There are tired days… and then there are 35,000-step days in the floral business.

Yes, I checked my step tracker three times because surely that couldn’t be right. That’s over 17 miles. Not strolling through a botanical garden in a flowy dress looking like a lifestyle influencer. No. This was power-walking Costco concrete, answering questions, rebuilding displays, lifting buckets, and smiling until my cheeks developed their own muscle fatigue.

And the questions.

Oh, the questions.

Men standing directly in front of a giant, Costco printed sign asking:

“How much are these?” Sir, You are literally staring at the sign.

Or my personal favorite:

But I digress.

By the end of the day my back was screaming, my legs were throbbing, my feet feel like they’ve aged another decade in a single day, and somehow I still had to smile and say, “Have a wonderful Valentine’s!”

So today I’m sharing the 8 things that genuinely help me survive — and even recover — after these marathon days.

These are not fancy influencer picks. These are real-life, Oh That’s So You! survival tools.

---

---

When I first saw 35,000 steps, I thought the thing was broken.

Nope.

It’s oddly motivating — and validating. When your body hurts, at least you know why.

Plus it reminds me I actually AM an athlete. Retail athlete counts.

👉 See the step tracker here

Not all shoes are created equal and “Fashion over Function” used to be my motto. However, these fit the bill on both accounts! Super cushy and super cute – fabulous!🧡🧡

Good shoes change everything. Bad shoes change everything too – just not in a good way..

👉 These are the ones that save my back

Sugar spikes and crashes are the enemy. I found this at Costco (of course!) – it’s always difficult deciding to buy a 24 pack of anything without trying it first, but I love it! Delicious without the crash.

Hydration is everything.

👉 See my favorite energizing drinks

This is not a luxury. This is medical equipment. 😉

I sit down, turn this on, and let it work magic. It brings my feet back to life.

Gus usually sits and watches like he’s supervising the operation.

👉 This is the foot massager I use

This is my reward at night.

Blanket. Gus. Heating pad. Silence.

Heaven.

👉 See my favorite cozy blanket

This actually smells great! Lavender and eucalyptus, yummy!

👉See my favorite and humorous candle choice

This might be my favorite part of the entire day.

Hot water.

Lavender.

Silence.

I love sinking into a hot bath of this lavender salt, it’s soothing and delicious. And it truly eases all the aches and soreness of the day.

👉See my favorite bath salts here

---

---

Tomorrow… I’ll Do It All Over Again

I’ll wake up.

Put my hair up.

Put on my shoes.

And walk back into the cooler.

Because despite the exhaustion…

Despite the sore muscles…

Despite the endless questions…

I love it. I still love it after 25 years. I love the floral industry. I love the emotion. I love the meaning. I love helping people express something they don’t always have words for. But loving it doesn’t mean it’s easy. Which is why I’ve learned I need to take care of myself — or I wouldn’t be able to keep doing what I love.

These are the things that genuinely help me recover.

And these little things help make sure I can keep loving it.

---

Call to Action 😉

Gorgeous, please tell your man your favorite flower and rose color ahead of time… because watching him panic-choose red roses never ends well for anyone.

---

Shop My Retail Survival Favorites

These are the exact things that help me recover after 35,000-step days:

1. Compression Socks
2. Step Tracker
3. Foot Massager
4. Dr. Teal’s Epsom Salt
5. Super Comfy Shoes
6. Funny Candle
7. Weighted Blanket