Even though it doesn’t really feel like fall here in Houston, I’m still going to use the new season as an excuse to treat myself. It’s been a rough year, especially the last few months with my dad being sick (who is now on a miraculous road to a full-recovery after a 1-Million Dollar hospital bill!), so I don’t feel bad for embracing the treat yo-self mentality. I’ve earned it, and you probably have too.

With that in mind and since we are heading into the holidays very soon, I think it’s time to destress and reprioritize a few things.

7 ways (and ideas) to treat yo-self this fall:

1. Go for a hike. As the temperatures start to cool and leaves change colors, it’s time you became BFF’s with Mother Nature. Sadly, we don’t live in the beautiful Colorado Mountains, but there are still some beautiful Houston hikes (or just take a walk in an expensive neighborhood, which is one of my favorite depressing things to do!) worth taking. And guess what – hiking is usually free. Bonus for all us broke folks!
2. Find a good book and cozy up. Whether or not you want to cuddle up in bed or go sit outside in a comfy chair or hammock (!!), it’s time you get lost in a good book. If you’re in need of a good book, I highly suggest you try the Book of the Month Club. I started it two months ago and am obsessed. Plus, I think reading is just really, really good for your brain and your soul.
3. Get into football. Like really into football. During these fall
   

   Image: Shutterstock

   months (also known as football season in my world), you shouldn’t feel guilty that your entire Sunday was spent on the couch. Especially if this is your amazingly comfortable couch.

4. Get in the kitchen. Whether you’re the kind of person who wants to make spicy-chili during these chillier months or bake scary Rice Krispies treats, get in the kitchen. Even if you’re not an ace in the kitchen, it can be fun to unwind with a recipe, and even if it is a total #PinterestFail, you can always order pizza as a fall back. It’s a safe plan and one I’m not afraid to admit I’ve used a time or two. One of the reasons I love living in our new apartment at The Millennium Kirby is our massively huge (and open-space) kitchen. It has really helped me want to cook more. Speaking of Pinterest, follow me there.
5. Or make a cocktail. I won’t judge you if your idea of making
   

   Fall-Inspired Cocktails (Image: Shutterstock)

   something in the kitchen is a fun fall cocktail. Just make sure you make two so we can share, ok? Oh, and go figure…BuzzFeed created a fun list of the fall cocktails you should be making.

6. Go to the pumpkin patch or go apple picking. Clearly I’m a fan of being outdoors in these cooler months, but you really should spend this time wisely and treat yourself to something that can only be done in the fall months. I can pretty much promise that no matter how badly you want to carve a pumpkin in March, you’re going to be hard-pressed finding one. Not to mention, it’d be a fairly odd front porch decoration when it’s basically St. Patty’s Day, amiright? Full disclosure: I’ve never been apple picking before. It sounds kind of fun.
7. Invest in fall-scented candles. I have to admit I have an unhealthy obsession with candles, but they really are worth the money and can easily put you into a good mood. Besides, who doesn’t want a delicious-smelling home?

*Notice how I didn’t say anything involving Pumpkin Spice Lattes? Oh wait…I just did.

Being able to invest in myself (including the above “treat yo-self” mantra) is just one reason I love living at the Millennium Kirby, and it doesn’t hurt I am so close to so many great Houston things to do, like being able to walk around Rice Village. I am starting to love my adopted hometown more and more everyday. [SPONSORED]

Graphic: April Guzik

Week 3 is upon us and the Texans are heading to primetime (which usually doesn’t fair well for them) to take on the New England Patriots, sans-Brady.

Here are some of our favorite stats for this Week 3 matchup. (Although the Texans 2-5 record for Thursday games isn’t necessarily a favorite stat.)

I love living back inside the loop and so close to all the Texans excitement, which you can feel both at the Millennium Kirby and the Millennium High Street. [SPONSORED]

I’m an absolute sucker for health and wellness trends. Most things (not all, i.e. bangs) become a trend for a good reason – they have provided some major benefit to a large majority of people. They tell their friends and co-workers and so on and so on and then boom. It’s everywhere.

I started hearing about cupping, a few months back in some health-related articles as well as photos on Instagram and I was antsy to try it. Then again, recently, I heard about how Michael Phelps used cupping for his Rio performance and then again on Real Housewives of Orange County where Shannon used it to get rid of toxins. Everyone was trying it and I wanted in.

So guess what – I gave in and went to see Dr. Tyler Bowman of Catalyst Sports Med here in Houston.

I figured, if the ancient Chinese healing practice was good enough for the world’s greatest Olympian, then it was good enough for me. (Yes, sarcasm.) And even though I’m not competing for anything on a big stage like Phelps, what’s wrong with a slight competitive advantage in my everyday training to be a healthier person, who not only looks better, but feels better (that is part of my new goal with Equinox)?!

The process is pretty much exactly what you’re thinking. According to a recent NY Times article: “you create suction between the cup and the skin, pulling the skin slightly up and away from the underlying muscles.

The suction typically lasts for only a few minutes, but it’s enough time to cause the capillaries just beneath the surface to rupture, creating the circular, eye-catching bruises that have been so visible on Phelps as well as members of the United States men’s gymnastics team. If the bruising effect looks oddly familiar, it’s because it’s the same thing that happens when someone sucks on your neck and leaves a hickey.”

The article went on to say, “Physiologically, cupping is thought to draw blood to the  affected area, reducing soreness and speeding healing of overworked muscles. Athletes who use it swear by it, saying it keeps them injury free and speeds recovery.”

Again, why not?

Based on the Real Housewives reaction of the therapy, I was expecting it to hurt ultra bad, but it was more uncomfortable than anything (although, keep in mind, there are levels to the suction – mine was a lot less than Mr. Olympian Phelps).

Dr. Bowman explained that cupping is basically the inverse to a massage (which I also love!). Massages push into the muscles whereas cupping pulls (theoretically) the toxins and blood flow. The process helps with circulation, which most anyone could benefit from and it pulls the toxins – the ones lingering throughout your body usually responsible for causing pain – to the surface. So yes, just like a massage, drink plenty of water afterwards, but you are encouraged to do things (like workout) with increased blood flow to maximize benefits.

Oddly enough, I was kind of hoping for weird bruises like Phelps, but so far, just some small red spots. I’m excited to see if this healing therapy has any semi-longterm effect on my training, but I’ve read multiple studies that say the extent of benefits may just be from a placebo affect, and honestly, I’m OK with that.

Cupping: the day after

As I get older and my life gets busier and more hectic, I need any advantage to training and staying in shape. If a treatment makes me think I can work harder and recover faster, then that truly is half the battle.

And at the end of the day, if it isn’t harmful and there’s a chance it can help, I’m all for it. I have suffered with neck and back pain for too long. And to be clear – while many are calling this a new trend, it isn’t new at all. It’s been around for nearly 2,000 years. Almost as long as Lou Holtz. We are just finally catching on to it.

Living a healthier lifestyle is all part of the “new me” living at the Millennium Kirby, and being so close to so many great places, like Dr. Bowman make it all easier. [SPONSORED]