Taylor Swift, My Personal Transformation + Deals You’ll Love: How It All Comes Together
Something big is happening tomorrow that I’ve been thinking about for pretty much my whole adult life. You may have seen me share in my social media stories that I’m having a breast reduction. To say that I am nervous is an understatement. Having surgery involves trusting the people who will be taking care of me and that my body is going to know what to do to heal after. As a bit of a type A personality, that’s tough for me.
Despite that, I know this is something that I want to do. It’s happening after a lot of consideration, 3 years of actively trying to find a surgeon and be given a date, lots of treatments with various health professionals to alleviate neck and shoulder discomfort, and my breasts taking up way too much room in my head.
Ready to see Taylor Swift!
We arrived home Sunday afternoon, and then Steve and I had to turn around shortly after to drive 3 hours to Hamilton because my long awaited breast reduction surgery was the next day. We enjoyed a relaxing morning before arriving at the Juravinski Hospital at noon. I was feeling relatively calm until the nurses started taking my vitals and inserting the IV. By the time the anaesthetist came to see me, I was on the brink of tears. He was absolutely wonderful though - he listened to my fears around my last experience getting general anaesthetic and assured me he would make this time different. He and the rest of the team sure did just that - he even played Taylor Swift for me on his phone as I was going to sleep! I felt very heard and cared for - it was a good lesson for me in the importance of speaking up for what I need instead of going along because I don’t want to be difficult. The small extras that were done for me didn’t cost anything, and they helped me feel safe, which is an important piece of healing well.
My surgery was a little less than 2 weeks ago. My recovery has been smooth, and I have to admit that I am enjoying this forced time of slowing down. I’ve been resting lots, watched a few shows (loved A Man on the Inside and the Tragically Hip documentary!), read a bit AND I’ve been doing a teeny bit of online shopping.
I thought it would be fun to share some of my shopping finds with you in this weeks’ newsletter in case you are looking for gifts or something special for yourself!! Here are a few of my favourite things (in no particular order):
Cole Skincare - this clean ingredient skincare line is formulated and made right here in Saugeen Shores by Jillian Cole. She is also a Naturopathic Doctor who happened to cover one of my maternity leaves for me. I have been using her simple 3 step regimen for the last year and am really happy with the health of my skin as I approach 50. She has some great deals on regular and travel sized bundles right now. You can check them out here
2. Mid-Day Squares - I have been buying these Canadian made healthy, dairy free, gluten free, tasty snacks for me and my family for several months now. They are low in sugar, have 6g of protein and 4 g of fibre, and are perfect for an on the go snack (like heading to hockey!)! They come in 5 flavours - Cookie Dough, Crunchy Peanut, Peanut Butta, Brownie Batter and Almond Crunch. The top picks in our family are Peanut Butta (it’s like a healthy peanut butter cup!) and Cookie Dough (this one is also nut free, so it can safely go to school). Click here to shop and save 15% on your order
3. Shy Wolf Candles - when I saw that she has a Taylor Swift Collection, I had to order it! These candles are made by Julie Klukas in Grey Highlands, Ontario. They are phthalate and paraben free, which is a must for any candles I purchase, as these compounds used in a lot of scented products are known hormone disruptors. There are several different candle collections to choose from, including seasonal options and a vinyl collection (I think I may need to try “More Than a Feeling” next). She ships to Canada and the US, and right now there is a free mystery candle with every order (fun!). You can browse them here
4. Taylor-Danielle - this online shop sells Canadian owned, designed and made clothing & accessories. I have been a fan since they opened almost 3 years ago! They offer super helpful online support, every piece of clothing includes measurements, and this business is run by the nicest family(mom Danielle, daughter Taylor, Danielle’s parents, and I believe her son helps out with financial stuff!). You even get a personalized note from “Mom and Dad” in each order! The majority of my wardrobe consists of clothes from here, and I had to grab a sweater that was on sale, along with some speciality tea for me and for a gift. Here’s their link so you can have a look https://taylor-danielle.com/ and be sure to follow them on Instagram for some fun entertainment on their weekly drops.
5. Southampton Olive Oil - we use the olive oil and flavoured balsamic vinegar from this family run business several times a week, and they also have Christmas gift sets that made the perfect hostess/teacher/bus driver/you name it gifts. I love to give something that can be used AND it’s an extra bonus when it is healthy!! They ship for a flat rate or free with a minimum purchase throughout Canada. Here’s the shopping link
If you are looking for a FREE and fun way to take healthy steps leading up to the holidays, join the 12 Days of Fitmas Challenge here!! Starting December 12, you will receive a daily fun, simple and health inspired task.
US residents can enter to win some amazing prizes, but don’t worry, I have something for us Canadians too!!! For each challenge you let me know you complete, you will receive an entry to win a fun prize… maybe something from the list above?!? If you are in, opt into the link and reply back to let me know!
If you’re looking for a way to boost your energy, strengthen your immune system, reduce those aches and pains, help balance your hormones, and fire up your metabolism, then I have exciting news for you!!! Starting today, you can save $50 on my January 6 FASTer Way round (use code SAVE50 at checkout)!!! This is the perfect opportunity for you, or a great gift for someone you love, to start the new year off strong!! As a bonus, register now and you will get early access to start using the workouts!!