I am all for self-care, taking time for yours truly, the whole “you can’t pour from an empty cup” movement, etc. I also know how hard it is to take even one moment for yourself while taking care of babies, working, cleaning, cooking, scheduling all the things, etc. I get it. I’m right there with you.

However, here’s what I want you to do. I want you to make 2019 the year of YOU. Do the thing(s) you’ve been thinking about doing, but don’t because it seems selfish, or you don’t know where it will fit in your kid’s schedule, or it’s SCARY. No matter how big or how small, I want you to look 2019 in its fiery eyes and say, “This is MY year. I am going to be selfish!” If you’re not quite sure what that “thing” is that you want to do for yourself, I have compiled a guide of all of the best things in Collin County that will turn your life upside down and say WOW! Why didn’t I do this sooner?! 

A Mom’s Guide to Self-Care in Collin County

R & G Fitness

Oh my goodness, you guys! This place is my new sanctuary and has literally changed my life in the last few months. R & G Fitness is located in McKinney and is probably the best workout and community experience I have ever encountered. It’s owned and operated by Beau and Jamie Smith, an adorable, extremely knowledgeable, and dedicated husband and wife team. They create the least intimidating, most fun, and insanely effective group fitness program(s). They offer group sessions daily starting as early as 5:30 am and as late as 6:30 pm. If you’re looking for a more one-on-one experience, they also take on personal training clients. The first THREE sessions are FREE, so there is literally NO excuse here, mamas. Fitness level, age, or ability is irrelevant. Beau and Jamie just want you to join them so that they can be a part of your journey to create a better YOU. I seriously cannot say enough great things about these people and the community they are building. If you don’t do anything else in 2019, AT LEAST try out R & G! Start stalking them on Facebook and Instagram now, too! Their content and stories are fun, engaging, educational, and thoughtful. Am I gushing? Maybe a little. Show up and you’ll understand. 

This segment is in no way sponsored or paid for by R & G Fitness. I truly love them and want EVERYONE to know about them! 

Park and Preston Travel

If you don’t love to dream about travel, I don’t know if we can be friends. I mean, doesn’t the idea of getting away (especially right now) sound insanely enticing? The thing is, we can always find an excuse not to spend money on vacations or getaways because life in general has just gotten too darn expense on the daily. If you ask me, though, it’s important to take those family vacations, weekends away with a spouse, over-nighters with your kids, because while we’re so busy just trying to “get through,” we’re not taking full advantage of life at it’s finest. Unplug, explore, play. It might be cliche, but I absolutely love the quote “work hard, play hard.”

That’s where Park and Preston comes in. This agency is mom-owned and operated, by one of the most life-loving, YOLO-ing, exciting moms I know, Sarah Bergman. She juggles it all, just like the rest of us, but she finds time for ALL of the fun and has made it her business to help you do the same. She and her team can work with you no matter where you want to go and what your budget will allow. Sarah also specializes in RunDisney, so if you love Disney and a marathon is on your bucket list, she’s your girl. Check out Park and Preston’s Instagram and Facebook to see just how much fun there is to be had!

Athletique & Co.

This could be considered a shameless plug since I co-own this business, but there is a REASON I started it in the first place. The whole athleisure “trend” really isn’t a trend at all, it’s truly a way of life for the modern mom. If re-constructing your image and wardrobe is on your list of must-dos in 2019, you need to check out our stuff! We put an insane amount of time into the pieces we add to our collections, ensuring that they are comfortable, transitional, and affordable. We keep it fresh with new pieces weekly and show up at all kinds of fun markets and pop-ups throughout the county. Find us on Facebook // Instagram // Pinterest

I Choose Change

I’m not afraid to admit that I have been treated for depression at points in my life and that I’m currently being treated for anxiety. Mental illness runs in my family and I have seen a lot of its negative affects first hand. For that reason, I make it a point to take care of my mental well-being and am not ashamed of the fact that I take medication for my panicky tendencies. At I Choose Change, Ms. Ryan and her team do an amazing job supporting a variety of different people different people who are experiencing a variety of different life issues. From individual therapy, to life coaching, to marriage counseling, the gifted clinicians at I Choose Change can help you get your life on track. If you have been thinking about getting help for one of the issues listed on their website, or even if you know you need some help but can’t put your finger on what exactly is bothering you, I highly recommend you reach out to this clinic. 2019 is your year, mama! 

Bella MD

Okay, so this one is on my list of things to do for myself in 2019! I haven’t personally tried it yet, but I have heard amazing things about the services at Bella MD. One of our former contributors, Sarah Humphrey, is an amazing aesthetician and laser technician here. She is the author behind some of our most popular posts on all things beauty and has over 10 years of experience in the field. I have struggled with skin issues for the majority of my adult life and can’t wait to see how the practitioners at Bella MD can help me. 

Here’s to a fan-freaking-tastic 2019!

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be publishing a variety of health and fitness-related posts meant to guide, inspire, and motivate you on your journey. We hope these will be a valuable resource for a moms; whether you’re still going strong since January 1st OR possibly need to be re-motivated.