The Basic Girls Fall Bucket List...

The time for falling leaves and apple cider has finally come upon us and I couldn’t be more excited. 

Whether you’re a fan of carving pumpkins or creating your own Halloween costume, there’s something about fall that makes it a favorite for all of us. 

To help you celebrate, here’s our bucket list of fall activities that’ll have you enjoying all this season has to offer.

1. Attend a football game (and tailgate)

Nothing says the beginning of fall like the return of football season. Our teams may be different, but we’re all coming together for the same reason — to witness America’s beloved sport with our go-to drink in hand. And man this girl is really starting to miss American Football after living in England for 3 years now. So get your game day outfit ready and perfect your tailgate recipe for this classic fall event. Not into the NFL? High school or college games are just as fun — if not more so. It’s all about getting into that “go team” spirit.

2. Actually decorate for fall (more than just a few pumpkins)

What better way to get in the spirit of the season than surrounding ourselves with reminders of it? Craft your own fall wreath or go on a mission to find your next fall centerpiece — the choices are as endless as our obsession with pumpkin spice lattes (no judging, please). If you love the fall, your house might as well look like it does too. Pumpkins are encouraged, but so is thinking outside the box — mums, fall foliage arrangements, felt leaf bunting… get creative!

3. Go to a pumpkin patch

As another traditional fall activity, pumpkin patches are the reason to live for October and the ultimate reminder of my childhood. Take your candid picture in the field of pumpkins, pick the pumpkin you want to carve, and top it off with a hayride — I've been waiting all summer for this feeling, what about you?

4. Buy your Halloween costume

Some people buy their costumes on the day of Halloween, while others begin planning theirs in the middle of July (I'm that girl HA). Regardless of which category you fall under, get yourself a costume. Search the web and find inspiration — this is about to be your best costume yet.

5. Go apple picking

Similar to a pumpkin patch, going to an apple orchard and picking apples is another activity fall is known for. Once you’re done choosing your apples, make the day even more memorable by dripping the apples in caramel and dousing them with your go-to toppings. Carmel apples are about the only way I eat apples. Not really a big apple person but I love going apple picking.

6. Host a bonfire with s’mores

If you’re looking for a fool-proof way to enjoy this season, you’ve just found it — a nice bonfire in your backyard with s’mores and best friends. Start the bonfire as the sun goes down (which in England is about 430-5pm...seriously) to appreciate the way the sky turns colors, and continue the night with heartwarming conversation and company.

7. Bake a pie from scratch

The only thing better than dessert is dessert that’s home-made. Whether it’s apple or pumpkin, choose the pie of your choice and get to baking — your house is about to smell as delicious as the pie tastes. Prepare your plate (and appetite) for this satisfying activity and eat a second slice for me.

8. Update your fall fashion

Finally the moment we’ve all been waiting for — being able to wear leggings in replacement of jeans. Enjoy this sweater weather with the essentials of scarves, booties, flannel tops, knee-high boots, etc. Fall is on our side when it comes to dressing comfortably, and nothing is about to stop us from drinking hot chocolate in our favorite cardigan.

9. Take a scenic drive 

There’s nothing like the leaves changing in the fall — the burst of warm colors (deep umber, burnt orange, fiery burgundy) against the crisp air is soul-cleansing. Grab your keys, hit up Starbucks for a PSL (you know you want it), find a winding, scenic route, and get lost in the beauty of fall. Or even better take a walk through your town and just enjoy the crips cool air and beauty that surrounds you.

10. Take your Kid(s) Out Trick-or-Treating or Pass out Candy to *Adorable* Trick-or-Treaters

Little kid costumes are the absolute best — and complimenting them makes them SO proud. If you are like me and still have littles that Trick-or-Treating enjoy the evening out with them helping them fill there special bags or buckets. Or if you don't have littles at home grab some really good candy — don’t be that person with pennies or Welch’s fruit snacks — and hunker down for a scary movie in which frequent interruptions will be appreciated.

11. Attend a harvest festival

Bobbing for apples, going for hay bale rides, and feeding intrepid goats are just some of the pleasures that await you at a local harvest festival. Embrace the small town charm, the cute outfit (hunter boots + plaid button down = harvest chic), and the hot apple cider.

12. Try hiking in a forest preserve or state park

There’s nothing like the brisk fall air on your cheeks as you hike through one of nature’s most beautiful chapters.

13. Host a scary movie night or at least watch Charlie Browns classics "The Great Pumpkin"

Watching a scary movie with all the lights off is so uniquely fall — remember ABC Family’s 13 Nights of Halloween? THE BEST. If scary movies aren’t your thing, you can at least watch Charlie Browns "The Great Pumpkin" and lets not forget the classic Hocus Pocus! 

14. Learn to cook a new hearty soup, stew, or chili recipe

Ah, fall means cozy soups are back! If you’ve never done any, now’s a great time to start — and trial and error in the kitchen can be seriously fun. If you already have a favorite, learn a tackle a new one! Look at you, practically Ina Garten already. BTW I've already got chili in my crockpot for dinner this evening. A fall classic in our house.

15. Send notes to friends and family for Thanksgiving telling them why you are thankful for them

Snail mail is still one of the best things in the world — getting a hand written note can make someone’s day, especially if it’s a card reminding them they are appreciated and loved.

What’s on your fall bucket list this year?

"New Year, New You"...Bullshit!

With 2016 coming to a close, we are being BOMBARDED with “New Year, New You” posts virtually all over social media.  I wanted to open my heart to each of you ladies and let you know, you don’t need to create a new you in 2017.

The you that you’ve always been is more than enough.

Looking back on this last year, it was filled with ups and downs on my end (can you relate?).  I wasted far too much time in 2016 trying to create a “new me“, whether that was through dieting, business achievements, clothing purchases, random trials ;), and the list goes on, and on, and on.

And to be 100% honest, getting sucked down a social media rabbit hole of approval-seeking didn’t bring me the happiness I assumed it would in 2016.  This fruitless effort to create a “new me” was a down right waste of time.  It surely wasn’t worth all the anxiety it caused!

New Year’s Eve is an interesting holiday, some of us can’t wait to celebrate coming off a fabulous year and others want to forget the last 365 days even happened.  Most of us are somewhere in the middle.

But, something about ringing in the New Year gives us the message that we need to START OVER.  That we need to make all these drastic “resolutions” to dredge up a new sense of self.  Hence the reason the gym gets extra packed on 1/1.

Speaking from someone who has been there, self-acceptance is vastly more important than self-overhaul.  

You are who you are, and the sooner you can get in touch with the person inside, you’ll really see your life, and the way you experience it, start to change.

Does that mean once you accept yourself that you’ll never have a bad day again?  Absolutely not!  Life is all about struggle, dark and light, happy and sad.  And it’s okay to FEEL things … rather than running from them to create a “new you".

That’s also not to say self-improvement is pointless, but there’s surely no need to rip yourself apart and make a list of 20 resolutions to meet by mid-year.

So my advice to you this New Year is to toss the bullshit “New Year, New You” notion.  It’s mildly insulting if you ask me.

For 2017, make small changes towards self-acceptance instead.

Here are my top 5 self-care fav.’s:

1.)  TURN OFF NOTIFICATIONS ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

This was the GREATEST thing I did for myself in the last 6 months!  This does not mean you need to delete Instagram or Facebook (because, I mean, that would be just cruel) but it does allow you to be present in your life without compulsively checking your phone non-stop.  I noticed a huge difference when I turned notifications off, now I can hop on and off when I please.

Reality is, I haven’t missed anything by giving up notifications.  I actually feel like I gained my presence of mind back!  🙂

Oh, and my “overwhelmed” state has gradually decreased with it!

2.)  JOURNAL

Although I admittedly haven’t been so consistent with this, journaling is a huge help to get your thoughts out of your head and onto paper!  You can write some affirmations down or just reflect.  It’s so relieving once it’s all “out there”.

3.)  EXERCISE … BUT NOT FOR A PHYSICAL RESULT

This is my hands down FAVORITE concept! However I know for others it can be the hardest to grasp. Most people go through exercise “phases” with the sole goal of looking good. For me its been a shift to exercising for my mind.

It truly is the #1 stress reliever on the planet.  I recently read that if exercise could be compounded into a pill it would be a block-buster drug for anxiety, depression, and so many other ailments.  Even when you don’t want to, there is NO DOUBT you will feel a million times better after you get a sweat in.

And change things up.  Try group work outs, try yoga, try running … keep going until you find what works best for you.

4.)  REALIZE THAT INSTAGRAM IS NOT REAL LIFE

Yes, I know we all fundamentally know this, but sometimes it seems so real … which leads us to start the comparison game.  Which is a game that can’t be won.  EVER.

As a blogger, I curate my Instagram feed with pretty, carefully shot and edited images.  Yes, this takes a ton of time, professional photography classes, and a ton of planning ahead.  It’s all part of the business.

But, I also know that real life is not curated and never will be.  We can easily look at Instagram and compare our current life situation to those of others.  Remember, the grass isn’t always greener (cliches are cliches for a reason, right?).

Social media let’s us see the glory (99% of the time)  … but we don’t always know the story.  Remember that.

5.)  SAY NO TO PLANS

If you’re anything like me, you like to be SUPER BUSY 24/7 365.  Well, I can tell you that this caught up with me a couple months back.  This manic, always booked life-style led to burn out, exhaustion, anxiety, panic attacks, and just downright insane amounts of stress.

Since then, I’ve learned to say no to plans when need be and am finding that it’s okay to not have a fully booked calendar for an entire year in advance.  And so far, I’m good with that.

I now enjoy binge watching Gilmore Girls, getting up early Saturday mornings to have quite time before the kids get up, getting sleep, sight seeing on a random afternoon with my hubby & kids, playing the random board game with my hubby and trying to laugh a little more each and every day ;).

That being said, make 2017 more about your own self-care … because it’s not selfish.

It may be a New Year … but you’re still YOU.

… and I like you that way!

PS:  Be extra sweet & share around socially with anyone you think needs to hear this message + I can’t wait to hear from you in the comments below. 

I BET you won't lose the weight...

ONWARD & UPWARD! You've GOT this baby! 

There are some days when you just don't want to workout. I GET IT. Trust me. 

And that's totally OK to take days off occasionally...I'm all about creating a FUN, easy balance with fitness, nutrition and life! 


BUT sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone if you want to achieve something you've never done. You have to push through those lazy thoughts, defeating thoughts and CHOOSE the thing that's hard. The thing that's going to get you one step closer to your goal.

I'm not saying it's easy...but I AM saying I can help set you up for success. And I have about 2 MILLION little dollar bills as helpers on my side!

.....Would you be motivated to get results in your fitness if it meant your participation would qualify you for an equal share of a ($2 MILLION) cash prize pool?

Beachbody is doing it AGAIN (You don't want to miss this!) And I get to host one of the BEACHBODY HEALTH BET CHALLENGE groups!!

RULES & DEETS:
Beachbody is building this prize pool UP TO 2 million [dollars]. All challengers who participate in the BEACHBODY HEALTH BET CHALLENGE qualify for their equal share of THAT prize pool.

You won't be on Facebook, you'll be on the app - so anyone can do this (weee!!!)

...want to qualify?

During my January challenge group you must:

💁🏻Commit to a Beachbody home workout
💁🏻Pick your Shakeology {superfood} smoothie flavor
💁🏻Log your workout on the app 3+ days a week (w/a picture)
💁🏻Log your Shakeology 5+ days a week (w/a picture)
💁🏻Change your life...your body and your outlook!

Have a bestie? A partner? A sis? You can do it TOGETHHERRR and share in the cashhh prize.

The bestttt part?
THE PEOPLE WHO FOLLOW THROUGH WILL GET THE REWARD!!

Ask yourself... would you invest in yourself & COMMIT TO WHAT MATTERS --- your health?
And then.... would you PAY YOURSELF to get healthier?

IF SO - let's do SEPTEMBER together!! :D

Grab your hubby.
Grab your bestie.
WHOEVER - and let's get you set up!!

You can stream your workouts on your phone/tablet/laptop, do it at home, bring it to the gym, do it in a hotel, make it a family event, opt for an intense workout, commit to low impact or dance cardio, start small, or go big.

No matter what your goal is - I can help you find your soulmate workout to commit to. No excuses!

👉🏼 Fill out this application to be considered for one of the spots I have open:
Lipstick & Lunges January Health Bet Application

I've opened up the CHALLENGER LIST here to allow for as many people as possible - so let's get our friends on board & tackle some healthy and wellness goals right away in 2017!!

***If you're already working with a coach - make sure you reach out to them to chat!***

***If I'm your coach & you are just ready to RE-commit, let's do it!***

Goal Digger 2017

I've been thinking and obsessing A LOT lately about what I want to accomplish in 2017, and I've already started hashing out my goals and intentions even though we still have 2 months before 2017 even starts. I prefer to go in prepared! Haha! There is a LOT going on this coming year, so I feel a lot of self imposed pressure to have all my goals and dreams beautifully organized with made to match action plans and long term and short term objectives. But it's not that easy!

It's freaking hard to set goals and follow through. This is why only 8% of people actually achieve their New Years Resolutions. 

It's really scary to trust yourself enough to set a long term goal because who knows what will happen! The great unknown is a big obstacle.

Will I actually be able to make this happen? 

There's only one way to find out. Obviously you have to have faith and give it your best shot, but the fear of failure can be self sabotaging and my own fears have been holding me back.

I'm obsessed with the big picture and long term dreaming and visioning, but I also struggle with a lot of self doubt, which prevents me from setting and accepting really big scary goals. When I decided to start my business and to follow my dreams in the fitness field, I was surprised to discover that my self doubt hit me even harder and stronger than ever before!

You would think being self employed that I would have complete control over how I spend and manage my time but let me tell you, someday I don't. And its because I have two little ones who are still home with me all day...every day. Some days it feels more like a curse but some days its a blessing. Some days I just throw my hands in the air and say "fuck it" and veg out on the couch with the kids because they need all my attention and that's what they are going to get. Yes, this makes being self employed very difficult but its okay because I'm my own boss and just like everything else. I know this time, this stage, this season soon will pass. By September 2017 Sebastian will be attending Kindergarten and the baby will be attending nursery school 15 hours a week, so then I'll have more focused time to work. 

I am a chronic over thinker and I hate the unknown. I hate not knowing what to expect, I don't know what my end goals should be. I don't know how to plot out the details and baby steps and its because I'm not able to see exactly where I'm going.  

Sooooo yeah. All this is what I've been dealing with this week, HA! But I'm starting to finally feel like I'm developing a plan. I've discovered mentors who have amazing perspectives on goal setting, and I've found some resources that are pretty useful so far! Once I get my year mapped out, I'll share it on here. I'm hoping to have it complete by December.