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What To Expect The First Time You Use the DivaCup

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Hang onto your hats, ladies, because I just did something this month that I know a lot of you have been wondering about. How do I know that? Um…cuz I asked and you responded with “you try it first”.

So I did.

This month I tried the DivaCup.

*insert dramatic music here*

I was totally nervous, kinda grossed out and super skeptical about all things DivaCup before I tried it out. I was pretty sure the entire week would be an uncomfortable disaster with ruined pants and a lot of embarrassing moments I’d have to hide and not talk about.

Boy, was I wrong. And before I get into my experience with the DivaCup, I’ll cut to the chase right now and let you know that I’m a convert. I freakin’ love this thing and will never ever go back to tampons or pads again. Yup, you read that right…never ever. 

I thought I’d write this article on the things I wish I’d known before I tried out the DivaCup this month. If you’re thinking about trying it out yourself, I hope this post will help you.

Lesson #1: There are 2 sizes of DivaCups. Model 1 is for women under 30 who haven’t had kiddos. Model 2 is for women over 30 who have had the babies and experience all the glory if getting old and/or birthing babies! Hello, Model 2.

Lesson #2: While you’re at the drugstore, don’t forget to buy something to wash your DivaCup with. They have specific wash called DivaWash, which is what I got because I like taking the guesswork out of things and there were specifications as to what you can use, so I just went with what their recommendation. They recommend the DivaWash (obviously), so that’s what I got. It can be found right next to the DivaCups at most local drugstores.

BUT…if you can’t find the DivaWash at your local drugstore, it is recommended to wash your DivaCup using warm water with a mild, unscented, water-based (oil-free) soap. 

Lesson #3: The DivaCup website is bombass. If you’re at all nervous about trying out the DivaCup yourself, get over to the website. There are a ton of videos you can watch that will answer A LOT of your questions! From how to place the cup, how to remove, how to clean, what to expect, etc. It’s honestly one of the most informative sites I’ve been to.

Lesson #4: You can wear your DivaCup up to 12 hours…with no leakage. I was suuuuuper doubtful on this one because as I’ve gotten older, my periods have gotten heavier. A little TMI, but previously I would go through 3 super tampons in just over an hour! So, I was skeptical on this all day protection thang.

But…holy smokes…all was FINE. 12 hours of solid protection, no leakage and I didn’t have to think about a thing all day. Well, once I relaxed and stop worrying about how effective the DivaCup would be, of course!

Lesson #5: The DivaCup is super comfortable. Once you figure out how to insert the DivaCup properly for your body (which for me took one try…seriously…one try), you really forget it’s there. How freakin’ awesome is that? The tutorials online show you two different way to insert the cup, so be sure to watch them…they work and make it pretty dang easy.

Lesson #6: It’s really not as gross as you think it’s going to be. Yes, the cup collects your period blood. And yes, I just wrote that and it made me cringe. But no, it’s not a big deal to remove and clean the cup. Showers are a wonderful thing and it was super easy to remove and clean the cup while showering at the end of my day. Seriously…this was NOT a big deal and was the part I was MOST nervous/grossed out/skeptical about. I repeat…Not. A. Big. Deal.

Lesson #7: You can be as active as you want to be and the DivaCup stays in place, so stop worrying. I ran sprint intervals on my treadmill, I did an 8km run, I taught two bootcamp classes at a Hot Mama Retreat in Jasper, I did a yoga class and I completed a plyometrics workout. Each workout was done with zero leakage. None. Zip. Zero. Zilch. Nada. And that was after having the cup in place anywhere 1 – 8 hours. BOOM! Something easy for us active, super busy, healthy Mamas to wear and (seriously) not worry about.

Lesson #8: I actually do care about the environment. While saving our earth wasn’t high on my priority list when it came to period protection, it’s certainly a bonus. Don’t get me wrong, I do A LOT to help save this beautiful earth, but I was way too nervous about the DivaCup to say that I’d try it to help save the planet. Now that I’m a user, it’s just an added bonus that I get to help in a small way. It’s pretty awesome.

Lesson #9: Storing the DivaCup is super easy. I always wondered what you did with the cup when you weren’t using it. DivaCup makes it easy and gives you a cute little satchel to keep it in. So yeah…that one was easy.

Lesson #10: Don’t knock it ‘til you try it. I was probably the biggest skeptic out there about the DivaCup. Mostly because I thought it would be well…super disgusting. I’m just being honest here. But, it’s not. It really isn’t. The fact that I don’t have to think about it for 12 hours, that there were no accidents, that I could be as active as I wanted to be and that I never ever have to worry about forgetting to buy tampons ever again makes using the DivaCup for the rest of time a no-brainer for me.

I truly didn’t think I’d be a fan, but I wanted to give it a whirl…because I was curious and um, well, you all made me do it! My turn is done. Now, it’s yours. And, I swear to you, it’s not scary or gross or anything. Yes, it takes some getting used to, but it is absolutely worth the effort. It’s cleaner, offers better protection and honestly is incredibly easy to use.

I’m a big fan.

Honest. Go on, now. Go get your DivaCup. Off you go!

Combatting Postpartum Depression Through Exercise, Community & Laughter

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When I started Hot Mama I truly never understood the impact I could have in this world. I simply wanted to do something that I loved doing and teaching group exercise classes is a true passion of mine. I love teaching with every single cell of my body. It lights me up like nothing else can.

I then franchised Hot Mama because I saw the impact my little bootcamp company was having in the community I lived. Women were getting fit, were feeling supported and had found a place to meet other like-minded, non-judgmental Mamas. I was helping postpartum Mamas find themselves again through fitness, community, love and laughter. I realized that we could impact many more women and families and their communities if I had incredible women, who loved our Hot Mama brand, building similar communities where they lived.  

But, the real magic was unleashed when we implemented our Postpartum Initiative. I’m going to be totally honest here, when the idea was first presented to me, I saw it as an incredible way to get more Mamas to class. I knew once they tried us, they’d stay (if they could). Never ever did I realize that we would end of saving lives and helping thousands of women crawl out of the darkness that is postpartum depression. Never did I realize that this initiative would change the lives of so many women, including myself.

What is the PPI?

Our PPI offers FREE classes to Mamas between 8 – 24 weeks postpartum. They have access to two classes per week for four weeks. No hooks. No gimmicks. No contracts. 

The goal? Get Mamas out of the house to a place where they can receive support, love, understanding and safe workouts for their postpartum body. And to be honest, even if they don’t workout, at least we’re getting them out of the house with their new baby! Exercise is more commonly being prescribed to postpartum women to help fight against postpartum depression. If we can offer a safe place where women can go to get the support they need during those first few postpartum lonely and, let’s be honest, isolating and overwhelming months, you bet your sweet buns we’re going to do it!

We’ve extended the PPI window!

Previously our PPI was available to women who were between 8 – 16 weeks postpartum but we’ve extended our initiative to include women up to 24 weeks postpartum. Why? Well, a few reasons:

  • Some bodies take longer to recover from pregnancy and labor/delivery.
  • Postpartum depression is diagnosed at the highest rate between 3-6 months postpartum.
  • Sometimes Mamas just need a little extra time to figure out Motherhood and all it entails to get baby out the door!

Please help us spread the word!

We’d love more people to know about our FREE classes for postpartum Mamas, so we’re hosting a Thunderclap campaign. We would be SO GRATEFUL for your support in getting the word out!

Please click the pink “BRING THE THUNDER” button below, then click the RED buttons on that page to offer support. How does this offer support? Easy! On May 13th a social post will be made on your FB or Twitter account on our behalf. We’re hoping to have at least 500 supporters, so that’ll be 500 people posting about this initiative at the same time. And THAT has power. 

Thank you so much for your love, support, comments and words of encouragement. You Mamas are truly an inspiration and are the reason we keep pushing Hot Mama towards global domination. Mamas all over this world need us, of this I am certain. Your help in spreading the word is beyond appreciated. xo

 

5 Reasons to Get Your Buns Outside to Workout

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Winter. It means, for a lot of us, indoor training. But with the arrival of spring and warmer temperatures, it’s time to start thinking about all the sweat and good times you can have outside. It’s time to bust out of your indoor workout regimen and expand your sweat-fest to include trees, fresh air and the many, many benefits of working out outside.

Listen, I know moving your workout outside can be somewhat daunting. As mothers, it often adds an entirely new layer of “work” (aka preparation) that has to be done in order to gear up for an outdoor workout. Hats, sunscreen, change of clothes (cuz you KNOW your kids will find water SOMEWHERE), snacks, toys, blankets and so much more. 

But, all that prep? It’s worth it.

Here’s why:

1) Fewer germs! Typically, most indoor spaces, no matter how often we try to disinfect have more germs than outside. They’re a bit of a breeding ground of germs and bacteria. Sick of being sick? Me too. Instead of being cooped up in a germ-infested indoor space, get your bad self outside and breathe in the less polluted outside air (yup, 2-5 times less polluted than your local gym).

2) Increase your calorie burn. By simply moving your workout to the outdoors you increase energy expenditure 5-7%. How? The varied terrain you’ll be working out on has you using stabilizing muscles that aren’t as engaged on flat terrain, mother nature can add some extra resistance (stupid wind) and temperature fluctuations will have your cooling systems working on overdrive. All this adds up to an increased caloric burn. Woop!

3) Fights depression. Numerous studies have shown that being out in nature compared to urban settings decreases depression. It’s not even the exercise part and endorphins associated with exercise that helps combat depression…it’s brain activity. One study shows that by simply being out in nature there is a decrease in the neural activity in the subgenual prefrontal cortex (active during thoughts focused on negative emotion). Think of nature as a natural mood-booster and negative-emotion-ninja-slayer. 

4) More energy. Alright, we all know that getting outside and into the sun gives you a Vitamin D blast, which not only helps you fight cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes, but it also helps you battle against depression and increases your energy levels on the whole. On top of the dose of Vitamin D desperately needed after a long winter, being out in nature has been proven to boost your mood by reducing stress, increasing self-esteem and rocketing mental power (pew, pew, pew…those are my mental guns firing). Imagine the energy you can have through not only the benefits of exercise but through stress reducing, putting on your sassy-pants and having your brain work more efficiently?! Energy. For. Days!

5) More creativity/space. Jogging, biking, paddling, hiking, outdoor bootcamps, obstacle courses…the world is literally your fitness playground when you open the door and step back outside! The opportunities are endless for you to get active in new and challenging ways. I know our Hot Mama instructors are just jonesing to get back outside because of the numerous activities and exercises they can incorporate into their workouts just by simply having more space, hills and obstactles to tackle! Free your mind from the four walls and get creative with your workouts! Fitness should be FUN…so do something you love…outside!

BONUS: Playtime with kids. I love getting active with my kids and the best part is that we’re away from electronics, we’re in nature, we talk, laugh, have loads of fun and it is some serious quality time I’m certain they’ll remember when they’re older. I know I remember it from my childhood. I love that I can take my kids to the park where they can run and play and I can burpee and pushup. It’s honestly a win-win. If you’re not sure what to do while your kids are sliding, swinging and frolicking, try this 18-minute Park Workout! You’ll all leave the park feeling recharged, refreshed and ready for a healthy snack! 

Who knew mother nature could be so good for us?! How awesome, eh? Right in our own backyards is a playground to get active, be role models and have fun with our workouts AND our kiddos! Oh, Mother Nature, you go, girl.

 

3 Foods I Could Never Ever (like ever) Live Without

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For the most part, I eat a fairly nutritious diet. And, when I’m “on” one of my programs where I remove sugar (I’m a well-known sugar addict, so many times throughout the year I eliminate it completely to break the addiction cycle), there are foods I absolutely could not ever, ever, ever live without.

Here’s the thing about me and my sugar addiction…I don’t ever remove sugar completely. I still eat fruit and milk sugars and figure naturally occurring sugars are a-ok, so when I talk about sugar elimination, I’m talking about added sugar and sugar substitutes. 

But, even when I’m not overly concerned about added sugars, there are three foods I eat a lot of in my own diet and I couldn’t ever live without! 

Dates

Honestly, without dates, I’m not sure where I’d be. I use dates in a lot of my “baking” to add a natural sweetener. People also use unsweetened applesauce or bananas, but me, I truly prefer dates as they are uber sweet and can be added to just about anything (once you make a date paste) to add that sweetness your cookies, brownies, muffins or any other baking product. They’re also delicious on their own.

 

You do, however, need to watch your portion size on dates because, like any sugar, they’re high in calories. You can’t grab a bowl full of dates and think it’s “okay” because they’re naturally occurring. That’s not the way it works. BUT, they’re my saving grace when I’m trying to break my chocolate/sugar/cookie habit. I can make a lot of “treats” with dates for times when I want a little sweet treat.  [Read more…] about 3 Foods I Could Never Ever (like ever) Live Without

30 Important and Not-So-Important Things I’ve Learned in my 30’s

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I’m officially in the final week of my 30’s and to be honest, I’m actually struggling a bit with this one. I thought I’d be excited and sort of let time roll along, but turning 40 is a pretty major milestone and it’s made me reflect on all the things (good and bad) that happened during the decade of my 30’s.

I became a mother in my 30’s. I bought a house in my 30’s. I started a company in my 30’s. I met my best friend in my 30’s. I found my tribe in my 30’s. I failed, succeeded, rejoiced and sobbed in my 30’s. I questioned my value and own self-worth in my 30’s. I lost friends, made friends, found out what persevering truly is and I cemented my love of wine and peanut butter cups in my 30’s.

As I reflected on the past 10 years, I created a list of 30 lessons I learned in my 30’s. Some are simple and some take my breath away. They may or may not do this for you, but perhaps something will land and have you nodding and agreeing with me.

1) Hangovers. With every year, the hangovers get longer to get over and honestly they’re worse than any hangover you’ve had in your 20’s. If you’ve ever wondered why your own mother doesn’t drink like she used to, you’ll learn. Oh yes, you’ll learn. For every year in your 30’s multiply by 3 and that’s how many more hours it’ll take you to recover from one night of debauchery. 31. You’re looking at an extra 3 hours of hangover time. 39? You’re looking at an extra 27 hours on top of what you typically experience. I’m not kidding. The math is right.

2) PMS. It gets worse. Just quarantine yourself for a few days. Save everyone.

3) Wrinkles. You can fight ’em. But, they’re coming. Start your skincare regimen NOW.

4) You’re going to lose some of the best friends you had in your 20’s. Life changes, Mamas. Paths change. Be prepared to walk away from friends who no longer add to your life. Be prepared for friends to walk away from you because you no longer add to theirs. Be okay with that. 

5) Death happens. It’s awful and terrible and incredibly heart-breaking. But, you’re getting older and so are the people in your life. Death will come to those around you and won’t always happen to the elderly. Death will happen to incredible people and families close to you, to people the same age as you, to their children. Learn to grieve, breathe, accept and keep living. 

6) Some days…people are just fucking stupid. It’s not on you to make them less stupid. Walk away. Drink wine. 

7) It’s okay to not know what you want to be when you grow up. I’m almost 40 and I still have grand ideas about my potential. 

8) If you’re lucky enough to still have your parents to call or text, do it. They’re getting older. You won’t be able to ignore their texts forever. So, respond. Also…I think when you get into your 60’s you receive some kind of guilt-badge that allows you to lay it on pretty thick, I’ll ask my own Mom…(hi, Mom!).

9) Save yourself the distress and accept that at some point, you’re going to own a minivan and LOVE it. You’ll also most likely GET RID OF IT before you turn 40.

10) You will grunt when you pick things up.

11) There is nothing better than having the house to yourself. Nothing. 

12) You will have great satisfaction when you actually wash, dry, fold and put away the laundry in one day. It’s a magical experience. It won’t happen often, but when it does, you’ll celebrate with a glass of wine.

13) If you’re married, at some point, you’re going to fully question your relationship. Dig in or dig out…whatever leads you to your best self. But know that at some point you’re going to want to get out. Do or don’t, that’s your call, but know that it’s totally and completely normal (trust me, ALL my friends have been there).

14) Sparkling water. Drink it. It’s divine.

15) There is nothing wrong with doing a dance of joy when plans get canceled.

16) Motherhood is fucking hard. You WILL call your child a dick to his face at some point. Be okay with that. Okay…that one may just be me and it just happened yesterday, but it happened and he was being one. I did apologize though…so…call him a dick and apologize. There you go. You’re not alone if you accidentally call your child a terrible name. It’s ok. And, if anyone wants to judge you, find me. I’ll salute you and tell you to apologize and get over it.

17) Good things are hard work. Do the work.

18) There are a lot of bad things that happen in this world, but don’t forget to look at the many, many good things that also happen. When things look super dark, you need to search for the light.

^She is my light. She sparkles.

19) Remember, where you’re at right now is just a moment in time. It may be ridiculously hard, but work through what you’re going through, dig in, and do what you feel is best for you and yours. The moment you’re living in right now will not be the moment you live in 3 months from now. So breathe and get through it. 

20) Life isn’t easy but it’s not always hard. Enjoy the easy moments and revel in them. Get through the hard times and find the light.

21) You’re not crazy. He really did put his coffee cup on the countertop right above the dishwasher. It happened.

22) Your body is going to change. It’s not going to look like it did at 21. It is going to take longer to recover. You’re going to hurt yourself and it really sucks. Metabolic workouts will become your new best workout friend. Seriously…metabolism slows, the right workout boosts it back up. 

23) Your friends and your tribe are more important than anything. Find friends who support, love and cherish you through all the up’s and down’s of your life, your personality, your joy and your sorrow. They will be the ones to pull you out of the dark and dance with you in the sun. 

24) Bedtime is the best time (a close second is wine-time, swiftly followed by friend-time). 

25) Who you are right now isn’t as important as who you want to be. It’s okay for your life’s plan to change and take a road you had no idea even existed a year ago. Trust your gut and follow your joy… that sounds super lame and Oprah-esque, but I swear to you, it’s true.

26) You’re not perfect. Apologize when you mess up. Be humble. Those that cannot accept your faults and mistakes don’t get to hold a place in your life. You don’t have time for drama or friendships that only work when you’re in “a good place”. You’re going to mess up. You’re going to be bitchy. It’s okay. But you do need to apologize. You do need to ask forgiveness. And then you do need to get over it. 

27) If you have a question, ask it. Don’t be timid. Life’s too short to not understand something. Ask why you didn’t get the job. Ask why feelings changed. Ask why there’s tension in a room. Ask how you can be better. Ask for what you need. 

28) It’s not always about you. The way people act, the way they treat you, the way they don’t treat you…sometimes (a lot of times) it’s not about you. Everyone has their own life to live and they may be dealing with something that has nothing to do with you. Give them the grace and space to lead their life. Let them know you’re there and to reach out if they should need or want you, but otherwise…live your life for you. 

29) Further to #28 though…don’t put up with bullshit. Don’t allow the blame of others’ failures or insecurities to seep into your soul. Many people will blame you for many things that will go wrong in their life, don’t own it. You may have strong shoulders and blame can be carried, but it absolutely shouldn’t be absorbed into the composition of your own self-worth. 

30) Acknowledge, admit and own your insecurities to yourself and everyone else. This one is borrowed from a friend, but I love it and I think a lot of us go through life being brave, stoic and hiding the fact that there are things about ourselves that we’re not proud of or happy about. It’s okay to not be perfect and it’s okay to show those imperfections. We’re all a work in progress and admitting insecurities may just be the thing we need to do to grow into the incredible person we’re destined to be. 

There you have it. A decade’s worth of growth summarized in 1500 words. There are so many other lessons I could teach you and talk about, but I’ll let you figure those ones out on your own. Just know this: you’re never alone. Reach out to ask for help. Reach out to celebrate. Reach out to live your best life.

BONUS TIP: It’s okay to celebrate your achievements. It took me a very long time to learn that it’s okay to celebrate even the smallest of successes. Be sure you’re with someone who celebrates and honours your successes with you. It’s more important than you could ever, ever know.