My Favorite Things Right Now: January Edition

Posted on January 22, 2025January 19, 2026 by gigis ramblings

January is the perfect time to reflect, reset, and find joy in the little things. As we settle into the new year, I’ve been discovering a few favorite things that bring comfort, excitement, and a sense of freshness to my daily routine. From cozy comforts to practical tools, here’s a roundup of what’s making my January a little brighter.

Cozy Comforts

Soft, Comfy Pajamas

There’s nothing like wrapping up in a soft, oversized pajama set on a chilly January day. It’s my go-to for staying warm while still feeling cozy. They are perfect when I’m working from home (when I’m not on camera) or just lying around.

Scented Candles

Candles are an easy way to create a cozy atmosphere. Right now, I’m loving warm, spicy scents like cinnamon and vanilla. Lighting a candle in the evening sets a calming mood, perfect for unwinding after a long day.

Fuzzy Socks

Slipping into a pair of fuzzy socks is one of life’s simple pleasures. They keep my feet toasty and add a touch of coziness to my daily routine. My husband keeps me in the sock game. He buys me socks for every holiday and sometimes just because. I’ve stocked up on a few pairs in fun patterns to brighten up these gray winter days.

Practical Tools

My Planner

January is all about getting organized, and my planner is my trusty sidekick. I love the feeling of mapping out my week and checking off tasks. It helps me stay on track and keeps the overwhelm at bay. Plus, I’ve found one with a beautiful cover that makes planning a little more enjoyable.

Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Working from home comes with its fair share of distractions, which is why my noise-cancelling headphones are a game-changer. Whether I’m focusing on a project or enjoying some downtime with music, they help me stay in the zone.

A Quality Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is a goal I’m sticking to this year, and having a good water bottle makes it easier. I’ve found one that keeps my water cold all day and has a convenient handle for carrying around. It’s a small change, but it’s made a big difference in my daily routine.

Entertainment and Hobbies

New Books

As an avid reader, I’m always on the hunt for my next great read. This month, I’ve been diving into a mix of fiction and non-fiction that keeps me inspired and entertained. There’s something about curling up with a good book on a winter evening that feels just right.

Finding Calm with Bob Ross

Lately, I’ve found myself drawn to the Bob Ross channel on Roku, where I’ve been watching him paint his iconic “happy little trees.” There’s something incredibly soothing about his calm, encouraging voice and the gentle swish of his brush on the canvas. It’s become a comforting ritual, a quiet escape from the hustle of daily life. His serene demeanor and positive outlook remind me to slow down and appreciate the simple joys of creativity and nature.

Journaling

Journaling has become a calming ritual for me. Whether I’m jotting down thoughts, gratitude lists, or random musings, it helps me process my day and stay mindful. It’s also a great way to track progress on my goals and reflect on the little joys.

Related: How I Start the Year Calm

Self-Care Favorites

At-Home Spa Treatments

With the cold weather taking a toll on my skin, I’ve been indulging in at-home spa treatments. Face masks, body scrubs, and moisturizing lotions are part of my weekly routine now. It’s a simple way to feel pampered without leaving the house.

Morning Stretch Routine

Starting my day with a gentle stretch routine has been a game-changer. It wakes up my body and mind, setting a positive tone for the day. Plus, it’s a great way to shake off any stiffness from a night’s sleep.

Herbal Teas

There’s something soothing about a warm cup of herbal tea on a cold day. I’ve been exploring different flavors like chamomile, peppermint, and lavender. It’s a comforting ritual that helps me relax and unwind.

Home Upgrades

Fresh Throw Pillows

Sometimes, a small change can make a big impact. I’ve added a few new throw pillows to my living room, and it’s made the space feel fresh and inviting. It’s a simple, affordable way to give my home a mini-makeover.

Houseplants

Bringing a bit of greenery indoors has been a game-changer for my mood. Houseplants add life and vibrancy to any space. I’ve started with a few low-maintenance ones, and I love how they brighten up my home.

Organized Kitchen Pantry

There’s something satisfying about an organized pantry. I usually keep the pantry and cabinets in order, but it had gotten out of hand. I recently tackled mine, and now it’s a joy to see everything back in its place. It’s made meal prep easier and has reduced the stress of searching for ingredients.

Final Thoughts

These are just a few of my favorite things this January. They may be simple, but they’ve added a bit of joy and comfort to my life. As we continue through the month, I’m looking forward to discovering more little treasures that make the everyday feel special. What are some of your favorite things right now?

Related: January Is for Rebuilding Energy

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

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Stay Balanced: Why Homeostasis is Key, Especially in Winter!

Posted on January 20, 2025January 9, 2025 by gigis ramblings

What is Homeostasis?

Homeostasis is your body’s way of keeping everything in balance. It’s like your internal thermostat, making sure your temperature, hydration, and energy levels are just right. When homeostasis is working, you feel good and stay healthy.

Why It Matters More in Winter

Winter can throw your body off balance. Cold weather, shorter days, and holiday stress all make it harder to maintain homeostasis. Your body works extra hard to stay warm and keep everything running smoothly.

Image created with Canva Magic Studio

Boost Your Winter Balance

To help your body stay balanced, pay attention to what you eat and drink. Here are some top picks for winter wellness:

1. Okra Water Okra water is a fantastic way to stay hydrated and support digestion. Just soak okra in water overnight, and drink it in the morning. It’s rich in nutrients and helps your body stay in balance.

2. Warm Soups A bowl of warm soup is perfect for winter. Soups made with bone broth, vegetables, and lean protein help keep you nourished and warm. Plus, they’re easy on your digestion.

3. Herbal Teas Herbal teas like ginger, peppermint, or chamomile are soothing and hydrating. They can help you relax and support your immune system.

4. Seasonal Fruits Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits are in season during winter and packed with vitamin C. They help boost your immune system and keep you energized.

5. Nuts and Seeds Snack on almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds. They’re full of healthy fats and help keep your energy up when it’s cold outside.

Stay Active and Rested

Eating well is just part of the picture. Stay active to keep your body’s systems humming, and don’t skimp on sleep. Rest is crucial for maintaining balance, especially during the busy winter months.

Image by Belloso & Herchen GbR from Pixabay

Other Ways to Stay Balanced

Besides diet, there are plenty of other ways to help your body maintain homeostasis in winter:

1. Regular Exercise Even when it’s cold, try to stay active. Go for a walk, do some yoga at home, or hit the gym. Exercise helps regulate your body temperature and boosts your mood.

2. Stay Hydrated It’s easy to drink less water in winter, but staying hydrated is key. Keep a water bottle handy and sip throughout the day.

3. Manage Stress Stress can throw off your body’s balance. Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or mindfulness to keep stress in check.

4. Get Sunlight Shorter days mean less sunlight, which can affect your mood and energy. Try to get outside during daylight hours or consider using a light therapy lamp.

5. Dress Warmly Keeping your body warm helps it maintain a stable internal temperature. Layer up with cozy clothes, hats, and gloves when you head outside.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your body in balance is essential for feeling your best. This winter, focus on nourishing foods and drinks, staying active, managing stress, and getting plenty of rest. Your body will thank you for it!

Staying Fit While Working From Home

Posted on February 15, 2018March 15, 2020 by gigis ramblings

Obesity is a serious epidemic in this country and with more and more people opting to work from home the number of overweight individuals is only going to increase.

Obesity brings on a myriad of health issues, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, bone and joint issues, circulatory problems, not to mention serious psychological effects. It is imperative that those of us who choose to work from home incorporate movement into our daily routine.

There are new studies surfacing everywhere that show even if you get regular exercise sitting too much is just bad for you. Scary news for those who work from a desk!

Hell, I work from my desk, recliner, bed and anywhere else I may find some peace and quiet. I personally never realized just how detrimental it was to your health. I just assumed if you eat healthy and exercise regularly that resting and not working your body too hard was good for you- boy was I wrong!

It has been proven that sitting three or more hours per day can shave two years off your life. WOW! I have been sitting more than that for many years now.

Lately, I have been more proactive about moving around throughout the day. Babysitting my two toddler grandbabies definitely makes that feat easier. I’m always chasing one of them away from something!

I have always LOVED vacuuming (just one of my many compulsive disorders), so I have made sure to increase my daily vacuum time to at least 15 minutes.

Along with my other daily chores, I easily spend an hour doing housework. Another good thing for me is my bedroom is upstairs. I usually make several trips up and down throughout the day.

Doctors can’t seem to agree on an exact time frame, but most agree that you should not sit for more than 30 minutes at a time. Even with all the things I have listed above I still need tons of improvement and I’m sure most readers are in the same boat.

I have compiled a list of tips to get you up off your tush more often. I hope you find something on the list to get that blood pumping!

Standing desks are becoming the new thing, but my feet are hurting just thinking about it
Normal people take breaks to sit, but we need to take standing breaks
If you watch TV while working, use each commercial break as a time to get up, stretch and walk around
Take a brisk walk around the block on your lunch break
If you are able to +work outside whenever possible, the fresh air is just good for the body in general
Make a trip to the mailbox
Move things like staples, paper clips, trash cans, etc. to the other side of the room so you must get up when needed
Use a smaller coffee cup or glass so it will need to be refilled more often
Drink more water throughout the day. Water makes the blood flow better and the frequent trips to the bathroom are good exercise
Get an exercise ball chair – I had no idea these even existed, but the results are supposed to be amazing
If you listen to the radio while working don’t be afraid to jump up and shake that booty when your favorite song comes on

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a travel writer and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and L&S Freelance Writers. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family that consists of six children and eight grandchildren.

5-Day Clean Eating Challenge

Posted on March 16, 2016January 20, 2025 by gigis ramblings

So today is day one of clean eating for me this week. So far so good! I stuck to the plan like a champ. Now, let’s see if I can keep it up for the next 4 days. I have an amazing support system so I know I will be fine!

My Beachbody coach started a private challenge group trying to get her team motivated. That is one of the greatest rewards of being a part of a Beachbody team, somebody is always there to lift you up and push you to be your best. I have never met so many wonderful, unified people in my life.

I started off by meal prepping Sunday afternoon. That always seems to get me pumped for the upcoming week. Having everything already prepared takes away the urge to eat on a whim. It also saves so much time spent in the kitchen.

We are keeping our diet very simple this week. I can’t wait to see the results! Just in case anybody wants to see what these Beachbody challenges look like, I have included a copy of our meal plan.

Courtesy of Road Warrior Momma

As I said before, we are keeping it simple, but I still expect great results. Not only should I lose a couple of pounds (at least 3 I hope), but I should start feeling better soon. I’ve been in a vicious fast-food cycle lately. I feel so sluggish and just plain yuck! I know after a few days of eating clean and exercise I will feel like a new girl!

If you are thinking of starting on your own wellness and fitness journey, don’t do it on your own! I would love to help you along the way. I love sharing what I know and watching others take that info and make major transformations. If you join my team you will have all the support you will need right at your fingertips! Don’t put it off any longer. Get started today!

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a travel writer and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.