Happy Friday. Someone (you know who you are) told me that they weren’t fond of my Friday Five posts. So I assumed the rest of you didn’t care for them either. Then last night at our neighborhood Christmas get together two someones requested I write them more often. Sorry someone #1. You’ve been outvoted.
I read something online the other day about “surviving” Christmas. Isn’t that the silliest thing you’ve ever heard? Can’t you just picture God looking down on all our crazy and thinking, “I sent my only son to Earth to die on a cross. I’m realllly sorry for all the stress it causes YOU.”
There is stress during the holidays, but I think we bring most of it on ourselves. Trees have to be perfect (the finger is pointing at me because we went to three lots before I found one I liked), thoughtful gifts need to be purchased (the five year old is asking for a hot tub again this year) and cards need to be sent.
And then there’s the elf. People complain about how much work it is but that punishment and pain is self inflicted.
Parties, gifts and decorations are supposed to be fun. If you find yourself trying to “survive,” just skip it. All that stuff is not what it is really about anyway.
What a debbie downer lead in. Now I’ll never get elected captain of the CHRISTMAS CHEERleader squad. *Christmas Spirit Fingers*
1. Peppymint
If I do find myself on the outskirts of crazy town, I use a little of this Now Peppermint Oil. I know you think that sounds like a bunch of hippie dippie bologna, but it works. Plus it makes our house smell wonderful. I like to use it in a diffuser or put a few drops in the corner of the shower (great for sinus congestion too).
2. The Greats of Bath
These AHAVA Lavender Dead Sea Salts are wonderful. So wonderful that my kids are fighting about who gets to soak in the tub first. The lavender scent is very calming so I just throw both of them in there at the same time and it all works out.
Maybe Santa will bring the hot tub and we can all soak together.
3. Oil No You Didn’t
This time of year my skin gets terribly dry. Probably from all those peppermint oil showers and long lavender baths. For years I’ve used Neutrogena Sesame Oil. I keep it in the shower and use it before I dry off. I know…TMI. Just didn’t want anyone to think it would be effective in the aforementioned diffuser.
4. Mask and Ye Shall Receive
I have to switch to a heavier night time moisturizer in the winter. Just call me Ashy Olsen. I started using this Énergie De Vie Overnight Mask from Lancome about a month ago, and I love it. Which means it will probably be discontinued. Get it while you can.
5. Peppermint SNAPS
I am embarrassed to share this one since I tend to side eye OMG PUMPKIN SPICE LATTES. But it is sugar free and delicious, and I feel for peppermint what most feel for pumpkin.
So I really had no choice but to buy three bags of Candy Cane Pretzel Flats at Whole Foods last week. Straight up pretzel and peppermint perfection. If they will let me exchange the blown out brining bag for more of these, I promise to share.
Check out all the Friday five posts from April, Natasha, Darci and Christina.
Have a great weekend!
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