Baby Must-Haves: My Favorite Accessories from Birth to 2 Months

Registering for baby gifts was a shot in the dark. Sure, some of the unsolicited parenting advice includes everything you "need," but then other parents say the same product didn't work for them. I remember feeling overwhelmed and inundated with accessories upon accessories. I didn't know which ones were necessary and which were not. But these items below are more for the parents than for the babies, so they're a safe purchase without the risk that the baby may not like them.


#1 NoseFrida
Okay, I'm getting the yucky item out of the way first. No kid like having snot removed from their nose, but the Nose Frida is far better than the old bulb that you get from the hospital! It looks gross, but there's a filter in place so that you'll never taste what you're removing.


Have I lost you yet?


No? Good.


#2 A Boppy (or similar pillow)
I loved the Boppy for myself and I'm so thankful we bought one. I love it because it's a pillow that never loses shape or deflates! It's perfect for supporting the baby while breastfeeding. It's also good for folding under my arm for support as my arm gets heavy from snuggling the baby for so long, if you're like me and sleep in a rocking chair with your new baby for the first few weeks? You can turn the Boppy upside down (to a u-shape) to support the baby's head and your head.


#3 Car seat cover
I fell in love with our car seat cover the first time we took the baby to the doctor. I felt like he was sheltered from the germs much more than he would have been without the cover. It's also really nice when grocery shopping because for some reason, women don't seem to realize there's a baby in the car seat when the baby is covered! So we don't get many admirers trying to kiss our baby's hands or touch his face. It's also really helpful when we go on walks on sunny or windy days!


#4 Swing
Matthew loves his swing, and I do too. Matthew loves the comfort of the movement to and the entertainment of the songs and monkeys swinging above his head. I like that it's a great babysitter when I'm working on something. In the early days, there were a few nights that he spent in the swing and I spent on the couch because that was the only way either of us could sleep.


#5 Diaper Genie (or any other diaper disposal container)
I'm in love with my Diaper Genie. We have it right next to the changing table so we can dispose of dirty diapers quickly. I have yet to smell a diaper from the Genie. It truly does seal off the smell to keep from sneaking into the room. Plus we went the extra mile and added a small stick-on baking soda to the inside of the Genie to keep the smell from the inside as well. The refillable bags are really easy to handle once you get the hang of it!


Note: I linked the specific models we have for each item, but I'm sure similar items would work just as well! This is not a sponsored post and I was not compensated. All opinions are my own.

Finding time for nutrition as a teacher

Can I just say that I'm FREAKING OUT! We are 49 days away from the NYC Marathon! 

(from my instagram)

Marathon training has been an awesome experience, and I'm actually going to miss it when it's over. I'm in the peak of training, for sure. I've already run 20 miles twice, but I still have a 22-miler coming up before the end of the month, so that will be fun :)

I'm down to 9 toenails and on my second pair of shoes in this training cycle.

(from my instagram)

(from my instagram)

I also just started teaching high school video production and I LOVE it! 

But teaching is tiring. Hydration and nutrition are a key to a healthy lifestyle, but especially during marathon training. 

Knowing that my muscles need lots of nutrients I started drinking more protein shakes, only to find out that my protein contained gluten. Due to my MS I eat a gluten-free lifestyle, so my protein powder was actually counter-productive and was causing negative effects on my health. So hearing about my dilemma, the awesome people at Skoop sent me the best protein powder on the market!

(from my instagram)

I fell in love with Skoop and now have one of their plant-based protein shakes for breakfast every day! I've noticed that Skoop satisfies my hunger and cravings all day and it tastes delicious! (I really have noticed how I crave junk food on the days that I skip my Skoop shake!)

And as a teacher, it's easy to drink while I walk around the classroom and work with the students! I'm not tied down to a plate or bowl at my desk!

Skoop has three options of protein to fit your lifestyle: A-Game, B-Strong, and B-Lovely, all of which are plant-based, providing super nutrition in a bag (or packet, if you order individual packets).

The best part for me is that it provides 16 grams of protein and 50% of almost all vitamins you need each day, for only 160 calories!

I love Skoop so much that I just signed up to automatically receive a new bag of B-Strong every month! (This also keeps me from having to remember to reorder, on top of all the other things I have to remember for of my students!) 

And for being one of my readers, you can enter my discount code for 10% off your order! So go to HealthySkoop.com and see which of their products work best for you! I have no doubt you'll love Skoop as much as I do!

This conversation is sponsored by Skoop, but the opinions and content are mine.

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Let's chat!

• What is your favorite on-the-go meal?
• Do you have a favorite protein powder?

Who Knew?: #FeatureFriday Guest Post

Hello all! I’m Niki, a first-grade teacher, turned health and fitness coach, living in slow-paced East Tennessee. I’ve been writing a blog (TheRadiantLife) for over 3 years now. As time has gone on, my blog has shifted from only talking about running to incorporate my faith and how I see it played out every day. I am a two-time marathoner (Marine Corps & Big Sur) but a year-long injury has taken running from me. In its place, I eventually found other ways to help me stay healthy and get my sweat on.

So as I said, I was once a runner. That was all I did. I would not venture out to other sports/fitness opportunities. I was an endurance junkie, one might say. I would scoff at a 30 minute workout, considering that “not enough.”

It wasn’t until I came across an Instagram account of my, now, good friend that I had considered trying another workout program in lieu of running, and this workout was only 25 MINUTES! What?! “There’s absolutely no way that works and will get any kind of results”…was what I was thinking, but since I had stopped running and was still eating like I was when marathon training, I wasn’t feeling the best. I knew that I had to do something and T25 turned out to be just the thing.

My Instagram friend was a Beachbody coach. I had remembered seeing Beachbody coaches on social media, but I had no idea what that meant. I, also, wasn’t sure that I had what it takes to be one, but I had been wanting to break into the fitness world for some time now. I just never had the guts until Elaine (the Instagram friend) explained to me how simple it was as I ordered the T25 challenge pack to sign up and coach.

Now, you have probably heard of Beachbody products because of their late-night and Saturday morning infomercials for P90X, Insanity, TurboJam, etc. So, people know what these products are. They also know that they work. The proof is in the before/afters and testimonials. Now, that I am a coach, I have seen many more than what you see on TV. 

Not only does Beachbody offer amazing fitness programs, they also offer the healthiest meal replacement on the planet – Shakeology. Shakeology is not a “weight-loss” shake. Although, that may be a happy side effect, it is formulated using all-natural resources to provide you with all the vitamins, nutrients, pro-biotics, pre-biotics, and superfoods you would need in a day to keep you healthy. I have not gotten sick since I started drinking them in November, and remember I’m a 1st grade teacher!

I’ll admit when I started, I was skeptical. I just wanted to finish the program and try this “shake”. I wasn’t going to dare and put my reputation on the line for something that I did not believe in. I did not start sharing with people until halfway through T25 when I started noticing my results. Then it was like, “Wow, this really does work!” I felt better than I had in a long time and my clothes were looking a lot better on me. 

Now, I was ready to start coaching. So, what is a coach? A coach does not have to been a fitness expert or be certified in anything. You just have to be passionate and dedicated to helping people achieve their goals. Do you know why Beachbody started this network of coaches? It’s because so many people were buying P90X (or whatever program) from the infomercials, and then not even opening the boxes. They were too scared or intimidated to even start! That is so heartbreaking to me.

Whether the people were completing the workout or it was sitting in a closet, the company was still making money but that is not their primary concern. They are more concerned with “ending the trend” of obesity in America. They realized that these customers needed someone to encourage and support them through their journeys. And, voila! The coach role comes into play.

I am so blessed to have found this opportunity and to be a part of such a group of people with positive attitudes and full of integrity. And I get paid for it! It’s amazing!!

I would love to tell you more and we can see if Beachbody is right for you, or if you want to just start as a customer and try out one of the programs with me as you coach, we can do that too! I would be honored to introduce you to this wonderful world I am now a part of. Even if you just have questions, send them my way. I’m always up for making new friends :)

You can contact me at nikiferguson@hotmail.com. Can’t wait to hear from you!

Contact Niki:

Blog: www.theradiantlife.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/niki.ferguson1 and https://www.facebook.com/nikifergusonfitness

Twitter: @jnkinif
Instagram: @jnikif

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Let's chat!

• Have you tried any Beachbody products?
• What's your favorite way to get in a fast workout?

Solved that problem!

I was recently asked for traveling tips on a gluten-free diet. Traveling with dietary restrictions can be tricky. Whether on the road or at our destination, I basically have to plan to have a back-up plan for each meal just in case I don't have other options. My husband and I were out of town {for several days} for the 4th of July holiday, but amazingly, Udi's Gluten Free saved my life with PERFECT goodies for traveling!

Although my sweet tooth got the best of me and the Snickerdoodles didn't quite make it to the trip. They were gone long before we left :)

The bagels were a super-treat because I LOVE bagels and peanut butter to fuel a long run. However since going gluten-free, I haven't found the perfect g-free bagel. But that's past now! I fueled my 14-mile run with a bagel, almond butter and raisins and it was amazingly delicious!

 I definitely indulged in the granola in the car and for breakfast!


The Hubs was excited about the Jalapeño Cheddar chips, and I was equally excited that I could finally have a gluten-free cinnamon roll! Not to mention the tortillas, which are literally the best I've ever had {gluten or gluten free}. I've already used them for my pre-workout and post-workout meals!

Udi's was seriously a miracle that solved my problem of eating while traveling!

Let's Chat!
- What kind of food do you eat on the road?
- If you could only eat one type of cookie for the rest of your life, what would it be?

On a Quest...

When I found out I got into the NYC Marathon I instantly began researching gluten free protein bars to ensure I was fueling {and refueling} without damaging my body with processed junk containing gluten.

It didn't take long before I found {and fell in love with} Quest Protein Bars!

Quest has a HUGE variety of delicious products! 

Being a raspberry lover, I decided to dive right in to their White Chocolate Raspberry.

My goal was to only eat half of the bar, which is crazy because it was SO GOOD! So of course, I ate the whole thing.

It was incredibly flavorful and satisfying, and it didn't weigh me down during my workout! The best part is, they're so healthy that they won't ruin your workout, so you can eat them as dessert!

All Quest products are high in protein and fiber and low in sugar, which actually seems like a miracle considering how ridiculously good they are! Plus, as an added benefit, they're gluten free, so they don't damage your gut!

And if it couldn't get better, they offer a 100% money back guarantee! So try it and if you don't like it {which you will} you'll get your money back!

I also use them for traveling just in case I get hungry in the car!

Quest Protein Bars are definitely my official protein bars for my TCS NYC Marathon training! And actually, as I'm writing this, I have to go eat another one because they sound too good to resist!

Let's chat!

- What's your go-to meal before or after a workout?

- If you've tried Quest Protein Bars, what's your favorite kind?

#FuelYourBetter

Don't forget to enter in the injinji Toe Sock Giveaway!

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I was really lucky to have the chance to review Vega's Sugar-Free Energizer! I've heard nothing but great things from Vega products, so I was thrilled to have this opportunity! Plus I'm about to tackle marathon training and wanted to have options when it came to pre-workout energy products!

I'm excited to see that a company has created a sugar-free energizer. People don't realize that when they drink products like Gatorade or Powerade, they're drinking a lot of sugar. This gives the sensation of a sugar high, and temporary energy, but this can also lead to energy crashing. Vega's products are plant-based, so the nutrients come from natural, unprocessed, clean ingredients. 

It's gluten, soy and dairy free, which made it even better! Not to mention that one serving is only 5 calories, and 0 grams of sugar!

They encourage users to drink one serving 20 minutes before working out. Below is a guide of energy-level expectations:

I've tested this Sugar-Free Energizer multiple times. Here's a breakdown of my experience:

Test #1: I'm always nervous about the flavor when it comes to new drinks, so rather than mixing it in 8oz of water, I mixed it with a full bottle of water (16oz.). The color was a little... disturbing and unattractive, and the flavor was surprising. I got some inquisitive looks when people saw what I was drinking. The color is a little odd. The flavor was strong and sweet, not overpowering, but had a kick to it. It is a bit of an acquired taste because I've never had anything like it!

I drank it about 45 minutes before my workout and began to tell a difference in my energy level! Also, because of the sweet flavor, it curbed my pre-workout munchies (normally when I go home I eat out of habit, but this Vega energizer made me forget all about eating when I got home)!

I hopped on the treadmill for my regular 5 miles and was surprised at how long the drink sustained me! It made the first 4 miles (about 40 minutes) feel effortless! 

Test #2: Because my first test was so successful, I wanted to test it again to see if it was just my excitement or if the product really did work. In short, it does :)

This time I mixed the powder with the recommended amount of water (8 oz.) and that made it even more flavorful, which I was okay with at this point. I still felt an energy difference as I was drinking it, and it sustained me through my workout yet again!

Test #3: At this point I was no longer testing it because I knew it worked, I was just consuming it as a pre-workout energizer :)

I hit the treadmill for another 5-miler and had the same results as the first time - sustained energy for the first 4 miles. After the forth I could feel it wearing off again, which is what I expected. It still worked better than they promised!

Takeaways:

 I had sustained energy throughout all of my runs after drinking the mixture. I liked the sweet flavor and have gotten used to the color of the drink. The only downfall of the drink is that whether I had 8oz. or 16oz., I had to use the restroom through my whole run. Normally I don't drink within an hour of a workout to avoid this problem, so having to tinkle while running for over 50 minutes is kind of annoying. I think I may also experiment with drinking it an hour beforehand (rather than 20 minutes), then drinking more during my run. Plus I can't get past the fact that it's made from clean and natural ingredients! 

I'll definitely be using this product again! I'll probably also use it when I need a pick-me-up even when I'm not about to exercise! 

For more information on this product and more, visit FuelYourBetter.com!

Let's chat!

 - What's your pre-workout routine?

 - What products, if any, do you use before working out?

     I used to never use products before, during, or after a workout, but I seriously love Vega now! I'm excited to try their other products!

injinji does no wrong!

I've always loved injinji socks! When I first started running I developed HORRIBLE blisters from not having decent socks. Before each run I'd have to bandage up my big and little toes on both feet to prevent blisters, no matter how long or short my runs were.

After researching running socks I decided to go to the local running store and invest in a new pair. After telling the salesman what I was looking for, he instantly got a pair of injini socks and let me try them on. They were fun. They were different. They were moisture wicking. They were perfect. They were thick enough to prevent blisters but thin enough that they weren't annoying. In fact, I ran my first half marathon in them and had NO problems! 

Here I am after my first half marathon. You can't see my socks, but I promise I was wearing them :)

Cut to a few days ago when I won a giveaway from my favorite blogger, I received a new pair if injinji socks, which reminded me of how much I loved them! I reached out to injinji and they sent me several different kinds of their socks!

I know you're not supposed to try anything new during a race or a long run, but I love injinji products so much that I tried them out during my most recent 13-miler (actually 13.1, but who's counting?).

from my instagram

I really do love injinji! I tried their new lightweight, ultra thin performance socks. 

Their 5 toe system is compiled of moisture-wicking material which keeps moisture from building in your socks making your feet sweaty, and prevents blisters (anytime you buy new workout gear, it's important to buy moisture-wicking material! Trust me!)

My socks were the no-show length, which wasn't completely true...

But I don't really care about that. My pink and purple socks matched my pink and purple shoes, so that was awesome! I don't really care about my socks matching - that's just a perk!

My feet were so comfortable during 13.1 run! I knew they would be, but it's always nice to have confirmation! I didn't have any problems with sweaty feet or blisters, or any other problems that can occur with your feet!

injini does no wrong! They may kid about their sock height, but that's easily overlooked when you feel the quality of their socks!

I've built a great relationship with the good folks at injinji and we have some really, really exciting things coming SOON!! So stay tuned to the blog to see what surprises we have in store! You won't want to miss it! I promise!!

Let's talk it out:

 - Do you like your socks to match your shoes?

 - Who's excited to hear the announcement?!