I have an update on my Commitment post.  I have gotten committed.  Hey, hey – what do you know?!  Sometimes, all you need is to put the healthy intention out there to the universe… it lights a fire under your butt.  I have been working out, eating right, and generally treating myself the way I should.  I feel better than I have in weeks!  Energy and positivity begets energy and positivity!

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I’ve also been doing more food prep work.  I did a bunch of weekday prep work on Sunday and a little more this morning – basically, I’m making triple or quadruple batches of my favorite dishes (like Perfect Baked Tofu, Emily’s Black Bean Burgers, and my Santa Fe Casserole), as well as oodles of healthy side dishes, like roasted broccoli and potatoes.  Having ready-to-go meals is truly half the battle when it comes to healthy eating!  I was super excited to see this post by Kath in my Reader this morning (Tips for Prep Day) because it really motivated me to do *more* next Sunday.

 

So – life is good.  Very good.  Especially when you’re almost two and it’s trash day!  So exciting.

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And on that “taking care of myself” note, I thought I’d share some of my new favorite essential oils.

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I have an essential oils problem. You should see the collection of little bottles next to my bed. I’m addicted! But I swear, essential oils really help me relax, wind down, and fall asleep – as well as wake up!

 

Oils that I’m loving:

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My favorite of late is Mandarin. I use it for stress and anxiety and to help me fall asleep, but it has a ton of other uses, too.  I also use Lavender at night for sleep – its my favorite scent of all time.  Peppermint is great for queasy stomachs, headaches, and colds.  It’s also thought to be a stress-relieving scent, but I haven’t tried it for that.  I love Eucalyptus, but ONLY during the day – it is such an invigorating scent and really wakes me up.  I accidentally took it once at night and it was a disaster.  And last – but not least – I’m lovin’ Lemon because it always makes me feel good and happy when I smell it.

 

How do I take essential oils?

 

By rubbing a few drops on my wrist.

By sprinkling a few drops on my pillow.

By putting a few drops in a warm bath.

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Want to learn more about essential oils?

 

The #1 Sleep Mistake You Are Probably Making Every Night

Bath Time (for Adults!)

 

Other random fun things…

 

Remember how I’m running the Heartbreak Hill Half Marathon in Boston?  Yay!  So excited.  (PS – If you wanna join me, this link has some discount codes!)

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Well, Runner’s World announced the race’s schedule, and the events look SO COOL.  You can check out the schedule here. In addition to the kids’ race, dog race, 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon, the festival includes a huge expo, movie showings, pasta dinner with the editors of Runner’s World, and multiple seminars, including:

 

Running with Your Dog – Safety, Nutrition, and Getting Started

Ask the Sports Doc: Staying Injury-Free

Women’s Running: Why It’s Different

Masters Running: Tips and Tactics for Staying in the Game

Presentations by Bart Yasso, Mark Remy, Chris Herren

Training: How to Go Longer and Faster

Fueling: Priming Your Body for Peak Performance

Training: What Every New Runner Needs to Know

The Gear Geeks: Picking the Right Gear

A keynote presentation by Sarah Reinertsen

 

I’m going to try to go to as MANY seminars as possible while I’m there, and I promise to take awesome notes to share on the blog.  I’m pretty pumped – I’ve never been to such a jam-packed race.  I guess that’s what you can expect when the event is put on by Runner’s World!

 

And… for my fellow fans of Girls on the Run…

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Girls on the Run of the Twin Cities is hiring a new Program Manager.  They sent me over a job announcement in case any HTP readers would want to work for them!  You can read the job description here.  Tell them I sent you!

 

Have a great day.  <3

{ 19 comments }

 

  • Maryea {happy healthy mama} April 22, 2014, 4:59 pm

    I love essential oils, too. I use lemon oil in my water daily and Doterra has a bunch of blends that I love. I love that your positive energy is creating more positive energy. 🙂

    • Marysa Stevens April 22, 2014, 9:34 pm

      I love the spelling of your name! 😉

  • Jen W. April 22, 2014, 5:13 pm

    Essential oils sound so interesting. I’d love to try some. If I remember correctly you and your hubby sell these and nutritional supplements – am I correct? Do you have a website you can send me to? Thanks…..

    • Caitlin April 23, 2014, 8:50 am

      We sell some at vitaminsforvegetarians.com! Is there something in particular you are looking for? If it’s not on the website, you can email me at caitlinjboyle@gmail.com. Our stock in the office is a lot bigger!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat April 22, 2014, 5:53 pm

    The Runners World event sounds SO fun! If I had the $$ to get there I’d do it in a heartbeat. Thanks so much for linking up to the article about mandarin essential oils because that’s one of my faves too, and I had no idea it had so many health benefits – I just love the smell! Now you’ve given me even more reasons to use it. 🙂

  • Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs April 22, 2014, 5:53 pm

    Congrats on your successful (re)commitment! 🙂

  • Marysa April 22, 2014, 9:33 pm

    Dude, Santa Fe Casserole – I lived off of that in college (about 5 years ago) back when I would check your blog 2-3 times every single day 😉 I have never made it for my husband (it was my single, broke girl dish at least twice a week + leftovers). I remember how delicious it was with a little bit of cheese melted on top. I am so making that this week. Your blog introduced a whole new world to me for foods. I went veg for an entire year and a half and while I eat meat now I am really conscious of getting in my fruits and veggies because I LOVE them not because I HAVE to. I also don’t feel like I have to eat meat all the time because dishes like this offer a good protein and feel me up. Anyways, random thoughts but was just nostalgic for those good ol’ days 🙂

  • Steph M. April 22, 2014, 9:41 pm

    I love essential oils too! I use Young Living Essential Oils (YLEO)… I love their quality and their seed to seal promise… Meaning, they closely monitor everything from when the seed is planted until the oil is bottled. They also own many of their own farms. I love YLEO blends like thieves for its antibacterial/antiviral properties, peace and calming for my little guy… I could go on and on… Just wanted to share!

  • Ashley N. April 22, 2014, 11:30 pm

    I am DEFINITELY applying for that position tomorrow–thanks for sharing!! I am so interested in essential oils, it’s something I want to learn more about and see how my mind/body responds to them.

  • Sara April 23, 2014, 12:39 am

    I’m addicted to an essential oil blend from Young Living! It’s Peace and Calming!! It’s the best at relaxing me!! 😍😍

  • Polly @ Tasty Food Project April 23, 2014, 3:23 am

    I’ve heard of Girls on the Run and was considering volunteering for the next even in Seattle!

    I love essential oils! Lavender is my favorite scent! It’s so soothing and relaxing!

  • Kelly April 23, 2014, 7:49 am

    I use an essential oil called Thieves in my classroom everyday. I diffuse it into the air to kill germs. As a second grade teacher I am always surrounded by coughs, sneezes, and runny noses. I don’t want to get sick or bring it home to my family so I use the germ fighting oil to kill those nasty airborne sickies.

  • Michelle April 23, 2014, 8:08 am

    I love essential oils! Super jealous of your collection 🙂

  • Cat April 23, 2014, 10:36 am

    I am so jealous of your oil collection! Haha I’m getting there slowly but surely 😉 Lavender is one of my favourites too – I recently got an all natural roll-on perfume, which is basically essential oils with a coconut oil base. Reminds me I need to blog about it soon!

  • Meg April 23, 2014, 11:45 am

    Good morning! I’ve used EOs on and off over the years, but just recently purchased some new ones to start using on a more regular basis. Question – do you ever use them on Henry? If so, do you dilute them in a carrier oil? My baby is going to be one next week (exciting and wahhh! :() and I’m interested in your thoughts on EOs for the little ones.

    • Caitlin April 23, 2014, 1:52 pm

      Very exciting and wahhh – I understand that sentiment perfectly! I have not used them on Henry… I think I’d have to do more research first – EOs can be pretty strong. Oh wait, we did difuse some lavender once when he was sick and it seemed to help!

  • Alyssa April 23, 2014, 11:45 am

    I’m so impressed that you officially committed to two or 3 days of exercise in a row after you posted this weekend. What a streak! Congrats girl

    • Caitlin April 23, 2014, 1:51 pm

      I’m on day 5!!!! Serious streak. Yesterday was low key – more like active rest – so I’m feeling really good. Thanks 🙂

  • Carolina John April 23, 2014, 1:01 pm

    Yay! Glad you were able to pull it all together. I’ve been holding a pretty clean streak for several weeks now and it is really starting to pay off. My legs feel great and ironman training workouts are getting really smooth. Keep up the good work!

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