*Edited to add: This post is in no way meant to bash fitness bootcamps or the value of them. A ton of people have and can benefit from a jump start to reaching their health and fitness goals. In fact, my sister-in-law leads a bunch of really great bootcamps for those who are interested. This is simply a reflection on the food tracking portion and how those with disordered eating in their past may need to think carefully about that … Read More
MTHFR and The Best Vitamins for Adults + Kids
*I am not a doctor and this advice should not be taken as medical advice. These are my personal recommendations and you should seek the advice and council of your doctor with all issues related to your personal heath. I’ve been deeply passionate about health and nutrition for almost as long as I can remember, but it wasn’t until Joe and I started having issues getting + staying pregnant that I really started to learn more about what I was … Read More
My Daily Top 4
While I love playing around with makeup and changing up my look for special occasions, the products I use on a daily basis rarely change. With a busy 17-month-old running around the house while I try to get ready, I hardly have more than 5 minutes to do my makeup and maybe another 5 to do my hair before the day begins. It’s a fast and furious rush to get put together before the babysitter arrives. Any mommas relate? Almost … Read More
Yes, I sell things. You probably do, too.
Hello, my name is Madison and I sell things on the internet. And in person, too, but for the sake of this blog post, we’re going to focus on the business of selling things on the internet through direct sales (also known as MLM or “pyramid schemes” for the most cynical, and uninformed, out there.) For years I said that being involved in direct sales of any type was just not for me. Nope. Never. I didn’t want to leverage … Read More
Thriving in the Chaos of Motherhood
Confession time: I’ve never been someone who functions particularly well in a state of chaos. Raised primarily as an only-child, I’ve always been accustomed to a specific level and amount of quiet in my everyday. An introverted extrovert, I’ve always needed my own space to unwind and adored a quiet, tidy house at the end of the day. And then motherhood happened, and maintaining my sense of balance, order and peace became a whole lot harder. If I’m being honest, … Read More
KEEP Collective // Memory Piece
It seems fitting that the week I shared about finding hope in miscarriage over at Risen Motherhood, I would also share about a piece of jewelry that honors our babies, both living and in heaven. Holly Peterman, a designer with KEEP Collective, reached out a few months ago about working together to create a custom piece of jewelry, and after some thought I knew what I wanted to create. After some back and forth with Holly, who was super helpful mocking … Read More
Denim Shorts for Moms
I know we’re already half way through the summer, but it took me about that long to find good shorts for summertime. Now that I’m a mom, I feel like there is a little bit more of an obligation to dress with a bit more modesty, but I’m not about to hang up my denim cut-offs in favor of Bermuda shorts. I’m sorry, I just can’t. So, I’ve scoured the internet for the best shorts, asked you for recommendations, and … Read More
How to Style Your Lob (Long Bob)
A week ago, I decided (nay, my stylist decided) that cutting off two inches was a good idea for the health of my hair. And while I’m never a big fan of getting a hair cut, I have to admit that having blunt, healthy ends and a little more style to my cut really does feel good. My hair is just a little too short to be considered a true “lob” but I’ve been styling it like I would if … Read More
these are the good old days
There are no words to describe the joy it brings me being Ainsley’s mom. This child of mine? Well, like any other mom on the planet, I think she’s the most amazing, special and delightful kid I’ve ever met. After we got over the craziness of the newborn days, which weren’t my favorite, I found motherhood to be a fairly natural transition. It was hard to give up the freedom and independence I was accustomed to, but it was nothing … Read More
Get the Look :: Summer Makeup + Hair
HAIR // As you know, I’ve been growing out my hair for quite some time, but the postpartum transition has been hard on my hair. The hair loss and awkward re-growth left my ends super dry and unhealthy, so my stylist finally convinced me yesterday that cutting two inches off and going a little dark on the roots/lighter on the ends was necessary. Although I’ll admit that my hair feels short now, I am seriously loving the spunky feel and … Read More
Healthy Peanut Butter-Chocolate Pudding
Once upon a time, Espresso and Cream was a food-only blog. Do you remember those days? If you’ve been reading for the 6+ years I’ve been blogging (where did the time go?!) then you probably do remember that I used to consistently post recipes and very little about anything else. Sometimes I look back at the days of leisurely cooking meals for two with a lot of nostalgia. These days it’s more of a dinnertime rush to get a meal … Read More
What I want to teach my daughter about her body
My daughter is only 15 months old, and already I’m thinking about what I want to teach her about her body. As a toddler Ainsley is blissfully unaware of how she looks, other than when she sees herself in the mirror and giggles in delight at her own reflection, which I love. Already, I see how she mirrors me, copies what I do and tries to be just like mommy. Frequently I have Ainsley in the bathroom when I get … Read More