Lifetime Fitness

This quarantine has been rough on the waistband. Like, really rough. Between stress eating, happy eating and the holidays being in the mix it’s been a struggle not to binge. Binge watching the Mandalorian with a bag of personal popcorn is pretty legit but I was feeling myself becoming foggy brained, sluggish and slow. I had no energy and no motivation. I’m sure most people felt this way – It’s been rough, hasn’t it?

I kept telling myself I couldn’t workout because I’d be interrupted by the boys and my old gym still hadn’t opened their kid’s center. But at one point when I looked around the house and saw piles of untouched mess I realized I needed to get off my butt. I deep cleaned my house, donated toys, clothes, and restarted a nightly beauty regimen. I was starting to feel like myself again, but I still wasn’t liking what I saw in the mirror.

I decided to make a change. I went back to strictly eating paleo and decided to look around at gyms. Due to COVID I was limited in my options due to the restrictions on child care and with three boys and a working Husband there was no way to make it work unless I found some help.

Then I stumbled upon Lifetime fitness.. They said their Kid’s Academy was open so I decided to tour it. I walked into a gorgeous facility that radiated class. It was clean, professional and pristinely high end. The staff at the Kid’s Academy had classes planned, safety/health precautions in place and made the kiddos feel so welcome.

There were so many wonderful classes to choose from and an array of amenities available. This place felt too good to be true. And that was a month ago. I signed up on the spot and have been going multiple times a week ever since. Hudson has been having a blast participating in events like Polar Express Christmas Eve party, New Years Eve party and so much more. It’s been like another home for all of us. With a built in spa, a cafe, and a pool (with kid’s swimming lessons, I might add) It’s felt like a little bit of normalcy again, for all of us.

I can’t say enough about how incredible this has been for all of our mental health – And I have more energy than I can ever remember having. Eating better, drinking more water, exercising regularly and mental health in check, this place has been a lifesaver.

This is not even an ad, only a referral because I know so many people would benefit from the effects this place brings. You’ll never want to leave. Especially the in-locker-room hot tub.

Start your journey today, here. To better mental health, more energy, and you time. I mean, we love time with our kiddos but they love having them time too, you know?

Chūze Fitness

When you feel so genuinely passionate about something you want to tell the world – And that’s exactly how I feel about Chūze Fitness. After I had Hudson (Over 4 years ago) I was in the best shape of my life.. I had more energy than I knew what to do with, I had a six pack and incredible confidence. But, I got all of that by living in a toxic mindset with food and exercise.

It was a chore. Eating insanely strictly, exercising everyday, and treating myself like a machine that I wouldn’t allow to rest. I’m sure what you would expect to happen, happened. I fell off the health train, HARD. I had one cheat meal and I spiraled. I felt like I was a failure, I felt disgusted with myself and I hated how I “felt”.

So I stopped eating healthy completely. I started drinking more alcohol, stopped working out, stopped everything that I considered “healthy” because I felt like it was a waste since I was “off the wagon”. Then I got pregnant with my twins. After I had them my body felt like it was shutting down. I had no energy, no desire to move, no desire to cook, no desire to do anything that wasn’t absolutely necessary.

I hated myself. And the worst part? I allowed myself to be like that until they were 8 months old – I felt like I was failing them as a Mother. I decided I needed to make a change – Not just for them but also for myself.

As a stay at home Mother of three I was super intimidated by the thought of working out at home like I always had because I knew I’d lose momentum the moment one of them needed something. So I did some searching and found a few gyms that had childcare. It seemed overwhelming but after hearing raving reviews about Chūze Fitness from some local Moms I decided to give it a try..

Their 7 day free trial included everything but tanning so I was able to take all my kiddos into the Kids Club to try it out. The ladies in there were immediately incredible. They were excited to take my twin babies (Something I absolutely feared) and told me to take my time and have a great workout..

After dropping them off I stood outside the Kid’s Club door, completely bewildered that I was kid-free.. I looked around at all of the amazing opportunities in front of me.. I could use their HydroMassage machines, get some cardio in at the Chūze Cinema, join in on a Zumba class, go for a swim, hop in the sauna or get rid of my nasty cold in the Eucalyptus steam room.. The possibilities literally seemed endless.

That was a month ago today. I can now honestly say that Chūze has already changed my life. This is my home away from home. My twins light up when they see the girls, Hudson constantly asks if we can go back to the “play place” and I know I can workout with complete assurance that my kids are in the best hands.

And because of them I’ve been able to gain my strength and energy back. I’ve been going multiple times a week – And sometimes, I literally just sit in the massage chairs, go for a tan then watch a movie while on a stationary bike because whether I am exercising or not it’s my time to focus on ME.

But, most of all, Chūze has changed my life completely because I am now able to be the Mother I need to be for my sweet boys. So thank you Chūze, for the opportunity to better myself and giving me the tools to do so.

Want to try it for yourself? Here is my referral code – I promise.. Your first day there you’ll know you want to sign up.. Did I mention they have a built in smoothie bar? 😉

Chuze Fitness

When you feel so genuinely passionate about something you want to tell the world – And that’s exactly how I feel about Chuze Fitness. After I had Hudson (Over 4 years ago) I was in the best shape of my life.. I had more energy than I knew what to do with, I had a six-pack and incredible confidence. But, I got all of that by living in a toxic mindset with food and exercise.

It was a chore. Eating insanely strictly, exercising everyday, and treating myself like a machine that I wouldn’t allow to rest. I’m sure what you would expect to happen, happened. I fell off the health train, HARD. I had one cheat meal and I spiraled. I felt like I was a failure, I felt disgusted with myself and I hated how I “felt”.

So I stopped eating healthy completely. I started drinking more alcohol, stopped working out, stopped everything that I considered “healthy” because I felt like it was a waste since I was “off the wagon”. Then I got pregnant with my twins. After I had them my body felt like it was shutting down. I had no energy, no desire to move, no desire to cook, no desire to do anything that wasn’t absolutely necessary.

I hated myself. And the worst part? I allowed myself to be like that until they were 8 months old – I felt like I was failing them as a Mother. I decided I needed to make a change – Not just for them but also for myself.

As a stay at home Mother of three I was super intimidated by the thought of working out at home like I always had because I knew I’d lose momentum the moment one of them needed something. So I did some searching and found a few gyms that had childcare. It seemed overwhelming but after hearing raving reviews about Chuze Fitness from some local Moms I decided to give it a try..

Their 7 day free trial included everything but tanning so I was able to take all my kiddos into the Kids Club to try it out. The ladies in there were immediately incredible. They were excited to take my twin babies (Something I absolutely feared) and told me to take my time and have a great workout..

After dropping them off I stood outside the Kid’s Club door, completely bewildered that I was kid-free.. I looked around at all of the amazing opportunities in front of me.. I could use their HydroMassage machines, get some cardio in at the Chuze Cinema, join in on a Zumba class, go for a swim, hop in the sauna or get rid of my nasty cold in the Eucalyptus steam room.. The possibilities literally seemed endless.

That was a month ago today. I can now honestly say that Chuze has already changed my life. This is my home away from home. My twins light up when they see the girls, Hudson constantly asks if we can go back to the “play place” and I know I can workout with complete assurance that my kids are in the best hands.

And because of them I’ve been able to gain my strength and energy back. I’ve been going multiple times a week – And sometimes, I literally just sit in the massage chairs, go for a tan then watch a movie while on a stationary bike because whether I am exercising or not it’s my time to focus on ME.

But, most of all, Chuze has changed my life completely because I am now able to be the Mother I need to be for my sweet boys. So thank you Chuze, for the opportunity to better myself and giving me the tools to do so.

Want to try it for yourself? Here is my referral code – I promise.. Your first day there you’ll know you want to sign up.. Did I mention they have a built-in smoothie bar? 😉

Sun Basket Meal Delivery

Disclosure: The links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission. Bear in mind that I link this company because of my genuine belief in their service and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases!

Y’all already know my insane obsession with eating paleo – But now that I’ve had my twins it’s becoming increasingly harder to stay on track when I am busy tending to my home and my three little princes.

But, I need to make sure I also tend to myself so that I’ve got enough energy and strength for my kids, so I decided to begin a meal delivery service to give myself a little break AND help stay on my health track! I’ve tried several companies before but none of them could quite give me the paleo options that my family needed.

That’s when I found Sun Basket and it seemed as though it was made for me. They locally source all of their meats, all of their packaging materials (Besides the ice packs) are completely recyclable and they have many different diet accommodations!

Soon I’ll be posting all about our new delicious paleo recipes that I would’ve probably never thought of because I’d have to hunt the aisles for ingredients and take the time to prep (Which I don’t have at all) so be on the lookout for delicious recipes and pictures SOON.

I loved them so much I actually began a partnership with them! So NOW I’m able to give my readers $80 OFF their first 3 orders! That’s $80 off incredible, nutritious foods that makes life easier. Treat yourself y’all – Try it here!

(I was compensated for this post, all opinions are my own!)

Venturing Into A New World of Health

Disclosure: The links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission. Bear in mind that I link this company and their services because of my genuine belief in their program and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases!

Throughout my health journey these past six years I’ve had many people approach me and ask, “How do you do it?” or “Where do I start?”. I’ve always had the answer when it came to the way I ate. Wholesome foods, natural foods – Meats, fruits, and vegetables! Easy enough right?

Well, when I realized that my food advice wasn’t enough it took me a long time (Til now, honestly!) to realize that it’s really not that easy. Knowing what to ingredients to use and what “meal plan” to follow is a great first step – But the biggest part of weight loss / beginning a healthier lifestyle starts with a persons psychological mindset when it comes to food.

Everyone has a different relationship with food. I used to have a very toxic relationship with it where I was incredibly negative towards my body and starved myself. But when I began to realize what wholesome foods really did for me I started to see it in a new way. And from that blossomed a beautiful respect and love that made transitioning into exercise and healthy long-term habits that much easier.

Now – I am one week away from having my twins.. And it’s been an incredibly long and exhausting pregnancy. Unfortunately, I have not been nourishing my body the way I should’ve been or exercising which I had promised myself I would.

BUT.. I am very proud of myself for creating two little sweet boys and want to reward myself with getting back on track – Not just for weight loss but also for energy and confidence. I already know the foods I need to keep my body strong but where I know I’ll need an extra pair of hands (Because I’ll literally have none with twins) is my recommitment, which is why I’ve decided to start this journey with Noom.

You may have seen their commercials and thought, “Oh – Another diet / weight loss fad.” But they actually touch on exactly everything I had mentioned above. They’re not just about losing the weight, they’re trying to help each unique individual understand their needs to develop those healthy food relationships and habits with psychological encouragement.

They keep you on track, quickly answer any and all questions that arise, and give you the information you need to grow and move achieve your goals! You get paired with the right expert whose picked based on your personality and destination and they’re with you for the long haul! So you get real human interaction with a person you build a foundation and relationship with. I love that aspect.

I’m really excited to officially become partners with this company because I genuinely believe wholeheartedly in their psychology-based program and mission. You can start this journey with me and join their proven-lasting program right now with their two week trial*.

Noom – It’s a smarter way to lose weight!

*After the trial, it is $149 for a six month subscription. Which is less than $1/day!

(I was compensated for this post – All opinions are my own!)

Mile High Epidemic – Teen Vaping

I’m sure y’all have heard comments like this before: “Vaping isn’t nearly as dangerous as smoking cigarettes.” or, “It’s just water vapor – How can that be worse for you than straight cigarettes?”.

Well, these thoughts and ideas are filling our teen’s heads and they believe they’re actually making a “safer” decision by keeping to e-cigarettes. In reality, a JUUL pod (an e-cigarette cartridge) contains the same amount of nicotine as 20 cigarettes. TWENTY CIGARETTES.

Colorado youth are vaping nicotine at twice the national average and at the highest rate of 37 states surveyed, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And, most recently, on Sept. 12, 2018, the FDA declared vaping as an epidemic across the United States.

How terrifying is that?! Colorado is ranked at TWICE the national average. As the mother and step-mother of almost five children that absolutely horrifies me. That could be one of my children. My 14 year old step-son could so easily hear these misconceptions and think it’d be “cool” to try vaping and then get addicted. Getting hooked on e-cigarettes could introduce horrible chemicals and nicotine into his body and within a year it could be a gateway into actual cigarettes.

There is little known about the long-term effects of vaping, however it is proven to have negative effects on their mental development as it harms their memory capabilities and causes depression. There is enough going on in our teens’ brains at this vulnerable age and we cannot have them stunting it with smoking.

This is not the future I want for my children and that is the reality of many teens right now in our state and country. So I implore my fellow parents and educators to cultivate their children’s thinking on vaping, even if it is not cigarettes. It Still.. Isn’t.. Safe.

According to the Tobacco Free Colorado website, about half of Colorado high school students have tried vaping nicotine and a statewide school survey shows 87 percent of Colorado high school students think cigarette smoking is risky, but only 50 percent think those risks apply to vaping nicotine.

As parents, we hold the responsibility in informing our children of the risks – even if they don’t smoke or have never tried it. It’s important to bestow the knowledge onto them.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has created a suite of materials to help parents and askable adults to understand the risks of vaping, and prepare them to have informed conversations with teens about it. The materials are available on the new Tobacco Free Colorado website at www.TobaccoFreeCO.org/know-the-facts.

(I was compensated for this post in partnership with the Colorado Department of Health and Environment. All opinions are my own and I truly feel passionate about this as my children are my world!)

Football is Coming BACK!

Anyone else ECSTATIC that football is coming back?! WE ARE. We’re mega huge football fans in my house and always have large parties and delicious food.. But when you’re a healthy eater the options at stores are not very “friendly” at all.. So here are some delicious alternatives to some tailgating faves!

Our favorites are pork green chili sliders (with Birch Benders Paleo Pancake Mix made into buns), buffalo chicken (made with drumsticks and buffalo sauce), and bacon wrapped guacamole peppers! They’re all incredibly delicious – And SPICY. Which is of course necessary for football Sundays 😉

Paleo Jalapeño Poppers

• Jalapeño Peppers (8-10)
• 2 Large Avocados
  • Make into Guacamole
    • Mash both avocados
    • Add lemon juice (To taste / consistency)
    • Add Salt / Pepper / Cajun Seasoning <- Optional

Not an avocado person? I also LOVE to use Kite Hill Almond Cream Cheese

• 1lbs Bacon

1. Preheat oven to 400*F
2. Wash and halve the peppers.
3. Stuff Guacamole into pepper
4. Cut bacon strips in half
5. Wrap bacon around pepper
6. Place in oven for around 20 minutes or until bacon is done.
7. Remove and enjoy!

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Dr. Jacobs Naturals

As y’all know I love all things natural and eco-friendly. And Dr. Jacobs Naturals is JUST that. They’ve got some amazing castile multi-purpose soaps that I’ve been using for my face and shower soap and it’s been incredible!

They’re made with naturally derived scents and oils which leaves a lingering and long lasting smell after use. I’ve completely replaced my normal soaps for them as this weather is causing me extreme dry skin and it’s helped a TON!

I do believe it’s just as important what you put on your body as it is what you put into it because it’s still being absorbed and certain chemicals can be detrimental to your health in the long run!

That’s why I love finding these new products to help steer my family’s lifestyle into a more natural and holistic direction! Try Dr. Jacobs Naturals for yourself, you won’t be disappointed – And the prices are totally fair 😉 They’re also currently running free shipping on all orders over $20. Use code FREESHIP20 at Checkout!

(I was compensated for this post, all opinions are my own)

Healing Massage

Spring time brings a lot of outdoors work. Getting the garden ready, setting up chicken coops, re-doing the ENTIRE side of the house filled with granite rock and turning it into a grass and river rock stream (Exhausting) .

After all of this non-stop vigorous work I’ve been experiencing a return in my pinch nerve problems that’ve made my arms weak/numb and my entire back ACHE. I decided enough was enough and scheduled my Bodhi Body appointment.

I love the owner Stephanie, she’s fun, professional and really good at what she does. Every time I’ve come in lately I request their CBD lotion (cannabidiol) because I can seriously feel it penetrating and relieving pain instantly so I definitely welcomed the relief it gave this time! And I tried fire cupping which was AMAZING – It relieved tension from specific hot spots on my back while she worked on my legs. *drool*

I love how a medical problem that I’ve had in my neck for my whole life can be quickly resolved by skilled massage therapists at places like Bodhi Body. As a Mother I couldn’t imagine waiting the full 2 weeks it takes the numbness to go away on it’s own, which is why I am so grateful for the healing massage provides.

I’m also obsessed with essential oils for their aromatherapy benefits so I picked up some dōTERRA oils and their AMAZING Deep Blue topical rub since Stephanie used it on some problem spots and it felt sooo good and mentholy. You can check out their products here! (I’ve been using some on my Husband every night since we got it and he’s a huge fan too now!)

Spring/Summer time giving you the aches and pains? Give Bodhi Body a visit and their skilled therapists will make you feel like a million bucks! Use my code SIMPLY for a free 30 minute massage!

(I was compensated for this post, all opinions are my own)

Made in Nature – Sprouts Event

I love living in Colorado – There are so many options for healthy eating in restaurants and so many local businesses that are known nationwide for their snacks/food. I’d heard of Made in Nature before so was very excited at the opportunity, thanks to Sprouts, to get to hang out in their test kitchen and try my hand at making my own Figgy Pops (Something they’ve MASTERED. Try them, they’re delicious!).

Their staff was so friendly and welcoming – The 10 of us bloggers felt instantly comfortable! And Sprouts was gracious enough to bring us a ton of food options for dinner.. I had their delicious vegan salad ❥

Their test kitchen was lined with delicious options for figgy pop making and we couldn’t wait to get working!

We began at station one with their pastes, they had Apricot, fig and dates. They were all so delicious so with both batches I made I used dates then added apricot to one and fig to another – Wish I could make these pastes at home, they were perfect!

Then we could add some dried fruit, dried nuts and anything else we wanted in our figgy pops! (They had so many options as you can see!) My first batch was made with date and apricot paste, dried mango, diced almonds and acai powder! My second was made with date and fig paste with cranberries, pistachios, almond butter and Himalayan sea salt! Wish y’all could try mine.. I’m pretty proud with how they turned out!

We found out we were the first outside people to come in and make our own figgy pops.. How exciting is that?! That’s why I love Colorado.. Amazing businesses like this that are 20 minutes away and we can do fun stuff like this! Such a treat. They treated us like family and we got to experiment with some fun ingredients and learn new tricks! I’ll be taking what I learned from this event to make figgy pops at home (My kids are already hooked.. I was so excited I let them have one for breakfast haha!!)

Thanks Sprouts and Made in Nature for such an unforgettable evening with good friends, good food and tons of fun!

Try their delicious healthy snacks for yourself! They’re available at Sprouts and on their website! Enjoy y’all!