“I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes.
Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You're doing things you've never done before, and more importantly, you're Doing Something.
So that's my wish for you, and all of us, and my wish for myself. Make New Mistakes. Make glorious, amazing mistakes. Make mistakes nobody's ever made before. Don't freeze, don't stop, don't worry that it isn't good enough, or it isn't perfect, whatever it is: art, or love, or work or family or life. Whatever it is you're scared of doing, Do it. Make your mistakes, next year and forever.”-Neil Gaiman
2017 brought many mistakes to my life and lessons learned. I gained the courage from my mistakes to try new endeavors, hello blogging and @twinkletoesbarrebie! My mistakes encouraged me to seek help when I needed it most, I think Yoda said it best- "The greatest teacher, failure is". The failures and mistakes we make shape our character, and our future outcomes of success. I love the quote above from Neil Gaiman, "If we are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world." What a beautiful concept of failure, it is simply the opportunity to better themselves and the world that we coexist in. Together, our failures turn into success's and thats when the beauty of change blossoms into hope for the New Year. My year was also full of achievements and personal bests. I completed my First Triathlon, Breastfed my daughter for 16 months, improved my interpersonal relationships and started to travel. I had many success's in the small and simple goals I set for myself. I may not have been consistent on a daily basis, but I found consistency in my desire to be the best version of myself. That's all I really wanted, to be happy and healthy. 2018 is hours away and I have my sights set on new aspirations that will achieve the ultimate goal of improved happiness and health. For now, here is my list. Simple yet achievable. Some goals are surface level, while others will challenge me from the inside out. In due time I will break them down and go into detail about why I picked these specific goals and what steps I'm taking to master them.
2018 Health Goals
Drink More Water
Try Meatless Monday
Use Sunscreen Daily
Workout 6 Days A Week
Take a weekly Family Walk
Compete In My Second Triathlon
2018 Personal Goals
Read 50+ Books
Make 2 Meals A Week
Explore More: Local and Historic Landmarks
and National Parks
Limit Screen Time
Be Kinder To Those I Love
May your New Year Resolutions reflect a year of positive changes that will guide your mistakes and turn them into triumphs you can celebrate throughout the next 12 months. May you find the time to focus on your health, your happiness, and overall well being. Challenge yourself to set an impossible goal and take the steps to achieve it. Be kind to yourself and others as you set your sights on aspirations that may seem simple but take great effort. Simplify and edify your 2018 to be the best year yet to become the best version of yourself. Happy New Year Friends and may your ring in 2018 with those who will challenge you to be greater tomorrow than you were today.
“I hope you will have a wonderful year, that you'll dream dangerously and outrageously, that you'll make something that didn't exist before you made it, that you will be loved and that you will be liked, and that you will have people to love and to like in return. And, most importantly (because I think there should be more kindness and more wisdom in the world right now), that you will, when you need to be, be wise, and that you will always be kind.” -Neil Gaiman
“I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes.
Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You're doing things you've never done before, and more importantly, you're Doing Something.
So that's my wish for you, and all of us, and my wish for myself. Make New Mistakes. Make glorious, amazing mistakes. Make mistakes nobody's ever made before. Don't freeze, don't stop, don't worry that it isn't good enough, or it isn't perfect, whatever it is: art, or love, or work or family or life. Whatever it is you're scared of doing, Do it. Make your mistakes, next year and forever.”-Neil Gaiman
2017 brought many mistakes to my life and lessons learned. I gained the courage from my mistakes to try new endeavors, hello blogging and @twinkletoesbarrebie! My mistakes encouraged me to seek help when I needed it most, I think Yoda said it best- "The greatest teacher, failure is". The failures and mistakes we make shape our character, and our future outcomes of success. I love the quote above from Neil Gaiman, "If we are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world." What a beautiful concept of failure, it is simply the opportunity to better themselves and the world that we coexist in. Together, our failures turn into success's and thats when the beauty of change blossoms into hope for the New Year. My year was also full of achievements and personal bests. I completed my First Triathlon, Breastfed my daughter for 16 months, improved my interpersonal relationships and started to travel. I had many success's in the small and simple goals I set for myself. I may not have been consistent on a daily basis, but I found consistency in my desire to be the best version of myself. That's all I really wanted, to be happy and healthy. 2018 is hours away and I have my sights set on new aspirations that will achieve the ultimate goal of improved happiness and health. For now, here is my list. Simple yet achievable. Some goals are surface level, while others will challenge me from the inside out. In due time I will break them down and go into detail about why I picked these specific goals and what steps I'm taking to master them.
2018 Health Goals
Drink More Water
Try Meatless Monday
Use Sunscreen Daily
Workout 6 Days A Week
Take a weekly Family Walk
Compete In My Second Triathlon
2018 Personal Goals
Read 50+ Books
Make 2 Meals A Week
Explore More: Local and Historic Landmarks
and National Parks
Limit Screen Time
Be Kinder To Those I Love
May your New Year Resolutions reflect a year of positive changes that will guide your mistakes and turn them into triumphs you can celebrate throughout the next 12 months. May you find the time to focus on your health, your happiness, and overall well being. Challenge yourself to set an impossible goal and take the steps to achieve it. Be kind to yourself and others as you set your sights on aspirations that may seem simple but take great effort. Simplify and edify your 2018 to be the best year yet to become the best version of yourself. Happy New Year Friends and may your ring in 2018 with those who will challenge you to be greater tomorrow than you were today.
“I hope you will have a wonderful year, that you'll dream dangerously and outrageously, that you'll make something that didn't exist before you made it, that you will be loved and that you will be liked, and that you will have people to love and to like in return. And, most importantly (because I think there should be more kindness and more wisdom in the world right now), that you will, when you need to be, be wise, and that you will always be kind.” -Neil Gaiman
Interview with Derk Westover, Co-Founder of Goga LLC
"And suddenly you know...it's time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings."
I love trying new fitness styles and putting my trust in the magic of new beginnings... and I've gotta tell you, Goga did not disappoint! It was one of those experiences that you go into totally blind and don't know what to expect, but once you unroll your mats and begin class, you feel right at home. I brought my good friends Kim and Rachael, @talkwordytome + @rachael_seeley, with me and they were hilarious! We had our Goga session on top of a mountain at sunset, so we had the perfect backdrop as we practiced our hour long yoga session. We had the biggest smiles on our faces and couldn't stop giggling, it was like a middle school slumber party but 1000 times better! Yoga is all about calming the mind and finding inner peace within the flow of your movements..but Goga flips that idea right on its back. It's a zen party full of laughter, silly goat parkour and the occasional barnyard shenanigans like goat droppings and mat chewing. By the end of class you'll be grinning ear to ear and will soon find that even the most novice of yogi's can become a talented gogi!
A few weeks ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to interview Derek Westover, the co-founder of Goga LLC in Utah Valley, and got the inside scoop on the creative process of making Yoga with Goats a thriving business venture. The team behind Goga, Derek and Benson Richardson are incredible, and offer a unique fitness experience that is revolutionizing the Yoga game. Describe the “Goga” experience in 5 words or less! I have five words for you - where goats and yoga meet! How did the idea of Goga develop?
A friend sent me a viral video of Goat Yoga in Oregon. This is where classes officially started and the trend of doing yoga with goats in a group setting began. I raised goats in high school and my friend knew that. I laughed at the video and the idea and joked about it possibly working.
Just a week later The idea of starting Goga here in Utah became realized when another friend (Benson Richardson) and I were sitting at my home watching TV. A news clip came on covering another goat yoga group in Arizona. We both looked at each other and the wheels started turning. I showed Benson the video I had been sent. That day we decided to try something different and take a chance!
What steps did you take to make this dream a reality?
Planning was easy. Invest in some goats and find a place to keep them. We had to stop and ask ourselves though: would people in Utah County be interested in doing a yoga class with goats? What if it didn't work out? We, Benson and myself, decided to take a chance. I mean, if goat yoga wasn't going to be successful, then we'd be stuck with a bunch of cute fluffy baby goats...darn ;)
How did you spread the word out about your new fitness style?
After getting the goats we gathered some friends and created a promotional video to announce that goat yoga was coming to Utah! We released the video on our social media page and it quickly received a lot of attention. We sold more tickets than anticipated (13 of the 20)and we were thrilled. We didn't advertise at all. Word of mouth gave us the attention we needed. Students, or Gogis as we call them, left happy from every class and they shared the new trend with all their friends. After March, we sold out every class. Each class in the summer had a max of 26 students. We wanted to keep the goat to people ratio even so anyone who participated could get plenty of goat time.Throughout the summer we were featured on KSL News, KBYU 11, Fox 13's "The Place", Salt Lake Magazine, Utah Valley Magazine and Park City TV. All these news stations were so easy to work with and so helpful in spreading the word...without us even asking them to!
Why Goats? What are the health benefits to utilizing animals in your Yoga practice?
As you know, there are multiple health benefits to practicing yoga. There are also many benefits to participating in animal-assisted therapy. The goats are the main part of the class. Animals, goats included, have been known to help people with depression, lower stress and fatigue levels, and help you forget about pain. This is exactly why we do what we do. We want to help people.
Whats the "typical" Gogi experience like? Does one need previous Yoga experience to participate?
Anyone is welcome at our classes! We welcome everyone. The atmosphere at the classes is great and there is no judging at all. If you're afraid to do yoga in front of people, don't be! The focus is always on the goats. They'll take your mind off of the fact that you're exercising. Tell me more about the Goats!
A little bit about the goats. They are Nigerian Dwarf Goats and they are a milk breed. They give for healthy creamy delicious milk. These goats stay fairly small, making them great pets and great yoga goats. We own them and they live happily in a pasture in Orem, Utah. There are ten altogether and seven of them come to the Goga classes. Their names are Pepsi, Fresca, Pepper, Dew, Sprite, Squirt, and Coke. When they were babies, I along with my wife Randee, bottle fed them, out of pop bottles. That is how they got their names. We plan to name all of their kids after candy bars. Goats are natural climbers. Some immediately want to jump on people and others need some coaxing. So we use some treats (cinnamon graham crackers) for all of the goats and they jump right up there! It's so fun to watch. Benson and I both grew up with goats, we know how much fun they can be and we love sharing them with people.
With all the varied boutique fitness styles out there, does your company have a lot of competition? We were the first goat yoga in Utah, but at least two more have started since we've been going. One is in Clearfield and the other is in Southern Utah. Competition is a good thing though! We were happy to hear that others were following the trend and sharing the goat love...there's plenty to go around!
Thats wonderful that you support other's in their Goga journey, did you receive the same kind of encouragement when starting Goga LLC?
At first our friends thought we were crazy and that goat yoga would never work and become successful. In fact, we didn't receive very much support from them. Boy were they wrong! There were a select few that helped us get started and we very much appreciate all their help. What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs?
Now people approach us asking for advice on starting a business. Benson and I give them the classic tips of find someone who can help you get started (the Small Business Development Center in Orem was GREAT help to us), set goals, etc. But the biggest tip I always give is BE DIFFERENT! Everyone around here thinks they are a food nutritionist or a personal trainer. You want to be one of those things? Great! Do it! But be different and set yourself apart from everyone else and get noticed. I often joke and say, "get a goat!", but in all reality sometimes that's what it takes...well not that exactly, but you know what I mean! Don't be afraid to take a chance. The biggest mistake you can make in life is being afraid you'll make a mistake.
"If you desire to make a difference in the world, you must be different from the world."- Elaine Dalton
The big takeaway from my interview is to follow your heart. Dare to be different, embrace what makes you unique, and don't be afraid to try something new. Whether your'e starting a business, jumping into a new fitness routine, or want to do something outside your comfort zone. Just be yourself and go for it. No one is you, and that is your superpower. I want to thank Derek, Benson, and their outstanding team of Goats for following their heart and making their Goga dreams a reality here in Utah. As a animal and fitness lover, I gotta tell you that you've created something truly special and I cant wait to spread the news about this awesome new fitness craze! Goga is a refreshing experience that brings so much light and love into the Fitness industry. Namaste Gogis!
Don't be the one who "goat away", stay up to date on the Gogaguys and all the fun things they are up to. To find out more about Goga, head over to
*Spoiler alert, my favorite goat may or may not be pregnant! Cue excited squealing! This Spring, the Goga Guys will be adding a new liter of kids to the Goga family! So get ready for some new friends to join in on the Zen party!
*ExperienceThe Goga Circle, a Gogi favorite where the class comes together to create a circle of trust as the goats walk along their backs! Its equally as exciting as it is hilarious! Be sure to check out Kim's reaction to the goats nibbling her hair. haha
Testimonial from a recent Gogi student:
"Just wanted to say thank you...you guys are so fun...and my girls are already begging to go back. Ive been extremely ill for several years...As I'm finally, slowly healing now moments like last night...are nothing short of miraculous to me. I haven't heard them laughing like that in 4 long miserable years...I had difficult labs taken in the morning and was so looking forward to goat yoga at night. And you guys did not disappoint!! Thank you for providing the activity and letting their hearts be light for a few hours!!"
Interview with Derk Westover, Co-Founder of Goga LLC
"And suddenly you know...it's time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings."
I love trying new fitness styles and putting my trust in the magic of new beginnings... and I've gotta tell you, Goga did not disappoint! It was one of those experiences that you go into totally blind and don't know what to expect, but once you unroll your mats and begin class, you feel right at home. I brought my good friends Kim and Rachael, @talkwordytome + @rachael_seeley, with me and they were hilarious! We had our Goga session on top of a mountain at sunset, so we had the perfect backdrop as we practiced our hour long yoga session. We had the biggest smiles on our faces and couldn't stop giggling, it was like a middle school slumber party but 1000 times better! Yoga is all about calming the mind and finding inner peace within the flow of your movements..but Goga flips that idea right on its back. It's a zen party full of laughter, silly goat parkour and the occasional barnyard shenanigans like goat droppings and mat chewing. By the end of class you'll be grinning ear to ear and will soon find that even the most novice of yogi's can become a talented gogi!
A few weeks ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to interview Derek Westover, the co-founder of Goga LLC in Utah Valley, and got the inside scoop on the creative process of making Yoga with Goats a thriving business venture. The team behind Goga, Derek and Benson Richardson are incredible, and offer a unique fitness experience that is revolutionizing the Yoga game. Describe the “Goga” experience in 5 words or less! I have five words for you - where goats and yoga meet! How did the idea of Goga develop?
A friend sent me a viral video of Goat Yoga in Oregon. This is where classes officially started and the trend of doing yoga with goats in a group setting began. I raised goats in high school and my friend knew that. I laughed at the video and the idea and joked about it possibly working.
Just a week later The idea of starting Goga here in Utah became realized when another friend (Benson Richardson) and I were sitting at my home watching TV. A news clip came on covering another goat yoga group in Arizona. We both looked at each other and the wheels started turning. I showed Benson the video I had been sent. That day we decided to try something different and take a chance!
What steps did you take to make this dream a reality?
Planning was easy. Invest in some goats and find a place to keep them. We had to stop and ask ourselves though: would people in Utah County be interested in doing a yoga class with goats? What if it didn't work out? We, Benson and myself, decided to take a chance. I mean, if goat yoga wasn't going to be successful, then we'd be stuck with a bunch of cute fluffy baby goats...darn ;)
How did you spread the word out about your new fitness style?
After getting the goats we gathered some friends and created a promotional video to announce that goat yoga was coming to Utah! We released the video on our social media page and it quickly received a lot of attention. We sold more tickets than anticipated (13 of the 20)and we were thrilled. We didn't advertise at all. Word of mouth gave us the attention we needed. Students, or Gogis as we call them, left happy from every class and they shared the new trend with all their friends. After March, we sold out every class. Each class in the summer had a max of 26 students. We wanted to keep the goat to people ratio even so anyone who participated could get plenty of goat time.Throughout the summer we were featured on KSL News, KBYU 11, Fox 13's "The Place", Salt Lake Magazine, Utah Valley Magazine and Park City TV. All these news stations were so easy to work with and so helpful in spreading the word...without us even asking them to!
Why Goats? What are the health benefits to utilizing animals in your Yoga practice?
As you know, there are multiple health benefits to practicing yoga. There are also many benefits to participating in animal-assisted therapy. The goats are the main part of the class. Animals, goats included, have been known to help people with depression, lower stress and fatigue levels, and help you forget about pain. This is exactly why we do what we do. We want to help people.
Whats the "typical" Gogi experience like? Does one need previous Yoga experience to participate?
Anyone is welcome at our classes! We welcome everyone. The atmosphere at the classes is great and there is no judging at all. If you're afraid to do yoga in front of people, don't be! The focus is always on the goats. They'll take your mind off of the fact that you're exercising. Tell me more about the Goats!
A little bit about the goats. They are Nigerian Dwarf Goats and they are a milk breed. They give for healthy creamy delicious milk. These goats stay fairly small, making them great pets and great yoga goats. We own them and they live happily in a pasture in Orem, Utah. There are ten altogether and seven of them come to the Goga classes. Their names are Pepsi, Fresca, Pepper, Dew, Sprite, Squirt, and Coke. When they were babies, I along with my wife Randee, bottle fed them, out of pop bottles. That is how they got their names. We plan to name all of their kids after candy bars. Goats are natural climbers. Some immediately want to jump on people and others need some coaxing. So we use some treats (cinnamon graham crackers) for all of the goats and they jump right up there! It's so fun to watch. Benson and I both grew up with goats, we know how much fun they can be and we love sharing them with people.
With all the varied boutique fitness styles out there, does your company have a lot of competition? We were the first goat yoga in Utah, but at least two more have started since we've been going. One is in Clearfield and the other is in Southern Utah. Competition is a good thing though! We were happy to hear that others were following the trend and sharing the goat love...there's plenty to go around!
Thats wonderful that you support other's in their Goga journey, did you receive the same kind of encouragement when starting Goga LLC?
At first our friends thought we were crazy and that goat yoga would never work and become successful. In fact, we didn't receive very much support from them. Boy were they wrong! There were a select few that helped us get started and we very much appreciate all their help. What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs?
Now people approach us asking for advice on starting a business. Benson and I give them the classic tips of find someone who can help you get started (the Small Business Development Center in Orem was GREAT help to us), set goals, etc. But the biggest tip I always give is BE DIFFERENT! Everyone around here thinks they are a food nutritionist or a personal trainer. You want to be one of those things? Great! Do it! But be different and set yourself apart from everyone else and get noticed. I often joke and say, "get a goat!", but in all reality sometimes that's what it takes...well not that exactly, but you know what I mean! Don't be afraid to take a chance. The biggest mistake you can make in life is being afraid you'll make a mistake.
"If you desire to make a difference in the world, you must be different from the world."- Elaine Dalton
The big takeaway from my interview is to follow your heart. Dare to be different, embrace what makes you unique, and don't be afraid to try something new. Whether your'e starting a business, jumping into a new fitness routine, or want to do something outside your comfort zone. Just be yourself and go for it. No one is you, and that is your superpower. I want to thank Derek, Benson, and their outstanding team of Goats for following their heart and making their Goga dreams a reality here in Utah. As a animal and fitness lover, I gotta tell you that you've created something truly special and I cant wait to spread the news about this awesome new fitness craze! Goga is a refreshing experience that brings so much light and love into the Fitness industry. Namaste Gogis!
Don't be the one who "goat away", stay up to date on the Gogaguys and all the fun things they are up to. To find out more about Goga, head over to
*Spoiler alert, my favorite goat may or may not be pregnant! Cue excited squealing! This Spring, the Goga Guys will be adding a new liter of kids to the Goga family! So get ready for some new friends to join in on the Zen party!
*ExperienceThe Goga Circle, a Gogi favorite where the class comes together to create a circle of trust as the goats walk along their backs! Its equally as exciting as it is hilarious! Be sure to check out Kim's reaction to the goats nibbling her hair. haha
Testimonial from a recent Gogi student:
"Just wanted to say thank you...you guys are so fun...and my girls are already begging to go back. Ive been extremely ill for several years...As I'm finally, slowly healing now moments like last night...are nothing short of miraculous to me. I haven't heard them laughing like that in 4 long miserable years...I had difficult labs taken in the morning and was so looking forward to goat yoga at night. And you guys did not disappoint!! Thank you for providing the activity and letting their hearts be light for a few hours!!"
There is no one way to be a perfect Mother, but a million ways to be a good one.
Modern Piggy Do you know what I love more than Diet Coke??? Girl Bosses! My good friend Camille just celebrated her Bow Company's 2nd year anniversary! I'm so incredibly proud of her for chasing her dreams and navigating the competitive business world of Baby accessories. It's hard to break into, and even harder to be successful. But Camille and her business partner Becky, have surpassed all the major roadblocks most new companies encounter and have created a thriving business! You go glen coco! The bows are beautifully made and have a varied set of styles, fabrics and color palettes to choose from! Modern Piggy bows are a must for all new mommas, because lets get real, nothing is better than newborns in bows! I love to give her bows away to all my friends! Jett & Jill Nothing is more important to a new parent then the gift of a good nights rest. It's the one thing I always wish I could tell soon to be parents, "embrace these last few months of sleep before your little one arrives, because once they do, you'll turn into a sleep deprived zombie and nothing will ever be the same" haha. Ok thats a little dramatic, but all the mommas out there are nodding their heads with me... because its a #momtruth. Sleep is a wonderful gift and Jett & Jill are the ones to give it to you. They've created a snuggly fit swaddle cocoon that's designed to be snug around the shoulders but roomy around the babes hips and feet. They handpick the softest designer knit prints and have revolutionized the modern swaddle. No velcro's, zippers, snaps or wrapping. You simply slip it on, lay your babe down and enjoy a full nights rest. I can't imagine giving a more thoughtful, and appreciated gift than the Jett & Jill Cocoon Swaddle! Besides cocoons, they also have beautiful blankets, binky blankets, knotted beanies and headbands. They are the perfect newborn shop and I couldn't recommend them enough to ALL my mommy friends!
Dr. Brown Bottles Ok friends, this is the best bottle brand out there! Hands down my favorite! It really helped reduce colic for both my babes and comes in cute colors like blue and pink. Yeah there’s a lot of pieces involved but trust me when I say it’s worth the extra 15 seconds of assembly to prevent another colic spit up. Mam Pacifiers Pacifiers are lovely, not everyone uses them but if you do Mam is where it’s at. They’ve created an orthopedic nipple that promotes good oral care at a young age. Plus the glow and the dark ones are LIFE CHANGING. That alone is the reason why I use this brand. I can't tell you how many nights I've had to search frantically for the fallen Paci, and the only peace of mind I have is when I know iv'e got an extra glow in the dark Paci in the room. I find them in 1.5 seconds, plop it in, then sneak out like a champ.
Little Loveleighs Handmade accessories for all the little loves in your life. I discovered Little Loveleigh's through Instagram, and I was so happy to comes across her shop. She hand ties, designs and creates the loveliest Bow's and Bowties for your cute little ones. I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Little Loveleighs to design a new bow collection called, The Twinkletoes Bow. Inspired by my experience with Ballet and dance, we picked out the prettiest rose gold and pink fabrics to inspire the even the smallest of babes to chase their ballerina dreams. Leigh is a beautiful and creative soul, and I felt so honored to collaborate with her on a such a special project! Go check out her shop to see her fun Holiday collection and be sure to order a special stocking stuffer for your little babes before Christmas! Mention my blog and get a coupon code for your next purchase!
Usborne Books I love Usborne books and so do my kids! They get a new one every year for Christmas and their birthday. Pair them up with a set of Moccs and you have the perfect baby shower gift! It doesn't hurt that one of my besties is my book dealer, so I literally have unlimited access to the best in kids books! Holla! Whether your shopping for a baby, toddler, or young readers...Usborne is the best source for books! From one book nerd to another, invest in the gift of reading! Sweet N Swag Gold Rush + Sweet N Swag Red Rover I’ve shopped at Sweet N Swag for almost 4 years now! It’s my go to baby shower gift. The moccs come in all shapes and sizes and even have coordinating bow and bow tie suspender sets. They are affordable and cute, and 9/10 you’ll see one of my kids in their gear! But seriously though, they are a great Moccasin company and their prices can't be beat!
Fisher Price Nativity So much of the holidays is about Santa and presents but not so much the reason for the season, the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. This Nativity is s fun way to engage your little ones and teach them about the real meaning of Christmas. It’s our first year with ours and I have big plans to use it on Christmas Eve when we talk about Christ’s birth as a family.
Gosig Golden I think every kid needs the perfect pup doll and Ikea has nailed it. Almost every single one of Brody’s friends has one and they love playing with their puppies together. We named ours Bailey, after my parents labradoodle, and Brody sleeps with it every night. It was a great transitional comfort item especially after we got rid of his paci and blanket. I love dogs and animals, so its especially fun for me to connect with my Son when we play pups together.
The Hatching Hen Whenever possible, support local. I happened to be up in WA when I discovered the Hatching Hen and my mommy heart did the biggest happy dance when I saw how awesome the teethers were. They have been great for my 1 year old as she went through the teething process and even better for my 4 year old who has a sensory processing disorder. Utilizing the teethers has decreased his hand biting tremendously! Cute, functional and made from safe silicone materials make this company an A+ baby shop!
There is no one way to be a perfect Mother, but a million ways to be a good one.
Modern Piggy Do you know what I love more than Diet Coke??? Girl Bosses! My good friend Camille just celebrated her Bow Company's 2nd year anniversary! I'm so incredibly proud of her for chasing her dreams and navigating the competitive business world of Baby accessories. It's hard to break into, and even harder to be successful. But Camille and her business partner Becky, have surpassed all the major roadblocks most new companies encounter and have created a thriving business! You go glen coco! The bows are beautifully made and have a varied set of styles, fabrics and color palettes to choose from! Modern Piggy bows are a must for all new mommas, because lets get real, nothing is better than newborns in bows! I love to give her bows away to all my friends! Jett & Jill Nothing is more important to a new parent then the gift of a good nights rest. It's the one thing I always wish I could tell soon to be parents, "embrace these last few months of sleep before your little one arrives, because once they do, you'll turn into a sleep deprived zombie and nothing will ever be the same" haha. Ok thats a little dramatic, but all the mommas out there are nodding their heads with me... because its a #momtruth. Sleep is a wonderful gift and Jett & Jill are the ones to give it to you. They've created a snuggly fit swaddle cocoon that's designed to be snug around the shoulders but roomy around the babes hips and feet. They handpick the softest designer knit prints and have revolutionized the modern swaddle. No velcro's, zippers, snaps or wrapping. You simply slip it on, lay your babe down and enjoy a full nights rest. I can't imagine giving a more thoughtful, and appreciated gift than the Jett & Jill Cocoon Swaddle! Besides cocoons, they also have beautiful blankets, binky blankets, knotted beanies and headbands. They are the perfect newborn shop and I couldn't recommend them enough to ALL my mommy friends!
Dr. Brown Bottles Ok friends, this is the best bottle brand out there! Hands down my favorite! It really helped reduce colic for both my babes and comes in cute colors like blue and pink. Yeah there’s a lot of pieces involved but trust me when I say it’s worth the extra 15 seconds of assembly to prevent another colic spit up. Mam Pacifiers Pacifiers are lovely, not everyone uses them but if you do Mam is where it’s at. They’ve created an orthopedic nipple that promotes good oral care at a young age. Plus the glow and the dark ones are LIFE CHANGING. That alone is the reason why I use this brand. I can't tell you how many nights I've had to search frantically for the fallen Paci, and the only peace of mind I have is when I know iv'e got an extra glow in the dark Paci in the room. I find them in 1.5 seconds, plop it in, then sneak out like a champ.
Little Loveleighs Handmade accessories for all the little loves in your life. I discovered Little Loveleigh's through Instagram, and I was so happy to comes across her shop. She hand ties, designs and creates the loveliest Bow's and Bowties for your cute little ones. I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Little Loveleighs to design a new bow collection called, The Twinkletoes Bow. Inspired by my experience with Ballet and dance, we picked out the prettiest rose gold and pink fabrics to inspire the even the smallest of babes to chase their ballerina dreams. Leigh is a beautiful and creative soul, and I felt so honored to collaborate with her on a such a special project! Go check out her shop to see her fun Holiday collection and be sure to order a special stocking stuffer for your little babes before Christmas! Mention my blog and get a coupon code for your next purchase!
Usborne Books I love Usborne books and so do my kids! They get a new one every year for Christmas and their birthday. Pair them up with a set of Moccs and you have the perfect baby shower gift! It doesn't hurt that one of my besties is my book dealer, so I literally have unlimited access to the best in kids books! Holla! Whether your shopping for a baby, toddler, or young readers...Usborne is the best source for books! From one book nerd to another, invest in the gift of reading! Sweet N Swag Gold Rush + Sweet N Swag Red Rover I’ve shopped at Sweet N Swag for almost 4 years now! It’s my go to baby shower gift. The moccs come in all shapes and sizes and even have coordinating bow and bow tie suspender sets. They are affordable and cute, and 9/10 you’ll see one of my kids in their gear! But seriously though, they are a great Moccasin company and their prices can't be beat!
Fisher Price Nativity So much of the holidays is about Santa and presents but not so much the reason for the season, the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. This Nativity is s fun way to engage your little ones and teach them about the real meaning of Christmas. It’s our first year with ours and I have big plans to use it on Christmas Eve when we talk about Christ’s birth as a family.
Gosig Golden I think every kid needs the perfect pup doll and Ikea has nailed it. Almost every single one of Brody’s friends has one and they love playing with their puppies together. We named ours Bailey, after my parents labradoodle, and Brody sleeps with it every night. It was a great transitional comfort item especially after we got rid of his paci and blanket. I love dogs and animals, so its especially fun for me to connect with my Son when we play pups together.
The Hatching Hen Whenever possible, support local. I happened to be up in WA when I discovered the Hatching Hen and my mommy heart did the biggest happy dance when I saw how awesome the teethers were. They have been great for my 1 year old as she went through the teething process and even better for my 4 year old who has a sensory processing disorder. Utilizing the teethers has decreased his hand biting tremendously! Cute, functional and made from safe silicone materials make this company an A+ baby shop!
Barrebells and ponytails. Deadlifts and lipstick. Never underestimate the power of a fit chick.
Perfect Balance You know when you have a favorite company and you just want to shout it out from the rooftops, well thats how I feel about Perfect Balance. It was a match made in Yoga heaven when I began using their line of Yoga gear. I have every item in their line and I seriously love it! I can hold positions longer with more control and balance, and I feel confident when I go into my Yoga practice. Their sandals are my go to instructor shoes because I easily slip them on and off with my Barre socks on. Go do yourself a favor and hit up their shop because they are 1 in a million! I actually had the opportunity to model for Perfect Balance and I had the best time showcasing how their Yoga line is the perfect fit for Aerial Silk workouts! "We invented what didn't exist & created the:PB Method! A sequence to help your home practice become Intuitive, Stable & Balanced. It's like having a yoga teacher in your Pants."
Luckaya As a Barre instructor its really important to utilize products that are not only functional but practical. I recommend Luckaya Barre Socks to my clients because their cute grip design and criss cross style are fun and functional. They have a secure fit and they help maintain balance and stability throughout class. My students have a stronger 5 point stance in releve and I have noticed more control when they plie in 1st and 2nd position. I highly recommend Luckaya Socks to Barrebabes of all levels!!! They are great for Barre, Pilates, Reformer and Yoga!
Hydrojug A few months ago I was searching for a water bottle that would help me meet my water intake goals (a gallon a day). I needed it to not only be functional but fashionable as well. Introducing the Hydrojug! I got the cute mint blue and I love it! It was perfect when I was working out twice a day training for my triathlon! Some of the product features are; an integrated handle, 1/2 gallon capacity, measurement scale on the side, and is made from high grade dishwasher safe plastic. I can tote it around with me to the Gym, park or just for casual use inside my home. Best $19.99 you'll spend this Holiday season!
Foam Roller My husband and I have a little exercise room set up in our basement where we keep his punching bag, yoga mats, weights and our foam roller. Because of the wide range of physical activities we both participate in (yoga, boxing, barre, and cycling), we needed a great roller that would meet both our needs. The LuxFit High Density Foam Roller was the perfect fit! It's great for physical therapy, before or after our workouts and helped relieve a lot of muscle tension. Pretty much every athlete should have one in their home.
Fit Simplify Resistance Bands This is the only item on my list that I dont have yet...so Santa, its not too late, wink wink. I promise I've been a good girl this year. Anyways, I have a lot of fitness friends who have told me I need these bands for my personal workouts. I utilize resistance bands in the studio when I teach barre, so I know first hand how incredible a band workout can be. I think its time though to invest in one for myself, especially when I want to choreograph new exercise for my classes. This would make the perfect Christmas gift!
Prana Yoga Mat Only recently have I been practicing Yoga, less than a year now. So for a long time I was unfamiliar with the best brands, but once I started working at YogaVega, I soon fell in love with Prana. I have the Dragonfly yoga mat and I think its the best out there! This eco yoga mat is a two sided textured mat that provides superior cushioning and excellent grip. Its TPE material is uv-resistant, lightweight, non-toxic, and germ resistant. You'll find me toting it around to each of my yoga classes. Whether you are a new yogi or advanced, invest in yourself and practice with the best yoga mat the Prana offers.
Clean.Fit box Clean.Fit is a monthly subscription box filled with clean snacks and supplements that support the fit life. The first step is to choose a delivery plan, followed by committing to the clean.fit type; picking either Original, Gluten Free, or Vegetarian. Then your last step is to enjoy and repeat! Each month, you'll receive 5-7 items: an assortment of clean, delicious fitness snacks and all-natural, workout enhancing supplements. I love my box and its the perfect gift for a friend or family member who loves the clean fit life! Knot Theory Ring
Knot Theory silicone wedding rings are for men and women who want safe, comfortable, and classy silicone wedding rings that look as close to their metal wedding bands as possible. I love that you don't have to choose between style and safety when you wear a Knot Theory ring. Overall its a great quality ring and I highly suggest it as the perfect stocking stuffer.
Barrebells and ponytails. Deadlifts and lipstick. Never underestimate the power of a fit chick.
Perfect Balance You know when you have a favorite company and you just want to shout it out from the rooftops, well thats how I feel about Perfect Balance. It was a match made in Yoga heaven when I began using their line of Yoga gear. I have every item in their line and I seriously love it! I can hold positions longer with more control and balance, and I feel confident when I go into my Yoga practice. Their sandals are my go to instructor shoes because I easily slip them on and off with my Barre socks on. Go do yourself a favor and hit up their shop because they are 1 in a million! I actually had the opportunity to model for Perfect Balance and I had the best time showcasing how their Yoga line is the perfect fit for Aerial Silk workouts! "We invented what didn't exist & created the:PB Method! A sequence to help your home practice become Intuitive, Stable & Balanced. It's like having a yoga teacher in your Pants."
Luckaya As a Barre instructor its really important to utilize products that are not only functional but practical. I recommend Luckaya Barre Socks to my clients because their cute grip design and criss cross style are fun and functional. They have a secure fit and they help maintain balance and stability throughout class. My students have a stronger 5 point stance in releve and I have noticed more control when they plie in 1st and 2nd position. I highly recommend Luckaya Socks to Barrebabes of all levels!!! They are great for Barre, Pilates, Reformer and Yoga!
Hydrojug A few months ago I was searching for a water bottle that would help me meet my water intake goals (a gallon a day). I needed it to not only be functional but fashionable as well. Introducing the Hydrojug! I got the cute mint blue and I love it! It was perfect when I was working out twice a day training for my triathlon! Some of the product features are; an integrated handle, 1/2 gallon capacity, measurement scale on the side, and is made from high grade dishwasher safe plastic. I can tote it around with me to the Gym, park or just for casual use inside my home. Best $19.99 you'll spend this Holiday season!
Foam Roller My husband and I have a little exercise room set up in our basement where we keep his punching bag, yoga mats, weights and our foam roller. Because of the wide range of physical activities we both participate in (yoga, boxing, barre, and cycling), we needed a great roller that would meet both our needs. The LuxFit High Density Foam Roller was the perfect fit! It's great for physical therapy, before or after our workouts and helped relieve a lot of muscle tension. Pretty much every athlete should have one in their home.
Fit Simplify Resistance Bands This is the only item on my list that I dont have yet...so Santa, its not too late, wink wink. I promise I've been a good girl this year. Anyways, I have a lot of fitness friends who have told me I need these bands for my personal workouts. I utilize resistance bands in the studio when I teach barre, so I know first hand how incredible a band workout can be. I think its time though to invest in one for myself, especially when I want to choreograph new exercise for my classes. This would make the perfect Christmas gift!
Prana Yoga Mat Only recently have I been practicing Yoga, less than a year now. So for a long time I was unfamiliar with the best brands, but once I started working at YogaVega, I soon fell in love with Prana. I have the Dragonfly yoga mat and I think its the best out there! This eco yoga mat is a two sided textured mat that provides superior cushioning and excellent grip. Its TPE material is uv-resistant, lightweight, non-toxic, and germ resistant. You'll find me toting it around to each of my yoga classes. Whether you are a new yogi or advanced, invest in yourself and practice with the best yoga mat the Prana offers.
Clean.Fit box Clean.Fit is a monthly subscription box filled with clean snacks and supplements that support the fit life. The first step is to choose a delivery plan, followed by committing to the clean.fit type; picking either Original, Gluten Free, or Vegetarian. Then your last step is to enjoy and repeat! Each month, you'll receive 5-7 items: an assortment of clean, delicious fitness snacks and all-natural, workout enhancing supplements. I love my box and its the perfect gift for a friend or family member who loves the clean fit life! Knot Theory Ring
Knot Theory silicone wedding rings are for men and women who want safe, comfortable, and classy silicone wedding rings that look as close to their metal wedding bands as possible. I love that you don't have to choose between style and safety when you wear a Knot Theory ring. Overall its a great quality ring and I highly suggest it as the perfect stocking stuffer.
