Author Archives: authenticallyb

Austin, Texas Road Trip for the Sezane Store Opening

Hey Color Bees!

I recently took a day trip to Austin Texas for the opening of a new Sezane store and it was such a good time! I even vlogged this Austin trip for you and it’s now live on Youtube! It would mean so much if you would subscribe to my youtube channel & add me to your weekend watching! Anything thing you’d like to shop from the video is in my LTK SHOP. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Here is last week’s Youtube video with spring new arrivals!

Here is my latest blog post about the struggles of adapting to a new life style!

Be the Best Version of Yourself

With Love,

Brandy G.

fitness progression

Start Small & Don’t Quit

Hey Color Bees!!

It’s 5:45am on February 12th, 2024. As I drag my body from my warm bed to start my day I’m wrestling with my thoughts. After I drop the kids off at school next up is my workout. All I can think about right now is how “cold” it is outside and that I really don’t feel like exercising. My next thought is, “WHY DIDN’T ANYBODY TELL ME HOW HARD THIS WILL CONTINUE TO BE!?!”

Truly adapting to a new lifestyle that is.

How It Started

I first tried to become more active in December of 2021. Of course it was a part of my new year goals. I thought, I’d get a jump start and begin before January. I got a peloton bike and got riding! That lasted for 4 months until I was hit with some pretty terrible sciatic pain. I could not figure out what the cause of the pain was at the time and it really put a damper on things. I was doing all sorts of different stretches but it didn’t seem to help. I was honestly scared to move my body as much because I wasn’t sure what would make it worse. There were nights that I could not sleep because the pain was so horrible. That left me exhausted and with zero energy to get through my days. I saw my doctor and she offered some pain medication while I figured it out but had no real answer for the pain. I got a PT referral and I eventually discovered a herniated disc in my cervical spine through an MRI. That was the answer for some of the neck and arm pain I had experienced off and on but not the sciatic pain.

A Pit Stop

I did not get moving again until December 2022. And OF COURSE, it was a part of my new year goals again. I resolved to not quit this time because I had quit so many times before. While I was still happy to have my peloton, I felt as though I needed a super attainable workout goal that I could commit to without question. It was at that time that I made a goal to walk every day for about 20 minutes. Even if it ended up being a 10 minute walk, it was better than not moving at all. By committing to a daily walk, I noticed so much improvement in my sciatic pain. That daily walk helped me connect the dots. I was sitting down on my ass way too much and my glute muscles were weak. That combination of pressure and wear was a recipe for my sciatic pain. 

Things Fall Apart

Sciatic pain was a new discomfort for me. Prior to 2020 I had never felt it before outside of pregnancy. But I also was not working from home, sitting for zooms all day while breast-feeding a baby. We all have our 2020 stories and this is a part of mine. I went from being a classroom teacher who was up walking around all the time , working on the floor with children to being on zoom primarily, which meant I was sitting. My computer and phone usage plus breast feeding with horrible posture totally wrecked my neck and made me less active with out noticing. Zoom had just become a way of life for teaching and I used the laptop a lot for my blog work.

Basically, pain brought me to movement.

Making Connections

Mentally it’s harder than it is physically. I feel like no one that I have seen so far talks about how deeply hard it is to start and continue a workout routine when it is just not who you are or rather, who you’ve been. What I mean by that is that a lifestyle of movement has not always been a part of your routine. No one really taught it to me or showed me a living example of what it means to embody health and wellness. If you are like me, you are figuring it out as you get older, and your body starts to say no to things no longer can tolerate. Truthfully our bodies probably have never loved the lack of movement and poor nutrition but we are likely at a place where we’re getting signals that are revealing the discomfort. 

How It’s Going

Every single day, since I’ve made that decision to be more active, I resolved not to quit yet again. It is literally a daily decision, and it has not gotten easier for me, but I have remained committed. With walking and full body strength training, so many of my aches and pains have gone away. No more lower back pain that I’ve had for years and ignored, no sciatic pain, unless I am sitting for hours and hours and hours, and now I am working to strengthen my neck and shoulder muscles to provide some relief for my neck discomfort. It continues to be a challenge, but the more and more I feel better the more I understand that I can never go back. I am just doing my best! I encourage you to also just do your best. Think about what you and your body needs to feel better and do that. Commit and recommit to it daily. It may not necessarily get easier, but you will never regret taking care of your body with regular movement.

Start small and don’t quit! Try My Nightly Stretch Routine

My Top 5 Buys of 2023: A Year of Style, Fitness, and Self-Care

2023 is wrapped up and it’s the perfect time to reflect on the year’s highlights. For me, that includes the most used purchases that have truly elevated my lifestyle. From fashion to fitness and skincare, here are my top 5 buys of the year. They have not only added joy to my daily routine but also enhanced my overall well-being.

1. New Balance 515 V3 & Dynasoft Nergize Sport V2 Running Shoe

Kicking off the list is the New Balance 515 V3 Sneaker and Dynasoft Nergize Sport V2 Running Shoe. A game-changer in my world. The first pair in white seamlessly blend style and comfort, making them the perfect choice for both casual outings and active days.

2023 was a year of getting active for me so the Dynasoft Nergize Sport V2 Running Shoe was so important for my walking journey. I set out to walk more this year and this is the shoe I clocked so many miles in. They feel like walking on air and I traveled in them quite a bit too!

2. Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells:

In my fitness journey, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells have been an absolute revelation. These versatile dumbbells replace an entire set, allowing for space savings and quick weight adjustments with just a turn of the dial. As I’m getting stronger I don’t have to spend more money on more weights. Investing in these dumbbells has undoubtedly taken my strength and home gym to the next level.

3. Quilted Bomber Jacket:

Transitioning into the world of fashion, this quilted Bomber Jacket has become a staple in my wardrobe. Its stylish yet functional design adds a touch of edginess to any outfit, and the quilted detailing provides an extra layer of warmth during cooler months. It’s great for rainy days and cool days alike.

4. Ilia Multi Stick – Shade a Fine Romance:

The Ilia multi stick in Shade a Fine Romance has earned its spot on my list for its multitasking magic on my deep skin tone. This versatile product serves as a blush, lip tint, and eyeshadow, simplifying my beauty routine while delivering a natural, radiant finish. The subtle, rosy hue adds a touch of warmth to my complexion, making it a must-have in my makeup arsenal.

5. Colleen Rothschild Skincare:

Last but certainly not least, my skincare routine received a major upgrade with Colleen Rothschild products. I’ve finally moved from only wanting to do the bare basics to enjoying skincare as self care. From cleansers to serums, each product is meticulously crafted with high-quality ingredients to nourish and revitalize the skin. The luxurious feel of these skincare gems has turned my daily skincare routine into a ritual where I get to pamper myself daily.

These top 5 buys have left an indelible mark on my year and enhanced so many aspects of my life. Whether it’s stepping out in style, breaking a sweat in garage gym, or indulging in a skincare regimen that feels like a spa day, these purchases have truly made a difference. Here’s to a year of style, fitness, and self-care – may 2024 bring even more exciting discoveries and delightful meaningful buys for you! Love ya Color Bees! (You can get direct access to all my buys by following me in the LTK app)

Best,

Brandy G.

Comfy Shoes for the Entire Family

When you run around town like we do every family member needs a comfortable shoe!

DSW shoes for the entire family!

Black couple in Jackson Hole Wyoming.

My Winter Vacation in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Never did I ever think I wanted to visit Wyoming. No shade but it honestly just wasn’t on my radar of places to go. I typically don’t travel to cold places when I travel. This year that all changed. I experienced The Windy City (Chicago) and now Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

We ended up visiting Jackson Hole, Wyoming because all of the other winter destination places we checked out was completely booked for the holidays. We stumbled upon Jackson, Wyoming a ski destination and ended up there. As long as the place had snow it was all good!

Where to Stay

There are tons of cool accommodations in Jackson Hole but we stayed at The Cloudveil. It is probably the newest hotel in the area. The location is great as it is positioned right near town square. It is walkable to almost every place went to outside the hotel. The food at the Bistro (located inside the hotel) was great, the staff was very kind, they have free refillable water bottles (no plastic), a fire place in the rooms, heated hot tub & pool, free snack and water filling station on every floor, a concierge to help you plan your outings and a cozy lobby downstairs for lounging. Let’s just say it a perfect place to stay in Jackson Hole.

Where to Eat

I can’t lie, I had no expectations when in came to the food in Jackson Hole, Wyoming but I was pleasantly surprised. Every single meal we had there was so yummy! Who knew the food scene was so good! I wish I could have visited a few more restaurants and bars while I was there but over all, I was very happy with how delicious everything was. We had both a breakfast (try the pancakes) and dinner meal (try the scallops) at Bistro. Another day we had breakfast/brunch at Cafe Genevieve. Loved the chicken & waffles. Gather for dinner, loved the brussels sprouts and lemon drop martinis! Persephone for breakfast, amazing croissants and lattes. The last few places were Trio, Liberty Burger (try the onion rings) and Millionaire Cowboy Bar for drinks and playing pool.

Things To Do

While we were there we went to Snow King Mountain. They have skiing but we enjoyed the tubing and a gondola ride to the top to enjoy the views. They have a small snack bar at the top where you can warm up, have drinks, beer, and a small food selection. We also enjoyed walking around Town Square where they have the famous Jackson Hole, Wyoming arches that are made from antlers. There are plenty of shops, art galleries and food options in Town Square. Lastly we took an epic tour of the Elk Refuge on a sleigh. They seat about 16 people on and you can get tickets at the visitor center. It was so educational and majestic.