Why You Need to Get a Weighted Vest

Weighted vest for men and women

And here is the best weighted vest to get 

It’s being called the hottest fitness trend of 2024. Time to step up your walking game and add a twist to your routine with a weighted vest!

As a mother deeply committed to health and wellness, I can’t help but tell everyone how much I love my daily walks with my weighted vest. We recently talked all about this trend on my Podcast with the #1 Menopause Doctor in the country, Dr. Mary Claire Haver. Dr. Haver loves walking with her weighted vest too, and she even recommends wearing it around the house when you’re doing your daily household chores! Fun fact: this was the first Podcast I have ever recorded while wearing a weighted vest!

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FIRST-TIMERS TO QUEBEC CITY

Quebec travel guide

Roundup of Our Recent Trip to Quebec City with Teenagers 

Happy New Year! Embarking on a journey with teenagers is an entirely distinct phase when it comes to family travel. The dynamics shift, interests evolve, and the experience feels a little different.

We just returned from a wonderful trip to Quebec City with our two teens, it was our first time there.  It is the closest thing you can get to feeling like you are in Europe but we DROVE there! No airplane flight was needed for us to get here (but they do have an airport if you want to fly). Brush up on your French and grab your passports. I am sharing here a round-up from our Quebec family trip as well as advice for traveling with teenagers on this post.

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WHEN YOUR CHILD LEAVES THE NEST EARLY

Boarding School tips

Tips for Parents Dropping Off Their Young Teen at Boarding School

Many people (including some of our friends) told us we were crazy to send our son, Charlie, away to school at the age of 15. But the fact is he is going off to embrace an amazing opportunity for growth and independence at boarding school. Both my husband and I chose a similar path of boarding school for high school, and we both truly loved our experiences. I think that helps us as his parents feel more at ease about this big decision. Of course, my heart hurts from dropping Charlie off in his dorm. As I unpacked his clothes and helped make his bed in his new room, I kept thinking about all the milestones he has hit along the way — his first day of Kindergarten, the first time he rode his bike on his own, the first time he learned to ice skate, the first time he jumped off the diving board. It all flashed in front of me while we were in Charlie’s new small living space that he now has to learn how to share with a complete stranger, his roommate. 

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Balancing the Craziness of Youth Sports

Balancing the Craziness of Youth Sports

As a mom of two sporty kids, finding the right balance between competitive play and preserving the joy of sports can be challenging. Lately, we have been juggling lacrosse and ice hockey for both of our kids. Many high school and college level coaches have encouraged us to continue having our kids be multi-sport athletes, so for now, that is where things are for our family. 

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Embracing 50: Celebrating Womanhood and Motherhood

Clarke-family-photo-June-2023

50 Things About Turning 50 as a Woman and Mom

Turning 50 is a remarkable milestone for any woman, especially those who have journeyed through the joys and challenges of motherhood. It’s a time to reflect on the experiences that have shaped us, celebrate our accomplishments, and embrace the wisdom that comes with age. Since turning 50 earlier this year, I have realized that growing older is a privilege and we all need to celebrate the gift of aging. As I have shared with you all before, my favorite age is now, and we should all be tapping into who we are. Life after 50+ is not all sunshine and lollipops either. I will always keep it real. There are challenges that come with this stage too. (We can talk about menopause and parenting teenagers another time!) But we are here to embrace the wisdom, experience, and newfound freedom that life after 50 brings, allowing us to fully appreciate the journey and make the most of every moment. Here are 50 simple and positive pieces of advice for women as they reach this incredible milestone.

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Walk This Way

10k steps per day goal

My husband decided for Lent that he was going to walk 10K steps per day. 

I decided over our recent vacation to Florida that I would join him in this mission. I have been making a big effort with strength training since I turned 50 and I am loving that so much. Now I’m adding the daily walks in as well for more movement. This isn’t a weight loss thing for me, it’s more about my mental health as well as a mood booster. Getting outside for some fresh air each day reduces my overall stress level. 

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I Am Loving My New Invisalign Smile

Invisalign journey review

Are you considering Invisalign in 2023? Do you know someone who is considering it? Or, maybe you just started your Invisalign journey. I am sharing all my tips and tricks here.

I had my Invisalign trays for six months in total. As I shared with you all when I started my Invisalign journey, I have never had braces before, so I was not really sure what I was getting myself into.

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An American (Family) in Paris

Best place in Paris to visit 2022

A few of our favorite things about our family trip to Paris

Happy New Year! Here’s to good health, more good news, and big love in 2023! 

We ended 2022 with a bang. Our family went on a very special trip to Paris for Christmas break. It was magical to be there over Christmas. The Christmas markets in Paris are not to be missed. This was our kids’ first time being in Europe, and I know they will always remember this trip. First up, our flight tips for the flight over to Paris: eye masks and melatonin are your BFFs on the flight as well as CARRY ON LUGGAGE. Trust me, you can do carry-on!

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Top 10 List

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Turning 50

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Turning 50

November is my birthday month, hello Scorpio season! Turning 50 actually feels great so far. When you turn 50, you no longer have to apologize for your opinions.  

Here is my list of the top 10 things I wish I knew before turning 50.  I am writing this in the hopes that it helps someone. (Like a big sister would do.)

Enjoy!

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