Kylee's Korner

I am a former model and current mother who loves the beauty and fashion industry and seeks the best products and value to keep myself current. I blog to share my thoughts, expertise and research with those who follow me. Those who read my blog gain insight into fashion, save money and avoid frustrations on the products they purchase.

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Staying Active and Healthy At Home

2020 has definitely been a year filled with challenges so far. Since we are still practicing social distancing during this pandemic, it can make it hard to stay as active as you were when you were able to go out more and go to the gym. I think one of the most important things that can help you maintain a sense of normality and calm is to plan a routine and stick with it! I found myself staring into the fridge several times a day in search of a snack. I think it so easy to form bad snacking habits when you have more down time on your hands- not to mention I am currently snacking for two! Since I have baby four in my belly, it is super important to me to stay active and healthy during this extra time I have at home. I have listed some of the things I have added into my daily routine that have helped me get in some extra steps and maintain a healthy diet. Hopefully some of these things will help you if you have found yourself struggling like I was at first!

 

 

At Home Workouts

There are so many ways you can access workouts out from home that use minimal or no equipment. Pinterest is filled with different toning exercises, Youtube has every workout imaginable and there are a ton of apps! Take some time to research what exercise will fit your needs and looks like something that will keep your attention.

Food Prep

If you have an extra few minutes throughout the week, try to prep snacks and meals. I know I will usually make a healthier choice if I can reach into the fridge and grab fruit or veggies that have already been washed and chopped up. I also find it less stressful at dinner time if I have planned out what I am going to be making for my family for the week. As an extra bonus, meal prepping can also help you save money on your grocery bill because you are more likely to make a list when you shop and stick to it!

Go On A Walk

If you are getting cabin fever, throw on some shoes and get outside for a bit. Even if you aren’t power walking, you are still getting your body up and moving. Fresh air always makes me feel better, too!

Log Your Food

There are a lot of different apps that let you log your food intake throughout the day. If you prefer not using a smartphone to log, keep a journal. It can help you track how many calories you are taking in each day and help you make mindful choices when figuring out what you want to eat. I always feel like I have more success losing weight or maintaining my weight when I am logging my food.

Walk While You Talk

If you are chatting on the phone with someone, try walking around the house while you are talking. You might feel silly at first doing laps in your family room, but you will most likely forget what you are doing once the conversation takes off. I find I am able to get in a ton of extra steps throughout my day when I do this!

Make It A Family Affair

Staying active doesn’t have to be boring. If you’re not feeling into another cardio workout in front of your tv, spruce it up a bit. Grab your family members and plan a fun activity that will get you moving. It could be going on a hike, having a dance off or jumping rope. Any moving around is good for you, so you might as well make it fun!

Accountability

I have always found having a workout buddy can help you keep yourself accountable. Find a friend that also wants to stay active and healthy. Check in with one another during the week and share what things are working for you. Sharing tips and tricks, listening and checking in often can keep you on the right track!

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Healthy Alternatives for Two of Your Favorite Holiday Treats

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Every year from October through December it’s a battle of wills between my hereditary sweet tooth (thanks mom) and all of the holiday treats floating around. And since I’m not one to punish my body by starving or denying it a little dessert every now and then, I’ve found a few hacks that deliver the yum while still being totally healthy!

If you’re looking to indulge this holiday season but still stay on track for your health goals, try these genius swaps.

Healthy Alternatives for Two of Your Favorite Holiday Treats

Eat this, not that…

Protein Peanut Butter Cups instead of Reeses

I’ve been notorious for raiding my kids’ trick-or-treat bag for all the Reeses cups. Those things are so good! But this year, because I’m cutting the processed sugar, I whipped up the most delicious copy-cat…protein peanut butter cups! They taste just like a Reeses, but they’re packed with protein and natural ingredients.

Check out this video for easy instructions and the exclusive Kylee’s Korner recipe below!

Kylee’s Korner Protein PB cups:

 (Makes 5-7)
1. Combine all ingredients except dark chocolate in a bowl.
2. Melt Dark Chocolate according to package directions
3. Pour small amount of chocolate into bottom of each silicone cup, swirl around to coat the bottom.
4. Spoon PB mix into each chocolate coated cup, then top with the remaining chocolate.
5. Freeze for at least 15 minutes
6. Pop Out and Enjoy!

Eat this, not that…

Dark Chocolate Salted Protein Truffles instead of that box of chocolates

Every year a box of chocolates inevitably falls into my lap and is usually gone within a day. This year I found the most amazing swap that satisfies my chocolate craving without all the sugar and fat. So I’ll be freezing these dark chocolate truffles to keep on hand and re-gifting that box of chocolates!

Dark Chocolate Salted Protein Truffles:

 (Makes 15)
  • 3 TBSP Natural PB
  • 2 TBSP Unsweet Dark Cocoa Powder
  • 1 C Dry Rolled Oats
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Splash of Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
  • 2 TBSP hard coconut oil
  • 1/3 C Dark Chocolate Chips
  • 2 Scoops Vanilla Protein Powder (my most favorite tasting one EVER is LEAN)
  • Drizzle or 2 of all natural Honey
1. Mix PB, Dark Cocoa Powder, Rolled Oats, Protein Powder, coconut oil, salt and splash of almond milk together in a bowl.
2. Drizzle honey to add some strength to help in combine. Add a little more almond milk if needed.
3. Mix in Dark Chocolate Chips
4. Roll into 15 small balls and enjoy! Freeze what you don’t eat and get one out any time you have a sweet attack!
As far as healthy holiday hacks go, protein powder can make some really delicious, guilt-free desserts. Try these healthy protein brownies for example.
The holidays don’t need to be a reason to stop your healthy habits. Before you hit a holiday party, drink a protein shake to avoid overeating. While you’re there, fill your plate first with veggies, fruit, and lean protein and save a bit of room for that sip of eggnog. Happy holidays!

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Stretch It Out

If you are like me, when you think about working out, your mind goes directly to a piece of gym equipment or some other form of physical activity. We often forget one very important step in the work out process that should take place before and after you exercise every time- stretching! Stretching should be an essential part of your routine every time you work out. One of the best parts about stretching is the lack of equipment that is needed to do it. If you have a little bit of empty space around yourself, you can stretch.  Check out some of the top benefits that are the result of giving your muscles a good stretch before and after you hit the gym. Even if you are not working out for that day, try to make sure you are giving yourself a few minutes to stretch so you can enjoy all of the benefits it will bring to you!

Flexibility

I think one of the most obvious benefits that comes with stretching is it improves flexibility. As we get older, our muscles tend to feel stiffer and less fluid. Have you noticed that little tug or ache when you bend over to pick something up off the floor? When you work on your flexibility, those small bends get easier and more pain free.

Reduces Stress

When you stretch your muscles, you are helping your body relieve muscle tension which helps reduce the feeling of stress. It can also help increase your energy level which helps your overall mental state feel better. Yoga has become one of the most popular choices when wanting to give your muscles a long and peaceful stretch during the day.

Reduces the Risk of Injury

When you stretch, you are increasing the flexibility of your muscle tendons. This will help your performance when working out on machines or in fitness classes. If your muscles are not as stiff and are used more often, you should have a lesser chance of getting injured when you put them to work.

Improves Posture

Poor posture can really take a toll on your health and overall well being. A lot of people are stuck sitting for long hours at a desk during the work week and will often find themselves starting to hunch over their computers. There are a ton of different stretches that can be done to help take away the aches and pains of poor posture and help you improve on standing tall.  Having improved posture can also help  alleviate back pain, strengthen your core and help your overall mental health.

Improves Circulation

Stretching helps improve your body’s circulation by increasing blood flow to your muscles. When you have better circulation throughout your body, you are able to recover faster when working out. Improved circulation also helps your body’s oxygen flow better and allows all of your important parts to function better as a whole!

Helps You Sleep Better

Stretching before bedtime can help you get a better night’s sleep. Since we have learned that stretching can reduce tension, bedtime is a perfect time of the day to try to rid yourself of as much tension as possible. If I go to bed worried about something or feeling extra tense, I never get a restful nights sleep. When this happens, I am more likely to continue to carry that tension with me throughout the next day.  By adding a two minute stretch time to my nightly routine, I can help improve my chance of getting a better night’s sleep.

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My Most Underrated Beauty Secret

People are always asking me what my favorite products are for makeup and hair. They turn to me for advice on where to snag the latest and greatest fashion trends for the current season. I feel so blessed that I have a job that lets me help ladies feel good about themselves and I’m always happy to share my opinion. I recently had someone ask me what my number one piece of advice for looking like your best self would be, which got me thinking. The most important thing I do for myself to feel and look better is almost never asked about. So, I decided to share my not so secretive secret- I drink A LOT of water. It is such a simple concept, but one that is often overlooked. Studies have shown that you should aim to drink half your weight in ounces of water every day. Water is so important to your mind, body and soul. Yet, most people do not drink nearly enough throughout the day. Check out some of my favorite benefits that your body will enjoy when you up your water intake!

  1. It helps with weight loss– This seems like a no brainer. We all know that water is zero calories. I’d personally rather save my calorie intake during the day for tasty food and not waste it on drinks that can be loaded with sugar. Besides being zero calories, water also helps you to feel fuller, so you will have a better chance of not overeating. Try drinking a glass of water 30 minutes before meal time to help you improve your portion control.
  2. It helps keep your skin looking healthier– I feel like when I am drinking a ton of water, my skin looks and feels better. I notice a more radiant glow, which makes me feel and look younger.
  3. It flushes out toxins– Water helps your body flush toxins and waste. It can also help it to transport nutrients to where they are most needed. Unlike drinks that are caffeinated or loaded with sugar or artificial sweeteners, water also helps the body to stay hydrated.
  4. It reduces migraines and headaches– As a Mom of three, I am no stranger to having a headache from time to time. So, I am all about trying to prevent getting another one whenever I can. When your body becomes dehydrated, you are at a higher risk for headaches and migraines. By making sure you drink water throughout the day, you are keeping yourself hydrated and helping to lessen the risk of one of those pesky migraines.
  5. It can save a lot of money– Water is so much cheaper than any other drink. It is always free when you are at a restaurant. You can drink tap water out of your sink or you can invest in a Brita. Brita makes pitchers that you can put in your refrigerator or mounts that attach to your sink to give you filtered water (check out both products below). Of course, you can also keep an eye out for your local grocery store sales for the week and stock up on bottled water, too!

Brita Pitcher

Brita Faucet Mount

 

I am not unmindful to the fact that not everyone likes water, so I have figured out some tips and tricks over the years that may help you find it not so unbearable. If you give it a try, you’ll probably find yourself craving it at some point!

  1. Try drinking bottled water at room temperature.
  2. Set an alarm on your phone to remind you to take a few sips every 10 minutes. I find drinking from a straw helps me drink more. You’d be surprised how much you end up drinking by the end of the day!
  3. Try mineral or sparkling water for some extra bubbles and flavor.
  4. Try making infused or flavored water at home by adding fruit and spices. You can constantly change up the recipe, so you don’t get bored with plain water every time.

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5 Self-Care Secrets That Will Save You in the Trenches of Motherhood

The trenches of motherhood—I’m there. I understand sleepless nights when the baby is teething and crying all night long, and the second you finally get him to sleep, and crawl into your own bed, your toddler wakes up crying from a bad dream.

I get days when you don’t brush you teeth because quite frankly, there were a million other more pressing things, like changing a blowout diaper or passing out fishy crackers, and then vacuuming crushed fishy crackers from the carpet. Motherhood is hard and comes with very little recognition, but it is also amazing when your baby smiles, I mean really smiles at you for the first time because he knows you’re his mama.

When you’re in the trenches of motherhood, self-care is vital. It will save your sanity and give you the strength to mom on. If you’re not already making these self-care strategies part of your routine, now’s a perfect time to start.

5 Self-Care Secrets That Will Save You While in the Trenches of Motherhood

1. Proper Nutrition

Whatever you put inside your body directly affects the way you feel. Period. As tempting as it is to get a quick spike of energy from a candy bar or soda, you’re much better off sticking to proper nutrition and upping your water intake. Plenty of fruits and veggies will give you the natural vitamins and minerals your body needs to tackle each day. Nuts like cashews, raw almonds, and pistachios are a perfect snack and will give you a protein boost.

My favorite way to get a punch of nutrients and protein in one yummy snack is my famous green shake. I’ll have one for breakfast or lunch and stay full and energized for hours. Try this delicious shake to set your day off on the right foot

Famous Green Shake Recipe:

  • 12-14oz of water
  • 2 big handfuls of organic spinach
  • 3/4 C wild blueberries
  • 2 Tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 scoop Lean
  • 1 scoop Recover
  • Ice

I call it my “green shake” because of all the organic spinach in it, but the blueberries will actually turn the shake a brilliant shade of purple! Blend all the ingredients together in your blender and enjoy!  I blend mine up in a Blendtec.

2. Take Time To Exercise

If there is one thing you should never, ever stop doing, it’s exercise. No matter what type you prefer, make exercise a habit. Don’t use the “business” of motherhood as an excuse to skip a workout. Only you can make it happen. Moms who exercise regularly are happier (thank you endorphins!), healthier (exercise does wonders for your heart, brain, skin, bones, and muscles), and have more energy to help them get through the day.

Weight training is one of the most effective activities you can do to boost your metabolism, lose weight, and increase strength and muscle tone, especially as you age. After gaining over 50 pounds with my third baby, I lost 26 pounds with the Ladyboss trainer. It’s basically like having a personal trainer on your phone who walks you through a weight lifting routine each day. It’s great for people like me who don’t always know what to do when they get to the weight room.

One thing I love about Ladyboss is that everything is right on your phone. Daily gym workouts, resistance training to do at home if you can’t make it to the gym that day, meal suggestions, and grocery lists. Literally everything you need at your fingertips to live a healthy lifestyle.

Catch our body transformations in our weight loss Facebook group. (It’s private, but just request to join and we’ll let you in!)

3. Nourish Your Natural Beauty

There’s just something about pampering yourself that makes all of those dirty diapers and mommy-sacrifices worth it. One of the greatest things you can do for yourself and your skin is an at-home facial. Let’s face it, moms rarely have the time to go to the spa, but here are some things of the top self-care treatments you can do at home to feel papered and nourish your natural beauty:

  • Do an exfoliating mask. This Aztec mask is amazing. I rave about it all the time and with over 16,000 reviews, I’m not the only one.
  • Take care of your skin now. Start now with daily SPF, and anti-aging serums and moisturizers. The best thing I did in my late 20s was start a consistent skincare routine.
  • Give yourself an at-home manicure. My hair can be thrown in a top-bun and I can have zero makeup on, but if my nails are done, all is right in the world. Cute nails make you feel good and sometimes that small detail is a big deal. These new nail dashes are so much fun and so low-maintenance.

 

4. Feed Your Passion

When you become a mom, it’s easy to push aside passions you had before motherhood. Moms put everyone else first and tuck away those dreams they had of starting a business, running a marathon, or writing a novel. The result is that feeling that every mom has felt—that feeling of “losing yourself.”

One big secret that will save you while in the trenches of motherhood is to feed your passion. Moms who don’t end up feeling lost, unhappy, or like they’ve missed out on life. No matter what your passion is: running, reading, yoga, traveling, etc., create a space for it in your life.

5. Experience Daily Silence

Quiet moments are few and far between when you’re a mom. Even the bathroom isn’t a safe place! Kids will find you wherever you are and that’s why it’s important to not only carve out a little time for silence, but to also recognize and relish that silence when it happens.

Take a few minutes each day to be quiet—write in a journal, meditate, pray, or just take a drive alone. The silence can be therapeutic, even if it is fleeting. I like to find the cleanest room in my house (#momlife) and use a meditation app called “headspace” to bring focus and center myself while the baby naps or at the end of the day.

 

Mothers, your job is the most important in the world and your family depends on you to be healthy, happy, and strong. You are beautiful, you are amazing. You got this mama!