Fortune Cookies & Fitness

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

The other week, I opened a Fortune Cookie (I can't actually eat it haha #GF4Life) that said... "Your Actions will Inspire Other People"

Since then... I haven't been able to get it out of my head. In many ways, I realize I have been blessed and HOPEFULLY have inspired others to pursue their passions, work with animal rescues or cook their own dog food hehe, and to take care of themselves (health/fitness). 


But sometimes I feel like a bit of a fraud when it comes to fitness. I'm not a trainer...I'm not super fit... my form is far from perfect... I'm huffing & puffing during the workouts #pausebreaks needed... and sometimes I feel like I've flat out REGRESSED haha I was in MUCH better shape when I started with P90X. 

Despite all of that... 

  • I'm MUCH stronger than I've ever been (mentally/emotionally) 
  • I learning to overcome things I never had to deal with in the past (thyroid, Hashimotos, etc...) 
  • I am MUCH more in tune with my body. I'm a better listener! 
  • I've learned that Fitness is a work in progress. It's about making those small daily decisions that add up. And throwing a pity party isn't helping anyone one bit! 
  • I've learned that we aren't alone. We all have struggles, good days/bad days...we all play the comparison game & measure ourselves against someone else's highlight reel. But TOGETHER we truly are STRONGER. 

So as I start my next Wellness Babes accountability group, I am GRATEFUL and humbled by anyone I've inspired. I'm thankful for all of your kind words and messages. 
And I would like to invite you to hold me accountable as well! 
 
If you want to journey on this fitness road together, I would love to have you in my lil sisterhood! #WellnessBabes 

RSVP Here: http://bit.ly/WellnessBabes



Disclosure

Monday, December 5, 2016

This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. It's not very professional- it started out as a simple way for me to record my life...but I love to share products/tips/info that makes my life better. 

My blog is a part of affiliate advertising programs. This means that if you click and/or make a purchase through certain links on this site, I have the potential to make a small commission from that click and/or purchase. 
It is important to note, that this does not affect the price or cost you anything extra, rather it gives me credit for driving business to the companies that I share.  All opinions are my own. If I post an affiliate link to a product or a company, it is something I have personally used, LOVE and would support or recommend without an affiliate link.

This disclosure was last updated on December 5, 2017.

Gift Ideas (that People actually want)! Warning: You'll Want These Too!

Saturday, December 3, 2016

It's here! My 2016 list of FAVORITE items and gift ideas that your friends and family will actually want! But be forewarned...you might find yourself snagging some of these for yourself. (I wouldn't blame you! hehe)

Kati's Favorite Things! 


Anyone

  • Gratitude Jar from Studio Penny Lane ($34) Obsessed with these! I feel like it's the perfect gift for ANYONE. Whether you have a positive friend..or someone who needs some positivity in their life...they can benefit from this. What you focus on EXPANDS! These beautiful jars have messages about faith, spirituality, RELATIONSHIPS & gratitude. I love them so much I want to get one for myself hehe

  • Barefoot Dreams Cozy Blanket ($108+)  Before you slide right past this one due to the price (trust me, I can appreciate the sheer insanity of spending a hundred bucks on a throw blanket), let me just say I am forever grateful I gave them a chance! In fact, we loved these so much, we couldn't share and had to snag a second haha! 
    You know those ridiculously soft, stretchy socks that feel like heaven on your feet? ...yea...imagine a BLANKET from that material. 
    Somehow this throw is WARM but breathable. I don't understand it.... but it's been PERFECT for both summer and winter. 
    If you are looking for a White Elephant gift ($100 value), your friends and family will be fighting over this once they feel it! haha 
    Baja Blanket & Solid Long 54" x 72"

  • Berkshire Blanket Costco ($12) Yes, you read that right...TWELVE dollars. A far departure from the price tag above.  If you are like me, you are instantly skeptical...questioning the quality.  But I've purchased 4 of these puppies and they are top notch. Super snuggly, SOFT and they wash well! You need a Costco membership for this one because it's only sold in stores. Available in Queen & King.  


  • Candle by Voluspa ($26) cliché gift? Maybe... But once you smell this baby, you will be CONVINCED it's worth it. I cannot get enough! I burn this anytime we have guests, and we always get compliments on it. I can't speak for the other scents...but Goji & Tarocco Orange is to DIE for! 
    They sell these on Voluspa's website, sometimes Amazon, Anthropologie, Alter'd State and more...I prefer to buy through Nordstrom for the points! 




  • Canvas Laundry Cart from Restoration Hardware ($63-111) This might seem like an odd addition to the list... but in thinking about the things that make my life easier... this is at the TOP of the list. I flippin' LOVE this Laundry cart. (In fact, I have two! The large version and the medium round one).  We have the benefit of a first floor bedroom, so it's easy to toss clothes in and glide across the house.
    It makes your laundry room look pretty & profesh..and doubles as a doggie stroller lol

  • Winter Accessories (Hat, Scarf & Gloves)
    The North Face Fur Pom Beanie ($35)
    Free People Brushed Fringe Scarf 
    ($48)AE Lace Up Gloves ($21)

    Another
     cliché gift...but truly...can you ever have enough protection from the cold? Prices range WILDLY on these items. You can find super cute options at Target, Tj Maxx etc...opt for super functional items from REI or fancy ones from Nordstrom. PS I love Free People & American Eagle for these items too!
  • ULTRA plush, SOFT, animal friendly slipper socks
    Cannot get over how THICK & cozy (yet lightweight) these are- and with ONE size fits all...you can't mess this gift up! 

  • Shark Tank Bundle! ($ varies)
    Last year, I had the most fun putting together a "Shark Tank" gift box for my friend Billy!
    If you know anyone who is an avid fan of the show, this is so fun to do! You can set your budget, Google "Shark Tank Products" and order the ones you think they will like!

Ladies

  • Robe by Gillian & O'Malley at Target!  (Orig $39. On sale) Cannot get enough of this robe! It's like wearing a large cozy blanket! Size up for extra snuggliness.

  • Boots! Minnetonka 'Double Fringe' Boot ($63) Adorable, comfy & they pair well with so many outfits...from jeans to dresses.
  • Faux Fur Eye Mask Nordstorm ($29) Target ($9)
    Are you sensing a trend here? I like fuzzy, furry, comfy things... I hope you (and your friends do too! hehe)

  • Sunglasses: Quay $50 My friend Brittany started a MASSIVE trend with this adorable sunnies! They flatter just about every face shape!

  • Fuzzy Slippers by Beverly Rock Not only are these cute, but they are so comfy and soft! (Note: I just discovered these are currently sold out on Amazon)

  • Fun Activity Together: Painting! (Approx $45/person)
    This is the perfect segue into my next category since it involved the pups hehe
    Before you groan at this idea, give it a chance.
    I originally bought this paint date at I Heart Corky Art to benefit our local animal shelter... but it was truly one of the best, most meaningful things I've done with my boyfriend. And I look at our art everyday (we hung it in the hallway). Find a class here

Dog Lover

  • Ornaments! For the animal lover in your life, you cannot go wrong with sentimental gifts. My bestie gifted me with BEAUTIFUL silhouette ornaments for each of my furries & I absolutely treasure them!

    SerendipitiniPet  ($17)

    The other option I really like is a customize-able ornament that features their breed and name on a Christmas-y scene from Ovris ($39)

  • Painting/Sketch/Watercolor from Etsy! What is more special then a CUSTOM drawing or painting of their beloveds?  If you can't tell, I'm very sentimental! hehe Prices range pretty widely depending on quality, detail, style...etc...
    A couple shops that caught my eye...
    The Paper Woodland ($85+)
    Treehouse Crafts ($95+)
    Doggy Arts ($30)
    AstridBrisson ($77) Love the watercolor splash!


  • Stockings! Pottery Barn Kids ($20+) I get the warm & fuzzies everytime I pull out the kids' stockings hehe  I just love the fun animal designs and having their names added makes them even more lovable! 



  • Animal Compassionate Fashion! 10% of all sales are donated to the Love Infinitely Project Animal Fund
    The Tree Kisser ($20+)

  • Other great gifts for dog lovers... you can check out HomeGoods for ENDLESS options and of course really great prices. I always pick up stuffy toys while I'm there. They have great toys, dog dishes, beds, etc... 

Jewelry 

  • Pendant Necklace: Nadri ($50)  Simple, understated and versatile! A staple in any girls' jewelry box

  • Mama Bear  Tristar Custom Designs ($25)


  • Jewelry Organizer & Protector  QVC ($45 set of two) I actually bought something from QVC and I love it! Not only are they functional but they keep your pretties tarnish-free. 

Beauty

  • Falsies: For the GLAM girl in your life, you can't go wrong with falsies! My two FAVORITE brands are House of Lashes & Lily Lashes ($9+)

    HOL has the BEST glue & I love their eyelash holder case for their lash stash! Tons of options.
    LL are sooo glam! Super FULL, high quality and long lasting.
  • Bath Bombs: Make them feel warm & fuzzy with some Lush Bath Bombs. They have gift options to fit literally EVERY budget! Bonus: All of their stuff is super cute! ($12.95+)



  • Hair Ties Love Mia & Co (Etsy) ($3+)
    Ok, these make great bridemaids gifts...but they are also super cute for your besties, everyday use (and your TEAM if you are a fellow biz owner hehe).
Social Media Lover 
  • Selfie Ring Light ($20) Perfect for someone who selfies! 
  • Portable Charger ($48) If you know someone who is ALWAYS on their phone or who travels, this is a MUST! I constantly use my portable charger to juice up at the airport (instead of having to sit on the floor near an outlet)
  • Pop Socket ($8) Get a grip on your phone! It's the best thing you never knew you needed haha
  • Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 8 Instant Camera ($60) So much fun for just about any age! Take (instant) mini polaroids! 



Traveler





  • Neck Pillow ($18) As someone who travels a fair amount, having a solid neck pillow is important. Believe me when I say I've tried them ALL. I have a total of 7 neck pillows in my possession...including a $40 version. After many hours of field testing, this is HANDS DOWN the best one I've ever used!
  • LuggageRaden ($295) This is tied for priciest item on the list (it even made Oprah's Favorite Things List! and with good reason).
    It's self-weighing, waterproof, beautiful, smooth spinner wheels, AND it lets you charge your devices from it's USB ports. And it's lightweight!
    They also sell this at Nordstrom in some pretty colors.

  • Headphones: Bose QuietComfort 25 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones ($295)  Back to back the other priciest item on the list.
    For me, there was life before my headphones...and life after.
    Odd fact about me: I have insanely sensitive ears. It started when I was about 25...but loud noises physically hurt me. So these babies are a MUSTTT when flying!
    Also, if you are like me and cannot focus/work with a lot of noise going on around you...throw these on & play rain sounds or soothing spa music. It works wonders when our lawn service comes with the mowers and blowers.
    Another side note: these babies are WELL-MADE. For those of you who remember when I traveled to Punta Cana to rescue puppies...one of the pups got a hold of these and they survived! LOL


The Guys


When it comes to the men in your life, I always recommend opting for a functional gift. Here are a couple of my favorites.


  • AE Suede Moccasin Slipper ($34 Sale $21)
    For many years, this has been my gift of choice for my dad. They are a good looking, warm slipper...and those suckers LAST!
  • Yeti! (or Yeti knockoffs) Keep their beverages cold or hot...for an unbelievable amount of time. If you live in extreme climates, this is very handy! Florida summers.... Northern winters...you'll be very happy and well hydrated!
    Tumblers
    "Knock Off"

    Cooler  
    I would venture to say this is a gift for the whole family! We actually use this constantly. Going to the beach...out on the boat... running errands for the day....TRAVELLING... My bestie and her husband recently hauled their Yeti cooler to the hospital! After she gave birth to her beautiful daughter, she didn't have to rely on hospital food/drinks.
    If you have an outdoorsmen, they will love this for hunting/fishing trips! 
A very Yeti Birthday
  • Still need ideas...
    Go to Harbor Freight or Costco and look around! Guys always need flashlights...heck! Flashlights always come in handy- I am grateful to have received them as gifts.

    One year, I got a giant box with various sizes of new batteries. It was the BEST gift ever. Batteries are easily overlooked, they can be pricey and you never seem to have them when you need them! This is especially true if you have kids (think of all the batteries necessary for their Christmas toys! hehe)
Health & Fitness

  • Portion Control Containers Love these! They make portion control simple and a bit fun.

  • Portion Fix Cookbook I've said it before and I'll say it again...if you want to eat healthy...GET A COOKBOOK! It will help you stay on track by avoiding "flavor fatigue" ie cooking the SAME things over and over again. Bonus: this one works alongside the portion containers above.
  • Reebook Studio Dance Strappy Bra ($48) 4 ColorsIt's gorgeous, it's flattering and it makes a statement! You don't have to be a dancer or yogi to rock this cute little number. Strappy heaven! 
    Wearing it under a black tank!

  • Withings Scale ($102 with Amazon Coupon) I've had this scale for about 4 years now and still love it! It gives you Full Body Composition analysis anndd even cooler...it syncs to an app on your phone.
    You might not think you want to record your weight...but I love having all of my stats over the last few years...especially when I was first diagnosed with Hashimotos & trying to figure out how to get my body healthy again. 




  • Autumn Calabrese for Beachbody You can't go wrong with cute workout gear...especially stuff that is functional, comfortable & extremely flattering! And honestly...the prices are GREAT! If you look at New Balance, Reebok, NIKE, Athleta...you are around $100 for workout pants.
    The Stronger Everyday capris ($39) are my FAVORITE. They even have the scrunch butt! 
  
  • Some other AC styles you or your gift recipient might like...
    Sheer Genius Legging ($49)
    Work or Wish Tee ($34)
    You've Got this Tank ($24)
    Strength & Balance Tank ($24)

  • Acupuncture Appointment  This year I started acupuncture and I LOVE it. It's helped so much with insomnia, migraines and so many other areas. You can use Acufinder to locate (a legit) acupuncturist near you. Or get a giftcard for a loved one.
  • The Gift of Health & Fitness:  If you are a follower, you know that I'm a health and fitness coach. This time of year, it's even more important to pay attention to our health (especially as we get older and have littles looking up to us!) If you want to get started or help a friend get started, I'm here to help! You can always email me at katiheifner@gmail.com or click the link above to browse some of the fitness and wellness products.
    I run a Wellness Babes accountability group every month! (Free for customers) APPLY HERE


I hope you've enjoyed my list and it's given you some shopping ideas! Please share and comment with your ideas! 



NOTE: Search for Coupons! I like using HONEY to automatically find and apply them.

Did you make it to the end of this list and you STILL need ideas?

Check out:

My 5 Steps to Decorating your Christmas Tree like a Professional

Monday, November 21, 2016

My 5 Step Christmas Tree Decorating Process to make it look Professional:
1) Fluff
2) Add Lights
3) RIBBON! 
4) Add Sprigs 
5) Add Ornaments

See video below for more details! 




15 Health & Wellness Books You Should Read This Year

Thursday, November 3, 2016

I've compiled a list of my 15 favorite Health & Wellness Books that you should read this year. 

I like big books and I cannot lie. 


Gosh, really...is there anything greater than a 
GOOD book? They inspire us. Change our perspective. Help us grow. And most importantly...they help uslead better, more fulfilling lives. 

No matter what the topic, I hope you remain a forever student and continue to quench your thirst for understanding with books. 

My FITNESS journey started all the way back in 2010. At the time, admittedly..I was all about the bikini body. I still strongly feel like there is nothing wrong with that... every women should feel confident in her skin! Fitness helped me gain confidence, I was in a better MOOD, and all around had a better attitude about life.
That fitness journey laid a solid foundation for the next part of my journey...




Focusing on my HEALTH and optimal nutrition. Fitness was the gateway that showed me why it's important to pay attention to the foods I was eating...and to make sure I moved my body. Because of my fitness journey, I started to PAY ATTENTION to what my body was telling me.

In 2012, my body was telling me A LOT of things. Between stomach pain, nausea, mood swings, FATIGUE...weight gain...something was going on... 


I won't bore you with all of the details if you are here for my book list, but if you are interested...you can read my health story here.

LONG story short: I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that affects my thyroid. My doctor told me I would need to be gluten free, soy free, dairy free. 

It wasn't about looking good in a bikini anymore...My journey became about HEALTH FIRST.  I want my body to operate at max capacity, the way God intended. 
At the VERY least, I didn't want to wake up DEAD tired anymore. The fatigue was crippling. 
My journey has been ANYTHING BUT PERFECT...but Ive learned a lot along the way!
So with that...I became obsessed with learning EVERYTHING I could about health, wellness, nutrition, and living a GOOD life (MIND, BODY AND SOUL).

I decided to compile a list of 15 of my favorite reads from this year in hopes that it will help you in your wellness journey.

I STRONGLY believe that when you know WHY you should do something, you are EXPONENTIALLY more likely to stick with it.
If you understand WHY broccoli is so good for your body, you suddenly feel excited and accomplished when you eat it. If you just think "calories are calories", then you will end up grabbing any ole junkie thing for lunch. Knowledge can translate to brain food (Very literally).


My Top 15 Health & Wellness Books (In no particular order)


  1. Superlife: 5 Forces that will Make You Healthy, Fit & Eternally Awesome
    A GREAT book for both beginners and experts. Written with a very easy to understand and genuine tone. Literally EVERYONE can benefit from reading this.
  2.  Whole 30: 30-Day Guide to Total Health and Food Freedom
    Literally cannot explain the life changing magnitude of this cookbook/guide. I followed their guidelines for 30 days and well beyond. It's helped reverse nearly every symptom I was experiencing. If you have any doubts as to whether food is  MEDICINE OR POISON...this book will educate you and leave a lasting impression
  3. It Starts with Food
    Prequel to Whole30- This book dives more in depth into the Whole30 Philosophy. I highly recommend it on audiobook (audible is my fav!)
  4. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause  If you have Hashimoto's, this book is a must read. It will help you uncover the root cause AND how to reverse it (despite what doctors tell you).
  5. The Paleo Solution  Excellent book. It's fun, easy to understand and Robb makes a LOT of sense (and backs up his claims with science-y goodness).
  6.  Made to Crave
    This isn't a diet book...instead the author tackles the question, "Why do we crave food?"  Being overweight is more than a physical issue- it's an emotional, mental and spiritual battle as well. If you (are Christian) and turn to food when you are bored, stressed, needing comfort, I recommend reading this book!
  7. How to Be Alive
    This isn't a fitness or nutrition book, but I felt like it was important to add. Colin talks about how to achieve a satisfying life...and turns the magnifying glass on the decisions that WE make...which in turn...shape our lives. If you are looking for meaning, I recommend snatching this book up!
  8. Eat Dirt: Why Leaky Gut May Be the Root Cause of Your Health Problems and 5 Surprising Steps to Cure It
    I've never heard of leaky gut before 2014...now it seems like everyone has it...(and most still don't know it).
    You CAN heal your body...and this book is a great start!
  9. Taking Charge of Your Fertility, 20th Anniversary Edition: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health
    Switching gears a little bit here...OH my freaking gosh this book is a MUST for all women. Whether you want to get pregnant or avoid getting pregnant (or shoot, just want to learn about your body), this book is a MUST.
    I cannot even believe that I am 32 and just now learning (in depth) about my body. I wish I had read this years ago.
    Also, side note: If you read this book and follow her advice, there is no need to take hormone disrupting birth control.
  10. The Autoimmune Solution: Prevent and Reverse the Full Spectrum of Inflammatory Symptoms and Diseases
    As someone with an autoimmune disease, I found this book incredibly helpful. Bottom line: Food is medicine.
  11. The Immune System Recovery Plan: A Doctor's 4-Step Program to Treat Autoimmune Disease
  12. Wheat Belly
  13. How Not to Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease
  14. The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck: How to Stop Spending Time You Don't Have with People You Don't Like Doing Things You Don't Want to Do  If you want a good belly laugh...and to cure your people pleasing addiction..this book is a must
  15. Against All Grain: Delectable Paleo Recipes to Eat Well & Feel Great
    A beautiful book with the BEST recipes. Love.
I'm always reading and will have more to add! But I hope this list helps you get started! xo
Comment below if you have any recommendations that I should check out! 

HOW TO: TY Beanie Baby Dog Costume

Monday, October 31, 2016

How To: Create a Beanie Baby Costume 
Happy HOWL-O-ween! 
This super SIMPLE 90s throwback costume has been floating around the internet for awhile and I finally decided to try it!

Last year, we did something a little more elaborate. This mother of dragons was veryyy happy with our little costumes hehe


This year, with Winston's surgery...I decided to keep things very simple! And I love crafting so yay!

There are SO many different ways you can make this... some people PRINT it on cardstock (and include a little poem on the inside. So cute).
But I actually wanted to make a felt tag for comfort and durability.

I found a great tutorial that includes the TY template...but I changed things up a little to make it easier.


Materials needed:

  • Red Felt
  • White Felt (with Sticky Back!  Available at Joann Fabric)
    If you can only find regular felt, you will need a hot glue gun to attach the letters
  • Red Ribbon
  • Scissors
  • Printer (to Print out Template)
That's it! 

The HOW TO:
  • Print TY Logo. Since I have three pups, I printed different sizes for them. 
  • I cut out the heart and traced it on felt with a chalk pencil. Or you can simply tape your template to the felt and cut it out. 
  • Once you have your heart, you can move onto the letters. Tape them to felt and cut them...or trace them onto felt and cut them. NOTE: Since I used a white felt with a sticky back, it was easiest for me to trace the letters onto the sticker stick backwards. I included a pic which will hopefully make it clear.
  • Remove sticker backing from letters and place on red felt
  • Cut hole for ribbon (or you could glue it to the back). I chose to create a small loop...and use more ribbon to create a big loop (a "collar") that goes around their neck. This helps the TY tag face forward without twisting around. 

Trace & Cut out heart

Created the TY letters on sticker felt by tracing them backwards on the sticky side. 

Cut out letters, remove backing and attach to heart. 


- THEME BY ECLAIR DESIGNS -