Author: Ang

Wife to an AMAZING husband. SAH Mommy to the most INCREDIBLE little boy. Self proclaimed foodie and cook. Living my best life and inspiring others to do the same! AZ is my home but WI has my heart.
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Ugh, That Scale Man!

A moment of honesty here…I almost had to break up with the scale. But we talked things through and I’ve decided to give it another chance. And by “we” I mean you and me by way of this post here so thank you for the talk.

Truth is the number on the scale hasn’t budged for a while and I am pretty frustrated. I was REALLY enjoying my own little game to see how many of my health metrics I could change and how what I would eat could change them. But they have been sitting strong and steady at the best they have been my entire life and it FRUSTRATES me. Say what!?! Yeah, I know it sounds stupid but this is just where my head is at right now. The “game” is over and I am bummed. This is where things can get real bad real fast for me if I’m not careful. I don’t want to get too discouraged by the numbers and start to overthink things.

So instead of spiraling let’s celebrate a non-scale victory by sharing some more side by sides I never thought would see the light of day. I started off this summer wearing swimsuits I have owned for years but had never worn because they were too small. And now with summer coming to an end some of those same swimsuits are now too big! So yeah, the scale hasn’t budged but that doesn’t mean things aren’t happening. That doesn’t mean the work I’m putting in is all for nothing. And that ABSOLUTELY DOES NOT give me an excuse to fly off the rails and self sabotage. There IS a transformation there and it cannot be measured by the scale alone. Period.

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With Love From, One Worry Wart To Another

From One Worry Wart To Another,

Life is to be lived in the present — in the here and now! So stop wasting your time worrying about tomorrow when you have more than enough going on today that needs all of your attention. Embrace the beauty of the present moment and cherish every experience it brings. Let go of those nagging worries and anxieties that hold you back and instead, focus on the incredible opportunities that surround you RIGHT NOW. Take a deep breath, take that leap of faith, and see where life takes you! Remember, the future will unfold in its own time, and agonizing over it won’t change a thing. So get out there and MAKE EVERY DAY A GREAT DAY no matter what life throws your way! You’ve got this babe!

With Love From,

A Recovering Worry Wart

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From Hiding to Healing

I have suffered a good majority of my life with an eating disorder and severe body dysmorphia. When I was at my thinnest I TRULY believed I was still fat. I would starve myself until my body was too weak to function then binge until I felt like I was going to pop. And when the guilt of the binge would set in I would purge until there was nothing left. That cycle would continue from middle school on throughout most of my adult life. And for many many painful years I hid it all behind alcohol. So a few years back I gave up the heavy drinking and jumped both feet in to my health and fitness journey never really addressing the root cause of my horrendous relationship with food and my body.

When my eating disorder reared its ugly head again in November I knew I needed to make some SERIOUS changes because there is NO WAY IN HELL I was going to continue to live THIS example for Hunter. Like most kids do, he knows, he hears and he sees so much more than we think. There was no doubt in my mind that it would only be a matter of time before he caught on. After all there is NO MORE HIDING the very second you become a Mom and there is no more hiding behind the booze anymore. Hunter is and was once again “MY WHY”.

So I put my head down and started doing the inner work that I have been hiding from my entire life. I didn’t want to go where I needed to go but I’m thankful I found the strength to do so. Because in doing so I am able to see where things all started to go wrong so I could finally begin my healing journey and start to break the cycle. My past may be the source of my wrongs but it’s not an excuse to remain stuck in a toxic cycle of self harm.

These last few months have NOT been easy but when we had a life altering event back in May that ALMOST but did NOT derail my progress whatsoever, I knew that I was on to something. Not every day is perfect but what I am doing IS WORKING. I’ll be sharing more very soon on what I’ve been doing to break the toxic ED cycle. So be sure to give this post a save and stay tuned!

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Writing My Life Story One Tattoo at a Time

I’ve always been that woman who wears her heart on her sleeve, unafraid to show the world my emotions and vulnerabilities. Well, guess what? I’ve taken it a step further and now wear my life story on my sleeve.

Each tattoo etched on my skin tells a chapter of my journey—the highs, lows, and everything in between. It’s a collection of memories, lessons, and so much personal growth. These tattoos are not just mere illustrations; they’re my badges of courage, resilience, and self-expression.

I’ve always believed that our stories make us who we are, and now I carry mine with me wherever I go. They serve as a constant reminder of the battles I’ve fought, the love I’ve experienced, and the dreams I’ve pursued fearlessly.

But let’s not forget the most important part—my story is far from complete! Each new day brings fresh experiences, challenges, and opportunities for continued growth. With every step I take, my sleeve will continue to evolve, reflecting the ongoing chapters of my ever-unfolding life. So here’s to being bold, vulnerable, and embracing our journeys with open hearts. Remember, it’s never too late to rewrite the narrative.

I also want to give a HUGE shoutout and sincerest THANK YOU to @abbydanis. I can’t find the words to express how grateful I am for the INCREDIBLE work you’ve done. Your artistic talent, expertise and professionalism have transformed my vision into a breathtaking reality. Now to start planning the next one…

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Cathedral Rock Vortex – Sedona, AZ

Did you know that Sedona, AZ is home to seven main energy vortexes? I have been to Sedona many times but this was my first time visiting the actual location of a vortex.

As l closed my eyes and embraced the intense breeze, I gently wept. I could almost feel the Earth’s heartbeat resonating beneath me. It was as if the veil between the physical and spiritual realms was lifted, allowing me to tap into a profound sense of interconnectedness with God and with the universe.

Nature’s raw beauty enveloped me, and time seemed to stand still. I took a moment to breathe, grounding myself in the present moment, and let the transformative energy wash over me. The experience was nothing short of magical—a reminder of the immense power and wisdom that lies within our planet.

If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend visiting a vortex site. Whether it’s to feel closer to God, more connected to the Earth or to simply marvel at the sheer power of the wind alone. Regardless of your belief system when you are here you can undeniably feel “it” and you feel it everywhere! It’s a breathtaking encounter that reminds us of our place in this magnificent world.

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Embracing the Scale

I want to share my thoughts on something that has been a rollercoaster ride in my health and fitness journey: the scale.🎢⚖️ Let’s be honest, for the longest time, I allowed that little device to hold WAY too much power over me. I’d step on it anxiously, seeking validation from a number that would define my worth.😔 But oh, how wrong I was! Recently, I’ve embarked on a journey to redefine my relationship with the scale. It’s become a tool that empowers me rather than enslaves me, and as I step on the scale this morning up a pound I wanted to share some of my insights with all of you.

First and foremost, remember that your weight doesn’t define you. You are a radiant being, brimming with unique qualities and infinite potential.🌟💫 The scale is merely a measurement of gravitational force, not a measure of your worth, beauty, or progress. Repeat that mantra daily!

Now, let’s talk about using the scale mindfully.🧠 For me, it has become a tool to track my progress and keep myself accountable. I’ve learned to detach my emotions from the number it displays. It’s just data, a snapshot in time, subject to fluctuations caused by numerous factors. Remember, progress isn’t always linear. Our bodies are miraculous and complex, and weight can fluctuate due to various reasons like water retention, muscle gain, or hormonal changes.🌊🌕 So, rather than fixating on daily fluctuations, I focus on long-term trends and how I FEEL in my own skin.

My fitness journey isn’t just about the weight; it’s about nurturing my body, mind, and spirit. I celebrate non-scale victories like increased energy, improved strength, and a positive mindset. These are the true measures of progress! It’s easy to get trapped in a toxic relationship with the scale, where it becomes an obsession, fueling negative self-talk and harming our mental health. I urge you all to embrace a healthy relationship with the scale, rooted in self-love, mindfulness, and perspective. Use it as a tool, not a judge. Celebrate your victories, both on and off the scale.🎉👏🏼 Remember that your journey is unique, and you are worthy of love and acceptance every step of the way!🌻🫶🏼

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Burnt Out From Working Out?

Let’s talk about burnout from working out.🪫💔 Yes, even fitness enthusiasts like me can hit a wall sometimes. And well, after successfully completing #75HARD back to back years I had hit that wall. 🧱🔥

It’s crucial to listen to our bodies and minds when they’re telling us to slow down. And I’ve taken the better part of a year to do just that. So if you’ve been feeling the burnout blues too fear not, because I’ve got four tips to help you bounce back stronger than ever. 🚀💪🏼

1️⃣ Embrace Rest & Recovery: Give your body the chance to repair and recharge. You’ll come back feeling revitalized and ready to tackle those workouts with renewed energy. 🥱🪫

2️⃣ Mix Up Your Routine: Feeling burnt out might be a sign that your routine has become monotonous. Shake things up! Try new exercises, break into random dance parties, or engage in outdoor activities. Rediscover the joy of movement and make it fun again! 💃🏻🕺🏻

3️⃣ Set Realistic Goals: Set goals that challenge you without overwhelming you. Celebrate each milestone along the way, no matter how small, and remember that fitness is a lifelong commitment. 🎯🌟

4️⃣ Feed Your Soul & Mind: Use your downtime wisely. Dive into some personal development. Read a book, listen to a podcast or two, practice yoga and/or meditation or even start a new hobby. 🧘🏻‍♀️📚

Remember to be kind to yourselves and acknowledge when burnout creeps in. Take a step back, recharge, and come back even stronger! 💪🏼🔋

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Make Every Day A Great Day

Yes, life can be tough. REAL tough! Unfortunately that is something I know all too well. But it’s important to remember that our struggles don’t define us. It’s how we respond to them that TRULY matters. We can choose to let our challenges consume us, or we can choose to RISE ABOVE them and find the beauty in each and every day.

Believe me, I know that choosing to see the good isn’t always easy. But it IS always worth it. When we focus on the positive, we attract more positivity into our lives. We become happier, more fulfilled, and better equipped to handle whatever challenges come our way.

Remember that. no matter what life throws your way you have the power to make every day a GREAT DAY! No matter how difficult it may seem. Embrace the challenges, find the silver linings, and keep pushing forward.

Are you feeling so overwhelmed you don’t even know where to start??? Don’t worry, I have been there too. Drop a 🫶🏼 in the comments if you would like me to share more on just how to move past that freeze response. You’ve got this babe!

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Filter Free Friday

I joke around a LOT about how I can’t wait for the day I get Botox. But the truth is the thought of actually going through with something like that FREAKS ME THE F*€k OUT! I couldn’t even handle the feeling of a moving and growing baby in my belly so the thought of losing muscle control to my VERY EXPRESSIVE face is a no. It’s a hard pass for me.

In search of a more natural alternative I have gotten SUPER into really good, affordable skin care, better sun protection, and a TON of staring at myself in the mirror. But instead of tearing myself down and nitpicking at every little flaw I am speaking to myself with love and learning to embrace what I don’t like.

Take my forehead wrinkles for example. I am hands down most self conscious about my forehead wrinkles. If I can find a way to cut them off or crop them out I will do so. Just watch my stories. I do it almost every day. But today I am embracing my forehead wrinkles. They are a reminder of the beautiful and happy life I have lived. Because when I smile I don’t just smile with my mouth I smile with my whole dang face!

Stop hiding behind filters and let your true self shine through! Embrace your flaws, your imperfections, and your uniqueness. Share your unedited, filter-free photos with the world and show everyone that THE REAL YOU IS BEAUTIFUL, AUTHENTIC, AND WORTHY OF LOVE AND RESPECT. Let’s put the real in reality and inspire others to do the same. Tag me in your favorite filter-free photo! Let’s make this a thing!

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Consistency is Key

We all have things we want to achieve in life, whether it’s hitting a fitness goal, learning a new skill, or simply taking better care of ourselves. And if you’re anything like me then you struggle to stick to your own goals because you’re always putting the needs of others before your own.

That’s where my daily non-negotiables come in. Consistency is the key to achieving anything in life. It’s not about making a huge effort once in a while, it’s about making a small effort every single day. Setting daily non-negotiables is a great way to stay consistent. These are habits that you commit to doing no matter what life throws your way. Maybe it’s waking up early and going for a run, or taking time each day to read and learn something new. Whatever it is, make it a priority and stick to it.

My daily non-negotiables include:

💦 Water first

☀️ Sunlight on my face

📚 Devotion and personal development

🏋🏻‍♀️ Move my body

🍽️ Eat like I love myself

😮‍💨 Breathe

It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day hustle and bustle of life, but remember, your goals and dreams are important. They are worth the consistent effort and work that it takes to achieve them. What’s a habit related to your goals that you’ve been wanting to create? Drop it in the comments and make that commitment to yourself today. You’ve got this! Keep pushing forward and never give up on your goals and dreams.