February 13, 2017

RED LIP CHALLENGE

February 13, 2017/ Alexandra Evjen

Growing up, the idea of "becoming a woman," was not appealing. I just associated it with uncomfortable body changes, bras, periods and childbirth. In my eyes, there wasn't much to celebrate. In fact, it seemed like it was a curse to be a woman. Unfortunately, many years of my life were spent operating under the label of "girl" instead of "woman" because it felt more freeing and comfortable. It wasn't until after I had my babies that I embraced my femininity.

Growing, birthing and nurturing children has unlocked this new found strength, respect, and confidence in my body and self. I am PROUD to be a woman. So, I am rocking bold red lips as a symbol of femininity, strength, and confidence for the the Verily Magazine Red Lip Challenge.

You can be a part of the challenge too by posting a photo of yourself wearing red lipstick and saying what it means to you to wear it. See more details on Verily's Instagram post.

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

December 18, 2014

Glitter Challenge

December 18, 2014/ Alexandra Evjen

About a month ago, I had the idea of challenging my Instagram community to create art using glitter. I said I would commit to sharing the projects of those that participated in the glitter challenge by blogging about them and pinning images from the creators' sites.

Here is the first submission from Amy Hanen of Amy Frances Photography and Malori Maeva of Hoot and Holler. They collaborated and included some of their friends, Taylor and Kristina. I LOOOOVE what they created.

Go check out their blog post for the full shoot, click here. What do you think the next creative challenge should be?

Photos by Amy Frances Photography

August 05, 2014

30 Thriving Challenge Completed

August 05, 2014/ Alexandra Evjen

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.

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.

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

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.

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.