I'm trying to do yoga. When I say that I'm trying to do yoga, it means I got a sudden urge to one day stretch and actually be able to touch my toes. I am not flexible. So I did a few sun salutations yesterday and felt pretty good about it.

This move from Virginia to Minnesota has been really smooth so far, so naturally I am waiting for the moment where my anxiety will kick in and I'll freak out about being so far from home. So far so good though, you guys.

But what do you do when you feel a little anxious or a little stressed to calm down a bit?

I made a list.

+ Call someone from home. Ask to talk to your dog as well.

+ Go for that run even though you're sore and really don't feel like it.

+ Make some tea. While the water boils, stretch.

+ Watch a couple episodes of

Friends

. Works every time.

+ Write something down. Step away from it and add or edit.

+ Look through old photos and laugh at your hair.

+ Lie down on the couch and read something.

What do you do when you need to chill out?

--

This post is sponsored by 

Ice Mountain® Natural Spring Water

.

I'm turning 25 in two weeks.

I love a good birthday as much as the next person, but I've never been one to make a big big deal about celebrating too much. This year feels different. It's a little inconvenient that my family and friends are a plane flight away, but I still want to celebrate. Because there are so many things to be thankful for. I'll be 25--a quarter of a century! After a long year of distance, Rob and I are living in the same apartment again. I just bought an incredibly expensive ticket to Alt Summit and I intend to make the most of every minute of that conference. Oh yeah, and did I mention that I'm getting married in May?

I have some stuff planned for my 25th year.

So, in celebration of all that's going on in my life these coming months and with gratitude to you, who have made this blogging thing such a pleasure, from now until September 4th (my birthday), all ad spots are 75% off. (Get it? Because I'm turning 25, ads are only 25% of their full price. Yeah--math.) Just use the code HAPPYBIRTHDAY.

And to keep the party going, I've got a giveaway. Let's do this!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

I often get questions about my hair care routine, and I often feel weird about telling my "secrets," because really the truth is that I wash my hair as rarely as possible. My hair is very thick, and with a little baby powder or dry shampoo, I'm good with a once-weekly wash and conditioner. Once a month, though, I use a coconut oil hair mask first. It's super easy, perfect for a weekend afternoon at home, and is basically magic for your hair. I'll show you how.

Start with crazy hair that you're ready to wash.

YOU WILL NEED

+ two heaping tablespoons of coconut oil

(that's enough for my long and thick hair--you might need less if you have shorter or thinner hair)

+ a microwaveable bowl

+ shampoo and conditioner

Put two tablespoons of coconut oil into a bowl. Microwave for about ten seconds, or until the oil has melted. 

Work the melted coconut oil into your hair. I just dip the ends straight into the bowl and massage through.

I stop at the base of my head because I don't like to get my roots or bangs.

Wrap your hair up into a top knot and go about your business. 

Let it sit for 30 minutes to a couple of hours, and then shampoo (twice) and condition as usual.

Note: make sure you rinse the shower or tub really well so no coconut oil residue remains. 

No one needs to start their day slipping in the shower!

Do you use coconut oil as a hair mask? How about as lotion?

Tell me your favorite DIY beauty treatment!