-I have new books! As soon as I read Jenna’s post, I knew I wanted something good to read over Christmas and New Year’s. I’m currently reading The Blue Bistro, which is set on Nantucket, and I’m loving all the food descriptions.
-I also have new icing tips – so excited to make something with giant blobs of icing!
-My stomach feels better than it has since last year and my digestive system is…well…working again. I think my Christmas present to myself is going to be re-introdicing goat and sheep cheese. Also, anyone tried the almond milk nog? Which brand is the best?
-Matt and I are going to see a performance of White Christmas this weekend!!! My mom is in love with the movie and bought us tickets for Christmas!
-Any of you athletes out there have recommendations for sore/aching legs? My muscles don’t seem to be recovering from workouts like they used to, and I’m having to limit running to once a week. I’ve tried introducing yoga and walking days (in lieu of working out) and they constantly ache unless I spend a day on the couch.
-A show set in Dallas about fashion? Of course I’m obsessed with Courtney Loves Dallas.
-Umm, sweetened sweet potato chips? Addicted. I reserve these for dessert though because they are coated in sugar.
Happy almost weekend before Christmas.
Jackie
December 19, 2013 at 8:14 pmLove that show too! Speaking of the blue bistro- have you read any other of her books? I’ve read them all and love them!!
Laura
December 19, 2013 at 8:17 pmI haven’t! What would you recommend I try next??
Miranda
December 19, 2013 at 9:25 pmTry magnesium for muscle aches – I always recover from the gym more quickly when I take it. I sleep better, too!
Laura
December 21, 2013 at 4:29 pmThanks – I’ll try it!!
Hillary
December 20, 2013 at 8:46 amI absolutely adored Tell the Wolves I’m Home! I just finished it (after I saw the rec on Jenna’s blog). I’m on to a girly read next – Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella!
Laura
December 21, 2013 at 4:29 pmYay, can’t wait!
Anna
December 20, 2013 at 12:40 pmFoam roller for your legs. …
Laura
December 21, 2013 at 4:28 pmI do, but I’m thinking I don’t do it enough!
Lisa
December 20, 2013 at 12:59 pmMaybe you should run more often? I realized that if I run more consistently, I’m not as sore as to running only once a week and freaking out my legs = sore for dayssss.
I have pretty bad stomach issues too. I think it’s IBS related? Not entirely sure but what works for me is eating fruits only in the morning. It helps with my digestion and eases the bloating and the cramping.
Laura
December 21, 2013 at 4:28 pmIt bothers my IT band too much:( But I might try after the holidays and see if it helps! Interesting that you would mention fruits because I’ve actually noticed that apples as an afternoon snack sometimes make my stomach hurt. I adore apples, so it’s hard not to eat them!
Elaine
December 20, 2013 at 2:46 pmI have Necessary Lies on my nightstand! And I am loving Courtney Love Dallas!
Sarah
December 20, 2013 at 5:29 pmLaura-Are you working now? If not, what do you do during the day? What kind of job are you looking for?
Laura
December 20, 2013 at 7:37 pmI have a temporary job and I have been interviewing for jobs in education and at nonprofits. I have been exploring other ideas too, and will definitely let you know when I know what’s next!
Jennifer
December 21, 2013 at 9:55 amI second the recommendation of magnesium for sore muscles. Soak in a bath of Epsom salts (if you can find lavender, those are heavenly). It may seem hokey but I swear by them and my trainer swears by them.
Merry Christmas!
Laura
December 21, 2013 at 4:26 pmThanks for the recs! A bath would probably be wonderful – I just need to scrub my tub:)
Susan
December 22, 2013 at 10:07 pmHey Laura! About the sore legs- make sure you stretch wrll after your workouts. I know it sounds like a no-brainer, but I notice a difference between a good stretch and one that only lasts a couple minutes.
If the soreness has already set in, I adore peppermint essential oil rubbed on my muscles. Alone or mixed into lotion, it has a tingling sensation that alleviates tr aches and it smells heavenly.
Bri
December 23, 2013 at 8:21 amYou might have a Vitamin D deficiency. It helps with a ton of things including muscle recovery and general aches and pains. You can get a blood test to find out, or you can start taking 1,000 IUs a day. I had the problem a couple years ago and it cleared up after a few weeks of taking vitamin D.
Laura
December 28, 2013 at 10:24 pmI actually do take a supplement because I’ve had trouble with this in the past!