Target got me like....

So you may know I never used to shop at mainstream stores for swimwear.  They either didn't fit right or just weren't my style.  I was a devout customer of Doll Swimwear and nothing truly fit quite like those suits... until recently and by God, Target, you've done it and you've done it well.  I went and tried on a few tops in store expecting none of them to fit properly and ended up wanting all of them.  Sharing a few of my favorites that I can't wait to show off on the pool deck this summer!


1. I can't say this one was a favorite on the rack, but I fell in love as soon as I tried it on.  A little bit of bright pink and skin to show I've still got it, with a stay put factor a toddler mom can appreciate. 

2. Black.  Classic.  Trendy pattern in the front.  Can't go wrong.  Plus it's a hook in the back rather than a tie.  I always appreciate that because you don't have that annoying knot digging into your back all day in your lounge chair.  It's the little things I suppose. 

3. I actually got this one last year and it's still a go to fave.  Sporty look and also toddler mom appropriate.  Heck, I can probably do flips in this one and it's not going anywhere.  

4. Apparently I have a penchant for animal print this season.  Again, there was no part of me that thought this would look good on, but it shockingly does.  And it's a nice change up from my usual halter styles.

5. I didn't get this one.  I didn't even see it to try on.  I definitely do not need any more swimsuits but I wanted to put it up here to alert the troops about what is available.  Super cute and I love the detail at the bottom.

6. O.M.G.  Again, I didn't even see this one in the store, and I do not need anymore swimwear, but if I see it, it may end up in my collection.  I mean, does it get any more classic and beautiful?  


By the way, if you're loving these tops but don't think you're ready to sport them with confidence, I'd love to invite you to join my FREE group on Facebook for fitness, faith, beauty, and overall LIFE inspiration!  Just click the link and request to join! ;) 



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But the Rainbow is Coming



You know the old saying "when it rains it pours"?  Well it's definitely pouring.  To compound a particularly stressful week, I got sick, learned we need a new pool liner (more $), and spent the weekend in the hospital with a very loved member of my family.  Not going into details here, but it's been a struggle.  Needless to say, compounding the family stress even more and having my husband questioning if life will ever be the same again.  I don't think it will, but not for the reasons you might suspect.

See, I spent the morning... heck probably half the week, stressing over everything.  And I mean everything.  Things that have happened already and things that haven't.  Things I can control and things I can't.  Things at work, at home, and in my business and you know what??  It didn't make me feel any better.  All it did was start me on a path of anxiety.   That filling pit in your stomach where you know there is so much to be solved and so little clue where to start.  But I made myself a promise this season.  I told myself that when the going gets tough, I'm not going to my typical devices.  I'm not going to lists and exercise and diets and drugs and everything else it normally takes to keep me sane.  Nope, from now on I'm going to God first.

When you see what is happening around you as a predestined plan from God, you have no more reasons to stress.  You are put at peace knowing this too shall pass and everything will run smoothly once again.  In fact, it will be better than smooth.  It will transcend any life you had before.  I'm a firm believer in that and if you don't believe that, you are truly selling God short.  Your struggles are not random.  They're preparing you for something.  You may not know what it is yet, but when you stay on God's path, you will surely find out.

Lately we've had our struggles and we've had our worries, but I know now that God is in control and that we are sure to come out stronger every time.  Stop questioning why me and enter your rainy seasons with confidence.  Because the heavier and more violent your rainstorm, the bigger and brighter your rainbow is sure to be.

There's a reason why a rainbow appears after a rainstorm.  It's not there on a bright and sunny day.  It's not there when everything is smooth sailing and wonderful.  It takes some turbulence, some downpours and clouds.  You have to live through the dismal times to see the most beautiful ones.  Ok, I'm sure there's a scientific reason for it too, but I'm going with God's reasons.

What are some stresses you have in your life right now that you could release to God?  How would it make you feel to get rid of that stress in your life?  Stop worrying and start releasing.  Even I need to remind myself of this constantly!

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The Hardest Goodbye: Why I Left Beachbody

I often talk about making changes in life to move yourself forward.  I talk about dropping all of those negative thoughts and influences.  Saying goodbye to those who hold you back, in order to embrace those who push you forward.  It's usually pretty clear to me what those things or people or situations are and to this point I've had no issues letting them go one by one.  Be it past boyfriends, childhood friends, employers, or even family members, I've not been one to hold on.  For when it's time to part ways, it's time to part ways, and I've never had a thought to look back.  

Recently I was hit with an unexpected challenge.  I was given a choice that I didn't want to make.  I was forced to weigh out some major options and DECIDE, which as a Libra is a word that simply makes me cringe.  For though I had only started dipping my toes into the business of cosmetics and skincare, I was told to wrap things up and end it, before I had ever had a chance to really begin.  But why?? Can I not exercise AND wear makeup?  Can I not expand into markets to grow MY business and help more people?  Apparently I couldn't, at least not with them.  

While when I put it that way, the choice should have been clear, instead I've spent weeks agonizing, toiling, and just being pretty much sick over a decision I knew I had to make, and it's all because of the wonderful people I simply do not want to say goodbye to.  For while it's easy to say goodbye to negative situations, it's not easy to part with people who are genuinely the reason why you are choosing to push forward, take risks, dream bigger, and as they taught me, live my full potential.  

I've always been a lover a exercise and health.  If you've followed me since the beginning, you know my brand was not built on Beachbody.  In fact, I had my own methods, beliefs, and effective system of shred, which I personally lived by and shared snippets of back in the day.  But it wasn't until Beachbody that I found my sisters.  My tribe of encouragers, my role models, my mentors... a whole crew of amazing humans who inspired me every single day to be alllllll of things I ever wanted to be and more, and for that I will be eternally grateful.  

Still, I was faced with a decision that would force me to say goodbye to this amazing tribe.  Not that we would never speak again, because we certainly will, but I wouldn't be linking arms anymore.  I wouldn't be in the masterminds, on the calls, having direct and constant access, and having that support system at my fingertips.  It's just about as scary as any breakup I've ever initiated, but I know it has to be done.  Because of this team, I have learned...


  1. There is enough success in the world for everybody.  Somebody else does NOT have to suffer in order for you to succeed and when you put the work in, the rewards will inevitably follow.
  2. The more people you help to succeed, the more successful you become.  Focus on helping others and make that your main priority.
  3. Your capabilities are limited only to your beliefs.  You can accomplish whatever you set your mind to when you believe it in your heart and you work your booty off to achieve it.
  4. Anyone who has ever achieved great things has "jumped" at some point, taking big risks in order to reap big rewards.

And as a result of these values, I can no longer accept terms that limit me and my brand.  These are now a part of my core beliefs and I can't reverse them.  Not even when they are coming from the horse's mouth.  

And so it is with nervousness, some sadness, and yet still a ton of excitement and promise that I announce my decision to part ways with the company that inspired me to do ME with confidence.  It's truly bittersweet, but God already has another door wide open.  It's time to truly JUMP and seize the life He has in store for me!  Who's coming with me?!



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Five Fitness Goals for Spring


This month has been weird.  It was summer in February and winter in March, my career plans threw me for a loop, we're going through the transition of starting baseball season and I am just simply off my track.  I'm coasting and going through the motions, but somethings just off.  So I decided I needed some new goals to get things back on the straight and narrow.  Things that would have nothing to do with anyone but me and hold no financial obligations.  Feel free to jump in with me or set your own list to accomplish!  

1. Eat seasonal fruits and veggies.  One of my main challenges with having toddlers in the house is trying to cook for both them and me.  I say I am going to make exotic salads and somehow I end up with hot dogs and canned peaches.  It's not that I even want the hot dogs and peaches, I just don't feel like making two dinners, so I conform to toddler nutrition by default.  I'm not saying I'm going to stop cold turkey but I'm definitely going to make more of an effort to incorporate fresh produce into all our diets. 

2.  Find new walking spots to visit.  As soon as the temps get back up, I'm ready to get out there and find new trails and parks to explore.  Stroller friendly of course ;)  Though walking doesn't seem that rigorous, I always feel so refreshed, relaxed, and just ready to tackle life after I've gone on one.  I think it's time I make them more of a priority.  

3. Run a 5K.  I used to do these all the time, and since having the twins, I'm not sure I've even gone for a jog.   I know, shocking right?  Since I'm all workout workout workout? But a conditioning style workout in your basement and a run are two totally different things. Anyway, it's a great way to start the day on a positive note and I'd love to do it once again.  Even if just to prove to myself I am still capable ;) 

4. Find some delicious ways to serve water.  I'd say increase my water intake but Lord I knows I've said it and continued to suck at it for years now.  I need a different approach.  I have a few ideas I'm ready to execute, so stay tuned.  I'll let you know my thoughts on each of them!

5. Abs abs abs.  Not to toot my own horn but I was the effing queen of abs back in the day.  I mean, I was cut, and I was barely trying to be.  I guess I better just go ahead and thank my mama or someone in my line of genes because of all things I've never had to fight for, abs was one of them, and I realize that's cray.  So thank you ancestors for all you have done.  Last year I embraced the new mom bod with pride.  It wasn't perfect, nor will it ever be.  But this year I'm ready to get my abs back, albeit some slightly droopy skin and a misshapen belly button (no shame, the twins were well worth it).  I consider Memorial Day my deadline so here goes nothing... 11 weeks!  Ready or not! 


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