Be a Wellness Warrior featuring BioChem

This post is sponsored by Biochem.

While I am not a gal who works out a ton, I am a woman who believes in healthy products and who knows protein is an essential part of that. Recently my husband and I discovered a drink that fully supports our healthy lifestyle, and who knows how important protein is in our diet. Especially for me personally, I don’t eat a lot of meat in my diet so I do not get protein in that capacity. Biochem is a company that makes dual-action protein powders, designed to fuel bodies with the nutrients it needs to live our best lifestyle. This protein drink now plays an important part in our wellness journey and we think it may be something you would love for yours too!

Whether you are just beginning your journey to becoming healthy or you are a seasoned pro, Biochem could really be a great option for you. This is a powder drink that has expanded to include a Vegan Plant+ line that includes non-GMO ingredients, but that also offers the best in both flavor and quality. These powders include the highest quality and pure ingredients, AND they are certified gluten-free. My brother-in-law and I were talking recently about protein drinks, and he said, “I really believe that the world needs more guilt free powder drinks, Biochem sounds awesome.” I told him that this is a drink that is reasonably priced and available at convenient retails, like Whole Foods and Amazon, along with the Biochem site, so he should definitely give these drinks a try!

Here are some ways that my husband and I strive to be Wellness Warriors:

• He is the cook in our family and daily we try to incorporate fruits and vegetables in our meal plan. Biochem also helps with the balance of nutrients we know we benefit from. I have been taking this protein drink to work with me too. The Plant Protein Vanilla Mood powder is packed with ashwagandha, moringa, and passionflower to help stabilize and boost mood levels (something I definitely can use during my long work days.

• We go hiking, a lot! Even when we vacation, we always make an effort to try new trails and explore, such as in Asheville, North Carolina and climbing our first ever mountain! Our kids love these memories and we love making them with them!

• We walk our dogs daily, especially now that we have a puppy!

• I own horses, and it has been so easy for me to take Biochem with me to the barn; it has been a great fuel source on the days I do my riding.

• We aren’t part of a local gym anymore and do all of our workouts at home. I enjoy running on our treadmill and doing core workouts on my mat.

I really believe that whether you’re hitting the yoga mat first thing in the morning or pushing yourself to get through your work day, you KNOW how important protein is. Let’s celebrate ALL the good that protein can do for our bodies with Biochem’s line of dual-action protein powders. If you have any questions at all, feel free to email me (just hit my contact tab) and I’ll be happy to help you discern which powder may be the best fit for you in your busy lifestyle! Follow Biochem on Instagram and Facebook to learn more.

Spruce Your Space with Tuesday Morning

This post is sponsored by Tuesday Morning but all opinions are my own

If you’ve followed me a while, you’ve probably noticed that a lot of my posts are about social gatherings and us hosting our loved ones. ‘Gather’ is the word that was our family’s word before it became popular ;) When we lived downtown in a rougher part of town, we stood by that one word and hosted as often as we could. The neighborhood boys would often be on our porch, swinging with me on our swing. We would help them with homework, pass out ice cream sandwiches, and enjoyed every second of loving the people around us. This is our third spring in our new home (I can’t believe it’s been that long!) and what we love most about THIS house, is the natural light + the back deck. We have had so much fun turning our deck into a regular hosting space, and with the help of Tuesday Morning, I feel as though we’ve made it even better and brighter! Last summer I felt as though I couldn’t find the right pops of color accessory wise, so when we went browsing through our nearest Tuesday Morning, they did not disappoint. All the textures and patterns make me so happy and also make me feel like way less of the boring person I often feel that I am ;) (We’ve talked about my wardrobe struggles, right?)

Whether it is to come outside after the kids are in bed to just breathe in the quiet and coolness of the air, or to have our Sunday lunches with friends and family—the deck has become my sanctuary at home. Something else that we picked up from Tuesday Morning were some new flower pots. Asa loves to garden and does an amazing job. I am the flower lady, and no joke, weekly will get fresh flowers to have around our house. I also love to have potted flowers though, and find a lot of joy in pruning and watering during the spring and summers. These pots are so beautiful, and add to the different textures spread out around our back deck.

I think it can be really easy to forget the spaces that exist in our home, even when we walk by them or through them every day. Tuesday Morning really made revamping our deck possible, and I can’t encourage you, my readers, enough to do the same! The transformation that this deck has seen has been incredible. When we moved in, obviously nothing was out here. Piece by piece we’ve added to it, discovering our personal style and what we really love along the way. For me, it’s cozy blankets and pillows that I can curl up on/under with a good book or while talking to a friend. For my husband, it’s having the space with enough chairs and seating to host as many people as we can. (His love language legit, is hospitality.) We have been really impressed with the savings we received while shopping at Tuesday Morning, as well as the uniqueness in items that we found.

Have you ever been to YOUR local Tuesday Morning?? Click here to find your closest store, and I would hurry, while summer is on the horizon, because availability is limited and you want to make sure you find THE best items that woos YOUR heart and soul. Whether Asa and I sit at that colorful round table drinking coffee on the weekends or are curled up together on that chaise lounge, we are SO impressed with how Tuesday Morning helped us tie everything we’ve purchased together. Revamp your forgotten spaces, Friends. Do something for you, bring your favorite people into your space, and let Tuesday Morning help!

Get Your Shopping On with Evereve!

I was listening to a Podcast recently and they were talking about the clothing store Evereve. Have you heard about this clothing brand? Megan Tamte is the Co-Founder, Co-CEO, and I can relate with her the most because she is a Mama, just like me. Her dream was to open a store that loved and empowered women and fellow moms, and to create a comfortable and kid friendly space. Not only did she do that, Y’all, she actually now has 80 stores across the country, as well as an online site where you can purchase from, and she stands passionately behind her message to mamas around the globe: “We’re cheering for you as you balance playdates and date nights, work and weekends, the daily routine and your dreams.”

All of that being said, I am so excited to have partnered with Evereve to spruce up MY spring closet. I have been rotating outfits for a very, very long time, and it was so nice to be given the opportunity to shop and choose new styles that I feel comfortable and beautiful in. I remember my first email with the company, I told them that I am not a fashion blogger or someone who writes often about clothes/style, and she responded saying, “Don't you worry about a thing. We just expect you to be you. You take beautiful images and we want them to feel authentic and real to you.” I was immediately in and gave a very excited YES when it came to collaborating. I work with a lot of different brands and companies, but when you get the ones who actually fully BELIEVE in you and empower you to be 100% yourself?? Those are the keepers, my friends.

Here are 3 outfits that I absolutely love from Evereve, and I think they are great for spring AND summer!

These cut-out wedges can be worn with almost anything! Jeans, skirts, dresses, even cropped pants! I’ve worn them with several outfits now and always get so many compliments. I’m also a fan of how comfortable these white pants are; they can easily be dressed up OR down. I like wearing these pants with this striped woven tee, but I also wear this tee with dark jeans and sandals. Being able to mix and match the same pieces is definitely ideal for me as a mom who is always looking for ways to save money and be conservative with what I buy.

Now let’s talk about color! I so often am prone to getting grays or neutrals when it comes to tops and blouses, I literally think 90% of my closet currently consists of navy, gray, olive green, and white. When I saw this tank top, I had to get it to add some sunshine to my closet, and it can also be worn with so many different pant options. These are my new skinny ankle jeans, and they’re definitely my new denim favorite. I have also gotten so many compliments on them (especially from my husband, which always feels good am I right??) ;)

This black jumpsuit I purchased with weddings in mind. I am a professional photographer and I always try to wear comfortable and breathable pieces while I shoot weddings. This one will absolutely do the job, and I can also wear it to work, on the go, and when running errands with my kids. I’m wearing it with my new Dr. Scholl’s sandals, which are SO SO SO comfortable! They’re like walking on clouds! The platform wedge gives me just enough boost that I feel taller (something I’m all about since my husband is 6’4) without making me feel like I may break an ankle :)

I think all my Mama friends are going to want the necklace I’m wearing in all of these looks: it is dainty and elegant, and can be worn with literally any outfit! At the price of $34, I really think this is a piece you’re going to want to add to your collection!

So what do you think after scrolling through this post and looking at these outfits? Does it make you want to shop? Mom or not, this store has something for every female! Check out the Evereve locations here, and important for my Louisville gals, they are opening a BRAND NEW store over at Oxmoor and it’s coming June 2019! I cannot wait to go IN PERSON to do some shopping, especially on those ‘treat yo self’ days. Something I want you to remember: you are important. You are loved, you are beautiful, and you are YOU. If you’re already a fan of Evereve and shop there, yay! This is SUCH a good and authentic brand!! And if you are brand new to this company, also yay, because I hope you will be inspired to do some browsing and pick a piece or two (or ten) that screams your name.

Happy shopping, Friends! And thank you so much, Evereve for sponsoring this post and being a company that I 100% believe in.

Go to Bed! Except Wait...I Miss You, So Maybe Don't??

Let’s talk about bedtime. No not your bed time or mine, but when OUR kids go to bed. Its like magic once you’ve said the last goodnight, filled the last cup of water and finally… you can breathe. Let’s be honest, my husband and I eat most nights at 9 o’clock at night because we find it more relaxing to enjoy our meal when the kids aren’t around. I know, that’s sad, and fairly unhealthy. But it’s kinda our reality in this busy season. Some days we feel like we are simply SURVIVING until bedtime so that we can finally live. Oh, and when did they start in on begging us to stay up late? Don’t those tiny demons know what they are really asking? Asking me to give up the 2 hours of my day that I get to be irresponsible. Asking me to sacrifice time on my couch, in my sweats, with MY show. No Peppa Pig or stinkin’ Blimpy allowed. Don’t get me started on Blimpy. That guy has to go. (Does he remind you of modern day PeeWee, anyone??)

Our week days start at 6 am, and we give, and work, and serve them and others all day. So 15 hours later, at 9pm, when its finally still and quiet…darnet, I want it still and quiet. Sometimes I wish my husband would recognize that those two hours of quiet isn’t an invitation for sex, nah. It’s simply mommy’s personal quiet and Netflix time. (Heartland anyone??? Just me???)

Ok, in all fairness, this is a wee bit extreme. Maybe I feel this way sometimes. Most days are so long I sincerely can’t WAIT til bedtime. But it never fails, 10-15 minutes of quiet and my mom heart starts to miss them. Starts hoping they are having sweet dreams. My mom heart wants to go snuggle them, kiss them one last time. Because heck yes they are exhausting, but I’d rather be exhausted for this love than anywhere else. The other night I went in and snuggled up next to Reese while she was asleep. I wondered, a.) how creepy would it be for her to wake up and see me staring at her?? and b.) does she know HOW deeply she is loved?? I also prayed, “God, please help her to always be good. To always seek YOU. Lord… PLEASE don’t let her do the stupid shit I used to do before I found Asa.”

And THEN I wondered, “Does anyone else cuss when they pray?!?” I don’t do it REGULARLY, but let’s be real, it happens.

Anyway, I digress. Our kids are 5 and 6 years old currently. People ask if life is ‘easier’ (what does that mean??) now that they’re “older.” No, no it does not mean this. Sometimes life seemed more simple when our daughter was a newborn and our son was a toddler. Now they have opinions and REAL voices and they know how to manipulate and beg and LIE (don’t get me started on that because trust me, that’s a future blog post in of itself….) Right now we are teaching them how to read their Bibles, how to pray, how to treat each other (I feel we’ve always tried to do that…??? But it’s nooooooot working sooooooo maybe someone else should give it a try???) Our days are long. We’re tired. We balance 5 million bajillion things. Sometimes, all we want is bedtime.

Except we don’t. Being a parent might be addicting. How can you be so damn tired, wore out, frustrated, annoyed, impatient, and on the last straw a hundred times…yet, also love being needed SO incredibly much. This is life. Right here, right now. My motherhood. And I suppose it’s safe to say that I love every crazy tiring minute.