Day 2 of Giveaways Aromatherapy

Welcome back to Day 2 of the 7 Days of Self Care Giveaways! 

I LOVE essential oils! I have diffusers in my kitchen and bedroom along with some jewelry. I can;t get enough of aromatherapy. There are oils for calming, energizing, health and so on. 

This giveaway is for a 16 slot essential oils storage box FILLED with 16 different essential oils!!!!! LucyLoo essential oils is run by a local to Alberta couple and we love them. The name comes from their precious angel that passed away 5 years ago and they use the name to honour her. (Insert tears) So go over to the LucyLoo Facebook Page and like them the head over to the Bitchin' Housewife Facebook page and tag a friend you think might need some self care! 

Extra opportunity for entries if you head over and follow along on the  Bitchin' Housewife Instagram page!

Love, 

Jen The Bitchin' Housewife

Day 1 of Giveways Let's Meditate

Welcome to Day 1 of the 7 Days of Self Care Giveaways! Each day for the next 7 days we will be giving away items meant for a little bit of self care. 

I haven't spoken much about meditation on my blog, but it's something I enjoy a lot. I actually recently took my 40 hour meditation teacher training this past fall and have learned a lot. 

BUT that's not available to everyone, so there is a wonderful place that opened up here in our wonderful city called Lifestyle Meditation. Offering a place for you to discover meditation with a trained teacher. A place safe to sort of explore what meditation needs to you and a place to slow down for a little while. 

Perfect self care. Spending some time on yourself, with thoughts all to yourself.

This giveaway is for for one entire month of unlimited classes at the Lifestyle Meditation Studio! So go on over and like the Lifestyle Meditation Facebook page, Like the Bitchin' Housewife Facebook page and tag a friend you think might need some self care! 

Extra opportunity for entries if you head over and follow along on the Lifestyle Mediation and Bitchin' Housewife Instagram pages!

Love, 

Jen The Bitchin' Housewife

7 Days of Self Care Giveaways

February 1st-7th we are doing 7 days of Self Care giveaways. Ways to find some time for yourself. Each day we will be featuring a new self care on Facebook and Instagram and all you have to do is follow along and tag your friends that you think need some self care! 

Great Canadian Fit Fest Contest

So it's winding down the first month of a new year. Where are you on your fitness goals? If fitness is something new for you and you dread going everyday, maybe it's time to check out something new!

Luckily the weekend of February 4th and 5th is the Great Canadian Fit Fest! A two day festical where people of all types can go and check out some of the latest trends in fitness and studios our city has to offer. 

Ever thought that acro yoga looks cool? Yeah they have that. Wanted to see what crossfit was all about? They have that too. Roller Derby? Sign me up! This is the perfect time to check out a few new things and Love Your Fitness.  

People have a hard time "getting into" fitness and I think it's mostly because they don't find something they love. Fitness isn't just treadmills and heavy weights. In this modern age and wonderful city there are so many things to do! 

You can head over to the Great Canadian Fit Fest Website and get 20% off your tickets using the code YEGFIT.

Want to win a weekend pass? Comment below telling me what you want to try out! For a second entry head over to my Instagram page! Contest closes February 1st.

What Happens When You Quit Coffee

Wondering what happens to you when you quit coffee?

I've been off coffee for two weeks. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE coffee, but docs orders since my body has been run down and needing a break. The caffeination to keep me going isn't good for my body right now, so off I go. 

Days 1-4

The first few days is sheer EXHAUSTION. I survived on giving my kids snacks and ipads and perfectly timing that with closing my eyes on the couch for a few minutes. 

The withdraw headaches happen for a day or two. They suck. Luckily there is this awesome invention called Advil. Find it, have it on hand. 

Days 5-9

The fog lifts and you feel a lot better. Your energy comes back and I found that I actually had more energy then when I drank coffee. Seriously. The afternoon lul doesn't happen as bad (read as when you morning coffee has been worked through your system likely) and when I do a 15 minute cat nap perks right up. 

Also, most people report getting a better sleep. Especially if you consume that afternoon cup!

Days 10+

My skin is glorious. Acne subsides, the glow comes back and I don't even need that much make up. Again, seriously! Maybe it's part lack of the caffeine and part since I replace coffee with herbal tea, I'm getting more water? Either way it works!

You poop better. Sorry, maybe you weren't expecting that response. I know so many people who joke about having to have their morning coffee in order to go to the bathroom. Dependency on caffeine for that my friends is probably not good. After the week+ mark the bowels start working the way they are suppose to with your body being the regulator. Good bowels and good digestion are the key to a healthy body!

There are many reasons for people to ditch the stuff. couple of suggestions if you plan to:

• Wean yourself. If you drink two cups a day or more, slowly get down to a cup a day and then from there either quit or half a cup and then quit. This will help the withdrawl syptoms from being so severe.
• I've heard a few people switching to Matcha which has caffeine but its a slower release in the body and lasts longer. 
• I've also heard of people switching to Dandelion tea and it tasting just like it. Naybe I bought the wrong type but the Dandelion tea I have in my cupboard DOES NOT taste like coffee! It IS however super good for your liver.

Have you ever thought about ditching the coffee?

Love, 

Jen The Bitchin' Housewife. 

Clear Space, Clear Mind

There is a clear trend right now after the holidays of decluttering spaces and getting rid of excess "stuff". We have filled our homes with more toys and gadgets and whatever else, we feel stuffed to the brim and even slightly suffocated by everything. 

I've been in the process since right after Christmas of decluttering closets and rooms and toy boxes. And it feels so good. I've been looking into this a bit lately and there is a lot of weight in being surrounded by "stuff".

In a time of year when we are ready for new challenges and changes, sometimes we can feel stuck. We are stuck in our stuff! Physically seeing doors bursting and drawers overflowing, keeps us in the space mentally even.

When we start to clear the space around us we are allowing the things we want to come in. We can choose what is important and what we want to allow back into our lives, homes and head space. Clean work spaces cultivate calm and creativity!

A few years back I discovered Fly Lady, a great system of daily working on specific small things for a short period of time, eventually leading up to a clean space. I recommend checking it out if you feel like you have a mountain to sift through!

And as you are decluttering and shedding the excess that we do not need, add a little bit of mindfulness to it. Set out to clean a closet or room with the intention of creating space for the things you DO want in your life. Space to create, work, play or whatever.

It feels really good to see the space clear AND to take items to be donated. I am took 4 bags yesterday! Plus a drop off at out cities Reuse centre! Here in Edmonton you can check out the City of Edmonton Waste Wise App for where to send items if you aren't sure. 

"Clear clutter, make space for you" Magdelena Vandenberg

Love, 

Jen The Bitchin' Housewife

Chopped Leaf Turn Over A New Leaf Contest

New year, new leaf to turn over. I don't care what anyone says about resolutions and "New Year, New Me". I love a fresh year, fresh start with the intention of changing something for the better. 

January 1st The Chopped Leaf, launched their Turn Over a New Leaf program. For the month of January, offering healthy tips on their Facebook Twitter and Instagram pages with a chance to enter daily to win $15 gift certificates as well as be entered to win the grand prize worth $2500 including  $1000 Chopped Leaf gift card and a year membership to Goodlife and a spa and wellness package! 

So head on over to follow them and get in on the daily draws and  enter to win for the grand prize HERE.

Fear, Faith and The Road Ahead

I was on my way home last night from a day of fun at my Dad's. He lives about 45 minutes outside of the city and it was dark out. I actually hate nightime driving. Especially on the highway. But I do it, because it's worth spending the time out there all day. 

Then on the drive I started thinking about how I could technically only see so far up the road. My lights only reached so far and I wasn't able to see everything in front of me. I could see cars ahead of that space though. 

In reality, it's kind of a faith that the road is there and that there is no obstructions on it isn't it? I mean I know there is a road. I know there are people ahead on this road. But there is a the fear that I am not seeing something or missing something between here and there. 

Isn't that life? We are here and can see what's around us with our own lights. We can also see people where we want to go. The rest in between (the road) is a fear or faith. I don't mean spiritual faith. I mean faith that it is there, it will work out and that we have the reaction time if there is something blocking our way. 

What if we applied that to our lives? To our goals? What if you took your New Years Resolution or whatever goal you are working on currently and had faith the road was there? What if we sat for a moment and imagined our goals as the car lights in front. We see the cars ahead, but some of the road is unseen?

We may not have the answers or see every little detail that comes our way on our way to where we want to be, but if we trust we are on the right road and keep driving along we get there.

Love,

Jen The Bitchin' Housewife

5 Minute Mommy Mantras

On my Instagram page I posted a couple weeks ago about after I teach my Monday morning class I hang out after and work through some Mantras.

I had a few responses asking about Mantras, soooooo I've created a FREE 4 week Mantras program I'm launching this upcoming Monday for my email subscribers!

Subscribe to make sure you get in on the mantras!

Self Love & Self Improvement

The world is full of mixed messages and we are in a time in the world where FINALLY marketing to us women isn't 100% about telling us that we are not good enough unless we are thin/pretty blah blah blah. We still have lots of work to do of course, but I feel like it leaves us in  a great divide. 

Recently I've seen some images shared by fitness mamas I admire Mama Lion Strong and Wendy Powell. I agree with both of these images.

Reads "If you ever wander into that mindset of thinking that to take care of your body + your emotional + physical well-being is somehow shallow or vain or not important, please think again. You have every right to feel good about yourself." 

Reads "Those extra 5-10 pounds, that place where your body naturally wants to be -that's your life. That's your late night pizza with your man, that Sunday morning bottomless brunch, your favourite cupcake in the whole entire world because you wanted to treat yourself. Those extra 5-10 pounds are your favourite memories, your unforgettable trips, your celebrations of life. Those extra 5-10 pounds are your spontaneity, your freedom, your love. 

I whole heartedly agree with both of these statements and adore these women sharing them. That said, it seems confusing right? A message of "if you want to change, that's okay." and a message of "love those things you may wish to change."

The struggle is real my friends. Finding the balance between these two is very hard. And I will let you in on a little secret. I don't know the answer or what to tell you. I feel this struggle all the time. I don't have a tip or a trick to help you with this one. I just want to let you know you are not alone. 

I've been working with my own nutrition coach because I feel like yeah, there is nothing wrong with wanting to make some changes. Then much to his annoyance I'm sure, I see the other side of the coin and think to myself that I should just eat the thing or enjoy the wine and my body is perfectly imperfect the way it is, this moment will not last. 

So what do we do?

The only advice I offer is sitting with ourselves to see where things really come from. This is a practice of something we do daily, hourly, weekly whatever. I assure you it is not a one time sit down thing. Sitting with ourselves (also known as meditation) and discovering what we actually feel behind these thoughts. 

I wish you look in your journey and know you are not alone. 

Love, 

Jen the Bitchin' Housewife

5 Foods To Eat After Injury

If you don't follow along on my Instagram, you would have missed the fact that I injured myself yesterday. Doing some fancy version of box squats, I missed and landed on the corner of the box with my shins. *Insert grimace*.

So here we are writing about some foods that will help the healing process. These are great not just for us adults, but for the kids on our lives that play sports or get injuries from riding their bikes, as they are non medical ways of helping heal. 

1.Ginger - Ginger is a well known anti inflammatory and helps reduce pain. But in addition to this, if you are taking medication for pain/healing that upsets the stomach, ginger is known to help fight nausea and upset stomachs.  

2.Tumeric - Also another well known powerful anti inflammatory, reducing joint pain if there are injuries to knees, elbows, shoulders etc.

3.Vitamin C Rich Foods - Vitamin C boosts immunity we know but it also important in strengthening of collagen (the stuff that holds our skin together), if we aren’t getting enough vitamin c Collagen gets weaker and wounds heal slower.Try sweet bell peppers, oranges, spinach, and brussel sprouts.

4.Protein - Think about bodybuilders and muscle heads and all the protein they seem to consume. While working out we are tearing the muscles and protein is needed to repair the tears. It’s not just neede for repairing muscles but also injuries such as cuts, burns, wounds etc. Increase your protein intake while healing. “Protein gets used for energy before healing” - Michele Gottschlick R.D Ph.D.  So we need to increase protein for energy AND to use for healing.

5.Zinc Rich Foods - Zinc is needed to synthesis protein and for cell growth, helping heal wounds faster. Spinach, Beef, Kidney Beans, Pumpkin Seeds, Oysters, Garlic (well isn’t that just convenient) Egg Yolk, Pork and Dark Chocolate (So I’ve given you a scientific reason to eat chocolate).

Adding some of these foods together would probably make a great salad or stew! Watch for a recipe on the blog soon!! Ha ha

Love, 

Jen The Bitchin' Housewife

F*ck Perfect

Although it may be hard for me to admit to, I struggle a lot with the expectation of perfection. 

Being the perfect friend and never letting you down.

Perfectly following my diet plan.

Buying the perfect gift for a birthday present.

Throwing the perfect holiday party.

Perfectly remembering every school note/snack/color of the week.

Even write the perfect blog post.

Well you know what? F*CK it. Why do we do this? What is this pressure to perfect everything in our lives? Life is suppose to be messy and sometime chaotic or disorganized isn't it? The weight of expectations from others and ourselves is far to heavy of a burden and I think it's about time we cut ourselves some damn slack.

I'm taking a stand against perfection and it's ugly grip on our already busy brains. 

I realize I may let some friends down, I do not take this lightly, but I recognize I will and know I'm trying my best. A happy me, is a way better friend anyways.

I may blow my caloric intake on a bag of chips. I will move on rather then scrambling to make it up somewhere else.

Do you even care what I bought you anyways? Can you remember what I bought you for your birthday 5 years ago? But do you remember how drunk we got on 3 bottles of wine and laughed until we peed a little though?

My house might be messy and I might just give you your own bottle to pour wine from at the next Christmas, but you can feel at home and relax. Hey, even let out that fart you were holding in. 

Sorry kids, you will from now on learn the life lesson of how to adapt. Starting with telling some punk kid to piss off that wore the right shirt color on the right day. 

And to you my readers, well my post might be messy. Messy with emotion and I hope you still follow along. 

Love,

Jen The Bitchin' Housewife

Digestive Tea

So it's Thanksgiving weekend and many of us tend to over indulge a little, leaving us with upset tummies and bloat. This year I was hosting and I put a pot on the stove and brewed this digestive aid tea all day and night while my family was here and they took some as they needed it.

I want to be clear, this isn't a "diet tea" or a way to burn off the "extra" calories consumed this weekend. It's about restoring the balance in the digestive system and helping our tummies feel a bit better. 

Four simple ingredients found at most grocery stores are:

• Fresh ginger 2-3 slices (leave the peel on)
• Star Anise 1-3
• Fennel Seed 1 teaspoon-tasblespoon
• Cinnamon Stick 1-2

1. Simply boil the ingredients in the pot. I like to get to a boil and then turn it all the way to the lowest setting to keep on the stove and people can consume as they wish.
2. Use a fine strainer to pour the mixture into the mug and enjoy!

Why these food?

• Ginger is a known anti-inflammatory and nausea fighter. Usually when we are sick or have motion/car/sea sickness ginger is the first things we grab for. It get's food moving through our digestive system a bit faster, reduces gas, bloating and cramps. It's known to awaken the tastebuds (think ginger in between sushi!) and stimulate digestive juices. 
• Star Anise is known to help protect against colds anf flu as an antiviral, as well as good for reducing gas, hiccups and water retention. The taste is similar to licorice and in this recipe can be substitued for licorice root, but I find star anise more wildly available in stores. 
• Fennel seeds conatin concentrated oils that sooth upset stomach. Fennel seeds are used a lot in Ayurvedic cooking I have come across!
• Cinnamon is a digestive aid used to help sort of balance levels of glucose and triglycerides in the blood. I also find it very relaxing in the smell and taste and warming and comforting. I adore cinnamon so I sometimes put more in. 

I hope you enjoy and a very Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Love, 

Jen The Bitchin' Housewife

Trusting I Am Where I Need To Be

At the end of my yoga classes I usually have a quote or a little something to say to the group about whats on my mind or some sort of self loving thought. This morning in my class at the end I said something along the lines of "trust that you are exactly what/who and where you are suppose to be in your life." The idea being that we trust all of our decisions that have lead us up to this point and our situations are a product of our own doing. Now that concept might piss you off a bit if things aren't happening exactly as you wish in the current moment. And for that I am sorry.

BUT the resolution in this thought is profound and couldn't have come to my mind on any better of a day. I've had two fairly major things come up today. Big changes that can be upsetting or disappointing. 

But today I am smiling. I actually feel the best I have in a few days. These negative situations could have ruined my day, but I'm thinking about how positively these things actually change my world. 

Today, because its the day we can actually control, maybe we all just take a moment to trust we are WHO/WHAT/WHERE we all need to be. What if we weren't worrying so much about what may be or how we could improve and we just decided to be in the moment and love it?

Love, 

Jen The Bitchin' Housewife

The World Won't End

As I sit here in bed after binge watching some Netlifx on day 9 of illness, I must share with you something I have learned a little bit about these past 9 days. The first 4 days I was basically useless in live, work and parenting with the flu; fever and chills and near death likeness. And after 5 days of coughing non stop I went to the doctor to discover I have bronchitis. 

So I think we can all agree, I've basically been super unproductive for 9 days. And before that I was in training for a day and a half so, basically useless for 11 days!

Now anyone that knows me, knows I am super busy. Not that I am glorifying being busy by any means. Just that I jam pack my days (I like it that way) and I've always got stuff going on. 

I've had to get subs for my classes, miss meetings and clients. This all kills me, as I pride myself on being somewhere when I say I will be. 

But guess what?

The world has not ended. I have missed these things and had to rely on other people (gasp!) and take help (gasp again!). And the world still continues to turn. My children still continue to be happy and healthy, work still gets done, the house has not burned down.

This is a lesson for all us busy ladies. This feeling of stress as we get all the things done and make everyone happy. This is not helping us! If anything, when we finally rest, we are likely to be sicker then the rest. Hence me on my butt for 9 whole days!!!!!! 

So next time you miss hand baking cookies for the bake sale, making sure you daughter has the "perfect outfit" for school, drop the ball on a meeting or workout. Cut yourself some slack! 

Also....... when you have a quiet moment. Don't fill it. Man my husband always says to me "you do it to yourself" and I get all huffy at first saying things like "well if i didn't then...." or "If I don't do this, this will/will not happen". But in reality, so what? So freakin' what? Your daughter looks like a hot mess at school and some makes fun of her? Lesson to teach about being self confident. Left out of a meeting at work while trying to "get ahead", trust your absence creates a void. When you have a damn minute to sit down. Just sit the hell down. 

THAT is true self care I believe. 

Love, 

Jen The Bitchin' Housewife

Self Care Sunday - "Going Dark"

"Going Dark" - As in social media free days.

I realize I've already struck panic into your body as I say "social media free". Palms are getting a bit sweaty and heart is starting to race. But what do you mean Jen? Why would I do that? And why the hell is that a self care thing?

It's a self care for many reasons.

Let's start with the fact that most social media is a time suck. It drains minutes/hours from our days with no productivity or real satisfaction. Leaving us with our to do list still unchecked and time drained from things you could have been doing otherwise. (Okay enough of the guilt trip Jen)

Next, we usually scroll through staring at people's awesome photos of girls nights, parties, new cars, kid's early development milestones, gorgeous new haircuts, abs and whatever else that makes us ourselves feel slightly inadequate/jealous in the moment. How does that serve us positively?

Finally, and I think most importantly, it consumes our thoughts. Whether we are aware of it or not. We see 500 images images of women with purple lipstick and all of a sudden it's ingrained in our minds we like purple lipstick. Seriously. That's how it works. We consume every billboard, Facebook ad and t.v commercial without even really thinking about it. (THAT is a whole other post). Taking time away from these things helps us reconnect with what it is WE like and what WE find beautiful.

Last weekend I was in a 3.5 day mediation teacher training weekend and we were told not to have our phones in the room, and suggested even restricting social media in the evenings of these days. I took it seriously and "went dark" for 3 days. I deleted Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook messenger off my phone. 

Since it was meditation teacher training, we were obviously meditating a lot and I had time to think about what it is I like and I want without interruption. I felt quite rejuventated and once I got over the habit times of picking up my phone it was quite comfortable. I realized also sometimes I was picking up my phone just to avoid certain sensations (like embarassment or awkwardness) and I had to kind of overcome those, rather then run from them.

Sooooooo this week for self care is being away from social media. Maybe a day, maybe a couple, maybe a week. Now of course I realize many people have jobs on social media, don't worry I have suggestions for you too. 

Tips on "going dark":

• Delete the apps from your phone. Not being able to see those notifications wont tempt you to look.
• Make a status. In case you know people communicate with you there. Make a status and anyone that needs your number can message you and get it. 
• Find yourself bored in a line up at the bank? Chat with the person next to you! "Hey I like your shoes" or "chilly today!" are good conversation starters. 
• For my social media managing friends. It's unlikely you can go completely "dark" BUUUUUUT you can schedule posts on certain outlets. (Which I know most of you know).
• Log in to facebook pages through the Facebook Page Manager app rather then your personal account. Be there just for the work. 
• Still find yourself scrolling through IG and "liking pictures to create relationships" for your business? Set a timer on your phone before you log in. 10 minutes you should be able to be in and out with posting your thing, a few comments and likes a long the way. This by the way, if you really need a selling point my social media peeps, is a time saving strategy, making you more productive and staying on target with the task!
• Fun bonus: keep a journal of those times you would have pulled out your phone for and did instead. Example: At a redlight (guilty), instead I sang a song at the top of my lungs. Example: Waiting outside of the school to pickup kids, instead I chatted with another mom. 

Maybe plan a time you know you can be a little slower or just say "fuck it" and pick a date. Plan how many days you are "going dark" and stick to it.

Love, 

Jen, The Bitchin' Housewife

(P.S notice I didnt add any of my FB, Tiwtter, IG or Snapchat links in the post?)

Self Care Sunday - Try A New Fitness Class

This week on my Facebook Page and Instagram I've been talking a lot about doing things outside of our comfort zones. Trying something new and bold and maybe even out of character. I even had a friend message me on Twitter about how she went out of her comfort zone and tried a hot yoga class and loved it. Maybe it's that fall air, but everyone seems to be ready to stir things up. I'm not much into astrology, but I'm sure there's  shift in some moons or something causing it! Ha ha.

So this, week's Self Care seemed fitting to be trying out a new fitness class. I will be trying to right about some local places here (leave me a comment here on on my media channels about where I should try!), but in the meantime I have a few great ideas. 

• You can head to your local gym. I personally may be so inclined to invite you to come to a World Health Club (ahem) and try a class. Or many. I love the variety from step classes, lifting classes, Zumba, yoga, spin, or kickboxing etc etc etc! 
• I also wrote this blog post about trying out a barre class at a local place called Xtend Barre, if you are wondering what that is all about. 
• At your local community league you might find Yoga, Zumba or Tai Chi. 
• Call up a martial arts dojo and inquire about a drop in class.
• Check out a Cycle Studio.
• Maybe try out a dance class!

Whatever you are thinking about trying, or have always wondered about, just try it this week. Jump with both feet in. Many places offer free classes for the first time or a special weekly drop in rate for first timers. 

To help maybe ease the anxiety, see if a friend or family member want to go with you. I bet you more people than you think have been wondering what pole workouts are all about. 

Also.... let's think about using wording like "I need more practice" and "this is a new way to move my body" then the usual things that come out of our mouths like "I suck at this" or "I'm out of shape". It's self love people, not a new way of finding self hate. We get enough of that, don't ya think?

Definitely come back and tell me how it went! Send me a message on my FB, Twitter or IG! I'd love to hear how you took a step outside of your comfort zone. 

Love,

Jen The Bitchin' Housewife

Self Care Sunday Get A Massage

Massages are beneficial in so many ways. They can be therapeutic for the body and mind. You can get relaxation massages, just to give yourself a treat or massage treatments more to target specific pain or ailments. 

In therapeutic massage you are working on the connective tissue in the body through myofascial release. Connective tissue is the "interweb" in the body that supports, connect and also separates the different tissues and organs in the body. 

I spoke with Chelsey Oryniak from Pure Wellness Studio about getting massages and a few questions many people have. 

How often should I get a massage?

Every client will need something different. If working through an injury, more treatments may be needed but an overall suggestion for maintenance is once a month.

Why am I told to drink water afterwards?

Massages increase circulation and your kidneys have to work harder to flush the toxins out of the body. We need to drink extra water to prevent dehydration.

How much water should I drink?

Increase you daily intake. There is no specific amount and it widely based off individuals water consumption habits. If you drink 1 glass of water a day, adding another glass or two. If you drink 8 glasses, maybe add 2-4 glasses. 

Can I exercise before or after my massage?

Before is best. Once you exercise you are starting to tighten the muscles once more undoing the wok done from the massage. It's recommended to wait 24 hours before exercising, unless getting a sports massage.

What is a sports massage?

Sports massage is a more invigorating type massage, used to promote stimulation of the muscle. 

I've heard and seen about cupping. What is that?

Cupping is used to promote circulation, break up scar tissue and work in the fascia of the body. 

I recently myself had sliding cupping done and the difference it made in the mobility in my bad shoulder was amazing after just one treatment!

Many benefit plans cover massages up to $500 per year. Make sure you check into your own plan!

That said if they are not covered or currently do not have benefits, no fret, you can still do some massage at home. Here are some tips for home massage:

• Use an oil, preferably something like coconut oil if you can. I find coconut oil doesn't feel greasy afterwards, absorbs into the skin quickly and has a cooling effect on sore muscles. 
• Maybe have a relaxing bath before hand. Check out my Self Care Sunday A simple Bath post for some tips.
• Spend some time massaging the feet especially and working up the legs. 
• Ask your partner or spouse for help with the spots you cant reach! Return the favour and everyone is happy!

Tell me some of your favorite self massage tips!

Love, 

Jen The Bitchin' Housewife

Self Care Sunday - Journaling

I have a bit (okay a huge) love for stationary so maybe part of this is more pleasing to me then anyone else but in reality journaling is definetly an act of self love. Taking some time to sit down with our thoughts.

Journaling can be done a number of different ways. Sometimes I write just to get things flowing if I feel stuck in a decision. Sometimes it's to brainstorm ideas. Sometimes it to find what it is I really want. So...... I have like 10 coiled notebooks. It's almost a problem really. 

I have a journal for gratitude and positive affirmations. Sometimes it's daily and sometimes I go weeks without writing anything in it. I come to it when I'm happy and when I'm sad. Actually putting pen to paper about all the things in your life you have and are grateful for really puts things into perspective. Also, as time goes by and I look back at what I have been grateful for is also a beautiful reminder. 

I have a journal for each child and my husband too. I write them letters randomly (usually birthdays and random months in between). I hope to give them to them when they are full  and older. It helps me ground and reconnect with my family. Taking a moment to revel in our love. 

Among my journals I also have one that thoughts just go. Without judgement of myself. I allow myself to write without holding back thoughts, whether they be uncomfortable or wonderful. I find this one is best to write in at the end of the day. After going through the paces of the day and experiences and feelings and thoughts and sort of "dumping it" before going into sleep and not taking it into the next day. 

Sooooooo, you want to journal now maybe? A few options I suggest and you can find what works for you. 

• Coil notebook. My personal favourite for everyday crap. Big pages and easy writing. 
• Fancy journals. I have nice journals for the ones I write to my girls and husband. Since i'm hoping they stick around for the years. They can be a paint o write in a bit, but I usually take me time writing these anyways.
• Type it out. As you could maybe tell another form of my journaling is typing. Writing my blog. You can totally start your own blog, there are many options for free sites. Or maybe you just like typing into a word document. 
• And finally, voice memos on your phone. I actually do this one a bit too. It's more when I have thoughts or ideas I want to explore further but I am not home to write. Or have the time to sit down and write. I go back to some memos and blow my own mind all over again. 

Whatever form(s) of journaling you like, this week try it a bit. Being able to unload the crap we walk around with can sort of help "declutter" the mind leaving us a little more relaxed and calm. 

Take care.

Love, 

Jen The Bitchin' Housewife

Self Care Sunday - Real Self Love

I've been writing Self Care Sundays for a few months now. And I believe we are all ready for this week's self care. It's a doozy.

I was talking with a friend/client yesterday morning and we were talking about how easy it is for us to name off all the things we don't like about our physical appearance. I imagine most of us can easily name of a dozen without thought. But most of us may find it hard to find something we like about ourselves. 

I'm currently reading Michele Theoret's book Empowered Body and in it she talks about how the world of marketing and social media basically sells us stuff based off of the fears of not "being enough" or good enough". We create these images in our heads of how we "should" be, rather then loving and accepting who we actually are. 

Today we aren't focusing on who we are in progress of something. Today we love ourselves for who we are. Period. The end. 

So this week's self care Sunday is uncomfortable. It may be challenging. But it will be worth it. 

We are going to look at ourselves in the mirror and find something we like. Actually two things. Because I guarantee you have at the very very very very minimum two things about you that are worth YOU loving. 

For those that are unsure, maybe it's sitting in front of a mirror staring at your face. Study it while repeating self love words. "I love........ my freckles, dimples, eyes", "I like the way........ my skin does, my hair is, my lips.......". Catching yourself when you start to put words out that do not serve you in self love.

For those maybe a little bolder.... Get undressed. Stand in front of the mirror. Find things you love. "I love.... my toes, my posture, my skin tone, my butt, the way I can wrap my arms around myself in a hug, the way my scar makes me look badass, my belly button......" or "I like...... the way my muscles pop as I flex, my height, my hair, my tattoos, my....." whatever it is. This is obvious deeply personal. 

Be kind to yourself. Show yourself some love. Genuine unfiltered love. 

Love, 

Jen the Bitchin' Housewife