Hello! I’m sitting here sipping on my coffee and feeling extra chatty today, so I think it’s time for another Thinking Out Loud post today. How about we catch up with some lighthearted talk?
I hope you enjoy the random thoughts and musings on what’s been going on around here lately!
1. I completed my first P90X workout since 2010.
Every now and then, Scott pulls out his set of DVDs and gets on a 90-day kick to complete them.
I’ve tried to get through a full 90 days with him before, but I just get… bored. I’m not used to spending an entire hour on a few body parts every single day, and the last time I followed a video, it had me mentally and physically done after 30 minutes. So, I went for a run, and returned when Scott finished his strength video in time to join him for abs.
I’m happy to report that I got through the full hour of shoulders, biceps, and triceps yesterday. I don’t plan to complete the full program with him, but at least I know I can join him on a workout here and there. P90X is intense, y’all!
2. I still can’t get over Making A Murderer.
If you haven’t watched Making A Murder on Netflix yet, it must be because you don’t have an account. It’s worth getting one (or at least signing up for a free 30-day trial) just to watch this series. Seriously.
Scott and I heard everyone raving about it a few weeks ago and finally sat down to watch an episode last week. Well, that one episode turned into binge-watching five. And then five the next day. I’m telling you… it’s crazy. And I’m still upset with how it ends. Ugh!
3. Crockpot Chicken Salsa has made a strong return.
It had been ages since I made salsa chicken in the crockpot, but I finally got the itch to give it a try again this week. I can’t believe I took a break from it either… it’s so flipping easy.
I shared this on Instagram yesterday, but all you have to do is put four boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a crockpot, top it with two cups salsa (make sure it’s all covered), and set to cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6-8 hours. It will be extremely easy to shred when it’s done, and you can pair it with sides like lettuce, rice, beans, tomatoes, avocado, and cheese for a burrito bowl or tacos!
(I used to make this all the time and forgot about it until Julie recently mentioned it on her blog.)
Pictured above is everything mentioned above (minus the tomatoes) on top of corn tortillas, and I’m already excited to dig into the leftovers. Yum!
4. I have a fear of getting sick at work.
Well, working the nursery at church that is. Do any of you who are teachers or work with little ones have the same worry? While they’re super adorable to spend time with, I will inevitably wipe at least a handful of noses, carry someone with the snuffles, and change a diaper or two every shift. One little guy actually sneezed on my face on Tuesday. Yup… on my face.
I think babies and toddlers are absolutely adorable, and I know it will even be different when they are my own, but the germaphobe in me just can’t get over things like that. I find myself reaching for the hand sanitizer every few minutes, and it always feels awesome to wash my hands after three hours of wrangling a dozen two-year-olds.
How do those of you who work with little ones (and their germs) stay immune on a daily basis?
5. Winter has officially showed itself.
I guess all of that talk of winter coming late this year is laughing at us now. It’s currently 16 degrees while I’m typing this post, and it doesn’t look like it is going to warm up any time soon.
We’ve had a decent amount of snowfall, too! Let’s just say that our family walks look a lot different than they did in Florida four years ago. *Sigh*
6. Welp, someone finally won the Powerball Lottery.
Congratulations to the lucky winners in Los Angeles, Jacksonville, somewhere in Texas! Scott and I bought tickets for the first time in years yesterday. You just never know, right?
Funny story… I was talking about getting regular massages with one of my clients and he told me that after he took a year off from going, he called his home salon to schedule an appointment with his regular masseuse and they told him that she doesn’t work there any more. Apparently, she won the lottery and quit her job!
That really happens? Wow.
7. Oreo Thins for the win.
If you’re going to eat Oreos… you’re either a extra-stuffed kind of cookie shopper or not. I’ve never been one to get excited about double stuff, and have always preferred the cookies over the middle. Knowing this, it shouldn’t surprise you that I’ve been obsessed with Oreo Thins.
Over the past six months or so, I’ve purchased both the original and mint flavors and oh. my. gosh. I can’t stop eating them. They’re ridiculously addicting and especially delicious when enjoyed (dipped or crushed) in ice cream. (I usually try to at least go for frozen yogurt with this approach.)
Proceed with caution, I tell you. Jut like Pringles: once you pop, you can’t stop!
8. The only thing worse than the sock monster is…
The glove monster. Does this happen to any of you?
I don’t know how I end up with one glove out of a set, but I have half a dozen of mismatched gloves just chillin’ in our coat closet. What the heck happens to them? It’s not like I wash them as often as socks. Somewhere out there, my single socks, gloves, bobby pins, and hair ties are all hanging out together. Wherever they are, I just hope they’re happy.
9. I love this saying.
Our friend, Nichole, gave this picture quote to Scott to put up on our home office (er… basement corner) a few months ago, and I absolutely love it.
It’s so true. I’m not sure exactly where she purchased it from, but I would imagine you could find something similar at HomeGoods or Stein Mart.
10. Is it weird that I prefer disposable razors?
I’ve never been one to stick to one razor and replace the blade for years. In fact, it wasn’t until I married Scott when I started buying razor head refills for the two Gillette razors we had. (I’ve always liked razors for men because they get a closer shave in my opinion.)
As it turns out, I’ve totally fallen for the Schick Hydro disposable razor. I tried them out as part of a campaign over the summer and haven’t turned to another one yet. I’ve replaced the razor, of course, but I’ve stuck with the same brand!
They’re so comfortable to hold and are extremely gentle, yet sharp enough to get a close shave. In my mind, they’re the best of both worlds (men’s razor with a woman’s grip), and I love them enough to write about them again. Ha!
I guess that’s all I have for now. The sun’s about to come up and I need to get ready and out the door to work at the nursery this morning. Keep your fingers crossed I don’t bring anything (like germs) home today! 😉
Questions of the Day
• What would you say if you were thinking out loud today?
• What’s your go-to razor?
Previous TOL posts: (Thanks for hosting the link-up, Amanda!)
Happy Thursday!
![[in our elementary school era] 🚌😭
Skyler did great walking into KINDERGARTEN with a big smile on his face this morning. I, however, was a bit of a mess on our walk home. 🥹
It’s wild how fast these 5 years with him have gone … 7 since we moved to NYC and into our apartment, dreaming of the day our kids would someday go to the *awesome* school right down our block. 🏫
That day is today, and I still don’t believe it — feeling allll of the emotions and thanking God for placing us here and for being able to trust His timing through the journey. 🫶🏼 #hbshinnyc
SO proud of you, SK - you are going to rock your first year at your “big boy school” - WE LOVE YOU !! 🩵👑](https://lifeinleggings.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)
I hear you on the P90X thing! I stopped buying workout videos years ago because I would get so bored with them. My random thought…..I want to stop buying k-cups and get a reusable k-cup so I can have better tasting coffee in the morning. I have only ever used k-cups since I started drinking coffee a couple of years ago and I know you love your coffee so what brands or flavors would you recommend?
You would get so much use out of a reusable K-cup! I know that’s what my parents use at home. Hmmm. Gosh, I love all coffee, lol. Do you like flavored coffee? If so, my favorite go-tos are French Vanilla or Hazelnut from Dunkin’ Donuts. You can buy the bags at any major grocery store. I also like trying the flavors on sale at Target – there’s usually a ton of them to choose from!
Thank you! Good thing I planned on making a target this weekend! I love flavored coffee so vanilla and hazelnut from Dunkin Donuts sounds perfect. I’ll have to check out the other kinds target has as well.
I also didn’t win the powerball..boo! I did find a few dollars in my pocket this morning so that’s something 🙂 I actually haven’t watched Making a Murderer and don’t really want to. I must be the only person who isn’t watching it! Have a great Thursday 🙂
Gretchen | Gretchruns recently posted…2016 Goals and Resolutions [Blogging]
Hey, look at you! That sounds like a wonderful start to any day! 😉
Is Making a Murderer scary?? I have been hearing people mention they love the show, but I can’t handle anything remotely scary so I haven’t even looked into it. Curious now though…
Not at all! I mean, it covers two murder cases – so it’s not sunshine and rainbows – but it’s not a thriller type of documentary. If anything, it’s like watching an episode of 60 minutes… over and over with new information. It’s crazy!
Oreo thins sound interesting. I’ve never seen them.
Emily Swanson (@Emily11949309) recently posted…Recovery Series: The Bar Queen Story
Interesting and addicting! You’ve been warned, lol. 😉
I am only on episode 3 of making a murderer and am already hooked. Such a crazy story! Definitely plan on watching it a bunch over the long weekend!!
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Busy College Girl 5 Day Meal Plan
Right? Enjoy the rest… after reading these comments it looks like I have some more research to do. Have a great rest of the week, Bri!
I would say out loud “Mary! Get out of bed and go to the gym! And/or get a job!”
My razor is the Venus sensitive skin one. I don’t really have sensitive skin, but I like the protection hahah
Mary recently posted…MIA but not really.
There’s nothing wrong with being protective of your skin. Venus is a great brand!
I’ve heard so many people rave about Making a Murderer lately, and while I’m not huge on TV an don’t have Netflix (I KNOW!), I’d consider getting it because that sort of thing fascinates me. And I’ve managed to avoid the glove monster for the most part, but the sock monster is something I’m dealing with on a constant basis. Where the heck do they go!?!?!?
Amanda @ .running with spoons. recently posted…beating the SADs, my happy pills, and a WTF (ToL #165)
That’s the best way to describe it… fascinating. You just can’t stop watching it to see what unfolds next. And it’s all a true documentary using real footage and evidence. Crazy! And, I’ll personally pay someone hundreds of dollars to find out where all of the socks/gloves/hair ties go. So funny!
As a teacher, I can tell you the first two years of teaching I was just perpetually sick. Combine being super stressed, lack of sleep, not a lot of money to eat well, and being around 180 kids with all their germs – recipe for illness! But, on the other side of that, now I have an AMAZING immune system and hardly ever get sick.
Zicam and hand sanitizer are my best pieces of advice. 🙂
Allison Keskimaki recently posted…Lansing School District Participates in The Hour of Code
Oh man, it sounds like you had your fair share of germs from the kiddos. Hmmm, zicam – good to know. Thanks!
I hear you on the baby germs! When I taught first grade, the babies would sneeze on me and even wipe their nose on the edges of my shirt. Gross.
I hate to say this, but your immune system totally gets use to it. I barely ever got sick. I mean, lots of hand sanitizer (for me and them) and lots of hand washing, sure. But I think your immune system learns to process it all. Plus your a super healthy person, so your immune system is probably already strong 🙂
Hannah at Home recently posted…Warm Chia Pudding
Thinking out loud posts are so fun! I’m a veterinary student and wanted to weigh in a bit on the ‘staying healthy’ thing. While vets obviously aren’t around babies and children all the time, we have to deal with a lot of not-so-pleasant aspects of sick animals. One thing they brought up in our public health course was that while hand sanitizer is great for knocking out bacteria, hand washing with soap is the BEST way to get rid of organic material (ie. snot, fecal material, etc.). So even though Purell is faster, take the time to wash your hands as much as possible! Also remember that hand sanitizer doesn’t know the difference between virulent bacteria on your hands and the normal bacteria that actually protects you – don’t overuse it :).
Somer @PupsOnTheBrain recently posted…Coming Up in 2016
We are 5 episodes in on Making a Murderer….it’s so good yet so frustrating!! But we are for sure hooked!
Happy Thursday, Heather! I was surprised to come home from working at the gym last night to find a PowerBall ticket on the counter, which Dave had purchased for us hahahh! We didn’t win either. Oh well. 🙂 Stay well and warm over there, lady!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West recently posted…When it doubt, eat the rainbow
Making a murderer highlights such crazy injustices about our legal system. If you liked that, definitely listen to season 1 of the serial podcast.
In terms of MAM, there’s a lot of evidence that was left out of the series that shows you another (super scary) side of Steven Avery… obviously whether they had enough evidence is the issue, but man, when you read about him I’m way less sympathetic. I had trouble sleeping after my research lol!
Anna @ THE POSH BODY recently posted…WIAW: Citrus Sick Day
I’ve been using the same Gilette men’s razor since I started shaving when I was 11! I love it. And I hate using women’s razors cause the handle is way too much for me! WHY does it have to be so wide?! My husband said something about my razor one day and I was like, “Wait, do you use my razor?” He said he’s been using it for months cause he likes it better than his. And it’s just a simple Trac 2 blade. I thought Making a Murderer was really frustrating but then I’ve seen a lot more evidence that was conveniently left out of the documentary that really has me undecided on what I think about the outcome. I work in a pediatric ER and haven’t been sick yet this year. I feel like my immune system is better than ever, even while pregnant, because I’m exposed to all the nasty germs so regularly. I just keep my hands away from my face, sanitize and wash often!
Liz recently posted…Random Lists
I work at an elementary school & a public library, so there are plenty of germy students/patrons around me. I don’t touch my face (or my eyes/nose/etc) at all when I’m working, because that way the germs on my hands don’t transfer to my face. I also wash my hands regularly. I actually try to avoid hand sanitizer unless absolutely necessary b/c it strips your hands of the good bacteria on there, too.
Emily recently posted…When my phone wasn’t a phone
I have the P90X DVDs but never completed the full 90 days. I found the routine just to be a little too repetitive but I do pull out the ab ripper one now and again.
Pretty Little Grub recently posted…MAC products
TOTALLY agree on the razors – I love disposables! I buy them at my local bulk store. I like that they’re cheaper and i can just chuck the whole thing when it starts to get dull. And I don’t have to worry about getting specific blades for a specific razor, which I always did wrong?
Haha, that was the worst. I’m with you!
Making a Murderer? Apparently I need to rematch episode one when I am not tired because I fell asleep and was uninterested! The glove monster? ha ha i think we have 5 glove monsters in our house. I can’t keep track of my running gloves for the life of me and I think I have purchased C 5 pairs of gloves this winter already.
Oh man… yes you do. I mean, I fell asleep towards the end episodes, but I could already tell what was happening. The first two are vital! Good luck taming the running glove monster!
I make salsa chicken all the time at home when I have access to my family’s crockpot! It’s so easy, and so yummy! I think I should invest in a small one for school. I’m with you on the disposable razors. I usually buy the Venus embrace razors but I’m not too picky- whatever is on sale works for me!
sarah recently posted…Thinking out Loud #1
We have a small crockpot we mostly use for dips and such, but that’s a great idea!
I got bored of Serial and never finished it so I’m afraid the same thing would happen with Making a Murderer. Maybe I’ll have to check it out to see 🙂
Erin @ Erin’s Inside Job recently posted…Five Things Friday #69
Hi, Great post…I just started blogging and I am going a little overboard–not with posting, but with exploring other peoples blogs and enjoying their thoughts and lives.