My Birthday Favorites

I hope you love these birthday favorites as much as I do! Everything you see in this blog post are some of my favorite finds, tried & true businesses, and more that would make for the perfect birthday gift for you or someone you love. I’ve thrown in a little something from everything…home, beauty, wellness & fashion and more. Whether you’re looking for a special something for mom, grandma, your sister, or ideas for yourself – these birthday favorites for sure be a winner! If you try them out or have any suggestions for me to try, leave a comment and I will for sure check them out!

Home & Lifestyle

birthday favorites

1. Turkish Towels: I love these because they’re way more compact than regular towels for on the go & sand doesn’t stick to them like a regular towel which makes it easier to take to the beach.  Not to mention, these are so cute!

2. Stonewall Kitchen: Holy crap- these are dangerous for me. I can’t get enough of their goodies! Seriously, if only you could see my pantry. Stonewall has sauces, marinades, jams, pancake mixes, you name it – it’s all gold!

3. Topanga Laundry Detergent:  I’m a huge lover of all things scents & when it comes to my laundry, I love a lingering scent of a good detergent but I never found what I wanted until the last few years. It’s not just a laundry detergent, it creates an emotion and is so memorable.  It is a luxury item so one cool thing about it is if you want it to last longer, you can take any unscented pod or liquid detergent and add a little bit to your Topanga detergent because truly a little bit goes such a long way in regards to scents!  

My favorite scents from Topanga are Hollywood + Vine (cedar, bergamot, black fig, woodsy, but not too masculine of a scent), Malibu Pier (very masculine, spicy, woodsy/musky), Bel-Air (floral, amber, patchouli, chocolate, reminds me of a detergent I found years ago called Diva Wash) and The Grove (very fruity, fresh, floral, sandalwood, citrus notes). Use code JOCELYN when purchasing!

4. 5 Minute Gratitude Journal:  I love this because at least I’m journaling something & it’s a pretty one you can put on the shelf to reflect on how far you’ve come every year! It’s not pictured in the graphic but I love it! This is a birthday favorite that could work for any occasion really.

5.  PhoneFin: I have tried so many different phone accessories that allow me to hold my phone easier as I love such an active lifestyle and work from my phone a ton, too – PhoneFin is one that I have come across and loved for a while now! I currently have another accessory on my phone and I can’t wait to switch it out with a PhoneFin because it just gets the job done!

6. Casetify: The thing I love most about these cases is that they are durable, available in a variety of customizable cases, and lots of fun designs/colors to choose from!

 

Beauty & Wellness

Jocelyn's Favorite Things, hydroflask, buxom lip gloss, sunset riot allsaints perfume

1. Buxom gloss in Samantha: This color is truly the best, especially if you have dry lips or just feel the need to have a solid gloss over your lip color.  It’s a great pinky-nude that adds just the right sine without taking away from the color you have there already.

2. Trigger Point Roller & Lacrosse Ball: Rolling truly helps my body everyday! Without it, my muscles are in so much pain; when I do roll out one side of my body’s muscles, I can feel which side of me is looser and working better vs which side is tighter.  Rolling muscles is something you have to ease into & make sure to ask a doctor first just in case! The Lacrosse ball is great for rolling smaller muscle areas like the feet, palms or to pinpoint smaller spots.  

3. Rechargeable Fan: Not only is this a birthday favorite, but it has been a must have in my purse, backpack, car, everywhere! I have multiple of them and have loved them since I bought them! They are not too big and not too small.  Plus, they are rechargeable!  

4. Water Bottles: I’m the type of girl who won’t get her water intake met unless she has a filled water bottle by her at all times.  I’ve searched high and low for a good water bottle that had a handle and didn’t leak and made it easier to haul around.  Here are a few of my faves: Simple Modern TumblerHydraPeak RoadsterStanley Flip Straw Tumbler, Hydro Flask Flex Cap Tumbler       

5. Sunset Riot by AllSaints: For me, one thing I look for in a perfume is a scent that is both masculine & feminine – AllSaints is just that. It’s one of my favorite things that I gift to others as well because it works for anybody truly!  I could best describe it as musky, hints of cedar wood, orange flowers & pink peppers yet it’s still fresh.

 

Fashion

Jocelyn's favorite things, nike air max, freepeople overalls, madewell ballcap, canty boots, freebird boots, booties, marc fisher, nordstrom

1. Nike Air Max: I recommend sizing up about a 1/2 size, but I love how comfy & stylish these are!  Definitely a shoe that stands out & gets attention.  You are not just wearing a regular running show with your jeans, you are styling up an outfit! 

2. Cowboy Boots: I’m a huge lover of Canty Boots; she takes old boots and restores them to become something new more like a booty instead of a boot.  I also love Marc Fisher booties (especially these in black and these in cream) & Freebird – they have my heart! 

3. Ball Caps: I love a good ball cap and here are a couple of my favorites from Madewell & Addidas. I love how a good, simple ballcap can change up an outfit and these are both good quality hats to have on hand. 

4. Burns Saddlery: These hats – I can’t stop & won’t stop wearing them! The quality is rock solid; you can customize your hat so it is a little hard for me to quote a price on that but if you are wanting a REAL cowboy hat, this is the place to go! 

5. FreePeople Overalls: These overalls are one of my favorite pairs right now!  I love all the fun colors they come in and are very true to size.  I did do a dryer test and they do indeed shrink a bit but not too much – might be something to consider! 

6. Levi’s Jean Shorts: Last but not least, these shorts! I love them so much that I bought them in multiple colors – so fun and the perfect length for someone like me with long legs. Not to mention, they’re the great quality that Levi’s gives so definitely worth trying out if you’re on the hunt for some solid denim shorts!

Summer 2021 Must Have Products

Cover photo for Summer 2021 Must Haves blog post
Cover photo for Summer 2021 Must Haves blog post

Living in Southern Utah means summertime heat and sometimes it can get pretty extreme! Over the years, I’ve found some of the best summer must have products for not only myself, but my family as well; these are all amazing finds for summertime, no matter where you live! From portable fans to durable water bottles, below are some of my summer 2021 must have products to help beat the heat!

Sunscreen

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I believe the most important summer 2021 must have product is, of course, sunscreen! Protecting our skin from harmful UV rays should be our number one priority in the summer and truly all year long. These are a couple of my must have sunscreens to choose from and if you need help picking the right one, you can check out my sunscreen blog here!

Simple Modern Water Bottles

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If you’re a fan of Hydroflasks but not a fan of their prices, I’ve got you covered! Simple Modern is the way to go with durable, affordable, and creative products to choose from – they’re a true summer 2021 must have product! You can choose from tumblers, canteens, and more water bottles with some of the coolest designs that other brands don’t offer and a wide range of sizes for their products. Be sure to check them out this summer!

Portable Fans

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Portable fans are for sure a must have product this summer and any summer really! These fans are awesome for a day at the park, going to the beach, or even on road trips if you’re on a plane or long car ride. I love that these are rechargeable and aren’t loud when turned on! Above you’ll find a couple different options of portable fans to choose from but believe me – you need these and you’ll thank me later!

Sandals

Sandals in the summer are a must have for sure, but it can be hard to find a sturdy pair that can get you where you need to go while offering enough support. Birkenstocks and Tevas are both great brands to choose from and you can dress them up or down. The other great thing about these is that they can be unisex so anyone and everyone can wear them! Check them out! 

Sunhats, Caps & Sunglasses

In the summer, hats & sunglasses are 100% a must have product and what’s so cool is you can add them to almost any outfit. Whether it’s a ballcap, aviator glasses, or a simple straw hat, it’ll offer protection for your head from harmful UV rays and offer shade wherever you’re going. Did I mention it jazzes up your outfit to another level? These are just a few of my favorite hats and sunglasses I’ve found for anyone in the family – click the photos to shop them!

Cooling Towels & Chairs

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If you’re a runner or athlete or you’ve got kids involved in outdoor summer sports, you definitely don’t want to skip this one. These cooling towels and this camp chair have been a lifesaver and a definite summer 2021 must have in the blazing Southern Utah heat for our family, especially since my kids are constantly in the sun! Take them camping, or simply if you need a seat on the sidelines to read a good book or cheer the kids on; whatever the occasion, keep your family cool this summer with these handy towels and a comfy seat in the shade!

Totes & Towels

Whether you’re going to the park, the pool or the beach, towels and totes are a summer must have no matter what. I’ve linked a few of my favorite finds that are great quality and long lasting! Vineyard Vines is an amazing company that offers incredible quality products and Target (of course) has some super cute styles of these must haves for this summer so check them out!

Spikeball & Spikebuoy

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Have you seen this around in the last year? Maybe at the park, the beach, or in a backyard? Have you played it by chance? If not, you’re missing out! Spikeball has become such a popular game across the country, so much so that last year they had a tournament for it nationwide! You can now purchase the game almost anywhere where sporting goods or other outdoor activities are offered. If you really want to step it up, be sure to try out SpikeBuoy, the water-based version of Spikeball. This game is a summer 2021 must have for the kids, family, and friends!

I hope this has helped you out in prepping for summer 2021! Remember to stay safe, have fun, and if you have any questions always reach out to me! These summer must haves have all been incredible finds, both recently and throughout the years, for myself and my family and I hope they’re just as amazing for you! For more summer, home, or makeup tips, check out my other blogs here! 

Coping With Anxiety

Cover Photo for Anxiety Blog Post

Anxiety has been near the top of my list of topics to talk about – how I cope with it, what I feel, and how others can handle theirs. I’m no medical professional, but I cannot stress how important it is to take care of yourself! I learned the hard way that you can’t pour from an empty cup. I want to share my tips and tricks to coping healthily with anxiety and stress so that others can remember to put themselves and their health first! For more tips and tricks in your life, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel!

4.7.8. Rule - Breathe Baby!

Breathing to Cope with Anxiety

If you feel a panic attack, anxiety, or stress hitting you, you might get a tight feeling in your chest. One of the best ways to calm down is using breathing techniques. Here’s one that works great! Begin by exhaling completely through your mouth, making a whooshing sound. Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose for 4 seconds. Hold your breath for about 7 seconds, then exhale through your mouth slowly for 8 seconds. Repeat the process as needed, until the tightness in your chest subsides or until you feel calmed!

Humor - Laugh Off the Anxiety Sista!

Using Humor to Cope with Anxiety

Sometimes it can be hard to find the good in the bad but I promise it’s so worth it once you do! Laughing and smiling can relieve the stress response and in the long term, laughter can help improve your immune system and mood. When you’re feeling anxious or stressed, distract yourself by simply reading a few jokes, laughing with friends or watching a funny movie! Laughter helps the body release serotonin, leaving you happier and less stressed.

Exercise - Get That Anxiety Out!

Exercise to cope with anxiety

Y’all know how I love my fitness! It has made a world of a difference for my anxiety because there are so many benefits all around. Not only is physical exercise going to keep you in shape, but it’s amazing for your mental health as well. Something as simple as walking can help your body on a daily basis and it’ll leaving you thinking and feeling positive! Walking outside for 20-30 minutes can alleviate and reduce stress as well as give your mind a boost. Exercising boosts the body’s endorphin release and can leave you feeling accomplished and happy!

I’m no medical professional but these are amazing tips that can help you daily and my hope is that it can help someone else. We so often get so caught up making sure everyone around us is okay and we forget to ask ourselves how our own mental/emotional health is. Take care of yourself first sista, and things will fall into place afterwards! Above is my YouTube video telling my story of what changed once I began to put myself first again. If there’s one thing you need to know about me, it’s that I teach others to love themselves first, as much as their own true love would. I pray that this message finds you if you’re someone who needs to hear this! You are amazing, you are capable, and you are beautiful inside and out! 

Fitness? An Active Lifestyle?

masckara makeup artist

Fitness wasn’t always my favorite thing but being active was. Oh wait… does being a mommy to babies count as active? Is it like working-the-heart-to-make-it-healthy kind of active? Probably not… more like a momma-is-super-busy kind of active but not a running kind of active.

I’m going to tell you how that all turned around, how I became active, worked with Jessie Hilgenberg and took the “Active Lifestyle” head on, and the super cute clothes and how they came with it all. 

STORY TIME

Leading an active lifestyle was not on my list of priorities for a long time, but the minute I implemented it into my life as well as my family’s, my life was forever changed and because of it, life is a lot more fun now. At the age of 55 my mom had a heart attack, and it slowly dawned on me what my own health could possibly look like in the future.

This was 2009, I was pregnant at the time and experiencing a high-risk pregnancy with my third child, so there was no way that being active was an option. My posture had developed poorly over time from always being stuck in bed with my pregnancies and never working to regain good posture or strength in between each child. It wasn’t until six months after I had given birth to my fourth child that I finally looked in the mirror and asked myself, “GIRL! What are you doing??”

AN “ACTIVE LIFESTYLE” WASN’T THE “THING” IN MY LIFE

I was nowhere near focused on being active but it was definitely what I needed. My own health consisted of hormone issues, and I dealt with stomach issues that had already left me fighting my own battle; I knew though that if I didn’t start steering myself in the right direction, who knew what would come next. Was I scared? Darn right – I started worrying. My mom had her heart attack and, not long after, broke her foot just by taking a few steps while walking because of Osteoporosis. Genetics weren’t doing her any favors, and it showed time and time again in her family (like her mom, aunts, and so on). Our bodies are a lot alike, so I knew that I needed to start taking better care of me!

SO WHAT DID I DO ABOUT IT?

In 2013, when my last baby was six months old, I knew that I was going to have to hire someone to help me at least three days a week in making sure that I was doing my part at consistently getting a workout in as I had a tiny family to look after and was homeschooling my kids – I am very good at taking care of everyone around me and not myself. The trainer thing was successful; I had an awesome trainer in New Braunfels, TX that did a great job at keeping me and my workouts in check. I had started my workouts only being able to lift 2lb weights but it increased to more. I built up a habit of putting myself first and getting in those workouts over the years. It wasn’t easy and at times I definitely missed my goals, but it was something that I knew I needed.

THIS IS WHERE JESSIE HILGENBERG CAME IN…

during 2015 and that woman inspired me to no end! Holy cow did she ever inspire me – her approach to taking care of ourselves for forever instead of just fad diets was so important to me. Her own father had died from sudden heart issues and that woman somehow knew exactly what I needed. Jessie taught me so dang much, more than I feel any other trainer has. 

She understood diet with my body and what it needed, she understood how to put form first for all the exercises, she made sense, she was humble, her laugh was contagious, she was always smiling and she didn’t want people doing any fad diets – she wanted to fix their metabolism and take care of them forever. I LOVED this woman and her **programs then and I love her now, so much that I haven’t even used another program since!

It’s crazy what happens when we put goals to something or when we put our hearts into something – I even developed my first instagram page (including taking my first ever selfie haha). I had friends that wanted me to help them keep themselves accountable and I was doing my best to make sure that everyone was getting in their workouts as well. The page turned into what it did and we have grown since then. I didn’t go into all of this looking at it like I was going to change everything about me; instead I went into it knowing I needed to work out. I never thought it would become a lifestyle that I would want to live. I also didn’t think that my self-worth or my spiritual well-being would change, let alone my mental health – but everything changed. I didn’t even think, “heck ya Joce, soon you’ll be wearing workout clothes everyday,” haha but… I did.

WHAT’S THAT GOT TO DO WITH ACTIVEWEAR?

I know you’re reading this and thinking “Joce, still… this isn’t about active wear” and… you’re right, none of it was. But what it is about is a girl that changed and the changing created more change. And do you know what was one of the changes I never mentioned throughout this blog? One of my motivators was a new activewear outfit when I hit a goal. When I went into my fitness journey, I bought new workout clothes so I’d get excited to have something to put on all the time. I rewarded myself for reaching my goals with more activewear and, years later, it’s still something I look forward to when I’ve hit a goal. This year though, this year was… Joce, it’s time to buy new fitness clothes because it’s time to really hit those fitness goals again. I had to fight even more to get my gym time in this past bit, but it’s been worth the fight and I’m back baby, and now I’m sharing some of my favorite pieces of activewear that were part of my fitness journey (some I already had, and some are new).

I’ll link my favorite places I get my activewear for you right here. Some companies I work with and some I don’t, but man it would sure be fun to work with them all one day! ? I hope that from this blog post you will see the importance that I felt in fitting the fitness lifestyle into my life and maybe it can be something that inspires you.

God Bless!

xoxo, Joce

**In case you’re wanting more information regarding Jessie Hilgenberg’s Fitness Plans – https://www.jessiefitness.com/ Discount code: JOCE10 any plan you wish.

My favorites are Home Edition, Muscle Building one and JG40** 

Links to My Activewear Favorites

Calia by Carrie Underwood – https://www.caliastudio.com/

Zyia – https://www.myzyia.com/dianaskinner/

Lole – https://www.lolelife.com/

Acta Wear – https://acta.grsm.io/jocelynmcclellan4466 Discount code: JOCELYN15

LuluLemon – https://shop.lululemon.com/

Nike – https://www.nike.com/

Adidas – https://www.adidas.com/us

Victoria’s Secret Sweaters – https://www.victoriassecret.com/vs/sport/shop-all?scroll=true

***You must also know that since the time that I made the choice to put my body first and started caring for my body, my mother suffered another potentially fatal heart attack that was even worse. She also went through another huge ordeal that, just by falling, she broke her femur and that just about killed her as well. It was a huge mess all due to her Osteoporosis and I’ve had to learn to fight the excuse of being “too busy” to put myself first because the “busy” can wait, but me not taking care of my health…that may go at any moment.

This active lifestyle…I did it for them!