I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I am about this collaboration launch!!! There are so many things I love about this little collection that we put together, but two important things before I get into that:
- This is Beyond Yoga’s first ever kid collab! I am so excited to be a part of their matching mommy and me kids legging set! It is just the cutest thing.
- For every single item sold, we are donating $5 to the non-profit organization Every Mother Counts. This is such a big deal for me… I feel honored to be able to give back in this way. (Read more about Every Mother Counts in question 10 below!)
When I was first introduced to Beyond Yoga and tried their activewear for the first time, I was SOOO impressed. Their fabric choices are insane. So soft. The tanks, pull-overs, the leggings, they are such amazing quality pieces I wear over and over again and that don’t stretch out/are ill-fitting after time.
In doing a bit more research about their brand I was so stoked about their body positive message they convey in everything they create. It is so unusual and refreshing to find in this body obsessed culture we live in. They vow to never alter or photoshop a woman’s body and live by the motto:
I AM BEAUTIFUL.
I AM PERFECT.
I BELONG.
I AM KIND.
I AM ME.
I LIVE MY LIFE BEYOND.
I am so honored to be aligned with a brand with such a strong grasp on what it means to be a beautiful woman, one that empowers all women to be proud of their amazing bodies and to love every single inch. I answered a few of their questions below!
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1. As a modern millennial mother, how do you balance work and home life? Any tips?
This is really the toughest thing especially because my husband and I both work from home. We used to try and work and parent at the same time all day but it was SO ineffective and I felt I was doing a crappy job at both! The best thing we ever decided to do was to separate the two. Clay works while I’m am 100% mom, engaging, playing and giving all my attention to the kids, and vice versa. When I work, Clay is on.
Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help! We just decided it was time we invested in some help, so we hired a nanny for 2 days a week and in that time we just really crank it out and try to get as much done as possible so we can put it away later.
It was a big leap for us but we felt like in the long run we’d be more efficient and we’d make up for the expense with the extra time we are spending working.
2. We feel it’s important for moms to celebrate themselves, as well as their children. What are some ways you celebrate yourself?
Taking time for yourself is sooo hard as a mom and a lot of times I feel guilty! (Which is totally silly… but it happens.) I’ve learned though that I need 30 mins to myself everyday just to refresh and be alone with my thoughts. Usually it’s at night or in the morning while the kids are still asleep… taking a hot bath while listening to a favorite podcast or making tea in the morning and finishing the whole cup before it goes cold are some of my go-to’s!
3. Do you have any daily or weekly self-care rituals you just can’t live without?
Ahh yes!! I don’t think I have EVER gone to bed without doing my entire nighttime routine. Haha! It’s pretty elaborate. But I am obsessed with my Biossance rose oil… I weirdly look forward to washing my face and putting it on every night. Can’t live without that stuff.
I also try to make it to at least 1 hot yoga class/week mostly for my own sanity. Haha Feels good to not think about anything else but the class for that hour and 20.
4. In your opinion, what makes a woman beautiful?
Confidence!!! 100%. Knowing her own worth and being so secure with herself that she lifts and celebrates others around her.
5. What are your favorite family activities with your kids in the summertime?
Beachtime! That’s basically our summer in a nutshell. Haha Clay loves surfing and although Ezra isn’t 100% on board yet… Clay isn’t giving up. : ) Curren, on the other hand, is our water babe and LOOOVES getting wet! I think he may have more of a future in his surfing career. Haha
6. Like you, we love to travel! We’re curious, which travel destinations are on your bucket list right now?
Austria, Germany and Switzerland and Northern Italy! We did a Europe trip last year but would love to go again and see these countries.
We also have a trip planned to Maine for the fall. This is my all time favorite place to be when the leaves are turning and I can’t wait to go back. It is beautiful.
Also, Bali is at the top of our list but that flight is kind of crazy with 2 young kids. I think we will take them when they are a bit older and will be able to get in the water with dad.☺️
7. Any tips for traveling with the little ones?
Just roll with it and don’t have too much of an agenda. It can be frustrating when you over-schedule yourself or have a million places to be. But if you have low expecations, plan on giving the kids breaks and a few things to do that’s just for them (parks, kids museums…) you’ll both be happier! Also, snacks. Take a ton of snacks. ????
8. What are your top 3 style essentials for summer?
I’m obsessed with my Levi’s cut-offs right now. I wear them almost everyday. A good wide brimmed hat and comfy “I could walk in these all day” sandals or slides. I love my Birkenstocks and a pair of pointed raffia slides when I want to dress up just a little bit.
9. We are so excited about the BY x Mary Lauren Collab! Which piece(s) is/are your favorite from the collection and why?
UGH so hard to choose!! I love it all! But I think the set is my favorite. I really love that the legging is high waisted and super flattering. The pattern came out perfectly… a touch of femininity but with a little edginess to it. The matching toddler legging is seriously the cutest thing everrrr and I was sooo stoked Ezra was still excited about matching with me. He asks just about every day if we can match. ???? I love it.
10. Five dollars of each item sold from the collab goes the Every Mother Counts. Can you speak to the importance of this organization, and why it’s special to you?
I have such a deep respect for the birthing process. It is such a beautiful and empowering part of life. I had such wonderful birthing experiences at home with both of my boys, some of the best memories I will cherish forever. But without assistance and in the wrong environment, birth can be so scary, dangerous and too many times it leads to complications and death, especially in third world countries.So many expecting mothers are walking miles to get to their prenatal appointments, even while in labor to receive their care. Can you imagine?! Every Mother Counts is providing safe prenatal care, providing transportation to and from clinics and safe places for women to bring their babies into this world. Such a beautiful effort and I couldn’t be more excited to contribute in this way.
11. What’s the most surprising or important thing motherhood has taught you so far?
Slow down and be in the moment.My mind is constantly running, thinking of the next thing that needs to be done. This is so hard for me to do, but slowing down, putting it all away, getting on the floor and PLAYING is just as important for me as it is for them. Be in the moment.I read a quote recently that said:
“If you are depressed you are living in the past.
If you are anxious you are living in the future.
If you are at peace you are living in the present.”
-Lao Tzu
There is a lot to be learned from children if we just slow down enough to watch.
Feeling SO SO lucky to have been able to have this amazing opportunity with Beyond Yoga! So THANK YOU to them and THANK YOU GUYS for all your support always! It means the world!
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