apple cider vinegar | the verdict

Remember when I posted way back when about starting an apple cider vinegar regimen? Well, I'm not quite sure why it took a million years to share the results. I think I was waiting for some grand transformation of health, but that obviously never happened. That's not to say I still don't drink a glass of it every evening before bed. The results, while minimal, aren't nonexistent. 

Because I am an SAT nerd, I will give you an analogy: apple cider vinegar is to your body as wd-40 is to a machine. It can help things operate more smoothly but isn't a mechanic in a bottle that is going to solve any major issues. 

When I am taking care of myself, eating well, and running regularly, the ACV helps me feel like a better version of myself. My stomach was upset less, and my skin has cleared up slightly* (or I'm just getting old and finally growing out of my terrible teenage skin). If I wasn't making healthy choices, no amount of ACV was going to make me feel top notch.

So, even though it's not earth shattering, I think apple cider vinegar is a nice little hippie addition to my quest to live a healthier lifestyle. Plus, I've actually gotten hooked on the taste and look forward to my nightly ritual! If you're curious, I would suggest trying it out**, but don't expect any magic potions. 

*For a couple weeks I tried spreading diluted ACV (1 part ACV to 2 parts water) on my face with a cotton ball. I never saw any change and didn't keep it up. I have heard people rave about it though, so I'm sure it varies from person to person.

**Nightly, I mix two tablespoons ACV (the one with the mother!) in a pint glass of cold water. What, you don't measure water by pints?

the weather report | more than just cold

After over a week of sub-sub-freezing temperatures, we finally got some snow! I don't know why this makes the cold more bearable. It's just as frigid (if not more) and now wet and slippery, but a dusting of white on the ground gets everyone a little excited and warmed from the inside out. Somehow the cold is justified/vindicated by it. Regardless, I'm glad January is almost over.

ladies night

Earlier this week, Jenn and I had a little "ladies night" after work. No, there was no skeezy club involved. We just happened to hit up a couple lady-centric events and enjoyed a couple glasses of prosecco along the way. Not bad for a Wednesday night!

weekend recap

This weekend I learned that you can get so much done when you don't sleep in until outrageous hours on Saturday and Sunday. It's true: awake me is much more productive than sleeping me. Who knew? I'm not sure I'll be springing out of bed on my regular workday schedule, but I'm going to make an effort to squeeze as many waking hours into my free days as I can. Kurt is thrilled :)

Our friend Christian had the brilliant idea to participate in the National Day of Service on Saturday, so he, Kurt, and I signed up to help with the Sandy Relief Kitchen's Canned Food Drive. Our "dream team" was stationed in front of a nearby grocery store taking food donations. It was freeeezing and super early but I was astounded by the community support. 

virtual stoop sale

I'll admit it, I have a clothing problem. I don't go shopping all the time (and when I do, it's typically at Old Navy, Forever 21, and Target), but my wardrobe inventory has certainly started to outgrow its teeny apartment storage. A huge purge was in order, so I chucked anything I hadn't worn in a while or didn't fit quite right. A lot went to Goodwill, some things went to textile recycling, but I had too much admiration for some items to part with them easily. So I'm selling them online so you can love them too! Check out the eBay shop here.

There are lots of skirts and dresses and a couple pairs of shoes. Nothing is particularly expensive and everything is in good condition. Let me know if you have any questions and happy shopping!

(p.s.-To prevent such tragedies in the future, I've instituted a "one in, one out" policy, so I have to think long and hard when purchasing a new item. Let's hope it works!)