wellness

sunshine + mom-time

March 10, 2016 by Rachel Leave a Comment

Friends, ya know what makes postpartum life even more excruciating? Complete lack of sunshine. But the weather gods shone down upon us the last couple of days and blessed us with a 75 degrees in Ohio. In early March, nonetheless!!

This little family has had several really rough days over the last week. Like, 7 straight hours of overnight colicky screaming. Lucky for me, I have my tribe to keep me sane. Sometimes they straight-up force me to be sane… and for that? I am forever grateful.

Well Tuesday my tribe really rallied for me in a big way.

We [meaning the kids + I — gosh, that still sounds weird!] got a slower start to the day than I anticipated. Yeahhhh… I’m still struggling with how much time to allot myself to get ready in the mornings. But, alas, we made it out of the house… and headed to the Lego Store! Last week Ari was supposed to go to the Lego Monthly Mini Build (a free event that the Lego Store holds each month), but he was so sick. And he’s been so bummed ever since. In fact, everyday since, I’ve said “Guess what we’re doing today?” and he’ll reply with, “Going to the Lego Store?” Insert sad face. No, kiddo. Not that. Well, until this past Tuesday. And his little heart was so happy to get to build his Easter Bunny Lego! And I was so happy to see him enjoy himself.

I let him play for as long as Miss Remy Bea would allow (I was babywearing her and she started getting fussy) before we headed to Panera for lunch. Sure, I wanted to go somewhere a tad bit more ‘authentic’ to my lifestyle… but sometimes (aka – when you have two children in tow), my lifestyle is exactly Panera. Ha!

Then I dropped both kids off with my Aunt (whom Ari loving refers to as Grandma Dee!) and headed over to Massage Envy in Beachwood. I had never been before, but I desperately needed a nice, stress-reducing, massage.

I arrived at LaPlace about 30 minutes early so I made a snap decision to really treat myself! Mitchell’s Ice Cream is right there and, considering we do not have one anywhere near us in Akron, I was totally down for a scoop of Wildberry Crumble!

Linda, the manager of the Beachwood locations, welcomed me upon my arrival into the spa. I filled out a Massage Wellness Chart, which is the equivalent of new-client paperwork, and the receptionist was kind enough to bring me an ice water to sip (which was much appreciated after eating that ice cream!).

Before meeting my massage therapist, Robert, the receptionist then brought me back to the waiting and relaxation area. I honestly could have fallen asleep right then and there thanks to a whole new level of exhaustion lately. But just before I drifted off, Robert came to greet me and take me back to my room. He talked to me about my massage and let me know that literally everything was customizable — the temperature of the heated table, the pressure of the massage, the volume of the music, etc. He then advised me that he would step out of the room and I should undress to my level of comfort.

The room was welcoming and relaxing. And my massage was perfection! As strange as it sounds, I haven’t had a whole lot of discomfort since Remy was born… all of my discomfort was felt during pregnancy! Ha! But, it turns out, there was trouble brewing below the surface. In fact, my shoulders, neck, and back were a complete disaster. Completely full of knots. Yeah… I’m not surprised. I carry a toddler and a newborn around nonstop; plus we co-sleep, which means we sleep at awkward angles and positions.

I absolutely loved my massage and the conversation during it! Some people want complete silence during their massages, but not me! It’s totally therapeutic to chat during a massage! Lucky for me, Robert was not only a talented massage therapist, but also a great conversationalist! As a new parent himself, we had a lot to chat about! The hour flew by — which is both a blessing and a curse, right?

By the time I was done, I was not only relaxed, but I was ready to see my babies. Even just being away from two hours is enough to reset and refresh myself. I felt rejuvenated and ready to take on the world! So a huge thank you to Linda and to Robert for the amazing experience at Massage Envy of Beachwood!

If you would like to check them out, visit their Facebook page here and their website here! With an introductory massage starting at just $49.99, you can book a massage at any of the following Beachwood locations: Gates Mills, Lyndhurst, Beachwood, Mayfield Heights, Richmond Heights, and Cleveland Heights. Just call 216-593-0140.

Disclosure: I was contacted by Massage Envy to receive one complimentary hour massage. As always, my opinions and thoughts are my own.

postpartum fitness // wishes + plans

January 17, 2016 by Rachel 1 Comment

I know I’m not postpartum yet, but gosh, I cannot wait to get back to feeling like myself. Don’t get me wrong, I’m giving myself as much time as necessary to heal, postpartum. However, this warmer than usual winter has had me in a bit of a jealous fit from time to time. Especially since it’s been absolutely perfect running weather up until recently. And here I am, barely able to walk up the stairs without peeing myself. Ha!

Postpartum, however, I will not let a little pee stop me from getting my workout on! Thank goodness for Depend Silhouette Active Fit womens briefs. Trust me, I know I will need them after this child is born (heck, I need them now!). And I totally know that I’m not alone! In fact, more people have bladder leakage in their 20s than people in their 80s! And if you’re a mom, you probably know what I mean!

Barre Fly. This studio opened up in Canton a while back and I’ve been dying to try out their aerial yoga! And I’m sure it will feel awesome on my postpartum hips! And perhaps I can even (finally) check out a barre class!
Balance + Brews. Basically, yoga in a brewery. Umm, yes please! Again, these started like right around the time I found out I was pregnant. I’ve been itching to get to one of these classes, because, beer… and stretching!
PureMvmnt. I’ve always wanted to try pole classes. However, I have zero rhythm and absolutely no core strength nowadays. This space was created to empower women! And what better way than by building core strength.
Believe In CLE. I missed the last couple of Believe in CLE yoga events and I’m dying to get back to a huge practice!
GrooveRyde. Dying to try out this new cycling and yoga studio!

Luckily when I head out on my new fitness adventures, no one will have a clue that I’m struggling with some light bladder leakage. And I’ll be spreading #underwareness because they are SO discreet! With a lower rise, Depend Silhouette Active Fit briefs both fit and feel like real underwear — so I don’t have to worry about something embarrassing happening while I’m doing aerial yoga. Ha!

You can try them out for yourself for FREE! Get a free sample here and check out how Depend is entering year three of #Underwareness, a social movement and charitable cause to break down the bladder leakage stigma! And most of all, don’t let a little bladder leakage hold you back from getting out there and moving!!

Many thanks to Depend for sponsoring today’s story and spread #underwareness cause.

Postpartum Survival Guide // Baby 2.0

January 6, 2016 by Rachel 2 Comments

I’m not going to lie, even though I’ve been through labor and delivery once before, I’m still straight-up terrified of going through it again. My doctors have been really confident that I will be able to labor naturally. And I should know what to expect, right? Well, kind of. But I’m also panicky.

The one thing that I AM confident about is postpartum recovery. Even though I was prepped by family and friends, I really and truly had no idea what to expect the first time around. I was nervous and scared for how my body would feel after that kind of trauma. But our bodies are amazing!

Now that I’m no longer a “rookie” I’ve put together my Postpartum Survival Guide, Version 2.0!

one: a water tumbler with a straw. While the “with a straw” may seem silly and insignificant, I promise you, it is not. Not only do I find myself drinking more through a straw, but your hands are going to be busy holding a baby. And you need to stay hydrated! Don’t forget to stay hydrated! Labor is intense! And if you are planning on breastfeeding, you need all the fluids you can get!

two: ice packs. Lots and lots of ice packs. You will ache in places you never thought you could ache… and you will need to sit on them. Friends, if you don’t know this, you need to know it. Ice is your best friend.

three: pain reliever. While the pain management may actually be minimal, every little bit helps. I, for one, had aches and pains nonstop in my legs. First, from walking through labor for 24 hours; then because my husband and a nurse held my legs back when I couldn’t feel them after the epidural.

four: a postpartum girdle. You just pushed out nearly 20-inches of human… your belly is still bloated, but it’s no longer super hard from your placenta and a human. You just look pregnant (don’t worry – everyone does at this point); but you’ll need some support for a while.

five: netflix. I, for one, didn’t anticipate how much time of the time I would be awake, alone, in the middle of the night… with a screaming baby. So this time I’ve been hoarding my Netflix queue, refusing to watch new series until this child arrives.

six: a big pregnancy pillow. If you had one during pregnancy, don’t plan on putting it away after baby comes! Those aches and pains mean more snuggles with your giant bedmate.

seven: witch hazel wipes. Because, burning. I didn’t know that I would need these, but I was lucky enough to randomly have them on hand. This time I have them on hand on purpose!

eight: button down, oversized PJs. Buy them a size larger, button down top, so that you can nurse and not feel ‘trapped’ in real, postpartum clothes. Someone bought me a pair of PJs like this for Ari and I wore the crap out of them!

nine: depends. Postpartum with Ari was my first ever experience with depends. But someone suggested that in addition to those giant maxi pads they give you at the hospital, that you’ll want to wear depends with them. I totally totally agree. You won’t be able to/want to wear real underwear. And you can just throw them away!

So there you have it! My go-to list! Is there anything I’m missing that you would add??

but wait! there’s more!

November 18, 2015 by Rachel 2 Comments

Because just when you think “nothing else can happen,” something does.

Like picking up your prescription and rear ending a girl leaving Target during her lunch break. Yep. That happened. Luckily [and yes, there really is a silver lining here], neither car was damaged — at all! However, I kinda hit her hard. Moosh and I were OK.

…until I was laying in bed with him and realizing my heart was beating out of my chest + it was difficult to take breaths.

Call the doctor and they send me back to triage.

Drag Moosh with me to triage at Akron City Hospital [dude was a champ, by the way]. Of course my blood pressure returns to normal at this point. But I happen to mention that “teeny” fender-bender I was in earlier. So they want to keep me for monitoring … for a minimum of 4 hours.

More blood work, more tests, ultrasounds to check organs, etc, later. I’m released. Exhausted. Had to take a quick shower before bed. Only to be left sleeping with a toddler [because when asked why he is scared to sleep in his room he simply answers, “jumanji”] who wants to be sure he’s touching mommy all night… but that means with his feet… in your face.

I can officially say it… I’m discouraged. Massively, massively, discouraged. I’m in pain. I’m having trouble breathing. I’m feeling sick. And I just don’t feel like myself. And I mentioned before that this pregnancy is causing me to be depressed; but I’m really saying it now — this pregnancy has me depressed. Seriously. I am counting down the weeks, days, hours… until I have a baby in my arms and out of my uterus.

GIVEAWAY!! // Elevate Akron // Fall 2015

November 15, 2015 by Rachel 1 Comment

Again, I have to say it… Northeast Ohio is simply amazing. There is so much to do, so much to see, and so much to be involved in! While this can be found within so many groups and hobbies here in Ohio, it’s especially true of the yoga community.

First there was Believe in CLE. And then, earlier this year, the first ever Elevate Akron event. Thankfully, we’re ending 2015 with yet another FREE yoga event before closing out 2015!

Next Sunday, November 22nd, yogis from all over our region, will gather at the University of Akron field house for a sweaty vinyasa practice, speakers, and an after party complete with food trucks, games and DJ Nino!

The excitement that is set to vibrate throughout the city of Akron — and Northeast Ohio — is building! I’m SO excited to attend, pregnant belly and all!

Lucky for one of my readers, I was asked by the great ladies of Lululemon Akron to giveaway one commemorative Elevate Akron 2015 tank or tee! Use the rafflecopter widget below to enter — and please only enter if you are local and will be able to pick up the tee!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good luck! Be sure to register for the FREE EVENT HERE. Oh, and here are the nitty gritty details for the event:

Parking. Parking is available in lot 10 directly behind the building.
Arrive Early. Music, day-of check-in and yoga mat parking starts at 4:30PM. The festivities promptly at 5:00PM with a special speaker followed by our vinyasa class.
Bring Cash. Hello? Food trucks galore!
Limited Mat Rentals. So be sure to bring one!
Packet Pick-Up. Event organizers urge you to attend packet pick-up at the lululemon Akron showroom on Friday, November 20th from 11:00AM-6:00PM or Saturday, November 21st from 10:00AM to 2:00PM. Pre-ordered tees and tank tops will also be distributed during these designated times.

See you there! xo

Breast Cancer Awareness Month // What You Need To Know

October 27, 2015 by Rachel Leave a Comment

October has always been a month of celebration for me and my family. It’s not only my birth month, but I share this month with so many friends, and the birth of my son. But I would be remiss if I failed to mention the elephant in the room — October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease, offer information and support to those affected by breast cancer and raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure.

I am lucky. I know only a small handful of people who have had breast cancer. And, luckily, they have been through treatment and are currently in remission.

And that is due to, in large part, early detection and prevention.

Here’s what you need to know about breast cancer:

Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women, with skin cancer being the first.
About 1 in 8 women born today in the U.S. will get breast cancer at some point in their lives.
Approximately 231,340 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. each year.
Breast cancer patients with employer-sponsored health insurance spend $6,553 out-of-pocket.

Even as the second most common cancer among women in the United States, millions of women are surviving breast cancer thanks in part to early detection and improvements in treatment. The goal of screening exams for breast cancer is to find cancers before they start to cause symptoms (like a lump that can be felt). Screening refers to tests and exams used to find a disease, such as cancer, in people who do not have any symptoms (that they are aware of).

While women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health, women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of a periodic health exam by a health professional preferably every 3 years. If you are seeing a gynecologist for an annual exam, they will likely be doing a breast tissue exam during that time.

It’s frightening to think that any one of us could potentially have our lives derailed by breast cancer. And it’s even scarier to think that health insurance wouldn’t bear the burden of the cost. At least, not in it’s entirety.

During the Fall we are all burdened with looking at our employer-based insurance coverage and determining the best plan of action for our families. However, I urge you to also consider policies that can help ease worries about the financial cost of breast cancer if it were to occur. When caught early, the survival rate for breast cancer is as high as 99 percent, but the diagnosis can be accompanied by an expensive treatment regimen. Aflac’s cash benefits can help policyholders pay the out-of-pocket costs associated with costly cancer treatments.

A cancer insurance policy can be used not only for treatment expenses not covered by major medical insurance, but also for extra child care that may be needed, transportation to and from the doctor or treatments, and even everyday living expenses, such as mortgage payments or groceries. If you or a family member does end up being diagnosed with breast cancer, or any cancer, you want to be able to focus on recovery not finances, and a cancer insurance policy can help you do just that. Plus, with Aflac’s recently introduced One Day Pay^SM initiative, which allows Aflac to process, approve and pay eligible claims in just a day, you can have the cash you need in hand faster than ever before.

And this is why I’m excited to be helping spread the word about Aflac‘s campaign, “The Duck Wears Pink.”

Aflac is selling a variety of campaign-related merchandise including the plush duck, hats and a breast cancer ribbon pin, with all the net proceeds going to the AACR for the specific purpose of funding research aimed at finding a cure for breast cancer. Aflac supports the groundbreaking work of the AACR – the first and largest cancer research organization in the world with a membership of more than 35,000 professionals residing in 101 countries working on the front lines of the effort to eradicate cancer. The AACR backs every aspect of high-quality, innovative cancer research.

If you feel so inclined, you can donate or shop for merchandise here. And if nothing else, please practice methods of detection and prevention.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.