Holiday survival tips to keep the scale in check

Posted on November 24, 2013 by Jessica Aycock

There’s only one thing that can put me in a serious Bah Humbug mood during the holidays. No, it’s not long lines, busy malls, cats eating my wrapping paper or climbing the Christmas tree.

It’s these 6 little words uttered at almost every.single.holiday.meal:

“Oh, go ahead. It’s the holidays!”

Call me a Grinch, but the holiday season is not a free pass to eat anything you want, in any amount you want, and then act surprised when the number on the scale has gone up come January 1.

the holiday season is not a free pass to eat anything you want, in any amount you want

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I don’t care if it’s the only time of the year when Aunt Betsy makes her “famous” triple chocolate fudge brownies with a bourbon glaze. Ok – even *I* would probably indulge in a bite (as long as it’s gluten-free), but the point is that you can have ONE bite and be satisfied. You don’t have to turn into a food hoarder and use your utensils as weapons.

you can have ONE bite and be satisfied. You don’t have to turn into a food hoarder

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holiday survival tip 1

Stop.this.right.now. I see this a LOT over the holidays – especially Halloween. And yes, I’ve even fallen into the trap before. But NO. NO. NO. Just because it’s there does NOT mean you need to eat it. You are NOT a human garbage disposal. Stop acting like one.

Hey, I get that you don’t want to waste food. I’m sure there’s a homeless person downtown who would be happy to take the leftovers. If you live on a military base, try dropping off a plate (or two, or three, or four) of food to the poor souls guarding the gate. (I have no idea if this is legal or not – I just know we used to do it. Please don’t call me for bail money if you’re arrested for some weird violation of the Patriot Act.)

holiday survival tip 2

There is NO rule - regardless of what your mother told you – that says you have to be a member of the clean plate club. Be a rebel! Leave some of that not-so-fabulous jellied cranberry crap on your plate. If anyone asks, just tell them you’re full. Seriously. STOP CLEANING YOUR PLATE. We all know you put way too much on there, anyway. (#nojudgement)

What ever you do, just promise me that when the New Year rolls around that you’re not going to pretend you just don’t have a clue as to how you gained 5 lbs.

Own your choices and move on. We’ve all done it and will more than likely do it again. Hopefully, just less extreme than the last time.

Holiday card give away with Nicte Creative Design

Posted on November 22, 2013 by Jessica Aycock

I’m thrilled to have partnered up with Nicte Creative Design to bring you an adorable holiday giveaway! Seriously, prepare to die of cuteness overload:

I die. DIE. (PS – all of Nicte’s designs are just as amazing.)

Nicte and I met during a marketing challenge through another military spouse (the equally amazing Kaye Putnam) and I fell in love with Nicte’s creative flair. She posts some fabulous “doodles” on her Pinterest board and she’s always got a positive attitude.

She contacted me a few weeks ago and said she had a giveaway she wanted to do and I was “the perfect person” for it. (That melted my heart – seriously.) She said that as a military spouse, she knew how difficult it was to have loved ones deployed or so far away and she wanted to bring a little bit of holiday cheer to a military family. (Precious, right? How can you not love her?)

Of course, I was all in. Nicte was gracious enough to donate 3 greeting card packages for the giveaway. Each include (5) 4.5″ x 5.5″ greeting cards with envelopes. The cards have a full gloss coating on the outside and are blank on the inside so that you can personalize it as you wish. Plus, these cards are printed with environmentally friendly standards using a waterless print process and paper from certified sustainable forests. (Yeah, Nicte pretty much rocks.)

Winner will be chosen on Nov. 30. Shipping only within US and to APO/FPO addresses.

About Nicte:
Nicte Cuevas is an Air Force spouse and owner of Nicte Creative Design. Her graphic design company develops visual communications through various mediums such as printed materials, exhibit signage, and web communications. She is committed to creating a diverse design approach for each of her clients—fueled by the driving force to make their company stand out, and an interest in learning what makes them unique.

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How to get your ass to the gym – when you REALLY don’t want to

Posted on November 19, 2013 by Jessica Aycock

how to get your ass to the gym when you don't want to

Everyone has days when they know they should go to the gym but they don’t want to go to the gym. You know, that internal dialogue that goes a little like this:

Angel: I really should hit up the gym after work tonight.

Devil: But, it’s my one free night of the week and all I want to do is do nothing.

Angel: No, I should go. It’ll be good for me.

Devil: But, seriously … I’m home already. The couch is calling my name…..

Angel: GO TO THE GYM.

Whiny Devil: But … it’s Friday night. Who goes to the gym on Friday nights?

Drill-sergeant Angel: You know who?? SEXY-ASS HOT WOMEN GO TO THE GYM ON FRIDAYS. GO.

What?? I can’t be the only one whose Devil acts like a 2-year-old stomping her feet and whose Angel gets a little bad ass after a while.

So, of course, I sucked it up and went – and, yeah, yeah, yeah … I didn’t regret it. Amazingly, it only took 3 little steps to get me there:

Tell someone you’re going. Better off – tell the WORLD. Post on Twitter or Facebook. Text a friend. Having someone to keep you accountable will keep you from bailing on yourself. Best yet – ~~force~~ enlist someone to meet you at the gym.

Put on your gym clothes. Seriously. Put them on the minute you feel like not going. If you don’t go, you’ll feel kind of silly changing later out of your gym clothes. (Unless your gym clothes double as pajamas – no judgement. I, too, am not immune to the comfort of yoga pants.)

Give yourself a 10 minute head-start. Pick up your keys and get in your car and drive for 10 minutes - in the direction of the gym – and if, by the time the 10 minute are up, you’re still iffy about going to the gym, turn around and go home. I’m guessing by that time, you’ll either already be at the gym, or you’ll be far enough that turning around would be a waste. Especially with gas prices these days. Don’t want to drive to the gym? Make yourself move for 10 minutes.

So, go. Just GO. Do not pass Go and collect $200 (though, wouldn’t THAT be an incentive to hit the gym?) – JUST GO.

Oh, and by the way? You want to know who goes to the gym on Friday nights? HOT-ASS GUYS. Serious eye-candy, ladies. Enjoy.

Review: Oscillococcinum homeopathic flu-remedy

Posted on November 16, 2013 by Jessica Aycock

You know the symptoms: chills, body aches, headache, fever, fatigue.

It’s the flu.

And it seems as though it’s really going around this year. Regardless of whether you’ve gotten a flu shot.

In early spring, I was offered a package of Oscillococcinum – a homeopathic flu medicine made by Boiron - from Naturally Savvy to review. I was lucky enough to not need it during the early spring, but this fall I came down with the evil bug.

Oscillococcinum review

I dutifully dug out the Oscillococcinum and took a dose once a day – usually at night when my symptoms were the worst. (You can take up to 3 doses a day – every 6 hours.) Although Oscillococcinum is non-drowsy, it worked with my body to ease the symptoms so I could get a good night’s sleep. Other perks: no side effects and it doesn’t interact with any other medications you’re taking.

The does is one vial of teeny-tiny pellets. Simply drop them in your mouth and let dissolve. So simple, even a child could take them. (And they’re safe for children over two!)

You can find Oscillococcinum at Whole Foods, The Vitamin Shoppe, Earth Fare, Walmart and other independent health food stores. You can also get it online at Amazon.

Review: The Tender Soldier

Posted on November 10, 2013 by Jessica Aycock

A month or so ago, I was asked to review The Tender Soldier: A True Story of War and Sacrifice by Vanessa Gezari. I jumped at the chance for two reasons: 1) I love a good war story and 2) because it’s about the Human Terrain System and I just happen to be taking a cultural anthropology course.

The story follows a Human Terrain System team – a group of individuals brought into the war in Afghanistan in order to help soldiers understand the local cultures. The project was – and still is – controversial. This particular team was made up of a former bodyguard for Afghan president, a cultural anthropologist from Texas, and an ex-military intelligence sergeant. Their job is to gather information about the culture of the Afghani people in the surrounding area in an effort to better understand them and avoid offending the hosts unintentionally.

The author, a journalist, shares the events of one day – the day when this Human Terrain System team is torn apart by an attack – and those events that lead up to and follow that fateful day.

The first chapter was incredibly gripping. It tossed you right into the story and left you wanting so much more. The true story is gripping and will have you on the edge of your seat. The cultural anthropology angle is interesting and something that I didn’t know about – even as a journalist when this was actually happening.

The only complaint I have about the book is the layout – the story was difficult to follow at times, and there were moments when she switched from using first names to using last names. But, overall, the story was well written and obviously well researched.

The publisher has offered up one copy to giveaway to a lucky reader, so be sure to enter below using Rafflecopter. If you want to purchase the book, you can do so on Amazon. Winner will be chosen on 11/19/13.

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Why do we always fight before he leaves?

Posted on October 6, 2013 by Jessica Aycock

I got a text this morning from one of my best friends:

Why do I always pick a fight with him on the last day we’re together?

I decided to make a little video on this one since I get asked it quite often. Take a look (and be nice – it’s my first video!)

How do YOU cope when your honey leaves?

Never lose sight of yourself. Your happiness depends on YOU.

Posted on September 4, 2013 by Jessica Aycock

The hardest thing in life is to redefine who you are. Especially when you feel forced to do so; when you feel as though you’ve been stripped of a part of your identity.

We take on roles throughout life – daughter, mother, girlfriend, wife, teacher, student, etc – and most of the time, these roles are tied to other people. You can’t be a mother without a child; a girlfriend/wife without a significant other; a student without a teacher.

But what happens if – god forbid – those people are gone? What’s left?

I’ve been struggling with this for a while now. Homecoming was more bitter than sweet, to say the least. My honey and I parted ways after he returned – despite everything, some things are just not meant to be.

But I was left with a very large hole in my heart. Not only from the breakup itself, but where did that leave me in the military community? If I’m not an Army girlfriend anymore, who am I?

Well, I am still me. You can never unlearn the things you learn. I still know everything I know about military life. I still grew up in a military family. I still know the struggles and heartache. I still know healthy ways to get through it. I’m still passionate about helping others.

I’m NOT defined by who I’m with.

And neither are you.

I'm not defined by who I'm with. And neither are you.

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Sure, you may be a military spouse. But, who are YOU – deep in your core? Who were you before you met your spouse/significant other? Have you lost that person? What are your loves and fears and hopes and dreams? Are you giving those things enough attention?

Be sure to feed your soul the things it needs to make you happy. Maybe you have a secret desire to learn knitting or you used to paint, but no longer do. Why not? Do the things you love.

There’s truth to the saying “the only person you HAVE to live with is yourself” – No matter who comes or goes, the only constant is YOU. Everyone else makes the choice to be around you. So why not be the BEST you? the HAPPIEST you?

Yes, the people we are with make us happy – if they didn’t, we wouldn’t chose to be around them, would we? Now, can you say the same about yourself? If you had the choice, would YOU choose to be around YOU?

Never lose sight of yourself. You are the only one who can make you happy – everyone else is just a bonus.

You are the only one who can make you happy - everyone else is just a bonus.

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Feel like you’re losing your mind?? Go ahead, do something bad.

Posted on September 1, 2013 by Jessica Aycock

So often we’re focused on pleasing everyone else. Doesn’t matter if it’s your family, your friends, co-workers … even strangers. We as women are generally people-pleasers & nurturers – we put ourselves on the back burner to take care of everyone else.

But there comes a time when we’re worn thin. Where we really start to feel the strain of doing everything for everyone else and not leaving enough time for ourselves.

That’s when it’s time to do something drastic. It’s time to be BAD. Get a little naughty. Do something you normally wouldn’t do ….

Buy yourself something you’ve always wanted. It doesn’t have to be expensive – maybe it’s the latest issue of your favorite magazine, or a book you’ve been eyeing. Or maybe new nail polish.
Treat yourself good. Call in sick one day and play hooky at the salon or spa. Book a mani/pedi after you drop the kids at school.
Have dessert first. Indulge in that piece of chocolate before dinner. Bake a special cake or cupcakes and sneak one before the rest of the family sees.
Say no to something. Instead of always responding “yes” when asked to help, take a moment and respond with “Let me check my calendar.” This will allow you to really think through a request versus automatically saying yes and possibly getting caught up in something you don’t want to do. Don’t be afraid to say no – you’re really saying yes to yourself.

Not ready to go THAT drastic?? Take a baby step and try some of these fun activities …

Screen your calls for the day. Don’t pick up on the first ring (unless it’s your deployed service member, of course!) and return calls at YOUR leisure.
Take a bubble bath in the middle of the day.
Press all the buttons in the elevator!
Visit the humane society and snuggle some animals. (Especially if you’re not “allowed” pets in your home!)

We all get a little thrill out of being “bad” sometimes. Take a moment this week to purposely be naughty. (Or at least, responsibly naughty.) I bet you’ll be smiling the rest of the day.

The 3 essential essential oils for your home

Posted on July 24, 2013 by Jessica Aycock

I’ve always been interested in living more naturally. A few years ago, I got really interested in essential oils and making my own products at home – especially cleaning products, because I can be ultra-sensitive to chemicals.

A while back, I was introduced to doTerra essential oils and I’m totally hooked. I love that they’re pure – free of fillers, pesticides & other contaminants. While I’d love to have the entire line of essential oils in my home, here are the top 3 that I think are … well, essential.

Lavender: This is my go-to oil for pretty much everything. It’s great for anxiety/stress relief, burns/cuts/wounds (I’ve used it on a nasty cooking burn & can’t even see where it was now), bites/stings, & sleep issues (use a few drops on your pillow). I’ve even used it for acne – like when a stubborn pimple shows up right before a big event! Other uses include: refreshing your closet (just put a few drops on an old washcloth & put it in your closet), use it in a spray bottle with water for a quick pick-me-up.

Lemon: This is another oil I use practically on a daily basis. Lemon is an amazing antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and disinfectant. Personally, I use add a drop or two to my water first thing in the morning for a quick pick-me-up (plus, it helps with digestion). Other uses: Add it to soap to remove grease from your hands; sniff for a quick mood boost; use in a humidifier to help with coughs, colds & respiratory problems. You can even use it to remove gum from hair!

Peppermint: This one is a nice little powerhouse oil. Great for allergies, colds, flu, headaches, stomach issues, stress and more. Use it to re-energize anytime during the day with just a whiff. Or add a few drops to your shampoo to make getting up in the morning easier. Use it in conjunction with Lavender to cool & soothe a sunburn. Best use: removing ticks! Just add a few drops to a cotton ball & apply to the tick. It will remove it’s head & you can safely be tick-free!

BONUS: Here are two more items I can’t live without …

Deep Blue:This is my savior when I push a little to hard at the gym – especially long runs when my knee tends to act up. Within about 20 minutes, I’m no longer hobbling or wincing when I walk. This is definitely a “miracle worker” in my book. Use it on sore muscles, joints, sprains, bruises, to soothe arthritis, carpel tunnel or even headaches. It also comes in a cream that’s perfect for post-workout.

Past Tense: This blend has be come my new best friend. It’s meant to be used for headaches – especially relieving tension headaches – but, personally, I use it to calm me at the end of the night & help me fall asleep. Made with lavender, chamomile, rosemary & wintergreen (along with other oils), it’s perfect to keep on hand when you start to feel tense.

Do you use essential oils? What’s your favorite way to incorporate them into your life?

*Disclaimer* I am a consultant for doTerra. Any links will take you to my store and I do earn compensation from any purchases made. I only endorse companies and products I truly believe in and use myself on a daily basis. If you have ANY questions about oils, please let me know!