Wow, I seriously can't believe my daughter is about to wrap up her 1st grade year on zoom! This week I look back on how we even got through this year and how we all are capable of amazing things when we set ourselves up for success.  Believe in yourself, set small obtainable goals and get focused.  My life has been hectic with the girls and puppy but I am finding ways to stay on track and I know you can too! Oh and I can't help but share how annoyed I am with the cicada invasion at my house ... I am SO over this! Hear all of this and more in this week's episode!

You Are Capable Of Amazing Things

With so many of the COVID restrictions lifting, we can get back to LIFE! With that comes change in our daily lives and routines which I know personally can be difficult to manage and adjust.  I feel such a powerful shift in the mindset of so many that I believe we all have grown together through this pandemic and what's on the other side is AMAZING.  This week I wanted to just touch base and encourage you to keep going, keep working hard and staying positive through the changes ahead as things start to open up and we get back to this new way of life.

Finding Strength In The Changes Ahead

We got a PUPPY! This week I want to share with you all the excitement in my house with bringing home a new puppy.  We named her Lucy and are over the moon excited and in love with her! She is a German Shepherd and has filled our home and hearts with so much joy in just her first week with us.  Listen to this week's episode to hear more on how we got her and what she's been up to!

We Got A PUPPY!

Life hacks are supposed to make our lives easier, but let’s face it, often times the hacks we see on social media seem a bit out there, with many not actually working. People on Reddit shared their bizarre hacks that they swear work, and some of them are certainly interesting. I thought I'd share some of the them with you! A tip to cutting an onion without tears or a tip to keep you awake when your falling asleep in a meeting or class. All great stuff! Enjoy!

Life Hacks

The key to staying consistent with a healthy lifestyle is figuring out why you are starting in the first place.  Your "why" or what people refer to as your "wellness why" should come from deep within you, and I go over some ways to figuring it out.  From there, that will play a big role in motivation in your everyday life to help you stay on track and reach your goals. It's the missing piece for many that will keep you going even when you aren't motivated.  I’m so confident you have it within you to make the magic happen and transform your life. I know it’s not easy but my friend, it is so worth it.

Figuring Out Your Wellness Why

This week I take some time to mom vent ... we all need it sometimes, right? From running around with their dirty feet, trying to brush knots out of their hair and all the bugs around my new house! I just thought I'd give you a glimpse into what's going on in my world this past week.  I feel so blessed and want to rip my hair out at the same time LOL! You may be able to relate....Enjoy!

What's Going On This Week At Home

I finally realized something this week and excited to share! If you are anything like me and weigh yourself all the time, STOP! Don't base your results on the number on the scale, there are different ways to track your progress and I break it down for you in the episode.  I also share some of the best ways to burn fat whether you’re looking to improve your overall health or simply slim down for summer. Small changes in your daily routine can make a huge difference, so tune in and find some ways to live a healthier life and continue to work towards your goals!

Muscle VS. Fat

Your body requires different types of fuel for different types of movement, so timing is everything when it comes to fueling your workouts and what you should eat before and after each workout. Listen to this episode for suggestions on what types of food to fuel your body based on what kind of workout you're doing.  Keeping on the nutrition theme this week, I share a new breakfast I am loving these days, a great healthy snack before bed and the truth behind cheese. I hope you find some new healthy ideas to help you on your health and wellness journey!

What To Eat Before & After A Workout

Today is World Sleep Day and studies show that 2/3rds of us don't get enough sleep and the consequences of this are massive including an increased risk of developing cancer, dementia and heart disease. With everything going on this past year, working from home and having our kids at home so much more, I know I am struggling to get enough sleep, are you feeling the same way? I know it is only going to get crazier with the world opening up and schedules filling up but sleep is so important to your overall health that you want to make it a priority.  Tune in this week for my rant on the evening routine at my house (LOL) but also the benefits of getting good sleep and why you should be getting at least 8 hours of sleep a night.

The Benefits Of Sleep (This Mama Needs A Nap)

This week I wanted to share ways to stay motivated to reach your goals! Motivation isn't always there so you must learn to be disciplined. You also have to be willing to put in the work. Time, consistency, hard work and motivation are all needed in order to achieve your goal. It's easy to get excited about a new project or goal, but let's be honest ... it's even easier to lose that motivation if you don't set your mind on completing it . Whether you want to complete a personal project at home ... lose 50 pounds ... pass an exam or land your dream career, you need the patience, the right mindset and the persistence to get there. Here are some tips on ways to stay motivated to get you closer to your goals!

Staying Motivated to Reach Your Goals

Welcome to Off the Cuff with Christa Cooper! A podcast where I share weekly stories of my kids, mom life, health and fitness.  I am here to bring you joy, laughs, inspiration and motivation!

Christa is so funny and so talented. She’s got a style that just makes you feel like you’ve been friends for years. And let me tell you, she’s REAL! She talks about home and family and work. LOVE this show!

She’s incredible

Off The Cuff with Christa Cooper

And here we are ... Episode 2 of Off The Cuff! I hope you are enjoying my new podcast so far, I am really having fun with this! This week I talk about the busy mom and trying to figure out ways to manage my time better, why do I feel so rushed all the time? I also talk about going to the movies with my kids, some new recipes I've tried this week including a new Banana Oat Breakfast smoothie and I wrap it up by sharing my fear of cotton balls!

Ep 02: Busy Mom, New Recipes, Cotton Balls and Q-Tips

This week I dive into a quote that has stuck with me recently, "It's not about the weight you lose but the life you gain."  I shared a picture of myself on social media from a year ago and I honestly surprised myself with the weight I have lost and the life I have gained.  I didn't know where I would be today when I started my health journey last year but with hard work, determination and focus I can say I love where I am today and there is no stopping me now.  Hear more of my story in this episode on just how living a healthy life can truly fulfill your life in so many ways! I hope you enjoy it!

It's Not About The Weight Your Lose But The Life You Gain

It's a new month! February is here ... love month! I thought I would share a story that filled my heart this past weekend at home. My husband and daughter bonding over school projects, like seriously, it was the best to just watch them work together.  With it being February, I want to encourage you to find love within yourself and challenge you to find a support group that will help you reach your goals.  I recently have found one myself and so excited about it! In this episode you'll learn more about that and a simple assignment you can do for yourself that may help motivate you towards finding happiness and reach your goals too! Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy!

Finding Love Within Yourself This February

This week I focus on surrounding yourself with happy and what happiness can do for your health.  Studies show being happy is actually good for you! It's not just a smile on your face ... it's a whole bunch of things you can do to be a happier person and in turn a healthier person!

Surround Yourself With Happy

A quote that has hit me pretty hard through my own personal journey is this one, “don’t wish for it, work for it” no matter what your working towards and what goals you have set for yourself, we all can relate to the fact that nothing will get you there unless you’re willing to put in the work, right? It’s about working towards what you want and reminding yourself every day that it’s worth it … YOU are worth it! This is a quick chat on believing in yourself and setting yourself to a higher standard to get more out of what you want. Oh and my kids in the background … don’t mind them! HA! This is mom life …. #enjoy

Don't Wish For It ... Work For It!

As we kick off the new year, 2020 is here can you believe it? I don't set New Years Resolutions, I would rather consider this time of year a time to reset, re-charge and re-focus on what matters most to me. This week I share some motivational tips to help you get started on your healthy journey, whatever that looks like for you! We're all different, but I hope you'll find this helpful in whatever you have going on in your life right now. We can do this together!

Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life

This week I share a recent story of my husband's truck being broken into while we were out to dinner with our kids.  So many have reached out to support us and asking for updates, so I thought I would share what happened and any updates I do have.  I also wanted to use this time to remind others of ways to stay safe, not only over the holidays, but every day as this can happen to anyone.  In looking at the bright side, everything happens for a reason.  We may never know the reason ... but we'll grow from this and move on.  Thanks for listening!

Everything Happens For A Reason - Keeping Yourself Safe

Wait, what? Lose weight and still eat cake? YES! I share my weight loss successes with you and yes, I still eat cake! It's not about a "diet" it's about a lifestyle change, and I hope this helps motivate and inspire you.  It's time to live your best life, I hope you enjoy my story.

Lose Weight and Still Eat Cake

School started a few weeks ago and I am still trying to wrap my head around the new routine! I can't be alone, right? It's like I am hot mess express, running around trying to figure out how to do this whole mom thing all over again! From lunches, to dance, to chores and morning routine ... this is my crazy life! Listen in for real life stories of what's been going on in my world which I hope will remind other mom's out there that you are not alone.  We got this!

Back To School Real Life Mom Struggles

I titled this episode, Why start tomorrow when you can start today, to hopefully inspire and motivate you to take small steps today to get you closer to your goal(s) tomorrow. It's a short message that I hope you'll enjoy and find motivating.  You can do this!

Why Start Tomorrow When You Can Start Today?

Welcome to Episode 14 of Off The Cuff! WOW! This week I answer a question my husband asked me, "Where do I get all my energy?" and in my answer I have a question for myself "What am I going to do today to get me closer to my goals tomorrow?" That's what fuels my energy, might not be for everyone, but it's the way I live my life and feel it might be helpful to others in whatever they have going on in their life as well.  I hope you'll take a listen and enjoy it. Feel free to reach out!

What Are You Going To Do Today To Get Your Closer To Your Goals Tomorrow?

Hi guys! Thanks for stopping by my page and taking a listen to Off The Cuff podcast! This week, I am getting back from vacation and 4th of July, so trying to get back in the swing of things! This week I started a new program ... 21 Day Fix with Beachbody and OMG ... let me tell you.  I am LOVING it! My sister in-law introduced it to me and although I was hesitant at first, thinking I didn't want to "commit" to a program, I was wrong as soon as I did one of the workouts with her! I am only on Day 3, but really liking it and feeling it for sure! I also talk about the importance of a accountability group and connect yourself with others who have similar goals or wanting to live a healthy life. That has been so successful for me and fun to connect with others on that level, share inspiration and help each other every day. If you are looking for a partner, message me! I also couldn't resist sharing some new recipes :) This week I tried, baked bell pepper tacos, simple garlic shrimp and mini veggie egg cups. Below are the links to the recipes if you want to give them a try! YUM! Baked Bell Pepper Tacos: https://peasandcrayons.com/2016/03/baked-bell-pepper-tacos-recipe.htmlSimple Garlic Shrimp: https://shewearsmanyhats.com/easy-garlic-shrimp-recipe/Mini Veggie Egg Cups: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JPAwRaKimY

Hi guys! Thanks for stopping by my page and taking a listen to Off The Cuff podcast! This week, I am getting back from vacation and 4th of July, so trying to get back in the swing of things! This week I started a new program ... 21 Day Fix with Beachbody and OMG ... let me tell you. I am LOVING it! My sister in-law introduced it to me and although I was hesitant at first, thinking I didn't want to "commit" to a program, I was wrong as soon as I did one of the workouts with her! I am only on Day 3, but really liking it and feeling it for sure! I also talk about the importance of a accountability group and connect yourself with others who have similar goals or wanting to live a healthy life. That has been so successful for me and fun to connect with others on that level, share inspiration and help each other every day. If you are looking for a partner, message me! I also couldn't resist sharing some new recipes :) This week I tried, baked bell pepper tacos, simple garlic shrimp and mini veggie egg cups. Below are the links to the recipes if you want to give them a try! YUM! Baked Bell Pepper Tacos: <a href="https://peasandcrayons.com/2016/03/baked-bell-pepper-tacos-recipe.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://peasandcrayons.com/2016/03/baked-bell-pepper-tacos-recipe.html</a> Simple Garlic Shrimp: <a href="https://shewearsmanyhats.com/easy-garlic-shrimp-recipe/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://shewearsmanyhats.com/easy-garlic-shrimp-recipe/</a> Mini Veggie Egg Cups: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JPAwRaKimY" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JPAwRaKimY</a>

21 Day Fix, Accountability & New Recipes

Hi guys! Thanks for checking out my page and taking a listen to the latest episode of my podcast "Off The Cuff!" This week I talk a little about my weight loss plateau and some helpful tricks to getting through it.  The timing for me just isn't right, since I am getting ready to leave for vacation! BUT, I won't let that hold me back from having the best time! Time to celebrate my success so far :) I also talk about self-confidence and finding that within yourself, which can be hard over the summer months when we have to put that dreaded bathing suit on!! Right?? Well, don't let your insecurities hold you back from having a great summer with your family.  THEY are watching! I came across a story recently that struck a chord with me, check out WDSD.COM - search Christa Cooper for my show notes page to see the full story.

Hi guys! Thanks for checking out my page and taking a listen to the latest episode of my podcast "Off The Cuff!" This week I talk a little about my weight loss plateau and some helpful tricks to getting through it. The timing for me just isn't right, since I am getting ready to leave for vacation! BUT, I won't let that hold me back from having the best time! Time to celebrate my success so far :) I also talk about self-confidence and finding that within yourself, which can be hard over the summer months when we have to put that dreaded bathing suit on!! Right?? Well, don't let your insecurities hold you back from having a great summer with your family. THEY are watching! I came across a story recently that struck a chord with me, check out <a href="http://WDSD.COM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">WDSD.COM</a> - search Christa Cooper for my show notes page to see the full story.

Weight Loss Plateau & Self Confidence

This week I update you on my struggles with potty training my youngest! I also feel the presence of a guardian angel after high winds ripped through our neighborhood, and somehow our house and property went untouched.  INCREDIBLE right? Take a listen as I dive in and share the latest in my life!

Ep 11: This Is Life

I came across a survey saying 54% of parents in the U.S. think they're more relaxed about the rules than their parents were. YUP! Listen to my latest podcast above to hear the top 10 most common "rules of the house" and some I REALLY need to start implementing at my house!

Ep 10: Most Common "Rules of the House"

Hey guys!!!! I have been SUPER busy so it's time to catch up! My daughter Bella has graduated pre-school, like where did the time go! And turns 5 soon (May 31st!) so I have stories for you! Somehow in my crazy schedule I squeezed in a dentist appointment and left with an in home sleep test, so I share that story with you.  Plus, I also am realizing now that it's getting nicer out, I am getting off track just a little bit with my health, cocktails on the porch sound like a great idea over going to the gym! But I am getting back on track and have some tips and share a list of 29 healthy snacks to help you lose weight. Below is the link for more info too. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/29-healthy-snacks-for-weight-lossHope you enjoy!

Hey guys!!!! I have been SUPER busy so it's time to catch up! My daughter Bella has graduated pre-school, like where did the time go! And turns 5 soon (May 31st!) so I have stories for you! Somehow in my crazy schedule I squeezed in a dentist appointment and left with an in home sleep test, so I share that story with you. Plus, I also am realizing now that it's getting nicer out, I am getting off track just a little bit with my health, cocktails on the porch sound like a great idea over going to the gym! But I am getting back on track and have some tips and share a list of 29 healthy snacks to help you lose weight. Below is the link for more info too. <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/29-healthy-snacks-for-weight-loss" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/29-healthy-snacks-for-weight-loss</a> Hope you enjoy!

Ep 9: Super Busy Mama - Where do we find the time?

This week my good friend Anthony joins me on Off The Cuff to talk about life with kids! He is a dad, husband and great friend of mine.  We have worked together for just under 9 years now! From going out for drinks and concerts ... to both of us having kids ... I wanted to get his perspective on how life changes when you have kids ... the ups, the downs, the fun and all the craziness! We dive into relationships, food and who controls the remote at home too :)

Ep 8: The Guy's Perspective

Thanks for listening to Off the Cuff! This week I share my story of attempting the Marie Kondo method as I get spring ready with clothes that are finally fitting again! I also had to share a funny story of what my daughter said to her daddy when it comes to where he's ticklish (behind his yaya's ... I know you're probably thinking what he was but take a listen to find out what she REALLY meant!) I also wanted to touch on Mother's Day coming up this weekend, the average mom spends 97 hours a week taking care of their children and if you put a dollar to that, moms would make over $100,000 a year! Hope you enjoy this week's chat. Find me on Facebook and Instagram @ Christa Cooper and on Twitter @RadioChrista

Thanks for listening to Off the Cuff! This week I share my story of attempting the Marie Kondo method as I get spring ready with clothes that are finally fitting again! I also had to share a funny story of what my daughter said to her daddy when it comes to where he's ticklish (behind his yaya's ... I know you're probably thinking what he was but take a listen to find out what she REALLY meant!) I also wanted to touch on Mother's Day coming up this weekend, the average mom spends 97 hours a week taking care of their children and if you put a dollar to that, moms would make over $100,000 a year! Hope you enjoy this week's chat. Find me on Facebook and Instagram @ Christa Cooper and on Twitter @RadioChrista

Ep 7: Marie Kondo, YaYa's & Moms need a raise

This week I share stories of my girls seeing the Easter bunny, to my first hydrafacial at Premier Spa and Laser Center! I also have discovered a new workout app that I have fallen in love with along with some health tips ... 6 workouts everyone should be doing and 5 drinks that will help you lose weight.

Ep 6: Easter Re-cap, Hydrafacials, Health and Fitness

Amanda Smith

This week I am happy to introduce you to on my closest and best friends, Amanda! We sat down to chat about our lives as full time working moms trying to juggle work, home and kids.  We share some fun stories of our kids and Amanda shares some great parenting tips and inspiration on becoming a healthier version of yourself. Hope you enjoy!

EP 5: #MomLife with Amanda Smith

The best podcast episodes of the most interesting stories and things. From skyping someone while they're in space, to tracking down and meeting a telephone scammer in person, to the story of a Galapagos. These episodes will keep you and all your friends entertained and captivated for hours. Learn something new in every episode! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes: Interesting Stories & Things

The best podcast episodes on romantic relationships. Episodes talk about the 5 love languages, intimacy, and the taboo topics of sexual desires and infidelity. This topic is a deep dive into the science and complexities that face us in our relationships with others. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!