Spotlight Saturday

This weeks Saturday Spotlight

Juice Plus+

🍇🍍🍐🍑🍊🍎🍒🌶🥕🥬🥦🥒🍆

 Hello everybody! I hope you are having a wonderful start to your weekend. I wanted to share with you what I considered to be the game changer.

 I found out about Juice Plus+ about three years ago through a girlfriend of mine in Jacksonville, FL. I had noticed her children ate raw vegetables and loved fruits of all kind so of course I asked " What's the deal? How did you do it?" She promptly handed me a bag of Juice Plus+ gummies and from then and there I was sold. 

 Juice Plus+ is a brand of supplements containing concentrated fruit and vegetable juice extract, fortified with added vitamins and nutrients. Juice Plus+ Fruit, Vegetables and Berry Blends provide added whole food based nutrition from thirty different fruits, vegetables, and grains in convenient little capsules or yummy gummy form.

 My eight year old daughter loves the gummies so much. She is so excited to take them everyday. I truly believe in Juice Plus+ and can rest assured she is getting her daily does of fruits and veggies. It bridged the gap between what we should eat versus what we do eat. Juice Plus+ provides nutrition not only from fruits and vegetables but also  grains, plants and algal oils as well. 

 Another reason I love Juice Plus+ is because you children are free. Thanks to a wonderful program called Healthy Starts for Families. Juice Plus+ designed this wellness initiative to inspire healthy living at home. It allows families to make simple, but meaningful lifestyle changes. Which propels them forward to a better healthier life.

 I believe as parents we have a responsibility to creat healthy habits with our children. It's important to teach the benefits of whole food based nutrition. The best way to reduce risk of disease is to eat healthy. Juice Plus+ puts more valuable nutrition from fruits  and vegetables back into your diet to directly improve your health and wellness.

 If you want to give yourself or your loved ones a better diet and healthier lifestyle this is the way to go. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out and just ask. I can talk about Juice Plus+ all day. To get started on the new juice you just click the link and get started. I would love to help you.

Link below:👇

https://rosebowersox.juiceplus.com/us/en

Thankfully,

RMB

Fierce Fitness Friday 

#VikingGirl

Week 1

 So I guess this is where I am supposed to break down my personal experiences and share my testimony???

Well, here goes nothing...

1. Got knocked up🤰🏼
2. Gained weight🍔🍕🍟🌭🌮
3. Delivered baby naturally🤱🏼
4. Insert PPD😥
5. Insert anxiety😬
6. Loss of self esteem😔
7. Loss of confidence😢 
8. Gain more weight😭
9. Became sick🤢🤕
10. Finally I said NO MORE!!!🚫🚫🚫

 It is most important to note that if you are experiencing PPD please know you are not alone. I want to encourage you to immediately contact your doctor or call Postpartum Support International at

1.800.944.4773. I've linked their website below.

Link below:👇

https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/help-for-moms/

Please know YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!!

 Let me start off by saying I had been naturally thin my whole life. Never having issues with my weight growing up you can imagine my reaction to gaining over 60lbs after my 2nd pregnancy with my daughter. I had no idea another 40lbs were around the corner and in my near future. The truth was I had let myself go and hated myself for it. I became my own worst enemy. To the point I did not want to live anymore. Thankfully I broke down one day to my husband letting out all those dirty little thoughts and secrets. And thankfully he made it very clear NO MORE, I was going to get help.

 After speaking with my doctor I began the long tedious process of digging my way out of the "dark whole" called PPD. Once I was somewhat back on track with a routine,  including self care and physical activity I was able to create my game plan for my comeback or as I like to call it my...
#clapback👏🔙. I knew it was time for me to not only put in the work physically but also mentally.

 After diving into the why's of life (with the help of a licensed therapist) I came to the conclusion that I had created an unrealistic expectation for myself since childhood of a constant need for perfection. Anything less would be considered failure in my eyes. Looking back no wonder I felt I was losing my mind. Let's be honest, you can only live in that fantasy for so long before you end up side stepping into that unexpected forever changing completely unpredictable reality of motherhood.

  You see by losing myself in the dark webs of PPD, PTSD, never ending self judgement and anxiety, I had allowed myself to become a prisoner. But it was of my own making. Once I realized that I said "I made it, I'll change it! I began to listen to motivational speakers like Mel Robbins and Christine Hassler, read books like Candace Cameron Bure's Reshaping It All and Arianna Huffington's Thrive, I began meditating and writing again. Once I gave myself permission to not be perfect anymore I stopped fighting myself and my whole perception shifted.

 Next I hired an amazing trainer (I went through a few bad apples at first) who really cared about me and my needs. I worked with her on a brand new custom healthy lifestyle plan including diet, exercise and daily self love affirmations. Overall it became my roadmap to finding myself again. This didn't happen over night. It was alot of sweat and tears. Alot of cursing and crying. Yes I said crying. I am not afraid to admit that. It is a journey, meant to break you, shape you and then ultimately define you.

 I am currently somewhere between shaping and defining. And I am okay with that. I am right where I am supposed to be in this season of life. I know I still have alot to learn and today I am excited about it. My journey is far from over. My challenge moving forward is to never stop growing. To always be open minded and joyful. With pure intent. I challenge you ladies to do the same. Become fierce. Become fit. Become you. Believe in yourself, I do! Until next week...

Thankfully,
RMB

#project34 Products & Reviews

#project34 Products

& Reviews

 As a full time mom and wife on the go I am always looking for amazing beneficial products that not only work but are affordable and make my life just a little bit easier. Last month one of my girlfriends told me about Neutrogena Hydro Boost. It is a hydrating serum and after hearing her awesome testimony of course I had to try it. After a little research I found out it has a unique ingredient called hyaluronic acid which is a vital naturally-occurring substance which helps your cells retain moisture. It works by replenishing and enhancing your skin leaving you with healthy supple glow. A must have in my bag for sure. I have been using it religiously and I am beyond impressed with the results. I believe in sharing the knowledge ladies so here you go. I love it, I use it and I want you to know about it.

Link below:👇

ps://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HOHBS7K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_VpuTCbNMDTDRE

 Now onto my favorite rose water. I've been using rose water for close to ten years now and love it. I really felt they were all the same until I found this one that I absolutely love. PEARLESSENCE Rose Water is by far the most superior face mist I've found. This one is the real deal skin quencher. It is so refreshing and smells wonderful. It controls excess oil along with noticeably tightening and toning. This one is great for your hair as well. I use this as a finish spray over my makeup as well as apply it every night after washing my face before bed. I am for quality over quantity and this one definitely hit the mark. 

Link below:👇

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071J141Z3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_tmuTCbRKWWPHG

Bigger Look Book of the Month

Bigger Look Book of the Month

April Choice Feature:

The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living

By: Meik Wiking

 First let me start of by saying I am so excited to share this beautiful book with you. If you can not tell by the name of this blog I am Danish and very proud of it. I am rooted in my Scandinavian culture and love the value in what is known as Hygge [Hoo-gah].

So what is Hygge? Well by American definition hygge is a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders feelings of contentment or well-being. In Denmark, hygge is more than just a word, it is the culture. As the Danes say hygge is " to give courage, comfort and joy". 

 I wanted to showcase an easy to read fun Danish lifestyle book since there's only a few weeks left in this month's new book club, Bigger Look Book Monthly. I have to say Meik Wiking delivers one hundred percent on this one. It holds your attention. Gives you great positive energy and motivates you to better care for your spirit.

 I believe in hygge. It's simple focus on comfort and joy gives me such a sense of balance in my life. Things are forever changing in this world which can sometimes be unsettling. The world can be a harsh and unforgiving. So it's important to center yourself in a place of warmth, love and embrace. 

 I encourage anyone reading this blog to create their own Hygge and to read The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wiking. It is a beautiful book. Full of wonderful little gems on how to simplify your life and get back to the basics of happy. After all the Danes are the happiest people in the world. Right?! Hygge 

Thankfully,

RMB

Link below:👇

Check this out:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0241283914/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_TuwTCbZ7DHDYY

Marriage and the man...

Let's talk marriage and the man...

 My husband and I have been together for fifteen years, married for three and we have an amazingly beautiful eight year old daughter. I guess you could say we did things a little bit backwards and not so traditional. We were young and in love, what can I say?! In many ways we grew up together from teenagers into young adults and then parents. Honestly I wouldn't change it because it made us who we are. #WeThree.

 I want to say that over the course of the past fifteen years we have had our fair share of tests and challenges just like any other couple would. We have suffered great loss together. We have buried friends and family together. We have gone through tough financial burdens together. We moved all over the country together. We have shared the sorrow of losing a child together. You see things have not always been sunshine and roses. My point is the key word being TOGETHER. 

 I am and always have been a beautiful complicated mess. In my defense I was very honest about this and believe me he was well aware of it from the beginning. Not that I was unhinged or irrational but I was unapologetically WILD. I never backed down and worked hard for everything I had. I was a tough independent young woman that didn't take crap from anyone. I still don't but it wasn't always that way. However that's a different story for a different day.

 Now on a more serious note. Full transparency here, I was in many ways an emotionally damaged person. I had endured alot of abuse, heartache and loss by this point in my short time on the earth. I can say I spent alot of time allowing my emotions and anger to get the best of me. By this point in my life I had little to no patience for fatuity and like my own mother I did not suffer fools gladly. 

 Enter feelings... which I can admit, I was not the best at processing at the time. Again anger was my most comfortable emotion and had never failed me in keeping my heart safe thus far. Thankfully he had eminence patience. I do think he enjoyed the challenge though. With that being said he accepted I was a flawed human being with baggage. He BRAVED the instability without judgment.

 He instilled in me something I had lost long ago, HOPE. He gave me normalcy again. He supported my sobriety which is real love let me tell you. He created beautiful memories with the sole intent to drown out the terrible ones. He challenged me to define myself by my successes and not my failures. He prepared me to be great. And even though I fall short at times he reminds me that greatness is only fruitful gratefulness. 

 One thing we have always had in common is our love of sports. We knew it was a sign to be during our first March Madness together being that we are both huge Duke fans. Side Note: I am still the biggest JJ Redick fan EVER. Which by the way to this day he is still the all-time leading scorer for Duke. Anyways I digress. whether SEC Football, college basketball or just playing 18 holes of golf, sports is something that we love doing together.

 See there's that word again, together. For us I think sports strengthen our marriage and keep our heads in this so called game of life. Growing up as a jock I can tell you sports take root in your life. You learn very quickly it takes a team to win and you're only as good as your weakest player. This strategy is huge for us. Focusing in this way really works for us. 

 Team #You&Me started by realizing that our marriage like in basketball has it's ups, it's downs, injuries, disappointments, but the highs and lows never take away from the bond you create with one another. It gives you the drive to show up and work hard for each other. To rely on one another. In turn you build mutual respect and trust. The true foundation of a soild marriage.

 Ultimately you have to be willing to go for the ball and box out your opponent. Always pushing forward and giving your best effort. For us show up and show out. That's how you secure and champion the win. By always out working your opponent and staying focused on the team dream.

 In the words of Candace Parker " Today I know that there is still work to be done, but along the way I am achieving my dreams." All in all isn't that the goal in life? I always try to remember three things... Love, Passion and Growth. Love the game. Play with passion. Learn from the growth. Lastly I am so blessed to have my BRAVE husband loving every bit of my WILD heart!

Thankfully,

RMB

#project34

Question: What is #project34? 

Answer: Accountability!

Have you ever found yourself questioning the realistic reality of your life? To a point you just sit back, observe and begin to take notes? 

 I felt this happened for me around New Years 2015. It was the year of my 30th birthday and soon all was to change. Now let me start off by saying I don't necessarily dislike change. In fact I would like to think I'm one to embrace it. However sometimes I do not always respond my best given the levels of uncomfortableness per each individual situation. My grandmother always told me growing up "The one thing that is for sure in this life is change, so pay attention and brace for impact." and that stuck with me. 

 Life is forever changing and evolving. I have had overwhelming moments of defeats and amazingly fulfilling comebacks. I feel that those most raw moments in my life and the processing of those struggles are the real pieces that bring me to the growth needed to succeed. That in itself is truly the secret to surviving and thriving in my opinion. That is my mission with #project34. 

 Background: A few years ago I suddenly became sick and spent the better half of two years in and out of hospitals and doctors offices, on aggressive antibiotics along with a very strict dietary regimen. I was forced to look at my life and become accountable for my own health. I decided last year at thirty three years old to work on the self made #project33 where I tackled fitness, food, anxiety, meditation, minimalism, travel, family, friendships and everything in between via photography. 

 I decided that I would level up this year with #project34 and include blogging. I haven't blogged in years so this should be interesting. Lol But I have missed writing so with that being said here is to the kick off to Confessions of a Southern Viking Momma!!! This year will be about honesty, transparency and accountability. Growth is the key here. For anyone following this understand change is never easy but always necessary. Step up in your own life and say to yourself challenge accepted.