Embracing New Chapters: From Lululemon Ambassadorship to Unforgettable Travel Adventures
The past few weeks have been an exhilarating whirlwind, a true testament to the dynamic pace of life as a wellness entrepreneur and content creator. While the schedule has been relentlessly packed, brimming with incredible opportunities and personal milestones, I’ve felt a profound sense of momentum. Each experience, whether a high-energy fitness event or a quiet moment of personal reflection, has propelled me forward, reminding me of the vibrant journey I’m on. Recently, I had the privilege of participating in two phenomenal events in the Twin Cities: one spearheaded by the inspiring Lindsey of Nourish Move Love and The Her Initiative, and another in exciting partnership with Lululemon St. Paul. As I brace myself for an intense period of travel in the coming weeks, I’ve been diligently focusing on strategic planning and maximizing productivity, ensuring every effort contributes to the bigger picture.
This period of intense activity has been punctuated by several significant announcements and personal triumphs, which I’m incredibly eager to share. It’s a blend of professional growth, deeply personal joy, and exciting new ventures that truly encapsulate the evolving landscape of my life and brand. So, without further ado, let’s dive into these exciting updates that are shaping my journey.
A Dream Come True: Joining the Lululemon Ambassador Team
My admiration for Lululemon stretches back to 2012, the year I first stepped onto the stage as a group fitness instructor. From that moment, their commitment to quality, innovative design, and community-building resonated deeply with me. A quick peek into my activewear wardrobe would confirm this devotion; over half of my fitness attire proudly bears the iconic Lululemon logo. And for those who follow my daily life on social media, you’ll know it’s often my go-to choice, whether I’m leading a class, running errands, or simply relaxing at home.
My loyalty isn’t just about aesthetics or trend – it’s rooted in genuine appreciation for their products and philosophy. Their pants are not only incredibly comfortable but also designed to flatter, providing both confidence and performance during workouts and everyday activities. Finding sports bras that offer exceptional support for a DD cup size has always been a challenge, but Lululemon consistently delivers reliable and comfortable options. Beyond the superior quality and functional design of their apparel, what truly sets them apart is their vibrant community. Each store fosters an environment of encouragement and connection, reflecting their remarkable commitment to team member development and customer engagement. This dedication to nurturing both their staff and their customers creates a truly unique and inspiring experience that extends beyond just activewear.
It is with immense excitement and gratitude that I share a truly pivotal moment: the Lululemon Twin Cities team has invited me to join their prestigious ambassador program! This incredible news came as a complete surprise during the Vision and Goals event I was participating in at the St. Paul store. The team orchestrated a delightful reveal, presenting me with an adorable “Fit Foodie” sign and extending the invitation over a shared moment of joy (and donuts!). The experience was utterly overwhelming, in the best possible way. This ambassadorship is more than just a collaboration; it’s a validation of my passion for fitness and wellness, and an unparalleled opportunity to align with a brand that champions movement, mindfulness, and community. I am thrilled to explore this new role and share more about the exciting initiatives and events that will come from this partnership in the near future. Stay tuned for deeper insights into how we’ll be inspiring and connecting with the fitness community through joint efforts and engaging content!
A Heartwarming Revelation: Introducing Mark, My “Man Candy”
Over the past few months, I’ve subtly hinted at a blossoming new chapter in my personal life, and today, I’m absolutely delighted to officially share the news: I’m dating again, and I couldn’t be happier! For those of you who follow my daily musings on Snapchat, you might have noticed a definite uptick in my travels to Milwaukee. There’s a wonderful reason for this frequent road-tripping: I’ve reconnected with and am now dating my best friend from high school. Yes, you read that right – it’s a story that feels straight out of a romantic comedy, and I’m pinching myself daily! Friends, please meet the incredible man who has brought so much joy into my life, affectionately known as “Man Candy”… his name is Mark.
Our Story: A Decade in the Making
Mark and I shared the hallways of high school, but our relationship was strictly platonic back then. We formed a truly special bond during my senior year, spending countless hours together as close friends. Our time was filled with friendly rivalries – he consistently outplayed me in bowling and a variety of sports, always with good humor! It wasn’t until the summer before I headed off to college that I realized my feelings for him had deepened beyond friendship. However, fate had other plans at the time. We opted for different universities, believing that a long-distance relationship wouldn’t be the best start to our independent college lives, especially as we were both embarking on significant new chapters.
As college unfolded, our paths diverged romantically; he entered a long-term relationship, and shortly after, I did too. For eight years, one of us was always committed, preventing any possibility of exploring the feelings that had once lingered. Yet, as destiny would have it, this past summer, life found a way to bring us back together. The timing felt serendipitous, allowing us to reconnect without the previous obstacles. After months of re-establishing our connection through numerous visits, shared laughter, and deep conversations, we decided to take the leap and officially become a couple. It’s been an incredible journey of rediscovery, proving that sometimes, the best love stories are those that have been patiently waiting for the right moment.
Navigating a long-distance relationship certainly presents its unique set of challenges, but I’m pleasantly surprised by how manageable it has been. Minneapolis and Milwaukee are separated by a five-hour drive, or a quick 45-minute plane ride, making visits relatively straightforward and frequent. A significant advantage is the flexibility of my work; I’m often able to work remotely from anywhere, which greatly facilitates my travel to see Mark. This flexibility has transformed what could be a significant hurdle into a wonderful opportunity to blend work and personal joy. We prioritize our time together, making every visit count, and this shared commitment has truly strengthened our bond, allowing us to build a strong foundation despite the miles.
Looking back at our high school days, it’s charming to see how far we’ve come. This particular photo captures us during the summer before I started college and just before Mark’s senior year. Yes, a fun fact – I’m a year his elder! It’s a sweet reminder of our enduring connection and the journey that eventually led us back to each other, a testament to the power of lasting friendship evolving into something more profound.
Venturing into Video: A New Era for Fit Foodie Finds
The entire Team Fit Foodie is absolutely buzzing with excitement as we embark on a significant new venture: the world of video content! As a consumer myself, I’ve long recognized the captivating power of video. It’s what consistently grabs my attention, compelling me to pause and engage. I can easily lose myself in the mesmerizing world of YouTube, watching everything from intricate cupcake tutorials (it might sound niche, but I’m genuinely obsessed with cake and cupcake decorating videos!) to quick and easy recipe demonstrations. Video has undeniably revolutionized my social media feeds over the last six months, and the reason is clear: it’s what audiences crave for dynamic, easily digestible content.
This strategic shift isn’t without its complexities. Producing high-quality video content demands extensive planning, meticulous filming, and detailed post-production work. From scripting and ingredient prep to camera angles and editing, every step requires precision and creativity. However, I am wholeheartedly ready for this exhilarating challenge and believe it will significantly enhance the value we provide. A few weekends ago, our dedicated Team Fit Foodie successfully filmed our first four recipe videos, marking a monumental step forward for our brand. The initial video, showcasing a delicious and easy Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats recipe, went live two weeks ago to a fantastic reception. And the excitement continues! Our second video is set to be released this coming Monday. This foray into video allows us to connect with our audience in a more dynamic and engaging way, bringing our recipes to life with vibrant visuals and clear, step-by-step instructions. We believe this new format will enhance the user experience, making healthy eating even more accessible and inspiring. Get ready to watch, learn, and create alongside us!
Celebrating 26: A Year of Growth and Gratitude
It’s hard to believe, but I’m officially making my way into my upper twenties this Sunday! Turning 26 feels incredibly significant; so much has evolved and transformed over the past year, both personally and professionally. Life truly does keep getting better, and I feel immense gratitude for every experience and lesson learned, celebrating the journey of self-discovery and achievement. To kick off the celebrations a few days early, I gathered all my closest friends for a wonderful birthday bash at Surly Brewing Co. in Minneapolis, a local favorite.
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. That Wednesday blessed us with what felt like the very first genuinely beautiful Spring day in Minneapolis – a glorious 65 degrees and perfectly sunny! This made gathering on an outdoor patio an absolute dream, allowing us to soak up the fantastic weather, enjoy the fresh air, and revel in the lively atmosphere that Surly is known for. The choice of venue was also particularly special because my younger brother and I share a birthday (four years apart!), and he’s a huge enthusiast of craft beer. Celebrating together at Surly, known for its incredible brews and vibrant ambiance, made the occasion even more memorable and personalized. It was an evening filled with laughter, cherished friendships, and a reflective appreciation for the wonderful journey of life. Here’s to 26 and all the adventures, challenges, and joys it holds!
On the Road Again: My Upcoming Travel Adventures
The next four weeks promise to be an absolute whirlwind of travel, packing in an incredible array of experiences across different cities and states. I often get asked how I manage such a demanding schedule, juggling work and personal trips, and my honest answer is simple: I wouldn’t have it any other way. I thrive on periods of intense work and travel, finding satisfaction in pushing my limits, then allowing myself to unwind and recharge. This rhythm of dedicated effort followed by moments of letting loose perfectly suits my energetic approach to both work and life. My next three weekends are fully planned, and I’m excited to share a sneak peek into where I’ll be, from romantic getaways to inspiring blogger meetups:
This Weekend: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
I am absolutely thrilled to be spending this upcoming weekend in Milwaukee, not only to visit Mark but also because I have the most incredible surprise guest joining me! My dear friend, Linley, has come along! This trip was a wonderfully orchestrated birthday surprise from both Mark and Linley. I had already planned to travel to Milwaukee for my birthday weekend, and unbeknownst to me, they had been secretly plotting this delightful addition. To celebrate my special day surrounded by two of my favorite people, exploring a vibrant city and making cherished new memories, is truly the best gift imaginable. Get ready for a weekend filled with laughter, good food, and unforgettable moments!
April 21-24: Grand Rapids, Michigan – The Fresh Coast Retreat
I’m incredibly excited to be attending my very first blogger retreat, the #FreshCoastRetreat, in Grand Rapids, Michigan! This event is particularly special because it offers a unique opportunity to connect in person with so many wonderful women whom I’ve built strong friendships with online but have never had the chance to meet in real life (IRL). These retreats are invaluable for networking, learning, and collaborative brainstorming among fellow content creators. I anticipate gaining fresh perspectives on content creation, social media strategies, and community engagement, all while strengthening bonds with inspiring women who share a passion for healthy living and digital content. It’s an inspiring chance to grow both personally and professionally, surrounded by like-minded individuals.
April 28 – May 2nd: Toronto, Canada – The Avocado Party!
Can you guess who I’m visiting next? It’s none other than The Healthy Maven, Davida! Both Linley and I will be making the journey to Toronto for a long weekend, and the reason is simply too good to miss: Davida is hosting an epic avocado party! There was absolutely no way we were going to pass up a weekend in Toronto, celebrating the beloved “aguacate” with one of our favorite people. It promises to be a vibrant, fun-filled event, brimming with delicious food, great company, and plenty of avocado-inspired festivities. These spontaneous trips to connect with fellow bloggers and friends are truly some of the most rewarding aspects of this lifestyle, blending work connections with cherished personal moments.
As these new chapters unfold, I’m filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for this incredible community and the opportunities that continue to arise. Your support fuels my passion, and I can’t wait to share every step of this journey with you, from fitness milestones and personal joys to exciting new culinary adventures. Wishing you all a fantastic and inspiring weekend, filled with your own exciting discoveries!