BE THE CHANGE!!!

This week I had the opportunity to chat with Kodette Labarbera, creator and writer behind her blog KodetteLabarbera.com. Kodette is a devoted blogger, wife, mother and an advocate for a healthier and a more charitable lifestyle for others. Kodette created her blog in 2016 in efforts to raise awareness for autism and it grew into something much bigger. Her blog has now become a platform to promote a more philanthropic and healthier lifestyle for her family and others. Her blog allows her to share her favorite recipes, foods, books, workouts and fashion with others as well as give us an inside look at her daily life. It was a pleasure and honor being able to chat with her and I hope this blog post helps promote her mission and gives others the opportunity to do the same.

Q: Recently, you became the ambassador of Made Foods, Can you share your favorite kid/adult friendly menu item and why you like it?

A: "I absolutely love almost everything at Made Foods. However, I do really enjoy their salads. I love a good pre-made salad and theirs are actually quite filling. Jason and I both get full on them! I also really like their Quinoa crusted chicken. For their kids foods, the bites lunchbox is a great choice! So tasty and worth the value!"

 Q: What does your typical workout plan/ routine look like on a daily basis?

A: "My typical workout plan is usually pretty steady but sometimes it changes. Depends on the kids and if Jason is home. If he is home, I like to go spin at 6 a.m. By the time I get home, it's time to wake the kids up and get them ready for school. I'll also go while they are at school. I'll do spin and/or a circuit class. I usually get my workouts done in the morning. It's much easier for me to get my workout in now that they are both in school full time. On weekends I will just do a light workout in our gym, or a good stretching and rolling out session. I find if I can get it done in the morning, then I have time to focus on work until the kids get home from school."

Q: What has hockey taught you? I know it's been a big part of your life.

A: "What has hockey taught me?..... mostly that you can't control anything! Haha!!! It has taught me a lot though. It's been a roller coaster but I wouldn't trade it for anything. It's taught me a lot about myself and how I want to be more charitable and giving. You come across all walks of life and you want to use your platform to give back. It has taught me about friendships, and what other cultures can teach you. We have been blessed to have had different teammates and I love learning more about them and the way they do things back home. It has taught me how to make the best out of any situation and to just keep having fun."

My Thoughts: I absolutely LOVE what Kodette had to say about what hockey has taught her. She couldn't have said it more perfectly and in my opinion this doesn't just apply to the hockey life but it also applies to life in general. When Kodette says " It has taught me how to make the best out of any situation and to just keep having fun" life should be spontaneous and fun. You only get one life to live so why not make it and live it your best! I also really LOVE that through hockey, she has learned and devoted herself to being more charitable ad giving because she witnesses all different walks of life and she uses her platform to give back, which is amazing and SO kind of her. So Kodette THANK YOU for devoting your time and effort to make someone else's life amazing and THANK YOU for giving life a whole new perspective for us. "Be the change you wish to see in the world."- Mahatma Ghandi

Q: What charities are you currently apart of and why? Which one is most significant to you and why?

A: "Right now I am only working with two charities. I had a lot of charities on the go for many years. But now that we have settled at home in Calgary, I am working again so I have to manage my time properly. I'm currently an ambassador for The Breakfast Club of Canada. We hosted our first golf tournament with them last July and have our second annual July 5th, 2018. I give back to autism every year. This year I will be doing a spin ride and donating to a school in Calgary who is in need of the funds."

Breakfast Club of Canada: https://vimeo.com/227445615

Q: What is your favorite seasonal fashion tips and pieces?

A: "I love anything Zara. I feel like they push the average look a step further into being a little bit trendier. I love my basic pieces too. Jeans and t-shirt, but if I want to have a cool new top, I'll go to Zara. Also, their jeans are AMAZING!!!"

Q: What are some fitness and wellness tips you can share?

A: "I try to eat as clean as possible. Cutting out dairy, refined sugar, and processed food. I am human though and do enjoy a cheat meal here and there. Also, staying consistent with your meals is important. I have to mix up my workouts with weights and cardio. I enjoy the good sweat of cardio, but weights really lean me out."

Q: Do you have any special holiday activities you and your family like to participate in or do? What's your favorite holiday?

A: "We have no special holiday activities because of hockey, our holidays have always been so spontaneous and random. But I love that!!! We always do something with friends and family when we can. We love having lots of people around!!! Our favorite holiday is definitely Christmas. It's so much fun now with kids, and seeing them get so excited and believing in Santa. Easton thinks I have Santa's number, so he's on his best behavior so that I don't text him." 😉

My Thoughts: Kodette, you win the "mom of the year" award for figuring out a way to get kids to behave all year long so that Santa doesn't get a "text" about their behavior. HAHAHA!!! Good idea. LOVE IT!!!😀

Q: Do you have any events or activities coming up that you would like to share on my blog?

A: "In April, I plan on doing spin rides for Autism to raise money for an Autism school here that could REALLY use the money. I love this opportunity to talk about Autism, I find as people are so interested in knowing more and for people who are affected by Autism because they really love to connect and know that they aren't alone. In July, we will be hosting our second annual golf tournament with proceeds going to The Breakfast Club of Canada. It's an amazing program that feeds kids every morning before school across Canada. The tournament was a really great time last year and I'm looking forward to the next one on July 5th."

Thank you so much Kodette for taking the time to chat with me and allowing me to feature you on my blog this month!!!- Tessa

Please feel free to comment, ask questions, and share your stories with me. I enjoy reading them!!! Also please check out Kodette's blog and help her continue her mission!!! XOXO, Tessa 

Links:

• Kodette's Blog: https://www.kodettelabarbera.com/
• Golf Tournament Blog Post: https://www.kodettelabarbera.com/single-post/2017/08/03/Golf-Tournament
• For more information about Made Foods: https://www.madefoods.com/
• Breakfast Club of Canada Video: https://vimeo.com/227445615
• For more information about The Breakfast Club of Canada and the Golf Tournament: http://www.breakfastclubcanada.org/golfca/
• For more information on New Heights School and the Golf Tournament: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72dgpeqvW0A
• Link to watch Hockey Wives: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifyITeoZqq4&t=2000s