Bump Edition: Everything I Experienced in My Second Trimester

The past few months seem like a blur. We had such a great time over the holidays entertaining friends and family and then also spending time together on our trips, but I am so glad to be back in my normal swing of things. I wanted to share a few updates about my pregnancy in today’s post and insights into what I experienced in my second trimester. First of all, I noticed a huge increase in my energy levels which is pretty common. I began walking 10,000 steps a day and noticed I felt so much better. I would pace myself, but each morning and evening I walked for about an hour and fifteen minutes. It felt so good to move my body and keep my legs in shape.

How to Improve Your Body Image

Years ago I struggled with having an unhealthy viewpoint of my body. I grew up in an environment where I was oftentimes criticized about my body shape by one of my major role models and was told things like… “you have full thighs,” “if you keep eating cheese you’ll be fat…”, and “your derrière is big.”

Looking back at my pictures I was NOT ever at any point overweight as a child but I did have a different body shape than my younger sister. Of course, I would be different, I’m adopted. However, the critical words I heard regularly throughout my childhood burned into my mind and shaped an unhealthy thinking pattern.

Being at Ease With Your Body

You deserve happiness. You deserve joy. You deserve to have a life filled with positivity. That’s the entire reason for my GLOW UP course which gives you a 60-day plan and a community of accountability partners to chat with as you continue to affirm yourself into your dream life!

Word of the Year: VITALITY

It may be February and I’m a minute late to the game but better late than never. As I realize the Earth’s energy is going to keep speeding up I’ve given myself so much more grace for emotions to roll in and out. For the first time in most of my life I am allowing every emotion to surface, be categorized and processed and then released. It hasn’t been an easy process but it is leading me to more vitality.

Glow Up Course Launching on 10/10

It will include how to get your glow back through a variety of methods - nourishing, rest, affirmation, and more. You will walk away with a better outlook and tools to help you roll into the holidays with your inner glow! Cannot wait to see you there

The Drink That Keeps Me Going on Long Hikes

Wow! I cannot believe it’s been almost two weeks since I wrote the last post on here. It’s been kind of a blur. Something really life-changing took place last week and created a positive shift in my life. I’ll be sharing more about the experience in the coming weeks, but one thing I’ve learned is to take some time to the first process. That’s exactly what I did yesterday. I took a few hours and went a few miles to clear my head and combat the stress I was feeling. Stress is stress even if it’s positive. When big things in life hit, give yourself a little breathing room. It’s okay. You don’t have to have all the answers. You’ll be able to work things out, but for now just process. I loaded up my backpack with water and snacks, grabbed my boots, and set off with my Mojo coffee in hand for an afternoon of getting lost in nature. It was so healing! Every time I do this, I come back as a better human being.

My Collagen Journey for the Past Six Months

Over the past six months, I’ve been taking collagen daily. Although I’ve personally seen results throughout the past few months it wasn’t until last week that I realized just how big of an impact it’s had on my overall physical health. From my hairdresser commenting on how thick the back of my hair has gotten to diminishing cellulite - I’m here as proof that this magic stuff really works. A few months ago I wrote a blog post on the benefits of collagen. You can check it out here for an introduction to what it is and a few benefits. Today I’d like to focus on how it’s specifically impacted me and my own results. Here are three ways my body has transformed since I started taking collagen.

All the Necessities to Treat Yourself This Valentine's Day

I cannot think of a better way of treating yourself this year than buying yourself a few things you may have been eyeing! After being a mom who struggled for YEARS giving herself time, energy and self-care I now make it one of the biggest priorities. I listen to my body and feel more than I ever have so I can make sure I take better care of myself. That includes getting myself little treats. Each year for my birthday I like to pick out a new handbag. When I am out Christmas shopping for others, I see no problem in grabbing something for myself, too. If you feel guilty every time you go to grab something that’s just for you or feel like it’s selfish - I’m here to tell you it’s not! You can help others, love on others, give to others and give to yourself. I wrote a post for all the Single Ladies on Valentine’s Day a few years ago and packed with self-care tips! I was actually in a relationship at the time but remembered what the year prior was like when I was single. It’s okay to take solo trips, buy a ridiculous thing for yourself or just spend some time alone. Remember, you have to live with yourself longer than anyone else so make sure to take care of yourself! Here are a few things I’ve personally treated myself to these past few months!

Anxiety Relief and Utilizing a Coping Checklist

Mental health. I’m so glad this topic has been on the rise especially since the pandemic hit. Now more than ever more and more people need resources. My anxiety journey began about 10 years ago. Through a series of trials, errors, and lots of therapy I am now able to manage panic attacks and anxiety without medication. This post is in no way meant to replace medical advice. If you are struggling I absolutely recommend seeking professional help. Today I’d like to share a resource I use in my own mental health toolkit called a “Coping Checklist.” I’m going to share with you guys a few benefits of having one and the science behind it, how to create one, and when to use it. The biggest key in your coping checklist is to use it as soon as you feel anxiety come on. The more you go through the sequence the easier the panic becomes to manage.

Why I Take Collagen (and You Should, Too.)

Up until about six months ago I really didn’t think much about the word collagen. The only time I knew about it was when an MLM gal reached out to me on Facebook or I saw someone with overdone lips. About six months ago a friend of mine reach out and shared with me some of the benefits of collagen. We have similar lifestyles - active, healthy, adventurous, and fitness-oriented. I knew that it was worth a shot to try. Instead of injecting, I opted to grab it in supplement form. Fast forward to last month when Younique announced they are launching a collagen shot! I am so excited! Mine arrived today and you can grab during early release!!

Three Tips for Managing Your Sanity at Work

Whether you work from home or have returned to the office, mental health concerns are still on the rise. Things are just different than they were pre COVID. There’s no denying we live in a different world than two years ago. However, no matter what shape things are in, we can still find ways to connect with our coworkers, create a space and environment we love working in, and enjoy our time doing the things that pay the bills. Although I am a work-from-home employee, in recent months my company has been pushing more face-to-face meetings and company events. Our home office employees have returned as have many of my friends. In a very uncertain time, I find it’s best to stay positive and realistic. Understanding that things are going to remain dynamic as we continue to navigate a pandemic and just take it one day at a time because nothing is set in stone. Here are a few ways I’m managing my sanity as I go back to see people face to face.

Meet My New Personal Trainer

Back in June, I realized I was getting bored with my workout routine. Every few months I try to switch things up or I find that I don’t push myself to workout daily. My go-to is to walk or run but I felt like in the heat of Texas summer that was even a stretch to do. Just about that time my friend Courtney reached out and offered for me to try her workout program. I told her immediately I was down! At this point, I could benefit from accountability and a new routine. I’ve been going through the workouts the past five weeks and not only have I seen muscle tone, I’ve also noticed my strength improved! She’s offering 50% off to all of my friends who register through noon tomorrow using this link so I had to pop on and give you all of the details to the program.

Fitness is a Mindset

I’m sure you’ve heard this phrase before but MINDSET IS EVERYTHING. Whether you think you can or can’t, you are right. I wish I could tell my younger self this. The mind is so powerful and when you are on a fitness journey it will take a mental push to hit your goals. A few months ago I began running. For the first time in my life at age 35 I decided to start and just work my way up to 30 minutes. Each day I showed up and just did it. I pushed myself a little harder and a little harder by adding a minute or two on. Before I knew it I was at two and three miles. A month later I decided to begin training for a 10k.

Six Week BBG Transformation

About six weeks ago I started using the @sweat app. I noticed my activity was lower and so was my mood. I lacked motivation and also kept getting cluster headaches. After talking to my therapist, she suggested I try adding HIIT into my workout routine. I am a very busy mom who works full-time, homeschools and runs a beauty business online. I have very little time or mental space to figure out a manageable routine. I decided after browsing a few black Friday sales to give BBG another try. For the past three years I’ve used the app during the Fall and Winter months to get my heartrate up during shorter days where a long walk just wasn’t possible. The workouts are really simple and it feels like I have a personal trainer on my phone! If you are looking to refresh your workout routine for the new year and want something effective I HIGHLY RECOMMEND TRYING THIS APP! Here are details about my results over the past six weeks.

Baking Therapy and Going Grain Free

Over the past few weeks I’ve made a major shift in what I eat to include going grain-free. As I’ve mentioned her on the blog I am anxiety prone. Not just a little anxiety, I’ve been diagnosed with full blown panic disorder. These days I rarely get a panic attack, however that is only due to a consistent self-care regimen, therapy and lots of rest. I also practice mindfulness which has made a huge impact on how I process information and worry less. Practicing joy is another intentional element in my life and as we’ve had shorter days I find myself inside more than ever and with that came baking! Baking has been a pastime of mine over the years beginning with vacations at my grandma’s house when I was little. I loved spending hours with her making our family banana bread, cookies and cream puffs. While some of the other kiddos in the family were impatient at a young age, I found I got more attention from her if I baked and therefore spent tons of time doing so. Before you knew it I picked up a lot of information and realized just how much I absolutely love baking!

Your Skin Needs This Every Five Days

Did you know that your skin sheds cells once every five days? If you do remove the dead skin cells off your face every five days your skin becomes dull over time and this leads to aging and acne. Exfoliating doesn’t have to be a big deal - just throw on a mask while you are making coffee or folding a load of laundry. But the importance of a regular exfoliation regimen is a BIG DEAL. Clear skin, healthy glowing skin requires maintain with and upkeep. Let’s chat about a few ways exfoliation helps your skin.

Start Your Year with a Self-Care Staycation

When my other half and I were talking about NYE this year we both said we wanted to do the exact same thing: relax and pamper ourselves with a luxury overnight stay at a fancy hotel. Some may call it frivolous and a waste of money - until you sleep in 1000 thread count sheets in a 5 star hotel… then suddenly it’s no longer so frivolous because sleep can be the best way to give yourself some much needed time off. That’s just what we both needed: sleep.

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5 on Fridays - The Five Reasons I Chose Yoga and How it Changed My Life

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Free Slurpee Day with Stripes Stores

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