Weekend Snippets

Of course I had to mention the Oscars---I didn't stay up to watch them, but I was really excited to see Leo won! I think it's so funny to see other women my age admit their teenage crush on Leo, and how it's so great he finally won an award!

Yesterday got into the 60's! Kids enjoyed playing on the back deck while I cleaned a bit.  I took them to BJ's in the morning as we needed diapers etc. and

Joe was at the land all weekend, unless he was working.  He was clearing out the brush, trees etc. and making great strides so we can build! It's so good for him to get out there and he loved doing it.  I'm not going to lie, it makes it really hard not seeing him and being alone with the kids all weekend.  I know that it won't always be this lonely and hard, but it is a little difficult at times. We miss him!  But we know good things take sacrifices and we do what we need to do to make our dreams come true.  I want to remember these feelings so when I am in our new home and I feel like maybe I don't deserve such a beautiful thing, I will recall how hard we worked as a team to get there.

Country Livin!

So peaceful...

I couldn't believe that we were standing where one day our big new home will be!!

I'm able to remind myself that when I believe in my dreams, work hard and make sacrifices, good stuff happens!!   My Keep of the Day. 

And because I'm a dork, this song is stuck on my head whenever I think about our home being built!!

Saturday Brooke had dance class; these girls are so cute!

Kids and I had a pizza party after dance.  He can't have the cheese because of his dairy issues, but I just take that off and slice up the pizza.  He ate like 3 slices, minus the crust!

She loves her pepperoni.

I finally uploaded the day we got dumped on by some snow! I think it was February 16th. Rumor has it there are 2 storms left this winter.  One is coming Wednesday, but it only looks like 6 inches, so nothing crazy like this day was.

Happy Monday!  Stay beautiful friends xox

Sunday Sweats

I found that above "fitspiration" awhile back and I don't really 100% agree with it right now.  I wanted to feel that way before, but now I just want to keep working out and feeling well.  I know how to eat super clean, but at the moment, I don't want to feel pressured if I do have a slice of my warm, homemade bread with olive oil.  I know now a lot more about moderation and give and take.  Regardless, I will kick my old me's butt when it comes to working out and getting stronger!!

Last week I worked out Sunday-Friday.  

Every day. Did not miss a single day!  These two can vouch for it! 

Sunday- upper fix

Monday- PiYo Sweat

Tuesday- Total Body Cardio Fix

Wednesday- Piyo Strength Intervals

Thursday- Upper Fix

Friday- PiYo Core

Saturday- "rest"

I was supposed to do legs Saturday, but I just didn't.

I WILL do it today though! ;)

Menu for the week:

This week I'm trying to keep it SIMPLE, as I have my scope Tuesday and we seem to be a little busy.  I found the newer site "Chef in Training" so I linked that below for a few recipes. 

I never made my tilapia last week and we did end up with a pizza Saturday night.  I like to over plan regardless, as we sometimes have our "dinners" as lunches because we are home all the time and some days Joe can come home and eat too!

Linguine-Pork-chicken-Lasagna-tilapia-enchiladas

Thoughts:

I cannot believe what one little thing (working out each day) can do for my body.  More than anything, I think it's the self-discipline.  Once I told myself I had to sweat once a day, and likened it to a shower, it really became easier.  There are days I do not want to, but I just pushed through and made it happen.  No I don't have a six pack yet and really, this journey is more about my overall health and wellness. I just feel a lot better already, even with some tummy issues still happening.

Fighting Off the February Funk

Hi!!! 

Today I'm guest posting over at my girl Nikki's blog. 

 I share a few tips that have helped me beat the winter blahs this month.  

See you over there!  

Tuesday Tidbits

Happy Tuesday all!!

Have I mentioned how much I love the freaking sunshine?? Seriously, if you live in a place where it's 90% sunny, you are lucky!! Here in NY we will go days and days, no joke, without seeing the sun.  It's been popping its pretty little head out a lot more these days and I am so thankful.  Sure, it's still 25 degrees and freezing, but the sun makes me so happy!  So do white roses, so I bought myself some.

It could also be that I have worked out three days in a row! Woop woop!  I know some people may be like, oh wow 3 days, no big deal...but to me?   It's a big deal.  And I do believe there is a direct correlation with my mood and me working out.  The floors have a few crumbs, the laundry needs to be done, but I feel awesome and had such a fun day with my kids yesterday.

Showers are getting interesting, as he is all over the place! I let her use her "Ipeg" she calls it, and he usually empties my maxi pads, throws them all over, tries to dump something in the toilet and bangs on the shower door until I'm finished.  But this picture? Priceless.

I decided to take them to the Museum of Play since they love it there and we have the pass.




The hot wheels exhibit is all the rage...



He is obsessed with the dog's water at home, but since there was nothing in this one, he wasn't too  impressed with this one.



Brookie loved this Barbie house.  I felt bad because she would've stayed longer, but someone was on the move, so we had to wrap it up after awhile.



I'm really impressed with my ability to 'bob and weave' and Joe puts it.  I like to plan everything out in my head and be as organized as I can, but I have learned to make the most of everything.  Before he left for work yesterday morning he said, "If the kids are up for it, stop by after the museum."  Sounds totally innocent, but as a momma, you know exactly how long kiddos can go until they crash, how much food they'll need and when they'll need to eat!  So I packed up some lunch for all of us (including the butt of the bread pb & j for Joe--haha) and dairy free stuff for Bradley, reflux friendly for me, and toddler food for Brooke.

She likes to pretend she "goes to school" with the containers, especially the apple & peanut butter one. ;)

My guys!! How cute are they?

I couldn't tell if it was teeth or if baby boy was getting an ear infection.  He's all sorts of miserable, pulling at his ears, falling over when he walks, crying, and running a small fever.  He was up a lot last night and I wasn't going to take any risks so we went to the Dr this morning.


She said, and I quote, "It's just his teeth.  Good luck momma."  Which I get, I am happy it's not his ears, but man I feel terrible for the little dude!! Lots of extra snuggles and hugs...

So he fell asleep in the car as soon as we left, so Brooke and I drove around the lake and then went to grocery shopping and woke him up a little later.  He was actually in a better mood.

He still doesn't have much of an appetite and threw most of his lunch on the floor.  Man I miss Sadie lady!!

Which is why I'm dreaming of our new kitchen and how grateful I will be that the kids will not be in this messy baby stage!!

I made a random purchase at the grocery store---have you tried this before?  There was a $2 coupon and so it was $8.  I'm eager to see how well it works?!  I love a good mani, but I am lacking in the time department!!

That is all for today, my friends.  Stay beautiful!! xox

Sunday Sweats

2 years ago my friend Nikki and I hosted a workout linkup that was really quite helpful! We had a bunch of people who would link up and share there workouts.  I need to start this again.  Even if I'm the only one, I need to hold myself accountable and not be a quitter.  So? Every Sunday, my goal is to post my workouts and my weekly meal plan.

I also know my girl Holly shares her Sunday Sweats here, so I can cheer her on as well!!

BOOM.

I've used every excuse in the book as to why I haven't been working out.  Wanna hear them?  Maybe you're using them to...just saying...

• I'm a sahm "I HAVE NO TIME". Yeh, okay Jenn.  You have time to scroll FB, Insta, and do a bunch of other time wasters.  Get off your butt.
• I don't have a gym membership.  Ummmm what about all of the workouts in the drawers? On you tube? 
• I don't want to waste nap time.  Ya hear me. It's the most precious time of the day! Some days I don't want to use it working out. Ok, workout with your kids and show them what healthy means.
• I want to workout alone.  Ok, then if you do feel like working alone, do it during nap time!
• I don't feel well.  This is a huge one lately.  I really haven't been feeling myself and it sucks.  I'm telling myself that if my Gerd or whatever I have is acting up, do yoga or piyo.  Listening to my body will be key.
• I don't want to get sweaty.  Get over it.  They invented showers.
• I want new sneakers.  You have a pair that work just fine; maybe use that as a goal for motivation after completing 4 weeks of a program!
• I am fitting into my skinny jeans.  Yup.  This is now an excuse. #lame  Just because I'm thin doesn't mean I'm healthy.  Do it for even better reasons, real reasons this time Jenn. And STICK to them.
• I'm too tired.  I bet if you workout, you'll get more energyyyyyyyy~
• It's too late.  Do it anyway.
• I don't want to.  Suck it up buttercup.

And there you have it!! This will be my rationale whenever these stupid thoughts come into my head.  I was actually going to start tomorrow, but I thought eff it and start today.  Why waste and put off what I can do right now.

So I did.  And I didn't die. I did realize how weak I have gotten and how much further I need to go.  I also really felt gross when I was doing the ab work as the stomach acids were gurgling up in my throat. I learned not to eat lunch and then do my workout now and maybe not do so much bouncy stuff until I get this reflux situation figured out.

My plan is to do a hybrid of PiYo & 21 Day Fix workouts because I have them and those are my favorites. I need to do this for me.

On a healthier note, I am also going to meal plan better and share it.  It's a little wacky with everyone's dietary needs around here.  Brooke is totally normal and can eat anything, but is picky...Joe has Crohn's so does best on a low fiber diet, mainly pastas, lean proteins, fish.  Bradley has issues with dairy, so he is tricky in that regard.  Any now me?  Oy.  I find anything rich, spicy, or eating too much really triggers me.  Bananas seem to bug me.  Tacos were really dumb to eat along with pasta red sauce.  I'll figure it out as I go....

But for next week, this is what I came up with!  Links below.  *I'll be using ground chicken for my meatloaf muffins, as I have to use it up!*

Meat loaf muffins. Pork Loin. Tilapia. Pasta. Thighs. Sirloin Burgers.

This.

Here is to an amazing week!  Stay beautiful. xox

Mama's Day Off

When I know I will have a few hours to myself, I immediately go through 100 things in my head that I'd like to accomplish.  It's funny how much time we have to ourselves before kids.  Before kids, I didn't realize what a luxury it was to run simple errands without having to take the kids in and out of their carseats.  I really hate taking them in and out for quick trips that take longer to get them buckled and unbuckled than actually doing the task!!  So I really made the most of my kid free day.  I am so grateful that my dad and step-mom took the kids so I could get so much done!! Thank you!

I had an early morning Dr appointment at 7:40 with a new practice.  I love the office and they were all really nice.  I scheduled an upper GI scope and am not really looking forward to it, but I want to know what is going on in my digestive tract!

After that I went to Starbucks and sat.  Alone.  I scheduled some things for KEEP, I organized my planner, and I finished my grocery list.   It was really nice to just sit and be.

I had to get some more blood work done and then I hit up the grocery store.

After grocery shopping I ran home, unloaded all of the food and then went to pick up some yummy Cuban subs for hubby and I.  We ate them rather quickly and then it was off to the spa for a quick appointment!

After that I grabbed the dry cleaning and decided I wanted to look around the library.  I love taking the kids, but they don't like the adult section (go figure!) so I picked out a few books that caught my eye. Of course I had to get some for the kiddos too!

My truck was disgusting from all of the salt all over the roads, so I took that to car wash (again, no screaming kids who hate the car wash!!) And then it was time to go clean up before hubs got home.  I really like the floors clean and I knew if I did them before he got home, we'd have a clean floor for a little while.  You betcha I blared that rap music!

I celebrated National Drink Wine Day with a glass of sauvignon blanc and hubby seared some scallops in a pan.  Cheers!

We watched a movie with the surround sound on and didn't worry about waking up the littles!  We were in bed by 10 and up by 7 this morning.

And now?  I'm ready to get our little babes.  I feel refreshed from having a bit of a break from changing diapers, meeting the constant demands and the never ending feeding cycles of two growing kids.  Mama is ready to be a mama once again.

What do you do with a day off?  

Stay beautiful xox

Valentine's Weekend

It's Monday!  I can totally tell by the looks of things around here.  Mama took a few days off of "housework" aka her job, and this place is a mess! I'll get to it after a little re-cap!

Of all days we had lots to do, it was SUPER cold out on Saturday! It was rather snowy too.

We had a birthday party about a half hour away, and I was worried about the weather, but I'm a good driver, took my time & knew that my truck would be a beast.

A little arm candy came in the mail for me!! I am IN LOVE with this new Ikat and Geo bar.

Brooke's friend Lily turned 3, and I think because of the roads, no one could come! I'm glad we decided to go. It was great for the kids to play together and the Minion theme was super cute.

Before we left another little girl came so that was good.  Brooke loved everything!

We then came home, changed into dance attire and went to dance class. Again, there were only 2 of us, but I'm glad she got to get her boogie on.

Then it was time to rush & try to get ready for date night! We had reservations at 7:30, the sitter coming at 6 so I did what I could while chasing after baby boy...who tried flushing his sister's toothpaste in our toilet. What is the obsession with toilets kid?! Haha

We lined up a sitter about a month in advance, and had no idea where we were going to eat.  Joe had found this amazing restaurant online, but they were full and only had a waiting list. They told us to sign up online, as lots of people tend to cancel. Well, I can't tell you how excited we were when we received a text message Tuesday night stating that we had 15 minutes to confirm our reservations for Saturday 2/13.


The restaurant is called The Kitchen and it only holds about 24 people.  We walked in and were brought to our table, and I'm not going to lie; my heart sank just a little bit when we were sat with another couple at a table for 4.  Now, I don't think I would mind so much if they had told us ahead of time, but as a married couple with two YOUNG kids, quiet dinner time talk, was really something I was looking forward to.

The other couple was nice, but not overly friendly and we certainly didn't have an awesome connection like, oh let's hang out again.  We made it work, but that was one thing that I didn't love.

The rest?

Amazing.

I chose to do the wine pairing with the 7 courses.  If you don't want to do the pairing, you can bring your own wine for a $5 corkage fee.

They brought out this yummy bread, house churned butter & goat cheese stuffed dates---like candy!

We started with "bacon" which was a delicious cut of pork belly and it fell apart in your mouth.  We were so excited to eat it, I forgot to take a photo.

Even though we were sitting with another couple, we did have the best seats in the house--right next to where they assemble all of our food!

The chef was so meticulous and it was really interesting to see him work.  Every course was like artwork.

The beet with some camembert cheese, aged balsamic...YUM!

Cranberry in sugar--so pretty!

Here they were lining up the pickled tomato dish.

Summer. In. My. Mouth.  This was my favorite of all! I love caprese salad and this was a delicate spin on it!  Pickled tomato made into a gelatin; purple basil, infused caviar, mozzarella cheese, olive oil....I'm drooling as I think about!

We had a palate cleanser, champagne granita--forgot to snap a photo---

Next up was the cod--it melted in my mouth.  The butter, garlic, white beans--really rich, but just enough leaving you wanting another bite or two!

The eel course came out with a little cup of miso broth to pour over it.



This dish was sweet and bbq flavor was really unique--once I poured the broth, it essentially became a soup.  I loved that interaction with the dish.

The lamb was pretty earthy and again, quite rich.  Joe loved it, I was still stuck on that tomato dish! It was served over some mashed potato and the olive was tasty!

The best cup of coffee I have ever had.  Local roaster, Glen Edith provided this organic brew and it was heaven in a cup.  They didn't offer cream or sugar.  They didn't need to.   I need to get some of this for home, stat!

Last but not least Creme Bruleé.  I was really looking forward to it, but honestly?  Far too much orange liqueur. I was quite full from everything else anyway, but it wasn't the best dessert to end on.  I did like the cotton candy, but I am just not a huge liqueur fan anyway.

It was really an amazing dining experience and I would go back and try out their summer menu for sure!  It's definitely a pretty price to pay, but you are getting the highest quality of everything.   Even the artwork was very nice!

Sunday we just stayed inside by the fire and munched on chocolates (hubby knows my heart--butterfinger!) and shared our cards.   We decided dinner would be our gift to each other since it was rather expensive & babysitters aren't cheap around here!

For dinner we opted for takeout sushi and of course I had to have the sweetheart roll!

How was your weekend?  I hope it was filled with much love!

KEEP

Stay beautiful xox