Blessed Midwest Mama

31/01/2022

We are so excited to offer this series and if you’re local, you don’t want to miss this opportunity!

This six-week yoga journey is not like any other fitness class you’ve experienced. Come expecting to be changed.
Mind. Body. Soul.

Each class will build upon the last as you grow in confidence; both in your yoga practice and your spiritual practice with the Lord.

All are welcome to join!
This class isn’t about showing off your crazy yoga moves, but rather your connection to your breath and body in a fresh and challenging way.

Go to unionfitmn.com to register or DM for the link!

26/12/2021

Start 2022 with deep roots and join us for this special New Year’s Day event!

Location: Union Fitness in Eagan off of Lexington
Date: Saturday, Jan. 1st
Time: 10:30 - 11:30am
Stick around afterwards for mimosas, coffee and snacks
Investment: 20 dollars / 10 dollars for Union Fitness members

Space is limited so register TODAY to grab your spot!
The gym allows for plenty of space to social distance and feel comfortable.

Jessica will guide us through a gentle flow yoga class and intention setting for 2022.

The class will focus on building a firm physical foundation for your yoga practice, while also challenging your mind and spirit to root into your faith. Scripture, prayer & worship music will help to set the intention for class.

Whether you’re an experienced yogi or trying something new, you will feel challenged, strengthened and refreshed.

Be sure to check out this awesome woman-owned gym in Eagan!

Message to register or try the link below!

30/01/2021

Nothing better than some outside summer yoga with a view!

30/01/2021

Normalizing all of the nuances of pregnancy and breastfeeding.
With my first baby, I had to Google some of my sudden and short lasting symptoms right before letdown. I thought I was nuts but thank goodness I quickly learned it’s totally normal and better yet, I had an answer.
I always described it as a sudden feeling of homesickness and I would be slightly nauseous. It wouldn’t last more than a minute so it took me awhile to figure it out. Our bodies are so amazingly designed!

Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER)

Things you should know:

💧D-MER's dysphoria is often described as an unpleasant or uncomfortable mood, such as sadness, anxiety, irritability, or restlessness.
💧D-MER is similar to a reflex. This sensation is dictated by hormones and can NOT be controlled by the mother.
💧The dysphoria a mother feels from D-MER comes on suddenly before letdown and often leaves within 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
💧D-MER is NOT a psychological response to breastfeeding; it is a physiological response to milk release.
💧D-MER is not postpartum depression, nor is it classified as a postpartum mood disorder.
💧D-MER doesn't have to negate a successful breastfeeding journey. Many women who experience D-MER still continue to breastfeed.
💧D-MER doesn't mean you're a bad mom! Rember: this is your body's physiological response and a sensation that is completely out of your control. You're doing great!

23/09/2020

Hi friends! I'm so excited to invite you to this fun upcoming Twin Cities (safe, socially-distanced event).
Please note: space is limited to 15 people! If interested, register today! Keep reading for all the details :)

The workshop, Foundations of Nutrition & Yoga was created by two moms whose goal was and is to create a wellness centered life for both themselves and their families. Jenna Allerson is a Certified Holistic Health Coach, Owner of Mom’s on the Run: Apple Valley and Farmington and Founder of Jenna Allerson Coaching. Jessica Lewellen is a Master Yoga Instructor with over 1,000 hours of yoga training and Founder of Blessed Midwest Mama.

Jessica and Jenna are excited to share their years of experience, passion and countless hours of training to help you and your family on your journey to wellness.

Both workshops were created to remove the complexity of a healthy diet, and the mystery of yoga, to bring it back to the basics. The nutrition session will explore the building blocks of a healthy lifestyle with topics including: meal planning, the importance of hydration, and how to create a balanced meal. In addition, we will also spend time decoding nutrition labels to help you know how to make the best choices for you and your family! The yoga session is designed to deepen your understanding of what yoga is, the benefits and how to set a strong foundation for your practice. Topics of coverage include: Breath-work, proper alignment and muscle engagement in common postures. Whether you're new to your practice or have practiced for years, we all have room to grow.

We will end the workshop with plenty of time for questions and even some goal writing.

Space is limited to 15 people so register TODAY to reserve your spot! The gym allows for plenty of space to social distance and feel comfortable. Reach out with any questions!

Location: Union Fitness in Eagan off of Lexington
Date: Sunday, Oct. 11th
Time: 1 - 4pm
Investment: 30 dollars

Register today! https://tinyurl.com/y3rcalyu

22/09/2020

The workshop, Foundations of Nutrition & Yoga was created by two moms whose goal was and is to create a wellness centered life for both themselves and their families. Jenna Allerson is a Certified Holistic Health Coach, Owner of Mom’s on the Run: Apple Valley and Farmington and Founder of Jenna Allerson Coaching. Jessica Lewellen is a Master Trained Yoga Instructor with over 1,000 hours of yoga training and Founder of Blessed Midwest Mama.
Jessica and Jenna are excited to share their years of experience, passion and countless hours of training to help you and your family on your journey to wellness.

Both workshops were created to remove the complexity of a healthy diet, and the mystery of yoga, to bring it back to the basics. The nutrition session will explore the building blocks of a healthy lifestyle with topics including: meal planning, the importance of hydration, and how to create a balanced meal. In addition, we will also spend time decoding nutrition labels to help you know how to make the best choices for you and your family! The yoga session is designed to deepen your understanding of what yoga is, the benefits and how to set a strong foundation for your practice. Topics of coverage include: Breath-work, proper alignment and muscle engagement in common postures. Whether you're new to your practice or have practiced for years, we all have room to grow.
We will end the workshop with plenty of time for questions and even some goal writing.

Space is limited to 15 people so register TODAY to reserve your spot! The gym allows for plenty of space to social distance and feel comfortable. Reach out with any questions!

Location: Union Fitness in Eagan off of Lexington
Date: Sunday, Oct. 11th
Time: 1 - 4pm
Investment: 30 dollars / 25 dollars for Union Fitness members

REGISTRATION LINK IS IN THE COMMENTS!

05/09/2020

“This fall, we’re embracing the rhythms that move us forward.” 🍁
- YASSS! 🙌🏼

What is helping you to move forward? What rhythms do you feel or hear around you? Are you allowing them to guide you or are you digging your heels into the dirt?

There is peace in rhythm. There is security and predictability. Find the rhythm of your breath. The inhale and exhale.

🌻

01/09/2020

Who is a morning person?

I am definitely one who likes a slow start to my mornings but unfortunately being a toddler mom...those days are rare.

As much as I’ve tried to fight it, I have to get up at least 30 minutes before the little one. This is my sacred “me time.” I may be tired at the end of the day, but I always have a better day. I start the day feeling more accomplished and grounded.

My best days start with strong and intentional mornings. Here’s what I’ve learned:
1. I have a glass of water by my bed and I start drinking it right when I wake up. Add a drop of lemon to add extra zest.
2. I get my diffuser in the kitchen or my office going. I usually diffuse something with citrus.
3. I like to take 5-10 minutes to write in my Memory a Day for Mom’s book or journal. At this point, coffee is in hand!
4. As I’m getting myself going, I try to be mindful about all of life’s blessing and specific things I’m grateful for that day.
5. That leads me to being intentional. I usually jot some notes in my planner (old school paper and pen planner for me ).
6. Be sure to smile! 😊 Smile at yourself in the mirror or a neighbor pacing by. Smiling releases neuropeptides which fight off stress (what a great way to start a day!) And then endorphins and serotonin come into play! Amazing! All from smiling.
7. Try to get outside. ☀️ My goal is to get out and exercise but most mornings I do my journal and coffee routine outside.
8. Hugs!! Hug your spouse. Hug your kiddos. Hug your pets - unless it’s a fish. Hug a good friend once at work (*may need to warn them a hug is coming there way 🥰).
9. Take multiple deep intentional breaths. Inhale: I am / Exhale: Adaptable. You fill in the exhale with what you need for that day. This helps to tie it all together. Your gratitude and priorities begin to connect with your body.

All together this ranges from 15 minutes to an hour. I’m dependent on the toddler. So, whether you’re someone rushing off to work or answering the call of little ones, you can still give yourself 15 minutes to start your day off strong and intentional.

✨Please share specific things you like to incorporate into your morning? ✨

07/08/2020

August 7th:
How has God been a refuge for you?

Refuge: : shelter or protection from danger or distress.

It’s easy to feel lost in the chaos. It’s easy to forget this life is temporary. It’s easy to get swept up in the frenzy.

Resting in God’s refuge isn’t always easy.

Resting requires trust. Safety. Security. All of which is freely given to us. Waiting for when we’re ready to put our guard down.

As you reflect on your life, can you see ways in which God was and continues to be your refuge?

Maybe it was a job that did or didn’t work out. What about the people strategically placed in your life for a specific season? The kind words of encouragement from a stranger. When you take the time to rest and reflect, we can see how God’s refuge is woven into our lives. Doesn’t mean we won’t have hardship. It means we will have a safe place to rest in the midst of those trials.

Would ❤️ to hear your stories of refuge! Share below.

03/08/2020

August 3rd: Have you been broken-hearted over anything lately?

Again today’s journal pierces the heart.

Where to start...
This year is filled with mourning and grief.

My mantra: ✨Let the Healing Begin.✨

Here is a glimpse into our year...
We cared for my grandmother as she struggled with multiple health issues. She passed in my parent’s home, surrounded by family and a house full of prayer. The week leading up to and then even after was filled with emotion and exhaustion. Then, our mindset was, let the healing begin.

COVID hit. My work closed and all of our daughter’s activities were cancelled (like so many of us). We’ve got this... let the healing begin.

April 22nd came.
My Mother in-law was battling breast cancer but was responding well to treatment and originally given an “all clear.” She was suddenly admitted due to severe liver pain. We felt a tug to quickly pack up and begin the 16 hour drive down to Tennessee. We arrived on the 24th and she passed later that evening. (Side note: when you feel a tug on your heart, respond. God is watching out for you.) We are grateful we got to see her individually and she had her husband by her side once she was given the “terminal” diagnoses. However, COVID stole those precious moments while she was alone and in pain. We couldn’t all be together. Since everything was still shutdown due to COVID, the funeral was a whole new piece of mourning.
Once again, let the healing begin.

May 30th came.
First State Active Duty activation. Every possible emotion was felt as I saw my city burn, protests turned from peaceful to violent. I don’t want this to be political. No matter what, you still mourn when you see such divide and hate.
Let the healing begin...

Even outside of the loss of our loved ones, I’m heartbroken for our country, for our little ones who desperately seek our smiles, for our teachers, medical professionals, etc who may be struggling to stay positive.

My point is, we are all healing. Be kind. Make connections. Show your smile. The world needs to heal.

May the wounds in your life begin to heal. May the void be filled with more love, more peace and more gratitude.

✨Let the healing begin. ✨

02/08/2020

Morning quiet time:
From, A Memory a Day for Moms, “What has motherhood caused you to give up in life?”
My first reaction was, wow... sounds a little harsh. Words like “caused” and “give up” put me a bit on the defense.

I realized this is something I’ve been unraveling since becoming a mom. Motherhood is constantly changing. I’m constantly re-evaluating, always responding to both my child’s needs and my needs. I’m still evolving as a person, a mom, a wife, a friend, a military member and a teacher. Lots of grace needed!

There was a time of mourning as we (my husband and I) realized life was never going to be the same and life just got more complicated. But as the journey continued we discovered new joys, new victories and new life. So yes, every aspect of my body and my life is forever changed but it was and continues to be, the best change.

Giving up something from your “former life” doesn’t have to be negative. We definitely gave up wasting time. 🤣 Want to see how much I can get done during 1 nap? We are also more selective on the people we surround our daughter with and the examples set before her. I also gave up caring so much about pleasing others as my focus shifted to this new little human. Yes, Im an Enneagram 1 so the struggle to LET GO is real. 🤷🏼‍♀️

So many wonderful things come from such a messy journey!

✨What are some of your biggest changes motherhood brought to your life?✨

26/07/2020

If you'd like help navigating the world of essential oils while pregnant or nursing, I'd love to help!

With my first, I was taking Zantac Extra Strength due to heartburn (recommended by my doctor!!)... it's now been recalled by the FDA! I simply didn't tap into using my oils out of lack of knowledge and fear.

It's now my passion to share so mamas know their options! 💕

Join us for a guest post from Dr. Lindsey Elmore! Drawing from her distinguished background as a pharmacist, Lindsey shares her advice for getting the most from essential oils during the tough, rewarding nine months of pregnancy. Check out what she and five new and expecting Young Living mothers wan...