Friday Favorites #22: Week of 3/20/15

It feels as if I was just writing last week's post and yet here we are with another Friday upon us! I tell ya, week's either fly by or they crawl by...I don't think there is such a thing as a happy medium nowadays. Honestly, I don't know if I like one over the other, it more so just depends on the week and if I'm glad it went by quickly or slowly and vice versa. But you didn't stop by here to hear my ramble about the length of weeks, so before I digress further, let me get on to the reason you did stop by, Friday favorites! 

Home Manicures:

If you've been a reader of the blog for a little while, then you know that I certainly go through phases with my nails - natural, acrylic, acrylic, shellac, natural, shellac, natural...alright you get the point. Lol. Welp, this week I have returned to the natural phase. The left was my somewhat subtle "greenish" choice for St. Patrick's day and the right is my current manicure that I thought screamed welcome spring!

St. Patty's Game:

Tuesday night was a home game for the Pistons which meant I was celebrating St. Patrick's Day dancing at the Palace with my beautiful teammates. We didn't let the holiday go unnoticed, however, we wore the green outfits you see pictured below all throughout the game!

Breaking Out the Flats:

Another thing I love about welcoming spring is saying goodbye to the heavy socks and boots combination. This week I started wearing flats and I have to say it was weird to look and see bare feet! 

This Meme: 

My brother posted this to my Facebook the other day knowing far too well that most days I can relate!

"Deskercise" Article:

At the beginning of the year my work began a Get Fit Challenge trying to help make a sense of community to encourage people to make and stick to their fitness New Year's resolutions. We post weekly updates (#'s as a group whole, not individual) onto the Facebook page along with some sort of motivation/tip. I wanted to share this week's tip over here because I think it is really interesting!

>> 33 Ways to Exercise While At Work <<

Twinning Dinners:

My good friend and teammate Erica and I brought the same (and unplanned) concept of things for dinner to eat before practice on Wednesday night. We both had packed some type of wrap and strawberry Greek yogurt, just different brands. The smoothies however, were planned as she had stopped on her way to the facility and picked them up for us, but nonetheless had to be included in the picture. 

Car Washes:

One of the car wash companies in our area does this awesome program where you pay a flat rate for either 6 months or a year and then you can go once a day for the duration. It works out to be a really great deal if you make the time and go enough. I was proud of myself this week because I made it over that way 3 times! If the sun is shining, then my car should be too!

House of Cards:

I finished season 3 on Wednesday night and wow. I am not going to say any details because I don't want to be that person that spoils for you. But wow, I'll take a season 4 announcement at any time.

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And with that I'm throwing it over to you! 

What have you been loving recently?

❤ Nichole ❤

Friday Favorites with Heather at Life in Leggings!

Headaches :: Tips for Relief

Barometric Pressure Headaches... Man oh man, these things are the bane of my existence during season changes. Since I've been battling them this week I figured why not do a little thinking out loud style post with some of the actions that I've learned to help relieve mine over time. Per usual Thursday fashion I'm linking up with Amanda over at Running with Spoons - hope you're having a good time in Hawaii girl!!

• Cold Compress (on back of the neck)

This is one that I feel a lot of relief from. It can be difficult to find the perfect neck/head position, but what I have found that works well is lay flat and place the ice pack on the edge of a pillow so the neck is still supported. I suggest having 2 or 3 ice packs in the freezer ready to switch out as needed. 

• Cold Compress (on the eyes)

Not one of my favorites because my eyes tend to be sensitive with headaches and I don't like the cold on them, nonetheless it works. I suggest to lay or sit, whichever is comfortable with your head supported. 

• Turn Off the Lights

Whenever a headache is flaring up for me I prefer to be in a room with dim to no lighting. I have to walk into a room where there is light I try to do it slowly giving my eyes a little more time to adjust. 

• Put Down the Electronics

Our lives are surrounded by phones, tablets, laptops, TVs and so on, yet squinting at the screens will only make a headache worse. I used to think that no matter what I was feeling if my phone went off I needed to respond and was I wrong...the only thing needed is to let it sit and keep resting. 

• Close Your Eyes

For me when I lay (or sit) with my eyes closed I am forcing myself to stray away from paying attention to any distractions around me. I am making myself take the time necessary to feel better. I also like to let me body sleep as much as it needs to fight off the pain. Also goes hand in hand with the 2 above. 

• Take a Hot Bath (with epsom salts)

Epsom salts are an amazing addition to a bath whenever your body is in need of relaxation. When I have a headache my body becomes tense and so I like to take warm baths with epsom salts for my muscles. 

• Ask/Go for a Massage

Massages are a miracle worker to relieve my headaches, however they aren't always convenient with a busy schedule. If I am not home alone I will ask for someone to give me a quick neck/shoulder rub to try to work out some of tightness. If I am home alone I will try to rub my shoulders while laying on my stomach, or rolling with a foam roller. My gym also has a couple massage chairs so if I feel good enough to drive - or have someone available to drive me - I will head there. 

• Drink LOTS of Water

Headaches can be caused by or worsen because of dehydration. I don't see an instant difference if I chug a bottle of water...it's not like poof and my headache is gone, nevertheless I make a conscious effort to up my intake and consistently drink water because I know it can help. 

• Play Quiet Relaxation Music

This one is on the list of rarities for me, although at times I will turn on some soft piano music, very quietly in the background while I am resting and I have found it to be soothing.

*Disclaimer:: I am not a trained professional, I am just sharing what has helped me personally.*

Questions of the Day:

1) Do you experience barometric pressure headaches?

2) What types of things help you with your headaches?

❤ Nichole ❤

MIMM #25 {Randomness}

Fun weekends make it so hard to welcome Monday mornings with open arms. Anyone else with me? What they don't make hard, however, is putting together a recap of events to share for MIMM! 

Friday:

When 3 o'clock hit on Friday afternoon I decided a little NSync Pandora radio was exactly what I needed to get through the last few hours of the work day. You can be assured I was jammin' right along.

After I got out of work I headed to meet up with Billy at the gym. I wasn't really in the mood for a workout, but I did decide since I was there to tan and sit in the massage chair while he finished up. We then headed out to grab some food - which I was most excited about as I was hungryyyy!

For the remainder of the night we headed back to my house to just relax. We ended up scrolling through Netflix and stumbled upon a movie called Shooter that we decided to watch with my dad. It was really good, even though didn't finish the last 20 minutes - my dad had to get my mom from the airport. Prior to starting the movie my dad and I found out that Billy supposedly has some yoga tricks up his sleeve! 

Once Billy left I sat down to tackle something that I've been wanting to do for quite some time now, label my blog posts, and finally my browse posts by topics page is up and running!

Saturday:

Started out slow by taking my time to get up and going. After I did a few things around my room, my mom and I made St. Patties Day themed chocolate covered strawberries.

Around 3 we headed down to our family friends house for an Irish inspired meal. The food was delicious!

After dinner we headed out to the Farmington Players Barn Theater. The theater was absolutely adorable although I failed to take a picture of the outside. :( We were waiting to see Blackthorn, a Celtic Band. I had never heard much Celtic music prior to this, but it was really interesting! This all has been a tradition of the Milliman's for a little while and we were thankful to be included and a part of it this year!

I drove my car down separate so that when we were finished I could head over to my friend Heather's to hang out and spend the night. I got there later than expected, yet we still had an awesome time together! It had been far too long since she and I had had a girls night and it was longgg overdue. 

We talked to catch up for quite a while and then popped a bag of popcorn to watched an episode of House of Cards. A girls night with Heather is never complete without some wine!

Sunday:

Because Heather lives less then 10 minutes from my practice facility for dance I was fortunate enough to sleep in! She made me a quick (and super yummy) breakfast before I headed out the door. 

I headed home after practice and ended up taking an unexpected nap. It was one of those where I was like I'll just lay and regroup for a couple minutes, but nope I was out for a good 30 minutes. When I woke up Billy was already over and waiting to head out. He was taking me to a local town to go fishing.

I had been fishing a few times when I was younger and deep sea fishing once in high school, however, it certainly has not been something I do on a regular basis or in years for that matter. Billy, is the exact opposite - he has fished his whole life whenever he has the chance. We didn't end up catching anything and it took me a few tries to get the hang out it, but we had a lot of fun! 

As you can see there was lots and lots of (great) randomness that took place this weekend!

Now I want to hear from you! 

What are you reminiscing about from your weekend on this Monday morning?

❤ Nichole ❤

Linking it up with Katie!

Friday Favorites #21: Week of 3/13/15

Hey there cool people and happy Friday! How have your weeks been? Is there anything you are looking forward to this weekend? My week has been pretty go with the flow and I think the weekend is going to follow suit. I have some stuff I want to get done that has been forever on my to-do list, but besides that I honestly have no set plans. The only thing on my calendar is practice Sunday morning. I'm interested to see how this (almost) schedule free weekend turns out because it has been a while!

Alright, alright...time to get down to business, Friday favorites coming your way!

This Picture:

Billy tagged me in this picture on Instagram over the weekend and I literally laughed out loud when I opened it up. It is so accurately me. I have the hardest time waking up in the morning. Once I get up and going I'm set, but the snooze button is definitely a close companion of mine for at least 3 presses. Why is it that the bed always seems/feels the most comfortable and the warmest right when the alarm rings.

Ending A Search:

For the longest time I have been in search for a 32 oz water bottle that would also fit into my cup holder. I've had plenty to 32 oz bottles, but when I put them in the seat next to me I almost end up with some sort of a least 5 times out of 10. Plus when they are so large and bulky they are just a pain to carry around. I prefer 32 oz because it helps me stay on track to drink enough water throughout the day without having to think about it or count. Earlier this week my mom came across this Contigo 30 oz water bottle and picked it up for me. Finally, thanks to her, my search has come to an end!

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Warmth & Sunshine:

I'm usually not one to join in on the weather post bandwagons, however after the frigid temperatures we've been experiencing when I walked out of work on Monday to sunshine and almost 50 degrees I couldn't help it. I came up with a cleaver - or so I thought - hashtag calling myself out for doing so.

#NotSoUniqueExcitedForWarmWeatherPost

Tropical Smoothie:

While I was out and about yesterday I passed by Tropical Smoothie and decided to make a quick stop in. I don't spend money on smoothies like this that often with being able to make them at home for much cheaper, but every now and again it's a nice treat! I got the Acai Berry Blast + Energizer. 

Tomato Soup:

If you happened to stop by to read my post yesterday you would of noticed I mentioned that Wednesday was the 5 year anniversary of my grandma's passing. Well, tomato soup was one of her favorite quick dishes to put together and my family and I never let this week go by without making it special in her memory. Knowing I wasn't going to be home until around 11pm on Wednesday night, my dad made a batch of it for dinner on Tuesday and a container came with me for lunch on Wednesday. 

Alumni Dinner:

Last night my sorority held a dinner for us alumni to get together with some of the active sisters. I was really excited when they announced that date and time about a month back because I saw I was going to be able to attend. So far all of the events that they have held for alumni I haven't been able to go to. We went to a local Applebee's and I was surprised when I looked at the menu to see a ton of changes. I decided to try a new option they have available for appetizers - mix and match any 2 or 3. Since I was having a hard time deciding I went for the option of 3; sriracha shrimp, salsa verde shredded brisket nachos, and the chicken quesadilla. All was delicious! I would have to say the sriracha shrimp was my favorite. It was great to hang out with my sisters, some I already knew and some I had just met. 

New Kicks:

I'm actually wearing these for the first time today! My mom picked these up for me on clearance for a steal deal. I can't remember how much, but I'm pretty positive they were less than $15. They can be worn up to look like a regular high top or be rolled down to show the inside fur. Just too cute!

Oh hey there Coco, would you like to be in the picture too?

What is on your Friday Favorites list this week?!

❤ Nichole ❤

Linking up with Heather!

Appreciate What You Have

Over the past few weeks a few of my friends have either had loved ones pass away and/or go through some sort of trauma, as well as yesterday was the 5 year anniversary of my grandma's passing. This all has had me thinking a lot lately about the life that we've been given and the days that we have. 

I've been putting off this post throughout the week because I wanted to gather my thoughts together before I wrote it. Well, last night it hit me that I think this one is meant to be a little different than my usual; no plan laid out in my head, just me and my fingers typing away on the computer keys.

Have you ever stopped to think what it would be like to miss out on a day of your life? I'm not saying thinking about if you were to pass away, I'm just saying miss one day in time. For example, today is the 12th - what if the next thing you were to recall was waking up on the morning of the 14th with no memories from the day in-between. I honestly have not...until recently that is. 

I at times feel like a bad day is the end of the universe. 

I at times let days pass by without making the count. 

I at times take days for-granted.

I'm human. 

But when I stop to think about what I would rather have; a bad day or a missed day, the bad day wins every time. I love life, even with the difficulties, and I can't imagine loosing out on a day of living. 

Recent events have just helped make me become more self aware of truly appreciating each day I have. I am trying to "check" myself when I start to get bogged down. I tend to hang onto things and that is when I start to go through motions in a daze. This is what I personally need to work on; letting go and brushing things off. Since I have the days, I don't want to miss out on any part of them. 

Have you thought about what it would be like to miss a day?

Linking up with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud. 

❤ Nichole ❤

MIMM #24 {One Of Those Busy Ones}

It is Monday already?! Holy cow this weekend flew by. I'd like to wish I could blame it on us "springing" forward, but unfortunately that was only an hour we lost and I was in deep sleep when that happened. Nope, it was just another one of those busy ones like we all know so very well! I have to say though it was a good weekend and that's why it disappeared in the blink of an eye. However, I would much rather have it that way then to be bad and drag on! Agreed? Linking up with Katie to share my highlights!

Friday:

Was a very exciting day. Billy officially graduated from the Michigan Department of Corrections Academy. I unfortunately wasn't able to be there thought. :/ They made it at 10 in the morning on a Friday...who does that?! I had been looking forward to this day since he began the academy 6 weeks ago. All the way from Tuesday when he found out the time until 9:45 on Friday I was trying to figure out how I could take a reallll early lunch and make it over there. The morning didn't align in my favor, but I was thankful that my parents were able to make it. After work Billy came over and they all talked to me about graduation which made me feel like I was still a part of it in a way! From there Billy and I headed to dinner at Logan's Roadhouse. Deliciousness. We just sat, ate and talked...for like 3 hours...it was a great end to the week. On his way to take me home we stopped at the store because I needed some makeup. 

Saturday:

Started early by heading out to a health fair for work. It was my first time having a booth at an event so I was a little nervous! The fair was not as busy as the coordinators of it had anticipated although it was still a fun day. I enjoyed meeting and talking with everyone that came by our booth. Once the event was wrapped up I headed home to change, meet up with my parents and then we were headed out to the gym to meet Billy. I started out with 20 minutes on the treadmill - well actually like 27 with warm-up and cool down. When I stepped on I decided to attempt an interval run for the first time. You can find the pattern I followed below! **Please note I am not a fitness professional and I was doing what felt good for me. If you try this treadmill interval listen to your body and make adjustments accordingly.** Stretching followed the treadmill and then Billy and I met up to do a few minutes on the stair stepper. 416 steps in 5 minutes, let's just say I was feeling the burn! I didn't want to make myself to sore because of our game the next day so I then headed to tan and sit in the massage chair. The night ended by watching Knight and Day and then headed home to get into bed somewhat early. 

Sunday:

GAME DAY! It was crazy to think that it had been over a week since I had last been on court with being out of town last weekend. The morning was off to a slow and relaxing start which was exactly what the doctor ordered. Well, if I were a doctor it's what I would of ordered so that works right? I headed down to that Palace around 12:30 and couldn't help but to smile when I got ready to walk outside. It was so bright and sunny out! I opened the door and decided I didn't need my jacket, my hoodie would be enough. If you have been experiencing the single digit and negative degree temperatures like we have then you can totally understand my excitement in that moment. It was a mere 34 degrees outside, but it felt like a heatwave to me! The game was a lot of fun. In honor of the 80s night theme we had a halftime performance with artist Stevie B. Unfortunately the Pistons lost. :/ I met my mom, Billy and 2 of my friends in the lobby after the game. While we were standing there talking I saw a teammate of mine from last year Abby walk down the stairs. She moved out of town during the summer and was back in town.. I was able to see her for a couple seconds prior to the game, but we weren't able to really talk since I was headed up to the concourse. It was so good to catch up with her real quick after!

What were the best parts of your weekend??

I hope you all have an awesome Monday!

❤ Nichole ❤

Friday Favorites #20: Week of 3/6/15

Alright so I've been really pumped for this edition of Friday Favorites all week. It was to the point that I had my list created of what I wanted to share before some of the events even took place! So, with that said I'm going to dive right in. Linking up with Heather over at Life in Leggings, be sure to stop by!

This T-Shirt:

You may recognize the picture of this shirt from Instagram. I purchased it while at Winter Jam a couple week's back and was so excited when I had the chance to finally wear it. It is not only super cute - the style is loose and flowing, the design is fun and the material is very comfortable - but even more than simply the "look," I love it for what it says. Be True. Be Real. Be You.

*Changeable* Phone Cases: 

I've shared on the blog before my obsession with phone cases, however I've been proud of myself since I got my iPhone 6 back in September. I only have purchased 2 cases! That's a record. Lol! Well, when I was traveling this weekend I came across these in the airport and couldn't resist. I technically got 4 cases for $30 dollars. There are 4 face plates - 2 clear sparkle, 1 black sparkle, 1 purple sparkle - and 2 bumper cases which hold the case together - 1 black, 1 white. They are all interchangeable. 

Traveling:

Speaking of traveling, it is not only a love of mine from the weekend but of all time. It is always nice to get a chance of scenery every now and again whether it be across state, across state lines, across the country or across the globe. They are all wonderful in their own way. Besides the fun that comes with traveling I really enjoy learning about the different places I have the chance to visit.

Surprises in the Mail:

Okay, this wasn't exactly a "surprise" per se since I knew that at some point it was going to show up in my mailbox yet I had no clue what that date would be. I was thrilled when I received a text from my dad that my VoxBox had arrived. I can't wait to open it this weekend and find out what all is inside! Make sure to check back for a review of my XO VoxBox sometime in the next week or two. 

Impromptu Wine Tasting:

Last night I had dinner at Panera with my best friend Kayla, who I've mentioned on here a time or 2 or 20. After we finished up I headed over to a different local restaurant, Redwood Lodge, to meet my mom. There was an alumni fundraiser for my college taking place and she asked me to come stop by. She had mentioned it earlier in the week but I wasn't 100% sure what was in-store for Thursday just yet. I'm definitely glad I was able to swing by after dinner. We had a lot of fun. There was yummy appetizers and desserts as well as we all had tickets for wine and beer tasting. I had this delicious sweet white German house wine, unfortunately I can't recall the name...actually I couldn't even pronounce it! 

And with that, it's your turn! 

What are your faves from the week?

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❤ Nichole ❤