Market Tote

Stephanie Spring Lifestyle

There are two things I have learned lately: Toting things around for two kids is no joke and I still love Urban Southern’s bags. 🙂 I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the one thing I get asked about the most, time and time again, is any bag I’m carrying from Urban Southern. Whether it’s the Urban Tote that I use as my main bag, the Market Tote for bigger outings, or the Crossbody Wallet, I get stopped and asked where my bag is from. As a Mom of two, my bags are often filled to the brim with a million and one things. All of my bags are extremely durable and never seize to hold up well. In fact, they have only gotten better with time! Honestly. The leather has gotten softer, the color has grown more gorgeous, and every well-loved detail has made the bag/tote right at home on my shoulder.

After welcoming another little one into the family, majority of the time, my hands are quite literally (and figuratively) full. I decided to upgrade to the Legacy Market Tote to help lighten the load. A classic, chic diaper bag that doesn’t look like a diaper bag? Sign me up! Not a huge backpack fan? The straps are removable. 🙂 Need extra pockets inside the bag to sort your things from the kids? Done! There is even a hook for your keys. I don’t think there is one thing they haven’t thought through when it comes to this tote. It’s so versatile!

Whatever stage you might find yourself in these days, they have a bag for it. I promise. And because Urban Southern is owned by some of the sweetest people, they are offering 15% off your entire purchase. Use code stephaniespring15 at checkout! Happy shopping!

Favorites Lately

Stephanie Spring Lifestyle

It’s been awhile but I’ve had a random list of favorite things that I couldn’t help but share! Pour yourself a cup of coffee and be prepared for a fun list of things to add to your cart. 😉

One.I mentioned before that Capri has sensitive skin, just like I do. I have tried a few brands of diapers, lotions, etc. and without a doubt, I keep coming back to eco by Naty. It is the only diaper that she doesn’t get a diaper rash from and I love the quality. You can read more here. If you are in the market for diapers, want to try a new brand that is more sustainable, or need a baby gift for someone, I would definitely try these! Also, their lotion and baby body wash are amazing and has helped Capri’s skin so much!

Two.

I’ve posted about these on Instagram a few times but I couldn’t go without posting them here too. Have you guys tried Emmy’s Organics Coconut Cookies? I love them! They are the perfect snack to have on hand these days.

Three.

Vital Proteins. You know I love them. I talk about them in almost all my smoothie posts. Recently I tried their Collagen Beauty Greens Powder and their Golden Milk Collagen Latte. I made a smoothie bowl with the beauty greens that I will be posting here in the next week or so and the golden milk latte has been a fun afternoon pick-me-up (especially on rainy days). 🙂

Four.

I am constantly trying to better my health by evaluating what my body needs. One of the things I recognized lately was that I needed to cut back slightly on dairy. I started adding Malk almond milk (instead of a dairy creamer) to my coffee and blend it in the vitamix to add frothiness.

Five.

I have been making spinach muffins and zucchini muffins for Capri on repeat. I normally freeze about half of the batch and keep the other half in the refrigerator. They are so nice to have on hand when I need something quick or if she needs some more greens/veggies that day. I have been using these muffins liners the last few months and it is a GAME CHANGER! The muffins come out perfectly–every time!

Have the best week, everyone! xo

Long Time Coming

Stephanie Spring Lifestyle

I know that’s not like me to go this long without posting. But I have a good reason. I’ve had a post swirling in my mind that I kept going back and forth with whether to share it or not. With a lot of self-reflection and prayers I decided I had to because when an interest becomes a passion, you can’t keep it to yourself.It’s no secret that my blog has slowly but surely become mainly about food. I love cooking, baking, and sharing tips and recipes with readers. Being in the kitchen is good for my soul and I love it. However, it hasn’t always been the easiest road figuring out what works for my body and how to maintain that.

I want to preface this (if I haven’t already before) with that I’m not an expert in nutrition, medicine, or anything along those lines. But over time I have been forced to dig a little deeper into the world of health because of a journey I was, and continue to be on. That being said, I have definitely learned a lot over the years. And after all, isn’t experience the best teacher?

Let’s rewind to over 10 years ago when a lot of changes were happening and my stress levels were through the roof. Because of this, my body wasn’t sure how to react and I had a lot of negative side effects. It was scary, new, and at times flat-out debilitating as to what was ahead. What I could eat seemed like a very short list next to the things I couldn’t eat. Some days I felt like I could muster up the energy to conquer and heal my body and other days I felt like this area of life that I enjoyed so much, would never be normal again.But as time went on, I researched my heart out about food, working out, and lifestyle changes in an attempt to try and heal my body from the inside out. Over time, I introduced new food groups back into my lifestyle without negative results like I had previously experienced. I felt like I was emerging from the season of life I was just in and eating somewhat, “normal” again.

I got so excited to have a new appetite that it was almost an indulgence of sorts. Then after some time, I realized I wanted to change the things I could control because it was now my choice and not something my body was restricting me to do. I started working out almost seven days a week. This fluctuated over the next three years because of life’s demands, all while trying to figure out what my relationship with food was.

I went through seasons where people often told me I was too skinny and they were concerned I had an eating disorder but if I gained five pounds they were also the very first to notice. Funny how that works, right? For the last five years my main goal was to be healthy from the inside out. Really and truly healthy. (Physically, mentally, spiritually). This included lowering stress levels in ways that worked for me, getting up and moving when I know I needed to, and knowing my boundaries with food, sleep, and how my time was spent. Sounds simple but the journey has been a rollercoaster. On top of that, pregnancy (and post-pregnancy) opened up an entirely different world for relating to food as I was (and still am) nourishing a little one.

One thing I have learned is everyone’s scenario looks different. Everyone’s strengths and weaknesses are not the same. We all look different on the inside than out. I’m writing this post and say it’s been, “a long time coming” because honestly this is the LAST thing I normally share with people. I’m not ashamed of it coming up in a conversation but the conversations get tricky because everyone has an opinion.

Part of my absence on here was to really decide how my time should be spent and how I can help other people in this area. I get asked a lot what our family eats but I recognize it might look a little different in your household. I’m still figuring it all out but I can say with full confidence, that if one person can gain some inspiration, relate to anything above, and find this space a little more pleasant with some fun and nutritional recipes, (when I get around to posting them) then I feel accomplished.

I really cannot thank you enough for reading my blog, your patience throughout this time and for each and every message and comment you send. It makes me beyond happy to know someone out there is benefiting from my recipes and advice while loving my passion alongside me. xo

December 2018

Stephanie Spring Lifestyle

And just like that 2018 is coming to a close! HOW?!

What we’re eating this week: Veggies. Veggies Veggies. Specifically my Veggie Detox Bowl. (And Christmas treats for dessert.) 😉 

What I’m reminiscing about:Last year we were anxiously waiting to find out the gender of our baby!

Also, around 4:00 the last few days I have been wanting to watch Oprah! 

What I’m loving:When I was ordering our Christmas cards, I spotted this cute apron. I know Capri won’t be able to use it for a few years but it was too cute to pass up!

What we’ve been up to:

Packing, cleaning, and packing.

What I’m dreading:

Packing, cleaning, and packing. 😉 

What I’m working on:

(See last two answers). And painting! 

What I’m excited about:

These dining room chairs! 

What I’m watching/reading:

Still. haha 

Fervent by Priscilla Shirer.

What I’m listening to:

Right now?

Capri babbling. Christmas music playing. All the holiday hustle bustle and I LOVE IT ALL so much!

What I’m wearing:

Turtlenecks are all I want to wear lately. They are just so cozy. Some of my favorites have been from the Loft like this one. 

What I’m doing this weekend:

Kicking off the family Christmas get-togethers and an ugly sweater party!

What I’m looking forward to next month:As much as I absolutely love all things Christmas, the start of a new year is always fun.

What else is new:

So much and nothing at all…just the way I like it. Have the BEST holiday! xo 

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2018 has been the most transformational year yet!

November 2018

October 2018

September 2018

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June 2018

April 2018

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February 2018

January 2018