30 Thriving Challenge Completed

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Three months ago I decided I was tired of just talking about getting into shape. Turning 30 was a big wake up call that I had lived a good 20 years out of shape and eating things that were easy rather than good for me. I asked Mountainside Fitness to help me with my challenge, and they gladly gave me a three month trial and a couple sessions with a trainer so that I can learn my way around the gym.

Three months later I still weigh the same 124 pounds, but my BMI has gone from 22% to 20%. I'm toned and fit. I also look forward to the gym every week and miss it when I'm not able to go as often as I would like. Who would have thought I would become a gym rat three months later.

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The biggest excuse I used for not going to the gym was not having enough time and not having someone to watch Elle. Well, the truth was that I wasn't making time for it. There are some gyms out there where I didn't feel comfortable putting Elle in the kids program. I knew I would feel better at a more family friendly gym like Mountainside. Sure enough Elle looks forward to going there every time. I drive 25 minutes each way to go to the gym, but it's worth it.

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I have officially become a Mountainside Fitness member, and I'm looking forward to being there for years to come.

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These photos that you see were created by Liz Evans. She loves celebrating the female form. She wanted to celebrate my accomplishment and my birthday by photographing my body after the challenge. I'm so thankful for these photos. They really help me see the confidence I have gained and the muscle I have gained throughout this process. Go check her out if you're in need of a really encouraging experience.

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My dear friend and talented makeup artist, Stephanie Neiheisel, also wanted to be a part of this special moment. She created a gorgeous navy smokey eye with bronzed skin and a nude lip. LOVE LOVE LOVE. This makeup look is perfect for fall.

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Photos by Liz E. Studio.

Get the look: Dress by Fame & Partners, pencil skirt, ruffled top, leather skirt,bralette

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Boudoir Redefined

Sometimes you are just struck by an image and inspired immediately. I saw an image on Pinterest (click here), and right away I knew I wanted to do a photo shoot that celebrated the natural beauty of the female body. I loved the idea of seeing water droplets on the skin, golden sun rays illuminating the body and hair blowing in the breeze. Liz Evans was the perfect photographer for this project because she has a whole company called Boudoir Redefined seeking to redefine the celebration of the female form. Boudoir doesn't always need to be smokey eyes and bed sheets. Boudoir doesn't even mean a woman isn't wearing clothes...Boudoir is purely celebrating the female body.

I thought Kelsey would be the perfect model for this project. I had the chance to work with her during a bridal shoot, and I was just entranced by her beautiful skin. She was really excited about the project too! Azure Shaffer did her makeup on the bridal shoot and did an AMAZING job. I knew I wanted her back for this, especially since she knew her skin already.

After three months of planning we headed out to the Salt River. It was a scorcher of a day. We all ended up in the water which was perfect to keep us cool. There were a couple of Tim Gunn make it work moments like sewing her into her bralette. It all worked out in the end.

I loved this shoot because it was so simple. It wasn't about the clothes at all. It was just about the feeling, the light and the confidence of being a women. I did, however, get to use an amazing French vintage nighgown my mom's friend gave me. It was the PERFECT slip for this project. It had lace ties all down the side. A simple bralette and high-waisted swim bottoms from Urban Outfitters was the perfect second look.

Photography by Liz Evans, Boudoir Redefined Art Direction and Styling by Alex Evjen, AVE Styles Modeling by Kelsey Groetken, Agency AZ Makeup by Azure Schaffer, Artistry by Azure Assistant Styling by Alyssa Hodson