My Anti Aging Secret

Hello friends!

I’m so excited to be sharing an amazing product that has helped my skin SO much over the last few months! I don’t know about you, but now that I’m in my late 30’s looking after my skin has become one of my top priorities! Obviously things like staying out of the sun, eating right and drinking water, wearing SPF, and getting rest are all crucial to good skin, but there is a lot we can do to help slow the process of aging!

Over the last 6 weeks I’ve been using what is called the LumiSpa.

In a nutshell, Lumi Spa is a first-of-its-kind, dual-action skin care system that delivers dramatic skin renewal and deep-cleansing in a single treatment! Invented by Nu Skin and dermatologist tested, ageLOC LumiSpa is inspired by gene expression studies of skin protein production. The patent-pending, counter-rotating, pore-tightening action cleanses away dirt, oil, makeup and toxins. And with its medical-grade silicone surface, the Treatment Head moves at a precise frequency to promote dynamic, visible skin renewal for smoother looking, softer feeling skin after just one use.

I honestly can’t say enough about this product. I noticed a difference in my skin within one use, and after 4 uses my husband asked me what I was doing differently! It only takes 2 mins per day, removes all dirt and makeup, is waterproof, and rejuvinates your skin! You can also use it everyday- it is very gentle on your skin and the silicon head is designed to only slough/gently remove the dead dry skin cells and not disrupt the healthy skin cells underneath!

They offer a few different options for cleansers- I use the normal!

Here are a few Fast Facts about the Lumi-Spa:


• It is medical grade silicon so doesn’t cause micro tears in the skin like bristles brushes do! The jogging technique (micropulsing) helps stimulate cell renewal, increases blood flow, and promotes healthy skin cells.
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• Dual oscillating so moves in different directions and it pushes dirt out of pores instead of spinning makeup deeper into skin or wiping it around.

•It is hypoallergenic- meaning it’s super clean and doesn’t harbor bacteria, and the deep cleansing motion which you can’t get with a standard cleanse will allow pores to shrink to their normal size.

• antimicrobial- has silver embedded in them - which means no living organism can live on it. This is what makes them so easy to clean as well👌🏼

This would make an incredible stocking stuffer or Christmas present! Trust me, you will love it!

You can purchase yours here!

Let me know if you guys have any questions about this!

xo

Alex

6 things to do when weight loss has stalled

It’s Monday! Time to Grind and get the week started!

I wanted to jump on here and share a little wisdom with regard to weight loss & what to do when you reach a plateau! There is nothing more frustrating when what you have been doing STOPS working when you’re trying to get leaner or lose weight…so I’m here to help.

6 things to do when weight loss has stalled

1. NUTRITION: If you guys know me, you know how I preach that good nutrition is the key to getting to where you want to be. Re-evaluate how you’ve been eating. Remember, every little bit adds up. The small piece of donut or spoonful of peanut butter makes a difference. Reign yourself in and I highly recommend tracking what you’re eating whether it be by hand, or by myfitnesspal! This will be an eye opener for sure and get you back on track! Yes, I know its hard AF. But, if you want it bad enough you’ll get through those first few days. It takes 3 weeks for something to become a habit. That discipline will be like second nature after a week or two. My honest recommendation: focus on fats and proteins and lower your carbs.

2. Do Less: I know this sounds counterproductive, but believe it. I do less- but when I’m working out, I make it count and go hard. Days off are important, especially when you’re training hard! Our bodies needs time off.

3. Sleep: Sleep affects everything in your body including hormones, appetite, energy! Ever heard of cortisol? Do the research! Sleep is crucial to weight loss and just overall body function. Also, those of you who are postpartum are probably reading this thinking…umm its impossible for me to sleep! I feel you! I RARELY did morning workouts when I was nursing and the kids were infants. I fit it in during the day because I already wasn’t getting much sleep. Just know that your baby WILL sleep soon, and its just a matter of getting through it!

4. HIIT: Any explosive movements you can do in your workout will blast fat like you won’t believe! Think: Squat jumps, jump rope, sprints, broad jumps, burpees, or really any activity that you can do for 15 seconds-1 minute will raise your hear rate and burn fat. You don’t need any equipment! Search HIIT exercises on IG or pinterest. I guarantee if you add HIIT into your workout regiment 2-3 times a week you’ll see a difference in your body.

5. Resistance Train: Weight training has CHANGED my body for sure, especially after having three kids. It has been the #1 reason that I was able to lose all the baby weight. Weight training is critical for weight loss because it increases after burn exercise, and by increasing muscle size (this increases the number of calories we burn at rest). If you’re not comfortable and don’t know where to start, hire a trainer. If you don’t have the money for that, buy some bands and kettlebells/free weights. Watch videos online and look at the smallest details. Form is important!

6. WALK. I know this sounds silly, but i Walk SOOOO much and it makes such a difference in weight loss! Move more! Park farther away, walk to your errands, go for even a 10 minute walk 2 times a day. Trust me, it adds up! I shoot for a minimum of 10k steps a day, and usually hit 15k unless the weather has been super crappy! You don’t need to be a marathon runner to lose weight! All you need to do is WALK!!

Remember, be PAITIENT. This process isn’t a sprint, its a marathon!

xo

Alex

Learning to Swim with Goldfish Swim School!

Learning to swim with Goldfish Swim School

This summer was definitely different in a lot of ways-but there certainly was no shortage of swimming and poll time! We spent hours with family, friends, and with Goldfish Swim School honing our swimming skills!

Learning to swim is one of the most important gifts we as parents can provide for our children, and something that I am incredibly passionate about. It has been awhile since I shared about the boys swimming progress. We’ve been back at Goldfish Williamsville since July and I’m excited to talk about how the boys have improved, and all of the safety measures Goldfish has implemented since opening up after our region was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic!

As you all know, I have 3 incredibly active boys, so this spring was very hard for all of us. The boys missed their sport and activities, school, friends…..and boy, did they miss swimming! They must have asked me at least 2-3 times a week when we would be able to go back to Goldfish!

Return to Swim!

When we got the call that Goldfish was reopening, we were thrilled! The first day back, the look on the boys’ faces was priceless. It was truly amazing to see a part of their lives, their routine, and some normalcy… to be given back to them. I think at times we don’t think about the kids, and what they have had to cope with through COVID. We are forever grateful that Goldfish Williamsville was able to open their doors again and find a way to provide lessons for the kiddos again throughout this difficult time.

Now…you’re probably wondering how this all works with regard to Goldfish Swim School’s COVID protocol. I’ll give you the lowdown: SAFETY IS THEIR PRIORITY. Always has been, always will be.

Some fast facts:

-All employees have face masks or face shields (even coaches in the water!) Individuals outside of the pool are also required to wear a mask!
-The pool and high touch areas are sanitized
-class sizes are small 2-3 children to allow for social distancing
-Efficient air circulation
-screening prior to entering
-As always, they have a lifeguard on duty!

So, as you can see, all my worries were eased with their return to swim precautions and safety protocols.

Progress

I have seen both boys progress leaps and bounds over the last 3 months! My oldest son moved up today to the next level and he was THRILLED. I was so proud. My middle son is only one star away from advancing as well! It’s been so fun to see their development every week. My younger son is now diving under water and grabbing rings, and my oldest son can swim without swimmies now at any pool! I love the individual attention each coach is able to give each child, and their constant feedback is so important for the boys to learn quickly.

I get communication every week via email on what each child has accomplished, and what they are working on which is really important to me. The boys are always learning with a smile on their faces, and the coaches are such positive role models in their lives that they look forward to seeing every week.

As a parent, it is of the utmost importance to me that I find a swim school that fosters the love of swimming, gives the boys a positive association with water, helps them learn to swim, and most importantly, learn how to be safe in and around water. And there is no doubt that Goldish delivers on all of those.

You can check out Goldfish Swim School here to view more about their programming & to sign up!

Thank you to Goldfish Swim School for sponsoring this post. As always, thoughts and opinions are my own!

xo

Alex

8 things to do on Sunday for a better week!

I don’t know about you guys, but every Sunday night I can’t believe how fast the weekend went! Weekends these days seem to fly by, especially when we have amazing weather like we did yesterday and today.

Monday can be a HUGE slap in the face if I’m not prepared- especially with 3 kiddos ages 6 & under. As much as I want to just relax on a Sunday night and decompress, I find taking 20-30 minutes prepping for the week before settling down for the night is SO worth it! With the kids, SO much of my life is pre-planned: office time, preschool pickup, meal planning, blogging, and workouts! It is important that I have a handle on the week before it starts!

Here are 8 things I do before every week to start the week off strong and on the right foot!

1. Set my alarm for before the kids get up: This is a HUGE one. I always feel like I’m chasing the day unless I get up before them. After I had baby 3, it was SO hard for me to do this…and a lot of days I didn’t (hello, lack of sleep and nursing problems!). Now that baby sleeps through the night, I make it a priority to wake up even just 15 minutes before they wake up to either put some makeup on, start making school lunches, empty the dishwasher, check my emails or just BE!!! That 15 minutes NEVER is going to “make me feel more rested”, so I bite the bullet and make sure I have “me” time before the chaos begins!

2. Sunday night Tidy up: I know this sounds so basic, but I always make sure that everything is straightened up, including the playroom on a sunday night- no excuses. I always feel like I have a clear mind when I come downstairs in the morning and everything is neat & clean!

3. Check the weather: This sounds kind of weird and people tease me because I always know the forecast, but weather really affects my week: what I do with the kiddos/activities we have planned, what I wear, and my workouts! I plan when I’ll be running, and when I’m lifting based off weather and availability with the gym I work with. I usually work out very early so I can fit it in before the kids are up.

4. Lay out my clothes: This is a HUGE one for me! Laying out my running/workout clothes and clothes for work is so important. Someone is always needing something after they wake up, so having my own things ready and accessible is a lifesaver.

5. Scan/Check all my emails & write drafts/respond: I always make sure I’m caught up on Sunday night, even if it means I spend 30 mins-1 hour on the computer. There is nothing more overwhelming that checking my emails monday when I’ve ignored them Sunday!

6. Meal Prep & school lunches: On sunday nights, I pull out school lunch boxes and pack everything except for the sandwich (I ask in the morning what they want). This makes the morning much more calm because I’m not spending 10 mins on school lunches/snacks!

7. Review the week: Meetings, appointments, school functions, blog deadlines ….its easy to get things mixed up! I always review any deadlines on Sunday night and make sure I’m square for the week!

8. Lastly, I ensure that I have a to-do list of what I need to accomplish prior to Monday! This could be anything from finishing off a work project, to writing a blog post, to ordering something online that the kids need! Its so easy to forget when you are managing 5 different lives, schedules and people!

Let’s have a great week, friends!

xo

Monday Motivation: How to get fit .....when you don't like working out

”I wish I was like you…I just don’t like working out.”

or…

“I’m just not good at working out…its hard.”

Confession #1: I don’t love working out all the time.

Confesson #2: Its Hard. Especially when you start.

And when it starts getting easier, you have to change it up to make it harder again to reap any real benefits.

It’s easy for people to think that I love working out. For years I challenged and pushed my body to the limit. But remember, I had something to train for….my life was so regimented and structured towards my physical performance- training for myself, my teammates, for a championship. When all that was gone it was a huge adjustment.

Now, I fit my workouts in between naps and school pick ups! I have had to find other reasons and motivations to stay fit! Sure, there’s times where I feel called to go for a run, or a lift. But there are A LOT of days that I can think of 100 other things I should be doing or could be doing, especially as a mom. Time is always so limited and I feel the pressure of work, childcare, housework…alllll of the things.

So here’s the truth: I love how working out makes me feel, I don’t necessarily LOVE doing it.

Working out gives me Confidence. I feel strong, and healthy, and feel like I can do anything after working out. I’m addicted to the FEELING working out gives me. And that’s the truth! But the actual moments when I’m working out…well…a lot of days I could really give those a hard pass.

So, how do I motivate myself when I don’t love it every single day?

1. Discipline: Honestly, discipline is what gets me through every single day. Discipline is the difference between what you want NOW…and what you want most. I can’t tell you how many times I bring this quote up in my head on the DAILY. Mental strength is huge…you can do whatever you put your mind to! Recognize that discipline is what will get you results, not necessarily motivation. Motivation can fade in and out, discipline is engrained. DISCIPLINE IS LEARNED AND IT IS NEVER TOO LATE. THE MORE YOU DO IT, THE BETTER YOU WILL BECOME AT BEING DISCIPLINED.

2. Don’t Negotiate: Getting my workouts in is pretty much non negotiable time for me. Whether that means I’m grabbing the kids and going for a bike ride & I run, or I get a quick 30 min in the basement….I don’t second guess it. I always, always use my “10 minute rule” on days where I’m just not feeling it! This means that I give myself 10 minutes of a workout. If I’m still feeling sluggish/lethargic/not feeling it after 10 minutes, then I’ll call it quits. But honestly…10/10 my endorphins have already started to flow and I’m feeling it and NEVER regret it. Try it.

3. Routine: The biggest part of changing your lifestyle is making it a routine. They say it takes 28 days…so persevere. Your body and health is worth it.

4. Roll with the punches: Some days things get busy and hectic. Don’t beat yourself up. I still struggle with this sometimes. Don’t cave to the “hustle culture”. Sometimes less is more. Move on. Tomorrow is a new day.

5. Have a plan: Having a plan of attack is important. Educate yourself, come up with a plan, and execute. If you feel lost, you’re never going to follow through and you won’t enjoy it.

6. Invest: If you have more skin in the game, you’re more likely to follow through. Invest in a trainer, an online program, or equipment in your basement. Do I really need to convince you that you need to invest in your body? You only get one. You can’t buy a new one.

7. Realize that fitness is a marathon, not a sprint: Know that the fitness journey is a long one, especially when you are trying to get fit. It can be lonely. And frustrating. You will quite possibly go weeks, or even months, without feeling like you’ve progressed. Getting fit is HARD. If it was easy, everyone would do it. But know that your hard work & discipline WILL pay off …maybe not tomorrow, or next week, but it will pay off. I’m nearing almost 2 years postpartum and I feel extremely frustrated at times. BUT I look back at photos and realize how far I’ve come. Take a deep breath. We live in a very “instant” society. Embrace the grind and the process. Good things come to those who are patient and trust the process.

8. Lastly…don’t give in to the culture: Yes, your body is amazing. Yes, respect your body. Love your body. But respect it enough to look after it. REPEAT AFTER ME: THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH WANTING MORE FOR YOURSELF.

Happy Monday friends! Let’s get after this week!

Talking Snacks: Nature Valley Packed Sustained Energy Bars

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of Nature Valley

Hi friends!

 I’m not going to lie in that the last few days I’ve savored the summer air, slow mornings, afternoons at the park, and long bike rides at night. It’s hard to believe that the school year is already upon us in just a week or two. Summer seems to fly by even quicker as the years go on! I don’t know about you, but I’m trying to get a handle on all of the back to school items: pencils, crayons, art smocks, and of course, back to school lunches and snacks.

 Whether your child is in school every day, doing a hybrid, or is virtually learning/homeschooling, it is crucial that they have the best fuel to power them through the day. Giving your child (and yourself) high quality foods with healthy fats, important carbohydrates, and muscle building protein will help you and your child stay focused throughout the school year!

 With the kiddos back at school and sports, our schedule will be busier than ever. Having healthy snacks that are convenient for on-the-go are important in our house! Nature Valley has been our families go-to snack bar over the years, dating back to my professional soccer days where we were always fully stocked with Nature Valley on game days!

 I’m so excited to share that Nature Valley is introducing its newest snack bar, Nature Valley™ Packed™ sustained energy bars. This unique addition has hard-working ingredients you can feel good about like creamy nut butter, crunchy nuts & seeds such as almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds or peanuts and chewy cranberries or blueberries.

 Not only do our kids love these sustained energy bars, but they are part of my daily meal planning. Nature Valley™ Packed™ delivers on the long-lasting energy I need to get through important parts of my busy day-because as we all know, chasing around 3 kids is a full time job!

 I love how these bars check all the boxes in terms of supporting my own active lifestyle- healthy fats, carbohydrates for my workouts, and protein to help me recover when my workout is complete.

 Nature Valley™ Packed™ comes in 2 flavors which both the kids and I love: Peanut Butter & Cranberry, which is made with creamy peanut butter, crunchy roasted peanuts, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds as well as chewy cranberries. They also offer an Almond Butter & Blueberry flavor which is made with creamy almond butter, crunchy almonds, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds as well as chewy blueberries. The boys love the fruity taste that the blueberries add, and you know me….I love the Peanut Butter!

 Do your body a favor this back to school season and try the Nature Valley™ Packed™ bars! Your family will thank you! To try these bars out today, click here for an easy order!

Xo

Alex

 Thank you to BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of Nature Valley for sponsoring this post. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

SelfCare Sunday: Summer Skin Care with @TULA

Summer Skin Care

Hey friends! Happy Sunday! I’m coming off the back of a quick trip down to NYC and it was SO good to get away and refresh even if it was only for 36 hours!

I wanted to touch base with you all to talk skincare! Although summer is more than halfway over and even though we are all eyeing fall ….I know we will have another month of hot, humid weather!

Summer can really take a toll on our skin: sun, swim, sweat & humidity (and in 2020, mask wearing) and wanted to share some of my favorite skincare tips and products for summer livin’.

1.     Stay out of the sun. I cannot stress this enough. I NEVER lay out, and if I am outside I have a minimum of sunglasses and SPF on to shield my eye area. I also wear hats a lot to protect my head and my neck (that area goes under the radar a lot) There are so many cute baseball hats as well as fashion hats to wear that can look cute AND keep your skin healthy.

2.     SPF, SPF, SPF. I wear SPF every single day, whether its 20 out, or 90 out. You would be surprised at the damage sun can do just being in your car driving to and from work!

3.     Hydrate: I drink so much water! Water is the key to helping your skin stay youthful and supple.

4.     Sleep: I do prioritize sleep as much as I can. I definitely don’t get as much as I’d like (especially the last few years, ha!) but sleep is where your skin rejuvenates. It can be tough as a parent, but I try to get around 7 hours a night!

Summer Skin

My skin is definitely different over the summer with the heat and humidity. I also tend to wear less makeup, because I hate sweating with it on and I want my skin to breathe! I try to cover my face with SPF, hats, and sunnies, but the reality is you will get some sun on your face and it will affect it!

As you all know, I rely on TULA skincare for all my skincare needs and I want to highlight which products are my go-tos in the summer months! #TULAPartner

For those of you who don’t know, TULA is a doctor-founded, clean & effective skincare and wellness brand built on the power of probiotics & superfoods. 100% of their products are formulated with probiotics & superfoods to feed your skin the good stuff™.

TULA also focuses on being healthy, not perfect & empowering our community to feel confident in the skin they’re in, which I can 100% get behind! #embraceyourskin.

1.     TULA SPF: Lucky for me (and you!), TULA now has a SPF and guys…it’s a game changer. It’s light, protects against UVB and UVA, smells good, doesn’t clog your pores, and lasts all day. This broad spectrum sunscreen that provides daily SPF 30 plus protection from damaging pollution & blue light—a must have for indoors & outdoors. Leaves a gorgeous glow that wears well under makeup or on its own. On top of that, it is incredibly affordable! I used to use a high end expensive brand for SPF and I genuinely like my TULA better.

2.     Face Filter: I use this product on a daily basis. This blurring & moisturizing primer instantly smooths the look of uneven skin tone & redness for a “filter” like finish. Probiotics & superfoods like licorice & chia seeds help balance & nourish skin.  If I’m not wearing makeup, its usually my last step and it helps blur out any imperfections. If I’m wearing makeup, I use this before I put my primer and foundation on!

3.     Day and Night cream: I use this cream on a daily basis and I love how light it is on my skin. Its incredibly versatile (can be used day or night) and I love that I only need one cream for my skin.

4.     Courtney Shields Glow Hour eye balm: If you guys follow me on IG, you know that I love the glow and get it eye balm by TULA. Courtney Shields just recently did a collab with TULA and launched a different eye balm and I’m obsessed with it. It helps take away under eye circles, and gives a little brightness to your face (which is much needed especially if you’re a mom). Grapefruit & algae brighten the look of tired eyes while lingonberry protects from the damaging effects of blue light. Each swipe cools, hydrates, luminates & transports you to the magical time of day that is glow hour. I also love how compact it is and you can literally bring it with you in a small handbag!

5.     Last but certainly not least ….the cult classic. This is the first product I tried from TULA and its my favorite. The Purifying Face Cleanser is a refreshing probiotic gel cleanser that goes deep into pores to remove impurities. Probiotics + superfoods help condition skin without stripping or over-drying. This cleanser takes all of your makeup off, and hydrates my skin like no other cleanser has before!

 I know that if you guys try TULA, you will LOVE it.

You can use my code “SAHLEN2” to save 15% on your order whether its your first order or 100th order!

Thanks to TULA for gifting me these products. As always, thoughts and opinions are my own.

Xo

Alex