Holiday Self Care
The holidays are always a very stressful, crazy time of year. Not only is there a ton of events, and parties but there's also the rich food, the booze and it's the darkest time of year. It's like the perfect storm of factors to come together and we end up feeling our absolute worst. We feel end up feeling anxious, depressed and stressed to our eyeballs.
Some tips to trying to minimize this holiday stress this year:
1. Say No.
Don't be afraid to say no to events, to saying no to pushy family members to be in 4 places in the same time. Sometimes you need to set your boundaries and be firm on what you are and aren't willing to do.
2. Take a Day/Afternoon/Evening off
It doesn't have to be a whole day, it could be a half day or even an evening, but take the time away from all the craziness of the parties, the running around and stress to do whatever you need to do to relax. This could be a quiet evening in, going to a yoga class etc, but taking that time for you will help you recharge.
3. Set Limits on Gift Giving.
Make arrangements with friends and family that you'll put a cap on spending or even pick secret santa's so you don't have to spend so much money. It's frustrating and not worth it to go into debt just for one day out of the year. Consider getting crafty and making something for gifts, it can be fun, and even more thoughtful.
4. Meal Prep.
There is SO much food and booze around the holidays and majority of the food is not super healthy. Make sure you meal plan and prep for those days to ensure you're not overindulging. If all you have is starchy leftovers in the fridge that's what you're going to eat. Ensure to eat small healthy meals throughout the day and that way you won't stuff yourself silly when dinner is served.
5. Treat yo self.
I buy myself a little something every year for christmas, it's not usually much but just something, last year it was the fluffiest, coziest socks and they made me very happy. Again, don't go into debt for that, but something small can be quite nice. A massage is also a great self gift, or a manicure.
6. Get your workouts in.
Ensuring that you balance the craziness and stress of the holidays with treating your body right and getting movement in is so important. Exercise is such great stress relief and can be a good way to step away during the holidays to get some you time in.
Blogging Bloopers
It's that time again, I've accumulated a bunch of really good goofy faces to share with you all. Hopefully this lightens your wednesday, gives you a chuckle and helps get you over hump day. ENJOY!
Farmer Chic
I was truly convince when I bought these overalls for a halloween costume a few years ago that I'd probably never wear them. Glad I proved myself wrong, I've worn them 2x in the last 2 weeks. I forgot I had them until I was clearing out my closet for winter. I have seen lots of people rocking overalls lately and thought I'd give em a go!
I loved how they looked with the simple black turtleneck underneath, a couple pops of pink and I really liked how this look turned out. Besides these overalls are super comfy, I can't believe I had forgotten about them. Darcy said I looked like a farmer "but in a kinda cute way", what a guy. Much compliment, wow. Anyways I loved this chic farmer look, it's nice when something thats trendy is already in your closet and you can work it your own way.
Outfit: Overalls-F21 (old, bought for halloween two years ago), Turtleneck-Jackson Rowe (from miss boss), Sunnies-Red ribbon, Hat-H&M, Shoes-Old Navy, Jacket-Second hand
Strength Training vs Cardio
Ah the age old question:
Should I do more Weight Lifting or Cardio?!
Literally every single client asks about this (especially in terms of weightloss) and the answer is complicated...of course.
Strength Training Benefits:
-Builds lean muscle
-Good for your bones (by doing loaded movement it causes your bones to create more osteoblasts, so it basically helps you build more bone density)
-Chronic disease management (such as diabetes, lowers risk for certain types of cancer etc)
-Helps manage weight, the more lean muscle mass on your the more calories you burn (even at rest!)
-Reduces stress, as long as adequate rest is in your program to allow the muscles to heal from training.
Cardio Training Benefits:
-Helps burn more calories, helps with weight loss
-Strengthens your heart as well as your lung capacity
-Helps manage mood, can help alleviate anxiety and depression (in combination with other treatments depending on the severity)
-Reduces stress (as long as you don't overtrain)
As we can see from the list above (which is only a sample of all the benefits of both) there is some overlap as well as benefits to both. SO as you may have already guessed a combination of both strength and cardiovasculer training is important to get you to feeling good, and being healthy overall. It depends on your specific goals which area you'll spend more time but it's also good to do a program that has a bit of both or cycles back and forth between a strength and endurance period.
Shopping Hiatus 2.0/ Remix
Which leads me to:
I have have decided to try another shopping hiatus. Now I've picked a very very tough time to do that, I am being bombarded with "black friday sale" emails and everyone getting in the holiday mood by shopping nonstop all the time. I started this second hiatus at the very end of October and for sure just broke it this weekend. BAD JENNA. I found an incredibly soft sweater and after dreaming about it for five days I couldn't help myself. I find even just putting it out there that I'm doing this I'm way more likely to stay on course.
The only exception with the ban this time is I'm buying a dress for my brothers wedding during this month just in case I can find a sale and also there's way more selection this time of year for formal dresses. SO here I am vowing to the internet that I am not going to spend another dime on clothing for myself until January 15th. It was supposed to be the 1st but since I had this slip up, I just earned another 2 weeks of shopping ban.
So I challenge you all this crazy season of shopping craziness to reach into your closet and try to re style some pieces you already own instead of going crazy and spending lots of money on new items! Your bank account will thank me :) Cat's Meow
We were power walking through Simons to get to the movies when I spotted this leopard print skirt. I couldn't help myself from quickly trying it on...and then promptly buying it. I used to have one quite similar & in hind side I think getting rid of it was a mistake. Although I think that my butt got too big for it....Damn you deadlifts!!!
Outfit: Tee-Shein, Skirt-Simons, Jacket-Dynamite, Faux fur- H&M (6 years ago..) Shoes-Aldo
Finding Balance With Social Media
Going away is a chance to recharge, unplug etc. But I find myself sometimes getting so caught up in getting the perfect shot or seeing who liked that shot. It's really easy to get caught up in social media and wanting to post all the time and share every tiny detail of your life. For me, I'm going to take pictures regardless of social media, on my trip to greece in 2009 I took 2,000 photos. That was way before social media. It's how I enjoy things, I think it's cool we can share these experiences now too, but it shouldn't take over.
Simple guide for cutting back:
1) Allow yourself certain times of the day to look at social media, I got the update on my phone that tells me how much I look at it and man....that's eye opening.2) If you start feeling bad about any part of your life, step back and unplug. Do something that make you happy.
3) Follow accounts that make you happy. If someone's account makes me feel negative in any way I mute it, or unfollow.
4) Don't just do it for the gram. I remember there was a spot in Tulum that's super popular on instagram that we were going to walk to check out and snap some photos at. I decided not to, I felt myself getting anxious and wanting the "perfect" shot, so we laid out our blankets and took a breather. We didn't end up going there and I legit have 0 regrets.
5) Pick a day to go completely without. This past summer camping we had 2 days without anything, it was super refreshing.
6) Meditate. Taking just 5 minutes away from literally anything is a great way to reset.
Into The Woods
Pyramid lake is one of my favorite places to visit in Jasper, especially in the fall and winter. It is incredibly peaceful here at this time of the year and I love to get out of the city for some quiet. This lake and the view of the mountains is so beautiful, I think we'll be making this a yearly pilgrimage.
This buffalo plaid sweater is on repeat in my wardrobe, not only is it perfect for fall it's just so damn cozy. Soft sweaters, a big fluffy hat and I am as happy as a pig in shit. Not the right expression? Oh well! If everything in my wardrobe felt the way this turtleneck does I would be in heaven. 
Outfit: Bodysuit-Miss boss (Brand: Jackson Rowe), Sweater-Simons, Jacket-Dynamite, Hat-Swimons, Jeans-Dynamite, Boots-Aldo, Necklace-Miss Boss
Hike Jasper: Morro Peak
I am so glad we got to head to the mountains again, there is something really wonderful about fall hiking. I love how quiet Jasper was and the fact that we only saw two other groups on this trail. It was a bit chilly to start off with but the incline was crazy and we warmed up quickly. Chilly at the top but what an epic view!
Hike: Morro Peak
Where: Just outside Jasper, right by the start of the overland trail. There is a bridge, then the overlander trail, park by the bridge and go up there.
Distance: 7km total, it said over 5, but we mapped ours and it said 7. We did go off the trail for a bit ha.
Elevation: 750m gained
Time: 3 total, 1 hour 45 min up, and 1 15 down.
There is a log book under the rocks with the cross, it's in a tupper wear container. It was amazing to see all the signatures in there, so glad we got to do this!
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