Find your best self before the wedding ceremony and read marriage, relationship, and wellness tips from Denver wedding officiant, Michael Moody.

Michael Moody 1/28/19 Michael Moody 1/28/19

The Detailed Itinerary You NEED for a Honeymoon Weekend in Mexico City

Introduction

I now know that Mexico City, home to 23 million people, is the best-kept secret in the Americas. Rich with architecture, public art, and an incredible culinary scene, Sammy and I won’t wait long to take another long weekend trip south (about a 4-hour direct flight from Chicago!). Under Spanish rule for nearly 250 years, you clearly see the European influence throughout the city. While you must be mindful of any town you visit, we felt completely safe exploring the vibrant and interesting neighborhoods of Polanco, Roma, and Centro Histórico. Here is our itinerary for my recent birthday trip:

General Itinerary

Airfare: About a 4-hour direct flight that left Chicago at 8:35 pm and arrived in Mexico City at 1:50 pm. Flights ranged from $500 to $600 for direct, round-trip flights. We’ve spent $450 round-trip for nearly the same flight to San Francisco.
17th: Fly to Mexico City from Chicago, Arrival, and the Centro Historico Neighborhood
18th: Bike Tour, Cocktails Overlooking the Ruins, and the Polanco Neighborhood
19th: Cooking Class, Castillo de Chapultepec, and the Roma Neighborhood
20th: Shop in the market and fly to Chicago from Mexico City (2:40)

Sprint International Call Settings

Samsung Galaxy Phones

Go to settings, click on connections, click on mobile networks, click on data roaming, turn off all domestic roaming (voice, text, and data), and turn on all international roaming (voice, text, and data). We’ll receive a welcome message upon arrival.

Money Overseas

Charles Schwab Brokerage Checking Account

Transfer cash for free ATM withdrawals and no transaction fees.

Credit Cards

Bring the Chase Sapphire, Mileage Plus Explorer (20% off on-flight purchases), and Chase Business Ink for no transaction fees.

Currency

1 USD = 19.16 Pesos: Think about $5 USD for every $100 Pesos. Overall, dining is cheaper in Mexico City. Most experiences are 20-30% less than in Chicago, after a 15% tip (sometimes as much as 40% less for a meal). A few of the historic sites were free or cost only $10 USD.

Traveling Throughout the City

Although we could’ve taken public transportation (bus or train) throughout the city, we always chose Uber…which was a reliable, safe, and cheap option. With that said, be prepared for a 15-43-minute ride to a neighboring area. I’ve never witnessed more traffic in a city (sorry, Manhattan). With that said, we enjoyed the ample time to look at the public murals, sculptures, and parks along the way. The fare is still cheap (USD 5-10) for this length of time, and you avoid the risk of cabs (especially pink cabs). I highly encourage planning your trip with a neighborhood for the day in mind (to minimize back-and-forth travel time). Walking is also an option, but you must know the surrounding communities and stick to busy streets to stay safe.

Where We Stayed

17-20th: Mexico City (Centro Historico Neighborhood)

Airbnb Listing: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/17924711?guests=1&adults=1
Check-in: 3:00 pm/Check-out: 1:00 pm
Directions: Uber was an easy, cheap, and safe option to Dirk’s Airbnb (20-30 minute ride for $8-10 USD).
About the Airbnb: The apartment features three private rooms and two terraces in this vintage Mexico City home. We enjoyed the privacy and quiet of interior designer Dirk-Jan Kinet’s trendy upstairs apartment. The space was a true reminder of why we stay in Airbnb homes across the world. The unique design inspired us to begin transforming our home, and the hospitality was unmatched (sorry, hotels). On our first day, Dirk’s partner, Jose Luis, gave us an informative 2-hour walking tour of the historic area, offering a sneak peek into local life and bountiful suggestions. Of course, we couldn’t resist sipping the complimentary bottle of sparkling wine left in our new home later that night! Without a doubt, this Airbnb enhanced our experience on our first visit to Mexico City.

**Centro Historico Neighborhood in Mexico City**

Day 1: Arrival and the Centro Historico Neighborhood

Since we arrived early afternoon, we didn’t book any tours. We started our journey with an espresso at Café Jekemir and a tour from our host around the Centro Historico neighborhood — the city center, home to government buildings, a public square, cathedrals, pyramid ruins, historic buildings, and hidden restaurants. After seeing the Mexican military remove the national flag from Zocalo Square at 6 pm, we headed to Azul Historico. From the outside, the historic building gives very little insight into the gastronomic experience floating in the air inside. As we entered, it opened into a closed courtyard of dining tables among a forest of trees. This famed restaurant typically featured chefs from different regions of Mexico, and that night, we met the various tastes of Veracruz. After indulging in traditional cuisine that included tortilla soup, the shrimp and mackerel ceviche Rojo mixto, and the mouthwatering empanadas rellenas de papa dishes, we explored the city streets and found performers practicing traditional Aztec dances in an unassuming area. Night one: Check!

**Catedral Metropolitana in Mexico City**

Centro Historico/Centro/Alameda Central Sites

Alameda Central (visited)
Palacio de Bellas Artes (check out the top floors, walked by)
Catedral Metropolitana (visited)
The Zocalo (where the marathon began in the 1968 Olympics, visited)
Palacio Nacional (walked by)
Museo del Templo Mayor (visited)
Gran Hotel de la Ciudad de Mexico (incredible interiors featured in a James Bond movie, will visit next time)
Palacio de Carreos de Mexico (will visit next time)
Museo National de Arte
La Ciudadela Centro Artesanal (market for artisan crafts and more)

**Azul Historico Restaurant Mexico City**

Centro Historico/Centro/Alameda Central Restaurants and Bars

Azul Historico (Make reservations)
Puntarena (Beautiful courtyard restaurant in the same building as Azul Restaurante, great breakfast)
El Mayor (Beautiful rooftop views of the ruins near Zocalo) -Café Jekemir (coffee)
Bar la Opera (tequila, will visit next time)
Miralto (amazing rooftop views, will visit next time)
Casino Espanol (checked out an event…perhaps we weren’t on the list 😊, will visit next time)
El Cardenal (lunch)
Nonsolo Mx (traditional Mexican)
Maison Kayser (pastries)
Hosteria “La Bota”
Café de Tacuba
Tio Pepe (historic bar)
Beer La Bota (late-night bar)

Day 2: Bike Tour, Cocktails Overlooking the Ruins, and the Polanco Neighborhood

What do you do in Mexico City if you’re a wedding officiant? Sign up for a bike tour, of course! With the tour starting at 10 am, we had time to eat chilaquiles in Puntarena’s open-air courtyard nearby, though. The grassy wall with a tricycle created a memorable backdrop for our breakfast. Considering the amount of traffic in Mexico City (the most we have ever witnessed in a city), we needed to jump in an Uber for our 24-minute ride to the Polanco neighborhood after a time-pressed meal (assuming it could take 13-43 minutes to drive to any neighborhood). Upon our arrival, we jumped on our bikes and began our private tour of the city. From Polanco and back, we traced Mexico City’s history across many neighborhoods and documented the Spanish and French influence on its architecture, public sculptures, and art. The city was a far cry from the rural Mexican style we envisioned. After 250 years of Spanish rule, you clearly see the European influence on every neighborhood (especially the Centro Historico).

By the tour’s end, we covered most of the historic sites and parks in the nearby neighborhoods and stopped in a traditional taco stand to indulge in Roma’s authentic cuisine. Feeling parched, we took an Uber to the terrace restaurant, El Mayor, in the Centro Historico. While enjoying the 70-degree weather, we sipped margaritas and looked over the Aztec pyramid ruins. To cap our night, we enjoyed a drink at Unica before our reservation in the celebrated traditional Mexican restaurant with a modern finish, Dulce Patria.

Polanco Sites

Mexico City Bike Tours (http://mexicobiketour.com.mx/): $38pp, 4-4.5 hours, includes a tour of the Polanco, Centro Historico, and Roma neighborhoods (and everything in between) and a taco stop -A walk through the beautiful tree-lined streets looking at the mansions
Castillo de Chapultepec and the Museo Nacional de Historia (Castle on the hill looking down on the French-inspired street, Reforma)
Bosque de Chapultepec (one of the biggest parks in Latin America)

**Inside the Castillo de Chapultepec Mexico City**

Polanco Restaurants and Bars

Pujol (book reservation 2-3 months in advance, one of the top 5 restaurants in the world, will visit next time)
Dulce Patria (a modern twist on traditional Mexican dishes, restaurant design is very simple with an 80’s flare, book a reservation 1 month in advance)
Quintonil (book a reservation 2 months in advance, one of the top 5 restaurants in Mexico City, will visit next time)
Jules Basement (speakeasy, will visit next time)
Unica Restaurant (neat place for a drink, too)
Contramar (seafood restaurant, will visit next time)

Day 3: Cooking Class, Castillo de Chapultepec, and the Roma Neighborhood

With no time for breakfast, we went straight to our cooking class at 9 am at Roma’s Aura Authentic. Luckily, our chef-teacher, Graciela, already had breakfast in mind for us. Before preparing homemade salsa, a zucchini salad, tortillas from scratch, white mole, and cornbread, we ventured out to a local market for ingredients. On the way, we stopped at a delicious corner quesadilla stand to taste a familiar dish in a not-so-familiar way (quesadillas in Mexico City are made without cheese and filled with a variety of ingredients, including squash blossom and cactus). After learning about the differences between peppers of various regions, we capped our first meal with Oaxaca worms, grasshoppers, and flying worms (and, yes, we did taste each and they tasted good). Once we returned to the kitchen, we began preparing our master feast, which ended with a traditional birthday song and a candle on cornbread.

With daylight hours to spare, Sammy and I Ubered to Latin America’s biggest park, Chapultepec. During our visit to the Castillo de Chapultepec, we hired a docent to guide us through its history. Soon after, we returned to Roma for Italian cuisine at Rosetta and a night of cocktails in the same area.

Roma Sites

Aura Authentic Cook Class (https://www.auramexcooking.com/cooking-classes): $75pp, 4.5-5 hours, includes a morning market tour, meal, and drinks -Plaza Rio de Janeiro
Parque Mexico
Templo San Francisco Javier and Plaza Romita

Roma Restaurants and Bars

Rosetta Restaurant (excellent Italian restaurant, booked reservations 1 month in advance)
Sabrinos (great breakfast, will visit next time)
Contramar (seafood restaurant, will visit next time)
Licoreria Limantour (recently ranked on “The World’s 50 Best Bars” for cocktails)
Maison Artemisia (bar, will visit next time)
Cardinal (coffee)
Maximo Bistrot Local (excellent French restaurant, booked reservations 2 months in advance, will visit next time)

About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

Michael Moody—author of the self-improvement book Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of the “The Elements of Being” podcast—is an ordained minister serving Denver and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in both Denver and Chicago (his eighth consecutive year), was named “Best Business of 2024 and 2025” by Three Best Rated, and earned “The Best Wedding Officiant in Commerce City, Colorado for 2024” from Quality Business Awards USA. Since 2012, he has officiated more than 300 weddings.

Specifically, Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Highland, Platt Park, Lower Highlands, Sloan Lake as well as the zip codes 80215, 80214, 80204, 80203, 80205, 80207, 80218, 80219, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80246, 80238, 80221, 80022, 80230, 80231, 80202, 80209, 80247, and 80210. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Golden, Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Aspen, Vail, Estes Park, and more.

If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!

Michael Moody 1/9/19 Michael Moody 1/9/19

The 99 Weight Loss, Health, and Fitness Resources I Just Sent My Personal Training Clients

Here is the expansive list of health and fitness resources that I send to my personal training clients at this time of year. You’ll find the answers on how to lose body fat, what to eat for breakfast to lose weight, how to manage stress, why you’re not losing body fat, how to eat on the road, what drinks to avoid, how to approach fitness and prevent injury, how to improve your sleep, how to make your life more efficient, and much more!

Please share this list with anyone (friend, family member, colleague, client, etc.) who wants to change their life and finally see a difference in their health and lifestyle. Also, could you bookmark this page and return to it when you're frustrated with your results (which happens to everyone) or when you need a new idea?

Tip: Skim through this list and find the headlines most relevant to your current goals and interests (then spend 20 seconds skimming the article).

WHAT TO EAT FOR BREAKFAST TO LOSE BODY FAT

HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT AND BODY FAT (WITHOUT A PERSONAL TRAINER)

MANAGING YOUR STRESS AND ANXIETY

WHY YOU'RE NOT LOSING WEIGHT OR BODY FAT

WHAT YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT THE FOOD YOU’RE EATING

EASY RECIPES FOR WEIGHT LOSS

PARENTING TIPS ON HEALTHY EATING

WHY SALADS MAY NOT HELP YOUR WEIGHT LOSS GOALS

HOLIDAY WEIGHT LOSS TIPS

BEST SOURCES OF PROTEIN FOR WEIGHT LOSS

FOODS YOU WANT TO AVOID....AND WHY!

WHY YOU SHOULD AVOID THESE DRINKS

HOW TO EAT AT RESTAURANTS AND AIRPORTS AND STAYING HEALTHY ON THE ROAD

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FITNESS

INJURY PREVENTION

THE KEYS TO IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP AND REDUCE FATIGUE

QUOTES

MAKE YOUR LIFE MORE EFFICIENT

RESOLUTIONS, GOALS, RELATIONSHIPS, AND THE REST OF LIFE

TRAVEL ITINERARIES (AND WHERE TO EAT)

The Detailed Itinerary You Need for a Journey to Lisbon, Porto, and Madrid and the Best Restaurants in Each
The Detailed Itinerary You Need for a Long Weekend in London and a List of 141 of their Best Restaurants
The Detailed Itinerary You Need for an Adventure in Australia (You’ll Need to Save This)

Picture Credit: besthealthmag .ca – Is it time to redefine your approach to old habits?

About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!

Michael Moody 1/3/19 Michael Moody 1/3/19

99 Ways to Redefine Yourself Today

Here is the master list of intent from my self-improvement book, Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness. Use it to set your path in 2019.

1. Believe that you can redefine yourself.
2. Create a business plan for your life.
3. Become a human scientist and study the physical, mental, and emotional you.
4. Make it a point to understand yourself and others.
5. Commit to this journey and don’t take the easy way out.
6. Become an outside observer of the mechanics of your mind and think about your thinking.
7. Ask yourself the tough questions and answer honestly.
8. Practice looking at yourself objectively.
9. Trust your instincts, your gut, and your perspective, but know where they stem from.
10. Don’t be a bystander in the course of life.
11. Adopt the mantra “Keep it Simple”.
12. Write your new mantra on a post-it note and place it in numerous places as a reminder.
13. Confront your inner influences.
14. Approach new ideas with an open mind.
15. Realize that you’re not alone.
16. Practice mindfulness.
17. Teach yourself to wake up to life around you—and inside of you—at any given moment.
18. Schedule alerts throughout the day to remind you to “take a breath”.
19. Listen to your inner voice.
20. Catch yourself making negative statements about yourself while randomly doing other things and write them down.
21. Don’t analyze yourself.
22. Filter your subconscious messages.
23. Create a list of positive messages and repeat them to yourself daily.
24. Face your inner self.
25. Remove the invisible obstructions that hold you back from achieving personal success.
26. Become a detective and collect the truth of a moment, observing yourself and every movement, sight, touch, scent, and sound of the world.
27. Gather evidence for the truth without judgment.
28. Don’t take a leap of faith without stopping first and observing the moment.
29. Accept that you don’t know everything.
30. Stop the train of life and pick up the bits and pieces around you every once in a while.
31. Remain aware before making a decision, judgment, or movement and commit to a higher state of living.
32. Accept the real perfections and imperfections of the world.
33. Soak in the aura of a moment wherever you are as often as possible.
34. Don’t dwell on the imperfections of you, your situation, or your surroundings.
35. Remove yourself from a situation when necessary (despite your emotional investment).
36. Don’t fixate on imperfect pieces of life that are unchangeable at the moment.
37. Don’t construct a rose-colored reality to mask the blight and scathing.
38. Accept things in their current state, including the blight and scathing.
39. Sometimes listen to your subconscious when it taps you on the shoulder.
40. Sometimes ignore your subconscious when it taps you on the shoulder with the same negative message.
41. Remember this quote by Frederick Douglass, a former slave and leader in the abolitionist movement. Accept that what you discover isn’t always the easiest to handle (and that’s okay): “…I would at times feel that learning to read had been a curse rather than a blessing. It had given me a view of my wretched condition, without the remedy. It opened my eyes to the horrible pit, but to no ladder upon which to get out. In moments of agony, I envied my fellow slaves for their stupidity. I often wished myself a beast.”
42. When you don’t accept it, tell yourself again and again and again that you should.
43. Quit complaining and do something.
44. Accept your ‘selfish friends’ as they are and ignore their ‘selfish’ tendencies. Discuss with them how their actions make you feel or begin dismantling your friendship.
45. Accept that the president (insert Republican, Democrat, or Independent here) is the leader of the United States. If you don’t support them, then either get involved with politics, make a grassroots effort for change, or ignore their political decisions.
46. Develop an evidence-based strategy to overcome challenges and choose the best possible decision.
47. Judge yourself fairly.
48. Don’t avoid looking at yourself.
49. Accept that obsessive, perfectionist ambition will lead to a perfect state of stress and an emotional unacceptance of your life.
50. Limit your distractions and listen to the people around you.
51. Don’t multitask (sorry).
52. Accept that feeling overwhelmed or frustrated is the result of your perspective.
53. Think rationally about the challenges you face daily.
54. Identify the fears that steer your behavior.
55. Refuse to allow insecurities to steer your behavior.
56. Tell yourself that you’re strong enough to face your fears again.
57. Tell yourself that your insecurities are irrational.
58. Find the root of your insecurities and write down the evidence against these irrational claims.
59. Extinguish Your Insecurities.
60. Don’t worry what people think unless you request their input.
61. Accept people’s input, but remember you don’t always have to agree with their opinion or approach.
62. Leash and manage your emotional output.
63. Develop a cool head that will allow you to see the whole picture without a filter.
64. Recognize what drives your emotions and the coping behaviors that result.
65. Accept that you failed to reach these goals once before, and you may fail again.
66. Regain control over your life.
67. Feel confident about your approach, accepting the consequences, and adapting whenever and wherever needed.
68. Take control of the trends, patterns, and little idiosyncrasies that make up your world.
69. Don’t say “It is what it is” unless you’ve fully investigated yourself and the possible solutions.
70. Accept that improving a relationship might mean adapting or leaving it.
71. Identify the areas in your personal life in which you feel helpless.
72. Find control over your happiness at work.
73. Take control over your position and reshape it in a way that brings fulfillment to you.
74. Reevaluate your role in the company.
75. Change or redefine your position so that it fosters autonomy.
76. Request a position that values your creativity and judgment.
77. Understand your decision-making process.
78. Control the external influence on your decisions.
79. Convince yourself that you can change your environment.
80. Approach new problems with confidence.
81. Identify the problem accurately and specifically.
82. Consider as many solutions as possible and their implications.
83. Choose the best solution and then act.
84. Accept that making mistakes is part of the learning process, and sometimes we have to make them repeatedly before we notice they’re a problem.
85. Accumulate wisdom through error.
86. Change bad habits by inserting a new routine, keeping the old cue, and delivering the old reward.
87. Accept that you already live by a set of rules.
88. Redefine your boundaries based on your needs (not your wants).
89. Create conversations with others.
90. Realign your perspective with your purpose—what you feel you were meant to do.
91. Create goals to maintain your positive focus.
92. Create a bucket list.
93. Slow down your life.
94. Treat life as an adventure and explore the unknowns.
95. Smile more often.
96. Share wisdom with others.
97. Give people the benefit of the doubt more often than not.
98. Help someone when you notice it.
99. Be your best self.

About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!

Michael Moody 12/20/18 Michael Moody 12/20/18

My List of New Year’s Resolutions (and How I’ll Achieve Each)

Introduction

It’s that time of year when I secretly eat chocolate, dream of eggnog, and write everything down that I will do differently in the new year. While most people run away from resolutions, I embrace them. It’s a chance to check in on ME and create a new normal. I usually begin this process by compiling a list of day-to-day stressors. Eventually, it results in a specific list of changes, each with a resolution plan. With this being said, here is my expansive list of New Year’s resolutions and how I will achieve each! Here I come, 2019!

List of New Year’s Resolutions

New Year’s Resolution: I will sleep 7.5 hours per night.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: Of all of the health and fitness tips I recommend, nothing is more valuable than a whole night’s rest. Based on my physical self-study, I’ve determined that 7.5 hours is ideal for proper recovery. I feel ready to take on the world on those days, and my creativity flows like an easy stream. Although the number of hours of sleep will be a priority, I will also ensure that bedtime falls within a 60-minute range for consistency.
New Year’s Resolution: I will write my second book.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: I’ve been talking about it for months (instead of years like I usually do) and have started this process 2 weeks ago. To ensure its completion, I’m dedicating 30-minute writing sessions on 5 weekdays each week. Modest, approachable, and adaptable.
New Year’s Resolution: I will say, with reasonable certainty, "I understand," before I say any one of the following things: "I agree," or "I disagree," or "I suspend judgment."
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: I want to challenge what I really understand during a conversation. Instead of offering an opinion, I will confirm the other person’s point vocally and then express a judgment based on the facts. I will also try to identify my biases and express those explicitly. And, yes, I will accept the luck that you wish me right now. I'm armed and ready to take on this approach, but I need to make it a habit. I plan to add this resolution to the top of my day-to-day calendar as a reminder.
New Year’s Resolution: I will stop fiddling with my phone while driving.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: I will purchase a phone mount for my dashboard. I hope this will limit fumbling with my phone or peering down at it to see the GPS. Cheers to a safer road for everyone!
New Year’s Resolution: I will integrate an efficient calendar system for taxes, bills that aren’t automated, anniversaries and birthdays, and home maintenance.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: I will set aside 60 minutes on New Year’s Day to schedule everything that needs to be planned in my life for the year in Google Calendar. Once I receive the email reminder, I must take action within 60 minutes, or as soon as possible.
New Year’s Resolution: I will thoroughly write a set of childcare instructions for our babysitters.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: I will set aside 15 minutes on New Year’s Day to write a set of childcare instructions for our babysitters with my wife and save them on my phone. I will also print a version and stick it on the side of the fridge.
New Year’s Resolution: I will reorganize my closets to make whatever I need easier to access.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: I will install shelving in the common hallways and reorganize the downstairs and master bedroom closets. I will create a map to show the placement of these items for quick access.
New Year’s Resolution: I will create a top ten list of easy, healthy go-to meals.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: I will list the meals I already enjoy and begin experimenting with at least one dish/recipe each week. I will befriend Instapot cookbooks.
New Year’s Resolution: I will integrate at least one different ethnic dish each day.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: I will use the ethnic seasoning guide from Dr. Fuhrman’s book, End of Dieting, to add a different taste profile to a dish each day as a minimum-effort approach. For more options, I will return to my new friend, the Instant Pot cookbook.
New Year’s Resolution: I will invite my 19-month-old son, Preston, to help me with any task I’m completing in front of him.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: While it may seem like I’m encouraging child labor here, I’m really stimulating Preston’s neurons and teaching him the basics of life, such as cleaning out a dishwasher, throwing garbage away, and completing my taxes. Too often, I complete a task without considering it as a teachable moment. Interestingly enough, Preston loves to help! Who would have known that he loved tax work!
New Year’s Resolution: I will create and stick to a new fitness routine each month.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: I always write programs for my personal training clients, but I rarely make the time to design one for myself! I need a personal trainer too, you know! Moving forward, I will create a new 5-day program during the last week of every month.
New Year’s Resolution: I will check my phone only once in the 2 hours before bed.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: No matter how tired I am, a phone or computer has electrifying effects on my brain. Not only does this stimulation affect my ability to fall asleep, but it also disrupts my present-minded state. I will set a daily alarm to remind me to shut off before I shut down for rest.
New Year’s Resolution: I will read one book per month.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: Reading has always helped me reason with clarity. It somehow brings structure to my wandering thoughts, which improves my day-to-day focus, comprehension, and communication. I will read 10 pages per day to achieve this goal each month.
New Year’s Resolution: I will perform at least 5 minutes on the Stairmaster every weekday.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: Humans depend on oxygen. Cardiovascular activities, like the dreaded Stairmaster, increase lung capacity and improve stamina. Most importantly, it increased my access to oxygen…hence this resolution.
New Year’s Resolution: I will simplify my budget so that every bill is automated from 1 bank account.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: Simple and automated equals less stress. Trying to figure out which bill is being paid from which account while transferring money between accounts is inefficient and often frustrating. No mas!! Simplify, simplify! This process has already started and will be audited on New Year’s Day.
New Year’s Resolution: I will reach out to one person I haven't spoken to in over a month each week.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: I admit I get lost in the day-to-day obligations of life. Along the way, great friends and family have fallen victim to my silence. Since relationship maintenance is a priority, I will choose one new person I haven’t spoken to in over a month and reach out via text or phone —a small effort but a worthwhile way to stay in touch.

About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!

Michael Moody 12/15/18 Michael Moody 12/15/18

"10 Nighttime Habits That Will Transform Your Tomorrows" Review

Introduction

Having trouble falling asleep? With the close of the year, there is plenty to stress about (and I’m sure it doesn’t help your sleep). I’ve dissected a recent article on Livestrong.com and picked out the best ways to redefine how you hit the pillow.

Unplug to Recharge
Even your beloved smartphones can’t keep going nonstop without recharging, and your mind is no different. At least 30 minutes before bed, turn off all your devices to give your mind time to relax and unwind. You may notice the inevitable side effect of feeling more present to enjoy the final moments of your day.

Wedding Officiant Wisdom: Unfortunately, computers and phones stimulate my neurons to caffeine-like levels (even if I am tired). Most often, I need to unhook 120 minutes before bedtime, otherwise I'll stare at the ceiling for an hour while trying to sleep. It took an excellent level of experimentation, and I know the boundary line varies from person to person. I have found that my personal training clients aren't much different, though.
“Un-wined”
Put down that glass of vino! “Rose all day” on weekends if you want to, but if you're going to wake up alert, focused, and productive, avoid alcohol before bed. It can lead to frequent sleep interruptions in the latter half of the night as blood sugar levels spike. And those disruptions to your REM sleep can cause next-day drowsiness. Try some herbal tea to wind down instead!

Wedding Officiant Wisdom: I seriously consider the effects of wine and food on my blood sugar levels….especially before bedtime. Typically, your blood sugar rises to its highest level around 2 hours after your last meal. A similar effect takes place with the consumption of alcohol too (although often sooner due to its simple carb ability to spike the bloodstream at a quicker speed). With all this said, the actual effects of this consumption may occur after you crash into the pillow, and your body will need to respond rather than recover.
Prepare for Tomorrow
Take some time the night before to choose and lay out your wardrobe for the next day. Pack your bag or briefcase too, and don’t forget a healthy lunch! Being prepared the night before makes mornings less hectic and gives you time to ease into your day consciously.

Wedding Officiant Wisdom: I’m a man of lists. If my next day isn’t organized, I play out every scenario in my mind like a movie. Of course, my sleep is compromised with this type of brain activation! My hard rule: I don’t let anything sit on my mind. I write it down and often organize those thoughts as fast as they appear.
Have a Pajama Party
Put on those PJs! Experts say that a conscious transition into “bedtime” mode actually helps your body and mind begin to prepare for sleep. Choose something loose-fitting, calm, and comfy for optimal relaxation.

Wedding Officiant Wisdom: You’re probably wondering, “I didn’t know Michael has pajama parties!!!” I don’t, but you shouldn’t judge me if I did! I have established a routine of changing into comfy pants and a t-shirt every night to cue my relaxation time. Many of my routines are pretty well consistent for a good reason. Not only do they eliminate decision fatigue, but they also cue a state of comfort (especially before bedtime).
Stick to Your Bedtime
Set an earlier, non-negotiable bedtime for optimal sleep. Getting a whole night’s rest (seven to nine hours is the optimal range) gives your body time to replenish. It can help regulate your hormones, recharge your body at the cellular level, and refresh your mind. A good night’s sleep is one of the best and most scientifically proven ways to enhance our mood, energy, and productivity.

Wedding Officiant Wisdom: The body is a creature of routine and depends on its circadian rhythm to reach its most optimal self (homeostasis). It wants to predict your eating and sleeping schedules to efficiently and effectively handle the influx of fuel or recovery time. While it’s important to sleep the most appropriate number of hours, the consistency of your bedtime schedule will also determine its effectiveness. So, literally sticking to my typical bedtime of 11 or 11:30 on most nights has been just as important to me as the length of my sleep.

Photo Credit:
videoblocks .com–What keeps you up at night?

About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!

The Detailed Itinerary You NEED for a Honeymoon Weekend in Mexico City

Introduction

General Itinerary

Sprint International Call Settings

Samsung Galaxy Phones

Money Overseas

Charles Schwab Brokerage Checking Account

Credit Cards

Currency

Traveling Throughout the City

Where We Stayed

17-20th: Mexico City (Centro Historico Neighborhood)

Day 1: Arrival and the Centro Historico Neighborhood

Centro Historico/Centro/Alameda Central Sites

Centro Historico/Centro/Alameda Central Restaurants and Bars

Day 2: Bike Tour, Cocktails Overlooking the Ruins, and the Polanco Neighborhood

Polanco Sites

Polanco Restaurants and Bars

Day 3: Cooking Class, Castillo de Chapultepec, and the Roma Neighborhood

Roma Sites

Roma Restaurants and Bars

About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

The 99 Weight Loss, Health, and Fitness Resources I Just Sent My Personal Training Clients

WHAT TO EAT FOR BREAKFAST TO LOSE BODY FAT

HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT AND BODY FAT (WITHOUT A PERSONAL TRAINER)

MANAGING YOUR STRESS AND ANXIETY

WHY YOU'RE NOT LOSING WEIGHT OR BODY FAT

WHAT YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT THE FOOD YOU’RE EATING

EASY RECIPES FOR WEIGHT LOSS

PARENTING TIPS ON HEALTHY EATING

WHY SALADS MAY NOT HELP YOUR WEIGHT LOSS GOALS

HOLIDAY WEIGHT LOSS TIPS

BEST SOURCES OF PROTEIN FOR WEIGHT LOSS

FOODS YOU WANT TO AVOID....AND WHY!

WHY YOU SHOULD AVOID THESE DRINKS

HOW TO EAT AT RESTAURANTS AND AIRPORTS AND STAYING HEALTHY ON THE ROAD

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FITNESS

INJURY PREVENTION

THE KEYS TO IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP AND REDUCE FATIGUE

QUOTES

MAKE YOUR LIFE MORE EFFICIENT

RESOLUTIONS, GOALS, RELATIONSHIPS, AND THE REST OF LIFE

TRAVEL ITINERARIES (AND WHERE TO EAT)

About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

99 Ways to Redefine Yourself Today

About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

My List of New Year’s Resolutions (and How I’ll Achieve Each)

Introduction

List of New Year’s Resolutions

New Year’s Resolution: I will sleep 7.5 hours per night.

New Year’s Resolution: I will write my second book.

New Year’s Resolution: I will say, with reasonable certainty, "I understand," before I say any one of the following things: "I agree," or "I disagree," or "I suspend judgment."

New Year’s Resolution: I will stop fiddling with my phone while driving.

New Year’s Resolution: I will integrate an efficient calendar system for taxes, bills that aren’t automated, anniversaries and birthdays, and home maintenance.

New Year’s Resolution: I will thoroughly write a set of childcare instructions for our babysitters.

New Year’s Resolution: I will reorganize my closets to make whatever I need easier to access.

New Year’s Resolution: I will create a top ten list of easy, healthy go-to meals.

New Year’s Resolution: I will integrate at least one different ethnic dish each day.

New Year’s Resolution: I will invite my 19-month-old son, Preston, to help me with any task I’m completing in front of him.

New Year’s Resolution: I will create and stick to a new fitness routine each month.

New Year’s Resolution: I will check my phone only once in the 2 hours before bed.

New Year’s Resolution: I will read one book per month.

New Year’s Resolution: I will perform at least 5 minutes on the Stairmaster every weekday.

New Year’s Resolution: I will simplify my budget so that every bill is automated from 1 bank account.

New Year’s Resolution: I will reach out to one person I haven't spoken to in over a month each week.

About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

"10 Nighttime Habits That Will Transform Your Tomorrows" Review

Introduction

Unplug to Recharge

“Un-wined”

Prepare for Tomorrow

Have a Pajama Party

Stick to Your Bedtime

About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

Services

General Information

Resources

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