Survival of the Fittest

I would like to share a few things that have been helpful to me lately, for all three of you that read my blog:

1. I need sleep. I am not the best version of myself when I am tired. If you are also running on empty, pulled in every direction and holding down a demanding job, maybe this post will help you. I just discovered breathe right strips. I feel refreshed in the morning instead of tired. I am pretty tuned in with breathing (see former professional career as flutist) and know that I am getting more oxygen and it is helping me sleep. Quality sleep. No machines, no diet detox, no vitamins. Just a band-aid-like thing that opens my nostrils. Full disclosure: it hurts like 10 Biore strips to take it off, but totally worth every lost skin cell.

2. Skincare. The simpler, the better. I love de Mamiel skincare and yes, it is expensive. I can’t say how expensive just in case my husband is reading this. But even if you can’t afford one single de Mamiel product, please read about Annee de Mamiel’s approach to skincare. Your skin is like leather or furniture or a plant and it needs moisture! I feel like maybe I am ready to take on turning 45, just a couple of weeks from now, and I am armed with de Mamiel.

3. Hair. I stopped dying it about 5 years ago when Prima said, “our culture was shallow and we should value wisdom over beauty.” Spoken like someone with a full head of blonde hair, but still, she’s right. Every time I hear I should dye my hair, I just think “I’ve earned this!” And now, cue New Wash. It goes on like conditioner and has helped my hair feel less frizzy. I’m not sure what my hair was supposed to be, but I think New Wash is good stuff and it does not come in a plastic bottle!

4. Tampons and pads. Organic cotton and delivered in pleasantly plain packaging on a regular schedule. Life changing. That is all. MyLola.com

5. Crave creativity. I try to nurture that instinct in little ways throughout the day. A scarf with my outfit, fresh herbs in my food, a book by the fire. It’s the little things that keep me going.

I know I am fortunate. I know I shouldn’t complain. The pace of life with kids and work and the pressure to volunteer for everything feels overwhelming. Take a deep breath, truly. It will ground you. It’s what my mom tells me all the time when I am stressed, prepping me for flute playing without even realizing it. Thanks mom! Or possibly Obama, I’m not even sure anymore.

Drink a glass of wine, don’t stress, take a deep breath, try to use less plastic, and then if you’re lucky, do it all over again.

© Mariam d’Eustachio at Simply Turquoise.

This post was not sponsored by anyone or anything. I’d love to know what you can’t live without.