I love Christmas!  And what better time to do a little Christmas celebrating than in the middle of summer????  So Merry Christmas in July 2017!

I love all things Christmas!  About now is when I start thinking about Christmas and gifts I want to buy.  It’s not too early to start shopping, is it?

I also love to read those posts that people write about their favorite things or things they are loving lately.  I don’t do them much but I did decide to take some time to share some of my favorite things with you for Christmas in July 2017.  Maybe this will become an annual tradition.  Who knows??  I did do a post similar to this last year but then moved most of the content to my Favorite Things page.

So here we go!  I’m sure this post could be much longer than it is, but I had to stop sometime!

I will mention that there are affiliate links in this post which just means that if you click on it, I might get a small commission however it doesn’t affect your price or purchasing experience in any way.  In fact not all links are affiliate but I just want to provide you with a quick click so you know exactly how to find what I’m sharing with you.  If you have any questions about any products, shoot me an email.  I’ll be glad to answer your questions and help you figure out if it’s the right product for you.

BAMR Bands are my new favorite headband.  When  you visit the website and you see “Non-slip headbands” it’s the truth!  I was skeptical at first, but they have survived the run and yoga test plus they are super cute!

In case you didn’t know, I’m in the process of writing a book.  I will publish 40 Days of Faith and Fitness Devotional Journal in September 2017.  I could not be doing this project without the help of Dr. Beth Brombosz and all the tips she shares in her own book Blogger to Author.

I love to do yoga.  I started doing yoga back in 2013 at Pure Motion.  It changed how I felt about my body and how I ran.  I’m so thankful I found yoga and added to my regular workout routine.  When I can’t attend a class, I’m sure to do some stretching and short yoga flows at home.  I’ve recently enjoyed Yoga for Runners.  It’s specific to my needs as a runner.

Most days you will see me wearing tops from my favorite clothing company Cross Training Couture.  I even have a hat and coffee mug too!  These tops are great for yoga, running, or even going out.  I just might have one of everything they’ve made…..maybe!

It's Christmas in July 2017! I'm sharing my favorite things. Let the Christmas shopping begin! Click To Tweet

I’ve been on a faith and fitness journey my entire life.  I struggled with body image and being obsessed with the number on the scale for far too many years.  While I’ve been a Christ follower most of my life, I didn’t find freedom in my fit life until I was nearly 40.  One of the things that had a huge impact on me finally finding freedom was reading Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst.  In the book she talks about Moses and the Israelites in the wilderness when God tells Moses in Deuteronomy 2:3 “You have circled this mountain long enough.  Now turn north.”  I was getting ready to turn 40 when I read that book.  It was time.  That’s when I began to walk in freedom and the catalyst to why I’m here helping women learn to live fit and free!

Cookbooks make great gifts!  I have always loved a good cookbook.  I’m not a big fan of online and digital cookbooks.  I want one I can flip through and look at that has appetizing pictures.  Here are a few of my favorites:

And when you’re cooking, what about some yummy seasonings?  I just started using Handcrafted Seasoning Blends by Tiny Little Chef.  My favorite is the Inflammation Buster.  I put a dash in my coffee to add some zing to it each morning.  And the House Blend is perfect on anything!  There are so many to try as well as all kinds of recipe ideas.  The 4 pack would make a great gift (but be sure to get an extra for yourself!).

Who loves Christmas? I do! I'm celebrating by sharing my favorite things for Christmas in July 2017! Click To Tweet

Christmas time means a good hot drink.  A few years ago I found Celestial Seasonings Candy Cane Lane decaf green tea during the holidays.  I absolutely fell in love with it.  But it was only seasonal.  I had to have it!!!  So I tracked it down to a health food store and finally found it online.  Now I buy it in multiples because I can’t go a day without it.  9:00PM is my bedtime (no shame!), and I’m very specific about my evening routine.  My winding down time starts about 8:00 with a cup of hot tea and a mindless read.  I can’t be without my Candy Cane Lane!

I love all the nut butters! This post would be super duper long if I shared all my faves so for today I’ll just share a recent favorite I found.  (Maybe my favorite nut butters will need to be a post all its own one in the future!?!?)  Betsy’s Best has a nut butter I actually found at my local Kroger.  It’s the almond butter with cinnamon and chia seeds.  Oh how I love this!  This would also make a great gift.  Maybe make some homemade jelly or find some at a local farmers market to add to your gift.  Who wouldn’t like something like that???

I’m a bar girl.  Not the kind you think of for Friday or Saturday night!  I’m talking about snacks.  I like to have healthy snacks on hand and I often go for a bar of some kind.  My new favorite is D’s Naturals No Cow Bar.  I found these at my local Kroger and can’t get enough of them!

I’m a runner.  It’s my favorite workout to do.  I love all the cardio! If I’m not running, I’m biking.  Every runner needs a good watch and good shoes.  While my shoes change from time to time (always consult your local running store to help you get the right fit!), I’ll never change from wearing a Garmin watch.  Currently I’m using the Garmin 220 and love it.

Christmas is the time of giving.  We give gifts to people we care for.  And I am happy to share a couple of products that when you purchase them you are also helping others in need.

Pura Vida Bracelets hold a special place in my heart, because they provide full time jobs in Costa Rica.  When I was in high school I went to Costa Rica on a mission trip.  I absolutely love the bracelets and what they stand for.  When you order, you can use code MARSHAAPSLEY20 for a 20% discount.

 

My friend Dyan sells Trades of Hope. This is another company that gives back.  Trades of Hope helps women in poverty all over the world start and maintain small businesses.  They have such unique products that are high quality and come with a personal story.  If you’re looking for a gift for someone special, this is where you’ll want to shop.  And I can guarantee you’ll have to grab something for yourself too!

In 2016 I ran a half marathon with Team Momentum.  I’ve run over 50 half marathons but have never run for anything other than the finish time.  But a cause tugged at my heart, and I ran a race to fight muscle disease.  I’m not running this year, but my friend who ran the half with me last year will be running her first full marathon in October with Team Momentum.  If you feel compelled, I would love for you to support her efforts and help us fight muscle disease.

Merry Christmas in July 2017 to you!!!