Confession: I am a woman run ragged. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining because it is the path I have chosen and I know, without hesitation, it is the right path, yet too often I feel burned out.

During those times I’m short tempered and impatient. I disconnect and am not present for my family when I need to be, then I feel guilty and the guilt leads to stress, the stress leads to restless sleep and exhaustion. It’s the story of every wife, mom, woman, human — am I right? We forget about ourselves.

Self-care is basically a foreign concept to me. So I ask myself – how can I be my best self for anyone if I am not my best self for me? If I’m running on empty, I’m not at maximum performance. Clearly changes need to be made because my family deserves the best…and so do I.

Last month I was invited to close out 2019 at Civana Wellness Resort & Spa. The first thing I thought of was bringing my daughter, Jax, with me but after some thought I realized I should take that time for some reflection and self love. Some time spent away from my every day responsibilities for relaxation and peace and to fill my cup in preparation for the intentions I have set for myself.

I want to be more patient, more forgiving and more accepting. I know that by achieving those intentions I’ll feel less guilty, less stressed and more present. I can be a better wife, a better mother and a better me.

And it all starts with me and knowing that my family is deserving of having the best me. I am deserving of being my best.

There was no better place to set and affirm these intentions than at Civana, surrounded by the peaceful desert in a warm and beautifully appointed room, and of course a day at their world-class spa.

I had the pleasure of a Civana staycation last summer for a mommy and mini getaway with Jax. And while we had a blast enjoying their family-friendly classes and the pool, I was unable to visit the spa because she was with me.

But thankfully, this time around, I booked an appointment and spent the afternoon taking full advantage of the amenities. The spa is epic. I’ve been to quite a few resort spas in town and this was by far one of the best experiences I have ever had. The spa was recently named a top 10 Wellness Resort by the readers of USA Today and it’s no wonder why. The place is gorgeous, the amenities top notch, the services diverse and healing, the staff welcoming and impeccable. Just wow.

I braved the hydrotherapy thermal circuit by relaxing in very warm water then plunging in stingingly frigid water. After the initial shock and a few repeats in the circuit I found the process invigorating and the cold water became more tolerable each time. I detoxed in the steam room and spent some time in the dry sauna too. Then I went to the relaxation room to snooze for a bit before my treatment.

I opted for one of Civana’s specialty treatments and booked the Marine Detox Body Wrap with Vischy Shower. Oh my goodness! It was 60 minutes of bliss. I was actually kind of emotional when it was over. It was so relaxing, so invigorating, so soothing, so healing and so cleansing that I did did not want it to end. Initially I was a little skeptical because of my modesty issues but that was all put to rest when the therapist explained I would never be fully exposed, always draped in towels and sheets and clad in the disposable undergarments provided.

My entire body was dry brushed, leaving me feeling a bit tingly. After that I was coated from head to toe in a detoxing seaweed mask then tightly wrapped in warm, wet towels and plastic sheets. I felt safe and content in that warm cocoon while the therapist massaged my face and scalp, lulling me into a pleasant and blissful slumber. Afterwards I was unwrapped and rinsed clean with the Vischy shower heads. That rinse off alone was absolutely incredible. Once all the seaweed had been washed away I was dried off and slathered with moisturizing oil and then the euphoric experience concluded and I felt so relaxed I was light-headed and loopy, yet energized and excited.

The Marine Detox Body Wrap was amazing and I can’t recommend it enough.

Civana also offers over 70 complimentary classes to all guests. The classes focus on mindfulness, well-being and nutrition. During my stay I took an aerial meditation class where I climbed into a silk cocoon, cleared my mind, let go of stress and basically took the most clarifying and relaxing nap of my life.

I also took a cooking/nutrition class where I learned tips on making nutritious smoothies for breakfast and snacks. We made an apple pie smoothie full of protein and nutrients. It was absolutely delicious and you better believe I immediately ordered hemp hearts and chia seeds so I can repeat the goodness at home.

In just over 24 hours I felt like a new person — refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to take on the challenges the new decade sends my way. I gained realization that “me-time” is not selfish, it’s necessary – and I intend to do it. It will make me the best version of myself so I can be the best I can be for the people I love the most, Jax and Tim.

I definitely think more solo trips and staycations are in my future and it was a pleasure to kick off a new year/decade and a new me at such a beautiful and peaceful destination.

Thank you, Civana, for such an enlightening, relaxing and much needed getaway. I’ll see you soon!

Civana Wellness Resort and Spa is located at 37220 Mule Train Rd., Carefree, AZ 85377

Disclaimer: I enjoyed a complimentary one-night stay and spa treatment in exchange for this post. As usual all opinions are entirely my own. 

It’s that time of the year – you’ve just gorged on Christmas sweets and holiday cheer and a new year is looming (how is it 2019 already?!?!?).

Tops on pretty much everyone’s resolution list is: getting fit, losing weight, or hitting the gym more often! And TruFusion in Scottsdale wants to make those goals attainable and fun with your unique approach to a gym atmosphere and intensely fun fitness classes.

In their own words…

“TruFusion is more than “just” a fitness studio–it’s a lifestyle brand and wellness concept that’s come around just as consumers are starting to focus on fitness as a lifestyle rather than a “chore.” In the past, exercise was seen as a way to burn calories or flatten abs–and yoga and meditation were reserved for spiritual and religious practices. Today, conscious consumers are actively seeking ways to infuse the body-mind-soul connection in everyday life. They are tired of paying for expensive memberships to multiple studios to fulfill this basic human need. TruFusion offers an all-in-one customizable experience, and can be the vehicle to help individuals focus on the mind-body-spirt connection.

With spa-like amenities, workshops, and a healthy smoothie bar to fuel-up pre or post workout, TruFusion is all about elevating the community and focusing on the body-mind-soul connection. Our locker rooms are equipped with steam showers and complimentary shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. We also have blowdryers, spray-on deodorant, Q-tips, cotton balls, tampons and hair ties.”

So basically, they got you covered!

Last month I hosted a private Budhi yoga class for my friends and readers and the general consensus after the class was – we all got our buts kicked and laughed and loved our way through it. We had sweat buckets but we all felt connected and exhilarated – each of us cheering each other on. The class felt different than any other I had ever been to, more intense but also more fun and uplifting. The TruFusion way!

Interested in checking out TruFusion yourself? There is no better time than NOW. They are offering Yay Baby! blog readers a new member special of $30 for 5 weeks and/or a reduced monthly membership of $79 a month! Mention code: YAYBABY to redeem offer.

TruFusion Scottsdale is located at 14202 N Scottsdale Road Suite 114, Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Call 480.912.2412 or email info@trufusionscottsdale.com for more information.

I have partnered with Smile Brilliant for this post. As always all opinions within this write-up are entirely my own.

I recently turned 40 and with that monumental birthday came a bevvy of insecurities about entering a knew decade. The number seemed daunting to me and where I was comfortable with my appearance before I suddenly became self-conscious about the tell-tale signs of aging – abundance of greys in my hair, crows feet and wrinkles in my forehead – ugh! Thankfully my smile still shines bright because of Smile Brilliant Teeth Whitening System.

Honestly, I never thought my teeth needed whitening until I started using Smile Brilliant and saw results. I don’t smoke or drink coffee and I brush with a baking soda toothpaste 2-3 times a day so my teeth appeared pretty white. But evidently age yellowed my pearly whites and after only three applications I saw obvious results.

My experience with Smile Brilliant was fantastic. I was sent the whitening kit which includes all that you need to get you on your way to a dazzling smile.

To get started I had to make impressions of my teeth. The kit includes a base and a catalyst paste to make the putty along with step-by-step instructions on how to get perfect impressions. At first I was a little intimidated but the directions are clear and concise and if you have questions you can call or chat with a Smile Brilliant teammate for support. You can even send in photos of your impressions to get approval before sending them in.

It was a smooth and seamless process and I received my trays within a couple days. I was a bit worried because I have very small, gapped teeth and a pretty pronounced overbite but since the trays were custom-made from the molds I made the fit was snug and perfect.

Smile Brilliant recommends the whitening process be done at night when settling down for the evening. This is because you aren’t supposed to eat or drink anything afterwards so going to bed after completing the whitening is best.

The nightly whitening process was easy. After brushing I put a small ribbon of whitening gel along the front of each tray (top and bottom) and fitted the trays onto my teeth. You need to leave the trays in for anywhere between 30 minutes to 3 hours. I started off at 30 minutes and by the time I completed 10 days of whitening I was leaving them in for over an hour.

The whitening gel can cause some gum irritation so it is important to follow the instructions carefully and not use too much gel. I did experience some minor uncomfortable tingling a few nights in so I discontinued use for the evening and started again the next night. It may be helpful to rub some coconut oil on your gums before starting to create a barrier between your gums and the gel. That is just one of the tips I learned from the helpful folks at Smile Brilliant.

After the whitening gel you brush and then use the desensitizing gel which hydrates the teeth, helps prevent tooth sensitivity and protects the teeth from re-staining. The desensitizing gel stays on the teeth for up to 15 minutes and then the process is done.

Like I said I saw visible results within only three days of starting the system. After 10 days my teeth were shiny, white and brilliant. I truly had no idea my teeth needed some brightening but they certainly did and now I have a dazzling smile.

Now I can smile my way through 40 (after I get my greys dyed and maybe some botox) with pride and confidence.

I am excited to give one of my readers the gift a brilliant smile too! Click here to enter.  One winner will be randomly selected on Friday, February 2, 2018.

And to get $20 off whitening trays use coupon code: yaybabyblog20 at checkout.

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Disclaimer: I received the Smile Brilliant tooth whitening system free of charge to help facilitate this review. All opinions within this post are entirely my own. 

As the mama to a imaginative 4 year-old girl, mermaids are a big part of my world. My daughter and I pretend to be mermaids, we tell mermaid stories, we have mermaid toys a plenty. No complaints here, I am almost as enthralled by mermaids as she is, I’m fascinated with the whimsy and beauty. So when I heard about the new mermaid facial being offered by Rejuvena Health & Aesthetics, I knew I had to try it. I mean who doesn’t want radiant skin with an ethereal glow, just like those mystical sea maidens.

Rejuvena’s mermaid facial is a combination of Eminence products and a blend mixed up by Kim, the senior aesthetician. She uses only high quality, clean organic materials and customizes the blends to the clients skin and needs. The ingredients she uses are so pure they are actually safe to ingest. The products smell amazing and feel great on the skin, cooling and soothing.

The facial started with a gentle cleansing to ride my face, neck and décolletage of surface impurities. A few masks were applied, fortified with  vitamins and nutrients to feed, repair and nourish my skin. Steam was used to help open up my pores so they could get maximum benefit of the products used. The mermaid facial also includes a microderm treatment to slough away dead skin cells, dirt and impurities leaving behind radiant skin. The facial is finished with a moisturizer and a dusting of pearl powder and sparkling amethyst crystals. And how cool is this…the amethyst crystals are blessed by a Reiki master to help promote health and happiness. I  thought that was a unique and nice touch and really blended into the whole theme of whimsical mystique.

The results of the mermaid facial were obvious and immediate. My skin felt fresh, tingly and clean and looked plump and hydrated, age lines seemed to have melted away. It was smooth to the touch, dewey and glowing!

Kim was a wealth of knowledge and provided great education about skin health and products and offered tips on how to maintain healthy skin using natural products you can find at home. I found her to be very enlightening, pleasant and inspiring and generous. She sent me home with a couple samples and some of the leftover mask from my facial!

Rejuvena is a beautiful facility, very clean, modern and bright without feeling sterile or cold. Parking was a bit confusing as it’s in the back of the building, and you have to drive through a short alley to get to it. Once you find it you’ll enter through the front for the lobby.

They offer many services to help promote health and wellbeing.

Rejuvena Health & Aesthetics is located at 7514 E. Camelback Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85251.

Book your mermaid facial today!

(photo above courtesy of Evolve Public Relations)

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Disclaimer: I enjoyed the mermaid facial free of charge to help facilitate this write-up. No financial compensation was received. All opinions within this post are entirely my own. 

Looking for a fun GNO and a little pampering? Look no farther than Spring in to Spa at Agave Spa at Westin Kierland. This even series kicked off a couple weeks ago and there are two left in the series. And listen to this: they are FREE events!

That’s right, The Agave Spa is welcoming resort guests and the general public to stop by and enjoy a bit of pampering with rejuvenating mini treatments, light refreshments and product samples, plus all guests will enjoy a 30% discount on spa merchandise and 20% off of all future services! And again…all of this is FREE!

The next Spring in to Spa event is Thursday, May 11, perfect for a little pre-Mother’s Day fun! The last event is Thursday, June 8, 2017.

Check out these scenes from the kick off event last month.

Complimentary spa treatments included make-up applications, astrology readings (so fun and accurate), hand treatments and chair massages.

Passed appetizers were provided by the Westin Kierland’s esteemed restaurants, Deseo and Nellie Cashman’s. They were dainty and delicious bites, perfect for a spa day.

It was a great evening of beauty, bites and bubbles (a cash bar was serving champagne, rose, and Vitani cocktails).

Don’t miss out on the next two events, Thursday May 11 and Thursday, June 8. The first 15 guests will receive a free goodie bag!

A few weeks ago I embarked on a two week trial of ProlifeStream, a nutritional system formulated with a blend of vitamins, minerals and amino acids combined with several selected patented ingredients aimed to boost organ function and improve overall health.

Dr. Karampahtsis, a Scottsdale-based naturopathic doctor, formulated and founded  ProlifeStream after recognizing the need for key organ support in order to achieve and maintain optimal health. The formula he came up with is made from pharmaceutical grade ingredients. There are no artificial colors, sweeteners, stimulants, or GMOs. It is also soy, lactose, nut and gluten-free, making it appropriate and safe for folks with various allergies and diet restrictions.

As a busy mom and lover of food, cleanses and detoxes don’t always fit easily into my life; but as someone plagued with a lifetime of digestive issues I try to do at least 1-2 detoxes a year. Some involve fasts, some foul-tasting drinks and strict diet plans, none particularly pleasant.

I was pleased to find out that the ProlifeStream system doesn’t involve fasting or dieting of any kind. I simply prepared myself a shake each day but adding a pea protein packet and a packet of probiotics to 12 ounces of water and shook it up to blend. Easy!

Now I will be honest…I did not love the taste in the beginning. It wasn’t anything too horrible but it was a bit grassy tasting. I simply drank it down fast and reminded myself that I was doing something great for my health. After a couple days the taste no longer phased me and I actually enjoyed it. I often used it as a meal replacement, drinking it in the morning to start my day. A few times I drank it at night. I found the drink to be filling and satisfying holding me over until the next meal or curbing any snack cravings.

Within a few days I noticed a difference in my regularity (TMI – I know). My gall bladder was removed when I was a teenager so my digestive tract is sluggish and constipation is pretty common for me (the TMI continues) but I immediately noticed a difference. Because of this I lost three pounds in the first week, without any dieting or increase of daily exercise; I also felt like I had more energy throughout the day.

Another immediate result I saw was a change in my complexion. I have always had decent skin, but when I do get a breakout, it’s the cystic kind, often brought on by stress. When I started the detox I was battling two large zits on the side of my face. They had been there for at least a month and they weren’t shrinking. I was debating on seeing my doctor and having him check them out. But after a few days of ProlifeStream I noticed they had disappeared and my overall complexion brightened a bit.

I finished the program over a week ago and I still feel the renewed energy and I haven’t had any of my “normal” GI complaints so I have to say I found ProlifeStream to be extremely successful.

It was ideal to shake up the drink before I headed out for the day and enjoy it while on the go. There is zero inconvenience while on the system making it ideal for busy moms, dads, students, pretty much anyone.

The world we live in is full of toxins, from the food we eat to the air we breathe, we can’t escape it and ProlifeStream makes it easy to help your body purge those toxins so your body can function as it needs to.

ProfileStream helps support:

• Healthy Enegery Levels
• Healthy Liver Detoxification
• Healthy Hormone Balance
• Healthy Adrenal Function
• Proper Methylation
• Natural Immune Response
• SO MUCH MORE!!!

Check out this short video and learn more about how ProlifeStream can help you optimize and maintain your health.

I give this nutritional system a healthy thumbs up and plan to do the program a few times a year! I definitely felt a difference.

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Disclaimer: I was given free product to help facilitate this review. All opinions stated within this post are entirely my own. 

In a town with no shortage of great tacos, finding one that stands out in a sea of tortilla deliciousness is a true miracle. Tacos are a gift from the Mexican food gods, and let’s face it even when they’re bad, they’re still pretty dang good.

That is the miraculous beauty of tacos and miracles are happening at Phoenix gem, Taco Guild. Occupying what used to be an old church, guests can nosh on chips and a trio of hot sauces while taking in the rich history – it’s everywhere. Some of the old church’s wooden pews serve as seating, stunning stained glass windows provide intrigue and atmosphere, and contents of time capsules are archived and framed on the walls. It’s all very breathtaking but the holy grail of tacos are what diners come to worship at this local icon.

Taco Guild’s menu offers a few amped up “traditional” offerings as well as some innovative takes. I suggest you walk the adventurous side and choose the more eccentric tacos, they are well worth the leap.

I love the Cherry Chipotle Steak, with crispy fried poblano straws, bleu cheese crumbles and a tangy chile aioli. The combination of robust flavors play nicely and you’ll want to order a few more, and I suggest you do! And order the Peking Duck while you’re at it, it’s my favorite taco on the menu and one bite in you’ll know exactly why. Tender pieces of succulent, tender duck are swathed in a tangy sweet plum sauce and topped with a zesty apricot jalapeño compote. It’s a profile of sweet, meaty and heat that’s further adorned with a piece of crispy fried brie cheese. Sound unusual? It is, but in the best, most delicious way. There is no other taco on the planet like it!

As, expected, all of the tacos at Taco Guild have merit, you can’t go wrong with the likes of Urban Bean Coffee Braised Beef, Pork Adovada, and Guild Chicken. None will disappoint.

A tacos best friend is a margarita and you’ll find some rather tasty ones here, along with a couple other tequila cocktails, tequila flights, beers, wine, etc! I suggest you wet your whistle with the signature 1893 marg or a refreshingly tart and potent Weekender.

At the urging of our server I also ordered the Grilled Romaine Salad, which might seem like a mortal sin when you are at a place called Taco Guild, but it’s a culinary revelation of Biblical proportions. This salad took my breath away when it arrived at our table it was huge and it smelled deliciously like a camp fire. What must have been two large heads of romaine are split and brushed with olive oil before hitting the grill. They are then plated and piled with bleu cheese crumbles, grape tomato-basil concasse, jalapeño bacon bits and a creamy cilantro dressing. I heard angels sing with every bite, which in fact was my taste buds singing with all that was going on. The grilled taste made you forget you were eating lettuce, every meaty bite was reminiscent of a perfectly charred steak or burger, the substantial toppings danced in harmony with the creamy funk of the bleu cheese, the smoky, salty kick of spicy bacon, the fresh herbaceous dressing. The Grilled Romaine Salad at Taco Guild is, without question, the BEST salad in town.

Other not-to-be-missed menu items include the Queso Fundido, an excellent cheese dip blended with chorizo and mushrooms, served with warm, house-made corn tortillas; the street corn which is a great accompaniment to a taco plate; and the coconut cream pie, with a flaky pastry crust and a rich, not-to-sweet but perfectly decadent coconut custard filling. All are pretty exceptional and definitely worth the splurge!

One of the nights I visited Taco Guild they were hosting a viewing party for their segment on the Travel Channel’s Food Paradise. The place was packed with regulars cheering on their favorite local taco joint. In attendance was founding chef, Leo Madrigal and his family. It was an honor to eat his creations while watching him on TV, describing and making his dishes for the camera with love and passion in his eyes. He and his family beamed with pride at the recognition they received and by the crowd who showed up to watch that moment of once-in-a-lifetime glory with him.

A visit to Taco Guild is truly an experience, the food will not disappoint and you’re surroundings will wow you. I suggest going at a non-peak time so you can take a few minutes to walk around and take in the history, there is much to see. Then sit down and linger, taking in the divine found tucked into tortillas and adorning the walls at Taco Guild.