Thirty, Flirty & Thriving!!!
And other September news
Happy Birthday to Samara Today!!!
Let’s hear it for the birthday chickkkkkk! TODAY is Samara’s 30th Birthday!!! She’s all grown up now. Thirty, flirty and THRIVING!!!! So make sure you send her some love! In honor of this being a big birthday, I'm going to share 30 things/stories about Samara.
Most people think we’ve been friends for years but we actually met on Instagram. I also asked her to do Hot Yogi Moms with me before we even met in real life. The first time we hung out, she came over and my daughter did a photo-shoot for us in my backyard.
Samara’s maiden name is Strong and I think it is so cool because she actually is very strong. It’s probably why she hasn’t legally changed her name after like 11 years of marriage, too.
Samara’s middle name is Rose which is think is so random because it feels basic when she has such a unique name like Samara and she is Hispanic, Japanese and Hawaiian. Sorry if this is a family name lol.
Samara went to college in Hawaii! She also was a competitive gymnast and cheerleader. Which is why we probably would have never been friends during that time LOL!
Samara and her husband eloped by themselves on a THURSDAY! At a beach in Hawaii where she was going to college and he was stationed in the Navy. #EngagedandUnderage
Samara is the baby of her family. She has 2 older siblings. I fail to acknowledge her sister even exists because I’ve never met her. Lol.
Samara is an incredibly encouraging fitness instructor and has a way of yelling at you to work harder, yet you feel so loved and empowered.
Samara is certified to teach yoga sculpt, barre, pilates, TRX, row machine, and like yeah we get it, she is strong.
Samara is a big country music fan. BIG.
Samara is in her soft girl era, and since I’ve known her, has been more in touch with her feelings and sharing them more openly and I think it is really beautiful.
Samara is a great hype girl. She wants to support anyone who is excited about what they are doing.
When Samara has an idea, it is truly all she can think about until it is executed.
Samara is the QUEEN of texting you and then not responding for 5 hours.
Even before she was pregnant, Samara loves her naps.
Samara loves all types of Asian cuisine. She does not like avocado.
Samara is short, but her feet are unusually big for a short person. lol
Samara is the best mom. She is truly a mother first. She talks to her children softly, checks in with them, lets them make their own decisions, even at a young age and ALWAYS holds space for their feelings.
Samara also encourages her kids to be themselves and doesn’t try to control them or what they wear or how they cut their hair, etc. TBH she controls me more than them HA!
Samara is a big fan of the water—ocean, pool, lake, you name it. Hence, Samermaid.
Samara is always down for adventure and fun. I wouldn’t really consider her a homebody.
Samara prioritizes self-care like a QUEEN. She schedules a weekly date for herself and doesn’t miss. She will treat herself to a workout class, a massage, a solo lunch, you name it.
Samara likes going to the movies.
Samara isn’t really a dessert person and it is hard for me to act like I’m okay with this. She never needs a sweet treat.
Samara is a podcast girl. She loves being alone in the car because she is always listening to a podcast. While I’m sure she has many favorites, she loves her some Armchair Expert.
Okay, Samara doesn’t make her own yoga playlists.Which I think is wild and reckless. She has great taste in music, but she uses an app that has pre-set playlists when she teaches yoga and I’ve never met anyone else who does that! It works for her tho.
Samara is not concerned with things. She isn’t a receiving gifts kinda girl. She prefers quality time or acts of service for sure. And maybe words of affirmation.
Samara loves to travel and before she had kids, her and her husband traveled all over. They’ve been to Iceland, and also road-tripped across the United States.
Samara is ALWAYS one to see the positive or the silver lining in a situation. You will never catch her being negative or dwelling on what went wrong. She will always help me, and others, to zoom out and see the situation with a new perspective and always spin the narrative to be a positive one.
Samara is always trying to better herself or improve Hot Yogi Moms, or thinking about what is next to level-up or challenge herself.
Lastly, Samara is always helping me lean into the things that scare me, making me laugh, and is the best yoga partner and friend I could ask for!
Happy Birthday Samara! I’m so grateful our paths brought us together! XOXOMMM,
Jillian
P.s. Yes this is your birthday card.
Moving onto what is H.O.T. currently?
Highlighted yoga pose of the week: Half Camel (Ardha Ustrasana)
Don’t forget to practice your heart openers, y’all! They are are the gateway to our emotions, they release tension, they promote good posture, improve spinal mobility…so what are you waiting for? Heart openers don’t always have to be traditional back-bends like Wheel pose. Try starting in a low lunge position, and with a supporting hand on a block, start to extend your opposite arm behind you, sending your chest and gaze up and open. Take a few deep breaths as you continue to lengthen through your spine.
Ommm Offering:
Self-care is not selfish, self-care is an act of survival.
You cannot neglect your own health and wellness. By putting everything and everyone before yourself, you are doing all a disservice. Make yourself a priority today and let the positive energy ripple into the areas of your life that need it most.
Tune of the Week: Vertigo by Griff
Follow our Spotify playlist updated weekly with our current faves. And by our, I mean me, Jillian. lolz.
Okay so we’re doing something FUN this month! We’re selected vendors at the Creative Babe Market on September 30 in Laguna! The market will be held at the vibiest cafe, and did we mention that it is ERAS TOUR themed? Basically everything screams our names.
The markets are so cute and we’re excited to be a part of it. There will be food & drink, cute photo-ops, tons of small businesses to support, and we have exclusive Eras themed merch we will be bringing for those who come to see us!! So grab your girlies, come say hi and make it a day! Its FREE!!!
In addition to our current merch, we will also have HYM themed friendship bracelets, duh. And a surprise merch drop of 3 new items!!!!!
FAVORITE THINGS
We thought we’d add a section of things we’ve been loving to the newsletter.
Samara has been using a new (clean) skincare line that she loves by Fount Society. She has sensitive skin, and this has been working super well for her. They hooked her up with a code for 20% off if any of you want to give it a try with code: HOTYOGIMOMS20
In particular she loves the hydrating serum and the water cream.
I’m still loving my vitamin C serum from FRE. It is so thiccc and my skin has been brighter and more even overall.
Anyway, that is all for now! We will be hosting our 2ND Annual Hot Yogi Halloween on Saturday 10/28 in Anaheim so save that date & stay tuned for more deets!!! Its going to be bigger and better and we can’t wait. Plus costumes are pretty great lolz.
We love you all and think you’re all amazing! Thanks for being a part of this community!
XOXOMMM,
Jillian & Samara
LINKS & DISCOUNT CODES
Upper Limit Fuel Supplements (Code HOTYOGIMOMS for 10% off)
Geometry House towels & more (Code is HOTYOGIMOMS for 15% off)
Fre Skincare (Code HOTYOGIS for 20% off)
G2G Bars (Code HOTYOGI for 20% off)
Strong & Sexy Fit (Code YOGIMOMS20 for 20% off)