It all started with some sunscreen

Picture from 2016- packaging looks different now- but the product is still just as effective and a family favorite!

There are times in our life when we start to make healthier choices. At least that has been my journey. Approaching 40- better start moving this body mine and before I know it I’m running a marathon. Have kids- start looking a little more closely at the labels of things like sunscreen. We joke but our youngest has some very pale white skin. When he was a baby I was always worried about keeping his skin protected from the sun. I laugh because I can distinctly remember putting baby oil on my skin before going out in the sun as a teenager, but alas I digress. I knew I was doing something right when our pediatrician commented at how great the boys’ skin was even in the summer, that I was clearly slathering them up effectively with sunscreen.

Sunscreen is one of those things that has a lot of opinions in regards to keeping our oceans safe and avoiding unnecessary chemicals for our skin. Introduce Beautycounter sunscreen. Years, I’m talking 8 plus years ago I was introduced to Beautycounter sunscreen and it’s been the only sunscreen we use on the boys. It started with the sunscreen sticks, because who doesn’t want to make things easier?! We still use the sticks on their face and neck. No rubbing. Easy application. To be honest until recently we only used the sticks, but now that the boys are older and less squirmy during sunscreen application we use the lotion as well. A little goes a long way. There’s no heavy odor after applying and no greasiness. The best part- it works! The sweat proof, water proof sunscreen protects the boys (and us) day in and day out.

So, why am I sharing this now? While you should wear sunscreen year round, I’m in the throws of applying sunscreen every morning before we get out the door for camp/work. So it’s fresh on my brain how much I love this sunscreen. I even carry a sunscreen stick in my bag all the time, because well you never know when you might find yourself outside and need a quick application or the kids might need a touch up. I’ve raved about it for years, shared about it on social for my friend Jodi, amazing Beautycounter consultant and finally decided why not join the Beautycounter family and more formally share my love of sunscreen. Well that and I needed a real kick in the pants to get my skincare routine back in order. I used to be so consistent and have not been for quite some time. I’m off the age where caring for my skin is important- just as important and moving for at least 30 minutes and drinking my water, right? You’ve seen the memes about it being time for a night serum. It’s past time!

Yes, over the years I have done everything from sell jewelry to children’s books (my first and probably most beloved thing that I sold and kickstarted a love or reading for the boys). This is different, I’m a touch busier now that I’ve gone back to work full time (just a touch 😉 and gearing up for marathon training, while balancing all the things for the boys. So while I’m not necessarily looking to make Beautycounter a business, I will be sharing my love of sunscreen and hopefully my skincare journey along the way- no different than I share my runs and the books that I’m reading. Want to try it- reach out. Want to read a book I suggest- please do so we can chat! Want to talk about running?? I’m game any day of the week.

Take a look around to see the other amazing products Beautycounter has to offer. Until next time- run, read, repeat! Have an inspired day!

Building a Healthier Morning Routine with Arbonne

My morning routine when it came to breakfast and nutrition left a lot to be desired until recently.  Let me give you some idea of what left a lot to be desired means:  Coke Zero and Cheddar Cheese Goldfish in the car on the way to school.  This is shocking to even type.  So what changed??  I started running and strength training and I knew that my body needed the proper nutrition to get me through my workouts.

So what does a typical morning look like now??  I exercise first.  Whether I run, do yoga, strength train etcetera if I don’t get it done first then it’s much harder for me to get my exercise in during the day.

Greens Cocktail

I’ve jokingly been calling my morning concoction my Greens Cocktail.  What on earth is in this morning concoction that I literally crave every morning??

First up one scoop of Greens Balance.  

What is Greens Balance?  One scoop provides a full serving of a rainbow of fruits and vegetables.  Not to mention a spectrum of proprietary color blends of whole fruit and vegetable powders.  But why??  So that I get the antioxidants, phytonutrients and fiber that I need to have a more balanced and healthier diet every day!!

Step Two add one packet of Digestion Plus

Why Digestion Plus??  How does probiotics and three billion CFU of probiotics and enzymes sound?   This balance is ideal to help support optimal digestive function.   Think getting healthier from the gut!

Step Three add one packet of Skin Elixir

Drink in the glow! As I prepare to enter a new decade I’m reminded that I better start taking care of my skin any way I can!!!  Skin Elixir works its magic from the inside out to boost collagen for healthy-looking skin, hair and nails. This vegan formula contains a skin-boosting botanical blend with sea buckthorn extract, combined with smart molecules like hyaluronic acid to build collagen. Like a super water for your skin, it’s your daily dose of inner-loving care to help skin maintain its elasticity, smooth texture, plumpness, and overall healthy-looking glow.

After I’ve added the above three items to my Shaker Cup I add 20 ounces of water and shake.  Once well blended I add the final item- FIZZ.  Here’s the low down on Fizz Sticks!

Truth- Fizz Sticks helped me kick my decades old soda habit.  It was bad!!  I’m talking eight cans of soda a day bad.  I have one in the morning in my Greens “Cocktail” and then drink another throughout the day.  What do Fizz Sticks add to the Green Cocktail?  For me it’s the caffeine that I’m missing from soda.  But this is 55mg of naturally derived caffeine from Guarana and Green Tea along with botanicals like Ginseng, B Vitamins, CoQ10 and Chromium.  This also helps give an added boost mid afternoon!!

So that’s step one of my morning.  It sounds way more complicated than it really is- basically it’s add a scoop of Greens Balance, packet of Digestion Plus, packet of Skin Elixir to a cup and shake.  Add one Fizz Stick and shake a little.  Then enjoy a balanced drink to start my day.  

While I enjoy my Greens Cocktail I start making my Protein Shake/breakfast. Breakfast has always been my downfall. As has been getting enough calcium and protein into my diet. So if you’re keeping score I’m starting my day with fruits and vegetables and then quickly moving into getting protein and other important nutrients to fuel my body after my morning workout and as I begin a busy day.

There are so many different options when it comes to protein on the market. I’ve chosen to use Arbonne vegan protein for a variety of reasons. 1) it tastes great, 2) it doesn’t disagree with my stomach like many other proteins that I tried, 3) it’s naturally derived from plants, and 4) it has less sugar but is still delivering 20 g of protein with 24 vitamins and minerals along with all essential amino acids to help support my muscles and daily health.

Arbonne protein is derived from peas, rice and cranberries for optimum digestibility and satiety. This delicious Protein Shake Mix is clinically tested and certified to have a lower glycemic index, which means it tastes great and won’t cause a spike in blood sugar.

So what am I mixing with my protein??? I’m a total creature of habit and have nearly the same thing every day!! Here’s my go to recipe:


In a matter of six months I’ve completely changed my morning eating habits from embarrassingly bad to getting a jump start on fruits, vegetables and protein to start my day. It’s all a process. It doesn’t have to happen over night. Quite honestly if you tackle one piece at a time it’s easily manageable and will not feel like “work.”

I would love the opportunity to talk with you about creating healthier habits- TODAY. Email me today to chat about how you can take the first step to a starting your day off right with Arbonne.