Category: Lifestyle & Beauty Tips

  • How To Fit Fitness Into A Busy Mom Schedule

    How To Fit Fitness Into A Busy Mom Schedule


    This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    You don’t need more hours. You need permission to start small.

    I’ll be honest with you. There were seasons where I convinced myself that if I didn’t have a full hour to work out. So I did nothing. And then I felt worse — not just physically, but about myself. Like I was failing at something that I had already figured out a long time ago. Everyone else seemed to have figured out.

    Fitness has been part of my life for so many years. But after having a baby, I just sat down and stopped pouring into myself.


    Maybe you’ve been there too. The alarm goes off, the kids need something, the day runs away from you, and by 9pm you’re too tired to care. You tell yourself tomorrow — and tomorrow keeps moving.


    Movement isn’t something you earn when life calms down. It’s how you survive when it doesn’t.


    The real problem isn’t time

    We keep waiting for a perfect window that’s never coming. The shift happened for me when I finally decided to put myself on the list. I stopped treating fitness like a reward for having my life together — and started treating it like a basic need, like drinking water. Non-negotiable, even in small amounts.

    As a mom I know, 1 kid or 5 kids, no childcare, doing 10-minute workouts while her toddler naps next to her. Not Instagram-worthy. Just consistent. And she’s the strongest she’s ever been.


    Home workouts changed everything.

    Before my son, I would be in the gym for 2 hours or more without a care in the world.

    I wondered how I would get back to that but then I realized something.


    You don’t have to go anywhere. That’s the part nobody tells you loud enough. No commute. No childcare. No waiting for equipment. Your living room floor is enough. A mat, your bodyweight, 15 minutes — that’s a real workout. I’ve had sessions where my son climbed on my back during a plank and honestly? Those count too.

    I keep my treadmill folded under the couch in my living room. This is the one I have →https://amzn.to/4dXfhOL. It was originally supposed to be used to walk while I work. I quickly realized that I’m not coordinated enough to walk while working. I’ve been running on it with no problem.


    Start with what you have. A YouTube video. A simple circuit. Show up in your pajamas if you have to. I mean…have you seen my workout looks on YouTube? The bar is lower than you think, and crossing it still moves you forward.


    Give yourself the grace you’d give a friend.


    You wouldn’t tell your best friend she failed because she only had 12 minutes to move today. You’d tell her that’s amazing. You’d mean it. Start telling yourself the same thing.


    Quiet Rebuild isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, quietly, in whatever way you can, and trusting that it adds up. Because it does. I’ve seen it in my own body, my own mood, my own life.

    You’re not behind. You’re just getting started — and that’s exactly the right place to be.
    You’ve got this. And I’m right here building alongside you. — Kristie

  • Why You Need To Take Care When Working Out

    Why You Need To Take Care When Working Out

    If you are a keen enthusiast when it comes to exercising, you are probably already well aware of the potential dangers involved in working out that you need to keep in mind. But even if you are experienced, or you are starting to exercise frequently for the first time in your life, it’s important that you are aware of the reasons you need to take care of your body. In this post, we are going to take a look at some of the main reasons behind this, so that you are inspired to be more careful whenever you are working out in any way.

    Pulled Muscles

    One of the most common problems you can get working out is a pulled muscle. In the grand scheme of things, this is not usually all that serious, and it is normally just a case of waiting until your muscle feels better. But in the meantime, it can certainly make life difficult, so it’s a good idea to make sure that you are not pulling your muscles if at all possible. To help ensure that, you might want to warm up and cool down before and after each workout session, and push your muscles only a little.

    Paralysis

    A much more serious consequence of not taking care of yourself during exercise is that you might end up being paralysed, either partially or completely. This is actually easier than you might think, and in fact partial paralysis happens a lot to people when they are exercising. All it takes is to cause a little damage to the spinal column, and before you know it you could struggle to move at all. It’s therefore really important that you are always taking care – which means slowing down if necessary and not pushing as hard.

    Dehydration

    If you are not careful, you might accidentally dehydrate yourself while working out too, and that is actually easier to do than you might think. With proper dehydration, you can collapse and pass out, and you might even find that you struggle to sleep properly the day after the incident. It’s therefore hugely important that you drink water before, during and after exercise, and electrolyte drinks too if necessary. This is especially important in hot weather, when the risk of dehydration is considerably more pronounced.

    Broken Bones

    Finally, there is also the risk of breaking some bones if you don’t take care, and that is something that, again, can happen a lot more easily than you might think. When you have broken bones, it can take a very long time to heal and it can be very painful, both of which mean that you won’t be able to continue with your exercise in the way you would hope either. So it’s vital that you are doing all you can to avoid this in the first place, which simply means taking a little more care and trying not to do too much in one go. That is going to help a lot.

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  • How to Stay Comfortable and Stylish When on Your Period

    How to Stay Comfortable and Stylish When on Your Period

    According to the World Health Organization, more than 200 million women worldwide are affected by menstruation. For some, it can be a difficult time. However, there’s no need to let your period get you down! Whether you’re just starting your first period or have finished your last cycle, staying comfortable and stylish when on your period is important. Here are some tips on how you can stay comfortable and chic when on your period.

    Wear loose, bright colors

    One of the best ways to stay comfortable and stylish when on your period is to wear loose, bright colors. You can wear white or light colors, but avoid wearing dark colors because they can increase your blood flow and make you more uncomfortable. You can also wear colorful scarves or wraps. If you’re not a fan of wearing colors, you can also choose to wear a neutral-toned colored dress or pants. When choosing your clothes, choose clothes that are breathable and lightweight. Loose-fitting, lightweight clothes are a great choice. Another tip is to wear synthetic fabrics such as cotton, polyester, or nylon when you’re on your period. These fabrics have less absorbent properties than natural fabrics, making them more comfortable.

    Stay away from tight clothing

    Another way to stay comfortable and stylish when on your period is to stay away from clothing that is too tight. Wearing too-tight clothing can make you feel more uncomfortable, and it’s not a good look when you’re on your period. There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re wearing fitted clothing. Make sure the fabric of your clothing is breathable. Some fabrics are more absorbent than others, so it’s important to know the type of fabric your clothing is made of. Additionally, make sure the fabric is not too rough on your skin, as this can make you feel more uncomfortable.

    Layer up

    If you’re wondering how you can stay comfortable and stylish when on your period, another thing to keep in mind is to layer up. When your period is heavier, you can layer up your clothing to stay warm. For example, wear a sweater or long-sleeved shirt under your everyday shirt. You can also wear a long, fitted sweater or a thick vest under your clothing. It’s best to wear clothing made of natural materials, as synthetic fabrics are more absorbent than natural fabrics.

    Find the right swimwear for you

    There’s nothing worse than when you’ve planned to go swimming with some friends and your period arrives. Often, even if you do go swimming you spend the entire time worrying about your period and whether or not it has bled through your swimsuit. However, there’s no need to worry about this anymore, as you can now purchase period swimwear. These swimsuits and bikinis not only look fashionable but absorb your period, so there’s no need to worry about any accidents. Simply wash these swimsuits afterwards and you’re good to wear them again!

    Photo by Daria Shevtsova on Pexels.com

    Don’t forget to smell good!

    While it’s important to stay comfortable when on your period, you also want to maintain a level of style and confidence while doing so. One way to do this is to use your favorite scented products. When you’re on your period, your skin is likely to be drier and more sensitive. Therefore, it’s important to use products that won’t make your skin feel sensitive. There are a few ways you can do this. When you’re not wearing make-up, you can use a moisturizing primer or foundation with a light scent. When you’re wearing make-up, you can use products with a light scent. A few examples of products you can use include body lotions, perfumes, and lip products.

    Stay hydrated

    When you’re on your period, it’s important to stay hydrated. In addition to staying hydrated when you’re on your period, it’s also important to drink water throughout the day. When you’re on your period, your skin is likely to be drier than usual. Therefore, it’s important to hydrate your skin so it doesn’t become too dry. You can add moisturizing ingredients to your water, such as coconut water, oatmeal, honey, or almond milk. You can also add a pair of rose petals to your water to add essential oils to your water.

    Wrapping up

    When you’re on your period, you want to stay comfortable and stylish. One way to do this is to wear loose-fitting, bright colors; layer up with natural, breathable fabrics; wear comfortable footwear; and drink water to stay hydrated. Another tip is to use scented products throughout the day to keep your skin moisturized. When you follow these tips, you can stay comfortable and chic when on your period.

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  • 4 Ways To Start Feeling More Confident

    4 Ways To Start Feeling More Confident

    Some people are always sure of themselves. They seem to be able to handle and breeze through whatever life throws at them. Of course, sometimes this is just how it looks on the outside. Many people are good at making it look like they are confident when, in reality, they have very low self-esteem.

    People also have a hard time being themselves and letting their personalities shine through because they are frightened and don’t have enough confidence. If you don’t have the confidence to do what you want, it can be hard to live the life you want and do all the things you want to do.

    But don’t worry; you can teach yourself to have confidence. So, in this blog post, we’ll look at some of the ways you can quickly become more confident and happy.

    Help Others

    When we don’t feel good about ourselves, we tend to focus on what we think are our flaws. We keep thinking about this instead of what we can do. So, if you help other people and make them feel good about themselves, it will automatically make you feel better about yourself.

    Relax More

    Many people use products to help them with this. These kinds of products can help you feel more relaxed and sure of yourself. You feel more at peace and happy with the world around you. When you feel this way, it’s natural that you’ll have more confidence.

    Invest in a pampering session. We all deserve to be pampered now and then, and there’s no doubt that this can do wonders for your confidence. It doesn’t matter if you’re getting a new haircut or going to get your nails done. Do something that will make you happy with yourself. Why don’t you make an appointment for a massage or facial? There are some great spa packages available today that are made to make you feel rested and well at the end. You could even treat yourself to a diamond tennis bracelet.

    Be Ready

    One of the main reasons many people don’t feel confident in many situations is that they haven’t done enough to prepare. After all, going to work or school without being ready for the day can cause stress. You can start to feel scared and doubt your skills. But if you had just set aside some time to plan and get ready for the day, you would feel much calmer and in control. Small things like this can make a big difference when it comes to making you feel better about yourself. When you know that everything is in order and that you’re ready for the day ahead, you can naturally approach it with more confidence.

    Stay Away From Bad Things

    Now you need to start thinking about your inner circle, which of course includes all of your friends and family. Think about this, and think about whether there is anyone who makes you feel bad about yourself. People who don’t feel good about themselves often try to bring down those around them, which is not a good trait to have. You need to put yourself first and think about what will help you grow and make you feel good about yourself. Spend more time with people like this.

    So, there you have it: some of the things you should think about if you want to become a much happier and more confident person quickly. We hope that the ideas above will be helpful to you.

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  • Common Fashion Challenges That Women Face

    Regarding fashion, women seem to bear all the ups and downs. The positives and negatives seem centered around the countless women looking to spend a fortune on clothing and accessories. With women clothing retail sales hitting $28 million in 2020, it is easy to say that fashion is almost synonymous with ladies. Knowing this all too well, here are some annoying clothing problems you may be no stranger to.

    1. The one-size-fits-all mirage

    In almost every retail store, you are bound to come across female clothing with the description, one-size-fits-all. It can be confusing trying to figure out how this is possible. Women have different body sizes, which explains their need to find appropriate cuts that complement their figures. However, the one-size-fits-all tag seems to throw a monkey wrench into the general expectation.

    So, many ladies fall for what may be a clothing marketing gimmick only to realize that the dress doesn’t fit at all. The debate on this issue centers around the subtle ways clothing brands may be enforcing their own idealized body standards on ladies. Hopefully, more will buy clothes based on individual body sizes and not bunk their hopes on a one-size-fits-all dress.

    1. The tricky Spanx on bloated days

    This American-owned underwear maker is estimated to be worth $400 million as of 2020. Designed with the female in mind, Spanx focuses on hiding lumps, creases, and folds on the body. When worn under tight clothing, it helps project a smooth and well-contoured female body. However, there is one little thing about wearing Spanx. This compressing shapewear can sometimes feel too tight on the body.

    Women experience monthly hormonal fluctuations that may cause bloating, especially in the waist and tummy regions. And wearing Spanx on these bloated days can be pretty uncomfortable. Indeed, some ladies can endure it, but others may have to hold on until the bloated feeling disappears. It can sometimes be a real bummer when you cannot tuck that tummy in with Spanx on a bloated day.

    1. Panty lines challenges

    Have you ever worn slightly snug clothing only to realize that the panty edges are on full display? This is an experience many women can relate to. According to styling experts, these result from poor panty fittings or sub-standard quality. It could explain why many American women prefer thongs to normal-sized panties.

    If this is a problem you deal with, you can look for quality underwear retailers online such as EBY. They run a women’s underwear subscription, and you receive a new set of quality seamless panties every three months to fit your body type. You can forever say goodbye to visible panty lines by wearing seamless underwear with laser-cut thin edges.

    1. Jean pants with fake pockets.

    Many ladies have admitted to buying new jeans only to realize later that they have no pockets. What seemed like pockets are sealed inside, and there’s no way to even fit a shopping receipt. While this is not a problem with male pants, females have to endure what could be most described as disappointing. One school of thought believes the absence of pockets compels women to invest in dressing bags and cute purses. It could be true if you wish to play the devil’s advocate.

    Regardless of these problems, women continue to spend a fortune on clothing. Hopefully, you will become more circumspect the next time you go shopping.

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  • Little Bumps Of Happiness

    Little Bumps Of Happiness

    Over time lots of little bumps of happiness can turn into a happier you overall! Great news. In a busy, fast, and demanding world, it is important to find happiness where you can. But what if you could create your own?

    Sometimes it is the little activities that can make you happy; it doesn’t have to be big grand gestures.

    So, what type of things can you do to give you those little bumps of joy and happiness?

    Photo of happy woman

    Basics

    It should be as simple as – when you are thirsty, you drink, and when you are tired, you sleep. But most of the time, we push back by not taking a drink, will ignore how tired we are, and doing other things that we know mean we aren’t meeting our basic requirements to feel okay. 

    When you feel a little bit low, ask yourself, have you been meeting your most basic needs? If the answer is no, then make a point to do so over the next few days. Most of the time, we will feel much better. 

    If you can seem to shake the low feeling after a few days of proper care, then it might be time to consider talking to someone by finding your local top mental health treatment centers.

    Gratitude

    There have been more studies into gratitude than ever before – and some of the findings are very interesting. They state that when we actively practice gratitude, our brains start to react differently. The easiest way to start with gratitude is to try to make sure you point out at least one thing each morning for which you are grateful.

    The more you do it, the more you will notice everything that you have. A gratitude journal is a great way to catalog all of the stuff you have that can make you feel great.

    Research shows that after 14 days of practice, you will feel a boost of satisfaction that will lead to those happy emotions.

    Nature

    Humans are meant to be outside, although that can be harder and harder to do in this modern technology-based world. Spending time outside in the sunshine (or any weather) in the woods, green fields, or near water is great for us. People who spend time in nature have a much lower level of depression than those who don’t. 

    Going for long walks in nature might not be for you… but you don’t know unless you try! Grab some walking boots and head outside. Keep doing it daily or every few days, and see how you feel.

    Create

    When we were children, some of the stuff we would do to have fun was color, draw and read. Over time we stop doing those fun activities and replace them with the everyday busyness of life.

    Think about the last time you got to do something creative – with no other reason but just to do it. If it was a while ago, maybe it is time to think about what you might want to do. Creating with your hands can make a huge difference to our mood. And, as an added bonus, hobbies make us happier and more confident! The more we do it, the more we get of both.

    If you are looking for a health bump in confidence, check this post: Confidence Tips From A Mom, Sleepologist, and Confidence Expert – Fashion Not Fear.

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  • How To Make A Knotted Headband (Video)

    How To Make A Knotted Headband (Video)

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • I Went Fabric Sourcing! (Video)

    I Went Fabric Sourcing! (Video)

    Welcome back, fearless gang! 😉. I went fabric sourcing and wanted to take you along for the ride.

    Thanks for watching! Leave your thoughts and/or questions in the comments…

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • How Your Diet Can Help You Reach Your Fitness Goals

    How Your Diet Can Help You Reach Your Fitness Goals

    With every new year, gym subscriptions and fitness routines flourish. It’s very common for people to decide to get fit, but after a few weeks, people often falter. Motivation fails, especially when it doesn’t seem as though your efforts are achieving much.

    One of the mistakes that people make when trying to get fit is that they only focus on one thing. Yes, a well balanced and regular exercise routine are a huge part of improving your fitness, but there’s more to it than that. Your whole lifestyle needs to adjust, including your diet.

    I like food gifs

    Food is Fuel

    Well, food is a lot of things. It’s enjoyable, for started, and there is a cultural aspect to eating as a group. However, food is first and foremost, fuel for our bodies. Your body uses calories as fuel, which are found in every kind of food. But it isn’t as simple as simply eating the correct amount of calories. 

    About 45-65% of your calories should come from carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates, such as those found in whole grains, fruits, beans, and vegetables are best as they are digested more slowly. This fuels your body throughout the day, rather than in fits and starts. They will also have vitamins and minerals.

    As well as carbohydrates, your fuel should be a well-balanced supply of protein, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. A healthy diet is vital for your general health and for your goal of getting fitter.

    While it may be tempting to simply cut a load of calories to lose weight, this isn’t always the best way. If your diet leaves you feeling unless, then you aren’t getting enough calories. As you increase your activity levels, you need to eat enough to keep you going. 

    Calories are sometimes seen as the enemy to weight loss and fitness goals, but this is a fallacy. True, too many calories can lead to unwanted weight gain, while a calorie deficit diet will help you lose weight. However, you still need calories to keep you going. 

    If you’re trying to lose weight, then a general rule of thumb is aim for 1200-1500 calories per day for a women and between 1500-1800 calories per day for a man. However, this can change depending on your goals and your circumstances.

    Image of measuring waist

    Planning Your Diet

    Making sure that you eat the right amount of calories and the right kinds of food are necessary steps to maintaining a healthy diet that will assist with your exercise routine. However, it’s not always easy to manage, especially if you want to maintain your diet.

    As with exercise, one issue with keeping a diet going is that motivation may fade. If your diet is too stringent, then it will sap the joy out of eating and you’ll be very tempted to give it up. However, a diet that is too relaxed won’t have the effect that you want.

    Balance is key

    Balance is key, with your routine and diet alike. This blog post can help you to plan a workout routine and an appropriate diet plan to go along with it.

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  • Getting the Most from Your Exercise Routine

    Getting the Most from Your Exercise Routine

    It’s the start of a new year, so it’s not all too surprising that many people have set themselves new fitness goals or have implemented a new fitness routine. Of course, we’re a few weeks in, so some people are struggling to stick to their resolutions and are looking for advice that can help them stay motivated and benefit as much as possible. Here are a few suggestions that can help you to get the most from your own fitness regime!

    Picture of woman working out

    Know How Much Exercise You Need

    It’s recommended that the average adult gets one hundred and fifty minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week, or seventy five minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise each week. Fit this into your schedule, no matter how busy you may feel.

    Make Sure You’re Fuelling Your Body Properly

    When you’re exercising, your body needs fuel to help you to be as active as possible during this time. This means providing your body with plenty of energy. All too many people try to diet and completely minimise the amount they’re eating at the same time as implementing a new exercise regime. This is nonsensical. You will feel tired, drained, exhausted and may even collapse if you do this. Instead, make sure that you’re eating a healthy, balanced diet and that you provide yourself with enough food to get through your workout to the best of your ability. The amount you eat can be measured in calories. The amount of calories you should aim to get into your diet will depend on factors like age, sex and activity levels. Follow the guide below for a rough estimate.

    • Children aged 2 to 8 – 1000 to 1400 calories
    • Girls aged 9 to 13 – 1400 to 1600 calories
    • Boys aged 9 to 13 – 1600 to 2000 calories
    • Active women aged 14 to 30 – 2400 calories
    • Sedentary women aged 14 to 30 – 1800 to 2000 calories
    • Active men aged 14 to 30 – 2800 to 3200 calories
    • Sedentary men aged 14 to 30 – 2000 to 2600 calories
    • Active adults over 30 – 2000 to 3000 calories
    • Sedentary adults over 30 – 1600 to 2400 calories

    As well as a healthy diet, you may want to try supplements that can fill gaps in your diet and boost your performance. There are plenty of great suppliers out there and you can visit them to find quality supplements at a fair price.

    Picture of woman doing sit ups

    Be Patient

    A lot of people expect immediate results from their fitness routine. This isn’t how life works. It may take months to see the changes you expect, such as being toned, gaining muscle, building strength, becoming more flexible or whatever else your goal may be. Progress takes time. Be patient and consistent and the results will come eventually. Don’t give up!

    Hopefully, some of the information outlined above should help you to stick to your exercise routine and get the most from it. Each step will make a big difference as long as you take it on board and practice it properly. Good luck and enjoy the benefits when you begin to feel them!

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