Thrive by GoMarco Review

I was super excited when GoMacro contacted me to try and review the newest addition Thrive! I'm a BIG fan of GoMarco's original bars because they are made with REAL, plant-based ingredients that you can see and taste in every bar. Being a new mom who is nursing, I am trying my best to make smart food choices because I know my nutrition is my baby girls nutrition too!

There are 6 flavors of the new Thrive GoMarco bar line-up. My favorite was Caramel Coconut with the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip coming in a close second. Just look at the ingredients in the Caramel Coconut Bar:

They are all organic and all real super-food ingredients. One of the many things I love about these bars is that they combine the super-foods that we all hear about and know that we should be incorporating into our diets like: Quinoa, Hemp Hearts, and Flax, but that we may not know how to conveniently add them to our diet. These convenient yummy tasting bars are the perfect solution!

These bars are all right around 200 calories, making them the perfect filling snack. They have just the right amount of healthy fats and protein to keep me full in between meals. I packed a few of them in my hospital bag and they were the perfect way to keep my energy up in between baby feedings! I also carry one or two around in my diaper bag because with nursing a new baby the never ending hunger is real!

I love that you can actually SEE the ingredients that are listed on the label in each bite of every bar. Real food and real ingredients are wear its at. They are also 100% Vegan and Gluten free.

GoMarco has kindly given you a 30% off discount code that can be used to purchase the Thrive bars in their online store. The discount code is Thrive30. I'm hosting a giveaway for a FREE sampler box on my GoFastMommy Instagram account. Follow GoMarco and Myself and enter to win a box of wholesome goodness yourself!

Taylor's Birth Story

To accurate tell Taylor's birth story I must back up to the morning before. I had gotten up at 5 am, like I had practically every morning of my pregnancy, to run. But after a long night of getting up FIVE times to use the bathroom, I decided there was no way I could run that day (plus it was my rest day anyway...) so I headed out for a walk. I was so excited for that evening, it was going to be Adam and I's last date night before she arrived and we were going to see my all-time favorite band in concert, Mumford and Sons.

I came home from my 3 mile walk and immediate used the bathroom. TMI warning, but I noticed what looked like my mucus plug was beginning to shed. Excited, I bounded up the stairs, flipped on the lights in our bedroom, and dramatically exclaimed, "I think we are going to have our baby in the next 48 hours!" What a way for Adam to wake up, haha!


That whole day, I texted friends, googled my symptoms profusely, finished up as much work and laundry as I could, and even found just-in-case back up plans for our concert tickets that night. We decided to go to the concert anyway, figuring I had waited so long for it, and that I might as well labor and be in a little pain at the concert, than at home.

The concert was AMAZING!! I got tears I my eyes the first few songs, I was so happy in that moment. I had my favorite band, my amazing man, and we were going to meet our sweet girl within 24 hours!

So we arrived home from the hospital around midnight (which was saying a lot for us as we are usually in bed my 10, max). We were winding down at home and I was feeling some contractions. I figured before we went to bed, I should probably time them. So I downloaded a free timer app and sat on the couch for a good while timing them. I was actually shocked that they were the magical 5 minutes apart! They still weren't too strong though so I told Adam that we had better go to bed because it looked like we'd have a big day ahead of us tomorrow!

Well we headed upstairs and he, of course, fell asleep right away, I, on the other hand, couldn't sleep because the contractions were coming on stronger and more rapidly. So I stayed awake for the next hour or two and continued to time the contractions and they were still staying a steady 5 minutes apart, So I woke Adam up around 2:30 and told him I was going to call me doctor. She told me, "It sounds like you're in labor, why don't you head to the hospital." eeek! I started to tear up thinking, "this is really happening, I can't believe it!" We packed up a few more things, woke Brayden up (who at first was like, "Why are you waking me up so early?" and then when we told him why he got VERY excited!)

We arrived at the hospital a little around 4 AM (I wore my concert t that Adam had surprised me with that night). We got checked in and headed to triage. They checked me and I was disappointed that I was only a 3. But I knew that I had to get there early, because I had tested positive for GSB so they would need to give me as many bags of antibiotics before I gave birth as possible to protect both Taylor and I.

They had us walk the halls for an hour to see if that would get things moving. I remember thinking, "I wish I wore my fit bit for this" haha as we walked the halls until 5:30. After that the labor ward got busy, like really really busy. We still had our little triage room, but they were women laboring in the lobby and all of the delivery rooms are full. So the three of us continued to just hang out in our room. Meanwhile my contractions we getting strong and stronger. I was in so much pain. Every time one came on I had to grab Adam's hand so tightly, grimacing. Time ticked on and I started crying. I remember thinking, "I can't do this, I just want to rip this IV out of my arms and walk out of here." It hurt SO bad.

Finally a labor room opened up around 10:30 and tears were streaming out my face the entire walk over there. I did not remember being in this much pain when I had Brayden. When we got settled in to the new room, the nurse told me, "Okay so you are in pre-labor, dilated to a 3." I told her I was a 3 at 4:30 AM and hadn't been checked since then. She was shocked and checked me and was like, "Oh my goodness, you are at an 8! You poor thing, I'm so incredibly sorry, we need to get the anesthesiologist in here right away for your epidural and call your doctor too." THANK GOD!! I was in so much pain, having received no pain medication or anything up until that point.

I got my epidural, they broke my water, and my doctor came and around 11, they told me that the game plan was to finish the last bag of antibiotics around 11:30 and then we would be ready to start pushing. I couldn't believe things were moving so quickly! I had the nurse and my doctor remind me how to "push effectively" and after 5 minutes of pushing sweet Taylor Tate was born! They all knew that I was a runner and completely attributed the quick and easy birth to how fit I had stayed throughout my pregnancy.

I cried immediately when I saw her. I was just so incredibly happy and kept saying over and over, "I can't believe she is ours!" We've been home for about 10 days now and she is just so perfect. She's a terrific sleeper and wonderful eater and just so stinkin adorable! Her big brother Brayden is such a great helper and loves her so much. We all do. It's amazing how one little baby can bring so much joy to everyone's lives. We can't wait for her to grow up in such a loving close family like ours.  Taylor Tate, we love you so much and it's been such a privilege to be your mommy.

What's In My Hospital Bag

I don't know about you but I have always LOVED seeing what others mamas-to-be bring with them to the hospital so I thought I'd share what I packed in mine! (Warning, I am an over-packer, but I'd rather have too much stuff than not enough!)

 Clothes For Me: Robe, Nursing Tanks, and Comfy PJ Pants for me to wear at the hospital. I'll wear the issued hospital gown for the delivery because I know that things get messy, but I wanted to have some options this time around for myself for my hospital stay. Last time I brought a lightweight robe and I really liked having that to wear over my hospital nursing gown, but wanted the option to feel more covered this time around. I packed some comfy PJ pants from Victoria's Secret and a couple of nursing tanks from Target and Bun Maternity. I'll wear one of the nursing tops home from the hospital along with some black Luluemon leggings that worked well for me throughout my entire pregnancy (because lets be honest, we all think we are going to leave the hospital fitting into our normal clothes, but we are puffy and leggings are just way more comfy!)

Clothes For The Baby:
I have packed several cute little swaddle sets and blankets (all with coordinating headbands because I'm having a GIRL!!!!). I am in LOVE with this adorable set from Mint & Arrows!! It's so soft and babies are supposed to love the comfy little pouch. I also LOVE these swaddle blankets from Little Unicorn. They are the softest things I have ever felt in my life. I also packed a couple basic onsies for her ride home and a few pairs of socks too.

Nursing Essentials:
I am bringing my Bellifly Pillow which has been a LIFESAVER for sleeping during pregnancy but also doubles as a breast feeding pillow for the baby! I love double duty products. I'm bringing Medela Lanolin and also my hairdresser (and really, don't they know EVERYTHING) recommended Vitamin E so I bought a small bottle too along with disposable nursing pads and a comfy nursing bra that I can sleep in (from Mothers Essentials).

I've also packed my new breastfeeding poncho from Cover Me Ponchos. I'm pro-breastfeeding but not comfortable feeding in front of others so I know that this will come in super handy! It also doubles as a car seat cover so I'm excited to try that out on walks around the neighborhood too. Plus its so cute :)

Odds and Ends:
I've backed a little gift bag for Brayden with some snacks and art supplies that we'll give him when we get to the hospital. We want him to be there with us the majority of the time so we are also packing his IPad to help keep him entertained as well.

The hospital that I'm delivering at really is the best in town and has round-the-clock room-service, but I still want to back some snacks for Adam and Brayden while I'm in labor and for myself afterwards. I just tried these new GoMarco Thrive Bars and really like them!

Additionally, I have a list of last minute things we'll need to grab to pack before we leave that we use everyday and can't pack up ahead of time.

I think that's it, but is there anything you think I'm missing that I should bring with me?

Baby Girl's Nursery Reveal

I have basically been mentally planning my baby girls room for the last 20 years. So as soon as we had that magical ultrasound at 18 weeks confirming she was indeed a SHE, I jumped at the chance to begin planning the perfect little room for her! I knew I wanted plenty of peach, pink, and coral, my favorite colors, with gold accents. I had already purchased her a crib and dresser at an amazing second-hand price, that was antique black, which I thought would add a great contrast to the girly color palette.

I fell in LOVE with these sweet muslin patterned blossom crib sheets the moment I saw them and sort of designed my nursery around this style, sweet girly boho. The crib skirt is actually just a yard and a half of fabric I purchased from Hobby Lobby! It went perfectly and was super inexpensive.

I knew I wanted a collage over her crib. I made or painted most of these pieces. The pink framed print over to the left has a VERY special meaning to me. It reads "Be Your Bravest". I got it less than a week after I started dating Adam. I knew I REALLY liked him but was so afraid of getting invested and getting hurt and I knew i just had to Be My Bravest and go for it, and believe that my happiness was worth it. I got this print when shopping at a craft fair with Brayden and put it in my bedroom so I could see it every morning. I LOVE that it is now going to hang over our baby girls crib.

I knew I wanted to make a dream catcher to hang near her crib and love how this one turned out!

Across from her crib is her dresser. I've always just put a changing pad on top of the dresser.

 I fell in love with these giant paper flowers I saw all over Pinterest and knew I had to make some for her room. The first flower I made took an hour and I got 3 glue gun burns in the process and almost gave up! I picked the project back up a couple of weeks later and powered through in a few hours and I'm so glad I did! I LOVE how they tuned out and think they look so pretty on her wall!

This is a super comfy rocker we purchased from Target in a soft grey fabric. I love the pink and white blanket and throw we got from the anniversary sale at Nordstrom. The framed print actually was hanging in our hallways going up the stairs but I quickly realized that it was PERFECT for above the rocker. Not only do the colors match exactly with her decor, but the quote is from my FAVORITE band of all-time Mumford and Sons and reads "Love the One You Hold..."  The band is actually coming to town 11 days before her due date and we have AMAZING seats...if she doesn't make her appearance eraly!

I just love how her nursery turned out, so peaceful and perfect. I find myself going in there at least once a day to just sit and rock and dream, I waited 7 years for this little girl and I can't believe
I get to meet her in less than 8 weeks!

BUMPstyle Box Review

As a fit pregnant mama, it has been a struggle for me to find cute maternity clothes that actually fit me well. Nothing I could find in traditional stores worked on my frame, and I would leave frustrated and unhappy. This is why I was so excited to work with BUMPstyle Box.

They have such a fun concept! You fill out a style profile on their website, letting them know what you are looking for. You can tell them likes, dislikes, how you like your clothing to fit, and even if you're shopping for a specific occasion, like your baby shower. You are then assigned a personal stylist, who will email you and hand-select items that she know you'll love and they'll be shipping to you in a matter of days.

I was so excited for my BUMPstyle Box that I literally opened it in the car on the way home from the mailbox!

Once you receive your box, you can try on everything in the comfort of your home, and send back anything you don't love in their postage-paid envelope. There is a $30 styling free for the services, but that is credited towards any of the items you decide to keep in your box (and trust me, you'll want to keep most items!)

When I filled out my style profile, I told my stylist, Hannah, that I liked brighter colors but also black and white. I LOVED stripes (seriously, who doesn't). I liked my clothing to be fitted to mostly fitted and that I was having a particularly hard time finding shorts that fit well. Boy did she deliver!

This was the first outfit I pulled out, an amazing striped knit dress from Baby Bump Maternity (XS $94). Talk about the perfect pregnant date night dress! It was formfitting and very comfy. It had the perfect amount of stretch to it so I could move and it had the perfect pop of color with the teal top.

The second outfit I pulled out had adorable striped shorts (yay!) from Olian (XS $73) and a super fun fitted purple tank from Tees by Tina (One Size $39). My stylist suggested that I pair these together and I loved the look. Both pieces were fitted and super stretchy. I loved that the tank was sweat wicking and could also easily double as a workout tank! Double-duty maternity items are the BEST!

The last outfit I pulled out was my favorite! I LOVED these white shorts (XS $89) and navy striped top (Lilac Clothing XS $70). These white shorts are so polished and super comfy. They have a white knot soft panel that fit perfectly over my growing bump and a fun tie detail. They fit my smaller frame so well and were the perfect length too. I loved how well they paired with the navy striped top too! This top was from Lilac clothing company which makes clothes that can be worn before, during, and after pregnancy (while nursing). So functional and so adorable too.

This was such a fun, hassle-free, and enjoyable experience! Thank you so much BUMPstyle Box for giving me this opportunity. I'd recommend this to all pregnant mamas that want to add some fun style to their maternity wardrobes!

SoCozy, Non-Toxic Kids Hair Line, Launches at Walgreens just in time for Back to School

School started last week for us. My son started 1st grade. It was a big jump for all of us, because he was going from half-day kindergarten to full day first grade (BIG time!). We all needed to have a more streamlined evening bath time and morning routine. That's why I was so happy when SoCozy reached out to me to try their non-toxic children's hair care line that is now available at Walgreen's Stores.

I picked up 3 products from my nearby Walgreen's: two combination products and one styling product for my 6 year old. The items were located in the children's toiletries aisle. 

We LOVED both Cinch Products we tried. The 2 in 1 Shampoo and Body Wash and 3 in 1 Shampoo, Body Wash, and Conditioner not only smelled amazing with their fruity tropical scents, but provided the sweetest, clean rinsing lather on his body and hair. These are truly products that are designed to work in a snap and get the dirty work done fast (which is GREAT for busy school nights!)

After getting his back to school haircut (after he rocked the buzz cut all summer long!) we were excited to style his hair again with the SoCozy Behave Soft Hold Styling Cream. It again, cam ein a yummy Pear scent, and truly did make his hair "obey". I like his hair to look styled but not stiff and this product worked perfectly! I love the soft definition it gave,

As a mom, I am always concerned about the products I use on my child. I can truly recommend SoCozy products because they are convenient, affordable (a little goes a long way). and non-toxic. paraben and sulfate free. Next time you're at Walgreen's make sure to look for these fantastic products, you and your kiddos will love them! #SoCozyHair

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of SoCozy.  The opinions and text are all mine.

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Running in the Second Trimester...What I Accomplished and What Helped Me

I can't believe I'm already out of the second trimester!! This season runs from 14-27 weeks pregnant and is usually everyone's favorite. It was for me. I had more energy, morning sickness vanished, my bump grew, and I found out I was having a baby GIRL!!!

Running wise, it was for sure my favorite trimester too. I was able to complete my first trail run ever, an awesome 13K course out near a local lake. It was gorgeous and nothing beats the atmosphere of a trail race.

 I also ran a 5k on Mother's Day and managed to get 2nd place in my age group. I surprised myself a ton in that race with my speed. I think that's the quickest I have and will run all pregnancy long lol!

My favorite race by far during my second trimester was the Rock n Roll Half Marathon in San Diego. This is my favorite half marathon and my third year in a row of running it. I signed up almost a year in advance, so obvious did not originally plan on running it 21 weeks pregnant, but I am so glad I did. Adam decided to run it with me and I was so glad he did. Not only was it super helpful to have such an understanding partner do do all my long runs with, but having him by my side that entire training cycle and race made it so much more memorable (and if I'm being honest, enjoyable too!)

He surprised me at the start line in this amazing costume he made, and ran the entire race patiently by my side, with a pink balloon stuffed under his shirt. He really is such an amazing guy!

I also set a goal that I'm really excited about this trimester. I want to run 1000 pregnant miles before the baby is born. I'm on track to do it and have already told myself that if I have to stop running, I'll continue to walk and add those miles to my overall goal.

There are quite a few things that have helped running in my second trimester of pregnancy easier and I wanted to take the time to highlight some of them below.

Belly Support Bands and Tanks:
My belly started to really pop over the last 14 weeks. When it did it became heavy and uncomfortable which made it harder to run. On Instagram, I discovered two companies that I absolutely adore, BaoBei and Mumberry Fit.

 BaoBei makes these amazing support bands, that are made of a soft stretchy material and really hug your belly and support it in such a great way while running. Lately, I have also been wearing the bands all day long because my belly just feels better being supported.

I also adore the Mumberry Fit Tanks. These tanks are super high quality (like lulu) and have both a built in bra and a built in support bank in them! They are genius and really the best things to run in because all the support you need is already there!

Pregnancy Specific Cross Training Workouts:
For the past two years or so I've been cross-training with at home fitness videos I stream on my phone in addition to running. I usually did Tone It Up videos and found they complimented my running workouts perfectly. I continued to do these during my first trimester, but had to make so many modifications, and let's face it, some of the exercises just didn't feel good with my changing pregnant body.

I discovered this company I LOVE, Knocked Up Fitness, and immediately knew these were what I needed to be doing here on out. The creator, Erica Ziel, produced a complete series of video that I stream through my phone and has a trimester specific workout plan to follow. Depending on the day and how I feel, I usually aim to do 2 of her workouts a day, which takes about 30 minutes total. They honestly works me out very well, stretching and strengthening all the areas that pregnancy affects, and does so safely. I had very bad ab separation and a weak pelvic floor after having my first child 7 years ago, so I love that she focuses on these two areas as well, which are super important to me.

Body Glide:
My second semester was a super hot one! Body Glide has really helped a lot because chafing stings so badly!

Compression Socks:
I've gotten a few pretty bad varicose veins in my legs this pregnancy, and many nights, I'll pop on some compression socks while watching TV and often will just wear them to bed too. I've been wearing these Toostsie Brand ones and love how cute they are!

Having a schedule and Knowing My Route:
This is a big one for me. My I have the most energy in the morning and as the day goes on it dwindles. Somehow I can run 3-5 miles in the morning but our after dinner walks take me 20 minutes to make it around the block and I'm literally dragging my feet the whole way! So, I stick to morning runs and it works well for me.

I run the same route literally 95% of the time because it helps me know what ti expect. I run to a nearby park, and then run around the perimeter of the park (1/2 a mile) as many times as I feel like it, until I want to make the 3/4 mile run back to my house to complete my workout. I like this predictability and knowing that I have the bathroom and water fountain at the park and can use them every 1/2 mile if I want to helps me out a ton.

Shoes with Space:
When you run your feet swell. Also, when you are pregnant your feet swell. Add those two together and mix in heat and humidity and my feet don't have much of a fighting chance. This is why I LOVE running in Altras. They are foot shaped, so my swollen feet aren't squeezed into an unnatural and unhappy position while running. I have had zero foot pain, problems, or blisters, while running pregnant in my Altras. They really have done so much for my running in the last year or two. If you're pregnant or have never tried Altras, I always encourage everyone to try them out! My favorites are the Torins.

Listening to My Body and Don't Compare Yourself:
Being pregnant affects everyone so differently. It's so hard not to compare yourself to another pregnant runner in real life or on social media, but it really does us no good. Just like no two bodies are the same, no two pregnancies are the same either. Some people are able to run throughout their entire pregnancy, gain minimal weight, and maintain their pre-pregnancy pace too. Others don't. Most others don't actually, and that's a-okay. Growing a child is a miracle in itself and such an incredible blessing. All we can do is listen to our bodies and our doctors, try to be active when possible, eat fairly healthy, and be good to ourselves.

I am human, so I do weigh myself every morning or feel a little guilty when I've over-indulged a few too many times, but I try to keep a level head and focus on the baby girl I am growing and get to meet in 12 short weeks!