So, as you've probably noticed around here - my life is totally different as a parent. I thought before I had D that I'd still write about all kinds of things lifestyle related, but you can pretty much tell as you scroll through... I spend all my time mom-ing now. Taking care of baby business and basically living the life of a toddler's snack chef is my 24/7 - I'm not complaining though, this is the life I've always dreamed of. Delainey truly is a blessing and I'm so thankful to get to spend all my time with her.
With that said, I've had to learn to make time for myself too. I'm learning to master the art of balance in my life, in more ways than one really. It's been a struggle over the past year or so, but now that D's nearly 13 months, I'm starting to get the hang of things... maybe? She's teaching me lessons at the same time I'm trying to teach her about life, it's a balancing act in itself and one that'll be a lifelong thing - that's what parenthood really is, after all.
Ultimately, finding "me" time and still making more than enough time for her is my goal. I've been trying to do more for me, without taking away from her... so I've been practicing yoga a little more with her as my partner, meditating as much as possible while embracing her wild and crazy noisy self, and contemplating ways we all can work on balancing our lives - hence today's post.
There's no coincidence I started this new balanced lifestyle in September either, it's National Yoga Month - which means I'm not just trying to balance my life, but I'm working on my "yoga-game" lately as well and trying to find more balance there. The thing is, yoga isn't just an awesome way to build physical balance, it's a great way to center your mind and find balance mentally as well. Are you wanting to find more balance in your life? Here's my list, inspired by my most recent Peace, Love, and Yoga Babbleboxx goodies:
1. Flow - While drinking plenty of water is one important way to maintain balance in your life, the way I'm addressing flow today is more in the manner of "going with the flow". While practicing yoga, listen to your body. When you're having a rough day, try not to sweat the small stuff. Let things roll off your back, instead of worrying about every detail, and you'll soon discover, life is much happier this way.
2. Hard Work - When we have a million voices screaming at us to quit, it's easy to give up... but the thing is - quitting won't get us anywhere.
Whether it's anxious thoughts overwhelming you while prepping for a gym session, the thought of needing to quit while in a tough yoga pose, or the overwhelming urgency of needing to eat making you desperate to break your diet, there's no need to "quit". Hard work always pays off, in your thoughts, in the gym, while practicing yoga, and even when you stick to a tough diet.
With that said, making sure you are getting enough protein as a momma on the go can be tough. Check out how you can ensure your body stays nourished with Ascent Protein — The Official Sponsor of Hard Work. Coming in flavors like chocolate, vanilla bean, and lemon sorbet, I'm always craving these and love being able to make sure my body is getting what it needs, easily in yummy shake form! Want to try this delicious "reward" for all your hard work? Use the code 'YOGA' for 10% off!
3. Escape - I know I'm not the only one that just needs an escape every once in a while. It's not even just limited to a "mom thing". So when I find a book I just love, I have to share. Plus this one is a #1 New York Times Best Seller & one of Oprah's Book Club Selections in 2016, so you know it's good. Love Warrior is a painfully honest book written by Glenn Doyle Melton, about life, about love, about trusting. We are all born to be warriors and this women's memoir is a reminder that we all are powerful, capable, and brave enough to fight for what we want. At the same time, it's super raw and open, about everything. If you're looking for a gripping book, you know, the type with little bits so well-phrased and interesting that you highlight the pages... this is it.
4. Energize - Kombucha is something I've loved since I tried it, not only because it's healthy... but it's actually super tasty! I love trying new foods and I'll try anything once, but the first time I sipped kombucha, I knew it was a life-long love type of thing.
With that said, KeVita Master Brew kombucha has me feeling the same way. Fermented with a kombucha tea culture, has live probiotics, organic acids, organic caffeine (hellllllooooooooo life source), and it's also verified non-alcoholic!
I try to limit myself on kombucha since D is nursing still but I can't wait to try all the invigorating flavors! With options ranging from pineapple peach to root beer, they have kombucha everyone will love.
5. Nourish - On the same yummy note, B.O.S.S. Bars are a new family favorite! With amazing flavor combinations and premium, all raw
ingredients. These are "treats" I don't have to hide from Delainey when
I'm snacking... but sometimes I sneak away for a second anyways, just
to savor the flavor and treat myself, without having to share! LOL.
Why
do I love these so much? With paleo flavors like Dazzle, Think, Move,
Smile, what's not to love? I think so far we have enjoyed the 'Smile'
bar the most, although they all are delicious gluten-free snacks. Which
flavor catches your interest the most? Grab a stash of these goodies here
and you can score free shipping on any 5-pack and/or case of 12 on
their website through October 15, 2017 w/code BABBLEBOSS (or you can
always score some on Amazon Prime)!
6. Sweeten - Some days, life just needs a little sweetness added to it. The most recent addition to the In the Raw sweeteners, NEW Organic Stevia In The Raw is the best way to add that bit of sweetness without worrying about GMOs. This natural sweetener is my favorite way to make sure my espresso tastes just right... and since it comes in tiny little packets, I take it everywhere with me.
7. Freshen - Let's be honest, some days we don't have time to take multiple showers... but chasing these babies around definitely makes us feel a little heated alllllll day long. Or is that just me? Either way, I sometimes feel the need to freshen up mid-day... and when I don't have the time to take an all out shower, I reach for Simply Summer's Eve Cleansing cloths. These little handy-dandy personal care wipes help balance your natural pH and wipe away unwanted, odor causing bacteria - the perfect way to make sure your lady bits stay fresh, no matter how active you are!
8. Switch Perspective - Life really is all about perspective,
trying to find the positive in every situation is really the best way to
look at things - in my eyes, anyways. Nopun intended. The thing is, that isn't always easy. When
things get rough, it's best to allow yourself to be upset for a moment.
Then push past it and find a way to look at it differently.
When baby is throwing a fit and all you want to do is cry with her, instead sit down, get on her eye level and start to play. I almost guarantee that little shift in your behavior will alter her behavior as well. Life really is all about how you look at it, so try and enjoy every moment and find the good in it all. Some days it's nice to take things in from an admiring 1 year old's stance, she definitely makes the mundane seem interesting and the boring seem bright... and what is there not to love about that?!
9. Embrace - On that note, learning to embrace the crazy, the long nights, the crying, and the tough moments has probably been my biggest struggle as a parent. Therefore, it's where I've had to work at balancing life the most since D's arrival. I can honestly say I'm still working on embracing it all, but I try and take it all in now. I find balance in embracing all parts of our daily life by trying to remind myself she's only little once, regardless of how tough she can be.
Even on my busiest of days, I love the moments she needs me. When I'm struggling to get things done, I still love when she just wants mama snuggles and nothing else will do.... and when she only laughs at me and nothing else can make her giggle, those are the moments I'll always cherish. I feel honored that she loves me so much, with this extravagant, over-the-top, adoring type of love... and the thing is, I somehow love her so much more than that.
So tell me, how do you embrace parenthood? How have you achieved balance in your life as a parent? ...or if you're still navigating through the first few years of parenthood (like me), be sure to leave me some input on how you're managing to balance your life right now! Also, be sure to check out all the goodies I shared today, for your chance to refresh, sweeten, and nourish your soul.
1. Nourish your body - Fuel your body with what it needs - sleep well, eat well, love well.
2. Don't always listen to yourself - Don't believe everything you think and don't ever take your thoughts too seriously. On that same note it's okay to listen to that inner voice, just don't let it hold you back from living.
3. Challenge your mindset - Don't get stuck in a rut. Try new things, do crosswords, read books, try to learn a new language. Keep your mind active and always be willing to listen to new ideas.
4. Laugh at yourself - It's okay to be ditzy, it's alright if you tripped in public... things happen. Mindful people know this and they let it go and learn to laugh, even when it's hard.
5. Don't avoid emotions, share your feelings and work through them - While mindful people laugh at their mistakes, they also own their sadness, their anger, etc. Be sure to voice your frustrations, hurts, and other emotional feelings in a productive way and work through them.
6. Listen with concentration to those around you - Intently listening will open so many doors, whether it's a new friendship or a business adventure - be sure to listen to those around you and be present.
7. Slow down and absorb information - Instead of rushing through life, checking notifications constantly, and speed reading each book you check out from the library - take some time to "smell the roses" as it were and allow yourself to slow down and enjoy life.
8. Stay curious - Spend time outdoors, do science experiments, and be a silly amount of curious at all times. Life should be fun so go down the less taken path and enjoy it.
9. Be aware that all things come and go and accept that fact - This may be the hardest part of being mindful for me. Knowing that things come and go allows you to accept life as it is and this makes living mindfully so much easier.
10. Allow yourself to take a break - While living mindfully is important, so is taking a break. It's okay to check out, turn your phone off, try not to think of anything, and just spend time in a quiet room meditating... it's actually what mindfully living is all about.
So tell me, do you live "mindfully"? I'd love to hear your intentional behaviors that help you to leave a more mindful life! Let 'em at me in the comments below!
*This post does contain affiliate links, regardless all opinions expressed above are my own.*
Today's discussion is sponsored by Planet Fitness, regardless all opinions expressed below are mine alone.
If you've followed the blog for a while you know I've been on a journey to get fit over the last few years. I shared my story in 2014, when I weighed in at my heaviest weight ever and knew I needed to make a change; then I shared my triumph whenever I finally hit my goal weight in 2015 and how I planned on maintaining my fitness. The past few years have truly been a journey, from learning how to eat healthier (most of the time) to officially becoming a member of a gym, I made a lot of changes and I shared most of these changes and my progress here on the blog with you.
Which leads me to 2016, this year also includes some changes... While these changes involve gaining back some of the weight I lost (all for my little baby on the way), I'm still trying to stay fit! I haven't shared much of my fitness routine as of late because it's hard to talk shop with a baby bump growing and my morning sickness in full force, but I wanted to check in with you all and let you know, I'm still on my fitness journey this year - it's just a little bit different than it has been.
That's why I love Planet Fitness so much, it's a fitness club that's helped me along my journey and will continue to be a part of my fitness routine. I felt comfortable visiting the club when I was at my heaviest, I felt confident going in for a quick work out when I was feeling fit in 2015, and now that I'm expecting, I still feel like Planet Fitness is the perfect place for me to work on myself and my goals.
WHY is Planet Fitness my preferred gym? If you're overweight, underweight, or maybe even just of the female gender, and you've ever visited another gym, you may have felt like you were being gawked at or judged while running on the treadmill or lifting weights. This is NOT the case with Planet Fitness, there's no "gymtimidation."
The staff, the trainers, and even the other members facilitate an environment where everyone can feel confident and comfortable while bettering themselves. You don't need to have muscles to join this gym, you're not going to be laughed at if you have to ask how to use a machine, and really, the only real requirement is that you keep Planet Fitness a Judgement Free Zone!
I don't just like Planet Fitness because of the other members and staff though... I like PF because most clubs are open and staffed 24/7 to help you get a work out in, any time of the day! Plus, all 1,000 of the Planet Fitness clubs also have spacious locker rooms and access to unlimited fitness training, as well as two "circuit" workouts that make getting in a quick gym sesh super simple!
That's not all you get when you join Planet Fitness though, you gain access to a group of like-minded people. You're not just joining a gym, you're joining a community. Planet Fitness provides all members with an opportunity to connect and support with others via "Planet of Triumphs," an online community that celebrates all accomplishments and inspirational stories.
Not only can you gain access to a support system, a gym without judgement, and a healthier you - If you sign up for the black card membership (at $19.99 a month), it includes additional amenities such as the ability to
bring a guest every single day at no additional charge, access to all 1,000+
Planet Fitness locations, use of massage chairs and beds, and more.
Everyone belongs at Planet Fitness, that's why on April 4, you can join Planet Fitness for just a dollar!
That's right... For one day only, join Planet Fitness for only a $1 down and then just $10 a month. Or if you prefer the PF Black Card, you can take advantage of that membership and its additional perks for $1 down and then $19.99 per month. They’ve created a link just for you guys so that you can enter your email for a reminder to sign up April 4th. Click here! No matter what your fitness goals are in 2016, you won't regret joining Planet Fitness - I promise you!
Confused Girl sent over a pair of leggings to facilitate today's post, regardless all opinions expressed below are mine alone!
This time last year, I had just finished hosting a yoga challenge - the Everybody Yoga challenge, to be exact. It was a daily, picture sharing, yoga challenge on Instagram and boy, was it an amazing and trying experience. The 30 day challenge I hosted in 2014 was the last time I practiced yoga on a regular daily basis, for an extended period... and that, my friends, is a bummer and is going to change starting now.
I may not be able to fit an entire hour long yoga class into my daily routine but I'm going to start adding in a few poses before I get my day started and before I lay down in bed in the evening. This won't be a publicized challenge though, my practice will be all for me and I encourage you to do the same.
I want this "daily yoga challenge" to help us all feel more grounded and aware, to help us connect with our surroundings and live in the moment, while also helping us remain calm and balanced. Yoga is capable of changing your view of the world, I know this much... you might as well let it by practicing daily, is my new philosophy.
Practicing headstands, backbends, or simply meditating - my body needs the zen aspects of yoga and wants to feel the stretch. I'm so ready to get the yoga ball rolling, metaphorically and literally.
The thing is, I lost so much weight over the past year or so that none of my work out clothes really fit me anymore. Trust me, I'm not complaining... but I do need new yoga gear to practice in and that's where Confused Girl and their Crystal Inspired leggings come into play.
These gorgeous leggings are the perfect pair to get back into my groove in, the patterns made from images taken of a Gold Agate Crystal. It's like I'm practicing natural healing just by wearing these beauties, especially since Agate enhances creativity and is shown to strengthen intellect - making the pair perfect for this blogger, student, and artist...
Not only are these a groovy-looking and feeling pair of leggings, they are actually comfortable. With 4 way stretch, I don't feel squeezed into them but like they are a second skin - which is an important distinction when choosing yoga pants. They're also eco-friendly, made out of water based ink, made in the USA (in LA to be exact), and totally machine washable... What more could you ask for in a pair of leggings?
How about a story to go with the brand name? Confused Girl may make you question the brand... who wants to buy from someone confused? Well, the statement behind the name is beautiful and makes me want to buy every single crystal-inspired color of these leggings... As Giovanna, the founder of the company says, “It is really easy to accept yourself when you are feeling good and your life is the way you want it. But it isn’t so easy to accept yourself when things are tough and you are confused. We shame ourselves in times we need to be embracing ourselves.” Confused Girl is about accepting yourself just as you are at this moment.
So now, that I've shared why I love my new leggings so much, the story behind my new favorite brand of leggings, and how I plan on getting back into my "yoga groove", I'd love to hear what pair of Confused Girl leggings are your favorite and which yoga pose you favor as well! Leave me a comment and let's chat! Plus, enter to win a pair of HOPE leggings with the giveaway form below:
If you can't wait to see if you win and you decide to order a pair of these fabulous leggings today, you can score 15% off with the code "BYE FELICIA" plus free domestic shipping! So what are you waiting for?
Yoga has always been my favorite way to get active, there's just something about that moment when you finally feel the relief from your day in the deep stretch of a backbend or the second when you can feel your body relaxing, while also feeling the intense rush from a headstand. Yoga is my way of letting my mind unwind while allowing my body to stretch, the perfect way to chill out after a long day.
Another reason that I love yoga so much is a bit silly, but who doesn't love the attire involved in yoga practice! Nothing could be more comfortable than yoga pants and a lose fitting tank top... without anything else on! I'm all about going commando while in my favorite yoga pants, but that also means I need to feel clean - that's why I choose to use Cottonelle. Maybe you haven't tried Cottonelle's wet+dry system yet? You can get a FREE personalized sample kit right now, don't miss your chance!
I'm super excited that International Yoga Day is quickly approaching, just another fun reason to practice yoga regularly and share my passion with the world! Most recently I shared my love for yoga with my niece while visiting for her birthday party, she just turned two and loves learning new poses and keeps asking to learn more. She's got a bit of a wild streak but loves yoga, just like me... I think I may have found myself a new best friend and yoga buddy.
With summer approaching quickly as well, it's time to start working on beach bodies and yoga is the answer! After my most recent visit home and being asked a handful of times about my yoga routine from siblings and friends, I feel confident in saying that I think I've finally found my "sport". Yoga isn't just a sport or activity for fitness in my life though; Yoga is a way of life, a daily routine, and my safe place a lot of days. If you don't have that in your life, I think now is the time to check out how yoga practice can help you transform in so many different ways.
Now that I've shared my passion for yoga and my love for Cottonelle, I'd love to hear how you find peace in the madness? Are you into yoga or more into the idea of yoga while wearing yoga pants and drinking a glass of wine? Either way, let's be friends! (Just a reminder, since we are friends after all: don't forget to grab your free personalized kit here!)
As you've probably observed, I'm a huge fan of yoga and I love sharing my passion for yoga. I hosted the Everybody Yoga Challenge in September and it was an amazing experience, watching all the participants share their photos was inspirational to me... not just because each and every one of the women that participated are amazing yogini's, which is so very true. It was inspirational because those women that were new to yoga seemed to really embrace the challenge and I learned things from them.
During the challenge I learned some amazing lessons and they have changed the way I view myself and my yoga practice. The main thing I learned from these ladies is that we are all our own worst critic, so just a little note - "Hey you, quit being so hard on yourself; you're awesome". I also learned a good mat makes a huge difference in my ability to get into poses, I did almost every pose for the challenge outdoors without a mat and that got sticky at times.
I'm so excited I was given the chance to work with Aurorae Yoga this month. Their Northern Lights Yoga Mat and their meditation candles are two amazing gifts for those in your life that love yoga or even those that are seeking balance in their life. Yoga has so much more than just the obvious physical benefits, it's therapeutic to the soul. Practicing yoga will leave most people feeling rejuvenated and happy. It doesn't necessarily have to be a spiritual thing, but it can be... It doesn't have to be a high intensity session, but it can be... It doesn't have to be "hot" yoga, but it can be... The point I'm trying to make here is that it's your yoga; that's what Aurorae Yoga believes anyways.
Aurorae Yoga makes products for the everyday yogi and the newbie. The level of experience you have doesn't matter, they just want to encourage everyone not to feel intimidated or uncomfortable. It's all about relaxing and enjoying your yoga practice in their opinion and that's why they make products designed to help you do just that.
As I sat meditating after yoga today on my Northern Lights Yoga Mat with my Vanilla Compassion meditation candle, I really felt inspired. I have so many ideas running through my head now that I need to make a list of them all, before meditating I felt like I had writer's block. It's no joke, meditating can make you more creative... According to a Dutch study conducted in 2012 certain meditation techniques can promote creative thinking and open monitoring meditation, the type in which you don't have an exact focus but let ideas flow freely, has shown to increase creativity the most.
So instead of providing you with mantras to chant, I'm going to just encourage you to relax & enjoy and spoil yourself with high quality products from Aurorae Yoga!
Namaste.
Interested in scoring a yoga mat or a meditation candle for yourself or another person in your life? Find out more about Aurorae Yoga!
While I was provided with products by Aurorae Yoga to facilitate this review, all opinions expressed are my own.
I've shared my love of yoga pants in the past, but my infatuation with this item of clothing just reached a whole new level. I've found the most comfortable athletic pants ever and I have to share my secret with you...
I have friends that swear by lulu's or whatever brand they like at the time, but the other brands don't compare to Luna Jai Athletics.
Luna Jai has the most comfortable pants, with the Wik-Fit Fabric technology and the Ultimate Fit Waist Lock they fit to my body unlike any other pants. I love that the pants feel like they are painted on and I actually wear them for all sorts of activities; from running to practicing dance moves, these pants are comfortable enough for all kinds of fun.
The designs are so funky and unique, I own the Brush Waves Shorts, the Cosmic Wink Yoga Pants, and the Vineyard Scroll Yoga Pants. Each item went above and beyond my expectations, the prints were so perfect and the beautiful colors haven't faded a bit with several washings! I'm actually so in love with the pants, I've become an ambassador for the company.So, if you want to score a pair of Luna Jai Athletic pants or shorts, use the code "LAURENH" to get 10% off your order!
One lucky #EverybodyYoga Challenge participant has been notified that she WON a pair of these babies and an awesome Yoga mat from +Gaiam, I'm waiting to hear back and will officially announce the winners of the challenge soon!
Star Pose stretches and lengthens your body in all directions all at once. It helps align your spine correctly, which helps to improve your posture and reduces back and shoulder pain. When practiced correctly, Star Pose will utilize every single muscle in your body. It strengthens the legs, ankles, abdomen, and back. Since your body is so outstretched you are providing more space for your lungs and heart which helps improve circulation and respiration. This Super Star pose has all kinds of benefits - the perfect way to close out our challenge!
This pose is pretty simple and so very enjoyable! You'll begin by stepping your feet 3 to 4 feet apart, a distance that feels comfortable but still provides a nice stretch. Pointing your feet forward, spreading your toes, and balancing your weight evenly on your feet; Keep your knees soft and turn your tailbone under and contract your buttocks and hamstrings. Lift your arms up to shoulder height and out to your sides. Keep your hands in line with your arms, contract your ab muscles and as you lift your chest, pull your shoulders back and send your shoulders blades down your back.
Namaste!
I can't even believe the challenge is over! This month has flown by so fast and I've loved hosting the #EveryBodyYoga challenge so very much - it's always fun to learn, explore, and grow and this challenge has helped me do all of the above! I learned all kinds of things including several benefits of yoga poses that I was unaware of! I also learned that I can be really passionate about something and inspire others; that's pretty freaking cool in my book. I was able to explore new places around my city this month and I explored new yoga poses with the challenge participants. I grew out of my shell a bit, practicing yoga in wild places and I truly grew my yoga practice this month - they say if you want to learn something well then you should teach it; hosting a yoga challenge applies here too, I think.
I hope that you have taken the time to like all of our sponsors at some point through out the month,
if not then you definitely should today. You'll have the chance to win one of the awesome prizes!
Winners will be announced soon.
There will be THREE lucky winners:
ONE winner will receive the LUSH Cosmetics "You're a star" prize package! {RV: $75} This prize includes 8 awesome items from Lush Cosmetics, these products are all celebrity recommended and absolutely amazing!
and
ONE winner will receive a pair of Luna Jai athletic leggings {RV: $69} & a Gaiam Pink Ribbon Yoga mat! {RV: $22} I'm a Luna Jai brand ambassador and a HUGE fan of their products - they are so incredibly comfortable and the fit is unlike any others. Be on the lookout for a review of my favorite pairs from their collection soon! Plus, the Gaiam Pink Ribbon Yoga mat is absolutely gorgeous and helps a great cause - provide hope, support, and love every time you practice yoga with this mat!
and
ONE winner will receive a custom zen painting from yours truly {RV: $75} & a zen themed Spirit Locket Necklace! {RV:$75}
I'll be creating a custom painting for one lucky participant - a custom work of art that suits their style and passions. We'll collaborate and figure out the perfect work of art for your space. Plus, you'll receive a customized zen themed necklace - featuring gorgeous charms inside of a fun locket.
