Overcoming Postpartum Hair Loss: My Journey with Routine Wellness

Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support the time and resources required to run this blog.

If you’ve ever dealt with chronic hair loss, especially postpartum, you know the emotional ups and downs that come with it. Four years after Nicholas was born I was still struggling with thinning hair and shedding that felt never‑ending. Seeing my balding hairline near my temples took a serious toll on my self‑confidence. I couldn’t keep my hair blonde like I used to, and keratin treatments were out of the question because my hair was thin, weak and damaged.

I honestly felt like I had tried everything. From gentle shampoos and scalp treatments to supplements, nothing seemed to help in a meaningful way — until I discovered Routine Wellness.


🧴 Starting With the Basics: Shampoo & Conditioner

The first products I started with were the Routine Wellness Shampoo & Conditioner Set. This set is formulated specifically for thinning and fragile hair, blending ingredients like biotin, argan oil, saw palmetto, naturally derived plant extracts, and caffeine to help cleanse, nourish, and fortify hair while you wash. The formulas are sulfate‑free and safe for color‑treated hair, which was a huge plus for me as someone who loves lighter hair tones. They’re kid-safe too, which makes them perfect for families. One shampoo and conditioner set can easily be shared by everyone. There are also so many different scents to choose from, including limited-edition options like the Orange Blossom & Sandalwood and Pear Blossom & White Lotus winter scents that I had the pleasure of experiencing.

Honestly, within the first six weeks of consistent use, I noticed my hair texture felt more resilient and hydrated—something I hadn’t experienced in years with other shampoos. Within just a few washes, my hair felt healthier and stronger overall.

Be sure to follow the directions on the shampoo bottle and massage it into your scalp for a full minute before rinsing. I usually let the conditioner sit on my strands while I shaved or took a quick “mommy moment” under the hot water.

I also incorporated a detox comb into my routine, using it before showering to help detox my hair and scalp prior to applying the hair serum, shampoo, and conditioner.


💧 Next Step: Hair Serum & Deep Conditioning Mask

Once I loved the shampoo & conditioner, I introduced the Routine Wellness Advanced Hair Serum. This serum is packed with nourishing oils like rosemary and jojoba that help balance the scalp and provide deeper nourishment to the roots and strands. Applying it consistently (especially with a gentle scalp massage) made my hair look shinier and feel stronger right at the surface.

Then I added the Routine Wellness Deep Conditioning Hair Mask once a week. This mask is rich and deeply hydrating, with ingredients like saw palmetto, biotin, avocado oil, and rosemary extract — all chosen to strengthen, repair, and reduce breakage while adding moisture and manageability.

Using the mask regularly became a self‑care ritual — and it definitely helped soften and define my hair in a way I hadn’t seen in years.


💊 Inside Support: Hair Supplement

To tackle shedding from the inside out, I added Routine’s hair supplement. Their potent formula includes highly absorbable biotin, eggshell membrane for density, ashwagandha to support strength, saw palmetto to combat DHT, and other micronutrients shown to help support hair thickness and scalp health.

Taking the supplement consistently felt like putting the final piece in place for rebuilding my hair — not just superficially, but at a nutritional level.


🎉 The Moment It All Felt Worth It

The real turning point? At Nicholas’ birthday party, my best friend (who knew exactly how hard this journey has been) pulled me aside. She said, “Your hair looks fantastic, what are you doing?” And in that moment, I laughed and said, “I use a detox brush and the entire Routine Wellness system.” That kind of validation, from someone who’s seen it all, made every effort worth it.

You can check out more of my hair journey posts here and here.


💸 Use My Discount Code

If you want to try the Routine Wellness system for yourself, use my code ROUTVIBES15 at checkout for 15% off on their website.


Final Thoughts

Postpartum hair loss is not just about vanity. It impacts your confidence, your mental health, and how you see yourself every single day. I truly tried everything. Supplements, masks, oils, salon treatments, expensive products, and countless recommendations. Nothing stopped the shedding or the tears. My shower drain was constantly clogged, my hairbrush filled with clumps of hair, and I would stand in front of the mirror crying over thinning, balding areas near my temples.

Finding the Routine Wellness system has honestly been a blessing. Today, I am being told my hair looks good again. I can get keratin treatments. I can color my hair. My hair feels stronger, healthier, and fuller, and for the first time in years, I enjoy styling it without fear of what will fall out in my hands.

If you are walking this same path, please know you are not alone. Give yourself grace, stay patient, and do not give up. Healing takes time, but finding something that truly works can change everything. ❤️

If you want to chat about my hair loss journey, the best way to reach me is through Instagram via DM or through the contact page on my blog.

Be well,
Danielle

PS. Be sure to check out Routine Wellness on Instagram, too!

PPS. Add the image below to your Pinterest board!

Jillian Spencer Studios & Basic Invite: A Perfect Holiday Combo

Sponsored post; all opinions within are my own.

This season, we had the absolute joy of returning to Jillian Spencer Studios for our second photo shoot — and once again, Jillian delivered the warm, natural, personality-filled portraits that our family loves. Those images became the heart of our 2025 Christmas card, designed through Basic Invite, a brand we’ve been loyal to for four years. Together, they made this year’s holiday experience truly special.

📸 Working with Jillian Spencer Studios in Roxbury, NJ

Jillian Spencer Studios is located at:

100 Main Street
Succasunna, NJ 07876

We first discovered Jillian Spencer Studios last year, and ever since, her work has become part of our family tradition. Jillian created such a relaxed, comfortable environment for the kids and for us! Emilia and Nicholas were so cooperative, and Jillian captured the beautifully posed shots we look forward to each year. It is the one time we are all dressed in coordinated outfits and can get everyone looking at the camera, smiling, and together in one frame. We also enjoy the beautiful candids!

Jillian has a talent for reading the room, knowing when to guide and when to simply let the magic happen. She works quickly (a blessing with little ones and a “why do we have to do this” husband) but never rushes the process. Every session feels intentional and personal. The snow machine was a big hit and captured amazing smiles!

This particular shoot gave us timeless, soft, joyful photos…the kind that instantly felt “frame-worthy” and perfect for our annual holiday card.

Jillian offers so much more than family portraits. She does studio shoots, outdoor sessions, sports photography, and more, making her a versatile choice for all your photography needs. Jillian has so much to offer, so make sure you check out her Instagram and website.

🎄 Turning Our Favorites into Holiday Magic with Basic Invite

Once we got our final gallery back from Jillian, we knew immediately which images would headline our Basic Invite Christmas card. This is our fourth year designing cards through Basic Invite, and the loyalty is well earned as their customization options are unmatched, their quality is consistently beautiful, and the process is always seamless.

What We Chose This Year

We created our most elevated card yet:

✨ Raised Foil
We upgraded to raised foil again and WOW. The card has a gorgeous, tactile shimmer that adds a luxe finish without feeling over-the-top. It made the card feel extra festive.

✨ Full Customization
One of the reasons we keep returning to Basic Invite is the level of control. We could adjust fonts, spacing, colors, foil placement, and photo layout. It allowed us to truly match the design to Jillian’s warm, neutral-toned images.

✨ A Recap on the Back
This year, we added a mini “year in review” on the back of the card. It included a short update on each family member which is something personal, something fun, and something memorable. It turned our card into more of a keepsake than a greeting.

Why We Keep Coming Back

Basic Invite continues to impress us year after year. The paper quality is thick and substantial, the printing is crisp, and the designs feel both modern and classic. The templates are there for support, but the customization options let you make each card completely your own.

Between Jillian’s stunning photography and Basic Invite’s thoughtful design tools, our 2025 Christmas card came together beautifully heartfelt, polished, and uniquely us.

❤️ A Tradition We’re Proud Of

It’s become a yearly rhythm:
Book Jillian Spencer Studios → Capture the season → Build our holiday card with Basic Invite → Share our joy.

These two partners in our holiday process — Jillian Spencer Studios and Basic Invite — continue to help us document and celebrate our family as we grow, change, and make new memories.

If you’re in New Jersey and local to Morris County, we can’t recommend Jillian Spencer Studios enough for family photography. And if you’re building holiday cards that feel personal, high-quality, and timeless, Basic Invite is always a win.

Another year, another card, and another set of memories we’ll look back on with full hearts.

First Order Review: Thrive Market Grocery Savings

This post is sponsored and contains affiliate links. Should you click on a link and purchase something, I earn a small commission which helps sustain this blog. Thanks in advance for your support.

As a busy mom who’s constantly balancing work, kids, snack restocks, and trying to keep our pantry clean and healthy, I’m always looking for ways to stretch our grocery budget without sacrificing quality. After hearing so many people rave about Thrive Market, I finally placed my first order — and let’s just say, I get the hype now.

My total was $50.24, shipping was free, I used a $50 gift card, and I paid just 24 cents out of pocket. Even better? Thrive Market calculated my savings at $45.16. For a first order, that’s a win.

Here’s exactly what I picked up, why I chose each item, and the benefits I’m already loving about Thrive Market.


What I Ordered from Thrive Market

✔️ KIND & Aura Bora Sips & Snacks (FREE!)

This fun little freebie included Chocolate Chip Bars and Sparkling Water — perfect for on-the-go snacks or lunchbox fillers for the kids. Thrive always throws in rotating free gifts with qualifying orders, and I’m not one to say no to free food.


✔️ wellmade Organic Kids Chewable Probiotic – $10.19

Super Strawberry Banana, 30 chewables
Emilia and Nicholas do well with daily probiotics and I decided to give these a try. I love that Thrive Market carries clean, kid-friendly supplements without the usual added junk.


✔️ Thrive Market Creamy Almond Butter – $7.99

This is one of the products people rave about — and for good reason. It’s creamy, clean, and priced way lower than what I usually pay at the grocery store. With the membership discount, it dropped from $16.19 to $7.59. That’s wild.


✔️ Thrive Market Organic White Jasmine Rice (2) – $2.69 each

We go through rice quickly, and these pouches make weeknight dinners so much easier. I grabbed two and saved almost half off the retail price.


✔️ Graza Sizzle Extra Virgin Olive Oil – $15.29

You already know the Graza hype. This is a kitchen essential in our house — for sautéing, roasting, marinades… everything. Thrive Market‘s pricing beat my local store by a good chunk.


✔️ Simple Mills Crunchy Chocolate Chip Cookies – $4.99

A cleaner treat option for the kids (and me). I love that Thrive Market carries allergen-friendly brands at lower prices.


✔️ Thrive Market Organic Taco Night Spice Blend (2) – $1.39 each

It’s taco night every week in our house, so this was a no-brainer. Love having clean seasoning blends without fillers.


✔️ Thrive Market Organic Veggie Sticks Multipack (2) – $4.99 each

Perfect for lunchboxes, park snacks, or road trips. A parent staple.


My Total Savings

Subtotal: $50.24
Shipping: FREE
Taxes: $0
Gift Card: -$50
Grand Total: $0.24

Plus, I saved $45.16 just from member pricing and promotions. That alone sold me on giving Thrive Market a permanent spot in our grocery rotation.


Why Thrive Market Is Worth It

After this order, I totally understand why so many families swear by Thrive Market. Here’s what stood out:

1. Real savings on real groceries

The membership discount feels legit — not gimmicky. Everything I bought was cheaper than my local store, especially pantry staples like almond butter, oils, seasoning packets, and snacks.

2. Free gifts on every order over a certain amount

I literally got bars and sparkling water for free. Thrive Market always has rotating offers, which makes every order feel like a bonus.

3. Clean, curated products you actually feel good about

No digging through shelves, no checking 20 ingredient labels. Everything aligns with my goal to feed my family better without spending hours researching products.

4. Fast, free shipping

My order came quickly and well-packed. No membership should make you wait a week — and Thrive Market gets it.

5. Budget-friendly for busy families

When you can stock your pantry, grab clean snacks, buy household staples, and still come in under budget, it feels like a win.


Final Thoughts

My first Thrive Market haul cost me 24 cents, saved me over $45, and stocked my pantry with clean, family-friendly essentials. If you’re trying to stretch your grocery budget while still feeding your family quality foods, Thrive Market is absolutely worth trying.

Are you a Thrive Market customer?

If not, click HERE to join and get 30% off select sale items (while this promo runs), 30% off your first order + a free gift!

#ThrivePartner #ThriveMarket #ThriveMarketPartner

Our 4th Trip to Woodloch: Why This Award-Winning Family Resort Will Always Be Our Happy Place

This is a sponsored post. All opinions within are my own.

If you’ve been following Realm of Vibes for a while, you know that Woodloch Resort in Hawley, PA is one of our all-time favorite family vacation destinations. We’ve visited four times now, and every time brings new experiences and entertainment. Our most recent trip was packed with activities, relaxation, amazing food, and the kind of family memories we’ll be talking about for years.

For this stay, we checked into the Springbrook One Bedroom Suite, which is perfect for families needing extra space, easy access to activities, and a comfortable home base. It’s become our go-to room category, and if you’re planning a Woodloch trip with kids, consider this your sign.


Family Activities at Woodloch: Something for Everyone

One of the reasons we keep coming back is the huge list of family-friendly activities Woodloch offers. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a full week, you’ll never run out of things to do.

Pro tip: bring a highlighter for the daily activity sheet to prioritize what activities are important for your family

On this trip, our family enjoyed:

  • Jewelry making
  • Painting and arts & crafts
  • Storytime and reading
  • Marshmallow roasting (a must!)
  • Bumper cars — twice, because the kids insisted 😂
  • Indoor pool, hot tubs & splash area (we spent 5 hours here on Saturday!)
  • Lakeside walks
  • Mini golf
  • Outdoor and indoor playgrounds
  • Teaching the kids bocce ball
  • And yes… Mom and Dad even snuck in sauna time 🙌

If you’re looking for a Poconos family resort with nonstop activities, Woodloch is genuinely unmatched.


The Iconic Woodloch Horse Races 🐴

A highlight of this trip? The Woodloch horse races, which are a longtime resort tradition. You “bet” on wooden horses, cheer with your table, and get way more competitive than you’d expect. It quickly became a new family favorite — fun, silly, nostalgic, and uniquely Woodloch. Emilia and Nicholas loved shouting their horses number and listening to Scooter call out the dice numbers. Although we didn’t win, we had a really fun night out and the kids were thrilled to be out past bedtime.


Dining at Woodloch: Don’t Skip Dessert

Meals are included at Woodloch. Every meal is delicious, comforting, and kid approved. I always love the delicious salads, seasonal soups, homemade breads, and entrees that I wouldn’t typically make at home (i.e. pork shank). The kid’s menu is always available, and you can order your meals to go, like we did for lunch on Saturday. Eating poolside is a vibe! If you’re planning a visit, here are two must-dos:

✔️ Order the Mud Pie for dessert (even if it is not featured, they always have it!)
✔️ Order baked goods to bring home

We went home with cookies, blueberry bread, and crumb cake. Zero regrets.

If you love all-inclusive family resorts with great food, this is your place.


Why Woodloch Continues to Be Our Happy Place

Woodloch has earned countless awards for a reason. The staff, the activities, the dining, the traditions — everything is designed to help families relax, reconnect, and actually enjoy time together.

From the giggles on the bumper cars to the concentration during crafts, the peaceful moments by the lake, and the wild energy in the indoor playground… every moment feels special.

For us, Woodloch is our happy place, and it continues to deliver unforgettable family getaways year after year.


Planning Your Family Trip to Woodloch?

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive family resort in the Poconos, a place where everything is taken care of and memories practically make themselves, Woodloch is it.

👉 Ready to plan your own Woodloch getaway? Book here using code VIBES25 (applicable stays only) to get 10% off your stay! Drop a comment or send me a message — I’m happy to help you choose the best room, best time to visit, and top activities for your family!

Be sure to check out our Ambassador page and visit Woodloch on Instagram!

The True Gifts of Christmas: Rediscovering the Meaning Behind Our Favorite Traditions

This post contains affiliate links where I earn a small commission when you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my blog.

Every December, our family pulls out the boxes of ornaments, the tangled lights, and the cocoa mugs that only appear once a year. It’s joyful and chaotic, a mix of glitter, cookies, and carols, but sometimes, in the rush to make everything magical, I forget why we do it all in the first place.

This year, I wanted to slow things down and help Emilia and Nicholas connect with the meaning behind our Christmas traditions. That’s when I received a new book published by Loyola Press: The True Gifts of Christmas: Unwrapping the Meaning Behind Our Most Cherished Traditions by Megan Alexander.

A Book That Brings Christmas Traditions to Life

In The True Gifts of Christmas, author Megan Alexander takes 25 of our most beloved holiday symbols such as candy canes, stockings, wreaths, Christmas trees, and Santa Claus, and unwraps the stories and symbolism behind each one.

Each chapter explores a single tradition and its deeper purpose, showing how these customs reflect love, generosity, hope, and faith. What I love most is that the book doesn’t feel like a history lesson. It feels like a cozy conversation. You can easily read one story each night with your family leading up to Christmas, making it a gentle and reflective countdown to the big day.

Emilia especially loved learning that the candy cane’s shape and colors have special meanings, while Nicholas was thrilled to “hunt” for candy canes around the house afterward. Every chapter gives you a simple way to bring the message to life, whether it’s crafting, baking, or performing a small act of kindness.

Why This Book Belongs in Every Family’s Holiday Season

The True Gifts of Christmas is a beautiful reset from the holiday rush. Between shopping lists, parties, and school events, it’s easy to feel like the season races by, but this book helps families pause, even for just 10 minutes, to focus on connection over consumption. The writing is warm and accessible, making it easy to adapt for all ages. Emilia can understand the reflections, while Nicholas enjoys the hands-on activities that follow.

How We’re Bringing It to Life

Here’s a glimpse of our upcoming holiday lineup inspired by The True Gifts of Christmas:

🎄 The Christmas Tree – We’ll decorate while talking about how the evergreen reminds us of the everlasting love of God. Emilia will share one “gift” she wants to give that isn’t wrapped, like kindness or patience.

🍬 Candy Canes – We’ll do a candy cane scavenger hunt for Nicholas and end with cocoa while reading the story behind its red and white stripes.

🎁 Stockings and Giving – Each of us will pick a person to surprise with a small act of giving, such as a note, a treat, or a handmade craft.

🌟 Nativity Scene – On Christmas Eve, we’ll reflect on what the true gifts of Christmas have been for our family this year.

🎅 Advent Calendars – I got the kids this Magna-Tiles Advent Calendar for a fun Christmas countdown.

The True Gifts of Christmas isn’t just a great addition to your family bookshelf. It’s a meaningful gift for teachers, grandparents, or friends who love the season but crave something deeper than glitter and wrapping paper.

Closing Thoughts

If you’ve ever wished Christmas could feel just a little slower and a little more intentional, The True Gifts of Christmas is the perfect place to start. It’s not about doing more; it’s about remembering why we celebrate in the first place.

This year, our family is choosing to unwrap not just the presents under the tree, but the true gifts that have been there all along: love, gratitude, and togetherness.

What holiday tradition holds the most meaning in your home?
Tell me in the comments or tag @realmofvibes on Instagram. I’d love to hear your stories and see how your family celebrates the true gifts of Christmas.

Be sure to check out Megan Alexander and Loyola Press on Instagram!