Lady Luxe Wednesday

Luxe Couture Interview 

This past week has been a fun one! I've been battling the stomach flu, prepping for my first TV segment, and had the wonderful opportunity to be interviewed by Luxe Couture Fashion for their Lady Luxe Wednesday feature. I share my favorite items on their website and a few of my favorite things...aka chocolate and books! Be sure to check it out and find your new favorite things!!

Lady Luxe Wednesday

Luxe Couture Interview 

This past week has been a fun one! I've been battling the stomach flu, prepping for my first TV segment, and had the wonderful opportunity to be interviewed by Luxe Couture Fashion for their Lady Luxe Wednesday feature. I share my favorite items on their website and a few of my favorite things...aka chocolate and books! Be sure to check it out and find your new favorite things!!

Poop Face Mom

poopface

(n.)A term of endearment used between two people who are so enamored with one another that they do not care that the other one is stinky. Used in the place of babu, schnookums, and pooky.

The endearments back and forth between myself and my children are an eclectic mix between "Sweet love, my ting ting, and poop face". Oh to be 4 years old and insult your mother like a champ! I regularly get told I am a Poop Face Mom (multiple times a day, mind you) and I'm owning it. I declare from this day forth that I am a proud Poop Face Parent and no matter the variation or severity of poop names that get yelled my way, I am taking them as a compliment.

It's a compliment to my skills in parenting that my son gets angry at me for running a tight ship. I am the Bad Cop to my Husbands Good Cop, and I love it. I get to "shut it down" whenever I like and even though I'm the fun parent, I'm also the best at what I do! I am that maniacal parent who gets sweet joy out of my children's suffering haha... oh my kids dont want to go to bed, well too bad! Cue evil laughter and lightning strikes! Oh you wanted ice cream for dinner??? NOPE! Shut it down! Bless their hearts, they think they can get away with anything but I'm here to tell ya, that when Mom puts on her Poop Face Pants... Its. About. To. Go. Down. 

I bring this topic up because yesterday Brody yelled at me in front of my friend and called me names like  Poop Face Mom, Poopy Butt, and some mixture of Face Butt Fart Head. Ya know, real classy stuff. I could've been mortified by my sons behavior and disciplined him right then and there for talking back to me, but instead, my friend and I just busted out laughing! Bless him, he was so upset and did his best to express himself, and for that I applaud his efforts! I applaud him for expressing his anger, and not fighting his emotions. I applaud him for working through his anger. It's hard to express the big feelings we feel in our tiny bodies, and especially when your'e confused about why your'e angry (btw he was angry because I answered the front door.... #firstworldproblems) and you just want Mom to pay attention to you. 

Bless him, that boy is gonna turn me grey before I hit 30 but I sure do love him. I love the way he challenges me, I love how he finds creative ways to express himself. I love that he wants to go on mommy adventures to get Dr. Pepper and go to Target. I love that he wants mom to cuddle him every night. And I love the way he calls me Tess, and not Mom. He is a handful and I defiantly have my work cut out for me but I wouldn't have it any other way.

I'm learning to love my poop face mommy moments because it means I am doing something right. My Mom life is beautiful and ugly and hard... oh man are some of the days SO hard... but its my poop face life and I love it! I own all of the good and the bad! So I challenge you to embrace all your poop face moments and revel in the excitement and joy that is great parenting! All my Poop Face Moms UNITE!

Poop Face Mom

poopface

(n.)A term of endearment used between two people who are so enamored with one another that they do not care that the other one is stinky. Used in the place of babu, schnookums, and pooky.

The endearments back and forth between myself and my children are an eclectic mix between "Sweet love, my ting ting, and poop face". Oh to be 4 years old and insult your mother like a champ! I regularly get told I am a Poop Face Mom (multiple times a day, mind you) and I'm owning it. I declare from this day forth that I am a proud Poop Face Parent and no matter the variation or severity of poop names that get yelled my way, I am taking them as a compliment.

It's a compliment to my skills in parenting that my son gets angry at me for running a tight ship. I am the Bad Cop to my Husbands Good Cop, and I love it. I get to "shut it down" whenever I like and even though I'm the fun parent, I'm also the best at what I do! I am that maniacal parent who gets sweet joy out of my children's suffering haha... oh my kids dont want to go to bed, well too bad! Cue evil laughter and lightning strikes! Oh you wanted ice cream for dinner??? NOPE! Shut it down! Bless their hearts, they think they can get away with anything but I'm here to tell ya, that when Mom puts on her Poop Face Pants... Its. About. To. Go. Down. 

I bring this topic up because yesterday Brody yelled at me in front of my friend and called me names like  Poop Face Mom, Poopy Butt, and some mixture of Face Butt Fart Head. Ya know, real classy stuff. I could've been mortified by my sons behavior and disciplined him right then and there for talking back to me, but instead, my friend and I just busted out laughing! Bless him, he was so upset and did his best to express himself, and for that I applaud his efforts! I applaud him for expressing his anger, and not fighting his emotions. I applaud him for working through his anger. It's hard to express the big feelings we feel in our tiny bodies, and especially when your'e confused about why your'e angry (btw he was angry because I answered the front door.... #firstworldproblems) and you just want Mom to pay attention to you. 

Bless him, that boy is gonna turn me grey before I hit 30 but I sure do love him. I love the way he challenges me, I love how he finds creative ways to express himself. I love that he wants to go on mommy adventures to get Dr. Pepper and go to Target. I love that he wants mom to cuddle him every night. And I love the way he calls me Tess, and not Mom. He is a handful and I defiantly have my work cut out for me but I wouldn't have it any other way.

I'm learning to love my poop face mommy moments because it means I am doing something right. My Mom life is beautiful and ugly and hard... oh man are some of the days SO hard... but its my poop face life and I love it! I own all of the good and the bad! So I challenge you to embrace all your poop face moments and revel in the excitement and joy that is great parenting! All my Poop Face Moms UNITE!

Dress For Success: Exercise With Confidence

Jacket + Leggings from Jane.com

Exercising with confidence is a hard endeavor. Whether your at a public gym, running out on the streets, or even working out at home; getting your body moving and sweating takes confidence. Its about putting on those blinders and getting into the zone, finding that sweet spot where all that matters is hitting that next mile or pushing hard for that final lift. Our bodies are beautiful and we should celebrate that by treating them with care. We should be exercising for the joy of movement and not as a punishment for dormant motion.

"Workout because you love your body, not because you hate it."

When I exercise I stare down my reflection, I call this my "Eye Of The Tiger" moment. I look at my whole self and take in all that I am. I pull my shoulders back, tuck my stomach in towards the spine and take a deep breathe. I repeat, "I can do this, I can do more, I can be more, I can push harder, sink lower, press deeper, and fight through the pain." I do this all with a cheshire smile, because I know I'm strong, and I know how much more I can give to my workout. I have the mental strength to keep up with the physical demands I place on my body. I dont stop when its hurts, I stop when its over. I challenge myself to put those gym blinders on and focus on the reasons why I am exercising. I exercise because;

1. I love movement! I cant keep still and I'm almost always in motion. Because of my dance background, I have a strong connection with the musculature of the human body. Every step, extension of a limb or release of the spine breathes in new life into our bodies. It's fascinating to me. I'm in constant awe of the grace, strength and beauty that is the human form. I love the way our bodies move and never want to take that gift for granted.
2. I want to live a happy and healthy life. I want to find a balance between enjoying my happy treats (a daily dose of Chocolate and Diet Coke, thank you very much!) and treating my body to what it craves- aka water, protein, vitamins, fruits and veggies. I want the good stuff and the good for you stuff. I exercise because it helps me maintain a healthy weight and gets my body moving and grooving.
3. "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands. They just don't.".... Ok this one, not so much Elle Woods, but I see her reasoning pretty clear. Endorphins make you happy and increases your self confidence. When I exercise I feel great! I love the confidence it gives me in and outside of the gym. I feel more well rounded as a mother and wife when I take that little bit of time to do something that benefits me. I'm happier when I work out and I love the stress relief it brings me. 

I not only mentally prepare for my workout, but I physically prepare for it by dressing my body for success. When I teach I bring my A game. My hair is pulled back tight, (you can thank my classic top knot as my signature Barre babe look), I wear form fitting attire that shows how my body is moving so I know if my form is correct or not, and I usually put a splash of makeup on my face. Nothing dramatic, just enough to give me that confidence when I'm giving myself the "Eye Of The Tiger" look. It's not about dressing to impress or intimidate, for me its about taking pride in my body. Showing my clients that I am a professional, I dont roll out of bed and go teach. I take the time to physically prepare myself to take on the roll of instructor, drill sergeant, and fitness guru. How embarrassing would it be if I came into class looking like a hot mess!?!? As a certified instructor, I know what I'm talking about when I tell you to lift your leg higher, open your turn out, or pull the abs into the spine for safer support of the lower back. So when I instruct, I aim to present myself as a professional in my field of work.

Looking good when I work out helps me feel good. I love uGo Apparel's motto, "Look Good, Feel Good," I dont dress to impress anyone but myself...because when I workout i'm not doing it for the attention, I'm sweating for me. My choice of workout clothes definitely influences my attitude and fortitude in my classes. My confidence radiates to my clients and helps inspire them to be their best selves. 

Shape Magazine journalist, Julie Ricevuto, wrote an excellent article about how our workout clothes affect our performance in and outside of the gym. She listed the top reasons why dressing for success during our workouts improve our overall performance. They are,

- They give your brain a boost

- They up the intimidation factor

- They can improve performance

- Help prevent injuries and offer protection

Dressing up for your workout, per the examples listed above, can improve your over all performance. Your outward appearance reflects your mindset, it tells the world you are ready to sweat and crush your goals. I loved the idea that Ricevuto's article brought up of "enclothed cognition," which refers to a sort of mental shift you experience when you wear certain clothes. One study in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology suggests that clothing influences behavior and attitudes because it carries a symbolic meaning. So, what you wear is actually subconsciously changing how you act.

Dr. Jonathan Fader, sports psychologist for the New York Mets, says these findings totally hold-up in real life. "When you put on new fitness gear, you begin to get into character like an actor putting on a costume for a performance," says Fader. "As a result, you expect to have a better performance, making you more mentally prepared for the task." Basically, when you wear cute workout wear, not only are you more inclined to actually be active, but Fader says those tank tops and racer-backs will also make you feel more confident in your abilities, which could lead to an improved focus, motivation, and gains.

Dressing for success is a great motto for 2018. It can apply to virtually any situation, like a final piece of the puzzle, this quote completes my health and fitness goals this year. For 2018 I created practical goals that promote self care and good health that specifically focus's on NOT involving my scale or counting calories. Regardless of the number on the scale, I want to feel beautiful and strong in the body i'm in. Thus I want to dress my body in activewear that flaunts my curves, provides support, and most importantly; gives me the inspiration to exercise with confidence.

Jane.com has done exactly that.They are an online boutique marketplace that features the latest in fashion trends, home decor, and children's clothing. I've shopped on Jane.com for a few years now and I always find something fun and stylish either for myself, my kids or my home. I love getting a good deal, and on Jane.com, the deals are right at my finger tips. 

Jane has an awesome Work It Out campaign going on right now with the best workout clothing, gear and accessories available on the market. I recently picked 3 items that I knew would up my game in and out of the studio. By typing in Activewear to the search engine, it pulled up all the discounted deals in the fitness category. The deals running at that time were;

Luxe Workout Leggings, Seller: Luxe House Of Couture

Black and White Wind Runner, Seller: Jacey Lane

Bluetooth Headphones with Ear loop, Seller: LAX Gadgets

My Jane.com haul

"Style Is A Deeply Personal Expression Of Who You Are, And Every Time You Dress, You Are Asserting A Part Of Yourself."- Nina Garcia

Luxe Workout Leggings, Seller: Luxe House Of Couture

This powerful tight delivers unbelievable softness and lightweight compression in a new print and cutout design for a fun energetic feel. INSPIRED FOR: yoga, studio workouts, hanging out or whatever you're doing that day! I've only worn them a couple of times when I teach Barre, but I'm telling ya, these are going to be my go to leggings from here on out!

Jane.com- $22.99 

Retail-$48.99

Bluetooth Headphones with Ear loop, Seller: LAX Gadget

Sweat proof, lightweight, take anywhere Bluetooth Wireless In-Ear Sports Earbuds Headphones for your active lifestyle. High Quality Sound: High-fidelity stereo music and clear speech via Noise reduction. Built-in microphone allows you to answer and end calls, allows you to adjust the volume, pause, select songs and pick up calls completely effortlessly. Soft Secure Hooks allow for the earphones to stay in-ear while working out. Comes with tough carrying case. 

Jane.com- $9.99

Retail- $29.99

Black and White Wind Runner, Seller: Jacey Lane

This designer inspired Wind Runner will be a must-have for the fall, winter, and spring! Perfect color to go with any work out top. Even throw on some jeans and tennis shoes for a casual day of running errands! I love that Jacey Lane's boutique goal is to give you practical, fashion forward clothing at an amazing price. Now that's something I can definitely get behind!

Jane.com- $27.99

Retail- $69.99

Be sure to check out the links to both Jane.com + Jane.com/activewear! Jane's deals change frequently, so you may not find these exact items, but there's definitely going to be something that you'll fall in love with! I love my new gear and I love the confidence they give me! Now go treat yo self to something new and fabulous... YOU DESERVE IT! Go forward with confidence, positivity, and love my friends! Get your "Eye Of The Tiger" face on and get to work! The link is in my profile, so go shop and check out all the fun items up for grabs! You can thank me later! ;)

"The Secret To Great Style Is To Feel Good In What You Wear" 

Shop My Look

Jane.com

Jane.com/activewear

**DISCLOSURE: Jane.com sent me these products, but all opinions are my own.**

Dress For Success: Exercise With Confidence

Jacket + Leggings from Jane.com

Exercising with confidence is a hard endeavor. Whether your at a public gym, running out on the streets, or even working out at home; getting your body moving and sweating takes confidence. Its about putting on those blinders and getting into the zone, finding that sweet spot where all that matters is hitting that next mile or pushing hard for that final lift. Our bodies are beautiful and we should celebrate that by treating them with care. We should be exercising for the joy of movement and not as a punishment for dormant motion.

"Workout because you love your body, not because you hate it."

When I exercise I stare down my reflection, I call this my "Eye Of The Tiger" moment. I look at my whole self and take in all that I am. I pull my shoulders back, tuck my stomach in towards the spine and take a deep breathe. I repeat, "I can do this, I can do more, I can be more, I can push harder, sink lower, press deeper, and fight through the pain." I do this all with a cheshire smile, because I know I'm strong, and I know how much more I can give to my workout. I have the mental strength to keep up with the physical demands I place on my body. I dont stop when its hurts, I stop when its over. I challenge myself to put those gym blinders on and focus on the reasons why I am exercising. I exercise because;

1. I love movement! I cant keep still and I'm almost always in motion. Because of my dance background, I have a strong connection with the musculature of the human body. Every step, extension of a limb or release of the spine breathes in new life into our bodies. It's fascinating to me. I'm in constant awe of the grace, strength and beauty that is the human form. I love the way our bodies move and never want to take that gift for granted.
2. I want to live a happy and healthy life. I want to find a balance between enjoying my happy treats (a daily dose of Chocolate and Diet Coke, thank you very much!) and treating my body to what it craves- aka water, protein, vitamins, fruits and veggies. I want the good stuff and the good for you stuff. I exercise because it helps me maintain a healthy weight and gets my body moving and grooving.
3. "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands. They just don't.".... Ok this one, not so much Elle Woods, but I see her reasoning pretty clear. Endorphins make you happy and increases your self confidence. When I exercise I feel great! I love the confidence it gives me in and outside of the gym. I feel more well rounded as a mother and wife when I take that little bit of time to do something that benefits me. I'm happier when I work out and I love the stress relief it brings me. 

I not only mentally prepare for my workout, but I physically prepare for it by dressing my body for success. When I teach I bring my A game. My hair is pulled back tight, (you can thank my classic top knot as my signature Barre babe look), I wear form fitting attire that shows how my body is moving so I know if my form is correct or not, and I usually put a splash of makeup on my face. Nothing dramatic, just enough to give me that confidence when I'm giving myself the "Eye Of The Tiger" look. It's not about dressing to impress or intimidate, for me its about taking pride in my body. Showing my clients that I am a professional, I dont roll out of bed and go teach. I take the time to physically prepare myself to take on the roll of instructor, drill sergeant, and fitness guru. How embarrassing would it be if I came into class looking like a hot mess!?!? As a certified instructor, I know what I'm talking about when I tell you to lift your leg higher, open your turn out, or pull the abs into the spine for safer support of the lower back. So when I instruct, I aim to present myself as a professional in my field of work.

Looking good when I work out helps me feel good. I love uGo Apparel's motto, "Look Good, Feel Good," I dont dress to impress anyone but myself...because when I workout i'm not doing it for the attention, I'm sweating for me. My choice of workout clothes definitely influences my attitude and fortitude in my classes. My confidence radiates to my clients and helps inspire them to be their best selves. 

Shape Magazine journalist, Julie Ricevuto, wrote an excellent article about how our workout clothes affect our performance in and outside of the gym. She listed the top reasons why dressing for success during our workouts improve our overall performance. They are,

- They give your brain a boost

- They up the intimidation factor

- They can improve performance

- Help prevent injuries and offer protection

Dressing up for your workout, per the examples listed above, can improve your over all performance. Your outward appearance reflects your mindset, it tells the world you are ready to sweat and crush your goals. I loved the idea that Ricevuto's article brought up of "enclothed cognition," which refers to a sort of mental shift you experience when you wear certain clothes. One study in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology suggests that clothing influences behavior and attitudes because it carries a symbolic meaning. So, what you wear is actually subconsciously changing how you act.

Dr. Jonathan Fader, sports psychologist for the New York Mets, says these findings totally hold-up in real life. "When you put on new fitness gear, you begin to get into character like an actor putting on a costume for a performance," says Fader. "As a result, you expect to have a better performance, making you more mentally prepared for the task." Basically, when you wear cute workout wear, not only are you more inclined to actually be active, but Fader says those tank tops and racer-backs will also make you feel more confident in your abilities, which could lead to an improved focus, motivation, and gains.

Dressing for success is a great motto for 2018. It can apply to virtually any situation, like a final piece of the puzzle, this quote completes my health and fitness goals this year. For 2018 I created practical goals that promote self care and good health that specifically focus's on NOT involving my scale or counting calories. Regardless of the number on the scale, I want to feel beautiful and strong in the body i'm in. Thus I want to dress my body in activewear that flaunts my curves, provides support, and most importantly; gives me the inspiration to exercise with confidence.

Jane.com has done exactly that.They are an online boutique marketplace that features the latest in fashion trends, home decor, and children's clothing. I've shopped on Jane.com for a few years now and I always find something fun and stylish either for myself, my kids or my home. I love getting a good deal, and on Jane.com, the deals are right at my finger tips. 

Jane has an awesome Work It Out campaign going on right now with the best workout clothing, gear and accessories available on the market. I recently picked 3 items that I knew would up my game in and out of the studio. By typing in Activewear to the search engine, it pulled up all the discounted deals in the fitness category. The deals running at that time were;

Luxe Workout Leggings, Seller: Luxe House Of Couture

Black and White Wind Runner, Seller: Jacey Lane

Bluetooth Headphones with Ear loop, Seller: LAX Gadgets

My Jane.com haul

"Style Is A Deeply Personal Expression Of Who You Are, And Every Time You Dress, You Are Asserting A Part Of Yourself."- Nina Garcia

Luxe Workout Leggings, Seller: Luxe House Of Couture

This powerful tight delivers unbelievable softness and lightweight compression in a new print and cutout design for a fun energetic feel. INSPIRED FOR: yoga, studio workouts, hanging out or whatever you're doing that day! I've only worn them a couple of times when I teach Barre, but I'm telling ya, these are going to be my go to leggings from here on out!

Jane.com- $22.99 

Retail-$48.99

Bluetooth Headphones with Ear loop, Seller: LAX Gadget

Sweat proof, lightweight, take anywhere Bluetooth Wireless In-Ear Sports Earbuds Headphones for your active lifestyle. High Quality Sound: High-fidelity stereo music and clear speech via Noise reduction. Built-in microphone allows you to answer and end calls, allows you to adjust the volume, pause, select songs and pick up calls completely effortlessly. Soft Secure Hooks allow for the earphones to stay in-ear while working out. Comes with tough carrying case. 

Jane.com- $9.99

Retail- $29.99

Black and White Wind Runner, Seller: Jacey Lane

This designer inspired Wind Runner will be a must-have for the fall, winter, and spring! Perfect color to go with any work out top. Even throw on some jeans and tennis shoes for a casual day of running errands! I love that Jacey Lane's boutique goal is to give you practical, fashion forward clothing at an amazing price. Now that's something I can definitely get behind!

Jane.com- $27.99

Retail- $69.99

Be sure to check out the links to both Jane.com + Jane.com/activewear! Jane's deals change frequently, so you may not find these exact items, but there's definitely going to be something that you'll fall in love with! I love my new gear and I love the confidence they give me! Now go treat yo self to something new and fabulous... YOU DESERVE IT! Go forward with confidence, positivity, and love my friends! Get your "Eye Of The Tiger" face on and get to work! The link is in my profile, so go shop and check out all the fun items up for grabs! You can thank me later! ;)

"The Secret To Great Style Is To Feel Good In What You Wear" 

Shop My Look

Jane.com

Jane.com/activewear

**DISCLOSURE: Jane.com sent me these products, but all opinions are my own.**

The Twinkletoes Tip Toe

Heres To A Year Of Better Habits, Positive Thinking, Clean Eating, And Most Importantly, LOVING YOURSELF!

"Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tip toe if you must, but take the step." For the last couple of month's i've been tip toeing towards my health goals. I't's hard to take the leap of faith to dive into a strict clean eating and organic nutrient based diet. Some people can jump in and swim just fine, but I need gentle coaxing to help me make healthier choices in my diet. I tried Whole30 for a day or two....it did not go well. I couldn't manage going cold turkey and it soon became apparent that it was not the "diet plan" for me. 

Ugh can we all just roll our eyes together each time I or someone else say's diet!?! I hate that word. K hate is a strong word, but I really REALLY don't like it. Isn't funny how a simple word can effect your life? That cruel and raging word dictated my thoughts and actions for years. I refuse to let it define my worth any longer. I have a daughter to think of and in no way do I EVER want her to feel that she has to change her body to be loved and feel beautiful. I want to be a positive roll model to her, I dont want her to remember a mother who was constantly counting calories and jumping on the scale every morning. I want her to know that I loved my body enough to treat it right. That you can exercise, eat healthy and still have your cake too. 

It's the little choices we make everyday that define us, it's cliche but true. It's my small steps towards a healthier lifestyle that's making waves for my family and I. My husband loves to tell me that Football is a game of inches, not yards. Its all about the small steps, the inches, the tip toeing towards the end zone that decides the champion. We all deserve to be champions of our bodies. So whether your running, leaping, or taking your healthy lifestyle one step at a time... you've got this girl! Dont give up on yourself, keep heading in the right direction and you will go far. 

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence them, is not an act, but a habit."- Aristotle

Start making small choices everyday, eat healthy, get up and move your body and put your best foot forward. Everyday is new chance to be the best version of yourself. Thats why I love my clean.fit box. It's a monthly subscription service that brings the healthy treats, supplements and goodies right to my door. Having access to foods I wouldn't normally seek out for myself has really opened up my pallet and helped me be more creative in the kitchen. Which is huge because I'm normally a "fend for yourself" type of cook, and my chefs special is cold cereal. But i'm hoping that by tip toeing towards a healthier lifestyle, i'll be able to turn these small acts into lasting habits that will benefit my family.

The December Clean.Fit Box

PB Trimmed Honey Powdered Peanut Butter

Oxylent Multivitamins

Sprout Living Drinkable Oats

Kay's Naturals Protein Chips

NuNaturals Stevia Sweetner

Barney Almond Butter Snack Pack

Organic Gemini Tiger Nut Snack

Vermont Village Apple Cider Vinegar

Keto Watt Bars

Your Desire To Change Must Be Greater Then The Desire To Stay The Same

The Twinkletoes Tip Toe

Heres To A Year Of Better Habits, Positive Thinking, Clean Eating, And Most Importantly, LOVING YOURSELF!

"Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tip toe if you must, but take the step." For the last couple of month's i've been tip toeing towards my health goals. I't's hard to take the leap of faith to dive into a strict clean eating and organic nutrient based diet. Some people can jump in and swim just fine, but I need gentle coaxing to help me make healthier choices in my diet. I tried Whole30 for a day or two....it did not go well. I couldn't manage going cold turkey and it soon became apparent that it was not the "diet plan" for me. 

Ugh can we all just roll our eyes together each time I or someone else say's diet!?! I hate that word. K hate is a strong word, but I really REALLY don't like it. Isn't funny how a simple word can effect your life? That cruel and raging word dictated my thoughts and actions for years. I refuse to let it define my worth any longer. I have a daughter to think of and in no way do I EVER want her to feel that she has to change her body to be loved and feel beautiful. I want to be a positive roll model to her, I dont want her to remember a mother who was constantly counting calories and jumping on the scale every morning. I want her to know that I loved my body enough to treat it right. That you can exercise, eat healthy and still have your cake too. 

It's the little choices we make everyday that define us, it's cliche but true. It's my small steps towards a healthier lifestyle that's making waves for my family and I. My husband loves to tell me that Football is a game of inches, not yards. Its all about the small steps, the inches, the tip toeing towards the end zone that decides the champion. We all deserve to be champions of our bodies. So whether your running, leaping, or taking your healthy lifestyle one step at a time... you've got this girl! Dont give up on yourself, keep heading in the right direction and you will go far. 

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence them, is not an act, but a habit."- Aristotle

Start making small choices everyday, eat healthy, get up and move your body and put your best foot forward. Everyday is new chance to be the best version of yourself. Thats why I love my clean.fit box. It's a monthly subscription service that brings the healthy treats, supplements and goodies right to my door. Having access to foods I wouldn't normally seek out for myself has really opened up my pallet and helped me be more creative in the kitchen. Which is huge because I'm normally a "fend for yourself" type of cook, and my chefs special is cold cereal. But i'm hoping that by tip toeing towards a healthier lifestyle, i'll be able to turn these small acts into lasting habits that will benefit my family.

The December Clean.Fit Box

PB Trimmed Honey Powdered Peanut Butter

Oxylent Multivitamins

Sprout Living Drinkable Oats

Kay's Naturals Protein Chips

NuNaturals Stevia Sweetner

Barney Almond Butter Snack Pack

Organic Gemini Tiger Nut Snack

Vermont Village Apple Cider Vinegar

Keto Watt Bars

Your Desire To Change Must Be Greater Then The Desire To Stay The Same