Over the past couple of years, so many friends and followers have reached out asking about my transformation—from being a mom of four to being a mom of four and finding my way back to myself.
The truth is, the change has been noticeable—and intentional. It didn’t happen overnight, and it didn’t happen without some self-care along the way (yes, including a tummy tuck, fillers, and really great skincare). But what people are usually asking about isn’t the surface-level stuff.
They’re asking how I feel so much more energized. More confident. More grounded.
This post—and this series—is about the why behind the transformation, and how I built a version of my life that finally includes me again.
👉 Side note: If fillers are your thing (and you’re local to San Diego), head to Revive Med Spa to get started. First-time patient? Book through this link and use promo code CITYGIRL50.
Where I Started (And What I Wasn’t Willing to Sacrifice)
Let me be clear: I never stopped prioritizing my kids.
Their activities. Their routines. Their joy.
For a long time, my physical fitness aligned almost entirely with family life—and that made complete sense for the season I was in. Getting a workout in was few and far between, and I was genuinely okay with that. Movement looked like family fun runs, chasing kids, and staying active in ways that fit around everyone else. It wasn’t about a routine—it was about togetherness.
What changed wasn’t my commitment to my family—it was my readiness to make my health a priority again, not just something that happened when it was convenient.
Now, when Brody goes to dance, instead of sitting in the car working or rushing home, I work out at a nearby gym during his practice. Same schedule. Same commitment to my kids. But suddenly, I was intentionally showing up for myself too.
Two birds. One stone. Zero guilt.
That shift only worked because I wasn’t doing it alone. Having a supportive husband—someone who encouraged me to take the time, protected the space, and reminded me that my health mattered too—made all the difference. When your partner is truly in your corner, it changes what feels possible.
That rhythm became the foundation for everything that followed.
1. Building a Routine That Fit My Life
At first, the gym worked for me—and I was incredibly diligent about it. Showing up consistently helped me create a new rhythm and mindset around movement. It wasn’t about chasing a result; it was about proving to myself that this was part of my lifestyle now.
Once that routine was established, I started dialing things in.
Last year, I made the switch to Pilates—and that’s when everything fine-tuned. Pilates Republic became my religion, and I never looked back. San Diego locals- get three free classes when you use code DANIPILATES!
Pilates didn’t just change my body; it changed how I felt in my body. More sculpted. More toned. More confident. More connected.
Through Pilates, I found:
- A deeper mind–body connection
- Friendships that felt aligned and supportive
- A genuine obsession with feeling strong, sculpted, and confident
It wasn’t a restart—it was refinement. One example of how I learned to elevate what was already working instead of constantly reinventing the wheel.
2. Fueling My Body Without Restriction
Energy doesn’t come from willpower alone.
Once movement was consistent, I turned my attention to how I was supporting my body every single day—and this is where things really started to shift.
I dialed in supplements that genuinely moved the needle for me, including:
- Cymbiotika Natural and Organic Supplements – Seamoss, Colostrum, Vitamin-C… you name it. The best out there. Click on the link for 15% off!
- Drinklits Hydration Tablets – Sugar-free, vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free and kosher. Perfect for your whole family. Psssst! They’re on sale! PLUS, use code CITYGIRLGONEMOM for an additional 20% off.
Paired with a consistently high-protein diet, the difference wasn’t subtle. I felt clearer, stronger, more balanced, and far more energized throughout the day.
And yes—we still eat pasta in this house. I still make my family my favorite recipes. Because restriction is not our love language, and balance is what makes this sustainable.
This isn’t about cutting joy—it’s about fueling it.
3. Friendships Are Food for the Soul
This might be the most meaningful shift of all.
For a long time, I didn’t leave the kids. I didn’t prioritize nights out or girls trips. It felt easier—and honestly safer—to stay home.
Last year, when the time was right, I made a conscious decision to change that.
I started saying yes to friendships again. To dinners. To trips. To showing up.
I also became incredibly intentional about who I aligned myself with—people who share core beliefs and values, even when our religious denominations may differ. We stand by one another. We support one another. That alignment has been grounding in ways I didn’t expect.
Supporting my Jewish friends through an incredibly difficult season has made me a better human—and a better example for my children. Compassion, loyalty, and standing together matter. These are lessons I want my kids to see lived out, not just talked about.
Friendship didn’t take me away from my family. With the support of my husband, it strengthened the woman, mother, and partner I bring back home.
4. Confidence Is Built, Not Found
Confidence didn’t come from a number on the scale.
It came from keeping promises to myself—and from choosing to care for my body in ways that support both healing and joy.
Part of that meant investing in treatments that helped me feel more comfortable and confident in my own skin. Working with Tam Patel at Skinstitute has been a meaningful part of that journey—from laser treatments to help fade scars from having kids and my tummy tuck, to red light therapy and NAD treatments that support recovery, energy, and overall wellness. Watch my NAD+ experience here. Visit Rejuvenation Wellness here. And use code CITYGIRL for 25% off!
These weren’t quick fixes. They were thoughtful, restorative choices—about honoring what my body has carried me through and giving it the care it deserves.
And then there’s the fun part. I also believe confidence gets built through joy.
Faux hair, don’t care. My hair extensions and regular blowouts are something I genuinely look forward to. They feel indulgent in the best way. I work hard, I show up for everyone else, and this is one of the ways I choose to show up for myself. It’s not about perfection—it’s about doing something that makes me feel polished, confident, and happy.
Because sometimes confidence looks like discipline and healing.
And sometimes it looks like great hair.
Staying Happy, Healthy, and Fulfilled
This season of my life isn’t about “getting my body back.”
It’s about:
- Protecting my energy
- Honoring my commitments—to my kids and myself
- Refining routines instead of reinventing them
- Choosing nourishment, movement, friendships, and partnership that support the life I want
I feel strong. I feel grounded. I feel excited for what’s ahead.
And I’m just getting started.
This post kicks off a series where I’ll be sharing the routines, habits, and tools that helped me find my way back to my best self—and how I plan to stay happy, healthy, and fulfilled in the year ahead.
What are you doing to be your best self… share in the comments below!
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