tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61265262244004849122024-02-19T11:05:17.231-05:00Gabi FordHelpGabi Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14705547121325044069noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126526224400484912.post-20972903213376722132023-03-15T11:52:00.001-04:002023-03-15T11:52:00.182-04:00Make It With Me: Soda Bread<p> One of my favorites parts of St. Patrick's Day dinner is soda bread so I was super excited to come across this recipe and make it for myself! Save this image or pin it to find later. Whether you make it for the holiday or not, it's a nice change from "regular" bread!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdN_aVI8XQWHLsGvklqhtgSTuBMoNcahcEUEztsnC0veB7OnSPEmvMebQwX8GCV1RN8UfyLMdcU11VeOPJywiMwXt5GVSkUg6Rdiq_BBqTHYJCWoEKgRWwMBNOqDvw89fF6-9TzJEfP1AIGfN0udHqjBiCW0GKq3JCu-rcDUTtdLestl6jRfTGCTUOw/s3375/Copy%20of%20SCU%20March%202023%20Engagement%20Posts%20Square.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3375" data-original-width="3375" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdN_aVI8XQWHLsGvklqhtgSTuBMoNcahcEUEztsnC0veB7OnSPEmvMebQwX8GCV1RN8UfyLMdcU11VeOPJywiMwXt5GVSkUg6Rdiq_BBqTHYJCWoEKgRWwMBNOqDvw89fF6-9TzJEfP1AIGfN0udHqjBiCW0GKq3JCu-rcDUTtdLestl6jRfTGCTUOw/s320/Copy%20of%20SCU%20March%202023%20Engagement%20Posts%20Square.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Gabi Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14705547121325044069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126526224400484912.post-78613789131500820012023-03-13T12:07:00.003-04:002023-03-13T12:07:35.897-04:00Make It With Me: Lucky Green SmoothieGood health isn't luck... it's preparation and diligence. But luckily, there are plenty of healthy recipes that are incredibly tasty too! Here's one in a festive green - perfect for March!<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-f2Thzod2KEZ39qC27bUHBiUNQR8bS7YVHpZpyw_wsoUqWdxdj4NaoMydr3dHpUUhu613PZgFdUnUygJv9pjBN2XMnfUOAX-_yEFa0BkRx4v5cFMYlg4zuImo_qTLB93qJhZ3HC6qwJVGGZR1moXnwgIeorKhf2P7TbNC2Dr6p1-1WcdEFkTXXsRNg/s1080/St.%20Patrick's%20Day%20Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-f2Thzod2KEZ39qC27bUHBiUNQR8bS7YVHpZpyw_wsoUqWdxdj4NaoMydr3dHpUUhu613PZgFdUnUygJv9pjBN2XMnfUOAX-_yEFa0BkRx4v5cFMYlg4zuImo_qTLB93qJhZ3HC6qwJVGGZR1moXnwgIeorKhf2P7TbNC2Dr6p1-1WcdEFkTXXsRNg/s320/St.%20Patrick's%20Day%20Cover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Ingredients</h4><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>1 cup water</li><li>1 cup ice</li><li>1 scoop <a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/us/d/vanilla-plant-based-vegan-shakeology-SHKVanVegan?referringRepID=34793" target="_blank">vanilla protein powder (I love Shakeology!)</a></li><li>½ cup fresh spinach</li><li>1 medium kiwifruit, peeled, cut into chunks</li><li>¼ medium banana, cut into chunks</li><li>1 Tbsp. finely grated orange peel (orange zest)</li></ul><h4 style="text-align: left;">Instructions</h4>Place water, ice, protein powder, spinach, kiwifruit, banana, and orange zest in a <a href="https://amzn.to/3TdUsSP" target="_blank">blender</a>; cover. Blend until smooth. Enjoy immediately!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a day="" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_f2CRn2X4McqcuLZaTjAN_A6OfiuIxQQB1vqtLMpreiMzAJvf6MWlsA6HPzNdXkkeWulUKP2cF-QYBkV0DQpv0UURQsuTt8BBFQPl9lyAFx-OlhrZO_mokDjcWJe0PBocbpY3F7hFAE2RUT-q07bw8ZhgbcyJopJdOeFjZ7rCHVkXcUVxiENXIYoQQ/s1080/St.%20Patrick" recipe.jpg="" s=""><img border="0" day="" recipe.jpg="" s="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_f2CRn2X4McqcuLZaTjAN_A6OfiuIxQQB1vqtLMpreiMzAJvf6MWlsA6HPzNdXkkeWulUKP2cF-QYBkV0DQpv0UURQsuTt8BBFQPl9lyAFx-OlhrZO_mokDjcWJe0PBocbpY3F7hFAE2RUT-q07bw8ZhgbcyJopJdOeFjZ7rCHVkXcUVxiENXIYoQQ/w400-h400/St.%20Patrick" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /></div>Gabi Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14705547121325044069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126526224400484912.post-46193584046230637092023-03-02T10:53:00.000-05:002023-03-02T10:53:03.636-05:00For Beginners Only with Lacee Green<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/us/b/fitness/bodi ?referringRepID=34793" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnsoN8XPNUlyKHxZxmB2Hgx6XiGuajFuWBIz38hwK5PgBS5qLeyJkSleXF4bExhDmslukNgvShl700rnPm76BDMZ8TCphelo40yj9ke2L8m-RBqvb6iCVrkYTQ230f13Y-fNkGCEDa3h937Krje-wxPA_osRbwP79JEnaIhyFHr2wd72LINx53z-vpRA/w400-h400/1%20(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Are you a part of our <a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/us/b/fitness/bodi ?referringRepID=34793" target="_blank">BODi community</a>? If you are, I have a special announcement! Our brand new Super Block with our brand new Super Trainer is coming! Super Blocks start the 1st Monday of the month- so mark your calendars for March 6th! This Super Block is free to ALL <a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/us/b/fitness/bodi ?referringRepID=34793" target="_blank">BODi members</a>!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you haven’t worked out with Lacee- you’re missing out! She does her own workouts on BODi and she has been killing it on BOD as Megan Davies’ modifier in her MBF, MBFA, and Sure Thing programs. And now, Lacee is getting her own program called “For Beginners Only”! 3 weeks of brand new workouts - perfect for those that are just getting started and those who need to recommit to simple moves and a manageable workout schedule.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Lacee’s goal is to get your confidence back by building a workout foundation and just, well, starting.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Do you know someone in need of a fresh, beginner’s start? Do you want to take it back to basics this March? <a href="mailto:gabi@gabiford.com" target="_blank">Email me with LACEE in the subject line</a> and I’ll make sure you have all the access you need to start with her on Monday, March 6th (or whenever you're ready)! </div>Gabi Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14705547121325044069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126526224400484912.post-59817350532777396292023-03-02T10:39:00.002-05:002023-03-02T10:40:42.518-05:00Make It With Me: Beauty Bestie Juice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/d/BeachbodyCollagenBoost" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFNMrwMu80-HjOlr7nPyKiUMzztDyeT3evDpWV4bVmfgLDNoH6WFMtqLz4kMpw_rGDDi1i07oHsYovtT6sqO_cXIbm69DkZRJSr3-0eRhMao9Z-6XIXQKTKG_wJSE5y9X88YH75WMFkpf3xzqZVhKM-IA8wPFPTRQpY9V0J1E5YX7MqP3kndJ7aAjaw/w400-h400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>I want to highlight a supplement that will be a game-changer to your health + wellness goals in 2023! Friend, meet your <a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/d/BeachbodyCollagenBoost" target="_blank">Collagen Boost</a> - a tasteless powder you can add to any hot or cold beverage, yogurt, or shake… the options are endless!<br /><br />Radiant skin and healthy nails begin on the inside—where creams and masks can’t reach but this supplement boost can! Just add a scoop to your favorite beverage to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, increase skin elasticity, and support healthy nails.<br /><br />Each serving is formulated with a key ingredient to help:<br />- Increase skin elasticity<br />- Reduce the appearance of wrinkles<br />- Support healthy nails<br /><br />Here is a recipe that has <a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/d/BeachbodyCollagenBoost" target="_blank">Collagen</a> added in for you to try as soon as you order!<br /><br /><div>Servings: 2<br /><br />Ingredients<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>1 cup chopped honeydew or canteloupe</li><li>1 cup chopped cucumber</li><li>½ cup unsweetened coconut milk beverage</li><li>1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice</li><li>2 scoops <a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/d/BeachbodyCollagenBoost" target="_blank">Collagen Boost</a></li><li>16 mint leaves</li><li>1 cup ice</li></ul>Instructions<br /><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Place honeydew, cucumber, coconut milk, lime juice, <a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/d/BeachbodyCollagenBoost" target="_blank">Collagen Boost</a>, mint, and ice in a <a href="https://amzn.to/3YjYppL" target="_blank">blender</a>; cover.</li><li>Blend until smooth.</li><li>Serve immediately, or store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a day.</li></ol><div><br /></div></div><div>p.s. fresh herbs are key to good cooking. To get the freshest herbs possible, I love my <a href="https://amzn.to/3YjYB8t" target="_blank">AeroGarden</a> for easy, countertop gardening. I'm constantly using <a href="https://amzn.to/3IMmgc0" target="_blank">this set</a> - especially the mint, basil, thyme, and dill</div>Gabi Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14705547121325044069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126526224400484912.post-33454171614534352852023-02-13T15:37:00.000-05:002023-02-13T15:37:49.551-05:00 Self-Love Reading RecommendationsI've always loved reading... it helps my mind settle and quiet. It gets me off my phone or screens. I learn so much. But I don't always know what I'm going to read next - maybe you have the same problem? I like reading good fiction novels (especially ones with strong female leads with historical tie-ins) but I try to also read for my mind and heart too. <div><br /></div><div>Just in case you're anything like me and want to round out your to-read list, here's a few I've added to my list. (And I'd love to connect with you on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/gabika007" target="_blank">goodreads</a> and check out your book lists too!)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/WK-UjwwlNG1HF9cNnioDAAMx7wFV5dXbzj3NBR61ObUbnZCIkpnOLS3YIX3Pknb6ljN2XWfAefv0K3ADlwtdFqeOF2-LMgxBGM3wFglCF7pbg_i-9EPWYjg1bQGbsweMiOdM-HoTwvIR02tR3zpQ-Do=w400-h400" width="400" /></div><br />Even 10 pages a day will give you a little nugget of personal care to implement into your day. Working on your morning routine? Daily reading is a great activity to start today!</div><div><br /></div><div>On a budget or don't want to be buying books all year? Don't forget to <a href="https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/CommunityServices/find-libraries.aspx" target="_blank">check out your local library</a>! Ours even allows us to check out books that I can borrow through my kindle AND audiobooks!<br /><br /><a href="https://amzn.to/3DSByuj" target="_blank">What a Time to Be Alone by Chidera Eggerue</a> - Meet your life guru, confidante, and best friend who will show you that being alone is not just okay - it's just about the best freaking thing that's ever happened to you.<br /><br /><a href="https://amzn.to/3YmRn4r" target="_blank">You Were Born for This by Chani Nicholas</a> - Chani shows how your birth chart—a snapshot of the sky at the moment you took your first breath—reveals your unique talents, challenges, and opportunities.<br /><br /><a href="https://amzn.to/40FKWLH" target="_blank">Buy Yourself the F*cking Lillies by Tara Schuster</a> - The story of Tara’s path to re-parenting herself and becoming a “ninja of self-love.” Through simple, daily rituals, Tara transformed her mind, body, and relationships.<br /><br /><a href="https://amzn.to/40IXulj" target="_blank">Don’t Overthink It by Anne Bogel</a> - Overcome negative thought patterns and replace them with positive thought patterns that will bring more peace, joy, and love into your life. (I need to read this immediately...)<br /><br /><a href="https://amzn.to/40Pkpvw" target="_blank">Untamed by Glennon Doyle</a> - Explore the joy and peace we discover when we stop striving to meet others’ expectations and start trusting the voice deep within us. (One of my personal favorites!!)<br /><br /><a href="https://amzn.to/3Ic1vaM" target="_blank">Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab</a> - End the struggle, speak up for what you need, and experience the freedom of being truly yourself.<br /><br />Have you read any of these? Which title piques your interest? I’d love to know!<br /></div>Gabi Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14705547121325044069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126526224400484912.post-49111065996157590892023-02-13T09:00:00.004-05:002023-02-13T21:16:03.021-05:00Make it with me - Shakeo Chocolate Dipped Strawberries<div>Want to indulge in your favorite sweet treats with no worry of calories, grams of sugar, or that post-indulgent crash? We have so many dessert recipes with a strong protein and nutrition-dense base! I'll be sharing more of them on my site here so stay tuned but to get things started, let's go with a romantic favorite...</div><br />Try this protein-packed chocolate dipped strawberry recipe! It starts with your daily protein powder (I LOVE chocolate <a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/us/d/chocolate-plant-based-vegan-shakeology-SHKCHVegan?referringRepID=34793" target="_blank">Shakeology</a> and can get you some to try today), and tastes just like its sugar-packed alternative.<br /><br />Are you a chocolate strawberry fan? You have to give this recipe a try!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHvGMC9Bnte2cIVx5MI9nrN-XSiL0_ipN20Zz3KLdV3REe86J6ZIZieiOqzOG3xXEBmW8Vy-bLko2ORhiJM5K8tQ6OwHG2ACgl8w_Qe0QuWnuSpAdzZ8TFK6WFnpWu5hhntoTHOW0ks8Iuf7z7sQvKGPNtS3i_THaEMq-rLFzIblPXSdUaFHs4ApJIQ/s1080/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHvGMC9Bnte2cIVx5MI9nrN-XSiL0_ipN20Zz3KLdV3REe86J6ZIZieiOqzOG3xXEBmW8Vy-bLko2ORhiJM5K8tQ6OwHG2ACgl8w_Qe0QuWnuSpAdzZ8TFK6WFnpWu5hhntoTHOW0ks8Iuf7z7sQvKGPNtS3i_THaEMq-rLFzIblPXSdUaFHs4ApJIQ/w640-h640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Con-GhSAtcl/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Con-GhSAtcl/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0px;"></div> <div style="display: block; 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font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0px;"></div> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;"><div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px); width: 12.5px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0px; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); transform: translateY(16px); width: 0px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; transform: translateY(-4px); width: 16px;"></div> <div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); height: 0px; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px); width: 0px;"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Con-GhSAtcl/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Gabi Ford (@gabifordinsta)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>Gabi Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14705547121325044069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126526224400484912.post-22269154116888613402023-01-31T10:10:00.016-05:002023-02-10T10:07:04.066-05:00Make it with me - Ricotta Pound Cake Birthday Bites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8TaPcIu2VWvhsdDtYUDhQOVYW6JxDM5D63EAeDjEf32jsaKTc2K8FowB0wcHr9FFhQwvz4MvMA-Xd9Tf1ZM9WZLbF52bYEhtiNC7LWM1EIX-c8ach-w4GVYq6wCjac4yDXmrwmifZMBojkPCuUQ-4ofMEMIgzJNwIJc6EgfBKRyjQyR_c-BhIYWF7Q/s4688/IG%20Reel%20to%20Blog%20Pinterest%20(3).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4688" data-original-width="3125" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8TaPcIu2VWvhsdDtYUDhQOVYW6JxDM5D63EAeDjEf32jsaKTc2K8FowB0wcHr9FFhQwvz4MvMA-Xd9Tf1ZM9WZLbF52bYEhtiNC7LWM1EIX-c8ach-w4GVYq6wCjac4yDXmrwmifZMBojkPCuUQ-4ofMEMIgzJNwIJc6EgfBKRyjQyR_c-BhIYWF7Q/w266-h400/IG%20Reel%20to%20Blog%20Pinterest%20(3).png" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I'm always excited to try a new dessert recipe, especially when it includes <a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/shakeology?referringRepID=34793" target="_blank">my favorite nutrient-dense ingredient</a>. In honor of my birthday, here's a recipe from the BODi blog - birthday bites!!<div><br /></div><div>They're super simple to make so let's get right to it!</div><div><br />Ingredients<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>¾ cup / 186 g part-skim ricotta cheese</li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3Y64Tcq" target="_blank">Cheesecloth</a></li><li>¼ cup / 20 g unsweetened shredded coconut</li><li>2-3 <a href="https://amzn.to/3wBLzbj" target="_blank">all-natural food coloring</a></li><li>1 serving vanilla protein or meal replacement powder (I use 1 scoop <a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/us/d/vanilla-whey-shakeology-SHKVanilla?referringRepID=34793" target="_blank">Vanilla Whey</a> or <a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/us/d/vanilla-whey-shakeology-SHKVanilla?referringRepID=34793" target="_blank">Vanilla Plant-Based Vegan Shakeology</a> for extra nutrients)</li><li>1 tsp. pure vanilla extract</li><li>1 tsp. <a href="https://amzn.to/3JqsVdN" target="_blank">coconut sugar</a></li><li>¼ tsp. finely grated lemon peel (lemon zest) <i>note: the original recipe calls for the 1/4 tsp but I used the zest of an entire lemon because... well... I realllly like lemon!!</i></li></ul><br />Instructions<br /><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Place ricotta cheese in <a href="https://amzn.to/3Y64Tcq" target="_blank">cheesecloth</a>; squeeze to release excess moisture. Set aside.</li><li>Place coconut in a small resealable bag (or small bowl); add <a href="https://amzn.to/3Y67fIf" target="_blank">food coloring</a>. Seal bag and shake until coconut is uniformly colored; pour onto a small plate. Set aside. If doing multiple colors, split the coconut into different bowls or bags for each <a href="https://amzn.to/3Y67fIf" target="_blank">color</a>.</li><li> Add protein / meal powder / <a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/us/d/vanilla-plant-based-vegan-shakeology-SHKVanVegan?referringRepID=34793https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/us/d/vanilla-plant-based-vegan-shakeology-SHKVanVegan?referringRepID=34793" target="_blank">Shakeology</a>, ricotta cheese, extract, <a href="https://amzn.to/3Y5FAHl" target="_blank">sugar</a>, and lemon peel to a separate small mixing bowl; mix until well combined.</li><li>Using clean hands, roll mixture into 12 equal balls. Roll each ball in the coconut mixture; place on a plate. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.</li></ol><div>For those following the <a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/us/d/FIXBase?referringRepID=34793" target="_blank">portion container plan</a>, 1 of these bites = 1/2 orange <a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/us/d/FIXBase?referringRepID=34793" target="_blank">container</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Don't forget - my <a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/us/b/preferred-customer?referringRepID=34793" target="_blank">preferred customers</a> and fellow <a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/coach/signup?referringRepID=34793" target="_blank">BODi partners</a> get 25% off of their BODi purchases. Want to know more? Hit me up at <a href="mailto:gabi@gabiford.com">gabi@gabiford.com</a> for more info!</i></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyw4xP5uy1GCQh0rTffnQiTM0MiriZt6wv4RqcmatZhXMlxJvuASnZb1juwLgSc1KI4fceTYTGIjQx2KW3f1w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Gabi Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14705547121325044069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126526224400484912.post-48795940736441968802023-01-25T19:43:00.003-05:002023-01-25T19:45:35.465-05:00Make it with me - hidden veggie matcha latte<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1ndIYiebDjboI-2Xuuf0AB10htjxZ6oIk3El7QeOo9ZdDa3jWRXMMWDSrWQqUHTX1N2cRCkpvcvuDrCTAP98Y1L1trDrECguRsa5hHpLJFnGFDaAKmkIFOJ0zSoEhUnpyGfiT3E5ad61ayW5LxyUNuGWP2VsAFwj9TRl4_m4myh9sfDH43GuDiU-EA/s4688/IG%20Reel%20to%20Blog%20Pinterest%20(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4688" data-original-width="3125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1ndIYiebDjboI-2Xuuf0AB10htjxZ6oIk3El7QeOo9ZdDa3jWRXMMWDSrWQqUHTX1N2cRCkpvcvuDrCTAP98Y1L1trDrECguRsa5hHpLJFnGFDaAKmkIFOJ0zSoEhUnpyGfiT3E5ad61ayW5LxyUNuGWP2VsAFwj9TRl4_m4myh9sfDH43GuDiU-EA/s320/IG%20Reel%20to%20Blog%20Pinterest%20(1).png" width="213" /></a></div>Ok ok yes, I know. The name of this recipe sounds strange. You may even be giving me a funny look right now. It's ok - I get it. And just to be upfront with you, yes, this is going to have a slightly more "earthy" taste than just a matcha latte which is why I added a little bit of honey but I still really like it and I hope you do too. (And if it's not your thing, there are still plenty of other ways to use this <a href="http://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/d/shakeology-boost-power-greens-SHKGreensBoost?referringRepID=34793" target="_blank">power green blend</a>!)<p></p><p>A couple of tips (and then scroll down for the video):</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Your matcha matters! There are definitely a lot of options out there but I use <a href="https://amzn.to/3kLigjA" target="_blank">this one</a> and really like it. I'd love to hear which brand you use - share it in the comments!</li><li>Use 1 tsp of <a href="https://amzn.to/3kLigjA" target="_blank">matcha</a> and 1 scoop of <a href="http://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/d/shakeology-boost-power-greens-SHKGreensBoost?referringRepID=34793" target="_blank">power greens</a> then add about a third of the water - hot! - that you plan to use for your whole drink. I use <a href="https://amzn.to/3wrDSEx" target="_blank">this kettle</a> for getting my water hot but keeping it below boiling. <a href="https://amzn.to/3DcMPFy" target="_blank">Froth it all together</a> and then put it in your mug.</li><li>Top off your frothed mix with the rest of your water but leave room to...</li><li>add <a href="https://amzn.to/3XFaoyU" target="_blank">frothed</a> <a href="https://prz.io/yeZ9ldZtp" target="_blank">almond milk</a>. I make my own pecan almond milk using my <a href="https://prz.io/yeZ9ldZtp" target="_blank">Almond Cow</a> but whatever milk you want to use will work. Also, I'm not kidding when I say that I use this <a href="https://amzn.to/3XFaoyU" target="_blank">frother</a> almost every single day. Sometimes twice. How have I only had it for a year? I can't imagine my coffee without it.... but I digress.</li><li>Optional step but totally worth it: mix in a little honey. The little bit of sweetness goes well with the <a href="https://amzn.to/3R5AdWq" target="_blank">matcha</a> and <a href="http://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/d/shakeology-boost-power-greens-SHKGreensBoost?referringRepID=34793" target="_blank">power greens</a> flavor. </li></ul><div>I hope you give this a shot. This is also a great afternoon drink without the <a href="http://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/d/shakeology-boost-power-greens-SHKGreensBoost?referringRepID=34793" target="_blank">power green blend</a> but who doesn't want an easier way to get that veggie goodness??</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyt-J1Kj5lEthIYflmwLWbL0uEgl9TzxqTeXe0triVAdBuHBO1kpflMtRDZG7ldwNVykz4yDmeo79T0zkYUyQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p></p>Gabi Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14705547121325044069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126526224400484912.post-75325785981794347782022-10-21T11:39:00.006-04:002023-01-13T13:18:05.027-05:00Make it with me - Gut friendlier, collagen coffee<div class="separator" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FuFT_XNw3xUPCFI22ZcCEfaaFqJ73CKU4NC2qdF7MjzkiUe13NTRQaYUOmiCe54mMbES-C-G4VkbhfzawDmZSD1DTFtngDqeGkWx3aGDA73YwxhzqAk1dW0sLkYYlouViMOVFXsk6ps8QyOGe8KMpyCMVuaiefX7ziCImAQ8RPq56W7LQJ5lNXy_ww/s4500/Neutral%20Cover%20Pic%20Reel%20Instagram%20Story%20(Pinterest%20Pin%20(1000%20%C3%97%201500%20px)).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FuFT_XNw3xUPCFI22ZcCEfaaFqJ73CKU4NC2qdF7MjzkiUe13NTRQaYUOmiCe54mMbES-C-G4VkbhfzawDmZSD1DTFtngDqeGkWx3aGDA73YwxhzqAk1dW0sLkYYlouViMOVFXsk6ps8QyOGe8KMpyCMVuaiefX7ziCImAQ8RPq56W7LQJ5lNXy_ww/w267-h400/Neutral%20Cover%20Pic%20Reel%20Instagram%20Story%20(Pinterest%20Pin%20(1000%20%C3%97%201500%20px)).png" /></a></div>When I started working on my gut health, the advice was to cut back to 3 cups of coffee per week. I really wasn't thrilled at that idea. I love my coffee both for the taste and the ritual so I started looking into the research done on coffee and gut health and found a few ways to get more of the benefits and less of the negative impacts (but still keep it simple). Want to make it with me? Here's how I make my coffee and why:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Adding a <a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/us/b/nutrition-supplement/collagenboost?referringRepID=34793">collagen boost</a> - ok so the <a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/us/b/nutrition-supplement/collagenboost?referringRepID=34793">collagen</a> I use isn't for gut health but it helps my skin, nail, and hair and adding it to my coffee is an easy way to use it daily.</li><li>Frothed almond milk - dairy isn't always gut healthy (personally, I've found that I'm sensitive to it) so I've switched to almond milk. I also make my own with the help of my <a href="https://prz.io/yeZ9ldZtp">Almond Cow</a> to avoid any additives that could have a negative impact. Oh and my <a href="https://amzn.to/3F1yJZ6">Instant Milk Frother (by Instant Pot)</a> has definitely earned its permanent spot on the counter! <a href="https://prz.io/yeZ9ldZtp">Click here to save $25 on your Almond Cow purchase!</a></li><li>Pour-over brew - with a <a href="https://amzn.to/3SnoPUH">glass carafe and steel filter</a>, you can avoid plastics which can have a negative impact on your gut and overall health. (It's also better for the environment so win win!). To control my water temp, I use this <a href="https://amzn.to/3F48Gkg">gooseneck kettle with thermometer</a>. Total game changer!</li><li><a href="http://50usfoursigmatic.refr.cc/gabriellaford">Four Sigmatic Ground Mushroom Coffee with Probiotics</a> - no, it does NOT taste like mushrooms. I love the taste, it has a lower acidity, and the added prebiotics and heat-resistant pro- and prebiotics are great for your gut! <a href="http://50usfoursigmatic.refr.cc/gabriellaford">Click here to save $20 on your first Four Sigmatic order!</a></li><li>Letting coffee cool (and then reheating it) can change the taste of your coffee and while your best coffee is going to be within an hour or so after brewing, using my <a href="https://amzn.to/3sdxw9F">Ember coffee mug</a> keeps my coffee at the perfect temperature without having to heat it up and risk overheating.</li></ul><br />What's your coffee ritual? Let's hear it! Don't forget to pin / save / share this to refer to later!<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='381' height='317' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyxz6TT6sYslmi7-awJ3dAOo7sihgOm0TegI5Y7_JqOmmmzdDNkANDI5DmPDTH5hQKwQpDRle-T0Bfkk-ecbQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div>Gabi Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14705547121325044069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126526224400484912.post-11825696138560945352021-09-13T14:51:00.000-04:002021-09-13T14:51:02.229-04:00Getting Organized for Daycare<p>I posted these photos on my social media pages and got <i style="font-weight: bold;">so many questions </i>about what I used and how so I figured I'd put it all together here! </p><p><i>I'll add more information soon but wanted to get the products listed out right away for those who specifically asked for that information. I am an Amazon affiliate so I may earn some money when you purchase through my links but please don't feel obligated to do so!</i></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Lunch menu</h3><p>Giving our kids some small choices helps them feel empowered and learn about decision making. I was excited to take this idea and apply it to his packed lunches since it's a new experience for him and because I want him to start him off with a healthy relationship with food by reinforcing why we eat certain types of food. Yes, the descriptions I used are super basic and oversimplified but we gotta start somewhere!</p><p>I took photos of the foods that I make for him or used images from <a href="https://inst.cr/t/N1c2WkxJZUZI" target="_blank">Instacart</a> (get $10 off your first order with that link) since that's how we do almost all of our grocery shopping these days! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFAU5EGbrum2G22KC4eijsJNMpGcIu6kyHn5bh4b5jx6EV5vb4GdHnzcXxtd9sGQ5CvaCM_VcJqsFRo7eqvLqTDagSexlTiT49zMhP8qLm3kHshMl9tUrRQrmZtBw_IL5Xu5zZ0qlIYus/s2048/IMG-9618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFAU5EGbrum2G22KC4eijsJNMpGcIu6kyHn5bh4b5jx6EV5vb4GdHnzcXxtd9sGQ5CvaCM_VcJqsFRo7eqvLqTDagSexlTiT49zMhP8qLm3kHshMl9tUrRQrmZtBw_IL5Xu5zZ0qlIYus/s320/IMG-9618.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h4 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Materials used:</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- Magnetic white board (easy to cut for the individual food choice magnets and used a whole sheet for the base): <a href="https://amzn.to/2YSpqI5">https://amzn.to/2YSpqI5</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- Print and cut clear sticker paper (print and cut with my Cricut for the circles on the left that match his bento boxes, printed and hand cut food choices, wrote and cut with my Cricut for the food group squares along to the row): <a href="https://amzn.to/3lBkuiD">https://amzn.to/3lBkuiD</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- bento boxes: <a href="https://amzn.to/2YMghk5">https://amzn.to/2YMghk5</a></div></blockquote></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- Wet erase markers (for drawing the lines - wet erase means that it'll take water for the lines to come off and it won't smudge as easily for day to day use): <a href="https://amzn.to/3A7OhFj">https://amzn.to/3A7OhFj</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- Bowls (we're keeping the choices in each bowl - color coded of course! - and using the rest of the set for fun color sorting and other activities): <a href="https://amzn.to/3C5y1FA">https://amzn.to/3C5y1FA</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- Cricut Explore Air 2: <a href="https://amzn.to/3C5Agsu">https://amzn.to/3C5Agsu</a></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Instructions to come!</h4><h3 style="text-align: left;">Labeled bags and daycare / school items</h3><div>Teachers everywhere need our kids' items to be labeled! I may have taken this too far but I'd rather overdo it than leave anything out! Note: try to avoid putting their full name on the outside of anything they may carry or wear when they're alone. Stick to initials for things like backpacks, masks, shirts, etc. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmfpyQYhVdRuSVXCPe9WkndjZvWQJM49_K4LeF0P1NMnVwve5vQ5rdeWOOi5cQTv3BYChCMPggCaAB3wyYjGa3Tt2jNkHZyFb_jhIG7ZHuIcHHdhWscMJKD363GQ_dYXpJfK2ym_mhJvds/s2048/IMG-9616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmfpyQYhVdRuSVXCPe9WkndjZvWQJM49_K4LeF0P1NMnVwve5vQ5rdeWOOi5cQTv3BYChCMPggCaAB3wyYjGa3Tt2jNkHZyFb_jhIG7ZHuIcHHdhWscMJKD363GQ_dYXpJfK2ym_mhJvds/s320/IMG-9616.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Materials used:</h4><div>- Blue / clear pouches for masks and back up clothes: <a href="https://amzn.to/3Edo1Md">https://amzn.to/3Edo1Md</a></div><div>- Drink bottles: <a href="https://amzn.to/2XiExKg">https://amzn.to/2XiExKg</a></div><div>- Permanent vinyl: <a href="https://amzn.to/2XaLs82">https://amzn.to/2XaLs82</a></div><div>- Iron-on vinyl: <a href="https://amzn.to/3AaLqvl">https://amzn.to/3AaLqvl</a></div><div>- Transfer tape: <a href="https://amzn.to/3z5HpXJ">https://amzn.to/3z5HpXJ</a></div><div>- Cricut Explore Air 2: <a href="https://amzn.to/3C5Agsu">https://amzn.to/3C5Agsu</a></div><div>- Lunch box: <a href="https://amzn.to/2YRR9bU">https://amzn.to/2YRR9bU</a></div><div>- Bento boxes (not pictured): <a href="https://amzn.to/2YMghk5">https://amzn.to/2YMghk5</a></div><div>- Lunch box ice packs (not pictured but made to fit in this lunch box with our bento boxes): <a href="https://amzn.to/3nu6wRS">https://amzn.to/3nu6wRS</a></div><div>- Silverware (not pictured but perfect for little hands): <a href="https://amzn.to/3EbgfTh">https://amzn.to/3EbgfTh</a></div><div>- Silicone pouches for silverware (not pictured but fit perfectly in the lunch bag with the silverware inside): <a href="https://amzn.to/3C9qeqa">https://amzn.to/3C9qeqa</a></div><div>- Acrylic paint: got it from Dollar Tree!</div><div>- Clear acrylic discs: <a href="https://amzn.to/3A7RuEV">https://amzn.to/3A7RuEV</a></div><div>- Jump rings (for attaching the discs to the binder rings): <a href="https://amzn.to/3nsJf2J">https://amzn.to/3nsJf2J</a></div><div>- Binder rings for attaching tags to bags: <a href="https://amzn.to/3hvDj5v">https://amzn.to/3hvDj5v</a><br />- Masks: <a href="https://schoolmaskpack.com/a/rewards/r/08DWmkuI">https://schoolmaskpack.com/a/rewards/r/08DWmkuI</a> (Get $10 off your first order with my link!)</div><div>- Thermos (not pictured only because they didn't arrive in time): <a href="https://amzn.to/2XlVBz9">https://amzn.to/2XlVBz9</a></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Prep Station</h3><div>Thanks to The Home Edit, I've gotten way into using carts for little stations (like crafts and my Cricut) and I quickly realized that a little cart would be the perfect solution for all these things I'd need to pack daily but were taking up so much room on the counter. Enter the daycare cart prep station! I found one that fits perfectly under a corner of our counter which makes great use of an otherwise wasted space</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTBWVxzyZoYOzi8dTnVfkjf_q5gRHs7DtHOSOeKEylw1nr0depgvY0VXmAAy_ZZxgGkeJUJwwFwv2YHbiQOHgMzsr4s_7SnTbjAha-b987UEwN2wgpC54YjgVcB271DlHglDwYbkHWmFO/s2048/IMG-9741-jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1716" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTBWVxzyZoYOzi8dTnVfkjf_q5gRHs7DtHOSOeKEylw1nr0depgvY0VXmAAy_ZZxgGkeJUJwwFwv2YHbiQOHgMzsr4s_7SnTbjAha-b987UEwN2wgpC54YjgVcB271DlHglDwYbkHWmFO/s320/IMG-9741-jpg.JPG" width="268" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwuANRY5uD-Q8Tmn3bm3x0_Unhkzw5tHaYldOVvJbYf7zcg8mIhgfkOiLnAUgBf5rTyUHb8FgiLq0KabZ5lvwKkehISzyIElwVEcu2kSM5o-ffdnZ6UTMt95sEUdcDHEvmwH9xvy4KHKjf/s2048/IMG-9742-jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1563" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwuANRY5uD-Q8Tmn3bm3x0_Unhkzw5tHaYldOVvJbYf7zcg8mIhgfkOiLnAUgBf5rTyUHb8FgiLq0KabZ5lvwKkehISzyIElwVEcu2kSM5o-ffdnZ6UTMt95sEUdcDHEvmwH9xvy4KHKjf/s320/IMG-9742-jpg.JPG" width="244" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Gabi Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14705547121325044069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126526224400484912.post-14209818873373895852021-01-29T11:00:00.001-05:002021-01-29T11:00:04.712-05:00Take Back Your TimeDid you set a resolution to have more margins in your day this year? More time for the things that you love? With the right intentions for your day and a little dedication to a schedule, you can take back your time this New Year and build habits that will last the whole year through!<br /><br /><b>Thursday to Thursday Rule:</b> Fridays are Fun, Saturdays are busy and Sundays are scary, so why wait to plan the rest of our days then? Thursday afternoon, take out your weekly planner (paper or digital!) write in the things you know you have to do over the following week.<br /><br /><b>Schedule Your Workout Like an Appointment:</b> Every time you say, “I don’t have time”, try “That’s not a priority to me” and see how that feels! Sucky, right? You wouldn’t schedule a dental appointment and then skip it 5 minutes before, so why do we do this to our workouts ALL the time? Remember that planner from #1? After you add in the must do’s of your week, add in your workout times! Make an appointment with yourself and don’t skip it. YOU are way more important than that tooth cleaning!<br /><br /><b>The Cupcake Method:</b> So your week ahead is looking pretty good, let’s focus in on the day-to-day! I like to follow the cupcake method to plan my day. Starting with the cake, what are three things you MUST DO in your day? Write those in first. Make sure they are must-dos; prioritize your time and ask, “Can this wait til later?” Then, move to the icing! Write down three tasks that would be bonus-dos. Lastly, SPRINKLES! What is the one thing you’d like to do as a reward for yourself for taking back your time? You deserve it!<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIDhP4SlVLGuglIUPo8T03PRp8uAeHb9lsnKvyysr3SpeY2h_3z78u0uhQsfC3Xu3G9gHBBXYuc1E3Q4g9xwTPBx_nlRwfo2nYlk_glC3JqvO9mtyW7sx16XayCdDMiR9SPKSNQgSvydW/s1080/time+management+quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIDhP4SlVLGuglIUPo8T03PRp8uAeHb9lsnKvyysr3SpeY2h_3z78u0uhQsfC3Xu3G9gHBBXYuc1E3Q4g9xwTPBx_nlRwfo2nYlk_glC3JqvO9mtyW7sx16XayCdDMiR9SPKSNQgSvydW/s320/time+management+quote.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Gabi Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14705547121325044069noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126526224400484912.post-63436243796401327242021-01-27T11:00:00.001-05:002021-01-27T11:00:04.597-05:00Stay Warm This WinterI love switching my workout up- which is why <a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/d/annual-all-access-bod-shakeology-challenge-pack-BODChallengePack?referringRepID=34793" target="_blank">my streaming platform</a> is amazing - there are over 75 choices! <br /><br />Looking for a quick workout? Repeat these moves three times through for a quick sweat that will stay with you til your next workout! And as always, modify if you need to!<br /><br />Are you following a program right now? I would love to connect and get you set up with one that fits your lifestyle! We’ve got something for everyone!<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_QQ152N03MLZiR3DWu5fkkYVCwqyxL6zmeBdODzts_w5t1tdNKJ2BdhobB0BidhwUSHpcpfJlBquGUaLNHUmrkRP_20s83yH4bDCCfHU96cn2PqsStqaAu_8e0dNQud7TfMyW2W97-TT/s1080/Stay+Warm+This+Winter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_QQ152N03MLZiR3DWu5fkkYVCwqyxL6zmeBdODzts_w5t1tdNKJ2BdhobB0BidhwUSHpcpfJlBquGUaLNHUmrkRP_20s83yH4bDCCfHU96cn2PqsStqaAu_8e0dNQud7TfMyW2W97-TT/w400-h400/Stay+Warm+This+Winter.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><div><br /></div></div>Gabi Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14705547121325044069noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126526224400484912.post-26433566400236440822021-01-22T18:54:00.000-05:002021-01-22T18:54:02.934-05:00A Cup of Cozy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AUX0eKPgLwLqs-RA66zg5gdU3Aybcbuy/view?usp=sharing" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1545" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjW36tTj5c-hKsgNV7iaTqlYJIUKGfu80UsHRyu3E_nb5Yce4YXj9Y2VD4TuxJhUi8xKoEGrYQ7frOzpbOSVNX_5gILt4d4vHOmP8WAnH5hSfT5W4l8DUTCtXUH40-uQ-lBvzmChiuwTk/w309-h400/A+Cup+of+Cozy+Recipes+Image.jpg" width="309" /></a></div><br /><div>What is your warm drink of choice? Do you love your coffee in the morning? Or do you enjoy a cup of tea in the morning or before bedtime? What about hot chocolate- or the ever popular hot chocolate bombs?! I can personally indulge in all of these! I love the ritual of a hot drink- making a cup of coffee in the quiet of the morning or enjoying tea right before bed.</div><br />What is your go-to cup of cozy?<br /><br /><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AUX0eKPgLwLqs-RA66zg5gdU3Aybcbuy/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Click here</a> for a PDF of warm drink recipes for you to try this winter!<div><br /></div><div>Looking for something that doesn't require a recipe? Here are a couple of my favorites:</div><div><br /></div><div>My all time favorite tea is the <a href="https://amzn.to/3sR7YOL" target="_blank">Tazo lemon loaf tea</a> because it's herbal, caffeine free, and with a little half and half or coconut almond milk it tastes totally decadent! And yes, I order the <a href="https://amzn.to/3sR7YOL">6 box pack</a> because I love it and drink it that much! (And yes, that is a <a href="https://amzn.to/2YccCZf" target="_blank">Rae Dunn mug</a>! It was a gift and she totally knew what she was doing because it is so nice and big... perfect for a comforting <a href="https://amzn.to/2YccCZf" target="_blank">evening mug of tea</a> and a reminder to seek serenity.)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3sR7YOL" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="940" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRuFr871tv95K0kmpEEs6SDFdScj3f7eV0MdqtUV-Qrzeu4akoJCR1m2rG5Lvqx1EcnYwm-H1ZSMpT3jnYy6GYIocXvo_nhI9GbILsoCVpKeOXdVCTB-x7flZvAgGwya0L5My_0KC1H-V/s320/Screenshot+2021-01-22+at+18.37.12.png" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>For coffee, I'm really loving <a href="http://tiny.cc/gabibonescoffee" target="_blank">Bones Coffee</a> lately - especially the sample packs so I can try their different flavors! I also found that having a sample pack made for great self-rewards to give me something to look forward to as I finish phases of my workout programs! The flavoring is really great and makes it easy to just enjoy the coffee (I still use a splash of half and half just because I like the touch of creaminess) without adding syrups or sweeteners. My favorite flavors are the Mint Invaders, Electric Unicorn and the Strawberry Cheesecake but I haven't found a flavor that I don't like yet so try them out. Use <a href="http://tiny.cc/gabibonescoffee" target="_blank">this link</a> for $5 off your first order! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://tiny.cc/gabibonescoffee" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="944" data-original-width="622" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoeYG73IlOCFBvUvd4xqd64YSTcH2Ypw_RO9sB-Rt0iHqGYYjP8lEpYnfCVbBiO4sVFOpY61mnP45FT6MwT66sCMHmt2fLUWmgWi81xidn-OZmqgnfHb5bKNFoqedLkMZJSUrPvN5a4bq/w264-h400/Screenshot+2021-01-22+at+18.42.35.png" width="264" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Gabi Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14705547121325044069noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126526224400484912.post-1787841813557707282021-01-16T18:06:00.005-05:002021-01-22T18:20:11.897-05:00Out with the OldA new year is all about FRESH starts! Why not begin at home? After all the “new” that may have come in your house post-holidays, it’s time to get OUT WITH THE OLD. Starting the new year with an organized home helps so much with overwhelm!<br /><br />No one likes throwing away perfectly good stuff, so think animal shelters for towels and sheets, and donation centers for clothes and toys. Have extra toiletries or make up samples? Women’s shelters will take those! Always wash whatever you are donating before you drop it off - that’s just good manners!<br /><br />Not sure where to start? My favorite spots are my linen closet, pantry and makeup drawer! I always find spices that are way over their expiration date! What are you excited to part with?<div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/16mSIwpUkf4Oen7bLh6qfr0yLjumcAjDr/view?usp=sharing" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1545" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVvWludZV8nyY2qpnb0oKsdJ_NWUu9y8y8v1mjA0n7K2HjJoKm2dVdwL4ixn2U898L8zJz0ZP9whXGikMc01jZMAks26329aQb-NspzyOAQAEEa5UE6O6MLDdBSLtDUAeQescMcEA7TJlj/w309-h400/Out+with+the+Old+Graphic.jpg" width="309" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/16mSIwpUkf4Oen7bLh6qfr0yLjumcAjDr/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a> to download this handy PDF!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once you've got stuff out, it's time to get organized! I've been doing a LOT of this since the start of quarantine and have made a lot of great use out of some clear bins of various sizes and a couple of carts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3qslc2l" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_oBZZ4epJ_L0_004pgFywMMnGTQpNr1s0oAkPFvlFGrfXqk-C4gbqY_VbH2Pncz-zbWS3E_0aoXXfIqzZxvWRj0kAeaWng91aNKF1_AxQ44MGRATXrEc3XyXKxG_eQj5gUSF23J7q-w8/w150-h200/IMG-0430.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://amzn.to/2Nbntka" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRQG1xgOyOgOlfj2265kOHb5y89oSYTfrYoOW94J6FYq81UZq67-Zgzaeaj1knQxmPm8mPzCK1oMU9ZJt94ScxezZiOHtLO_CQWpU9MexWhb1wsKysHh5Rr-5bUkPJZ9c5FoUk-IL4gO3/w150-h200/IMG-0457.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also use this <a href="https://amzn.to/3qmypti" target="_blank">cart</a> for my sewing machine and other supplies - I just don't have a pic of my set up!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/39G7u54" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1853" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CGjRRkkaEZSGPqzpjrOIH6FjK3jmh4NHalLugwhz2i4rXh2HFd452TpbGG053uW_6_PqKIkW-g7ojoVcVaOuvaOVccB9TAm2K_MN9d0ui5vP7bHs6Jly9N9NeIxzB0IZeyuO4ij_JmFS/w181-h200/IMG-1048.jpg" width="181" /></a><a href="https://amzn.to/3nOhaiZ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcU6sbBktjamV1p0G5mkJ0jDnDH3hp4vnMy-YEz93rV0xo4Pbi5QHec3D3cNrG_bUNXUPow_vfrO0Ld_2F40I7_EiENsLUjpIKYTekfRBYgMMVUW587MSitRyvQUeQfaH_XOVlCaISz-Zx/w200-h150/IMG-1383.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/39G7u54" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GA9VXzC6Ruz2e2p-2bXBzrxr-qyQID6a3J39FzjczvUXHx8wU6b_NDUZ8w2v2DUAGaoRu9KK84we2gUuCd1Kc03JQzhranzOi62K4sVx0CWhvSJSHexTDDIJ7BjaMncH0jtevCLBbMGC/w150-h200/IMG-1396.jpeg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://amzn.to/35LHVi3" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdR1a1bTU6Z2uKtURbxoB0B_pXbHBqimllVbDtKkViAo5oi7Q8463P_0Go7_doLMkRSqWnjvNsD7F7QoMEdJOyXvUUJhLEqHNAeGD5Cceli4EZLfNJQexhZ1F4KfDIC5vkXGRVHuBv5oh/w150-h200/IMG-1582.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://amzn.to/3nUhSey" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIInjtWVVm2OgqBygucmtYok0RyszBFrA9PR6LqLc82lE-wzjOkmZHRT6uELoiLTp1uDmJleNhTX8LUQFu_SMw9DQTMnfOlqxX9CjYz5GZszgDkjAxm4RnBfUFODC0jwljP1oSrngmVml/w150-h200/IMG-1583.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Produce Keepers:</span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B018WMZ4VC&asins=B018WMZ4VC&linkId=3b50c8592204a7b36ecb06164f7cbd08&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B018WMH0QY&asins=B018WMH0QY&linkId=f4ca693c1e0445fd746e0ee817b59923&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00TO8X0EC&asins=B00TO8X0EC&linkId=6af8db485522f2d55c7a482e7f640006&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fridge and freezer organization bins:</span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B08L865G2L&asins=B08L865G2L&linkId=4e238b4313de994ecabccb1e137b2d7f&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B089GXTBZZ&asins=B089GXTBZZ&linkId=18f583a2a481e4f5e2cb90e5076c3027&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B01MQVOAY3&asins=B01MQVOAY3&linkId=a3ace1716ada1ffabcc90af4ef96f231&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></span><div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cabinet and drawer organizers:</span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B08G7Y11P9&asins=B08G7Y11P9&linkId=56953397a77089949c7b795e43de3330&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B08CK5DWHD&asins=B08CK5DWHD&linkId=fbee398928913b1ee2b5383bf0bb248c&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B0887XGXZQ&asins=B0887XGXZQ&linkId=9ac459ece17b3ef6ee43cd8a57fcb221&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></span><div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Merriweather; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Several of my these items are available for quick shipping through <a href="https://amzn.to/3gSZ65p" rel="nofollow" style="color: #c5ade3; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Amazon Prime</a>. Don't have an account already? <a href="https://amzn.to/3gSZ65p" rel="nofollow" style="color: #c5ade3; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Try it out for 30 days free on me!</a></span></i></div></div>Gabi Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14705547121325044069noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126526224400484912.post-34059384570252941502020-12-15T10:36:00.004-05:002020-12-15T13:04:02.048-05:00Gifting Health in 2020 - For the Runner<p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">This list is one of a few to come this holiday season so keep checking back for more ideas and search the label "Gifting Health in 2020" for my other guides! Need your gifts in a hurry? Several of my recommended items are available for quick shipping through <a href="https://amzn.to/3gSZ65p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon Prime</a>. Don't have an account already? <a href="https://amzn.to/3gSZ65p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Try it out for 30 days free on me!</a></span></i></p><p>For a sport that's just "go out and run", I've found that there are a LOT of great gadgets and accessories that make it so much better. If you've got a runner on your list (or you're a runner looking for a list of ideas to send on to someone else), I hope this guide helps! Special thanks to my running fam group text for sharing some of their favorites too! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.gabiford.com/2020/12/gifting-health-in-2020-for-runner.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPk0g56TDusxCJajqvK96iSzudzXplhNhHitvZPC-JytaSTLo73d19iaRbysUJ5_zUKkARGAQoeAyigKD-l7L3PMqi7nxlfz6Bntbmodgv0FJatLRtCAZQmA2PKA_h3fUBu0sPvgZtviR/w266-h400/Copy+of+Holiday+Gift+Guide+-+Yoga.png" width="266" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShopCrazyCraftLady" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The perfect, stay in place headband</a> </h3>I have found it so tough to find headbands that fit well and stay put without giving me a headache so I've gotta give a shout out to my longtime friend and honorary little sis, Jasmine, for making the softest headbands that actually STAY PUT for me regardless of what activity I'm doing (if you follow my <a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/#">Instagram</a> stories, you've probably seen me wearing some of her designs). I can't get enough of her perfect fabric choices and stylish but functional design. <div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And the best part? When I asked if I could link to her Etsy shop, she offered to create a promo code just for us! Use <b>GABI15</b> to <i>save 15%</i> on her shop through her Christmas 2020 gift deadline of December 19th. </div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You can browse her entire Etsy shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShopCrazyCraftLady" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> (don't miss her limited edition holiday headbands!) but I've also linked to a few specific ones that I think are extra cute.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href=" https://www.etsy.com/listing/845375015/girl-power-glitter-twisted-headband?ga_search_query=girl%2Bpower&ref=shop_items_search_1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1261" data-original-width="1588" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMIYTPlUtuNuNjDBmaow16_QpPESrRDjjKOjPE7lG4puXTkonqssfPGnDc2_3NnrEVlHmcFknRLOB-wVW8z7Sg1o_IvyrD50KBYopfIibJ6E2qFGRclKzKxiLQl7sOEnYjpS3K11lO6BLy/w200-h159/il_1588xN.2482803425_pm4h.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href=" https://www.etsy.com/listing/872424262/maroon-painted-cheetah-twisted-headband?ga_search_query=maroon&ref=shop_items_search_1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1261" data-original-width="1588" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfd-ztzDjiJ2xEyOhzDt5185o4DgoSaRNhHF_UdafxuIVEoq-4UcZelBO4AvZzdbpXevXYT28BvSqFIYJyx_F9BHD06w9b65BQe7VPYColiWasyi_hyINUt0tu3dHoL15cJDI8cu13dYSl/w200-h159/il_1588xN.2587925122_lkpk.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href=" https://www.etsy.com/listing/886356091/teal-painted-cheetah-twisted-headband?ga_search_query=teal&ref=shop_items_search_1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1261" data-original-width="1588" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFIGXoUw_khVS3AYzYG-TXbPtUHa_Qq_g83ylIZZKPt08IUyO1sZXsRmhsSCZN8DZnu4ENKe9vX2HvRkek6BZNP4FJUuaAKOM44fk5EJWUvhb2H1xd_PbYUpcW1dIAnwF_-sGbAGrmxZs/w200-h159/il_1588xN.2635617231_sym6.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/876462250/pink-peony-printed-black-twisted?ga_search_query=peony&ref=shop_items_search_1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1261" data-original-width="1588" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ApEwsVkMzsB4YxysGbVEhobT_wQTpVYSCl-Xkrz9qcEmSbFiXsmhS48dfh3wF_zcXmp7FUExVZ07rUY7SFk78ZviwA2VgmUgOjRaj3JoSoFwMXgRuB5-StntmLg1Hqt3u2HWLdxMYlmT/w200-h159/il_1588xN.2651694617_tqnm.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2JuqrPd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hand strap water bottle</a></h3><div>Personally, I don't find the waist band / fanny pack water bottle carriers comfortable. I'll wear a <a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/us/d/30DRunningBelt?referringRepID=34793" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">running belt</a> but it's gotta be lightweight and I don't put more than a few hydration gels, keys, and <i>maybe</i> my phone in it. <a href="https://amzn.to/2JuqrPd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This handy carrier</a> fixed that though. I can strap it on snug enough that I don't need to grip or tighten my hands unnaturally and it makes seeing my phone easy without making me pause or mess with my stride to take it out of my running belt or twist my arm to see it through an arm band window (and arm bands always seem to fall down on me). I ran the Detroit marathon with this last year and while I shifted it from one hand to the other over the course of the 26.2 miles, I found <a href="https://amzn.to/2JuqrPd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this</a> to be my favorite way to carry water and have my phone handy over every other accessory I've tried!</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079RMYKL2/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=li3&tag=gabiford0f-20&linkId=675e083d24ef177bad0718ddbd94e9f2&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B079RMYKL2&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B079RMYKL2" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">Want to help them kick up the value of their water? I highly recommend adding some <a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/us/b/nutrition-supplement?referringRepID=34793" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">craving busting tea</a>, <a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/d/beachbody-performance-hydrate-tub-BBPHydrate?referringRepID=34793" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">hydration boosting formula</a>, or <a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/d/BBPEnergizeAllFlavors?referringRepID=34793" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">plant-based energy and focus supplement</a> to their gift. </div><br /><a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/us/b/nutrition-supplement?referringRepID=34793" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BEVVY</a> - this 15 calorie tea supplement includes decaffeinated green tea phytosomes, brewer's yeast peptides, and fiber to help curb cravings without synthetic colors, artificial flavors, artificial preservatives, gluten, dairy, or soy! Personally, I prefer the pomegranate flavor but the lemon is good too!<div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/d/beachbody-performance-hydrate-tub-BBPHydrate?referringRepID=34793" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hydrate</a> - even the slightest dehydration can knock you off your game so it helps to have a little extra help with absorbing fluids and electrolytes. Your usual sports drinks are filled with artificial ingredients and sugars that can actually dehydrate you but this formula is free of artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives. It's designed for workouts but I even use it on rest days to kick off my day with as much hydration as I can get from my first bottle of water! Oh and for the marathon, I actually made these into little <a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/d/beachbody-performance-hydrate-tub-BBPHydrate?referringRepID=34793" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">hydrate</a> / <a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/d/BBPEnergizeAllFlavors?referringRepID=34793" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">energize</a> gels for a little extra help along the way!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/d/BBPEnergizeAllFlavors?referringRepID=34793" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Energize</a> - this is another one that I drink on rest days too (usually just a half dose on those days) for focus and an energy life. A lot of pre-workouts leave you with that buzzed feeling but this formula leaves out the artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives. Oh and it tastes great so it's a win win! I like mixing the lemon and mixed berry flavors a lot but the fruit punch might be my favorite. You can't go wrong though with any of the flavors IMO. <br /><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3adn36n" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Medal Display</a></h3><div>Whether your runner prefers casual 5Ks, full marathons, or anything in between, they're going to start collecting medals and that's a lot more fun when they have somewhere to display them! I've been hanging mine off of shelves for a while with the help of some weighted objects and tape over the ribbons while the medal dangles over the edge of the shelf but I've got these two on my wish list and I'm sure your runner would love <a href="https://amzn.to/3adn36n" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">something like this</a> too!</div><div>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Deluxe-BibFOLIO-Display-Mounted-Hanger/dp/B07HX8K2H3/ref=as_li_ss_il?crid=3R6JBNCXP7L1W&dchild=1&keywords=running+medal+hanger+display&qid=1608041531&sprefix=running+medal+,aps,241&sr=8-7&linkCode=li3&tag=gabiford0f-20&linkId=c6d64120d56c3090dab7680739f0246f&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07HX8K2H3&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B07HX8K2H3" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Display-Stainless-Brushed-Gymnastics-Softball/dp/B0839C21NB/ref=as_li_ss_il?crid=33SKSIFXCQAUF&dchild=1&keywords=medal+display+hanger&qid=1608041322&sprefix=medal+displ,aps,414&sr=8-7&linkCode=li3&tag=gabiford0f-20&linkId=d5fdbf8b4600249655c4db07610c22f0&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0839C21NB&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B0839C21NB" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N5SVJ65/ref=as_li_ss_il?coliid=I3VNFVNWFJLBOT&colid=XIFOQ4HXOCRK&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&linkCode=li3&tag=gabiford0f-20&linkId=e83d720545f4a5db9e7b1f86e43fa3a9&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B01N5SVJ65&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B01N5SVJ65" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />
<br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Display-Stainless-Brushed-Gymnastics-Softball/dp/B0839C21NB/ref=as_li_ss_il?crid=33SKSIFXCQAUF&dchild=1&keywords=medal+display+hanger&qid=1608041322&sprefix=medal+displ,aps,414&sr=8-7&linkCode=li3&tag=gabiford0f-20&linkId=d5fdbf8b4600249655c4db07610c22f0&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0839C21NB&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US" ></a><img src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B0839C21NB" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Light up running vest</a></h3>It can get scary to do outdoor runs when the weather is anything other than 100% sunny and clear. I'm so grateful for my friends who recommended this vest because WOW! I've gotten a lot of compliments on how visible it is and I love that it doesn't add a lot of bulk or funny, offset weight to my stride. It's easy to wear, quick to adjust, super lightweight, and does the job well. 10/10 highly recommend!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/382PGAw" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1298" data-original-width="975" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqJZMnp_IQl5eW3Eg7cbavdBgBQJyY8bT6umcaaDUzHcZXWBY6xIDUeRlio7Rxx2GveUpZo3LpADnSB1pReyWyR7fOq8V3mUouNheWOKzZgRb9g6gYvNvhRfE2AOmtXOi1cCMwQHZshFL/w300-h400/GkqvDJstRwaqeYtJsSmogQ.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2Vsqe1c" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bright clothing like this tank top</a></h3><div>Speaking of visibility, bright clothing can make a big difference too. <a href="https://amzn.to/3qY1oVB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This tank top</a> is not only one of the most comfortable I've ever run in (no chafing!!) but it practically glows on its own!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C2S6N3B/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=li3&tag=gabiford0f-20&linkId=045b1aac734a3f7de83546498568c123&language=en_US" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C2S6N3B/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=li3&tag=gabiford0f-20&linkId=045b1aac734a3f7de83546498568c123&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07C2S6N3B&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B07C2S6N3B" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/33Cc9mp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My favorite running leggings</a></h3>I definitely don't lack curves or height (I'm 5'10" for those who don't know) so it can be tough to find leggings that stay put, don't roll, and flatter, so I can't not tell you about <a href="https://amzn.to/33Cc9mp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">these leggings</a>! They're my favorites for runs, yoga, weight lifting... I can't get enough of them. Good leggings can get super expensive but dollar for dollar, I've been really happy with the quality of <a href="https://amzn.to/33Cc9mp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">these</a> - no loss of color, stretch, or support so far! (Oh - and they have a pocket!!!! My phone and ID both stay put on even long runs - big win!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HQG8X8P/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=li3&tag=gabiford0f-20&linkId=8422efa21747124dae0b530f9aa27f89&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07HQG8X8P&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B07HQG8X8P" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/37mfng6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Arnicare gel</a></h3><div>This recommendation comes from my running fam as a big help for getting over and moving through all sorts of soreness and muscle tenderness that comes from hard runs. It's not greasy, doesn't have a strong scent, and is based on natural ingredients - a total win and a great stocking stuffer!<br /><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2WjK6E9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Calming magnesium supplements</a></h3></div><div>Another great recommendation from my running fam and another great stocking stuffer - calming magnesium! <a href="https://amzn.to/2WjK6E9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This one</a> doesn't have any added sugars and will help your runner relax and get the rest they need to be ready for the next run. As someone with anxiety, I can tell you I'm definitely up for anything that might help calm my worries and settle my mind!<br /><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2WjK6E9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Weighted blanket</a></h3>Another favorite among those who need help with anxiety and getting better rest between runs (I think there's a strong correlation between those with general anxiety and those who run... maybe it's just me?) is a <a href="https://amzn.to/2WjK6E9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">weighted blanket</a>. I love mine but the amount of recommended weight depends on the size of the person so you may want to search around a little. I recommend finding <a href="https://amzn.to/2IPjKqv" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">one with a removable cover</a> for easy cleaning!</div><div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/HY-IMPACT-Hyper-Impact-Cordless-Muscle-Massage-Gun-Deep-Tissue-Massager/436622591" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HY IMPACT massager</a></h3><div>Ok so the theragun gets a lot of attention and I've heard a lot of amazing things but a close runner friend of mine recently got this one for only $40. He's been using it a lot and he's had his own fair share of running injuries, soreness, even surgeries. I've never heard him rave about a product like this one so you'd better believe I'm including it here... and on my own wishlist!</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2Jur6jF" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">TheStick</a></h3>Looking for a lower tech massager? <a href="https://amzn.to/2Jur6jF" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This one</a> is an all time favorite of runners. I think I've seen it recommended in every running magazine I've ever read and for good reason. It's simple and gets the job done for those annoying little knots - especially along the calves which are notoriously tough to stretch!<br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRXiQ2uwGyB-rhGJo3isA0HJpxDUNDAUV7Q1Q&usqp=CAU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Body Glide</a></h3><div>As anyone who has run or watched The Office can tell you, chafing is real and it's awful (I'll spare you from the bloody Andy gif here but if you know, you know). Nearly every runner I know swears by <a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRXiQ2uwGyB-rhGJo3isA0HJpxDUNDAUV7Q1Q&usqp=CAU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Body Glide</a> on those skin to skin or sensitive skin to fabric contact points. Help your runner stock up on this distance MUST!</div><div><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRXiQ2uwGyB-rhGJo3isA0HJpxDUNDAUV7Q1Q&usqp=CAU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="301" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRXiQ2uwGyB-rhGJo3isA0HJpxDUNDAUV7Q1Q&usqp=CAU" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2KsPBxA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Feetures socks</a></h3><div>There's a fine line between no-show socks and socks that disappear under your foot and into your shoe but <a href="https://amzn.to/2KsPBxA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this brand</a> makes it happen! Since your socks can make or break a good run (I once had to take more than a week off of running when a bad pair of socks resulted in awful and deep ankle chafing), <a href="https://amzn.to/2KsPBxA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">these will be a pair</a> your runner will be happy to find under the tree!</div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2KsPBxA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hand and toe warmers</a></h3><div>In cold weather, nothing can bring a run to a halt like cold fingers and toes and sometimes even the best socks and mittens can't make it happen. Toss a couple of <a href="https://amzn.to/2KsPBxA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">these hand and toe warmers</a> in your gift for your runner or anyone else who spends time outside in the cold!</div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3oUQUEu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">AfterShokz headphones</a></h3>Running on the roads with normal headphones can be risky because they can make it harder to hear the sounds of cars around you. <a href="https://amzn.to/3oUQUEu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">These headphones</a> do the job because they don't actually sit in your ear but still deliver great sound to keep you moving to the music without blocking out those important audible cues of a car engine or tire sound!<br /><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3gWO92Y" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Buff Multifunctional Headwear</a></h3><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3gWO92Y" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">These</a> have become a popular item in runner goody bags and for a good reason! You really can use these as headbands, neck warmers, for holding hair back... the possibilities really are endless. I actually use two of them for runs in the winter - one as a hat that doesn't slip off because it doesn't have to hold all my hair and one over my neck - because they're lightweight and don't leave me feeling sweaty, just warm! (I also use them for protecting my curly hair at night - bonus!) <a href="https://amzn.to/3gWO92Y" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">They come in a variety of colors and patterns</a> so you're sure to find at least one that your runner will love!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3gWO92Y" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1298" data-original-width="976" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5pZJPeL9W4U672yUMcZE26xWLGiHPJha1OA6xCbU99qbRLBixveEoW884Ajwha2UFYxuSWnQAU9dV4JeIqbV9iuJo0jWgePIjgr1IlmEddGa81L1fLEJNRgKtNkjsnugFLaTUKvOgD_W/s320/K-USOudsRWGpGbF-4ExMpQ.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/us/b/fitness/30daybreakaway?referringRepID=34793" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Running Coaching Program</a></h3><div>No matter how trained up your runner is, we can all benefit from some extra coaching! A lot of runners also find it easy to forget about balancing their runs with strength training and stretching... fortunately we've got a trainer to help with that! <a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/us/b/fitness/30daybreakaway?referringRepID=34793" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This program</a> is designed to improve your pace and stride - regardless of your baseline - and has audio or video for running both out on the road or on your home treadmill. There's even a workout option for those days that running outside is a no-go but you want the right cardio anyway. Got questions on how to make the most of picking this program? Shoot me a note at <a href="mailto:gabi@gabiford.com">gabi@gabiford.com</a> and we'll talk!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/us/b/fitness/30daybreakaway?referringRepID=34793" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7APQnWBs4VqG2anNsp5nTIlFhti2Z8ED3kdX8TK9ihp8GGmG8ytmG7Deo358WDl44Sr6WyZ7vbi0OsQbRJrkNJtodyWHDioAhswI9hFKjJbueO-SWt4bACI6mydpKAS9sKqcnqSVnkmDI/s320/7c62cb_eb66d6f92367485c96fa198e56f8fc2f_mv2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I hope you like those ideas and find them helpful in supporting your favorite runner with fun gifts this holiday season! If you think of any others, I'd love to hear them! You're also welcome to send this list on to anyone who might need a little hint ;-)<br /><br />Happy Holidays! Hope you and yours stay safe and healthy!</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gabriella Ford is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com at no additional cost to you! All opinions are my own!</span></div></div></div></div>Gabi Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14705547121325044069noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126526224400484912.post-47980413670473590202020-12-03T14:07:00.010-05:002020-12-15T10:38:41.429-05:00Gifting Health in 2020 - For the Yoga Lover<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">This list is one of a few to come this holiday season so keep checking back for more ideas and search the label "Gifting Health in 2020" for my other guides! Need your gifts in a hurry? Several of my recommended items are available for quick shipping through <a href="https://amzn.to/3gSZ65p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon Prime</a>. Don't have an account already? <a href="https://amzn.to/3gSZ65p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Try it out for 30 days free on me!</a></span></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.gabiford.com/2020/12/gifting-health-in-2020-for-yoga-lover.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSiXD00yW4_CB1yui1FZDNsOQXavLZVBcgMi2naaSw9kutxjUED0JZYT3w0PqBo8dYVyeuEH49jAF0de0AEaEXPk01_oDVDwoqBOEmxpyBS6WUPMmarUIfnI6oZ26tqYP9h-QfXEGljUYQ/w266-h400/Holiday+Gift+Guide+-+Yoga.png" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Ah yoga... while we can all benefit from it, we all have that friend (or those friends) who <i style="font-weight: bold;">LOVES </i>practicing yoga every chance they get. Personally, I notice a big difference in the way I feel - physically and mentally - when I'm taking the time to turn inward and slow down a little and these gifts just might help your beloved yogi do just that. Feel free to send this list on to someone who may need a little hint at your own gift wishes too!</div>
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I've included ideas that you can order online as well as crafty ideas because, if you're anything like me, there's some fun (and therapy!) to be found in making the gifts you give. Printable and SVG files (looking at you, my fellow Cricut lovers) are linked as well. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Note on the SVG files - I'm experiencing a bug where my Cricut cuts as it travels between designed cuts. I'm leaving the files here in case it's just my issue but I recommend trying it on a scrap piece of paper / cheap material first to make sure it works for you. If it doesn't work, you can still download the png image and upload to Design Studio! Sorry about this - hopefully it's just a bug on my end!</i></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">You can't ever have enough cute tanks and tops, can you? </h3>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Buy</h4>
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<a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/b/apparel?referringRepID=34793" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Beachbody</a> has a <a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/b/apparel?referringRepID=34793" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sale happening through December 15</a> with up to 50% off full priced apparel! Some of my favorites are this flowy tie back tank and this soft tank covered in affirmations:
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/b/apparel?referringRepID=34793" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="930" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-JUVH-WPWfS8GH2waqn-in_Ycabp1pJPoZQ3M_sHtQy5aACClTsYE1JYFTuWb5POI-KA6Cnl2chmGSvmf04UuJB8GcH-NxGBsN1Szp1NnmhFlXCpoAepaJOu4ePOprgrAXbfAGBfD_is/w194-h200/30b-w-fierce-tank-chrcl-bk-pdp-930-960-en-us-071620.png" width="194" /></a><a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/b/apparel?referringRepID=34793" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIW37T6N_R4nwGkdKvAdB9I_crBIKfFcIhyTMOO4mgbFWJpheCkQ57-GQ4nZ9CKjXICcTK9bbe-Q3NS0Q3222n3qXMpYROdjXJRXnFe_8zHiMN-kTG7mIP7Z62l5kv9v1IhsvYBeRyMy4/w320-h200/brb-pls-timeless-tank-i-am-cdp-640-400-en-us-101819.png" width="320" /></a>
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I'd also be remiss if I didn't mention our local <a href="https://amzn.to/3lGsnBn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ann Arbor T-shirt Company</a> that has <a href="https://amzn.to/33BnX8D" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">great workout designs</a> like these <a href="https://amzn.to/3mzWOds" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Llamaste</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/36yJCjm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mommaste</a>, and <a href="https://amzn.to/3mEuYwY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">naMEOWste</a> tanks designed and printed in Michigan!</div><div><br /></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RST4VKY/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&linkCode=li3&tag=gabiford0f-20&linkId=d6b71447b1b9a04bfb23ff46e6e8a139&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07RST4VKY&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US" /></a> <img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B07RST4VKY" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Momaste-Funny-Namaste-Workout-Racerback/dp/B07QBD1T85/ref=as_li_ss_il?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1&linkCode=li3&tag=gabiford0f-20&linkId=40964dec717a13b3d9ddfc48cbf07575&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07QBD1T85&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US" /></a> <img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B07QBD1T85" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/naMEOWste-Namaste-Workout-Racerback-Women/dp/B07VQQ1WFZ/ref=as_li_ss_il?ref_=ast_sto_dp&linkCode=li3&tag=gabiford0f-20&linkId=4ce865487971d96b6b3ec050896e29f6&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07VQQ1WFZ&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B07VQQ1WFZ" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />
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</div><h4 style="text-align: left;">DIY</h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">First you'll need a base tank and <a href="https://amzn.to/36rlDTe" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this one</a> is one of my favorites because its comfortable and has washed really well:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DW19R3R/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&th=1&psc=1&linkCode=li3&tag=gabiford0f-20&linkId=33502751f92040900765d149e3020b3d&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07DW19R3R&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B07DW19R3R" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><br />There are so many great designs on Etsy but I also put together a few ideas for you! Just click the image below to get the svg.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1l7tLZnRHG19ht5CQTGYgsT9bXowixIcv/view?usp=sharing" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1555" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrNEDOLGjo50hHFDUXelhIyCG4g-xI__EddREhqVSKHQcKVo5j3Ofe0YothlQUIzfEOxcsdyz2qnwaG73B4XUzQwVRvkEbmEYHTGamAUNbNFRZxB10LEzl_N5qWa4SVB9cDyhTAwlT0NcC/w156-h200/hot_yoga_mess.png" width="156" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SY7VLF86XMvoWffUjvju2SxMBFtFl_Yj/view?usp=sharing" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1555" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyIUOyzEKIz0mnfdTu_3hrvZCM7pPtAVhqxVklWFtVGR9qMWq3bLQRmYMK23sF4r76jq8F05aELcKqhsRQ_anbCC9bFJK1uWehPqR8zK-MkO4umi6gX2Hb4i6Ymj_D_fFmMWYHb9QOazVR/w156-h200/inhale_exhale_repeat.png" width="156" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DNZu_BatCFpEjcxvnM85PrZrkK6z80y5/view?usp=sharing" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1555" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi585fQ4HryNfx8QV1RXLurAXJOtqLH9o1F7YpxRpwxx1VtbaUcLvC2QjrEIY_vjx6jygh0c4URnypzPcHzlkZz1iB-p7WHpZxLniwg9tGnyPc4NASkg4Y-0bxWM1Uj9mJyKizFJnjtpwvm/w156-h200/yoga_and_wine.png" width="156" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">Personally, my favorite heat transfer vinyl is the <a href="https://amzn.to/39CXICq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Siser</a> brand - it's easy to weed and you get a lot for your money! We've had great success with anything I've made and washed too so I definitely recommend them. You can find Siser at Michael's or on <a href="https://amzn.to/2VqUsBX" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. Feel free to make these designs in any color you want but <a href="https://amzn.to/3mxOM52" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this pack</a> has the colors in my designs if you want to stick with that.</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">And because I've been asked... this is the <a href="https://amzn.to/36xDN5W" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cricut machine</a> I use! The <a href="https://amzn.to/36xDN5W" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Explore Air 2</a> can do so much and I have found it really easy to use - especially for vinyl projects with the <a href="https://amzn.to/3qgAYxU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cricut tools</a>. Keep an eye on my <a href="http://www.instagram.com/gabifordinsta" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instastories</a> as I try out other new projects with it!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/33Cc9mp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My favorite leggings</a></h3><div>I definitely don't lack curves so it can be tough to find leggings that stay put, don't roll, and flatter, so I can't not tell you about <a href="https://amzn.to/33Cc9mp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">these leggings</a>! They're my favorites for runs, yoga, weight lifting... I can't get enough of them. Good leggings can get super expensive but dollar for dollar, I've been really happy with the quality of <a href="https://amzn.to/33Cc9mp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">these</a> - no loss of color, stretch, or support so far! (Oh - and they have a pocket!!!! My phone and ID both stay put on even long runs - big win!)<div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HQG8X8P/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=li3&tag=gabiford0f-20&linkId=8422efa21747124dae0b530f9aa27f89&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07HQG8X8P&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B07HQG8X8P" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div><br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">The perfect, stay in place headband </h3><div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm not even including a "DIY" option on this because I have found it so tough to find headbands that fit well and stay put without giving me a headache. Instead, I've gotta give a shout out to my longtime friend and honorary little sis, Jasmine, for making the softest headbands that actually STAY PUT for me regardless of what activity I'm doing (if you follow my <a href="http://www.instagram.com/gabifordinsta" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> stories, you've probably seen me wearing some of her designs). I can't get enough of her perfect fabric choices and stylish but functional design. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And the best part? When I asked if I could link to her Etsy shop, she offered to create a promo code just for us! Use <b>GABI15</b> to <i>save 15%</i> on her shop through her Christmas 2020 gift deadline of December 19th. </div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You can browse her entire Etsy shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShopCrazyCraftLady" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> (don't miss her limited edition holiday headbands!) but I've also linked to a few specific ones that I think are extra cute.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href=" https://www.etsy.com/listing/845375015/girl-power-glitter-twisted-headband?ga_search_query=girl%2Bpower&ref=shop_items_search_1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1261" data-original-width="1588" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMIYTPlUtuNuNjDBmaow16_QpPESrRDjjKOjPE7lG4puXTkonqssfPGnDc2_3NnrEVlHmcFknRLOB-wVW8z7Sg1o_IvyrD50KBYopfIibJ6E2qFGRclKzKxiLQl7sOEnYjpS3K11lO6BLy/w200-h159/il_1588xN.2482803425_pm4h.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href=" https://www.etsy.com/listing/872424262/maroon-painted-cheetah-twisted-headband?ga_search_query=maroon&ref=shop_items_search_1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1261" data-original-width="1588" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfd-ztzDjiJ2xEyOhzDt5185o4DgoSaRNhHF_UdafxuIVEoq-4UcZelBO4AvZzdbpXevXYT28BvSqFIYJyx_F9BHD06w9b65BQe7VPYColiWasyi_hyINUt0tu3dHoL15cJDI8cu13dYSl/w200-h159/il_1588xN.2587925122_lkpk.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href=" https://www.etsy.com/listing/886356091/teal-painted-cheetah-twisted-headband?ga_search_query=teal&ref=shop_items_search_1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1261" data-original-width="1588" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFIGXoUw_khVS3AYzYG-TXbPtUHa_Qq_g83ylIZZKPt08IUyO1sZXsRmhsSCZN8DZnu4ENKe9vX2HvRkek6BZNP4FJUuaAKOM44fk5EJWUvhb2H1xd_PbYUpcW1dIAnwF_-sGbAGrmxZs/w200-h159/il_1588xN.2635617231_sym6.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/876462250/pink-peony-printed-black-twisted?ga_search_query=peony&ref=shop_items_search_1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1261" data-original-width="1588" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ApEwsVkMzsB4YxysGbVEhobT_wQTpVYSCl-Xkrz9qcEmSbFiXsmhS48dfh3wF_zcXmp7FUExVZ07rUY7SFk78ZviwA2VgmUgOjRaj3JoSoFwMXgRuB5-StntmLg1Hqt3u2HWLdxMYlmT/w200-h159/il_1588xN.2651694617_tqnm.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Water bottle</h3><div>It's not like you don't know this already but hydration is key - especially in the winter when we all tend to dry out. Having a cute new water bottle always helps me drink more so maybe it'll help your yoga lover too?</div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Buy</h4><div>I have yet to go wrong with a water bottle from <a href="https://amzn.to/2Vr5dUR" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Contigo</a> and I like when I can make the switch to glass (I just think my water tastes better that way) but glass makes me nervous in my workout space so <a href="https://amzn.to/2JC3fyj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this bottle</a> brings the best of both worlds!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Contigo-AUTOSPOUT-Ashland-Bottle-Weather/dp/B01M65TR3C/ref=as_li_ss_il?dchild=1&keywords=water+bottle&qid=1606957587&refinements=p_89:Contigo&rnid=2528832011&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-11&linkCode=li3&tag=gabiford0f-20&linkId=75a7c95e010721e623cf265224fcfc0f&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B01M65TR3C&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B01M65TR3C" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Or, if they're a fan of the <a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/b/nutrition-programs/2bmindset?referringRepID=34793" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2B Mindset</a> and <a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/b/nutrition-programs/2bmindset?referringRepID=34793" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ilana Muhlstein</a>'s approach to food, why not show them a little love and support with the <a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/d/2BWaterbottle?referringRepID=34793" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">water bottle</a> that echos the goals and themes of the program? </div><h4 style="text-align: left;">DIY</h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">There's something about a <a href="https://amzn.to/2VukCUj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">skinny tumbler size</a> that just feels so on trendy and it's straight so it's easy to add a design! Pick your favorite design from Etsy or feel free to click on any of the images below to download the svg. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I recommend starting with <a href="https://amzn.to/2VukCUj">this bottle</a> (I have one just like it!) and the <a href="https://amzn.to/2Ju308F" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Siser</a> Permanent PSV (why not go with <a href="https://amzn.to/3lD5myR" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">some glitter</a>?). Make sure to let your design and cup sit for a day after assembly to let the adhesive settle in. Don't forget your <a href="https://amzn.to/3oiLXW0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">transfer tape</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/3mByMih" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">weeding tools</a>, and <a href="https://amzn.to/2VwCfmy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cricut</a>!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tNQxJ5KPwxamuleEKioSW8pQOo8cUzKc/view?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIlj4hLzsP03HOpbAU0CVAiUI80cttz0tWAOc1Wo1F1R3kVjuroVUVeDh6kRAI9ljERTa0T4VrXeyBaD1Pibysdn9RlO23nGkLvl-poNeVxrRfjAtsmqC4N-BQXdOgXtFXdEDiQ8WHML5y/w160-h320/ready_sip_go.png" width="160" /></a> <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/13ylOGVdmd6i3JO3DtDa0yysVy4sBccLo/view?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPySm7tGeYhF0NOQH-nHk38Ps_RAgN6e_SlPamx203ddDF6C_S7U1ISE0bXmu0ZJPHtiynZsM5tiZVHHQR1ylXVTMWBq91PudH6g6nZotQwVio_jOMRrB9v_2tX_-6IjuCdlGPR-7y7w-/w160-h320/sip_sip_hooray.png" width="160" /></a> <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NyIFNiHHzMguPAABNSoxXeMJ0a3TLOtl/view?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOOvpI5Yo7Rm_ybOJdZqJF9D0rmdXFjBDHf_hvaIlCRWeoPpEHR8DIg7kIZPsd8nuzAg5wNt1acydrvQe-GjIV_xtetrjnLL7k_aYqwyUUez-kMvLnVawY0WrG7qCKrniYaXMKfLhrQSS/w160-h320/water_wine.png" width="160" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Want to help them kick up the value of their water? I highly recommend adding some <a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/us/b/nutrition-supplement?referringRepID=34793" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">craving busting tea</a>, <a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/d/beachbody-performance-hydrate-tub-BBPHydrate?referringRepID=34793" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">hydration boosting formula</a>, or <a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/d/BBPEnergizeAllFlavors?referringRepID=34793" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">plant-based energy and focus supplement</a> to their gift. </div><br /><a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/us/b/nutrition-supplement?referringRepID=34793" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BEVVY</a> - this 15 calorie tea supplement includes decaffeinated green tea phytosomes, brewer's yeast peptides, and fiber to help curb cravings without synthetic colors, artificial flavors, artificial preservatives, gluten, dairy, or soy! Personally, I prefer the pomegranate flavor but the lemon is good too!<div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/d/beachbody-performance-hydrate-tub-BBPHydrate?referringRepID=34793" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hydrate</a> - even the slightest dehydration can knock you off your game so it helps to have a little extra help with absorbing fluids and electrolytes. Your usual sports drinks are filled with artificial ingredients and sugars that can actually dehydrate you but this formula is free of artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives. It's designed for workouts but I even use it on rest days to kick off my day with as much hydration as I can get from my first bottle of water!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/d/BBPEnergizeAllFlavors?referringRepID=34793" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Energize</a> - this is another one that I drink on rest days too (usually just a half dose on those days) for focus and an energy life. A lot of pre-workouts leave you with that buzzed feeling but this formula leaves out the artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives. Oh and it tastes great so it's a win win! I like mixing the lemon and mixed berry flavors a lot but the fruit punch might be my favorite. You can't go wrong though with any of the flavors IMO. <br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Lavendar Bath Salts</h3><h4 style="text-align: left;">Buy</h4><div style="text-align: left;">I've tried and enjoyed both the <a href="https://amzn.to/3okNeMi" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon's Solimo brand</a> (in particular the <a href="https://amzn.to/3qpNV8A" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">eucalyptus</a>) and <a href="https://amzn.to/33ANI96" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Teal's salts</a>. The <a href="https://amzn.to/33ANI96" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Teal's brand</a> you can usually find in any drug store or you can find both on Amazon. Both have various blends for different effects - or you can just pick the one you think is the best scent! Want to make your gift look a little more "gift like"? Try pouring some into a cute <a href="https://amzn.to/3mFzGdS" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">jar</a>, like <a href="https://amzn.to/3mFzGdS" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this one</a> or <a href="https://amzn.to/2JkZ3TR" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this one</a>, and add a cute ribbon (how cute is <a href="https://amzn.to/3lBimFn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this</a>???) with a <a href="https://amzn.to/3lFR2pG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">tag</a>!</div><h4 style="text-align: left;">DIY</h4><div style="text-align: left;"><u>Ingredients: </u></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>2 cups <a href="https://amzn.to/39I0XbX" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Epsom salt</a></li><li>10–15 drops Lavender essential oil (see my note below about essential oils)</li><li>¼ cup dried <a href="https://amzn.to/3qmkSTx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">lavender buds</a> (optional)</li></ul></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><u>Directions: </u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Combine Epsom salt, dried lavender buds, and essential oils in a bowl.</li><li>Stir until everything is well mixed.</li><li>Divide into <a href="https://amzn.to/37sBCjg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">mason</a> <a href="https://amzn.to/2Vwg3bT" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">jars</a> (or any old glass containers) and store for up to 2–3 months in a cool, dry place.</li></ol><div><u>To Use:</u></div><div>Pour salts into bath directly under the faucet as tub is filling with warm (or hot - bather's choice) water. Soak and enjoy!</div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Make your purchased or homemade gifts a little more festive with <a href="https://amzn.to/33C9V6H" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">personalized labels</a> on the jar, writing a note on a <a href="https://amzn.to/3lFR2pG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">tag</a>, and adding a pretty <a href="https://amzn.to/3oessO0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ribbon</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Want to print some labels instead of handwriting them? Feel free to use this <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LWrXZ4nWcLvdrxupHpPqQv5MBp59u46p/view?usp=sharing">image</a> to print on <a href="https://amzn.to/2L3qt0V" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cardstock</a>, cut out, and <a href="https://amzn.to/2VvmjB1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">tie</a> on; <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FZrWfT1f5rlv9WpQrUiAVjTeRk5MxVOH/view?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this one</a> to <a href="https://amzn.to/33C9V6H" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">print and stick on labels</a> to the lid; or - if you're really feeling up to it - grab this <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VQm9YySi_yG-zX20iRPTINkCYJXNesOG/view?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">svg</a> to <a href="https://amzn.to/33CxIDe" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cut some vinyl</a> with your <a href="https://amzn.to/3qk8R13" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cricut</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/3mCnTNk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">transfer</a>, and stick to the jar lid!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UBG_P8qjof76rF23JkOjP4dZ0T9ZY8CF?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjYtaDyi0VfobDrzJ5AEl07m0TcCWu12Pem-BjZ2K3KqNzQEZ44OdAteOhB1-MSHhofbjaDKZaM-XltiAFcXdgLOxim0TmHOOggznOiGjRPdpk857HBb6crWetg4lBamgUFP4jnsgIHc4_/w200-h200/Lavender+Bath+Salts+%25281%2529.png" width="200" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Yoga mat spray</h3>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Buy</h4><div><a href="https://amzn.to/2Vtp0D7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This set</a> would be especially good for the yogi on the go as the small bottle is the perfect size for any bag and the little towel allows for a quick dry! Gotta love a quick gift!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/ASUTRA-Sale-Best-Yoga-Cleaner/dp/B00XQBHJOU/ref=as_li_ss_il?dchild=1&keywords=yoga+mat+spray&qid=1606884682&refinements=p_85:2470955011,p_72:1248903011&rnid=1248901011&rps=1&s=hpc&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExRVAxTldXU0NIOU82JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTQyMDg5MkVRTFROQjdMVEoyOSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMzkwMjM0M0Q4OFA4SEVBWDYxNiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=&linkCode=li3&tag=gabiford0f-20&linkId=4f58b317ec118f08352fe25a9977fad2&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00XQBHJOU&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gabiford0f-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B00XQBHJOU" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">DIY</h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">I use <a href="https://www.thehealthymaven.com/diy-yoga-mat-spray/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">recipes like this</a> for all sorts of surfaces around the house for a quick refresh but it's especially good for yoga mats because it calls for just water, <a href="https://amzn.to/2VpvvGT" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">witch hazel</a> (which has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties - I use <a href="https://amzn.to/2VpvvGT" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this alcohol free one</a>), and essential oils (see my note on essential oils below) like peppermint, lemon, tea tree, and lavender which gives your mat an uplifting scent. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Try bottling it up in <a href="https://amzn.to/3ojvMYt " rel="nofollow" target="_blank">larger spray bottles</a> (you'll find <a href="https://amzn.to/3ojvMYt " rel="nofollow" target="_blank">these exact ones</a> all over our house!) for home use or <a href="https://amzn.to/3ltqo37">smaller ones</a> for quick on-the-go needs.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Want to add some labels?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/37DpwUO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">These</a> should fit the <a href="https://amzn.to/33CokQ8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">larger bottles</a> and I've made up an <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yuFpTYqxo4OzplP7Fu-p7fJgEDIZKW8V/view?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">image</a> you can print on them too! For my <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yuFpTYqxo4OzplP7Fu-p7fJgEDIZKW8V/view?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cricut</a> lovers, here's an <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XgZs_V39gvQBBhzu3x1aNMF-DQuBvDDc/view?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">svg</a> of the same design to <a href="https://amzn.to/39EdNYp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cut</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/3qtzyR0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">prep</a>, and <a href="https://amzn.to/3mF8fk3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">transfer</a> <a href="https://amzn.to/2VyL534" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">vinyl</a> instead.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yuFpTYqxo4OzplP7Fu-p7fJgEDIZKW8V/view?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="875" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXGF7-9waqHYAfo0EzHm4x7nTkiYokAkS_uamjwbhR_q0VlTi3LP84t4U9VvzDUide2Hb4PLmD2zZJdopX3h9eau7cbpQypo40o1ax1qq9XYMApRuSRzfOBkVzxDyeLHeBCcbKGetnEP-/s320/Yoga+mat+spray_16oz.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The <a href="https://amzn.to/3g7TRP1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">labels</a> for the <a href="https://amzn.to/2VzRefi" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">smaller bottles</a> are a slightly different ratio so here's a <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mc3DJqzvKh552FIyVSTpuragBEBJT3GD/view?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">printed label image</a> and an <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bnPerWkkJUYOf1azSlvzQWqDwoom-Uhk/view?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">svg</a> for the little guys.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mc3DJqzvKh552FIyVSTpuragBEBJT3GD/view?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtAKPZjR8kghrF5p6kiL9fI7Ap95Ks4xQNT0r4boomWmGHuH9fNwjeUhZClycMi2lz-j7OGQre59gpwPG7pxxA9rKplD8Scs2AAInOP_kt1_vEGoakJSOnrKRNY205CL0icdwz7yX4YvT/s320/Yoga+mat+spray_4oz.png" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Virtual Yoga Studio</h3><div>And finally... has your yoga lover been displaced from their favorite studio this year? Help them stay on track with some new classes and mix up their routine from the comfort of their own home with world class instructors in this <a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/d/3-week-yoga-retreat-base-kit-YGRBase?referringRepID=34793" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">3 Week Yoga Retreat DVD set</a> or online streaming access to the Retreat and dozens of other yoga and meditation videos (plus access to thousands of other workout and cooking videos!) with a 1 year subscription to <a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/d/BODStandalone?referringRepID=34793" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Beachbody On Demand</a>. Want to learn more about this service and how to <a href=" https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/b/challenge-packs?referringRepID=34793" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bundle it</a> for even more savings? Email me at <a href="mailto:gabi@gabiford.com">gabi@gabiford.com</a> and we'll chat!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/d/3-week-yoga-retreat-base-kit-YGRBase?referringRepID=34793" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="930" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCo_GQHE0X7DsKTtToaWa-1PdzYXoYeSw3xTEJUGMTNK-VMD9Bkt30Nx2rREqs6UqKvLcpSsrNMV6CAItukIuLOUGHvHD9ziRuG73gxbGE9Nm-VC3E88D8ci6m9M5-WoVG_OPpoOtScZsC/s320/3wyr-base-kit-pdp-930-960-en-us-091917.png" /></a></div><div><i>Note on Essential Oils:</i></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>I've switched a lot of our home products - especially anything with a scent - to essential oil scented, natural products. This is a choice we made because we know that certain manufactured fragrances can be harmful over time and also because I'm definitely sensitive to them and find they make it harder for me to breathe. Because essential oils are gaining popularity, you can find them everywhere with varying price tags. Keep in mind though that, just like anything else, you get what you pay for. After a lot of research, I've trusted Young Living's product quality and even after 4 or so years of use, we have yet to be let down. However, I'm not a rep for Young Living (<a href="https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/b/challenge-packs?referringRepID=34793" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fitness and nutrition</a> is still my main focus and passion!) so if you're new to essential oils, I recommend getting in touch with my good friend, Annette Gorden. She has taken great care of our family and she's happy to help you out too! Feel free to send her an email at annettegorden@gmail.com or learn more about her best deals <a href="https://www.youngliving.com/vo/#/signup/start?isoCountryCode=US&sponsorid=3990061&enrollerid=3990061&type=member&isoLanguageCode=EN">here!</a> </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">I hope you like those ideas and find them helpful in supporting your favorite yoga lover with fun gifts this holiday season! If you think of any others, I'd love to hear them! You're also welcome to send this list on to anyone who might need a little hint ;-)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy Holidays! Hope you and yours stay safe and healthy!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gabriella Ford is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com at no additional cost to you! All opinions are my own!</span></div></div></div>Gabi Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14705547121325044069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126526224400484912.post-20869795752757085782020-06-29T09:58:00.000-04:002020-06-29T09:58:02.212-04:00Scrumptious Summer SnacksI don’t know if it is the heat or all of the amazing fruit that is in season, but during summer I want to snack more than ever! Maybe it’s because it stays light so much longer! Whatever it is, I created this PDF of amazing summer snacks - perfect for sharing or keeping to yourself. I meal prep a few of these for the week so I know I have something yummy to grab - it keeps me from grabbing chips and ice cream.<br />
What is your go to summer snack? I encourage you to try out something new!<br />
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Click the link below to grab your PDF - you can use the buttons in the top right hand corner to print, save, or download!<br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1QGn4vML-BDuEAA1ikGoW072U699y2974">https://drive.google.com/open?id=1QGn4vML-BDuEAA1ikGoW072U699y2974</a><br />
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Gabi Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14705547121325044069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126526224400484912.post-58030165935064841402020-06-26T09:54:00.000-04:002020-06-26T09:54:07.985-04:00Summer PlaylistWe are in total summer mode over here and it is a blast! I created this playlist full of summer songs to workout to... but loved it so much I have been playing it all day. There is nothing better than good tunes and a good workout! Did I miss any? Send me more songs with summer in the title! If we get enough, I’ll make a big playlist so we can all listen together!<div>
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Gabi Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14705547121325044069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126526224400484912.post-79994026520232959322020-06-23T09:52:00.002-04:002020-06-23T09:54:58.203-04:00Summer Reading ListAre you a big reader? I love a good book by the beach or the pool and have been loving my personal development lately! I used to scoff at people who read self-help books - I thought it was boring or silly… that is until I started reading these books and they changed my whole life. I encourage you to try one of these books this summer. You never know - you could change yours too! Which one looks like something you would be interested in?<br />
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Gabi Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14705547121325044069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126526224400484912.post-24450399836497140082020-06-17T16:25:00.000-04:002020-06-23T10:21:43.811-04:00New Program Alert: #mbfI am SO excited for the launch of our newest program - #mbf- Muscle Burns Fat! And the most exciting part… it’s really two programs in one - #mbfa (Muscle Burns Fat Advanced) is designed to be completed right after! I cannot wait for 6 full weeks of new workouts! Want to be the first to get updates? Fill out <a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/yJaAEDZ" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration-line: underline;" target="_blank">this form</a> and we'll stay in touch!<br />
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What is #mbf?</h2>
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<iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="361" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/409921853?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="640"></iframe>
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<a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/yJaAEDZ" target="_blank"><img height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/412zD3QmjUju5SSEtEvfHVcMndFRUE3-Y0VuwCjMil9nVhvCOWQyYwhB-H34OagQieKAAEzn3_4ygWZq1XUYEu6uLd_Iac4hfGNiHUWStDu9evUf1bdv9QebhFnLY-S2SLWV7ilR" width="640" /></a></div>
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Basics:</h2>
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<li>Super Trainer Megan Davies (winner of The 20s and creator of Clean Week)</li>
<li>Two 3 week programs designed to be done back to back</li>
<li>25-45 minute workouts</li>
<li>Set to music so you can push your pace, find your rhythm, and let the music help drive you to burn maximum calories.</li>
<li>7 days a week: M/W/F- Strength training, T/H- Cardio, Saturday- EMOMs (every minute on the minute), Sunday- Recovery</li>
<li>#mbf is made up of two 3-week programs—#mbf Muscle Burns Fat and #mbfa Muscle Burns Fat Advanced—designed to be done back-to-back. #mbf is perfect for beginners and will lead you right into #mbfa. Led by Super Trainer Megan Davies, these 25- to 45-minute strength-training and cardio workouts will help you tone, tighten and scorch calories!</li>
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Who is Megan Davies?</h2>
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<a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/yJaAEDZ" target="_blank"><img height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/9UwSMcHCrh9z9zVqFVL0e7BSoUmqpwHSpZWjJqBd3LrT2-fULqWSVOqM7-rxzQHHTYzRzUo1ZBDrmZWIuWdTH159fpweiUmhCt3IJdBmlt2Zc57jNqk7wVdWlij-8y-kUn1_cAOU" width="400" /></a></div>
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Super Trainer Megan Davies is the creator of #mbf - Muscle Burns Fat. Megan began her career as a personal trainer in college. She then spent years training clients and expanding her skills, earning certifications from the NSCA and the Fitness Institute International, and opening her own gym. After winning the Beachbody fitness reality show, THE 20s (which you can watch on BOD!), Megan was chosen as the next Beachbody Super Trainer to create her first program, Clean Week. I am so excited for you to get to know her - she is so upbeat and her attitude helps me power through my workouts!<br />
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When Can I Start?</h2>
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<li>June 29: #mbf free Sample Workout launch</li>
<li>July 7th: Coaches can purchase and start workouts</li>
<li>July 20: #mbfa Sample workout launch</li>
<li>July 27th: Customers can purchase and start workouts</li>
<li>August 17th: #mbfa workouts start</li>
<li>Late December 2020: #mbf and #mbfa on BOD</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h2>
What equipment is required?</h2>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Light, medium and heavy dumbbells</li>
<li>BOD Rope - our new weighted indoor jump rope!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h2>
What is the nutrition plan like?</h2>
All #mbf Challenge and Completion packs include BOTH UPF and 2B Mindset - our AMAZING premium nutrition plans (and by launch, I'll be a certified master mentor in both programs!!) - so we will be able to focus on the nutrition program that works best for you. This combination of nutrition and fitness is amazing!<br />
<h2>
What support will I have?</h2>
My test groups are so much fun and such an amazing way to stick to your plan, answer questions, stay motivated and connect with other people doing the same program! These groups are what have kept me on track - they hold me accountable and keep me motivated!<br />
<h2>
What packages are there?</h2>
<h3>
For New Customers:</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/yJaAEDZ" target="_blank"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/LbTz6nJoIfVmPv3OGT4DXJwECLxqIHnPwaW5QbOoCClxueupUbx4CmLgF1wCmyZLncUXTtY6ZHtx1mIjdZm4_OlzbU6GG0y_87mNNYnyWxP5Vr2Qv5HNBrvGzxs6-pEkH7rsHFMU" width="640" /></a></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
For Existing BOD Members:</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/yJaAEDZ" target="_blank"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/DOQQFA5TJ2GnAP-FJPLPyx1fevURM3YQTuxqIeF3tAnJtNOa6txAWquVCve1W2NOiNJuah_l0FQm-GHkkJwgi6b0da-gVQjDE4IdbNmUIwWekCf5zMkelQN4WYgzFE5c2_MZ1bkt" width="640" /></a></h3>
I always recommend the Deluxe packages - especially with a program like this where you will be SORE. Having Recover will help you function the next day and allow you to give your next workout 100%. And Energize will give you the power to really crush your workout.<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
My favorite add ons:</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/tN__ssBmQvmyucfrN5pb1Ax9WGSC15v6rsjNBKIV-0OMk68PcbIqYwk2icAkzGo5I57v-dsUItSPb_ySH04MaxG6i3BJfm0SiMV3a6HSEM0_-XEkZSaiD_jny0KmupmpM--gwn0w" width="640" /></h3>
I am so excited to do this program with you! Make sure that you have filled out <a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/yJaAEDZ" target="_blank"><b>this form</b></a> to be kept up to date! I will be sending out the sample workout on June 29th and an order form shortly after! Cannot wait to rock this with you!</div>
Gabi Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14705547121325044069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126526224400484912.post-21752633729856276082020-04-24T15:04:00.003-04:002020-04-24T15:04:48.474-04:00Pumping while drivingThere were a lot of hurdles and struggles I expected when it came to having a baby. Labor. Delivery. Lack of sleep. Bringing a baby into our blended family. But I totally underestimated the struggles that would come with breastfeeding.<br />
<br />
Honestly, I went into it kinda halfheartedly. I knew I wanted to try but I didn't feel like I'd be too upset if it didn't work. The whole idea of nursing was strange in my mind... and pumping just seemed stranger. But like everything that comes with becoming a mom, all of those expectations went out the window pretty quickly. <br />
<br />
Once I committed to pumping though, I met a new hurdle. I'm not sure of all of the right words for how I felt... the best way I can describe it is like a kind of depression. I felt trapped.. like an extension of a machine. Too many times I had to take a deeeeeeep breath at the start of pumping just to avoid breaking down and crying. Ugh.<br />
<br />
I quickly learned that I needed to find ways to be as productive as possible or very distracted to get through pumping enough to keep up with Alexander's appetite. Fortunately a couple of moms in the pumping group I'm in suggesting pumping while driving and after I got over my initial shock, I was all about making this my primary pumping time.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhh-d1Bl4Ak4aJl90P3sZPbaQecm5cvKKXcVVDMYOQc9w7fEBrOdS5mby9_2vfcDjR8X9utWMy7JFm7VrhfPE359apl4fOm4rbuLC-rMK5gYa0f1pI1W20KOyuQ1JtR-4Avi7PYuQQThPw/s400/Pumping+and+driving.png" width="266" /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Why? Oh goodness... it saves so much time - especially if you’re in the car a decent amount of time each day - and driving can be a good distraction which can actually help let-down and the amount of milk you express! Personally, I commute about an hour each way to work so having to add pumping time at home before and after work was just a lot more time away from my family than I was willing to give up. Simply and bluntly put, pumping in the car saved my sanity.<br />
<br />
So how did I make this happen? How did I manage this every day for months? It's all about preparation. Once I got my things staged, invested in a few things, and figured out my routine, it was smooth sailing. Eventually, once I had enough of a stash and Alexander was eating more and taking a bottle less, my only pumps were during my commute which felt so so freeing.<br />
<br />
In case it's helpful to you, I put together the tips I got and the tricks I figured out along with my favorite finds because who has the time to research when they need info fast?<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
Initial set-up</h3>
<ul>
<li>Rearrange whatever you have plugged into your car so that your pump can be plugged in and easily accessible. I recommend the passenger seat for your pump and bag with the pump as close to the driver seat as possible!</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHGrBDMDrhLUiEKb25HoG9wIMt4h_yZw2c82FplkD092rhlDIdU3wvCCr_8WY1Ro3kn1jBnyumuALkOgyGTK3CbOYDu6X73HHWAmTiQ5J7eG5YmSX0lGHDoaorBA_gJmt29qCI-oPr6c9/s400/56D7DA27-9E1C-4F55-9E67-1B24BD906B8D.JPG" width="300" /></div>
<div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Make sure your towel(s) are within reach or – even better – lay them in your lap to catch any drips or spills!</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<h3>
Daily step-by-step</h3>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Buckle up and then set up your pump / flanges / cover / etc. Keep towels within reach! I recommend laying a towel across your lap *just in case* of spills or overflow.</li>
<li>Start up the car and start pumping</li>
<li>Once stopped, while still wearing the parts, unscrew the pump bottle and pour the milk into the storage bottles or bags.</li>
<li>Screw the pump bottles back onto flanges.</li>
<li>Remove entire flange / bottle assembly as one piece from pumping straps or bra and prep to store the flange / bottle assemblies all together.</li>
<li>Wipe down parts with pump wipes and / or store parts in a small cooler or bag with an ice pack or in a fridge for the day (a great way to avoid washing pump parts after *every* pump).</li>
<li>Once you’re home, bring in all pumped milk and parts. Prep bottles for the next day and / or freeze pumped milk and wash pump parts. Make sure to rinse out and air dry your pump part storage bags and coolers too! Oh, and get those ice packs into the freezer!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h3>
My Favorite Finds</h3>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Sometimes, the right tools make all the difference and these were the game changers for me:<br />
<br />
Strap / pumping bra – <i>both of these work with any nursing bra!</i><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2RJ8gW2" target="_blank">Brauxilary strap</a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2RJ8gW2" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/fbGMsRPy0nxWejt_7Lbs3eCUUNFbUFKqsMcdaRqKVz2vCq4YXHZ3uUd2x5-5mEE81w9qAeheKJuq3zQZu2pev08GLKgV7q0cD4uKCNOn61uHkPXlnkPLPdeQGDt5R2GJFwRgQZYl8FZ2fI9rLg" width="236" /></a></div>
<a href="https://amzn.to/2RL6VOE" target="_blank">Sarah Wells Pumpease</a> - <i>Love this because it coordinates with the rest of my pumping set-up</i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2RL6VOE" target="_blank"><img height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/y8D9ad9DphAXAPMdvjYN8-_OH9J8kYhQwZ5qreSgWurwUQMnKNKe_-5Yd5YB9O4ToR_LdurZTX4q9EIIy-8k3VIV4v3NzG2PntToux9iSmTLrrJG6UJOx9nMKnTklYZxFvf2pkxV37oAWScadw" width="236" /></a></div>
<a href="https://amzn.to/38NCIW7" target="_blank">Sarah Wells bags / accessories</a> - <i>I love the Deco pattern as is probably obvious by my front seat.</i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/38NCIW7" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzX1EvKmPsJ7-6T2orQaNe7Ms-GxX8WtGYZgceJxRbA8ISVdWyjI1D30mXWKzPnhpE7CpCr1vXdomH6Pp9Z6t6J6MDzoJsNOFOIqrlQvxwLKkHyv68r-pdi3zifFK80vPmtIwWXREHvvcC/s400/Screenshot+2020-03-23+at+10.39.35+AM.png" width="326" /></a></div>
<br />
The <a href="https://amzn.to/2utHclO" target="_blank">Sarah Wells Claire bag</a> - <i>it fits a laptop plus it has 2 insulated pouches that can keep pumped milk cold and plenty of other pockets for staying organized. It comes in <a href="https://amzn.to/2utHclO" target="_blank">black</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/3aFeU8r" target="_blank">brown</a> (what I have) and after pumping, it'll make a great combo laptop / lunch bag. </i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2utHclO" target="_blank"><img height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/t6aZalrsSIcr2eGqmIjrXFtXBsTiq6u8yn3YToVihoNnMeNpr6Cc16KG1HKv953ByX-0SWRCiwkR4VNuEzEL2344887yx0Ya_dXK-ZNI98ys49jlI0S2lcKBjnf9V9WluBmJr4AFF13GpdxsIw" width="297" /></a><a href="https://amzn.to/3aFeU8r" target="_blank"><img height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/9IVKxU1SWQMZluMTqTjEOiAarwBcunPljutEb-ffFkg6s507K3YG9Xa-Fu68n-rkIPKfJgWaonzhM_FhnVsiZCpZlV_wd5JQAc3uF3cj2ZwO4PeQiRSFcv6o0CI4ZN-f0K3WARF6zDSkFKiqEw" width="282" /></a></div>
The <a href="https://amzn.to/2NWBDmJ" target="_blank">Sarah Wells Kelly bag</a> - <i>Once I was able to drop the workday pumps, I switched over to this bag because it holds my pump plus everything I need to keep in the daily diaper bag. Plus it has backpack straps which makes it great when we're out and about! This is another one we definitely get a ton of use out of still because the insulated pockets are great for snacks and the bag has plenty of room for everything we need.</i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2NWBDmJ" target="_blank"><img height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blRY1d27g1M6hQH9-AsYgpHxo2IOc5t8Gld46KGaTSuhFwl3X6EP1H4rf1-WZA5bkb9y5LDGMr-PCwBsXQUhQzNeDmvsKdkylp6HqJDhc5BIIV_M1r4pHro-Jngm94Y1fRlGKXLe4lTKqRW1ew" width="228" /></a></div>
<a href="https://amzn.to/37tLs3e" target="_blank">Pumparoo wet / dry bag</a> - <i>This accessory bag is great for holding my nursing strap or <a href="https://amzn.to/2RL6VOE" target="_blank">pumpease</a> and pump parts (flanges, duckbills, bottles). Wet / dry bags also really come in handy for dirty clothes, wet swimsuits, ... you get the idea!</i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/37tLs3e" target="_blank"><img height="235" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/BsZVJnUzOSYxOg2xc64nkGR8KppiYiWGxNopLS2mR61r6ESrQDUppUzdySfG95QL0Ck3Uf5os0zQ1JLWP1OVyy1RCKKg5OuRfWmAfcCfKHWS6Nrdt2fVi_t2f3wRBmaDml1PQwssgk3c6JkW2Q" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://amzn.to/2GhNLdI" target="_blank">Small cooler for pumped milk</a> - <i>Sarah Wells has a <a href="https://amzn.to/2GhNLdI" target="_blank">coordinating cooler bag</a> that comes with a great ice pack too. Yes, the pump bags have insulated pockets but if you need extra space or want to store it separate from your daily bag, you're gonna want this! <a href="https://amzn.to/2GhNLdI">https://amzn.to/2GhNLdI</a></i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2GhNLdI" target="_blank"><img height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/aSZmuSFoNSx9ovV_ii1EIr0MlmDbUcDHcYW9aejuoTOnTKHZyKMkTsikbS2JxLkKYv8z1Dn7NtkedNhCu46CJlCEPYZsw50i3drAMGT_NT4soTMpymtAVi8wUYy9WIEQ5S5Q77cM3tPs_hbN_A" width="312" /></a></div>
Side note: I so appreciate the Sarah Wells Bags VIP group that is open to all BF-ing mommas. The community there is so supportive and helpful! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/SarahWellsVIP">https://www.facebook.com/groups/SarahWellsVIP</a><br />
<br />
Towels! <i>I just use our kitchen towels and keep a couple in the car</i><br />
<br />
Bottles or bags for pumped milk<br />
<br />
<i>We had great luck with the smilo bottles (<a href="http://tiny.cc/smilogabi">http://tiny.cc/smilogabi</a> - 15% off and free shipping through that link!) which fit perfectly with the flat caps in the Sarah Wells Cold Gold!</i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="320" src="https://images.prismic.io/smilo/846077963eb7308e6bc9d73a3c3015f8d0523d0b_300-three-bottles-cap-off-aqua-tiny.jpg?auto=compress,format" width="320" /></div>
<i>Extra milk for the freezer stash – no issues at all with the <a href="https://amzn.to/36ibqFy" target="_blank">Lanisoh bags</a>! </i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/36ibqFy" target="_blank"><img height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/aLVDrfLc8u6n1qCMkAmycYMG5ZQpY-LtWmpId0oo6AMPYt4-JqSobJbJxXiffCebFJzlaFWW6Ab4KdVYsrb2hmcnaqXOysFXJPR4S2kyrKKCAnf7lhHQG8GNpPs4JH1O4dbZJbCNgD364pmLZw" width="320" /></a></div>
I don’t recommend pumping directly into the bags on the road (I’ve tried this!) or really any time because its way too open and spills are going to be really likely!<br />
<br />
Car adapter - <i>I have a <a href="https://amzn.to/38yo6te" target="_blank">Spectra S2 pump</a> so <a href="https://amzn.to/2S09pJ9" target="_blank">this </a><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>adapter</u></span> works for me – the <a href="https://amzn.to/2TUYR0s" target="_blank">same brand</a> makes adapters for multiple pumps (including <a href="https://amzn.to/2GhQBPU" target="_blank">Medela</a>)!</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/3eYgjJw" target="_blank"><img height="200" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/0tTofBBkpy8ZfuNUVxwdS6d_WqY25zutetAxLUu4daO2I06bchahZBlTNL72mMpEL8jIR0oupyyu3OqeubKeeQAWu43NvYMuIWfLBhyQ6KRgsSwecklrvGGnEH2ORBAwe2TMk9Fj2V16N9rMDA" width="200" /></a></div>
Nursing covers - <i>It's not likely someone will see what you’re doing – especially if you’re wearing a nursing top – but these are my favorite covers when I want to use them</i><br />
<br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2sUFj0V" target="_blank">This one</a> doubles as car seat cover – super handy!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2sUFj0V" target="_blank"><img height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/jUUVxFtYuxcS8r41NrG6c38u8-nR2SQukyT6cPhTmzvLOffZbBU8x6muhXwtH_egdPW50yO5SlkvgRpEjm5dCkMt4P0RH5AqVF4kEiYkTXdxAsU5_UIo--Hvrke8SahdaXGUWDMXeYXbErbnWQ" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://amzn.to/2RR9QoM" target="_blank">This one</a> is so soft and I love the little mesh “window”<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2RR9QoM" target="_blank"><img height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/0IKE0-m8czvgKxfcvwxHswoVsK3Ai9oR7YtHgdGgDlU20aBZRILQw3RRmU8p1Bhoyip0cQn--6gkyiUxoUgsGwSlnJBgOrJD4bIz0C8LyZV1NWSydlfikF5jmO9_hvJufwo1DovE13tzN4fu3Q" width="320" /></a></div>
And I love <a href="https://amzn.to/2TBoYaK" target="_blank">this one</a> because it makes for a great scarf too!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2TBoYaK" target="_blank"><img height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/iehO1JdYaAYcvqugT81m_ECBmTv8VBCA5zlDs7cbBV7Pz1ePxe1SRMD_Di8nAk7DLBmsBpfVpatrGY6raLHQxhI1BJ6j-DqrZpZBptCoFOv_rW7OG9jHnaQEU27NgudvYvTovOlj_AKFs7uLuA" width="317" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Plenty of ice packs for both pumped milk and pump parts!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/30PDQFI" target="_blank">Pump wipes for midday cleaning</a> - <a href="https://amzn.to/30PDQFI" target="_blank">Medela wipes</a> were recommended at the hospital and come in a great package that’s easy to keep handy<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/ucDztYCxsngYPEefJ-e1HJQDkS5MQkKMOtbSY0TNBJ3MD3X0rENCDg7ZVMWUlAvzupJAG3_fTwhCL5MG4Zhv5IgrqCg4FVYyfI1E9VsaziZIC6THquSdmZAJGId-o2McQK3CIS2xC6p1KiBnDg" width="320" /><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
I think that about covers it! I truly found these tips so helpful and I'm glad to be able to add my own advice and share them with you. Pumping and nursing is plenty stressful so I'm all for anything that might make it a little easier!</div>
</div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Gabi Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14705547121325044069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126526224400484912.post-26699372752628796302020-03-23T13:14:00.002-04:002020-03-23T13:30:37.891-04:00Simple and essential grocery listA stocked pantry and freezer are always good to have but sometimes they're a must! It may seem impossible (or at least <i>reallllly hard</i>) to eat healthy when grocery trips are limited and produce doesn't make much sense but with a little planning and smart shopping, you can stay on track! I'm going to cut right to the chase here with a list for you but be sure to check out my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17966037862210536/" target="_blank">IG stories</a> for easy food inspiration and you can always <a href="mailto:gabi@gabiford.com" target="_blank">email me</a> if you've got questions or want some help with meal planning! ...and obviously you don't have to get <i>everything</i> on these lists to be well stocked but I wanted to give you plenty of options! Click the image below for a download-able PDF.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tNvNVfoD3vPXJsN8qdDAV53HkEd7kmQs/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img alt=" Download your stock-up grocery list here!" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKt1T3oGZRf1KOo8chT9WkuykMonBdeNrkbco0BueK_2ilqQ6a4m3bXAUZTnjEhOJaOkyjDPCHSZdQWJ1Qz4vyRAeP7XlA4bXNBQa_6O_jfEKQ43tdlkOr_RXQPuZFn5YzY954sbGs46u/s400/Simple%252C+essential+grocery+list.png" width="266" /></a></div>
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<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Vegetables</h3>
<div>
Go for frozen first if fresh produce isn't the right choice in the moment. Our favorites that freeze and still reheat and eat well are:<br />
<ul>
<li>broccoli</li>
<li>cauliflower</li>
<li>snow peas</li>
<li>carrots</li>
<li>stir fry blend</li>
<li>mixed veggie blends</li>
<li>Brussels sprouts</li>
<li>asparagus</li>
<li>artichoke</li>
<li>spinach</li>
<li>squashes (especially butternut!)</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Jarred and canned veggies are also good for a pantry stock - just check the labels to make sure you're not getting a bunch of additives</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>sauerkraut</li>
<li>pickles</li>
<li>banana peppers</li>
<li>diced tomatoes</li>
<li>green beans</li>
<li>pumpkin</li>
</ul>
<h3>
Fruits</h3>
</div>
<div>
Again, frozen first if fresh doesn't make sense (but don't forget that apples and oranges will last a good long time on the counter - just keep them away from bananas and tomatoes!)</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>raspberries</li>
<li>blueberries</li>
<li>strawberries</li>
<li>cherries</li>
<li>fruit medley</li>
<li>melons</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Jarred, dried, and canned are good too but check for added sugar!</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>peaches</li>
<li>fruit medley</li>
<li>salsa (counts as a fruit on our meal plans!)</li>
<li>mandarin oranges</li>
<li>unsweetened apple sauce</li>
<li>figs</li>
<li>dates</li>
<li>apricots</li>
</ul>
<h3>
Proteins</h3>
</div>
<div>
Make sure to wrap and seal meats tightly when freezing to maximize how long and well they'll keep! And don't forget non-meat protein items!</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>chicken (fresh, frozen, and canned)</li>
<li>beef</li>
<li>tuna fish (fresh, frozen, and canned)</li>
<li>frozen fish fillets</li>
<li>eggs</li>
<li>turkey</li>
<li>tempeh</li>
<li>tofu</li>
<li>ricotta cheese</li>
<li>cottage cheese</li>
<li>Greek yogurt</li>
<li>plain yogurt</li>
<li>nitrate free sandwich meats</li>
<li>turkey bacon</li>
<li>beef broth</li>
<li>chicken broth</li>
</ul>
<h3>
Carbs</h3>
</div>
<div>
Sure, bread is easy but it can also go bad if you're keeping it too long! Try these canned, jarred, and shelf-stable alternatives for a good stockpile of healthy carbs!</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>chickpeas</li>
<li>peas</li>
<li>beans</li>
<li>refried beans</li>
<li>sweet potatoes</li>
<li>red potatoes</li>
<li>popcorn</li>
<li>pasta</li>
<li>tortillas (corn or wheat)</li>
<li>rice cakes</li>
<li>pita bread</li>
<li>small bagels</li>
<li>frozen whole wheat waffles</li>
<li>oatmeal</li>
</ul>
<h3>
Fats</h3>
</div>
<div>
Healthy fats are KEY to any good nutrition plan so don't forget them!</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>almonds</li>
<li>cashews</li>
<li>peanuts</li>
<li>feta</li>
<li>goat cheese</li>
<li>mozzerella</li>
<li>cheddar cheese</li>
<li>hummus</li>
<li>canned coconut milk</li>
<li>pistachios</li>
<li>Parmesan cheese</li>
<li>chia seeds</li>
<li>olives</li>
<li>shredded coconut</li>
<li>coconut oil</li>
<li>olive oil</li>
<li>ghee / clarified butter</li>
<li>peanut / almond / sunflower seed butter</li>
</ul>
<h3>
Flavor!</h3>
</div>
<div>
Healthy eating can be bland if you don't literally season your food! Make sure to have these on hand to kick up any dish.<br />
<ul>
<li>lemon / lime juice</li>
<li>salt & pepper</li>
<li>vinegars</li>
<li>mustards</li>
<li>dry herbs</li>
<li>garlic</li>
<li>ginger</li>
<li>hot sauce</li>
<li>flavor extracts</li>
<li>nutmeg</li>
<li>cinnamon</li>
<li>cumin</li>
<li>unsweetened cocoa powder</li>
</ul>
<h3>
Storing the produce you have</h3>
Additionally... I made these a while back for our own guide at home to keep produce as fresh as possible for as long as possible. Hopefully this can help you too! (Click the image below for a PDF download)<br />
<ul>
<li>Lemons - into bag and in the fridge</li>
<li>Tomatoes - separate bowl and on the counter</li>
<li>Berries and grapes - unwashed (only wash when ready to use) in fridge</li>
<li>Leafy greens - wash right away and store with a cloth in fridge</li>
<li>Herbs - stems in jar of water with bag over it and in fridge</li>
<li>Broccoli / cauliflower - unwashed, broken up, in fridge</li>
<li>Bell peppers - wash, slice, in fridge</li>
<li>Asparagus - wash, trim ends, wrap ends in damp cloth, in fridge</li>
<li>Bananas - countertop then chop and freeze in bag once ripe / overripe</li>
<li>Kiwi - countertop or fridge for two weeks</li>
<li>Apples - fridge for weeks</li>
<li>Onions and potatoes - in mesh bags in a cool, dark place</li>
<li>Root veggies - cut off tops and store with a damp cloth</li>
</ul>
</div>
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<div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zKhogKpgQhT2sdj9AniqEL98Ieb5_rs6/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img alt=" Download your product storage guide here!" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxtrL0tnK59uIkHEtoG0K5RLWhbUltfkMhCe_d_YV1Vc8vsel7OrVN8IqB_Vjfe1h-uOiNHeXLLZEupG0sRE_VZt8j9IDFLTBa-bs1qW0AkWr-8OHI9f-pzof9pVxjLAmC9VvthyphenhyphenRDrEO/s400/Storing+Produce.png" width="308" /></a></div>
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Gabi Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14705547121325044069noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126526224400484912.post-62810101995979939152020-03-18T11:03:00.000-04:002020-03-21T15:10:45.649-04:00Free VIrtual Health Resource WorkbookThis is a crazy time... for those who may not see this until months from now (and I'll note it for posterity, too) we're in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of us are staying home as much as possible and avoiding as much social interaction as possible which means most of us are totally off of our normal routine.<br />
<br />
In light of all of that, I rushed a project I've had on my list for weeks now: a workbook filled with virtual resources at little to no cost to help anyone who needs to get started without the benefit of a gym or in-person help. It's going to keep changing as I get your feedback and I find / create more to add to it but it's available to grab now!<br />
<br />
It got a little big with all of the info and links I included (I actually had to compress it a bit in order for my email service to accept it!) but if you drop your email here, you'll get it sent to your inbox right away. You won't be added to my regular email list - this is a special group I'll be sending things to separately - so please don't hesitate to request it if it might help you! I've loaded it with free workouts, info on how to get a 2 week free workout streaming trial, recipe links, and more.<br />
<br />
May you and yours stay healthy and sane during this time! Oh and if you need a little extra community, come join us (now or anytime!) in our online health tribe: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/drivenbyfords">https://www.facebook.com/groups/drivenbyfords</a><br />
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<!-- End Constant Contact Inline Form Code -->Gabi Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14705547121325044069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126526224400484912.post-82190193871338708442019-11-01T11:15:00.000-04:002020-03-26T14:16:34.821-04:00Seizures and Strength<i>Originally written and posted: 30 November 2012. Latest update: 10 February 2020</i><br />
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<div>
I was diagnosed with epilepsy 6 weeks before my 9th birthday after having 2 grand mal seizures. For those of you unfamiliar, that means that I wasn’t conscious during the episode, had trouble walking and talking afterwards, and had no control over my body at all during the entire seizure. Both of them started while I was asleep but my dad saw the second one which is what gave the doctors the last bit of information they needed to get me started on medicine. After that medication controlling my seizures for 2 years, we reevaluated my status. Most children outgrow epilepsy and given my clean test results, I seemed a likely candidate for going off medication. Woohoo!!<br />
<br />
Until a couple years later… I started having minor episodes where I would have trouble breathing for a moment but all of those episodes could easily be contributed to being overtired (I didn’t even tell my parents about some of those!), heat, or just too much going on. In retrospect, I know these were partial seizures (still conscious and in control of my thoughts) but that wasn’t apparent until I had two partial seizures that included full body convulsions. Back to the doctor and the medications.<br />
<br />
I didn’t outgrow it and I have had a few EEGs that still show “abnormal activity”. I’m one of the lucky ones for whom medication can control my episodes and I live a pretty normal life. I can drive. I can work out. I do most everything everyone else does on a daily basis. I suppose that’s why I haven’t talked about my epilepsy much here – even though I think about it every single day (often several times each day), it doesn’t change my life too much. I have to be careful with how much caffeine I have (as we all should anyway), hyperventilation is bad, and I cover my eyes at the movies or a bar when lights are going crazy and strobe-light-like. Most any other changes are just so much a part of my life I don’t give them a second thought.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2bMYDfay-N4AZuUn-GSzHyWK2dICacErUYhpgbl60mkgRRFMdPFJuiT5LR93bXvN3TpGIaRhZ81UpVTYlQEv4800p2TcA3b_lC-uA561mp_sIPGTErolZmyFMEvKU8i-dvNE_5hI7_JM/s320/blogger-image-981919033.jpg" /> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgchhDyX-62gtG2QMC-Hlo7hbauLxpH8u9Tfs91nVNll8Pmq6NXvd790pkSEq-zu9gY8rrlCDLoUbSlkMb6rwSNvNUhBPZSIxjaQ-YOjyMteORnp47DCOU5MWTdm1AQNV7U_yIyJYLaGzPa/s320/IMG_0154.JPG" /><br />
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Lately though, some things have come into my life that bring my epilepsy a bit more to the forefront. Camp Do More, boxing, and babies. Just to be clear, no I am not pregnant and am not planning on having kids for a little while still. However, I am thinking about being a mom a whole lot more and I know that when the time comes, I will likely need to stop taking medication and I worry about whether or not I will start having episodes again that would put my child at risk. That’s a ways off so I try not to think about it but that’s a hard one to ignore when so many around you are having babies. <br />
<br />
Boxing should be simple enough to explain but it probably is the most painful thing that epilepsy has taken away from me. Many of you know I had started training, was showing some good potential, and had set a goal with my coach to win the 165 lb Novice Chicago Golden Gloves title. I had a really good shot at it. I talked to my neurologist (she’s amazing) about it and she explained that just one hit to the head – and it wouldn’t even have to be a hard one – could undo all the control we’ve had over my episodes. I wouldn’t be allowed to drive, I probably shouldn’t live alone (imagine a seizure while I’m showering or holding a sharp knife…not a pretty outcome), etc. Life as I know it would be over. Hearing that is like being told by the person you love that you can’t be in their life at all anymore. I still feel like I’m recovering from a terrible break up – certain songs make me change the station, the boxing gym is a raw reminder of what I’m missing (although I still love everyone there dearly!)... You get the idea.<br />
<br />
The reason I'm finally writing this blog though is Camp Do More. Turbo and Hip Hop Hustle especially were designed to be a party and as such, they are accompanied by loud music, lots of intensity, and party lights. Pretty cool right? Absolutely... Except for an epileptic who knows strobe lights and hyperventilation can trigger her episodes. I'm sure you can imagine that with all in intensity and excitement during a workout, hyperventilation is a very real risk and we already covered the lights.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_S9CbD6ZUMp6fYk1Wa1H_fJTcaSMjJC96J69bUW5o71pY7DvYMgvdBd6sns8V7HUU4WEzf0JcmHYi1OrIKU6A3LP1nUCSuyHfYEbwJUe10cBFK7SD7bdiwaVTm_LXAsaPsWb4GnviyU/s320/blogger-image-235151753.jpg" /></div>
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For me, that means that I've been participating by doing the workouts in the hall in "normal" lighting and a bit removed from the intensity. When my gorgeous and amazing team captains asked me why I was working out so very removed from our team, I shared my story which brought up the question of the team competition. Each team does a routine on that stage and most importantly, under the lights. Because they didn't want me to miss out, they made sure our lights would be steady for our routine so I could participate. No one was going to let my epilepsy get in the way. In fact, since I was so determined not to let my epilepsy stop me, in addition to helping the team, they made me Team Redskins MVP!! I can't tell you how amazing that felt but I can tell you it paled in comparison to the moment I had with team captain Bridget Frederick at the dance party that night.<br />
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"You need to share your story with others," she told me. "There are people out there who are letting things like epilepsy scare them out of doing what they love. You can show them that it won't get in their way."<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kVDG74zMtNC1sPQlXBou-q3-oOuiFIIBAT7m07KSomFRr1GHmGp_zh1U_O3rd6xsuVChgXAk-UvEBxfVp7GmkbhfzpQkhSUw-tiBvGl7JxLCxUt2H8wfdlgaZDodUhbdDGIh17yEXh8/s320/blogger-image--1856541107.jpg" /> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCAsfHL_zZQpfF7Y1o23l4Rp6HZaWx4bptzqauLfg97avAQKhsJiG98Dn0MeRGFBOZhBcn3DHoBLKclYbE6GEPSWHIfPHwWcOPP2NxBZQTSIWi3V9miJdYW2_KB0ITnAK1jZ6Vq-D6Qg/s320/photo.JPG" /><br />
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So there it is... Long overdue but shared.</div>
<div>
I have epilepsy. It could stop me. It could scare me out of a lot of things. I keeps me out of dance halls, makes action movies a little tough to watch sometimes, and makes me nervous when I know that certain things happening in life are making me more vulnerable. I think about it everyday and take a decent amount of medication to make sure I'm not at risk or putting others at risk. My meds can make me tired, depressed, and according to some studies, suicidal. I can't eat grapefruit a lot because of how it counteracts with my medication. There are a lot of worries of what life will be like down the road when I have kids or start to have some of the long term side effects of my meds.<br />
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But I run, turbo, drive, love James Bond movies (even if I have to cover my eyes during the firefights), and have made it through college, a very stressful job, and several moves on my own. I do not let my epilepsy stop me and instead have made it just a part of who I am. I don't usually say I'm epileptic - instead I say that I have epilepsy because even though an episode can take control of my life for a moment, I don't let it control everything. That's life. That's what makes us strong. Find a way to work with the cards you've been dealt and push forward. Yes, pieces of your life may not fall into place just as you had always imagined but the next chapter will be better than the one you drafted for yourself.<br />
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I have epilepsy. It can be scary and it has changed my life but I wouldn't change that for a moment. In some ways, defying it and working with it has become my strength. It has taught me - in a very real and physical way - that I won't always be able to control every moment. But broken bones heal stronger, scars are tougher skin and the same can be said for a soul that has been through trials and turbulence. Allow yourself to learn and grow from these difficulties and in the end, it will be worth it.<br />
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March 26 is Epilepsy Awareness Day and November is Epilepsy Awareness month but I'm always an open book on this topic. If you or someone you know has epilepsy or even just questions, please don't hesitate to contact me at <a href="mailto:gabi@gabiford.com">gabi@gabiford.com</a><br />
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TV and movies often get it wrong! Learn more about epilepsy first aid here: <a href="https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/seizure-first-aid-and-safety/first-aid-seizures-stay-safe-side">https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/seizure-first-aid-and-safety/first-aid-seizures-stay-safe-side</a><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6126526224400484912.post-25154616336915714962019-09-03T15:21:00.000-04:002019-09-20T11:53:32.427-04:00From frizzy waves to curly locks!I first discovered that my "frizzy hair" might just be curly hair waiting for a little TLC during my freshman year of college. In an effort to hurry up my shower routine, I found some "frizz reducing" gel that I would scrunch into my towel dried hair before running off to my first class of the day or hitting the hay. One morning, I woke up and let my messy bun of hair down only to find a few hidden curls. Inspired, I made a short-lived attempt to bring out more curls but I was soon introduced to the flat iron and all curly girl progress ended right there.<br />
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I still love the run-my-fingers-through-it softness of blown out hair but as my fellow curlies know, blow outs only hold in the right temperature, right humidity, and right conditions which is especially disheartening to girls like me who tend to feel their daily confidence tied to how their hair is cooperating.<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YJqGo8QecdrZLOIUgHM8kKgbxP2oNl0QbdzkXdh5A0Pyi0Kwpu0r7JMi5E0Rkz7zV9jNpOGtkkV3vOauIuh8Vn_pRBiK3B3GFcAVZ-WKHM3vWkF6s-P6PL9siIwk4SzsGVnQJ5gegq_q/s640/CYFMixz1QHqqEeYGIVGdmA.png" width="360" /></div>
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<br />
I've never really had time in the morning to DO my hair so I've always been on the lookout for quick fixes (like <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B01LSUQSB0" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="b77f8866b961751dd7166deb225feb06" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="this Revlon brush" href="http://www.amazon.com/Revlon-One-Step-Dryer-Volumizer-Brush/dp/B01LSUQSB0/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=gabiford0f-20&linkId=b77f8866b961751dd7166deb225feb06&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_7971374" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this Revlon brush</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_7971374" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=gabiford0f-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=b77f8866b961751dd7166deb225feb06&_cb=1566923930464" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /> which I still totally recommend if curly just isn't your thing!) but now, especially as a mom of a mobile infant, I've gotta be able to run out the door without spending a lot of time primping. Inspired by my bff and her curly girl transformation, I set out to find a solution that would work for me. My requirements for my curly routine were:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>simple to achieve and upkeep</li>
<li>do it myself without major product investment</li>
<li>as all natural as possible (which is better for your hair and skin anway!) </li>
<li>wouldn't be destroyed by more frequent washings triggered by runs and intense workouts</li>
</ul>
Here's the thing though... I really really strongly dislike learning from videos. I finally watched a couple because all of the other information out there was really mostly in video form (and I'll link to the one I found most helpful at the end of this post) but I wanted to write this up so that anyone else looking for curly help in written and photo form might find a little assistance here and not get so frustrated they almost give up (like I almost did!).<br />
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It's important to remember though that what works for one curly may or may not work for you. There's a TON of information out there (check out the <a href="https://amzn.to/329thwJ" target="_blank">Curly Girl Handbook</a> which I borrowed for free on my <a href="https://amzn.to/2KZuSiZ" target="_blank">Kindle</a> but you can also purchase it) about types of curls and hair porosity and all of the science around caring for your gorgeous locks. This method and combination of products and routine is what has worked best for me so far and has made the most of products I already had and ingredients I keep around.<br />
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<h3>
Phase 1</h3>
In my effort to keep it simple, I decided to try some curly gel (<a href="https://amzn.to/2ZjX7MZ" target="_blank">Ouidad Climate Control</a> was the one my bff recommended so I started there) and a <a href="https://amzn.to/2ZhkW8r" target="_blank">microfiber hair towel</a>. In this phase, all I did was:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Squeeze out some of the water in my hair after a usual wash (shampoo and conditioner)</li>
<li>Squeezed and scrunched in the <a href="https://amzn.to/2ZjX7MZ" target="_blank">hair gel</a></li>
<li>Plop hair into the <a href="https://amzn.to/2ZhkW8r" target="_blank">hair towel</a> keeping it scrunched and then twisted the <a href="https://amzn.to/2ZhkW8r" target="_blank">towel</a> over it</li>
</ol>
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Note that I did not twist my hair into the towel and instead I left it in one big pile on the top of my head. This took a little working but I didn't want to stretch out whatever natural curls my hair was going to give me. During this first step into curly girl life, I also started a few other new things that are recommended regardless of your hair type:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>sleeping with a <a href="https://amzn.to/2ZhkKWL" target="_blank">satin sleep cap</a></li>
<li>using a <a href="https://amzn.to/2KSHQ0E">satin pillowcase</a> (although next time I order a fancy pillowcase, I'm splurging on <a href="https://amzn.to/2HuLk8T" target="_blank">this one</a> that my mentor recommends for both hair and skin care)</li>
</ul>
I also tried out the <a href="https://amzn.to/2LlA7sa" target="_blank">Denman brush</a> which so many curlies recommended but it just wasn't for me. Give it a shot though as it might work with your hair!<br />
<br />
The result was some waves and very loose curls and I thought that was going to be it. I had seen spirals in my hair before but figured my hair was now just too long or had changed too much to really be curly so I kinda just hung out with this pattern for a while.<br />
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<h3>
Phase 2</h3>
I'm glad I didn't give up though (mostly thanks to a lot of encouragement from my bff!! xoxo)! A photo of Lisa Moscatelli (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/curly_n_fab/?hl=en" target="_blank">@curly_n_fab on IG</a>) with her before and after made me dig in a little more because her "before" was the most like mine of any other curly girl I'd seen! Longer hair. Prone to frizz. Always showed some level of wave or curl potential but just lots of frizz without the right process. Her "after" was what I wanted... a head full of beautiful, defined curls. Yes PLEASE! I've linked to her video below that helped me more than any other videos I've watched but I have tailored it a little and made my own routine.<br />
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<h4>
Once every 7-10 days (I call this my "full" or "reset" wash):</h4>
<ol>
<li>Cleanse with apple cider vinegar spray (recipe below).</li>
<li>Shampoo root to end with <a href="https://amzn.to/2ZhkbMm" target="_blank">Ethique shampoo bar</a> for oily hair (no coconut oil so no additional weight!) and rinse well.</li>
<li>Condition root to end with <a href="https://amzn.to/2HkLwam" target="_blank">Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla conditioner</a>, finger comb to detangle and rinse well.</li>
<li>Split hair into 4 sections and, 1 section at a time, spray the whole length of the section with <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B001AWXPAY" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="3d447361b3e33e22c036399c93c78979" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla leave-in conditioner spray" href="http://www.amazon.com/Carols-Daughter-Vanilla-Conditioner-Packaging/dp/B001AWXPAY/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=gabiford0f-20&linkId=3d447361b3e33e22c036399c93c78979&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_2455291" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla leave-in conditioner spray</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_2455291" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=gabiford0f-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=3d447361b3e33e22c036399c93c78979&_cb=1567108183290" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /> then, using the "prayer hands" method (rub some <a href="https://amzn.to/2ZjX7MZ" target="_blank">gel</a> between both hands and then put hands on either side of the section of hair to smooth <a href="https://amzn.to/2ZjX7MZ" target="_blank">Ouidad hair gel</a> along the whole length. </li>
<li>Then I pull smaller pieces of hair (usually about 6-10 per large section) and finger-curl each of them. <i>Yes, I do all of this still in the shower before I move on to the rest of my in-shower routine.</i></li>
<li>Once I've finger-curled all of my hair, I scrunch out an excess water and put all of my hair into a shower cap while I finish showering.</li>
</ol>
<ul>
<li>I've found that I get the best curls when I do this at night, <a href="https://amzn.to/2TN9ZdC" target="_blank">diffuse</a> it on low heat, low speed (I use <a href="https://amzn.to/2TN9ZdC" target="_blank">this blow dryer and diffuser</a>) to about 40% dry and then sleep with a <a href="https://amzn.to/2ZhkKWL" target="_blank">satin sleep cap</a> over my hair and with my <a href="https://amzn.to/2KSHQ0E" target="_blank">satin pillowcase</a>.</li>
<li>A little note about diffusing: I've gotten the best results from flipping my hair and kind of diffusing "upside down" so I can maintain some volume at my roots...otherwise I tend to end up with a really flat look.</li>
</ul>
<b><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>I didn't make a video because Lisa Moscatelli (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/curly_n_fab/?hl=en" target="_blank">@curly_n_fab on IG</a>) did an amazing job on her video with LUS brand products. Be sure to check it out here: <a href="https://youtu.be/Ligooj3u-00">https://youtu.be/Ligooj3u-00</a> to see the techniques I described above (but keep reading for more on my "in between full wash and reset days" maintenance)!</i></b></div>
</b><ul>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgh2zei2krAkX4QcmTy3-QHN2EGcNXPVsHllikU9aWvRbenn4j_rcqsTHp3GL0GrV1oXnroVgMQEmgET_OcCmoK3rVJX1kunhMKYBTLNicIgiyTunydncb1nGicsoSsI407Pm6BXUykvj/s1600/zmTMPFDvQFeSo4wYkYE_Rg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="703" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgh2zei2krAkX4QcmTy3-QHN2EGcNXPVsHllikU9aWvRbenn4j_rcqsTHp3GL0GrV1oXnroVgMQEmgET_OcCmoK3rVJX1kunhMKYBTLNicIgiyTunydncb1nGicsoSsI407Pm6BXUykvj/s400/zmTMPFDvQFeSo4wYkYE_Rg.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I cannot believe I woke up like this!! My hair was still a little damp at this point but holding curl really well!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73a8yeqQ60dfsDwckVDQKwcbiijCUz6x2a2jN-6teJNQKyh_kl0AFBs94RCcqVPdNOIhaSSrRbYa9Zrc1FJfqArHqObUopyMozuMqNiYb20YHc7o0IJCs06OZieUM6kWdNTfiZyOu-ysp/s1600/2VxxbUAQSnSiiapEAJ3Aiw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73a8yeqQ60dfsDwckVDQKwcbiijCUz6x2a2jN-6teJNQKyh_kl0AFBs94RCcqVPdNOIhaSSrRbYa9Zrc1FJfqArHqObUopyMozuMqNiYb20YHc7o0IJCs06OZieUM6kWdNTfiZyOu-ysp/s400/2VxxbUAQSnSiiapEAJ3Aiw.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overnight results with a lil extra <a href="https://amzn.to/2TN9ZdC">diffuser</a> love to get my hair 99% dry.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXWiel0biQGWAIDa8sj6wSk_xNWCsMpugtLWLLirs16c3IqsMw16zAVbKjFEW02V0ncMGSDfAS1dgxjwqvGwl6zt4ceUgJTOjltGrOrbB-WgDSY8e3hA3t_Sc_WgjCItkuy68MWeALiUK/s1600/EJB8ZFxmTSiKULBQk804XA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="703" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXWiel0biQGWAIDa8sj6wSk_xNWCsMpugtLWLLirs16c3IqsMw16zAVbKjFEW02V0ncMGSDfAS1dgxjwqvGwl6zt4ceUgJTOjltGrOrbB-WgDSY8e3hA3t_Sc_WgjCItkuy68MWeALiUK/s400/EJB8ZFxmTSiKULBQk804XA.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at that spiral though!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsElWLaVW8iJKS9F26eFJoLVl2wj8H5KCOhPJOEjGki2xCqGts8T2jMnqTI2MMJiQ5J5BqHNRBt-060XTKTUP8_PgyQPyCGsBqjQz9Tg6Mka5zuEunfRI9wFPSCmwivOeKDgwhE_dzcFas/s400/BwHGC_l5SXWoXupfamzTBQ.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wash and diffuse all in one day without overnight drying -- still pretty good (just not quite as much volume)!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSMiN3VC8NVPSjpFiYyd5O4FCMK2TSXfwFryjj6BZiC1useQSYorAeBDUja0kXtIvx-pgSTQX6z8MJeQzHNHJgAh0MQ972fpUlnrOSCoI4-1cRaPu4kgAtTMwbD4iB2miKfEgYoM4gjK5/s1600/0KyvrwXwQqO7i1WLqJElEg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="1332" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSMiN3VC8NVPSjpFiYyd5O4FCMK2TSXfwFryjj6BZiC1useQSYorAeBDUja0kXtIvx-pgSTQX6z8MJeQzHNHJgAh0MQ972fpUlnrOSCoI4-1cRaPu4kgAtTMwbD4iB2miKfEgYoM4gjK5/s640/0KyvrwXwQqO7i1WLqJElEg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I NEVER thought I'd go curly for photos but I'm so so so glad that I did!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
No shower days (as often as I can because over-washing is a very real thing for me!)</h4>
<ol>
<li style="text-align: left;">Generously spray Refreshing Hair Spritz (recipe below) from root to end (over shower floor to avoid making bathroom floor sticky!)</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2TN9ZdC">Diffuse</a> at the root through the ends as normal</li>
</ol>
<ul>
<li>I try to touch my hair as little as possible even though that's not easy. It's super important for my hair that I sleep with the <a href="https://amzn.to/2ZhkKWL">satin sleep cap</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/2KSHQ0E">pillow case</a> to maintain my curl when I'm planning to just refresh and go the next morning!</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">If my refresh is looking a little flat, I use <a href="https://amzn.to/2ZMMYc5">these clips</a> to loop and clip sections close to the root after spritzing but before blow drying. I then plop all of my hair into the satin cap until I'm ready to reveal my look for the day at which point I take off the cap and unclip all sections at the last minute. </li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7RCZFassockph8r23iNrg_TbN2-8Usg8eAn1o9R46iYq0Lhv5DbxzBYCM70WCAaeiEP08m9-uNpT-Opkw__tTCIJrUoDcK1v55Qs3R82bmBWaijHnwa93I7yw-ZNJ8wOM_5jOXZ_Edvo/s400/iJiUOzPuRCm-Us22jc9g9g.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Refresh Day: I woke up like this thanks to my <a href="http://tiny.cc/gabigimme">satin hair tie</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/2ZhkKWL">sleep cap</a>, and <a href="https://amzn.to/2KSHQ0E">pillowcase</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj44RphIZzXZo6XAJIG1NYcL-L7TqU6TLumqrrC7yZLCeqLAtnKMUtf2JXAzejEYJNtLsYYBjvJoZd8KLKeMBg6NH7EU2W3I9MYazPBGtP0jt2ubGOOF-dJLLzuAT-o47xWrFo2y9jVXDnV/s400/PI0wfSMoSxGnoVT2WGj3pQ.jpg" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Refresh Day: after a generous helping of Refreshing Hair Spritz</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_mOU-znUneezXhJAQdUZJePYCs5mDS1205Ygz4H-fkFj0mhrvbDhNkO_aFwjz68Y7MZgu-BAcLCSDCJpjXcOwVo0SBpJywEGt9VKsnRY6pO_ORuJ2N9FI7fzzj8E5bnuhfMSb-NExdi-/s1600/E0EImdv2TLWRWyhsDMPGHQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_mOU-znUneezXhJAQdUZJePYCs5mDS1205Ygz4H-fkFj0mhrvbDhNkO_aFwjz68Y7MZgu-BAcLCSDCJpjXcOwVo0SBpJywEGt9VKsnRY6pO_ORuJ2N9FI7fzzj8E5bnuhfMSb-NExdi-/s400/E0EImdv2TLWRWyhsDMPGHQ.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Refresh Day: diffused and on my way!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Any washes in between</h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>If it's not a full cleanse, shampoo, and reset wash day but I really need to wash my hair (helllooooooo sweaty workouts), I use a cowash in place of the cleanser and shampoo but other than that, the process is the same:</i></div>
<ol>
<li style="text-align: left;">Cowash root to end with <a href="https://amzn.to/31Xv0VV">As I Am cowash</a> and rinse well.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Condition root to end with <a href="https://amzn.to/2HkLwam" target="_blank">Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla conditioner</a>, finger comb to detangle and rinse well.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Split hair into 4 sections and, 1 section at a time, spray the whole length of the section with <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B001AWXPAY" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="3d447361b3e33e22c036399c93c78979" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla leave-in conditioner spray" href="http://www.amazon.com/Carols-Daughter-Vanilla-Conditioner-Packaging/dp/B001AWXPAY/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=gabiford0f-20&linkId=3d447361b3e33e22c036399c93c78979&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_2455291" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla leave-in conditioner spray</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_2455291" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=gabiford0f-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=3d447361b3e33e22c036399c93c78979&_cb=1567108183290" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /> then, using the "prayer hands" method (rub some <a href="https://amzn.to/2ZjX7MZ" target="_blank">gel</a> between both hands and then put hands on either side of the section of hair to smooth <a href="https://amzn.to/2ZjX7MZ" target="_blank">Ouidad hair gel</a> along the whole length. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Then I pull smaller pieces of hair (usually about 6-10 per large section) and finger-curl each of them. <i>Yes, I do all of this still in the shower before I move on to the rest of my in-shower routine.</i></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Once I've finger-curled all of my hair, I scrunch out an excess water and put all of my hair into a shower cap while I finish showering.</li>
</ol>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7epHU0638e2_MdUKbBrw79cQnIofG18z1Xv6BfXVrmpv15XtF1c2TkFFvx-EwHvRHCpweCCV8a4NznkPmbpfR_owX_HhFG29FS90BzEEx0cFmJ5iC-0z7KcgFR3Hu4cG0y1hg1fGQsEh/s1600/vd-qH6FTQSaV3HI7XpIXeQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7epHU0638e2_MdUKbBrw79cQnIofG18z1Xv6BfXVrmpv15XtF1c2TkFFvx-EwHvRHCpweCCV8a4NznkPmbpfR_owX_HhFG29FS90BzEEx0cFmJ5iC-0z7KcgFR3Hu4cG0y1hg1fGQsEh/s400/vd-qH6FTQSaV3HI7XpIXeQ.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cowash day before diffusing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Other tips / tricks</h4>
<div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">I've found it really hard not to throw my hair back in a messy bun in the morning while getting ready so on days that I really want to preserve my curls but still need to get things ready for the day, I put the <a href="https://amzn.to/2ZhkKWL">sleep cap</a> back on until we're out the door and sometimes, until I'm about to get out of the car. I found that keeps my curls best without getting my hair caught in the action. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">I work out regularly so tying my hair up is important but there's a balance between getting that high pony or messy bun and not pulling out and damaging curls. My favorite hair ties are:</li>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/31R9JwO">Snapee hair ties</a> - perfect for when I need a tighter pony because I can snap / unsnap it around my hair instead of pulling and stretching curls through a typical hair tie.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://tiny.cc/gabigimme">Gimme hair ties</a> - the standard ones (I use the ones for long hair) are so nice and soft and stretchy that I can get a great ponytail or messy bun without creasing my hair and the satin one is great for when I want to tie it up to sleep without causing damage. I recommend the starter kit if you're like me and prone to leaving hair ties errrrrrywhere. </li>
</ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Clips are my new best friends! When you just want a half-up look or to comb it all back, clips hold hair back well without requiring you to pull your curls through a hair tie at all! I love this <a href="https://amzn.to/2ZM4vks">banana clip</a> for a long, full pony that looks fancier than it is.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">It's taken me forever to find a workout-worthy wide headband but I finally found one! <a href="https://amzn.to/2zQDn9q">This multi-style wide headband</a> stays in place while I sweat without flattening out my roots or giving me a headache.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Check out my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/s/aGlnaGxpZ2h0OjE4MDExMzEyMzExMjI2ODMz?igshid=1afj4diqd4rfl">IG highlights: Going Curly</a> for tips and tricks as I figure out more!</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/s/aGlnaGxpZ2h0OjE4MDExMzEyMzExMjI2ODMz?igshid=1afj4diqd4rfl" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkrCTOWA8SLvQBT0i_DPFxsgA6P3GCfF0akC2CNv_wySOkYtcm0S0nMif3ugFjjZxhK4gXc2YqkfyV7ceBsDJ7vox4i29UH8ptFCYIQlfOLk4bRWzb8CZbOyqOmIhaXDSNyHtMX985rcy/s640/Copy+of+CGM+Highlight.png" width="360" /></a></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Hair Recipes</h3>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse</h4>
<div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">2-4 tbsp <a href="https://amzn.to/3260okX">raw apple cider vinegar</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">16 oz cool water</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">1-2 drops lavender oil (optional)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Add all ingredients to a <a href="https://amzn.to/2NAauXp">glass bottle</a> and shake well before each use. Use to cleanse hair of product build-up every 7-14 days.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Refreshing Hair Spritz</h4>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">9-12 drops of lavender oil</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">9-12 drops of ylang ylang oil</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Distilled water (I just boil water and then let it cool)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
For extra curl pop and hold, you can also include in your hair spritz:</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">1-2 tbsp <a href="https://amzn.to/2HsyoAg">aloe vera</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">9-12 drops juniper oil</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
In a <a href="https://amzn.to/2NAauXp">glass spray bottle</a> (always use glass for essential oil recipes!), combine oils and optional aloe vera. Fill the rest of the bottle up with distilled water and lightly spray your hair, as needed, throughout the day. For a morning refresh, spray generously and diffuse on low / no heat. Be sure to shake well before each use.</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgod43jAqH1E7PMtbAfaViH2Qyt404ELthfJ6H5l5MSEHgfgy5qC8wnLsgD4KVxYgT5cXaeUtyhyanxbTW-LJ6_-6pOKs1a17EHWUGbiQnqcZk232U0t36LGyVkfduOUWi9ELUyhc_02SvM/s640/How+I+turned+rizzy%252C+long+waves+into+curls+overnight%2521.png" width="426" /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<h3>
Products listed throughout this post:</h3>
<h4>
Phase 1:</h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Satin pillowcase: <a href="https://amzn.to/2KSHQ0E">https://amzn.to/2KSHQ0E</a></div>
Ethique shampoo: <a href="https://amzn.to/2ZhkbMm">https://amzn.to/2ZhkbMm</a><br />
Satin sleep cap: <a href="https://amzn.to/2ZhkKWL">https://amzn.to/2ZhkKWL</a><br />
Premium satin pillowcase: <a href="https://amzn.to/2HuLk8T">https://amzn.to/2HuLk8T</a><br />
Denman brush: <a href="https://amzn.to/2LlA7sa">https://amzn.to/2LlA7sa</a><br />
Hair towel: <a href="https://amzn.to/2ZhkW8r">https://amzn.to/2ZhkW8r</a><br />
Blow dryer with diffuser: <a href="https://amzn.to/2TN9ZdC">https://amzn.to/2TN9ZdC</a><br />
Ouidad hair gel: <a href="https://amzn.to/2ZjX7MZ">https://amzn.to/2ZjX7MZ</a><br />
<h4>
Phase 2:</h4>
As I Am Cowash: <a href="https://amzn.to/31Xv0VV">https://amzn.to/31Xv0VV</a><br />
Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla conditioner: <a href="https://amzn.to/2HkLwam">https://amzn.to/2HkLwam</a><br />
Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla leave-in conditioner spray: <a href="https://amzn.to/2KM8vNT">https://amzn.to/2KM8vNT</a><br />
<h4>
Other tips and tricks:</h4>
Banana clip: <a href="https://amzn.to/2ZM4vks">https://amzn.to/2ZM4vks</a><br />
Snapee hair ties: <a href="https://amzn.to/31R9JwO">https://amzn.to/31R9JwO</a><br />
Gimme hair ties: <a href="http://tiny.cc/gabigimme">http://tiny.cc/gabigimme</a><br />
Multistyle wide headband: <a href="https://amzn.to/2zQDn9q">https://amzn.to/2zQDn9q</a><br />
Diane Double Prong Clips: <a href="https://amzn.to/2ZMMYc5">https://amzn.to/2ZMMYc5</a><br />
<h4>
Recipes:</h4>
Spray bottles: <a href="https://amzn.to/2NAauXp">https://amzn.to/2NAauXp</a><br />
Aloe vera gel: <a href="https://amzn.to/2HsyoAg">https://amzn.to/2HsyoAg</a><br />
Apple cider vinegar: <a href="https://amzn.to/3260okX">https://amzn.to/3260okX</a><br />
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<i>This post was not sponsored in any way. I may earn from qualifying purchases made through these links at no cost to you but I promise, I wouldn't recommend anything I don't love or trust. Please do not feel obligated to purchase through these links!</i></div>
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Gabi Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14705547121325044069noreply@blogger.com0