Weekend

How was your weekend? We had a nice one!

Friday Joe and I both had a hair appointment at the same time {we go to the same place; he started seeing one of the girls who works at my hairdresser's salon a few years ago}. Little Miss Brooke came with us and she was great. Hubby's hair only takes 20 minutes, while mine takes 2 hours.  They came back and picked me up after I was Fall ready....and by that, I mean blonde!

Don'tcha love the disco ball?

Yay for more blonde and happy layers.

Saturday was a low key day.  I cleaned the house, prepared a delicious beef stew & our brother came over for a bit.  Sadie did have some seizures, but we try to focus on the positive [that she only has them twice a year now].  She'll be out of it for a little while and that makes me sad...but I know she's lucky to have us as her parents.

Sunday morning brought a few truckloads of wood to our house! Hubs did an excellent job stacking all of it.   I made us yummy breakfasts--an egg over easy with tomatoes & avocado.  I also did a few country sausages up too--so good!

It was a gorgeous day and we wanted to take full advantage of it.  I was hoping to get to a Pumpkin Patch, but that will have to be for another day [maybe Tuesday].  Opening day of hunting season is almost here and he needed to practice--

So we went out to visit his Grandma.  We got there and his mom had already picked a bunch of apples and pears (and yes a tomato!) I now have a huge box and need to bake.

 Pies?

 Cake? 

Crumble? 

Muffins? 

Yes please!

His grandma has chickens and we swear their eggs taste so much better. The yolks are almost orange and quite delicious.  She let them run around for a bit outside of their pen...

Brooke just thought they were the best thing ever!

She absolutely loves Peek-A-Boo

Grandma & Great Grandma took her on a walk, but she refused to sleep!  She was in bed by 7 Sunday night.

She enjoyed the chicken cutlets, pasta, meatballs, homemade bread, and of course her bottle.

The family helped chop, move, and stack wood here too!

I hope my family helps me one day when I'm old like his grandma.  It was a peaceful day and for that, I am grateful.  We quietly celebrated Grandpa's birthday, as he is no longer with us.  Such an amazing man and someone my husband will always look up to.

Sometimes you just need to head to the country, take in the fresh air, and get your hands a little dirty and sore.  I think we'll all sleep a little better tonight...and I know I dream of us having our own land someday where Brooke can grow up running around in the fields, playing outside and being a kid.

Makes me think of this song...

Happy Monday!!

Have Your Cake...

Happy Saturday Friends!! I hope you all enjoy your weekend with your families and friends. I am hoping we get to a park or something fun while the sun is still shining and get little miss on a swing before it starts snowing! 

 Just two things.

#1

My current favorite AdvoCare product: Carb-Ease.  Now, I am well aware that good health is attained by good eating habits.  Like I tell all of my friends, it's all about 90/10.  Don't try to be "perfect" because as soon as you "mess up" you'll feel guilty and that is not good!  There are times to enjoy a small bowl of pasta, a piece of white bread, or cake.  And when you do?  There is Carb-Ease to the rescue!  I definitely feel much better if I take two before I indulge in my heavy carb meal.   {Like when we ate out at Carraba's the other night. It's a rare occasion to eat at a restaurant for us, but when we do, I now have this!}

• Helps reduce the absorption and breakdown of carbohydrates and fats*
• Helps support healthy blood glucose *
• Helps reduce the negative effects of excessive carbohydrate consumption*
• Provides support for body composition*
• Backed by more than 21 published scientific studies

IS THIS YOU?

• Someone who has trouble resisting sugary, starchy foods and refined carbohydrates such as sweets, pastas and breads
• Someone looking to control the results of a high-carbohydrate diet
• Someone looking for better weight management
• Someone concerned with maintaining glucose levels already within the normal range 

If you're interested in it, check it out HERE

#2

I just found this quote the other day, and I just love it.  I truly believe you can do anything, you just have to have the will and strength to follow through.

google images

Reminder

Just some food for thought today....my question is, what will be the newest and greatest "thing" when my daughter is 16?  I am all about the Smart Phone, but I also know there are times when I need turn the darn thing off. 

I love how he says we need to just "be".  Some of us don't like where emotions take us.  What are your thoughts? 

I agree with the texting and driving---especially with Brooke with me, I take it really seriously to pay attention while I am driving.  If you look around, it's so scary to see how many people are playing on their phones while trying to drive.

I mean, driving isn't difficult, but some people struggle with it---and then they start playing on their phones?!

I just thought this interview was accurate and just a good reminder to PUT DOWN THE PHONE.

I know I need reminders too, so maybe try and take a 'break' from your Smart Phone and be in the moment.

You don't need to capture every detail on camera.

Play with your child.

Go for a drive with your husband (boyfriend, wife, significant other)
 
Read a book.

Cook a meal.

Walk the dogs.

Talk with your friends in person.

Do yoga.

Watch a movie.

Go outside.

Think.

Be.

Wednesday Randoms

I really need to get better at organizing! I want to be better about blogging consistently {and having topics that are fun to blog about!} I'm inspired by this awesome mama Leah who shared this organizer yesterday. I think I may run to the store and get some filing systems (for our office) and a binder to get my life better organized! I also need to stay on top of all the AdvoCare stuff. Phew! Oh, and fit in workouts since I have been slacking on those, and meal planning...I definitely need to continue to work on time management. 

I have also been working hard on not being stressed.  No matter how hard I try, it always seems to creep right into things.  I don't share everything on my blog; it's impossible to!  I also try to keep it upbeat and positive, as I know I don't like reading other negative nancies, so why would I want to instill that here in my personal place?  However, I struggle with things, just like everyone else.  I'm not perfect, but I'm very happy with my life.  I always try to do the right things, but quite frankly I am D-O-N-E trying to make everyone else happy.  It never works. Someone is always upset.  I can only do so much. {refer to last ranting post here}

Without going into too much detail, it's family drama [again].  To the point where hubs and I had a work thing, they paid for us to stay at a fancy hotel, dinner, and a spa treatment and I was so terribly stressed that I had to leave Brooke and about the situation, it was honestly hard to enjoy myself.  That sucks.

I tried to make the best of it, because how often do I get served room service w/ breakfast in bed?

I will say that the Transformational Facial certainly helped de-stress a little bit. And I wore my cute new shirt.

But it was not as "wonderful" as I had hoped, because of certain issues that never seem to go away.  So for now? I'll be focusing on my little family.  Brooke brings me so much joy, that I just have to let go of things that are out of my control.

I mean seriously, look at her:

My grandma, whom I called "Grandma Owl" (she loves owls and always had them all over her home!) Made these adorable little owls/duck light for Brooke.  I am hoping she gets to meet her at some point, but it's tricky because she's down in SC!  Thank you so much for these grandma, Brooke loves them!!

Last night hubby, Brooke and I had a date night. We went to Carraba's and then Buy Buy Baby. Crazy, I know!  We picked up her toddler rails for her bed, which I have a feeling she'll be needing sooner than later.

I put a mini skirt on her (18months) and girlfriend has long long stems.  It was too short!

So I put some leggings on since it was chilly anyway. 

I hope you have a great day!!

Workin Hard for the Money

So, as you know, I've been quite busy 'round these parts!  My mother just left after a wonderful visit.  We had my niece here for a few days, so it was rather eventful.  I've been doing my thing, cleaning, doing laundry, shopping, cooking, taking care of baby, & hubby.  Oh, and I've been making some money!!  I never thought I'd be able to contribute to our family's income while staying home.  I always wished I was super crafty and talented  could open up a cute online boutique, but really I'm not that talented in the sewing department.  Now my mother-in-law on the other hand...she is amazing with the sewing machine!

Anyway, as my waistline continues to shrink, the amount I'm making from AdvoCare, is really starting to quickly add up! I have to laugh at myself when I originally started talking to my team, Danielle & Nikki on the phone I told them that we didn't really "need the money".  It was true; we are fortunate enough that Joe's salary could afford me to stay home.   But truth? Who doesn't need more money?? There is always something that will need money.  It may not be now, but what about when we're really old and retired ad Social Security is all gone??  I didn't think I'd care if I made a cent again for awhile, but gosh, it feels so darn good cashing a paycheck again!!

I'm not sure where we go wrong in our society making it seem like money is 'the root of all evil.'  We all need to earn a living to live!  Without an income, how will we pay our for our homes?  Buy good, healthy, nutritious foods, and take care of our bodies?  How will we afford a dream family vacation to Disney World one day?  There is nothing bad about having money.  People who have it, work really hard for it.  They are successful because they make sacrifices while others are making different choices.  What do you really want overall, vs what do you want right now?  Put that into your mindset and let that soak in a bit...You may not always reap the benefits of being a hard worker immediately, but you will see great rewards.

And the best part? This doesn't even feel like "work," to me either. I literally get to talk to friends and awesome people on the phone.  I get to help others reach their goals; I help as much as they'll allow!  I LOVE LOVE LOVE helping people.  I really missed that aspect of teaching, and I really am a people person. Now, I'm not saying money is the most important thing in life, {because it's not} but, you know what I'm super excited about?  Buying Joe a Christmas present with money that I made.  I may even start getting my nails done again, and putting away even more money for Brooke's college fund.

Know what else I'll treat myself to?  A new phone!  Mine has been acting up ever since lil miss drooled and slobbered in it and the volume doesn't always work.  That's kind of important, as my "work" involves phone calls and text messages!!  I ordered the gold I-phone 5s.  I don't care if Tosh.O makes dumb jokes about it. I really like the look of it, and I love testing my patience.  So many people couldn't wait to just have the new phone, they wouldn't hold out for the gold.

So, with that said, I'll also need a new cover.  I'm notorious for dropping my phone. Like all of the time. Unless it has the rubbery cover, I will most likely ruin said overly ridiculous expensive phone, and cry.  A LOT.   I loved my last Kate Spade rubbery cover.  I would throw in the dishwasher to sanitize it once a week!!

So, my question is, does this beauty have the much needed rubber-texture so my slippery hands don't cause a catastrophe??

Or can I perhaps trust my (32 year old) self, with one of these cuties?

zazzle.com

Or maybe I should protect the crap out of it, and spring for one of these bulky Otterboxes.   I know they work. My father left his Iphone 5 on the back of a vehicle.  It fell off in front of a McDonald's.  It had to have been run over at least 3-5 times.  Somehow, someway, a random stranger found the phone and called my step-mom's phone.   My dad's otterbox? Totally cracked and useless.  His phone? Pretty much unscathed. Crazy!

So with a little extra cash flow {$500-1000 or more a month} what would you do with it? 

*Sorry if Donna Summers is now stuck in your head too, as it has been in mine throughout this entire post!

September

This is hands down my favorite "Disco Song" and well, it's 21st of September, so enjoy!!

Fact:  I hated disco music, that is until my husband and I attended the local "Ugly Disco" and I cannot wait to go next year!!  We always have so much fun.  I just love the happy funky beats and they always put me in a good mood.

2012 I bought a new dress--and hubby bought a new wig!!

These pictures just make me laugh.  Obviously we didn't attend the one in 2013 because I just had Brooke.  I definitely cannot wait for next year though!

Have a great Saturday friends!!

Belief

It's such a powerful word, and yet how many of us actually mean it when we say it? Belief.  It's so easy to be negative and not tap into our higher selves.  We can get easily distracted, especially in an instant society where everyone wants a desired outcome, yet so few of us actually take the time to work for it.

If we believe in ourselves, if we have just a little bit of confidence that we're doing the right thing, so many doors can open for us.  I know I've doubted myself on so many occasions.  I continue to work on this {bad habit} and have learned to turn towards others who are being successful in their beliefs. 

 It could be those last 10 lbs you've told yourself you'll lose, "eventually."  Do you not believe you can actually lose it? You can.  With the right foods, exercise and supplements, anything is possible.

Is it that you've lost all hope of ever having a baby?  Maybe that's when you need to believe just a little more...

Or is it that you don't think you can stay home with your baby and earn income?

Maybe you're in a situation where you need to muster all of the courage, strength and integrity left inside you, to go forth onto the right path of happiness in your life.  It's scary, it's hard, but the reward is always so worth it.

Or, maybe it's adopting a child from another country, even when your home is already full, and lives are busy, money is tight, but you have room for just one more.  I don't know much about the adoption process, but I do know that this couple, this family, is doing everything in their power to become a family of six. 

I went to high school with these two, and let me tell you, they are moving mountains.  

Want chills? Read their story here...

When I think of their story, I wonder how many nay-sayers, or negative nancies have knocked on their door. How many times have they been told to just stop already...maybe no one, but my guess is in today's world, someone has said something.

However, the amount of spirit, love, determination and dedication that is poured into this adoption process, it has literally taken my breath away.  You see, to me, this is moving a mountain.  This is doing good in the world.  They have a strong purpose and with their determination, I know they'll do everything in their power to succeed. 

It's moments like this, where you can look in the mirror and say to yourself, "What can I do?"  What life changing event can you encounter?  Each and every one of us is born with the same hands, feet, toes, arms, legs, a nose, a mouth, ears....a brain.  So what are you doing to better your life?  Your family's life? 

I donated $20 and got a cute shirt.  What I really want, is to see this boy live with his family here in New York.  To be loved, raised, and cherished by such caring souls. 

Some may say they don't "need" another child.  That, my friends, is wrong.  They do need him, and he needs them.  If you haven't done your "good donation deed" of the year, it's already September, perhaps throw a few bones this direction and help this amazing family out!!

~ DONATE HERE~

You can always rock this awesome tee-shirt too!  I love that is says, "It takes a village."  Because friends, to be successful, it always does. 

What is something you need to start believing in?

Anything is truly possible.

24 Day Challenge Results

I know you're all just dying to hear how my 24 Day Challenge went!  I apologize for not getting this blog post out sooner, but life happens and you just do what you can!

I started my 24 Day Challenge on August 1st.  I indulged and enjoyed my birthday month of July and was more than ready to begin my challenge!! I believe that is more than half the battle.  You have to really be ready, to want to change, and be in the right mindset to really achieve your desired results.  That's what I love about this business----it is not my job to pressure, annoy, or convince anyone to change his or her lifestyle.  People have to have a strong desire and purpose for themselves.  I'll admit, when I was singing the blues about my baby weight gain back in March {that post is here}, as much as I didn't want the want to be "fat" or flubby, or not fit into ANY of my pre-baby clothes, clearly I wasn't really ready.  I whined and cried, "Oh, poor me" but I didn't really do a damn thing about it!! I still was eating processed foods, burgers & fries, desserts, and not really taking a good look at my health.

My girl Nikki was offering her hand then, and I just wasn't ready.

I went to my primary Doctor because I just felt tired all of the time, sluggish, no energy, and overall just didn't feel like myself.  I had some testing done, checked out all of my levels and everything came back fine---and their response?   Maybe you're experiencing post-partum depression.  Now, I believe that that is a real thing and it is very serious, but I truly believe that is not what I was experiencing.  I was just not a happy girl, but I believe it was my diet, my lack of good health and the WRONG vitamins and supplements. Once I tried a Spark, I decided to order Coreplex w/ Iron and Omegaplex  I slowly started feeling better, and then I decided to reach out to Nikki who was so kind to me months back.

Immediately, I found a HUGE support group.  Nikki and Danielle were (and are) always a text away.  And now?  I'm helping others feel their best and look great. 

So when August 1st came, I took back my body and I haven't looked back!

  Today I am still 10 pounds down, 12 inches--that's 2 pant/dress sizes!!  Even my booty got smaller!! I am loving my energy, my focus, and my body!  I still have another 10-13 lbs to reach my goal weight, but I will get there. I need to amp up my workout regime.  Now that I have my eating back in check, I am ready to add on the weight lifting and cardio sessions.

My mom also did the challenge with me; she lost 7 lbs and 10 inches!

She's 53 and so it just goes to show that it doesn't matter what age you are, you CAN take back your health! 

I hear a lot of people squawk about the cost of the challenge, {believe me, I was one of those people too!} but it really breaks down to this per day.  You won't be spending money out and about on junk food!

What have you got to lose?!  Let's get you on the 24 Day Challenge today!!

First Overnight Alone

Happy Monday!

I know everyone has her first night away from her baby at some point.  I think that you just "know" when the time is right, or the even is significant enough to do so.  For the last 8 months, there has been no reason to be away from my little Brooke Lynn for an entire evening.  We've had our date nights and I've gotten my "mommy time" here and there, but last Thursday was my first night away from my daughter.

Hubby won a gift card a few months ago to this beautiful resort overlooking a lake, Bristol Harbour. We weren't ready to leave her back then, but my mom insisted that when she came to visit, her gift to us would be to stay and watch the dogs and baby girl.  By the time Joe got out of work, I finalized my AdvoCare calls, we left the house around 6:45pm.  It is about a 45 minute drive and it was so nice to quietly connect and enjoy the ride.  We checked in, received a $70 gift card (towards dinner) and a free bottle of a local wine. 

The room was so cute!! Very 'rustic' feeling.

{The bathroom floors were heated!!}

I loved the {semi tacky} woodsy decor.  There weren't any stuffed dead animals hanging though..haha

Vaulted ceilings, a fire place, and lots of wood!

It's the closest thing to camping my husband and I have done together...bahaha.

We headed over to the restaurant for dinner.

 Phones weren't brought to dinner, so no pics, sorry!  We did enjoy Caesar salad, lobster bisque, Scallops with Lebanese couscous, and filet w/ mushrooms & fingerling potatoes.  We shared a piece of layered chocolate cake for dessert.  We couldn't even finish it all!

We went to sleep early and even slept in a bit the next day!  I did pretty well...I only asked for my mom to send me a picture of the monitor before I fell to sleep that night.

It was chilly!! Our weather went from 92 down into the 50s.  Crazy!

One of my best friends got married here a few years ago, so it's been awhile since I've been there.  My only complaint?  It went by too quickly!!  I really enjoyed having some Joe & Jenn time...I truly believe it's so important to take time for the two of us, because without "us" the family will not survive! Babies take a lot of time, energy and effort...and we cannot imagine our lives without her.  However, we fell in love, are still in love, and work hard at our marriage to maintain it. 

We got up and took the scenic drive along the lake, and went to our "fancy" grocery store in the area.  We picked up sushi and ate it there...and were home by the early afternoon.

We had to chuckle at only having 2 bags, since every time we go some place with little miss, it's quite the packing process! We did miss her and were so happy to see her smiling face when we got home. 

How long did it take you to leave your little one? How did it go?!

Herbal Cleanse Group Challenge

Good morning!  I hope you're all feeling alive and well today.

 After realizing how much attention the AdvoCare Cleanse is getting, I decided that it'd be fun to make a small "group challenge" out of it.  What does that mean?  Well, it means that you've already made the choice to become a bit healthier and decided to cleanse.  When purchasing your cleanse through AdvoCare, what some people don't realize, is that you're also getting a coach.  This is where I get to help you achieve your goals, be there for you at any step of the way, and truly provide you with the guidance you're looking for.  I provide you with meal planning ideas, clean eating guides, and I'm right at your fingertips through text messaging support (or a phone call!) And if I can't answer something for you, I will find the answer from someone else!

I did the entire 24 Day Challenge and cannot wait to do it again!  I had some awesome results (10 lbs & 12 inches, that's 2 pant sizes!) You can read about some of my journey here.

With that said, I thought since a few people are cleansing around the same time, I thought it'd be fun to create a small group.  I will have two "winners" (even though you're already a winner if you're aiming for better health!!)  

Winner #1 =  person who loses the most weight [in pounds]

Winner #2 = person who loses the most inches.

[Yes, the same person could potentially be both winners!]

You see, pounds aren't everything! They matter, yes, but inches really speak for themselves.


What will you win?  

Both winners will receive some AdvoCare goodies!!

Rules:

1.) Order an AdvoCare cleanse from me
2.) Must tell me your start date [must be on/before September 23, 2013]
3.) Provide a picture of your feet on the scale (I won't show anyone, I promise) and provide me with your starting inches. 
4.)  On Day 11 I will need your results--how much you weigh and your finishing inches.
5.) Must be a US mailing address.

Additional Info:

For best results, we suggest when ordering the Cleanse, you also order the following:

Catalyst
Omegaplex
Spark {replace that coffee habit, you can do it for 10 days, I did for 24!!}

This will maximize your ability to lose unwanted pounds and clean out your system!

If money is a concern, just ask for details on how to become a member and EASILY save 20%!!

Also, food for thought...

You won't be buying any of that while cleansing!! My grocery bill actually went down.  Crazy.

Once you've started your cleanse, I am here to provide you with extra support when you choose to continue on AdvoCare products.  Trust me, you will fall in love with these products.  I wouldn't stand behind them, if I didn't truly believe in them. The MNS is fantastic and will further your weight loss goal and help you feel your best!


*As always, please check with your Dr before ordering.

**You cannot be nursing or pregnant to cleanse.  When we cleanse, our bodies release toxins and we don't want baby to receive any of those toxins!! If you're interested in a challenge, but are pregnant or nursing, please see my girl Rachel who's currently nursing her baby girl and getting ready to do the Nursing Mom's Challenge!!  Cher her link out HERE

September Weekend

Happy Monday everyone! It is a chilly start to our week up here---about 44 degrees--brrrr!!  Our weekend was a busy one, and as always, flew by far too fast.  Friday hubs woke up with his Crohn's acting up...so he literally spent the entire day in bed.  While I am grateful it wasn't as bad as it could have been, it still downright sucked that it was his day off and he couldn't enjoy it.  I made sure to make him lots of light/non spicy food he could easily digest, so it was scrambled eggs, tofu burgers and avocado. 

Baby girl was so good and quiet while Daddy rested...

By Friday evening he felt well enough to watch what has easily become MY FAVORITE MOVIE EVER.

I absolutely loved The Great Gatsby in high school. I read it my Junior year, and it is the main reason I wanted to become a teacher.  I loved discussing all of the symbolism, the way Fitzgerald wrote everything---it was perfection. 

I also may have had a major slight obsession with Leonardo DiCaprio back in the day {R&J, Titanic..} And so I can't help but love him playing Gatsby.

1.) I need to re-read the book again.
2.) I need to own this on DVD
3.) I need the soundtrack.

Yeah. I'm still that girl haha.

Moving on...

Saturday we were quite busy spending time with Joey's mom & grandma.

Baby girl had her first taste of homemade pasta & sauce--I am so happy she can experience her Great Grandmother's cooking. It is so special!! {and so good!}

We had to run to Wal-Mart {which is always an adventure} and they had the cutest puffer vest--I couldn't resist!

My "stock pile" arrived---I'm excited to have items on hand for local friends.  You really shouldn't run out of Spark, it's such amazing stuff!!

I cannot wait until I can do another cleanse again.  It felt SO good the first time through. 

Our Saturday night was a wild one.  I played on Pinterest.  He played Madden.

Sunday we surprisingly slept in (after the dogs woke up at 7:30) until a little after 10.  Even Brooke was exhausted! I can't remember the last time we slept in late.

It was GAME DAY so I was so excited to wear this shirt again, since last year it didn't fit over my belly.

My "Lucky shirt" is still lucky!! Good job boys!!

We went to a 1st birthday party where lil miss enjoyed some chocolate covered strawberries!

The birthday boy--look at his hair!!

And above all else, please remember...