Hey trubeautys!
Before I go into everything, I wanted to say thank you so much for all the birthday love and messages on Instagram, facebook, texts, calls etc. From the more generic to the super personal, your birthday messages really meant a lot and made my birthday celebrations all the more special—talk about feeling loved! One of the biggest thank you’s goes out to my hubby, Collin! He planned some pretty epic surprises that you may have seen behind the scenes on my Instagram Story balancing everything I love (he knows me so well)! From surprising me with Train + Goo Goo Dolls concert tickets, taking off work to take me to lunch, 8 hour Spa Day, new Kate Spade purse, plus pool party celebration with his fam—this mama got spoiled and it felt, well, abundant! See my 4 Epic Birthday Surprises, inspiration on Living In Your Light, plus How To Live The Abundant Life YOU’VE DREAMED TOO Without Guilt… We ALL deserve to live abundantly. Hope this Blog post inspires you to go out there and get it—cheers!
I’m officially 34!!! Holy crap, that’s both amazing and crazy to think about! I feel like I’ve done SO much for being 34 years old, to list a few… graduating college with honors, making a name for myself in the cosmetic industry in corporate America, deciding it wasn’t for me and quitting even though it paid awesome and was great for the ego (which took A LOT of guts), taking a job at a magazine for HALF THE PAY to pursue my passion for writing, traveling to other countries, living in 3 states, getting married, listening to my gut and facing my fear to begin AGAIN to get certified in Yoga and start my own blogging business, buying a house, and now pregnant with our SECOND child (fewf)! Regardless of this laundry list of things I am really proud of, because I know how hard I’ve worked for each and every one of them, in many ways I feel like I am just getting warmed up and that I have so much left to do! In my opinion, your 30’s is such a wonderful time (Any 13 Going On 30 movie fans out there?! “…30, flirty, & thriving!” Lol ??? ), because there is a certain CONFIDENCE that comes from one of my very favorite words transcendentalism, learning through the art of experience, yet there is still time for all of your wildest dreams to come true that have not yet been realized, so that you can live fully in alignment with your light. For the record, I think you can do this at ANY age (teens, 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, all the way to 100 and beyond), but being 34 right now that is the age I can most relate to and look back on. For me, there is a sense of excitement and urgency to make it all happen mixed with contentment in my life that swings back and forth between motivation (I’ve always been an ambitious one) and feeling at ease.
A big theme in my journey to 34 is that I’m learning to NOT feel guilty for living the life I know I deserve full of abundance in every sense of the word; financial riches, material success, joy, love, connection, community, gratitude, & giving back. This is huge as I step into a place of even deeper belief in myself and what I know I am capable of and not feeling the need to dim my light to make others feel less insecure (there is a great quote on this I’ll be sharing on my Instagram soon). Instead of focusing on that, I am consciously CHOOSING to surround myself with fellow shining lights who are on the same frequency level as I am! This may sound arrogant or “cocky” at first glance to some, but those who are also working on living in alignment with the highest version of themselves and upleveling their own self worth understand the power of this journey and know what I am talking about. Arrogance is just a mask for insecurity, deep confidence is something very different. These types of lights, both famale and male are, of course, who I believe are the “trubeautys” out there as we continue to align and unite! There is a certain realization that occurs in your life over time, where what YOU think matters much more than what others think. My grandma always loved the quote and would share, “Everywhere you go, there you are.” When you realize this on a cellular level and believe it, you begin to have a deep confidence in who you are and where you are heading even if you don’t have all the answers at this very moment; it’s a confidence that comes from trusting yourself at the present moment in EVERY moment and is not something that is fleeting based on the latest compliment, accomplished goal, number of likes on social media, or brand name you are rocking. This is not to say you can’t like or enjoy nice things or the presence of others, but it’s a positive feeling within whether you are with a group or completely alone (get 100 likes or 1). The irony of allowing yourself to not just step into your light but actually LIVE in your light is you naturally attract MORE abundance, love, freedom, health, creative fulfillment, and people in alignment—which only expedites the growth spirt and blooming process. I feel that I am in the middle of this process right now at 34… it’s not something that happens overnight, it’s years in the making and it’s liberating and exciting! My epic birthday week is a glimpse of what I’m talking about when I say living in abundance, freedom, joy, gratitude, love, light and support from the Universe. See birthday highlights in my Blog post and pictures for specifics and don’t miss my personal message to you at the very end of my blog post that is so much deeper than the material possessions featured, but focuses on the mindset shift and how to live in YOUR abundant light!
Surprise #1 — Train + Goo Goo Dolls Concert
To kick off my birthday week, the Sunday before my husband surprised me with great seats to a Train + Goo Goo Dolls concert tickets (this was one of those rare occasions where they were actually touring together). Train’s “Drops Of Jupiter” is literally one of (if not my) favorite songs in the whole world… “so tell me, did you fall for a shooting star la la la la la la la… best soy latte that you’ve ever had and me…” lol (I’m literally sipping on a Starbucks soy latte as I write this right now). Then one of my other all time favorite songs is Goo Goo Dolls “Name,” similar to Drops of Jupiter I’ve loved this song for many years and so seeing them performed together was pretty high on my bucket list. It was also super weird and meant to be, because Collin and I had seen Train in concert before and loved them and out of no where a few months before my birthday I had mentioned to him a small list of my favorite bands I really want to see live, including Goo Goo Dolls, One Republic, Coldplay, Maroon 5, etc. As you guys know we are religious WEEKLY date-nighters and swear by dates to keep that spark alive, especially once you have kids, and we both love to go to concerts together. So this surprise felt like serendipity, because I had no idea they were even touring let alone with Train. We had such a blast at the concert, with my baby bump that was beginning to show. I kept joking that I looked like a knocked up groupie lol ? It was actually pretty hilarious because I got all decked out with my hair and makeup so excited for our romantic night and when it came time for my clothes, nothing fit. So I got creative and put on my fitted black pants that still fit in the legs and butt (yes!) and then put a black pregnancy belly band over it with a black sparkly tank from Express, threw on some sexy, yet more comfy Michael Kors black python heels, long drop earrings and called it a day! Hey, pregnant or not every girl wants to feel all dressed up, beautiful, with places to go and I wasn’t going to let pregnancy hold us back from an incredible night! Check out some of the highlights below from our concert behind the scenes. And if you’ve never seen Train or Goo Goo Dolls in concert and have the chance—go see them!! They are awesome live, sound just like their songs on the radio, and the energy is top notch as they shine in their element!
Surprise #2 — Waking To Presents, Ditching Work & NEW Kate Spade!
Next on the actual day (my birthday is July 9th, so this year it landed on a Tuesday), my husband woke me up with a Starbucks grande hot soy latte (of course), Starbucks hot chocolate chip cookie (I’m a complete Cookie Monster), LUNA Bar (been obsessed and eaten daily for years), and a beautiful bouquet of flowers! He told me that he was going to stay home from the office for my birthday, which was a complete surprise because I knew he had a big work week, and take me to lunch after his phone meetings to one of my favorite little bistro cafes for this caprese panini I’ve been craving like crazy since becoming pregnant (he is so good to me)!! It was an awesome day. He watched Melissa in the morning until our Nanny arrived and I was able to just sit outside by our pool, sip my latte, respond to people’s sweet birthday messages and phone calls all morning (and afternoon lol), then ease into getting ready until we headed to a lovely lunch, while our incredible Nanny watched Melissa. It was relaxing, so fun, and exactly the kind of day I wanted after the high-energy concert! Then in the evening I opened presents from family, friends and of course Collin and Melissa with their sweet cards. Collin wrote me the most thoughtful message about how much he loves me and how grateful he and Melissa are to have me as their wife/mom and Melissa had the sweetest little drawing of a whale and other ocean animals for mama—it was perfect. Then, Collin got me this gorgeous black and gold Kate Spade purse / backpack in one, I had been saying I wanted. My black and silver Prada backpack I’ve had for 10+ years and use for working out and errands had recently broke and I was so sad, because it was chic yet functional as as fitness mama on the go, who also has to juggle a diaper bag, stroller, toddler etc. I described to him my perfect bag and he literally found it without me even sending him a link (he said he just googled what I described lol)! Whoa I was seriously impressed!! He said if i didn’t like it I could return it, but it was exactly what I was thinking and I actually like it more than my Prada one, because it’s bigger and there are compartments inside keeping everything organized, so I can actually find my keys and sunglasses in a hurry! What a win!
Surprise #3–My 8 Hour Spa Day!
Then, that Saturday I had an all day 8 hour Spa Day booked at our country club, where I got a 80 minute Prenatal Massage, which included an exfoliating foot scrub/massage for tried pregnant feet and a collagen eye treatment (basically this cooling gel that apparently encourages collagen production around the eyes). I don’t know how much the collagen treatment actually works, because it is NOT invasive like a filler or Botox would be it is topical, but I will tell you the cooling treatment felt fantastic, similar to a cucumber treatment for puffy eyes! After my massage, since I have to eat every 2 hours during this pregnancy otherwise I get super nauseous, I requested the spa have my lunch order of hot tea, lemon water, and Asian Chicken Salad ready and waiting for me out on the terrace—and so they did! I walked outside, a bit dazed from my massage feeling oh, so good, rocking my white spa robe, giant black Dolche & Gabbana sunglasses and enjoyed the most zen, yogi lunch outside in nature listening to the birds chirping and the spa fountain nearby. This… is basically happiness to me. I could live at the spa, and often do lol. I joke that the spa is my home away from home (and Starbucks is probably third in-line after that)! After lunch and relaxing for some time completely unplugging (no status or instagram updates) just completely in the moment, I went on to get my pedicure followed by me manicure, with yet ANOTHER exfoliating foot scrub (this pregnant mama got spoiled)! Then, hours later after enjoying the gorgeous facility and it’s amenities I ended my Spa Day with another 80 minute session, but this time it was the Elemis “Radiance Renewal” Facial; this is my favorite facial that I get about once every 3 months for clearing my skin and a youthful glow. Being pregnant she did have to leave out certain treatments due to ingredients that are not recommended for baby, but it didn’t feel any different to me and was complete and utter bliss. I swear I almost fell asleep on the warmed-up massage table. After my all day experience, I eased back to reality and slipped into the yoga clothes I arrived in, although I wanted to just stay in that robe all day and called my husband to check-in and let him know I was on my way home. He said that he and Melissa went to the park and had a great day and asked if I wanted Dominos thin crust pizza for dinner and their brownies with Netflix (something we do often) and of course I responded with a giant YESSS!!
Surprise #4–Sunday Funday Pool Party & Cupcakes
Last but not least (I told you it was an EPIC birthday week!!), my husband and I are both Cancers, so his birthday is right after mine on July 14th, so I had presents and surprises planned for him as well! I let him sleep in on Sunday after my spa day and left early to pickup coffee and breakfast from his favorite donut place, where they wrote a birthday message to make it special! My husband is an early bird, so we were able to enjoy coffee and donuts together with the doors open looking out at our pool before our daughter woke up, which we aim to do on weekends to get a moment to ourselves in the morning. His family who lives nearby wanted to do something to celebrate both of our birthdays together, which we do each year for ease. So we all went up to the country club to meet at their swimming giant swimming pool that has waterfalls, slides, food, and drinks to relax, hang out, and swim with Melissa. After, we all found a table in the shade to enjoy these decedent cupcakes from a local bakery that is known for being the best cupcake joint in town (we get custom cupcakes there for all of our birthdays and special events)! It was a nice and relaxing morning and afternoon. Collin is huge sports guy, which I love about him. So when we go home he was tired and I offered to take Melissa out so he could relax at home in peace and watch the game—something that he loves to do on Sunday. Melissa and I went to a party store to pick out decorations for HER upcoming mermaid themed birthday party the beginning of August and got “Daddy” a football balloon of his favorite team to take home! When we got home, he got his balloon, his custom card I had made for him highlighting some of our pictures from our recent island vacation, opened his Nike Tennis shirt and shorts present that he loved for when he plays tennis and we all enjoyed a wonderful day and night!
Living In Your Light
So, as you can tell it really was an epic birthday week in every sense of the word. In many ways it felt magical and as I was reflecting on this blog post planning to simply share the bullet points of what we did behind the scenes with pictures, I couldn’t help but think to myself how I have manifested this abundant life of mine and asking how can I guide others to do the same. I feel like it all comes down to self worth. At the end of the day, we all have our personality pros and cons… mindsets that either honor or hinder our ability to live in alignment and shine like the stars we ALL are!!! I’ve always loved my life and I am always genuinely grateful as you all know, yet I feel there has been a block in my past of feeling the need to prove myself to others. In the past, I’ve simply cared too much what others have thought of me and quite frankly, I’m so over it. When you are in your 30’s you really start to realize, yes it’s important to be considerate of others feelings and to be kind in all areas of your life or think how you can improve, but there is a difference between kindness with a strong backbone and just being a people pleasing dormat. By no means did this new found attitude come overnight just in time for my 34th birthday as I mentioned at the beginning of those post, it has been building and growing over the years and I feel is still coming into full fruition. On the journey, I can always tell if I’m on track verses off track, because I will continue to see things that I want to create in my everyday lifestyle manifest into my reality! This realization of your self worth is not something you can buy or read in some inspiration quote on social media. It’s something that has to be earned through time, wisdom, experience, and SELF WORK. Yes, you can fake it and many people do that you come across and interact with everyday, but you can usually tell the ones who have it for real. It’s a light in their eyes, in their spirit, in their energy field and presence when they walk into a room. It’s something we are all seeking and something, like a muscle or habit, that has to be focused on, nourished and maintained. Many of the holistic wellness and self care rituals, like yoga, I talk about on my Blog and instagram are an excellent place to start if you feel lost. That is why I designed our movement around these holistic wellness topics, because I believe in and have seen and felt their power in a big way for my own self worth and the self worth of others. So, my message to you is keep at it. Keep seeking ways to be inspired. Keep finding ways to celebrate life by allowing yourself more luxurious, whether that be material possessions or the luxury of time and freedom, into your life. Like attracts like and if you mix these habits with gratitude you will only breed more.
Living Abundantly WITHOUT Guilt
My last message to you is don’t be afraid to embrace the love and abundance of MONEY, material possessions, luxurious experiences and nice things. I’ve always been fortunate enough to have a certain level of these due to my upbringing, yet if I’m being honest I think I’ve always held back a little feeling perhaps I didn’t deserve them or that if I shined too bright I may make someone else feel bad, unworthy, or insecure. There is an incredible quote I will leave you with that is in my trubeautyMOVEMENT business binder I created years ago, before I even started my business as inspiration. I will post the quote above for you to read and perhaps screenshot or save on Pinterest. I met someone who saw my light and believed in me and my ideas when I lived in Los Angeles give me this printout and I’ve kept it all these years. I think the fact that I’ve had this quote in my binder and referred to, only goes to show I have always known there was a little part of me that had this block. It wasn’t all of me, which is why I’ve always lived a pretty luxurious life, but it was always there somewhere inside of me; a block, a sliver, a pebble in my shoe cramping my style. I’m so over it! I’m CHOOSING to CONSCIOUSLY let it go right now! I know and believe in the luxurious, rich, abundant life that I deserve that feels personally, professionally, and creatively fulfilling to me and I believe I will continue to manifest it!!! Allow yourself to take off any chains holding you back from shining bright like the star ? you and I truly are trubeautys! It’s no longer an era of learning to “step into our light,” we have now entered an era of “LIVING in our light!” There is a difference. Shine on.
Until next time—be balanced, be tru, & proud to be YOU!
xo! Heath
