Dark Days. Self Care. And Peanut Butter Balls.
Hello lovlies,
I had this post slated for nearly two weeks ago, and yet here we are. Mothering two kiddos and trying to stay sane amidst the chaos of the world right now is quite a lot. I have written many drafts, but nothing felt appropriate since there is so much at stake for us humans right now. Let me just say this my friends. Lead with love. Treat others with love. Treat this planet with love. Treat yourself with love. And please, please VOTE FOR LOVE.
The weeks after Lennon was born, I was riding a wave of baby bliss hormones and love ( word of the day guys). I was full of so much gratitude and joy that it was spilling out of my pores. Now, weeks later, I find myself tired, overwhelmed and weepy. This year has brought challenges none of us could have dreamed of. The collective anxiety is through the roof. I joked with my doc at my six week postpartum checkup that I don't have postpartum depression, I have 2020 depression!! Combine that with a newborn and toddler and all the throws of new motherhood and you got yourself a nice cocktail of tears and overwhelm. I mean my goodness, I couldn’t even walk outside for weeks after Lennon was born; Heat wave. Fires. Pollution. Mosquitos ( we have it BAD here in LA).
As a trainer, walking is the first thing I tell clients to do (when they are ready) on their healing/postpartum journey. I always tell them what a big difference it will make in their mood and outlook- not to mention their bodies. I tried doing light yoga and some gentle pilates at home in my air purified bubble. I mean, I teach new mamas how to find their bodies postpartum, surely I could work myself out! And yet, I felt numb, uninterested, tired. After 10 reps I was OVAH it ( and guys, I AM THE HIGH REP QUEEN). Finally last week the air cleared and Ellie started preschool (again… she was going to school 3 days a week until the pandemic hit). Jamie took her for one of the days of “transition” and had the morning to “Myself” .. plus baby… ( sorry for all the quotes haha). I strapped Lennon in a stroller, put on my ear pods, hat and mask. Packed my hand sanitizer, Halo Electrolyte drink, sunscreen and burp cloth ( #babypuke) and left the house. Within minutes of me listening to some of my fave workout music I was ON THE MOVE LIKE I WAS BEING CHASED BY A DANCE CLUB ( that makes no sense, but just got with me)! I was ELATED. I felt happier than I had been in months and the pep in my step kept my pace LIT! Guys, turns out it’s really really true: moving your body releases endorphins and you will feel happier after you sweat. I have been preaching this for years, but last week I did a science experiment and turns out that shit is true AF.
In conclusion, exercise makes you happy. Do it. I will be posting workouts again soon ( with a flair for postpartum moves). I just gotta get myself back to myself. Okay, back to baby. I have more to say, but you will have to wait until next time. I included a workout and recipe this week, now go #beyourbestself
Xoxo, Amy
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Peanut Butter Balls!
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 Cup Peanut Butter ( or nut butter of your choice)
2 Tablespoons Oats
2 tablespoons Flaxseed meal
A good healthy pinch of Himalyan salt
1/4 cup Maple Syrup
1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla
1/4 Cup Chocolate chips ( optional but it make them balls DAMN GOOD).
INSTRUCTIONS:
Mix the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients separate and then mix together. Form into balls and put into fridge. BOOM.
Currently crushing on…
1. Coterie
We are in love with these diapers and wipes. I tried so many different brands with Ellie, and between rashes, leaks, etc, we never found one we loved. Coterie diapers are free of all the BS ( check their sight for a full list, but there is zero bad shit in them), and they are doing everything they can to be as sustainable as possible! They donate to NativeEnergy, Baby2baby, and diaper recycling technology. Their diapers as biodegradable as possible on the market. SO soft, So leak proof, and so eco friendly. Lennon’s tush is so happy. Use my code AMY30 for 30%off your first order!
2. Mary Ruth’s
I am in love with these vitamins and so are Ellie and Lennon ( tho he has no idea he is taking the Vitamin D and Infant probiotics). Vegan, clean and delicious they get an A plus from me. I feel really good on my postpartum journey taking them- and I used them while pregnant too! Ellie cannot wait to take the toddler vitamins! Vegan and free of all the bad stuff, plus they have all sorts of good immunity formulas! Use my code Amy15 for 15% off!
3. Baby Bjorn
This bouncer, their carriers, potties, and their bassinet are MVPs in Lennon and Ellie’s lives. We have the mini carrier we are using until he gets bigger and then will switch to the Baby Carrier ONE. Love their simple design aesthetic and man is their stuff comfy for babies. I highly recommend.
4. Spa Ritual
This brand is inspired by clean beauty, spa culture and the art of self-care. They are a sustainable, vegan beauty brand based on the rituals of self-care. Their products smell and feel really good and also deliver nourishment!! I am using on my postpartum body daily.
5. Lovevery
These toys are incredible and made by experts so your kid can grow at every age. Supporting brain development, backed by science, and eco friendly it’s a win win win. They have subscription options or you can buy things a la carte. We have this play gym and the first box called the LOOKER for Lennon.
6. The Girlfriend Collective
Eco-Friendly is their top priority, and whoa is this activewear brand amazing. Aside from bring super stylish and comfortable- I am currently STILL rocking their maternity workout pants- they make clothes for all shapes and sizes OUT OF RECYCLED WATER BOTTLES, FISHING NET and SPANDEX!! They are sustainable and transparent ( ahem, even their packaging is made from recycled materials).
