More and more, I understand what people mean when they say time goes faster when you get older. I cannot believe it is already November and that next month is CHRISTMAS. Where did this month go? Where did this YEAR go?
With the excitement of the holidays just around the corner (or for some of us who already have Christmas decorations up, excitement is now), I have taken the time to reflect on this past month and have some fun monthly favorites to share. This post is dedicated to my monthly favorites in October.
I know there are so many people on their HAIR CARE journey. I see it all over social media and I personally love watching those videos and seeing what products people are loving. Surprisingly enough, the hair product I am about to mention, I have literally not see once. Not on one video or one ad. I may be onto something here.
The area of hair I have been trying to target is my ends. I can grow my hair no problem, it is maintaining healthy enough ends that I struggle with. So when Korean Skincare became popular, and I discovered Olive & Young when all of the top influencers went to South Korea for the Rae Skincare Influencer Trip, I of course had to try all of the things they were recommending. But there are so many products and I happened to stumble upon the Unova Deep Damage Treatment EX. It was ranked high in Korean standards so it gave me the assurance to click the order button and see it for myself.
After trying it and now consistently applying it on my ends after every shower (literally every shower - I will check a bag when traveling to make sure I can bring this product), it is the best thing to happen to my hair. It is scented and has almost an Aquaphor-like texture. The ends of my hair stay so moisturized, do not split and it makes styling my hair so much easier as it now does not split off into a million directions. It has been the best thing for my hair journey and my hair literally goes all the way down my back.
Based out of upstate NY, you know that it gets COLD. While it has been a warmer Fall than usual, it is still quite chilly. Growing up, I definitely used heated blankets, but it's almost too much. I don't want to be sweating while sleeping. I have been loving a little electric heated pad. So much that I bought one to go on my lap at work too. But right before I go to do my nightly skincare, I will turn this heated pad on and it is perfect to put right on my feet when I get in bed. Literally helps me fall right asleep.
Pilates. I go back and forth between having a love-hate relationship with pilates. When you are working out, it is so painful. But the results, so amazing. I have been doing pilates for about a year. And by year, I started a year go but definitely slacked off for some months. I was typically doing them after work when I was so exhausted and mentally drained for the day that I was not doing it as good as I should have. Or I would opt for stretching (which is important but not everything) instead of doing cardio.
Recently, I have made a mental commitment to get back into shape and focus again on pilates and actually trying during my classes. There are so many benefits that I can attest to. Now, before I go into the benefits. Pilates is not for the faint of heart. These are HARD workouts. Like REALLY HARD. I see all these reels and TikToks talking about how pilates girls would survive the Hunger Games or how it should be it's own Olympics. If you commit to having the right form and not take the easy way out of the moves, they are not wrong. The moves challenge you physically and mentally.
1. Flexibility
I grew up a competitive figure skater and was pretty flexible. I stopped skating when I finished undergraduate and immediately went into my MBA and working pretty much full-time. Three years go by, most of those three years sitting 50+ hours at a desk and man was I TIGHT. I was starting to have back and hip pain. My calves would go numb sometimes and my feet were always cold. I also definitely gained weight that I wasn't proud of.
I did a pilates class with my mother-in-law who was WAY more fit and flexible than I was in her late 50s. That is when I noticed just how tight I have become. I then started pilates and immediately, one of the first things I felt was relief. I didn't feel like I was knotted up and down my back (especially lower back). I felt like I could properly move my neck. It really is amazing how much better I felt, from stretching. You really can't put into words the relief.
2. Energy
Okay, one does not necessarily feel more energized right after a pilates class. Sometimes! But most of the time I am wiped and need time to recover. However, each morning and day that passes, I find myself to be more energized. Whether it is the relief and mobility I have gained from stretching or the strength from the exercises, or the confidence you gain when you start to lean out, you will definitely eventually have more energy overall.
3. The Pilates Body
And for the benefit most people are after of course, the pilates body. Somehow someway, pilates is able to strengthen your muscles, tone and lean out, while getting a curvy figure. I've tried running, 12-3-30, lifting weights, and nothing quite brings results like pilates. Now, of course everyone's body is different and everyone will experience different results. However, the amount of people who have done pilates and got to experience all for these benefits.... there must be something to it.
If I had to pick a favorite out of these top three October Favorites, I don't know if I could pick. Just kidding it would definitely be the Chobani Cookie Dough Creamer. It is hands-down my favorite thing and I am sad when I run out. I think part of what makes it so desirable is probably the fact that it is sold out EVERYWHERE, so when I get it and can stock up it is such a huge win.
On a serious note, I have had a new love for pilates. I feel so much better when I consistently workout and it has really changed my life for the better. So much so I am getting a reformer for home which is going to make doing pilates at home so much more fun.
I know pilates classes can be expensive, but there is so many exercises and stretches that you can do right at home with a stretchy band and some hand weights. I have even used a towel before when I was traveling to help with stretches. You just have to get creative and commit.
I hope you enjoyed this quick little read on my October Monthly Favorites. I fear that November will fly by just as quickly as this month did.
