Stitchfix Review #4

I am so excited that I got my latest fix in from Stitchfix. If you are unfamiliar with the company, basically they pick out 5 items for you for a styling fee of $20.00. They ship it out to your home, you get to try them on. Purchase what you love and then send whatever you don’t right back in a prepaid envelope. Also, the $20 styling fee is used as credit for your purchase and if you love your entire fix and buy it all, you get a 25% discount off your entire order. SWEET!

I love shopping from home so here is my latest fix.

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#1. Curved Wire Bracelet in Gold; By Boe $58.00
This bracelet was so beautiful. But truth be told. Nothing beautiful lasts in my house because my daughter steals my jewelry and breaks it at the same time. Loved it but no way Jose.

#2. Dellora Button Up Zig Zag Blouse; Papermoon $58.00

Loved this top!!! The material felt fabulous and it is so me. Dan said it was definitely something he could see me wearing for date night or for church.

#3. Rizzo Skinny Ponte Pants; Sanctuary $88.00
These pants were so cute and they were stretchy. I liked them a lot!

#4. Conor Cotton Eyelet Detail Top; Olive and Oak $68.00
So cute! I could see myself wearing this on a playdate with cute cuffed skinnies and flats. Definitely me!

#5. Leeann Reversible Tank Dress; Nally & Millie $88.00
Reversible!! Here is the other side:

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Adorable summer dress. The shape is a bit baggier than I liked. I am small in the waist and hips so anything baggy kind of swallows me up and then it looks like I have no figure. But overall I think it is really cute. You could pair it up with a belt and booties or grab leggings and flats and it is more like a tunic.

I am in love with the pants and the zig Zag top so those may be my overall choices. I loved how they fit and overall their look on me.

If you haven’t tried Stitchfix, you absolutely should! You can go here to signup through my link. And if you have a fix review let me know! Would love to see what you got!

Tiff

Disclosure: stitchfix did not pay me nor offer me clothes for this review. I chose to do this on my free will. The link above is an affiliate link and I do get credit from those who schedule a fix through the link. Happy shopping!

Gift Ideas for Fit Moms

Mother’s Day is coming up (May 12th to be exact) and I am sure many of you are thinking what you should get your Mom to show her how much you appreciate all her hard work and love.

Especially if you are a grown adult and realize just a what a pain in the patooty you really were as a kid. Maybe that’s just me.

Anyway, I thought I would share a few gift ideas that I think would be awesome for that woman in your life!

1. New workout clothes: Let me tell you, I geek out over new workout clothes. Probably a little more than regular clothes. Okay maybe not, but I love shopping and I get so excited to see new shiny things in my closet that help me look  and feel my best.  Plus, for those of us who could use a little motivation, new workout clothes actually help motivate us to get our sweat on.  (If you haven’t tried this little trick, do it! It works!) Stuck on where to shop?  You can check out places like Lululemon, Nike and Ellie if you have extra cash to spend or check out Target, Marshall’s, TJMaxx, and Old Navy! Great options even if you are on a budget.

2. A Deep Tissue/Sports Massage: We work our bodies really hard, so it is okay to take care of it and relieve those tight, aching muscles.  Plus, you mother deserves it whether she works out or not.  On our rest days, we usually bust out the foam roller (which if she doesn’t have one would be a great gift as well!) or do a yoga/pilates routine so a nice indulgence will definitely hit the spot.  Help her take care of that temple!

3. Subscription to Her Favorite Fitness/Health Magazine: I love reading on my quiet time and I know many other women who do too.  If she has ever uttered the words “I love this magazine” and you know she doesn’t have a subscription…..grab her one!  They are a relatively inexpensive gift that keeps on giving all year long.  I personally love Oxygen Magazine, Women’s Running magazine & Clean Eating Magazine to stay up to date on all my health and fitness news.

4. Heart Rate Monitor: This is something that is a definite tool.  Yes, you can probably pull up an app of some sort on your phone, but honestly I don’t think it will be as accurate as having one that is on your body.  I am personally wishing for the Polar Ft4 (in Pink!) but there are other really good ones from Nike, Bodybugg, and FitBit

5. A New Fitness Program:  I have a confession to make. I have fitness ADD. Which basically means that I need to change up my fitness routine. A lot.  If you have a fit mom in your life, she probably has to do the same thing. And that is a good thing! It means she is interested in making her body as strong as possible and willing to challenge herself.  A great way to change it up is to have a great fitness program on hand at home.  So even if she works out at the gym, having a few workouts that will give her the results she is looking for at home when she can’t get there is a must.  Not sure what she would like? Talk to me!  We can figure out the best program for her that she will love (and use!) or grab a e-card so she can pick out a new program for herself.

Hope these ideas help you pick the perfect gift for the Fit mom in your life.

Do you have any favorite fit gifts to share?

Tiff

 

It’s In The Bag: Goji Berry

Goji-berries

You probably heard a lot about getting in enough Vitamin C when you were growing up.  And the thought of constantly eating oranges and carrots (because that was really all you even considered eating for vitamin C as a kid….if that) made you a little apprehensive.  I am thankful now that I have grown up and expanded my palate to explore different foods and research new discoveries. In today’s It’s In the Bag series, we are talking about the Goji Berry.

Goji Berry is just one of the many powerful antioxidants included in Shakeology.

Antioxidants:

*Nutrients in foods that slow down the oxidation of our bodies.

*Protect our bodies from free radical damage.

*Help promote the body’s natural inflammatory response.

Free radicals are natural by-products that cells produce. The way free radicals damage your body is similar to how oxygen in the air rusts exposed metal on a car. If you don’t have enough antioxidants to absorb free radicals in your body, they overwhelm your cells, oxidizing and destroying them. Cellular damage is now known to lead to all chronic illnesses, including inflammation, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and even dementia.

Goji Berries, rich in vitamin A, this nutritionally dense little fruit has played a vital role in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It contains 19 amino acids (including the 8 that are essential for life), has more vitamin C than an orange, and is packed with immense amounts of beta-carotene—more than carrots.

In fact, look at these other possible benefits:

*protects the liver

*helps eyesight

*improve sexual function and fertility

*Strengthen the legs

*boost immune function

*improve circulation

*promote longevity

This little fruit can’t be mistaken for fluff.  Definitely something you should have on hand.  Another important ingredient included in Shakeology to give your body what it needs so that you can function at your best. Worth every penny.

You can grab Shakeology here. Remember, you can try Shakeology for a full 30 days and if you absolutely don’t love it, then you can return the empty bag for a full refund. So honestly, what’s your excuse not to try Shakeology?

 

Books that Push

I love reading books that push me mentally.

I love reading from authors who push the envelope a little bit. They experiment in ways that make people go “why would you do that? That is stupid.”

I am incredibly stubborn and if you tell me something is stupid….well I might just go prove you wrong. Or right. It depends on the experiment.

But I am rarely inspired by those who do the everyday. Who sit comfortably and refuse to move from their positions just because it is safe and part of the status quo.  People who make excuses for why they stay in the same job year after year even though they hate it? What a waste.

Don’t want to fight human trafficking or issues like abortion because it is controversial or dangerous?? I am bored by you.

Don’t want to share Jesus with others because they might laugh at you? I question if you really believe Jesus is Lord and Savior.

Does that sound harsh? Presumptuous? Judgmental? I apologize. That is not the point I am trying to make nor do you want to believe that I don’t have compassion for those who may be afraid and need a little encouragement.

But most people just don’t move or do anything.  They complain all day every day. But they still. Don’t. Move.

The last couple of weeks I have picked up a couple of books that I am devouring right now!

1. 7: an experimental mutiny against excess by Jen Hatmaker

books

First, I believe Jen and I are long lost friends. Mostly because my favorite line that I read in chapter 1 of her book stated this: “I would positively get rid of cable tomorrow if it weren’t for the Food Network. I read cookbooks like they are Jodi Picoult novels.”

Amen girlfriend. This is so true. SO TRUE!

To be honest, I didn’t want to read this book at first. Because I knew that if I did, my way of thinking would be challenged and I would have to do something with the information I read.  That is just the way I am.  When you come face to face with your behavior and how it needs to be changed…you either have to change it, or pretend it doesn’t exist. I don’t like to live life with my head buried in the sand.

Realizing that her life, while she would not classify herself as rich, they were extremely well off as a family considering they had a roof over their head, plenty of clothes (over 300 items to be specific), never skipped a meal and was able to buy things when they felt like it.  The idea that many of us in America live in excess….meaning living with MORE than we actually need….hit her so hard that she decided to spend seven months, choose 7 topics, and spend 30 days on each topic boiling it down to only 7. That means eat only 7 foods, wear 7 articles of clothing, and spend money in 7 places.

Radical right?!  And I am loving every inch of this book. Does she say you have to do this in order to get the point? NO! But I am already rethinking how I view my possessions and what I have in my home.  I love books like this. Grab yours now!

2. Start by Jon Acuff

Start

This is a personal development book I picked up (and requiring my team to read it…heads up team hehe!) for my business.  When I first began my business, I had no clue what I was doing. And I definitely did not have a whole lot of money! But I went for it because I am so passionate about people getting healthy. So many times we can choose to just wait until the right moment to start whatever it is we want to start. We figure we are stuck where we are because it is too hard to get out. NO! Don’t believe it! Maybe it is a new career. Maybe it is an invention. Maybe we want to travel. Maybe you want to start a family. I don’t know what it is for you, but the perfect moment won’t come.

You won’t have all the answers to how it will pan out. You won’t have all the money you need.  This book challenges me to do the best I can with the information I have, find out what I am passionate about, and just begin.  To see where it goes.  To literally “Punch Fear in the face”, do something that matters and Start.  This is a great book for those of you who may be tired of doing something you aren’t passionate about and are looking to change.  Grab it!

What books are you reading that are pushing you lately?

Tiff~

Ready To Change or Not

willpower or not

There are a lot of reasons why we can choose not to do something.

Especially when that something means we have to change our habits and way of thinking.

*I don’t have enough money to start

*I have no energy because of A, B & C.

*I don’t have any time

*I have young children who keep me busy

*Eating healthy is expensive (so are doctor visits and medicine….just saying)

*I don’t have the willpower

*I don’t believe that (name workout program/product here) works

*I am so sore the next day I can’t do anything (what did you expect from working out?)

*I am too tired

*I can’t get up early

*I don’t like schedules

*I don’t like cooking/I’m not a good cook

People!  I say this with all the love in my heart.  Stop the insanity and just call it what it is. You just don’t want to change.  Period.  You ask for advice. You talk to people who are working out. You want the results. You want to be a part of groups and get motivation. But that motivation won’t do anything for you unless you get off your cute behind and do something about it!

If you think that changing your habits/thoughts/lifestyle doesn’t come with a cost…you are fooling yourself. I am not necessarily talking just about money either (although that does for some reason keep a person from moving forward! And those same people will buy a brand new smartphone, concert tickets etc.).  It will cost you time. You may have to wake up before everyone else in order to squeeze in that workout. You will have to say NO to things you used to do before.  You may have to spend a little more in groceries so that you can make sure you have healthy food options in your house.  You may have to *gasp* cook more!

Listen, I get it. Change is uncomfortable.  I thought so too. All those excuses I typed above?  I made them. Pretty much all of them.  So forgive me if you have talked to me and I have called you out on your excuses. It is just because I believe you can push them aside and do work.  I believe you are capable of changing. But I can’t make you. You have to want to.

You have to decide to really want to change and not let the excuses hold you back.  You hold yourself back. And that’s the truth.

Decide today to do something about it.  If you don’t like how you feel, if you want more energy, if you want to be healthier for your family…..then let’s do this!

Tiff~

Be Intentional Friday

Prayer table

Yesterday, our Women’s Bible Study created this special spot for us.

A spot where we could go and pray and lay our burdens and our hearts cry at His throne. We didn’t have to talk to anyone. We could just take a moment to be still and to pray. It was so lovely and encouraging. And I loved the idea so much.

But I instantly said in my head “I may never get to use it. People would see me and think something was wrong with my relationship with God.”

And that thought gave me pause. A long pause to be exact.

Because really. Who told me that I had to be perfect in order to pray in front of other women who love Jesus?

Who said that just because I married a man in ministry, that I can’t bow before him in worship and pray in silence?

Who said that I couldn’t ask for prayer from other women if I am struggling with an issue, or have a need, or a hurt?

Who said my life had to be perfect? Because I am to be an example?

Who said?!

Clearly….I believed this. Because I said it in my head and it trickled down into my heart. And clearly, Satan, yes my enemy, wanted me to believe this lie he planted. I don’t know when it was planted or when I really started believing it, but the truth is I can be afraid to be open about what I feel, experience or need.

It is much like asking for help from friends and family. You know you need help. That you should ask for it from those who love you. That they won’t see you as a burden but as a person they love who needs care and attention. But you don’t ask anyway. Because you believe the lie that you can get it together by yourself. That you are a burden. That people will see you as less than what you are.

I am a Christian. I have a relationship with Jesus first. If I want to pray before others and cry and tell you that life is not okay, then I should be able to.

The hardest part is just putting that into action.

So next week, I will take a moment at His feet. Not to prove to you that I can do it. But mostly, so that those who know me know that even pastor wives experience pain and brokenness. That we fall short and need Jesus oh so much. And we need His grace and mercy just as much as everyone else.

Let’s not be afraid to fall at His feet and give it all to Him friends. I hope we will squash this lie once and for all.

It is okay to not be okay.

Tiff~

It’s In The Bag: Sacha Inchi

sacha_inchi1 If you are unfamiliar with Sacha Inchi, that is okay! Sacha Inchi is an incredible source of protein as well as a superfood so that makes this little powerhouse great for you and it is another ingredient that is included in Shakeology.

Sacha Inchi is found in the Amazon rainforest of Peru. It is harvested throughout the year and it has a relatively long production time and crop life.

Here are a few reasons why Sacha Inchi is so incredible for you:

* An organic vegetable protein that’s easily assimilated.

* It is naturally rich in good fats and fiber, which help control your appetite.

* Helps promote the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response.

* Has a high concentration of omega fatty acids-providing the perfect balance of omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9.

You can buy Sacha Inchi online, but you can get this superfood in your diet by drinking Shakeology for one meal a day.  If you have any questions, please don’t hesistate to ask!  I would love to help you discover how awesome Shakeology really is for those who are looking to better fuel their bodies.

Tiff~