tape!
and the vanilla looks faaabulous. what a smart idea... I'm always wishing I had protein on the go!
I liked gotein on FB, too. :)
I am striving to do things that make ME happy. I get too caught up in pleasing others, and I need to relax and give me some "me" time, too. :)
Woohoo for a giveaway!! :D I'd love to try the vanilla flavor
I strive to release stress less by going to the gym and releasing all the negative energy :D
Maybe I'm just boring, but plain old vanilla is always my favorite :)
I like Gotein on FB now too!
I strive to stress less by spending more time in bed. Haha! But really, it often takes me a long time to fall asleep, which then stresses me out and keeps me up even LONGER...so I plan on going to bed earlier than I actually need to, so I have plenty of time to fall asleep.
I've always wondered if that tape works! I have some, so I'll have to try it out if I start hurting. What type of injury do you use it for?
the flavor that looks best to me is the vanilla! It goes with everything.
I liked them on FB
My favorite way to destress is running or exercise in general, reading, and cooking or baking. Painting my nails and coloring in coloring books is another fun thing I like to do, it brings me back to my childhood!
oh my gosh, coloring books are great!! I love paint by numbers. haha. Oh and you
can use the kinesio tape for any little pain or injury. I had a calf strain.
Lindsay
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Ahh I borrowed my sisters computer but I DID get on your blog :) I just wanted to let you know I love your WIAW you are stunning and the pictures are beautiful! xo
Chocoooolate!! That one sounds delish. I have been trying reeaally hard to focus on not stressing. I stress too much about school, which makes it hard to study/focus and causes the spiral. Lately I have done more yoga, and talking to myself about RELAXING. I keep it in my head though, I don't need anymore weird looks than I already get. You totally rock that kinesio tape btw!
sounds like a good plan to me!
Lindsay
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awesome! a good sweat fest!
Lindsay
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yay for TX!! where are you visiting? I hope you get some time to relax and enjoy
some southern comfort.
Cheers!
Lindsay Cotter
Nutrition Manager & Fitness Consultant
lyndzut@sbcglobal.net
www.cottercrunch.com
________________________________
I am ALL about my morning quiet time so I definitely feel you on that. I will gladly wake up earlier so I don't have to feel rushed
(I won't enter your giveaway because I live in the UK, but I'm just commenting anyway! :P)
YAAY for less stress!! I've sometimes had to turn down music gigs just to give myself a break, but it definitely isn't easy on the money front! And you are so smart for dealing with pain as soon as it comes- I wish so badly I'd done that before!! But I will definitely get some of that tape! :)
And WHY don't I live in Texas! I want to buy your Healthy Bites so so bad!! They look so YUMMY!
Hope you have a great stress-free weekend!!
P.S. You have a prayer diary too?! I just started keeping one and I LOVE it!! I actually started it as part of your Focus Challenge! You inspire great things Lindsay! :)
Interesting! I only usually put protein in my smoothies and I definitely don't have smoothies daily. I like the oatmeal idea, I'm going to try that soon!
oh ya, try it and let me know whatcha think!
;)
Lindsay
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Best wishes for a stress-free weekend!
Love K tape!! Is it bad that I'm willing to make the trip to Austin JUST to have your bites?? They look so delicious................
1. Chocolate... Mmmm Mmmm good! Not too much of a strawberry gal, but hey, that could be fun to try!
2. I Love me some Gotein on facebook... and just a random thought: what did we do without facebook? Minorly depressing how much I enjoy that site.
I love that you are taking care of you. Love that. Plus, that tape is kind-of stylin. Like a tribal tat.
3. This week, like yourself, I actually took my dogs (two dachshunds... love them to death!) on a walk at one of our National Forest parks. We hiked around for an hour or so; I brought my camera to take pictures of the wildlife; it was a beautiful, sunny afternoon, and I just enjoyed the weather, the fresh air, and the glistening sweat on my forehead... Hello summer :)
LOL! I had a lot of people think it was a tat. too funny.
Lindsay
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girl, you know I am shipping them now. But I'd much rather you come down to
austin! please......
:)
Lindsay
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I didn't strive to stress less this week, but I'll do it next week! I really feel stress building up right now, and I think a good, conscious effort to keep it at bay will do the trick. A weekend always helps, too, right?!
I totally did not strive to stress less this week. I gave myself a crazy travel schedule from DC to CO to WA back to DC in only three days. But it's worth that stress to get back to my babies!
Vanilla for sure!
And I strive to LET GO AND BE SOCIAL everyone once in a while--I did this week (so far) & it's been a blast!!
Way to go de-stessing Lindsay! I just took two days off : ( but I needed the sleep. Tonight I signed up for a half Ironman 3 weeks away though for some motivation! It'll be my first like 4 days of living in Florida lol
Oh my goodness! I was *just* telling a friend the other day that I wished protein powder was sold in to-go stick form! Occasionally I carry it with me in a plastic bag so that I have an easy pick-me-up snack if needed. Grabbing a GOTEIN stick would be much easier (and less messy!) than packing my own. I'd like to try every flavor, but vanilla seems the most versatile. :-)
I'm so happy to hear you've been able to eliminate some of the stress from your life! It can surely be a challenge! Over the past week or two, I've been making a conscious effort to reflect on each day by journaling or praying (or both). It's amazing what clarity can be gleaned when we simply set aside a few moments to slow down.
Happy weekend!
oh I bet those babies missed you. Glad you could be home with them this weekend!
Lindsay
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Journaling really does wonders, right? Such a connection. I think God put that
on my heart for a reason. Stillness.
I hope you enjoy your weekend Sara. And yes, these protein stick freakin rock!
so convenient!
Lindsay
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How do you know to post this at the right time? Thank you.
i just had a feeling.
;)
Hope you got some R&R today friend.
Lindsay
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I am all about the chocolate! I liked them on FB and told them you sent me:) I tried to move toward stressing less by actually getting a lot done on my thesis this week so I could stress about it less;) Yay for finally stopping the procrastination!:) <3
I have a sample of the K tape. Thought about using it on my foot but I haven't tried it yet.
ya ya!! productivity! thats a good good thing. Get ahead while you can.
:)
Lindsay
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MMMM....Strawberry sounds great!!
I like them on FB.
When it comes to straight up protein shakes, I tend to gravitate more toward chocolate even though I'm not a HUGE chocolate person.
Liked GOTEIN on fb!
vanilla all the way!
getting enough sleep is a MUST in order for me to keep my stress levels under control!
Last week was pretty stressful for me (which tends to happen on the weeks that I work 4 10's at the hospital). To focus on stressing less I took one night off from blogging, went to bed every night before 10pm, and worked out only when I WANTED to instead of forcing myself into a how hum routine! I never want to FORCE myself to workout...I want to enjoy it!
smart woman Heather! but I already knew that. Hope this week is a littel
less stressful.
Lindsay
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I hope you are feeling much better today :)
So crazy because half of the people I know were sick last week too! I was like 'yikes! stay away'- haha! But I was covering my self with hand santizer..I should of just bathed in it- haha!
I NEED to order some healthy bites, planning to order them once we get back from the honeymoon- didn't want you to think I forgot!
shoot me an email once you get back from your honeymoon. I'd love to send you
some bites. But I know that is that the last thing on your mind right now.
hehe.
;)
Lindsay
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The vanilla flavor looks awesome!! :)
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