Hi new (and old) friends! Gosh, I am BLOWN AWAY by all of the amazing engagement I have received on instagram this week. I was shocked in the best way to see so many new followers! I have received a ton of DMs the past few days with questions about all kinds of things. Everything from the type of espresso machine we have to how I manage to drink so much water without having to pee every 2 seconds. 😉 Sorry, TMI. But I wanted to compile the questions AND tips I’ve received and answer them all here!
What type of water bottle do you use? Does it fit in a cup holder? How do you drink so much water without having to pee all the time? Is there a cheaper version?
I received a white 32 oz Hydro Flask for Christmas from my in-laws and I swear it has helped me drink more water! I’m doing a gallon a day (or trying my best to). It unfortunately does not fit in a cup holder, but several of you told me about cupholder attachments you can buy for your car! I purchased one (detailed below). I laughed about how many pee questions I received. Listen ladies, I get it. I’ve had 2 babies so the pee problem is real. I already have to pee all day long. But I just always pee right before I leave the house, and I always have to go at Target, the grocery store etc. I also think my body gets used to it. I haven’t been getting up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night at all.
Tips from some of you guys: buy a cup holder attachment for your Hydro Flask!
Several of you told me about this, including “things I bought and liked” and you know she’s a good one to trust! I just ordered this one from Amazon. I can’t wait to try it!
What are some healthy snack ideas?
I have a whole post on this! 60 healthy snack ideas! And I think I need to re-read it myself, because today I had chicken for a snack…then cookie dough tonight. Oops.
What is your skincare regimen?
I’ve gotten much more high maintenance over the years. I’m 34 now, and the wrinkles are real! Also, melasma has really affected my skin through hormone treatments for infertility, and then pregnancies and breastfeeding. This summer my face was very splotchy brown. It has gotten so much better with some medical-grade skincare. Here’s what I use (but PLEASE talk to a dermatologist or esthetician before trying something like strong retin-A).
Morning:
Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser (but I’m getting ready to try BeautyCounter)
SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic serum (just got this for my birthday so I can’t vouch for it yet, but I’ve heard incredible things).
Elta MD sunscreen. Been using this for years, every single day. It doesn’t make me break out!
Cerave lotion
Night:
same cleanser
Retin-A (prescribed from my dr) OR m-61 Power Glow Peel pads
I alternate the retina-a and use the peel pads every few nights. These peel pads are 100% worth the money. I’ve tried other well-known peel pads, but these are the best I’ve found. I wake up with skin that looks like new, and so dewy the next morning.
Drunk Elephant virgin marula oil
If I have used retin-A. Sometimes I forget, but this really helps with dryness.
What makeup do you use?
I take a lot of notes from Lindsey Regan Thorne and Cristin Cooper about makeup. If you don’t already follow them, go do so now! They’re both great. I am far from an expert on makeup!! But I have learned that it helps to put a little more money into your makeup. I don’t spend a fortune, but there’s definitely a quality difference with certain things to where it’s worth it to shop at Sephora. There are plenty of days that I skip makeup, because, stay at home mom life. 😉 But I do feel more pulled together when I’m wearing it! (FYI, I don’t wear it to the gym). For makeup, here’s my full-face regimen:
Becca Anti-Fatigue Under Eye Primer
Peach Perfect Foundation, color nude
I apply the foundation and my concealer with a damp off-brand beauty blender (found on Amazon)
I have serious dark circles. They’re better when I drink extra water, but it’s just how I was made. This concealer covers them!
Too Faced Sweetie Pie Bronzer (as a blush/bronzer/highlight)
Anastasia Eyebrow Defining Pencil
Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder (travel size)
brown eyeliner – sometimes I buy Sephora brand, sometimes NYX
e.l.f. Eyeshadow Palette from Target (on days I’m ambitious – usually I skip eyeshadow)
L’Oreal Voluminous Lash, curved brush
I start with the voluminous lash, and I also do my bottom lashes with that kind. Then I top with the lash paradise.
NYX lip gloss, favorite colors are Tiramisu and Creme Brûlée. I’ve been using these for years and for a non-lipstick gal like myself, these are perfect.
Green smoothies: Which protein powder do you use? What’s your general recipe?
I need to do a full post about green smoothies. If you’d like to see some recipes and ingredients, go to my Green Smoothie highlight on instagram. Theres a lot of info there! I always include a veggie in mine, and I try to do just a little fruit. I take notes from Be Well by Kelly and include greens, fiber, fat, and protein. I have been using Bulletproof collagen protein powder for a while, but before that I used Vital Proteins. They’re both great!
Is the gluten free dairy free cookie dough homemade? Can you share the recipe?
It’s homemade! And way too tempting for me to have around, ha! I actually just pulled some out of the freezer. Whoops! Here is the recipe.
Can you share the healthy dips your family likes?
The boys love hummus (try for organic if possible – sometimes better-sourced oils). We buy the small packs of Good Foods brand avocado mash from Costco. Tessemae’s creamy ranch is another favorite. And the vegan kale pesto from TJs is delicious!
Where do you find the Tessemae’s dressings?
Usually at Whole Foods, but our larger Harris Teeter has them as well. You can also find them on Amazon here. It’s the best on a chopped salad.
What do you think of Burn? How often do you go?
I love Burn. I’ve always loved to exercise, but the community aspect of Burn is what keeps me there. I mean it’s also an amazing workout, and I have seen results! But the trainers are so kind, they know everyone’s names, and the women I work out with are encouraging and upbeat. It’s great. I try to go 4 times a week, sometimes more or less, depending on our schedule that week.
How do you wake up early for workouts? Do you drink coffee before you go? Do you eat before a workout?
I wake up a few minutes after 4 am if I’m going to the 5 am class. I go press the button on the coffee maker, change my clothes, brush my teeth, and I’m ready. I lay out my clothes the night before. I actually have a whole blog post with tips on how to wake up early for a workout! I don’t usually eat before I go, unless I don’t eat enough for dinner the night before. If I wake up simply starving, I will have something small like 1/2 a banana or a small muffin if I have prepped some ahead of time. I think going into a workout in a fasting state is great, but it just takes some getting used to. In the past I always ate before going to the gym, but I’ve gotten used to skipping that most of the time. I do have a few sips of coffee on the way, though! Not too much.
Do you count macros?
No, but I’m not opposed to it. It can be kind of triggering for me, so I’ve chosen not to do anything too strict right now. But it’s a great way to learn how to eat in a more balanced way! And it especially helps if you aren’t getting enough protein. It’s very eye-opening.
Staple grocery items? Where do you grocery shop? What do you buy with budget in mind?
We do spend a lot on groceries, but I cook at least 90% of our meals. And I fully believe that food is healing, or can be at least. It can help us thrive and give us sustaining energy. I do my best to buy nutrient-dense foods. I put a ton of importance on cooking, so we have granted extra room in our budget. That being said, I try to make a detailed plan for the week, so that we can get through all of the food we buy without too much waste. I shop at Trader Joe’s, Costco, Harris Teeter, and Whole Foods. Trader Joe’s and Costco help us save money. I only buy from Whole Foods if it is ingredients we can’t find at another store. I also purchase our supplements from there. Organic meat and eggs are cheaper from Costco. Trader Joe’s has the best deals on grains like oats and rice; frozen veggies; dips; cheese; snacks. I buy frozen wild-caught fish from Costco. For produce, I try to shop at our local farm stand during the summer. I try to use the same sauces multiple times. I don’t tend to pick out a new recipe that has some obscure ingredient that I will only use once. I buy coconut oil and olive oil from Costco, because I use those daily. We spend more money on fresh produce than on pre-packaged things like sliced apples. I spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so we almost never eat out. Going out for meals costs a lot of money, and we prefer to eat most meals at home. Also, with food intolerances, it’s just easier to cook than worry about food safety at restaurants. I try to shop in the perimeter of grocery stores – the produce section, fresh meat section, and frozen section. I’ve heard Aldi is amazing, too. I need to try shopping there again some time!
What kind of espresso machine do you have? Does it make lattes?
This espresso maker is ah-mazing. My husband won some major points when he gave this to me for Mother’s Day this year. We were leaving for a road trip to Florida, and I packed it with me! That’s how excited I was about it! It’s mini, so it only takes up a little room, and it makes delicious coffee!
What kind of coffee maker do you use?
We have a Mr. Coffee – this is the exact one. I love it! Every once in a while you have to deep clean the pot, but other than that it has been fantastic. It brews coffee so quickly, which is a huge plus.
I have a full post of my most loved kitchen essentials, too. Obviously the coffee maker is included!
What kind of coffee creamer do you use?
For a long time I used NutPods, but I wasn’t thrilled with the past few cartons I tried. So I switched to Califia Farms almond milk vanilla creamer, and it is delicious.
What kind of car do you have?
We bought a Chevy Traverse a couple of months ago and it has been great! Plenty of room, a 3rd row, captains’ chairs, and still technically an SUV.
Roasted veggies? How long to cook them, etc?
I have a whole blog post from last year about how to roast (almost) any vegetable! Sometimes I adjust the cooking times, or turn up the temperature slightly, if I want them to be more browned.
What shoes do you wear to workout?
At the beginning of last year I bought a pair of New Balance Fresh Foam 1080s. I was training for a race, and I needed something more heavy-duty than Nikes. They have been awesome, and are perfect for boot camps at Burn, too. I have worn them so many times, I needed a new pair. I bought Brooks Ghosts this time. I just bought them this week, so I haven’t given them a fair shot, but they have thousands and thousands of good reviews!
What do you eat in a day?
This post has a good example of what I typically eat in a day. It’s very vegetable-heavy, but not vegetarian. There are also a ton of recipe ideas in that blog post. I almost always start my day with a green smoothie. Probably 5-6 days a week. The days I do that seem to be the days I eat the healthiest the rest of the day.
I hope this was helpful you guys! If I missed it, please leave questions in the comments.
Not sure if you’ll see this but costco has cheap version of hydroflask. I think it’s like $30 for 2 32 oz bottles.
Hi Ash! I didn’t realize that! Thanks so much for the comment, though. Hopefully other people will see it and check there! 🙂