“Surround yourself with people who push you, who challenge you, who make you laugh, who make you better, who make you happy.”
ALL SMILES IN THE SAND at the Sweat for Smiles “Om My Skin” Beach Yoga Party last weekend! The best part of this event is the people that came together to support SunSmart Athletes (Sun Safety and Skin Cancer Awareness), work on their fitness/wellness with Linda Baffa and Shannon Algeo, and try healthy Fit Bites, while mingling with other fitness-minded people. I’m passionate about the #positivity that fills the air and grateful to all involved, especially GRACEDBYGRIT for making it all possible. It was amazing to see everyone come together in spirit of a good cause and wellness for all involved.
Invite: Custom Image & Digital Flier
An digital invitation was sent out via Event Brite, Facebook, and email to friends of Sweat for Smiles, GRACEDBYGRIT, SunSmart Athletes 4 weeks prior to the event.
The Good Cause: Sun Smart Athletes
SunSmart Athletes is a “team approach to reducing overall sun exposure for NCAA athletes, coaches, and fans.” It was created by Dr. Ashley Wysong, Assistant Professor in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Southern California (USC) and the Director of Mohs and Dermatologic Surgery along with Dr. Myles Cockburn, Associate Professor of Preventive Medicine and founder of SunSmart. I was grateful that Dr. Ashley Wysong, also a former collegiate athlete, was able to attend the event, along with Shauna Higgins, Skin Cancer Clinical Research Fellow at USC.
As a former NCAA swimmer at USC, I know how much time collegiate athletes, coaches, and fans spend outside in the sun, and I feel strongly about the importance of sun safety and skin cancer awareness. Like many of us, I have people close to me that are currently suffering from various forms of skin cancer and I was thrilled to be able to support the cause and a great organization like SunSmart Athletes.
Refreshing Sips: White Claw Hard Seltzer
White Claw, the purest hard seltzer available, generously donated the sips for the guests at this party. It was a huge hit among the guests, and me too! Its available in 4 flavors that provides the cleanest, purest alcohol base possible, and is very relevant for those leading a healthier lifestyle this summer.
Fit Bites: The Cuisinistas Club
Before and after the yoga workout, guests indulged in Green Grape & Blueberry Skewers and Cucumber Basil Mozzarella Bites courtesy of The Cuisinistas Club (Recipes to follow in upcoming Fit Bites post!).
Beach Yoga Workout Linda Baffa:
Superstar yoga instructor, Linda Baffa, taught a 45 minute Hatha practice, with flow elements, inspiring us all to embrace the elements of the day: Sun, Sand, Ocean, and Full Moon. It was a bit challenging for beginners, but it offered modifications and options for all levels.
Meditation with Shannon Algeo:
The incredible, Shannon Algeo, guided us through a mindfulness meditation allowing us to tune into our bodies and connect to the surrounding environment. Through grounding centering, and breathing, we dropped into a deeper state of awareness that left us blissed out and ready to enjoy a beautiful LA Saturday.
Too Much Fun!
Linda and I loved wearing GRACEDBYGRIT at the party! We are each wearing the Show ‘Em Whatcha Got Cami and the Chelsea Capri. The material is super luxurious fabric imported from Italy and designed to move with you. It’s waterproof, SPF 50, and made in the USA.
As if that’s not enough, GRACEDBYGRIT celebrates strength and power and puts women’s safety first. Each item of clothing has a place to hold a whistle, which you get with every purchase! They want women to feel “powerful, confident, safe, and motivated to be active.” Love this!
Trunk Show: 20% to SunSmart Athletes
After the ultimate beach yoga workout and meditation, guests indulged in some shopping on the beach. Mariah from GRACEDBYGRIT brought her fave styles and 20% of each purchase went to SunSmart Athletes. Win, Win!
Raffle: GRACEDBYGRIT Swag
Sweat for Smilers who donated to SunSmart Athletes received a raffle ticket to enter for a chance to win a GRACEDBYGRIT “Gritty Girl” tank and baseball hat. Congrats to Meg from Playa Del Rey!
Goodie Bags: Inspiring Beauty, Safety & Wellness
To thank guests for their time and support, each left the beach with an awesome GRACEDBYGRIT tote, incredible non-greasy sunscreen by Merle Norman, hair ties, safety whistles, and a Lip Crayon in Barcelona Bright Berry by Trestique, awesome easy-to-apply makeup designed to enhance the natural beauty of women on-the-go!
And that’s a wrap! Here’s to another fantastic fitness party for a fantastic cause.
Stay tuned for more details on our style, the Fit Bites, Linda Baffa‘s beach yoga workout and Shannon Algeo‘s meditation – thats next!
Until then – Sweat. Give. Sparkle!
Xx,
Ashley
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