For the Ell of It with Ellie Topinka

This week is the one year anniversary of the podcast! I truly can’t believe it, and I first and foremost just want to thank you for being here and supporting me on this journey. Today I am looking back again with my girl Jami. This time we are talking all things life regrets and wins… the things we are glad we did or tried and the things we kinda wish we wouldn’t have.

I find so much value in looking back and reflecting on lifes choices. We live and we learn and I am so thankful that even in my regrets, the funny and the more serious, that I learned lessons and things about myself that I wouldn’t have known otherwise. I hope you found some value in today’s episode too and were able to do some of your own reflecting.

As I look back on this last year of podcasting I have learned so much from so many people who have lived things I may never experience, and I am so thankful to all of them and all of you. To celebrate one year of this journey I will be doing a giveaway on my @fortheellofit instagram that will be posted tomorrow… and let’s just say it’s something that many have been asking for. So be sure to check it out!

As always, thank you for being here,

Today I am talking to my friend Melissa about her beautiful family, but specifically about how her husband and herself chose to adopt a little girl with down syndrome from China. We discuss how Gertie has impacted their family, how they encourage others to celebrate differences, and more. 

If this conversation doesn't make you feel joyful, I don’t know what will. I love her love for her family and how she celebrates all of her kids and their abilities. I strive to parent as beautifully as Melissa does. I have linked all of the resources we talked about in this episode below and be sure to follow @fortheellofit on Instagram for behind the scenes, episode insights and more.

And if you haven’t already, I would love for you to leave a rating or review of the podcast on whatever platform you listen!

As always friends, thank you for being here.

xoxo, Ell

Links

Rising Kites

Maggie's "be" Cafe'

I’m officially 32 weeks pregnant and in full nesting mode so what better topic for us then preparing for a new baby?! We are about 7 weeks away from meeting our sweet baby #2 and I have thoughts…

This pregnancy has flown by and I’m so excited but also a little scared and overwhelmed by the thought of adding to our already chaotic life. But I know with the support of my amazing husband and our village, we will figure it all out.

If you enjoyed this episode be sure to share it with a friend or on socials and be sure to follow @fortheellofit on Instagram for episode insights and more.

Thanks for being here friends,

XOXO Ell

Today we are taking about our aging. Whether we like it or not, we are all aging, every day. And unfortunately our society often makes women specifically feel like they should always be hiding the natural aging process. My friend Andrea and I talk botox, hair dying, and more in this honest and real conversation about learning to embrace the age you are and learning to live as your most authentic self.

Aging can be scary and hard. But I loved Andrea's take on aging and how by embracing every day and being grateful for the opportunity to age. Aging doesn’t have to be the end of the world. Don’t let your age dictate how you live your life… live it the way that makes YOU feel most alive.

If you loved this conversation, please share it with a friend or on social media and if you haven’t already, be sure to follow @fortheellofit on Instagram for episode highlights, behind the scenes and more! Well that’s all I have for you today, as always, thank you for being here friends, I will see you next week! 

LINKS

Today’s episode is all about the value of community. Every time I have gone through a big life change or event, I have needed (and wanted) to lean on my community and have been lucky enough to always have them. However, I know that’s not the case for everyone. So today, Katie and I are going to talk about the different people who can make up your community, why it’s important and how to grow your community if you’re feeling like you don’t have one. I won’t lie to you tho, this episode is a tad all over the place. My kid was awake and screaming through half of it, my dog fell off the bed and was being obnoxious…. It was a struggle. But we got it done.

Community will always be important and I would venture to say is even more important in this day and age than ever. I hope this episode encourags you to reach out to those in your community or to find new community if you’re currently lacking in that area. It’s not easy, but it’s vital. We aren’t meant to do life alone. We all need and deserve love, support, and encouragement from those around us. I just want to thank THIS community for being all of that and more for me over the last year. It means the world and I wouldn’t still be doing this if it wasnt for all of you.

If you haven’t already, be sure to rate and review the podcast on whatever platform you listen so we can continue to grow this podcasting community. Well that’s all I have for you this week friends.

As always. Thank you for being here, I will see you next week. 

xoxo, Ell

Welcome to Season 3!

Today we are going to talk all things New Year and New Intentions... Like I've shared before I don't like to do "resolutions"... it feels like too much pressure. So instead I set intentions and work toward them throughout the year. If I accomplish them... great! If not, oh well. In today's episode I recap last year's intentions and how I did and what I have planned for this year.

If you haven't already, be sure your subscribed to the podcast so you never miss out on an episode. Follow @fortheellofit on Instagram for behind the scenes, episode insights and more!

As always, thanks for being here friends, I'm excited to see where this season takes us.

xoxo, Ell

LINKS

The Date Night Book - 60 Scratch-Off Date Night Ideas & Unique Adventures for Couples, Valentine's Day Gift, Gifts for Him, Romantic Couples Gift, Anniversary or Wedding Gift : Office Products

With the holidays quickly approaching I thought it would be fun to do a short little mini episode on my favorite things…. and I’ve broken it down into Household Items, Items for Me, My Baby Must Haves and Toddler Favorites. Everything is linked below for you to be able to check out if you’re feeling stuck on some gifts this year. Just so everyone knows I make ZERO dollars off this - I’m no influencer but I know it’s always nice to hear about products that people love and why when it comes to shopping around the holidays. I will also be sharing and highlighting some of my favorite small businesses on my stories this week, so be sure to check out @fortheellofit on Instagram!

Links

Household Favorites

1. Chom Chom Roller 

My Personal Favorites

1. Living Proof Dry Shampoo 

Baby Essentials

1. Bumbo Changing Pad 

Toddler Favorites

1. Nugget Couch 

Today I am talking to my friend Erika all about her journey with health and wellness over the last almost 4 years. She is real, honest, and so encouraging. I love her realistic take that health is all about balance and that your numbers (weight, size of jeans etc.) do not you define you.. So let’s stop letting them.

I hope this conversation is helpful and motivating for anyone going through a season where they are struggling with their health and wellness. I’m so proud of Erika’s growth and transformation both mentally, emotionally and physically.

If you loved this episode, be sure to share it on socials or with your friends and family. And if you’re not already, make sure you’re following @forthelleofit on Instagram for behind the scenes, episode highlights and more.

As always, thanks for being here friends,

xoxo Ell

Friendships are such a huge part of my life and learning to maintain and find the balance of family, friends, work, kids.. Is HARD. But not impossible. If you feel strongly about a relationship, there are ways to keep it strong.

If you enjoyed this episode please share it on socials or with your friends and family and if you haven’t already be sure to rate and review the show on whatever platform you listen on!

I’m so thankful FOR YOU! This podcast community that is a whole group of friends who have been so supportive of me over the last 8 months of this podcast journey. You are the real ones…

XOXO Ell

Today I am so excited to introduce you to my friend Beka McCay. Beka is a life coach today we are talking about the enneagram - a personality test that has really grown in popularity. It’s an interesting way to learn about yourself and those around you.

Learning about the enneagram has been so interesting to me and I am excited to take a deeper dive into it now. Like Beka said it’s important that we know ourselves deeply so we are able to live our best lives. If you loved this episode be sure to share it on socials or with your family and friends.

As always, thanks for being here friends.

XOXO Ell

LINKS