Hello, wonderful friends! The past few weeks have been an absolute whirlwind, a period of relentless activity and incredible growth. It feels like I’ve been perpetually on the move, driven by a desire to push boundaries and embrace new opportunities, even if it sometimes means juggling multiple priorities simultaneously. This journey has been incredibly rewarding, marked by unforgettable moments and significant milestones. Just this past weekend, I had the immense pleasure of being involved in two truly inspiring events right here in the vibrant Twin Cities. One was a remarkable collaboration orchestrated by Lindsey from Nourish Move Love and the impactful organization, The Her Initiative, dedicated to empowering women and fostering community. The other exciting venture was a special partnership with the fantastic team at Lululemon St. Paul, a brand I deeply admire and have a long-standing connection with. As I look ahead, the next couple of weeks promise even more excitement with an intense travel schedule, prompting me to buckle down and focus on getting everything organized and prepped for the adventures to come. It’s a busy season, but one filled with immense gratitude and anticipation for what’s next.
Proudly Joining the Lululemon Ambassador Team!
My admiration for Lululemon stretches back to 2012, the year I first stepped into the world of group fitness instruction. Since then, it’s been more than just activewear; it’s become an integral part of my lifestyle. A quick peek into my closet would reveal that over half of my fitness attire proudly bears the iconic Lululemon logo, and for those who follow my daily life on Snapchat, you’ll know it’s often my go-to choice even when I’m not hitting the gym or teaching a class. Why such unwavering loyalty? The reasons are multifaceted and deeply rooted in both quality and brand philosophy. Firstly, their pants are simply unparalleled in fit and comfort, offering support and style that truly flatters. Beyond aesthetics, finding bras that perfectly accommodate a DD cup size has always been a challenge, and Lululemon consistently delivers on both support and design. But it’s not just about the exceptional product quality; it’s also about the incredible community they cultivate. Each Lululemon store is more than just a retail space; it’s a hub where individuals are encouraged to connect, grow, and pursue their passions. Their commitment to team member development and fostering a positive, empowering environment is truly inspiring, reflecting a brand ethos that resonates deeply with my own values.
You can imagine, then, my overwhelming excitement and absolute disbelief when the incredible Team Lululemon Twin Cities approached me to join their esteemed ambassador program! It was an unforgettable moment, a genuine surprise that unfolded at the Vision and Goals event I was participating in at the St. Paul store. I vividly recall the rush of emotions, completely losing my composure in the best possible way. They thoughtfully presented me with an adorable “Fit Foodie” sign and extended the invitation over a shared box of delicious donuts – a truly perfect and personal touch that swept me off my feet. It’s an immense honor to be recognized and to partner with a brand that champions wellness, community, and personal growth. This ambassadorship marks a new chapter, and I’m incredibly eager to delve deeper into this collaboration, explore the exciting opportunities it presents, and share more details as this partnership evolves. Stay tuned for behind-the-scenes glimpses, styling tips, and exciting community initiatives!
Introducing Mark: My High School Sweetheart & “Man Candy”
For those of you who’ve been following along closely, especially my dedicated FFF Snapchat followers, you might have caught a few subtle hints over the past few months. There’s a wonderful new chapter unfolding in my personal life, and I am absolutely thrilled to share that I am happily dating again! If you’ve noticed a significant increase in my travels to Milwaukee, well, now you know the delightful reason behind it. I’ve reconnected with and am now dating my best friend from high school. It’s a revelation that truly feels a bit “nuts” in the most wonderful way, a testament to how life can beautifully circle back and surprise you when you least expect it. Friends, allow me to introduce you to the charming individual I affectionately call “Man Candy” – his real name is Mark.
Our story is one that spans years, friendship, and serendipitous timing. Mark and I attended high school together, forging a close friendship, particularly during my senior year. While we never formally “dated” back then, we spent countless hours together, building a bond rooted in shared laughs and friendly competition. He often playfully (and sometimes seriously!) “kicked my ass” in everything from bowling to various other sports, creating a foundation of camaraderie and mutual respect. It wasn’t until the summer before I headed off to college that I realized my feelings for him had deepened, evolving beyond mere friendship into something more profound. However, despite a mutual attraction, we made the pragmatic decision not to pursue a relationship then, primarily due to the impending distance as we chose different universities. We believed that a long-distance relationship at that formative stage wouldn’t be the best foundation for either of us.
Life, as it often does, took its course. Throughout our college years and beyond, one of us was always in a long-term relationship – he found a girlfriend, and I later found a boyfriend, a pattern that continued for about eight years. The timing just never aligned for us romantically, though our friendship, in various forms, always lingered in the background. Then, this past summer, in a twist of fate that felt truly magical, life brought us back into each other’s orbit. Over the course of several months, filled with numerous visits, heartfelt conversations, and a rekindling of that special connection, we decided to officially embark on a boyfriend/girlfriend journey. It’s been an incredible rediscovery of a profound bond, proving that sometimes the best things are worth waiting for.
So, how are we handling the long-distance aspect? It’s undeniably presented its challenges, requiring intentional effort and communication, but I must admit, it hasn’t been as arduous as I initially imagined. Minneapolis and Milwaukee, though five hours apart by car, are conveniently connected by a short 45-minute plane ride. This geographical reality, coupled with the nature of my work, which largely allows for remote operation, means that traveling to see Mark isn’t an insurmountable hurdle. I’m incredibly fortunate to have the flexibility that enables me to balance my professional commitments with nurturing this blossoming relationship. It makes those weekends together all the more precious and cherished. And speaking of our shared past, it still makes me smile to look back at our high school days. Ummm, how cute were we back then? This particular photo captures us the summer before I started college, right before Mark’s senior year. Yes, a fun fact for you – I’m a year older!
Venturing into Video: New Recipe Tutorials from Fit Foodie!
I am absolutely flipping excited to announce that Team Fit Foodie is officially venturing into the dynamic realm of video content creation! This is a monumental step for us, one we’ve been eagerly planning and working towards. As a consumer myself, I’ve long recognized the undeniable power of video; it’s what instantly grabs my attention, compelling me to pause and watch. I could honestly lose myself for hours on YouTube, captivated by everything from intricate cupcake tutorials to fascinating cooking demonstrations. It might sound a little quirky, but I have a genuine obsession with cake and cupcake decorating videos – there’s something so mesmerizing about the artistry and precision. More broadly, video has completely transformed my Facebook feed over the past six months, and it’s abundantly clear why: it’s what the audience craves. People are drawn to visual storytelling, to seeing processes unfold in real-time, and to connecting with creators on a more personal level.
Transitioning into video production is certainly a significant undertaking, demanding extensive planning, meticulous preparation, and a considerable amount of work. However, I am more than ready to embrace this exciting challenge head-on. A few weekends ago, the dedicated Team Fit Foodie gathered to film our very first batch of four recipe videos. It was an intensive but incredibly rewarding experience, laying the groundwork for what we believe will be a fantastic new way to share our passion for healthy eating with all of you. The inaugural video, showcasing our delicious Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats, went live two weeks ago to an amazing reception, and I’m thrilled to share that video number two is set to be released this coming Monday. We are buzzing with excitement for you all to see the effort and creativity poured into these projects. Our goal is to provide engaging, easy-to-follow recipe tutorials that inspire you in your own kitchens. Get ready for more delicious, visually stunning content!
Turning 26: Celebrating Growth and New Beginnings!
Holy shiitake mushrooms, indeed! It feels surreal to be reflecting on how much my life has transformed and expanded over the past year. As I prepare to celebrate my 26th birthday this Sunday, I find myself brimming with excitement about stepping into my “upper twenties” – a phase that feels like a beautiful culmination of experiences and a launchpad for even more growth. Each year seems to bring new lessons, new challenges, and new joys, and I truly believe that life just keeps getting better with every passing chapter. To mark this special milestone, I kicked off my birthday celebrations a few days early with my incredible circle of best friends at the renowned Surly Brewing Co. It was the perfect setting for a memorable pre-birthday bash. Wednesday, coincidentally, turned out to be one of Minneapolis’s first truly glorious Spring days – a delightful 65 degrees and gloriously sunny! The idea of gathering on an outdoor patio instantly sounded like pure bliss, a fantastic way to soak up the sun and enjoy great company. Adding to the joy, my younger brother and I share the same birthday, separated by exactly four years, and he’s a huge craft beer enthusiast, making Surly an even more fitting choice for our joint celebration. It was a day filled with laughter, good food, excellent beer, and the warmth of cherished friendships, setting a wonderful tone for the year ahead.
As I blow out my candles this year, I’m not just celebrating another year; I’m celebrating resilience, newfound love, exciting professional ventures, and the incredible community that surrounds me. It’s a moment of reflection on how far I’ve come and anticipation for all the adventures that await. Here’s to 26, and to embracing every moment with an open heart and a determined spirit!
A Whirlwind of Upcoming Travel & Adventures
Get ready, because the next four weeks are going to be absolutely *cray* with travel! I frequently get asked how I manage such a demanding schedule, constantly on the go, and my honest answer is simple: I wouldn’t have it any other way. I thrive on intense periods of work and activity, preferring to “rally” and pour my energy into projects for two or three days, then allowing myself a bit of time to decompress and enjoy life’s moments. This rhythm, a balance of intense focus and well-deserved relaxation, truly works for me. My upcoming schedule is meticulously planned, brimming with exciting destinations and enriching experiences. Here’s a peek at where I’ll be adventuring over the next three weekends:
THIS Weekend: Milwaukee – A Birthday Surprise!
I am absolutely bubbling with excitement because this weekend I’m heading to Milwaukee, not only to spend quality time with Mark, but guess who else is joining me?! My dear friend, Linley! This entire trip was a wonderful birthday surprise orchestrated by both Mark and Linley. I had already planned to travel to Milwaukee for my birthday weekend, but their secret collaboration to have Linley join me made it extra special and truly unforgettable. I am incredibly pumped to be celebrating my birthday surrounded by two of my favorite people, creating cherished memories and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Milwaukee.
April 21-24: Grand Rapids, Michigan – The #FreshCoastRetreat
Following my Milwaukee adventure, I’ll be embarking on a brand new experience: my very first blogger retreat in Grand Rapids, Michigan! I genuinely cannot wait. The online world has connected me with so many inspiring and lovely ladies who have become wonderful friends, yet many of us have never actually met in real life. This retreat, affectionately dubbed #FreshCoastRetreat, is the perfect opportunity to bridge that gap, foster deeper connections, collaborate on exciting ideas, and learn from one another in a dedicated, inspiring setting. It’s a chance to transform virtual friendships into tangible bonds, and I’m anticipating a weekend filled with creativity, shared insights, and unforgettable moments of camaraderie.
April 28 – May 2nd: Toronto – An Avocado Party Awaits!
Can you guess who I’m visiting for this exciting trip? None other than The Mave, of course! Both Linley and I are making our way to Toronto for a fantastic long weekend, and the reason is simply irresistible: Vids is hosting an epic avocado party! There was absolutely no way we were going to miss a vibrant weekend in Toronto dedicated to celebrating the glorious ‘aguacate’. Beyond the delicious theme, it’s another wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow content creators, explore a dynamic city, and create some truly fun and unique content. Get ready for some avocado-filled adventures and plenty of laughs!
Wishing you all a truly happy and inspiring weekend, filled with joy and perhaps a little adventure of your own!