Latest Faves: Back to School, Back to Coaching, + End-of-Summer Highlights

Hello and Happy Friday! How are you doing?

It’s been quite the eventful few weeks as we dive full steam ahead into the busy Fall season. Skyler is back to school, I’m (almost) back to a regular coaching schedule, and it feels awesome to get back onto a structured routine. While I miss the extra free time (and really do appreciate it), I crave structure in my days long-term and thrive in predictable environments.

Our summer was admittedly alllll over the place, which isn’t a bad thing at all … we made a lot of core memories and enjoyed our time together as a family in between Scott’s work travels and whereabouts.

We checked several things off of our NYC bucket list, and it has been a blast. I’m very grateful for the flexibility and quality hours I got to spend at home with my son and my family, as I know most people continue working and pressing on year-round with limited breaks.

That said, while I hold the summer days in a special place in my heart, I am ready for the next season to begin. Moving closer towards professional goals and projects felt impossible over the past few months, and being stuck in a standstill stressed me out. My heart is full, but my productivity brain is frustrated. (Does this make any sense? I would guess that I’m not the only one who feels this way.)

How are you doing with the transitions into the school year?

We’re about a week into a new school schedule, and we’re finding a new groove of commuting, after-school activities, commitments and more. This paired with the weather slowly cooling down outside for our first “windows open” day in Brooklyn yesterday is giving me life. (It’s quite literally the breath of fresh air I needed! lol)

That’s just a snippet of what’s been going on around here, and the rest is summed up below, Friday Favorites-style. We’re back, baby!

Latest Friday Favorites

• Sky’s first day of Kindergarten

Okay, we have to start with the biggest highlight over the last week, which is seeing Skyler walk into his first day of Kindergarten last Thursday.

He did absolutely awesome. He was a little nervous, but didn’t tell me until he got home later that afternoon and seemed to have it all together. I, on the other hand, was a mess. It definitely all hit me as we were walking home from drop-off, and I couldn’t hold in my emotions. It was a big day for all of us.

Dropping him off at that specific school down the block had me feeling all the feels. It made me realize that we moved into our same apartment seven years ago (after a lot of uncertainties and a decision to just “go for it” and move to NYC), and it brought me back to remembering how much we dreamed to have a son or daughter who would eventually go to that elementary school one day.

Back in 2016, we never thought we would be able to afford living here as long as we have (especially through a global pandemic), but here we are. We never thought we would be in such a big city long enough to have children old enough to go to school, because we couldn’t afford to send them to private school and figured we’d end up in the suburbs. But, as it turns out, the public schools in our neighborhood are very highly rated and pretty amazing. They’re not easy to get into, but our son secured a spot. It all feels surreal.

Walking home that morning felt like a big deal … like we actually made it and that we were exactly where we were supposed to be. And, seven years later, we didn’t just survive the hardest years of adjusting to a big city lifestyle, we are now thriving in it.

I have my days where I’m over the busy hustle of the city, but overall, we are content and feel grateful living where we do. Park Slope feels like winning the lottery of family-friendly neighborhoods, and we aren’t in a rush to move … just yet.

I still cannot believe we have a Kindergartener! Congrats to you, sweet boy.

• getting ready for online coaching (wanna join?)

All right, pivoting from that emotional kick-off, let’s talk about something less so. I’m thrilled to announce that I will be joining my friend Giselle and coaching alongside her as we kick off The Macro Way!

I’ve coached this and other nutrition programs with her over the past few years, and I continue to do so because I see how they change lives in real time. They give you step-by-step tools to break the cycle of confusion, overwhelm and frustration with yo-yo dieting and fitness routines and set you up for long-term success.

The Macro Way is an 8-week nutrition group coaching program that shows you how to adapt a healthy, sustainable lifestyle that allows you food freedom, self-confidence and fulfillment.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Nutrition Clarity – we will show you how to fuel your body effectively for your weight loss and overall wellness.
• Sustainable lifestyle – no more quick fixes or fad diets. This program is all about lasting change, which is the key to losing weight and keeping it off. Anything you can’t stick with for the long haul will not give you long-term results.
• Education & Empowerment – you’ll gain a deep understanding of nutrition, hormones and mindset.
• Support & Accountability – you’ll be a part of a community of like-minded women who’ve felt the same frustrations. Together, we’ll celebrate successes, overcome challenges and keep each other motivated.
• Customized approach – your journey is unique, so your nutrition plan should be too. We provide personalized macros and guidance specifically for YOU.

If you’d like to hear a little bit more about why we wholeheartedly believe in the strategy of tracking macros to set you up for long-term success, watch the video replay (from the graphic above) of our chat from earlier this week!

Click here to learn more details about The Macro Way, and please send me a direct message if you have any questions at all. (I’d love to work with you!)

• new protein waffles win

Waffles have become a popular breakfast request in our household, and I just recently started a new tradition by dusting off the waffle maker and making homemade variations every Saturday morning. Skyler LOVES this and asks me to do this almost every morning, ha.

Well, waffles are great, but they’re not typically the most nutrient-dense breakfast to turn to day after day. Just like making pasta or having pizza on a regular basis (which we totally do), I start making little switches here and there to beef up the nutritional value in meals we turn to over and over.

I’ve always been a fan of protein waffles, but Scott and Skyler are a lot pickier. They’d rather have “the real thing” and certainly let me know if I try to swap something too frequently … until I received a delivery from Banza featuring their latest and greatest line of protein waffles.

I’ve loved and mentioned Banza products before, as I’m a big fan of their chickpea noodles for added protein and fiber content in pasta recipes. I haven’t tried a box I haven’t liked and recommend them to clients, family members and friends. They really taste great and are filling, unlike some other gluten-free alternatives out there.

Let’s just say that if we’re going to have waffles on the regular, they’re going to include a decent amount of protein. And, what’s interesting, is one waffle with a side of fruit fills Skyler up compared to the typical two he asks for when they aren’t protein waffles.

That’s the power of protein and fiber! It’s satiating and keeps you feeling fuller, longer.

You can find these waffles in stores like Target, CVS, Walmart, Costco, Amazon or online, and make sure to use the code WAFFLES20 to get 20 percent off your first order. Great job, Banza!

• Sky’s first day of gymnastics

We hit another bit first this week, which was taking Skyler to his first gymnastics class. This has been something Scott has been dreaming about since he was born, as he has a background in the sport and was a former coach!

Just like any other activity we enroll him in, we aren’t pushing gymnastics on him too aggressively and are giving him time to figure out whether he likes it enough to pursue past a season. So far, all things are pointing to a huge YES, as he had the biggest smile on his face the entire time. He loved his first class, specifically the trampoline exercises and hanging rings with the “spider web” wall.

It’s safe to say he’s enrolled for the year, as he’s been asking us if it’s the day he can go back to class every day. He really is growing up so fast. So. Many Firsts. And. Milestones. *sigh*

• new skincare rock star

It’s been a minute since I’ve shouted out a skincare fave, and this one definitely deserves her time in the spotlight.

Just when I thought I wasn’t going to add anything else to my anti-aging skincare regimen, Beautycounter rolled out the Mighty Pump Ceramide Water Cream and I had to try it. It took me over a month to order it, but I’m so glad I did because it has easily turned into my go-to moisturizer that feels unlike any other I have in the rotation.

It’s very hydrating like a moisturizer, but it’s actually a filler and plumper. And it almost feels wet when it goes on! It’s hard to describe other than a silky, luxurious cushion layer. The formula has two forms of hyaluronic acid which gives you the immediate hydration and plumping effect. The ceramide gives even more hydration and helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

This cream is a great option for anyone looking for more youthful, vibrant skin and it is encouraged to use daily in the mornings, to enjoy the instant filling effects for the day ahead.

You could use this cream as your moisturizer, as it is part of the PROTECT regimen stage of cleanse, treat, protect … but I also put a small amount of Countermatch Adaptive Soft Cream on after a few minutes. It’s totally up to you!

If you’ve never tried clean beauty products before, please reach out to me for the best ways to save money and if you have any questions. I really love chatting about this stuff and I am happy to help!

• last days of Summer highlights

This post could drag on, but here are a few quick highlights that have made me smile lately. It is a special experience to live in NYC, especially in the summertime and around the holidays. Here’s a look into a few summer adventures before school started.

Nickelodeon Universe (American Dream Mall) – see full post and video for more 🙂

Oscar Wilde (a fave spot to take friends visiting – the ambiance is amazing and straight out of storybooks)

DUMBO (Brooklyn Bridge Park + Jane’s Carousel) with friends in town

and more. I’ll cover more in the next round up!

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In case you missed it …

» Why I’m Studying to be a Sleep, Stress Management & Recovery Coach

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Fitness from the archives …

» Stability Ball & Dumbbell Strength Workout

All you need for this one is a stability ball and a medium set of dumbbells. You might need a lighter set for the kickbacks and a heavier dumbbell or kettlebell for the swings, but you can make it work with what you’ve got!

This workout is broken up into two sections, first focusing on the core and then the arms with a total body finisher. Using the stability ball for the arm exercises like the flyes adds core and lower body work, too.

Nutrition/Food from the archives …

» 12 Health and Fitness Myths Debunked

Learn what’s true and what’s not about common assumptions, myths, questions often answered in the health and fitness space!

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And with that, it’s time to sign off for today. Thank you so much for reading and I hope you have a wonderful weekend! See ya over on Instagram until the next time.

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*Disclaimer: Friday Favorites posts may contain affiliate links. Also, I am a Beautycounter consultant and love what I do with the company. By using the links provided in this post to order products, you are supporting my business. I always appreciate you!