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Floradise

A lifestyle blog by Marette Flora

Postpartum Workouts: Week 1 Recap

Welcome to a new fitness series! I joined a gym last week so that I could restart my fitness journey. Yes, I have worked out since having a baby, but it hasn’t been consistent. I want to change that, so I’m sharing recaps of my workouts as I try to get back into my fitness routine. I’m recapping this both to inspire others to start, even if it’s slowly, and to hold myself accountable. If anyone reading this is also trying to meet a fitness goal, I’d love to be virtual workout buddies. Share your goals in the comments!

Week 1 Workout Recap:

Note: You will notice my workouts were not intense or long on my first week. That’s because I know my body and I am not in the best shape. I want to show how even just a short workout can help in the long run.

Monday-Tuesday: No workout. It was New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. We signed up for the gym membership on NYE and then went to the gym to tour it and grab our passes on the first.

Wednesday: .5 mile run and 15 minutes on the stairmaster. I then did 15 minutes of light yoga and bicycle crunches. (I was sore for three days from this.)

Thursday-Friday: No workout.

Saturday: .25 mile walk on the treadmill to warm up, followed by a 1-mile run. We then did about 15 minutes of yoga and bicycle crunches.

Sunday: Yoga Sculpt class at a studio. This class combines yoga with using free weights and strength training exercises like squats and lunges. It also includes a section on working the core. I estimate we did about 150 lunges holding weights and at a fast tempo. I had to take several water breaks. The instructor was like a drill sergeant, but I appreciate the intense workout.

Reflections and tips:

  • Don’t worry about starting slow or taking it easy. Yes, you want to get a good workout in, but you also don’t want to hurt yourself. Stretching is important, as is drinking enough water and allowing your body time to recover.
  • Mix up the workout to keep yourself engaged. I have always enjoyed a mix of yoga, running, and strength training.
  • Don’t worry about what others think. There will always be people who are annoyed at the newbies. Focus on yourself and ask for help when you don’t know how to use machines. Many gyms offer a free training session when you first join, and the trainer can help with the machines.
  • You don’t need the fanciest shoes, workout clothes or gear, at least not to get started.

Note: I am not a fitness trainer. These are just tips that I follow and that work for me. For the best fitness advice consult a professional.

Shop for my yoga towel and yoga mat**:

** This post contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Floradise.

Postpartum Fitness Goals

I’m now eight weeks postpartum and I’ve finally been cleared to work out. I am feeling back to normal for the most part and I’m ready to get back to running after months off! I’m sharing my postpartum fitness goals in hopes of finding others who are going through the same phase of life or who are also looking to get back in shape or improve their health and well-being. I plan to post weekly recaps of my half-marathon training when I officially begin later this month; watch out for those, especially if you need motivation to find time for working out. I am a mom of two now so it will be challenging to make the time for fitness and I’m sure that will come up in my recaps. I’ll share any tips I learn along the way!

My Postpartum Fitness Goals:

  • Running: My goal is to train for and run the Chicago Half Marathon in September. I haven’t run a race since the Chicago Marathon in 2016, so I can’t wait to get back out there! I plan to sign up for group training as I did in the past. My goal is to finish the race in whatever way it takes, meaning walking as much as I need to. I don’t have a time goal this time around.
  • Weight: As of last week I was 3 pounds below my pre-baby weight thanks to breastfeeding, so I don’t feel like I need to drop more weight, but I’ll take it if it means I feel more toned and stronger. Right now I don’t feel either way.
  • Yoga: My goal is to get back to practicing regularly after some time off. I hope to also make it to two classes in a studio a month. (I can practice as much as I want at home because I am trained as a yoga teacher.)
  • Meals: I tracked my food intake throughout most of my pregnancy but I have gotten off track over the past few months. I want to get back to reviewing what I am eating and making sure I eat enough protein!
  • Family: I want to incorporate the kids into my fitness routine as much as possible by pushing them in the running stroller or practicing yoga at home with V. We also go on family walks sometimes and I want to continue that.

Are you working toward a fitness goal? Share yours in the comments so we can hold each other accountable and encourage one another!

Related posts:

Chicago Marathon 2016 Recap
Future Moments of Yes: My 2018 Goal

New Fabletics Workout Attire & My Pregnancy Fitness Routine

** This post is sponsored by Fabletics. All opinions are my own.

Fitness has been an important part of my life for seven years now. I have known that I want to stay as active as possible throughout my pregnancy, but my fitness routine has certainly changed. What motivates me to want to work out still involves cute athletic wear though! Today I’m sharing my pregnancy fitness routine and the new workout outfit I am loving to help me not only look great but feel confident during this special but challenging time.

I have written about Fabletics before because I have been impressed with their workout attire. They have such pretty designs, and I’ve found that they hold up well to frequent use and washes. I wear this Fabletics top all the time because I love the coverage in the back and it’s comfortable.

My Pregnancy Fitness Routine | New Fabletics Workout Outfit

My Pregnancy Fitness Routine | New Fabletics Workout Outfit

My New Fabletics Workout Outfit + Wish List:

I recently received the Aubrey Tank (White) and the Salar Mesh Powerhold Capri (Aegean) from Fabletics to try. The new collection is so adorable that it was difficult to choose an outfit! I wanted everything!

The Aubrey Tank is super comfortable and moisture-wicking. It’s meant to have a loose fit, but during pregnancy it fits around the belly. (You could also size up if you’re pregnant if you still want that relaxed fit.)  I chose capri leggings from Fabletics because I am short and I always prefer the shorter style. The side panels add a nice touch.

 

 

Other legging features:

  • Chafe resistant
  • All-way stretch
  • Sculpting
  • UPF protection
  • Quick dry

My Pregnancy Fitness Routine:

I’ve had to adjust my fitness routine since becoming pregnant. In the beginning, I was running regularly as before, but then I had to listen to my body and cut back. I now focus most of my attention to yoga and walking at an incline on the treadmill or hiking. I’ve had the opportunity to hike in the Phoenix mountains during my visit and when I’m back home in Chicago I use the treadmill two or three times a week. When I run on the treadmill, I alternate between jogging and walking on an incline. I plan to return to running as my primary workout as soon as possible after baby so I can train for the Chicago Half-Marathon in September.

To sum up my pregnancy workouts:

  • Yoga (in class or on my own)
  • Jogging
  • Walking on the treadmill at an incline (alternating with jogging)
  • Random at-home strength exercises such as lunges and squats

Have you tried Fabletics? Check out the new styles and let me know what items you’d love to get! This month you can get 2 pairs of leggings for $24 – a $99 value – when you sign up for their flexible VIP membership program!

Shop my Fabletics outfit**:

Click the images below to shop my outfit.

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Related post:

A Phoenix Hike

Tips for Practicing Yoga While Pregnant

Tips for Practicing Yoga While Pregnant

Before I was pregnant, I thought I would be able to keep up with running when I was expecting. I have been so wrong. I have run, but not at the same intensity, frequency or mileage as before. Instead, I have turned back to yoga. My goal has been to go to a class at least once a week and then practice a bit on my own the rest of the week. Throughout this current journey I have discovered many things about practicing yoga while pregnant. I wanted to share some tips on the best way to find the right prenatal yoga class/practice for you.

Tips for practicing yoga while pregnant:

  1. Talk to your doctor about what is safe to do. My OB advised not to attend any heated fitness classes or do movements that compress the belly, aka ab work. You might have other modifications depending on your health history and current condition.
  2. Ask questions of the studio beforehand. First, if the class isn’t labeled as prenatal, let the instructor know you are pregnant (don’t assume it’s obvious) and where you might have any pain or discomfort. A good instructor will suggest modifications to do.
  3. During class, don’t do anything you’re not comfortable with. You know your body better than anyone!
  4. Try out different studios and prenatal classes to find what is best for you. I have found vast differences among classes labeled as prenatal. In one class, we only stood for a couple of poses, while in another class we did a “normal” flow-style class in which the instructor taught modifications to do for various poses. The idea was that you could then take any other class and know how to safely modify the practice for pregnancy.
  5. Use props to help you. Your balance gets thrown off as your baby grows. I find myself needing props to help make me more comfortable and get the most out of the poses. In savasana, for example, I place two blocks toward the back of the mat (where my head would normally be) with a bolster placed lengthwise on top of it. I then sit with my low back against the bolster and I lean back and rest on the bolster for an elevated savasana.
  6. Widen your stances. You will find that you might need to place your feet wider apart in many poses, like Warrior, any lunges, or standing forward folds.
  7. Don’t compare yourself to the other women in the class. No pregnancy is the same and students in the class won’t all have the same energy or practice. Don’t feel badly about yourself if you can’t seem to move in the same ways as before or as other people. Focus on your own mat, body and baby!

Do you practice yoga?

 

Related post:

My Go-To All-Levels Yoga Flow

Fun Subscription, Membership and Experience Gifts

** This post contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Floradise!



I’m a big fan of giving experiences and subscriptions as gifts. Many of us have people in our lives who own so much stuff that you don’t know what they could possibly want or need. Giving classes, tickets and memberships won’t add to their clutter and will instead create fun memories or help them achieve a goal. I like subscriptions as well because they are a nice way to try out products and don’t necessarily need to be recurring; even a monthlong subscription can be thoughtful, unique and appreciated.

Some recent memberships, subscriptions and experiences that have caught my eye:


Yogi Surprise: I tried this yoga-themed subscription box earlier this year and I enjoyed trying new products. Yogi Surprise offers both lifestyle and jewelry boxes. The prices for each include shipping and are as follows: $24.95 for the jewelry subscription box and $44.95 for the lifestyle box. The lifestyle box I received contained six full-size yoga-lifestyle inspired items. The jewelry subscription box contains two handmade (and fair trade) pieces and an organic treat. The retail value of each lifestyle box is $70 or more, while the jewelry box has a value of $65 or more. I found the box to be a nice trial of many yoga brands. (Read about my box here.) You can also get $25 off your first box with code YOGI25.

Newspaper or magazine print/digital subscription: Friends/family who are obsessed with current events, a particular subject or popular culture may appreciate a subscription to a news outlet or magazine. I gifted Graham a New York Times print and then digital-only subscription for Christmas last year that we still have. He reads articles throughout the day and appreciates being informed.

Headspace: I started using Headspace over the summer when I was feeling overwhelmed and needed a change. You start with just three minutes a day of meditation and the sessions sometimes include animated videos on how to meditate. It’s a nice way to start the day or regain peace of mind during the workday. A bonus: Gift a meditation subscription and a subscription will be given to someone in need.

Audible: I love my Audible subscription! I have listened to many self-improvement books this year that I highly recommend. You can gift three-, six-, or 12-month subscriptions to the bookworm in your life or anyone with a long commute. I also like listening to books sometimes during workouts. (Read more about them here.) 

ClassPass membership: Fitness fanatics would love the ability to try different classes in their city, from yoga to crossfit to boxing. It’s a great way to try out new studios before deciding to commit to a workout. Or they can just keep switching up their workouts! It’s a good idea to check how many studios are available in their area first, though. Other fun options: Rock-climbing gym passes or trapeze school gift cards!

BumpBox: I had never heard of this subscription until it was gifted to me by my friend. I loved the idea! The first trimester box I received contained items to alleviate morning sickness as well as other cute things. It had Preggie Pops, a nausea bracelet, a bath bomb, a ginger drink mix to help with nausea, belly stickers for photos, and a water bottle. I love the idea of gifting this to a friend who is expecting just to show you’re thinking of her. (I mentioned this in a recent favorites post.)

Museum/zoo/attraction membership: Especially in a city like Chicago that has a ton of attractions, a membership to a museum would be so thoughtful and would help the recipient(s) stay entertained while saving cash. This is perfect for people who just moved to a city, newlyweds, families — anyone!

Dabble gift cards: I used to be a Super Dabbler, aka ambassador, because I love Dabble.co classes so much! I still do. You can buy gift certificates from $20-$500 so that your friends/loved ones can experience knife-throwing, terrarium making, sushi rolling, photography and so much more. Find links to my Dabble class experiences here and get 10 percent off (while promo still works) using my ambassador link. (I am not compensated for signups through this link; I just want to save you cash!)

Have you tried any of these memberships/subscriptions? Would you give any of them as gifts?

Saying Yes to My Well-Being

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #WellYesMoment #CollectiveBias

 

I’ve always considered myself to be a motivated and driven person. I am always saying yes to new classes, activities and opportunities, sometimes to my own detriment. I say this because in trying to do too much, I have sometimes neglected my own physical and emotional well-being. I came to this realization recently in my Moment of Yes.

This summer I woke up in the middle of the night in a panic about all the things I had to do. I had a never-ending list because I was taking on too much and trying to put on a one-woman show. I was trying to put out content almost every day of the week, I was trying to be a present mom who also works from home full time, I was trying to train for a half-marathon, and I was trying to explore and do as much as I could in Chicago. I was also trying to make plans with friends, go to yoga, take care of my plants — the list goes on.

I tend to set many, many goals for myself to the point where it becomes overwhelming. This moment of panic and the feeling of being constantly exhausted taught me that there’s a certain Yes I need to be saying: yes to my well-being.

This yes means more time without worrying about my to-do list. Yes to canceling plans if needed. Yes to giving my body time to rest without forcing myself to go out and do something, or to do another workout simply because I feel guilty about not doing it. Yes to really listening when my husband and daughter speak to me without thinking about something I should post on social media, something I need to finish at work, or something I need to get done that day.

Yes to the following ways to take care of myself:

  • Eat well.
  • Simplify.
  • Practice self-care.
  • Prioritize.
  • Be present.
  • And most important: Do less, relax more.

The moment I experienced reminded me that I need to feel nourished in all ways, including what I put into my body and how I spend my time.

So what changes have I made? Well, I am saying yes to things that are good for me and make me happy.

Yes to hiring a sitter when we need a date day/night or I need a break.

 
 

Yes to more yoga and taking care of my body.

 
 

Yes to more journaling.

 
 

Yes to eating delicious meals.
Enjoying a Well Yes!® Minestrone and Kale Soup

As part of my effort to be more mindful in all aspects of my life, I have been loving Well Yes!® Soups.

I’ve been making more of an effort to log off the computer to give myself time to enjoy my mealtime. The soups I’ve been loving include Well Yes! Minestrone and Kale, Tomato Carrot Bisque, Black Bean with Red Quinoa and Cajun Red Bean and Vegetable. Well Yes! Soups are flavorful and delicious and they’re made from real, non-GMO and nutritious ingredients. The soups are crafted with care so that they contain no artificial flavors or colors. The can packaging is made with a non-BPA lining, too!

 
 
 

As a vegetarian, I am a big fan of soups with beans and lots of vegetables. I love easy-to-prepare meals even more, so Well Yes! Soups have been a win for me.
Cajun Red Bean and Vegetable Soup

Sometimes I enjoy my Well Yes! Soup on the patio for a nice change of scenery.
Black Bean and Red Quinoa

With plenty of Well Yes! varieties, you can switch up your favorite flavors and never get bored.
Tomato Carrot Bisque

Have you experienced a similar feeling of needing to find more balance? Also, have you tasted Well Yes! Soups yet?

 

Don’t forget to enter the #WellYesMoment Sweepstakes in the widget below for a chance to win up to a $500 Visa gift card! It’s as easy as clicking, logging in, and sharing your Moment of Yes story! If you win, think of all the ways you can use the prizing to achieve your Moment of Yes!

#WellYesMoment #Sweepstakes (10/14 to 11/17)

Connect with Well Yes!

 

Fitness Favorites and Ways to Find Low-Cost Workouts

Lately I’ve been all about finding ways to sweat at home, whether it’s trying a workout I found on YouTube or practicing yoga on my own when I can’t make it to class. Life has been crazy lately, which means running has taken a backseat. My most recent long run was almost 12 miles a couple of weeks ago, and it will likely be my last major distance for a while. My plan is to instead focus strength training and yoga, and to be kinder to my body.

My current fitness favorites:

Whitney Simmons’ YouTube channel: I like that her videos are short and sweet, and she often shares workouts that can be done at home. I appreciate at-home workouts for days when I can’t make it to the gym during child care hours or days when I just don’t feel like running but want to sweat a bit.

Resistance bands: I bought these because I’ve been doing the workouts on Whitney Simmons’ channel. She often incorporates these into her training. I bought the red and purple bands, but I have been mostly using the red. I underestimated the resistance and probably didn’t need the purple yet. I like that they enhance simple movements such as squats and lunges.

90 Degree by Reflex clothing: I recently became an ambassador for 90 Degree by Reflex, which means I was provided complimentary outfits. I already owned some yoga leggings, but I was excited to try more of their athletic clothing. It came at a perfect time, because I want to transition into focusing on yoga over running in the months ahead.

Carb Boom! Energy Gels: I first used these energy gels to train for the Chicago Marathon in 2016. I loved that they taste so much better than other gels I used to purchase. They never upset my stomach, a major win! They don’t contain artificial sweeteners or flavors and are made from real fruit purees/concentrates. My favorite flavors: Grape Pomegranate, Raspberry and Strawberry Kiwi. I stay away from the Banana Peach, Vanilla Orange and Apple Cinnamon because those flavors tend to gross me out during runs. I prefer fruity flavors. I typically order a sampler pack; you can select your flavors. While I won’t be running long distances much, I wanted to mention these because they have helped me through multiple rounds of half-marathon and marathon training.

Sources of free or low-cost workouts:

I love finding workouts for free or at a lower cost, especially now that I often have to pay for child care to work out. I find that in a city like Chicago it’s easy to find free classes or events.

Some methods I’ve used to find free/affordable workouts:

  • Many fitness YouTubers include their workouts in the description bar or on their Instagram captions. I screenshot them and see if I can do any of them at home.
  • Search for free community yoga classes in your area. Many studios offer at least a free class per month or week. Other studios offer a pay-what-you-can class each week. I recently bought a Groupon for a yoga package at a nice discount.
  • Other fitness studios also offer a free first class. Search EventBrite or Facebook events for free fitness classes. On EventBrite, enter your location and fitness (or bootcamp, running, yoga, etc.) in the description and then narrow results by Price (Free vs. Paid).
  • Search Pinterest for at-home workout ideas.
  • Join a running group for meetups or track workouts.

What’s your favorite workout right now?

My Go-To All-Levels Yoga Session

One of the top goals right now is to reconnect with my yoga practice. At one point yoga was a key part of my life. I made it a priority: I enrolled in a 200-hour yoga-teacher training in 2013 and I taught for the following year. But once we once to Chicago in 2015, my practice became inconsistent. It was partly because I didn’t connect with my local studios as much as I did with the one I went to in Phoenix, and it was partly because my life changed immensely with the move. Right now I need yoga more than ever, though, so my priority is to practice as much as I can. I began bullet journaling in September to track such habits as practicing yoga and meditating, and I hope this will continue to hold me accountable. So far I’ve been successful at squeezing in my practice, though it’s only been a few weeks.

Note: Yoga Journal and Yoga International are great resources for learning to do the poses.

My typical yoga session*:

Supta Baddha Konasana
Rock back and forth
Tabletop and cat/cow
Downward-facing dog
Forward fold, sway
Rag doll to stand
2 half sun salutations
2 full sun salutations
Forward fold
Downward-facing dog
Downdog split (right leg), hip circles
Runner’s lunge
Anjaneyasana B, one arm up, switch arms
Half split
Downdog split
Chaturanga, upward-facing dog, downward-facing dog
repeat on other side (left)
Child’s pose
Downward-facing dog
Downdog split, hip circles
Warrior A
Warrior B
Side Angle
Triangle
Reverse Triangle
Reverse Warrior B
Runner’s lunge (windmill hands down)
Downdog split
Flip dog
Downward-facing dog
Chaturanga, upward-facing dog, downward-facing dog
Repeat on other side
Downward-facing dog
Malasana
Crow (optional)
Child’s pose
Chaturanga, upward-facing dog, downward-facing dog
Walk up to standing fold
Inhale and roll up
Tree pose
Dancer
Runner’s lunge
Chaturanga, upward-facing dog, downward-facing dog
Repeat on other side (left)
Downward-facing dog, split
Runner’s lunge
Pigeon/king pigeon, downward-facing dog split
Repeat on other side

Cooldown:

Child’s pose
Table to seated
Baddha konasana
Twist
Boat
Bridge/Wheel
Plow
Shoulder stand
Happy baby
Twist
Savasana

*Some poses listed in Sanskrit; others are not.

Child’s pose

Tree pose

Pigeon (folded forward)

Half-split

Supta Baddha Konasana
Savasana

Pin this yoga session:

Related post:

** The yoga pants in this post were courtesy of 90 Degree By Reflex as part of its ambassador program.

My Favorite Self-Care Apps

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser, Walmart Family Mobile. All opinions are mine alone. #SummerIsForSavings #CollectiveBias #WFM4

I recently shared how I take and post photos on the go while crossing off items from my Chicago summer bucket list. When I am not exploring the city or traveling, I’ve been focusing on self-care this summer.  As fun as it is to make nonstop plans to do, see and eat as much as I can with friends and family this season, I find myself also needing a healthy dose of me time. This helps me recharge so I am ready for more adventures. One of my August goals was to meditate five minutes a day, and while some weeks have been better than others, I’ve gained a lot more clarity about what I want and don’t want in life lately. What I do what in my life is to be more present in my time with family this summer (and beyond) as well as more time for self-care.

My LG L59 Grace phone’s homepage is organized in folders related to topics that are important to me, including Self-Care, Social Media, Photography, and Travel. I am considering making one solely for meditation as well. I can access these apps whenever I need them thanks to the $49.88 TRULY Unlimited Talk, Text, & Data◊ plan from Walmart Family Mobile, powered by T-Mobile’s nationwide 4G LTE network. I continued to use the no-contract, monthly service plan in August because it has a low price tag (plus never any hidden, activation or late fees).

In hopes of inspiring others to consider self-care along with these summer plans, I’m sharing my favorite apps I use for self-care. They keep me focused and help me relax when I need time for myself.

One of my favorite self-care methods is listening to self-improvement or entertaining books on Audible. I love “reading” the books when I need to unwind or simply sitting on my patio relaxing. One of my favorite times to listen is when I am taking an Epsom salt bath to relieve sore muscles. (Also, less money spent on a phone service plan means more to spend on motivational books!

Self-improvement books to consider:

  • “You Are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth” by Jen Sincero
  • “Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living” by Shauna Niequist
  • “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear” by Elizabeth Gilbert.
  • “Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person” by Shonda Rhimes.

I use Pinterest for inspiration on self-care and healthy living. While some may associate the app with unrealistic expectations, I think it’s a place to gather inspiration and lots of helpful tips! I like to search for motivational quotes and save them to a board called Vision Board. I also save blog posts that offer tips for making life easier and happier.

I use My Fitness Pal for tracking meals and Map My Run to track workouts, including yoga sessions and training runs for my upcoming half-marathon. I also use Garmin Connect to help me analyze my sleep and walking patterns. Exercise and sleep greatly impact your mood and well-being, so it’s important to track how much of each you are getting and make adjustments as needed.

When I am feeling overwhelmed or down, I often will open up my Notes (or Memo) app and write down what I am feeling, kind of like a journal. I have been known to write lists of things I am grateful for that day or simply what I am thinking when I’m on-the-go. It’s cathartic to get these thoughts out! I look back on these to see whether I’ve been more positive or negative lately and assess my mental state. Being aware of whether your thoughts are loving or fearful helps you make more of an effort to be kind to yourself and others and change your outlook.

Spotify is what I use to make meditation, yoga or running playlists. Feel free to borrow songs from my playlists or create your own! If you’re not into meditation, yoga or running, make a happy playlist that puts you in a good mood when you’re down. (I also suggest a playlist for when you need to get pumped up for a big presentation, day or event.)

    An app I just recently downloaded is Headspace, which is free for the basics but may be worth the investment if you really need guidance. You can enroll in a monthly or yearly subscription for guided or unguided meditation. The free basics package starts you off with short sessions. (Many other meditation apps are also available!)

    Not only does Walmart Family Mobile’s TRULY Unlimited Data◊, powered by T-Mobile, save time and money, but it can be used for whatever I need at the moment, whether it’s to hear some soothing sounds like I’m stressed, uploading a photo to social media or getting directions to a new restaurant.

    Plus, customers on the $49.88 TRULY Unlimited plan◊ will receive a free VUDU** movie rental credit valued at $7.00 each time they renew their service, so you can watch a movie to decompress as well.

    Disclaimer: All prices for phones and plans included in this post are accurate as of the date of posting; however, these prices are subject to change. Please refer to this page or your local Walmart for current pricing.

    How have you taken care of yourself this summer in addition to having fun?


    ◊Does not include tethering. Video typically streams at DVD quality. During congestion, top 3% of users (>32GB/mo.) may notice reduced speeds due to deprioritization. Please always refer to the latest terms and conditions at myfamilymobile.com.

    **Limited time offer. Available for lines active with the PLUS $49.88 plan only. VUDU enabled device and account required for digital viewing. Customers must be 18 years or older to open a VUDU account. Movie rental only available in the USA. Free movie rental provided in the form of a movie rental code to the value of a $7.00 VUDU credit. Movie rental code allows for selection from available movies for rent. May not be readily redeemable on all new releases. Code will be delivered within up to 24 hours of the effective account renewal date. Must be used within 30 days of receiving code. Offer is non-transferable. Limit 1 per customer. Additional terms and conditions on VUDU’s website: http://www.vudu.com/termsofservice.html

    Connect with Walmart Family Mobile:


    My Chicago Summer Bucket List & On-the-Go Photo Tips

    This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser, Walmart Family Mobile. All opinions are mine alone. #SummerIsForSavings #CollectiveBias #WFM2



    Summer is breezing past us, and we still have many items left on our Chicago summer bucket list. Some of these activities I would do as part of my own self-care, and some would be fun to do as a family! My goal for the next weeks is to do as many of my wish list items as possible. I’ve already tried kayaking on the Chicago River and a mermaid fitness class, along with countless beach days, so with about seven weeks of summer officially left, I have exactly seven activities  left to do in the city. Sure, I’ve done most of these before, but they are certainly worth doing every year!

    My Chicago summer bucket list for 2017:

    1. Attend a new street festival. You can find a food, music or arts festival just about every weekend in the summer!

    2. Embark on an architecture cruise on the Chicago River. These tours never get old!

    3. Go stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Michigan. I have tried SUP before, but I want to master it while taking in city views!

    4. Watch a movie in Millennium Park. I recently went to a concert at Jay Pritzker Pavilion, where the movies are screened, and it reminded me that I never actually watched a movie there. Movies in the parks are a fun way to spend an evening, and they’re free!

    5. Practice yoga on the beach. Outdoor yoga is so much fun!

    6. Send summer off with a cruise on Lake Michigan. We’ve done this every summer since we’ve lived here.

    7. Stroll around Lincoln Park Conservatory. Taking photographs of plants is one of my favorite activities.

    Ready, set, go!

    In the past I’ve shared my ideas to save money for travel, but there’s one more thing I’ve done to help me pay for fun, whether it’s exploring Chicago or visiting a new place. I wanted to capture the memories we create this summer and save money while also investing in my myself and my goals for this blog. With that in mind, I turned to Walmart Family Mobile’s $49.88 PLUS Plan (Unlimited Talk, Text & Data Plan), which is powered by T-Mobile’s nationwide 4G LTE† network. I wanted to have a new tool to keep me connected, help me store and take photos, consolidate my photo and social apps in one place, and give me more flexibility. It was super easy and convenient to get started on Walmart Family Mobile’s $49.88 PLUS Plan and it includes up to 15 GB of 4G LTE† data, then 2G*. I picked up the LG L59 Grace from the selection of phones at Walmart and then getting activated took only a few minutes. There’s no contract and you can keep your phone number and even your phone.

     

    Using the phone and the expanded 15 GB of 4G LTE† data helps me not only share my memories on social media and my blog more seamlessly, but it helps me keep more of a balance between my blog and my family life. It’s a plus that the monthly $49.88 PLUS Plan is easy on my wallet and has no activation fees or late charges, and you can pick from Walmart’s clear monthly plan options to fit your own budget.

    Disclaimer: All prices for phones and plans included in this post are accurate as of the date of posting; however, these prices are subject to change. Please refer to this page or your local Walmart for current pricing.

     

    Taking/sharing photos on the go this summer:

    • Don’t rush to get a shot. When you are in a hurry you are more likely to shake the camera or phone you are shooting with, which yields blurry photos. Take a deep breath and slow down. That means don’t worry about what other people think about you snapping a photo or getting your photo taken. Take your time.
    • Try multiple angles and poses. Instead of taking a phone at eye level with your subject, try getting down low or taking the photo from above. Step forward and back (while checking where you are stepping) to take the photo. Take the same photo at least three ways.
    • You can use either your camera and phone to take great photos. When using your phone, turn on the Pro or HDR setting and download photo editing apps to help you.
    • For the photos on my camera that I want to share instantly, I use a mobile adapter that was fairly affordable to send them to my phone and then upload them to social media using a Nikon app. It takes just a minute! The little adapter plugs into my camera and then I can see and download photos on my phone. I then share where I please.
    • Find the best natural lighting to avoid using the flash. I prefer photos without flash because they look more natural and better overall.
    • Use a tripod with a remote to take fun time-lapse photos (like when you watch fireworks at Navy Pier!). Tripods can be found in all price ranges, and often another object can act as a stand to keep your camera still as well.
    • Organize all your photo apps, social media and related apps in one folder on your home screen to make them easily accessible on the go. Don’t waste valuable time that could be spent exploring your city!

     

    My home screen on the LG L59 Grace has folders for my social media, photography and other frequently used apps.

     

     

     

     

    Besides offering the data to suit your needs, the $49.88 PLUS Plan also provides a free VUDU◊ movie rental credit valued at $7.00 each time you renew your service.

    What’s on your summer bucket list? Share it with me in the comments!

    *Please always refer to the latest terms and conditions at myfamilymobile.com.

    †To get 4G LTE speed, you must have a 4G LTE capable device and 4G LTE SIM Card. Actual availability, coverage and speed may vary. LTE is a trademark of ETSI.

    Disclaimer: ◊Limited time offer. Available for lines active with the PLUS $49.88 plan only. VUDU enabled device and account required for digital viewing. Customers must be 18 years or older to open a VUDU account. Movie rental only available in the USA. Free movie rental provided in the form of a movie rental code to the value of a $7.00 VUDU credit. Movie rental code allows for selection from available movies for rent. May not be readily redeemable on all new releases. Code will be delivered within up to 24 hours of the effective account renewal date. Must be used within 30 days of receiving code. Offer is non-transferable. Limit 1 per customer. Additional terms and conditions on VUDU’s website: http://www.vudu.com/termsofservice.html

    Connect with Walmart Family Mobile:

    Twitter: @FamilyMobile

     

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