Happy Friday!

This week was really good but NUTS in the way that the week after vacation always is. Plus, it’s been a weird week in Charlotte with kids getting ready to go back to school. I can tell that parents are in a “camps are over, vacations are over, need these kids back in school” kind of place right now. We’re also gearing up for our final weekend of summer 200-hour teacher training as well as a big art show/party we are having at the studio on Saturday night.

I had a brief email exchange with a student/friend this week and she commented, “From your blog and FB posts it’s obvious how much you have going on and how happy you are!! You can’t beat that!” I replied, “Yes, life good…full but good!” and she responded, “Full is good!! Even though it can feel overwhelming.”

And that’s exactly where I am right now. Happy, feeling full, slightly overwhelmed…but mostly excited.

So with that, let’s jump into the things that I’m loving on this late summer Friday.

National Dog Day

I don’t even think I need to add any commentary for this one. I am grateful every day for how many smiles and how much love these pups bring to my life. Being a dog momma is the BEST! And for the zillionth time, I am so happy that I decided to bring Zoey into our little family. She’s been such a wonderful friend to Sullie. They’re rarely out of each other’s eyesight and most often side-by-side.

My Upcoming Sweat, Strengthen and Flow Workout for Running Works, Sponsored by Premier Protein

As most of you know, I’ve been an ambassador for Premier Protein for almost two years now. When they offered to help me plan a community workout and said it could benefit the charity of my choice, I said “YES!” On Saturday, September 10, I’ll be leading a FREE 60-minute workout that includes 20 minutes of cardio, 20 minutes of bodyweight strength and 20 minutes of yoga flow. Premier Protein will make a donation to Running Works on behalf of every event attendee. Participants will also receive one free class to Y2 as well as Premier Protein swag I CAN’T WAIT! If you’re in Charlotte, please, please, please plan on joining me! You can RSVP through the Facebook event by clicking here.

Running Works is an incredible local non-profit whose mission is to use sport to empower individuals and families to break cycles of abuse, neglect, poverty and homelessness – one stride at a time. They have five affiliate programs that aid homeless men and women, abused and neglected children, young adults cycling out of foster care and disadvantaged women battling addiction. Take a moment to read more about their programs here. Running Works will have a tent at the event where they will be sharing information about their programs.

New Ellie Goulding

When a new Ellie Goulding song drops it’s like Christmas for me! I swear 9 out of 10 playlists I make for yoga include at least one Ellie song and I’m loving “Still Falling for You” so much.

This Playlist

While we’re on music, my Wednesday night playlist this week was on point. Enjoy!

Skinny & Co. Coconut Oil

Skinny & Co. sent me a sampling of their coconut oil formulas to try out and they’re wonderful. I’ve been using the facial oil that you see on top every day on my eyes and elbows where I’m prone to eczema. It’s so calming and hydrating. They also sent me their oil pulling formula for oral hygiene, a sugar scrub for exfoliation, facial oil for moisturizing, removing makeup and calming skin and their 100% raw, alkaline coconut oil for face and body.

You can view there entire line of products here and if you order by August 27 you can get 20% off your order with code TREATYOURSELF (says their website). Head on over. This is really good stuff.

Betsy’s Best Cashew Butter with Cardamom & Chia Seeds

We spotted this cashew butter at a random grocery store in the mountains and despite the $13 price tag, Tanner threw it in our cart because it sounded so good. I can honestly say it was $13 worth of good. We finished the whole jar that week.

These Blog Posts and Articles

• Meet the coach who helps Simone Biles, Laurie Hernandez stay mentally strong
• When you’re at a life turning point
• Writing out my ideal schedule
• Jump Rope Upper Body Workout (oh the jump rope…definitely a love/hate relationship!)
• Sauteed Peach Salad with Honey Lemon Chia Vinaigrette
• Homemade Sunflower and Pumpkin Seed Butter
• Are you hanging from a thread?
• 5 Fitness Bloggers We Love (so honored to be on this list!)

Giveaway Winners

Giveaways are always fun, right? Congrats to my “5 Favorite Feel Good Reads” winners Sherri (comment #9) and Andrea D. (#43). And congrats to Olivia K (comment #3), the winner of my “Track & Field Inspired Workout” giveaway.

What’s your favorite thing about being a dog owner? 

Most unique flavor of nut butter you’ve tried?

Any current favorite songs to sweat to?