Victor vs. Victim

I've been thinking of this a lot.  It's something that is so easy to fall prey to, and yet so easy to not do as well.

When I met my husband, I'll 110% admit I played the "poor me" card far too many times.  It was just the way I was, I'd say.  I was more of "realist" aka glass half empty.  I so badly wanted to be optimistic, but it was so, SO easy to blame others for things.  I learned a lot from Joe in 2008; but most importantly?  I continue to learn, grow and change.  The "way that I was" is so different than who I've become.

A victim will blame others or his/her situation at hand.  It's never this person's fault. There's a reason, excuse, or answer to everything.

A victor will take responsibility.  She will say she's sorry, admit she's wrong, and change.  Period. End of story.

Joe once said to me, the (excuse my language) "Asshole Theory."   I looked at hime like, excuse me?!

He explained, if everyone around you is making you angry, frustrated or being an a-hole, maybe you need to stop and check yourself.

--me staring blankly--

It may very well be you that has the problem.  Maybe your attitude is the problem.  Perhaps it's nothing more than you're stuck in your own head and not realizing what's really going on.

--gulp--

Can't say I ever forgot that conversation.  And oh, how true it is!! Now I can check in with myself and have that talk before I make a really clown out of myself, but man...how powerful is that?

I may not be able to control my situations, but I can control how I react to them.

Sometimes I should breathe in and out 50 times before I respond to a text message.

Maybe I should walk away from the e-mail before I fire back something awful.

Now, I'm not saying if something terrible happens, I don't have the right to be upset--I do.  It's just owning the situation and being able to move past it.  Like I said, it's not easy, but once I'm able to forgive, move on and live my life--life is so much more enjoyable!

There are so many events or happenings in my life where I catch myself starting to fall down the trap.  I also have learned that I sometimes may not understand why something is the way it is, or why it happened, but to just move on from it and not dwell.

Adults tend to waste a lot of our time worrying or digging up old garbage--in our minds.  What you focus on, increases...I firmly believe this!! If I were to sit around and say, "I don't ever want to become an unhealthy size.  I don't want my husband to cheat on me.  I don't want my kids to grow up 'bad'." Then that is what most likely will happen.

Why?  I'm putting that out into the universe.   If that is what is running through my mind, that is what I'll believe and therefore that is what I will become.

That simple guys.

Instead I focus on being a healthy person. I tell myself I'm strong and healthy.  I use positive words when it comes to my marriage and focus only on our happiness.  With my kids I will continue to nourish them with affirmations and provide the best scenarios that I can.

While I know some things are out of my control, I can work on what is coming out of my mouth and most importantly what's happening in my mind.

"The only thing we have complete control over is our own mental attitude."

I didn't say it was easy, but I will say that the more I discipline myself and continue to feed my mind with powerful words, and fill my world with positive people, the less stress and negativity impacts my life.  In turn, I feel better and more productive.  My relationships that matter are stronger and my loved ones and friendships come naturally, almost effortlessly.  I say almost, because as we all know, every and any relationship takes work.

Will you be a victim or a victor of your own circumstances?

[I have quoted several self-improvement books throughout this, but I cannot remember exactly where they've all come from!  I swear after awhile, I realize they're all saying the same thing, just a little differently.]

Leading up to Christmas

We've been enjoying a little bit everything around here.  Last Monday it was 70 degrees and we played with bubbles. Crazy!  Today it's in the 50's but rainy.

I've been playing around with my new KEEP goodies.  I love the multi-chain necklace and the protection of the hamsa.  I will take anything that wards off evil and negativity.   #begone

Bath time is rather interesting with this one! He is all boy and so full of energy.  I can barely get him to sit on his bottom to wash him up!

Brookie's going through some lovey phases and will randomly tell us how much she loves us and likes to hug.

Thursday night hubs and I snuck out a few hours to knock off some more shopping.  We also enjoyed a little steak dinner!  I am loving this super fun arm candy...makes my boring old outfits pop!

Friday brought Santa visit!

Baby boy was all smiles and Miss Brooke took it rather seriously.

And at the very end, she runs back and says, "Oh yeah and Paw-trol!"  I about died. She is so cute.

Then Saturday came with dance class and this little ballerina!  This is her Rockin Robin costume.  I cannot wait to see them in the recital in June.

I had so much fun at my launch social!  I have some very sweet and supportive friends.  I'm having a ball styling and designing for them!  Here is Jamie's look-love the blessed key on the rose gold mesh & the classic pavé time key! Shop here. {ps it's a mystery hostess link, so when you order you'll go into the lottery to win goodies!}

My dear friend Alison came over on Saturday and we baked...

and baked!  They all came out so good and we were done by 2pm.  #winning

Of course with all these sweets, we need to remember to be aware of good health! I am all about some wine, cookies & delicious menu items, but it's so good to keep ourselves in check.  Advo launched their ALL-IN which is a great deal--hello, free shipping! Pre-orders are available. 

If I can be totally honest, I am working hard at keeping my "happy" on at times.  This time of year can be hard because you have expectations of other people and as we all know, you can't change or fix anyone.  I wrote a whole post, which felt great, but I don't feel like hitting publish.  It takes a lot of mental work to push out the negative thoughts and just focus on the good.  And that is what Joe and I continue to do.  We have two healthy gorgeous babies and it is our very first Christmas as a family of four.  We will continue to focus on that and what really matters.  It probably doesn't help I'm fighting off a chest cold and don't feel 100% myself.  Plus I cannot believe we are already looking at pre-schools for Fall of 2017 for Brooke and of course planning her 3rd and bubs' 1st birthday party.

Time just won't slow down!  Either way, we have some errands to run so I'm hoping after nap time the rain lets up and we can get some things done.  

So I figured I would just get that off my mind because I am sure there are others out there who don't feel all holly jolly and Christmas-like at the moment and that is okay.  But if you can keep looking at all the good in your life and focus on what brings a smile to your face, then it will all be okay.  

Stay beautiful friends~

Cleanse {Starting Stats}

Some motivation:

I'm letting it all hang out here. Ok not really, but I'm going to be pretty open and honest with my stats.  Why? I hope to inspire someone and I know that I will never be this weight again! [unless by some crazy chance we conceive a third child, but I reallllllly don't see that happening!]  SO as unhappy that my jeans still don't fit, I am not having a pity party--I am taking my health back and getting back on track.  This is what I look like when I don't eat "clean" 80% of the time, don't take products, and don't workout.

9 weeks postpartum, boy my belly just loves hanging onto that baby fat.  And my booty needs some lifting--thank goodness for all the squats!  Crazy thing, is I know I've weighed 155 before I've had kids--but my body did not look like this.  Obviously.  Either way, this is not a happy weight, even though I've already lost 40 pounds of baby weight, I know my body feels best (and fits into clothes nicely) in the 140s.  Before I got pregnant I was 137.  It didn't happen in one challenge--it took several and lots of months of working out, eating well and staying on products.

bust 39
waist 40.5
hips 41
left thigh 23
right thigh 23
right calf 14.5
left calf 14.5
left bicep 12
right bicep 12
neck 12.5 {yes, my neck. I swear I will lose weight there! ha}

Wake up 7:30: Spark, Catty
8:00 Fiber drink and a glass of water

Meal 1:
2eggs w/ spinach and salt free seasoning & fruit

Meal #2: Apple with PB (no pic)
Meal #3: Lettuce wrap w/ shredded pork (no sauce) avocado & brown rice (no pic)
Meal #4: Protein Shake after workout
Meal #5:  Superfood Turkey Meatballs I ate 3 [tricky on mondays/wednesdays because Joe works until 8 and I get hungry around 5/6, so I need to eat something!]

Recipe:
1 lb ground turkey
1 cup cooked quinoa
1 tbs flaxseed
1 tbs low sodium soy sauce (or aminos)
1/4 cup chopped fresh spinach
Seasonings--you could use anything really, onion/garlic powder or Mrs. Dash
I personally used Onion Onion and Garlic Garlic from Tastefully Simple {about 2 tbs each, or capful}

Bake for 30 minutes at 350

Brooke loves them!

With my leftover quinoa I had made, I had an opened jar of black bean salsa--threw in some tomatoes and a little mango balsamic vinegar --easy salad to serve.

Meal 6: Whole wheat pasta with red sauce & veggies.  It was late and I didn't have much planned.

It definitely takes me work and prep because Joe can't eat anything I am sharing with you.  He eats a very low fiber diet and nothing whole grain/wheat and very little veggies.  So, again, I am not super hard on myself as long as I am eating the best I can and nothing "white and starchy" I consider that success.  Brooke eats whatever, so I definitely try and get her to eat as much as my food as I can.  She does great!

Everyone coaches differently; some people eat no carbs, some only eat them early on.  If I am trying to get ready for vacation (bikini time) I will eat a little more strictly.  But for now, I am focusing on not snacking for no reason and eliminating all processed junk/candy/cookies/chips/wine.

That takes us to today:

Meal #1-
 2 eggs over easy on wheat sandwich thins.
Cup of water.
Hot water with lemon (it's still in the teens and snow on the ground, mama is chilly!)

2 omegaplex --flush that fat!

After the citrus fiber drink, I am really not starving.  That definitely fills you up more than the peach…and it certainly scrubs your system a lot better too!

Is it perfect? Nope!  But it's what I had to work with, after feeding my family an hour earlier (I had to get my Spark/catty/fiber drink in before I ate) and by then there was no more fruit…I need to grocery shopping again today!  My main goal is to be sure I have protein at each meal and typically a veggie and/or fruit.  Ya win some, ya lose some.

This brings me back to my very first 24 Day challenge.  It taught me so much! I was so upset with myself if I wasn't "perfect" every day…but then I quickly realized, life is TOO crazy to be perfect. In every sense of the word.  What I learned the most was that I don't have to count calories and if I eat as clean as I can, and take my products as directed I will lose the weight and feel amazing.  That simple.

I love the feeling of the cleanse, and I am looking forward to the MNS max phase even more!!

My first 24 Challenge Blogs:

Cleanse Day 3

Day 7

Day 20

Results

A Little [big] Life Tip

Oh hello, Monday. I was hoping for a smooth week to catch up and rest a bit…buuuuuut Brookie has her first cold of the season so things are not quite back to "normal" around these parts.  It's ok, and we're all hanging in there after the seizure dog drama, but man…I look forward to a healthy happy family some day soon please!!

I was looking at the prompts I've missed and this one jumped out to me...


One piece of advice I could give to a large group of people…


I have a lot to say, clearly, I nearly document my thoughts on a daily basis.  While I don't claim to know it all, I certainly have learned a thing or two over the past 33 years.  I think the best advice is to never stop learning/working on yourself.

I'll say it again, never stop learning or working on yourself. And with that, don't ever try to be "perfect" just always focus on progress.

Sounds easy enough, but I mean in every and all aspects of life.  Don't ever think for a second you can't change; everything about you can be re-created, re-directed, lifted, shifted, massaged, and the amount of growth one can have spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically is just mind-blowing.

What do I exactly mean about never stop learning? Well, there's the obvious. Take up a new class you've never tried before.  I suggest maybe finding one of your less than stellar aspects and push yourself out of your comfort zone. Maybe it's a workout class you're nervous to try. Perhaps you're "not a good cook," which I feel is an excuse for, you just haven't done it very much so you're not too great at it.  I wasn't nearly as good of a cook as I am today.  Through many okay dishes, delicious dinners and even some "the dog won't even eat it meals," I have worked up quite the recipe repertoire.

If you're unhappy about something in life, go back to you.  Look inside yourself. The easiest thing to do is go to the library, grab some Audio-books (CD) or if you don't mind spending the $$ grab some mp3s on iTunes or Audible.  I suggest getting your own copies because just one listen won't do it. Just like you can't go on one run and expect to stay in shape.  You can't eat one healthy meal and all of a sudden, "be healthy." It's a work in progress.   Just work on you.

Notice I didn't say grab an actual book.  You totally can, but I know that requires a little more commitment.  That requires an extra action step for you to sit down and carve out 10-15 minutes of your day, and I get that it's hard.  So for a no excuse method, grab an audio. Or Youtube--FREE! While you're folding laundry or putting on your makeup, putting away the dishes or even cooking dinner.  Start listening to some good leadership or self-help books, whatever you want to call them.

You will be amazed after a few listens, you will start to think, feel and act differently.

Some favorites:

The Slight Edge: by Jeff Olson

100 Ways to Motivate Yourself

Happy For No Reason

Change Your Thoughts Change your Life

Easier Than You Think


I would tell people to not care what others thought about them, but I know for a fact that only comes when you work on yourself.  We are brought up to appease others and not ruffle feathers.  Once you've broken the chain on that, you have freed yourself, life becomes limitless.  I'm not saying be rude or go out of your way to upset people, but once you find yourself and learn to live life on your terms, it all starts getting better.   Note that I didn't say easier.  Life is never easy.  It's just how you go about and deal with your day to day, that makes all the difference in the world.

Bottom line, just know that you are never too old to grow and learn.  We are always able to change, it's just taking those small action steps to lead us there.

And for heaven's sake, everyone else is so wrapped up in his or her own life, don't worry about what other people think!  Chances are, they're too worried about what others think of them too. Just put an end to that and focus on YOU.

Here's to a happy Monday!

Physical, Emotional, Spiritual {Wellness}

So true, right?  That is what life is all about; finding that harmonious balance of, happy.

I just love sharing my thoughts so that I can reflect back on them, but I share them here on the web in case anyone else may benefit from my thoughts as well.

{Physical Wellness}

AdvoCare launched a few new products and while I am practical with my money, I decided I have to wait to try this new skin care line out once my other products are done!  However, I do not have anything in the "rejuvenating serum" spectrum, so I bought the serum to try out {OMG!} and Drew Brees Carmel/Almond bar.

The bar is not overly sweet, which I LOVE.  I ran out of bars and bought another brand--forgot to the check the sugar and man oh man, it was just TOO sweet and I did not feel good after eating it.

The serum is perfect for our necks--ladies, I am talking to you.  If you notice, it's the first thing to really show signs of aging.  I usually just put lotion on my neck, but just a few days into this wonderful smelling serum, I can see my neck/chest glowing! I can literally feel the tightening and hydration happening. Ca-razy!

I am trying the firming lotion next, as my lovely lady lumps continue to grow during pregnancy--thanks hormones--I can't wait to try!

Best part?  NO PARABENS!! Love love love this company.

Can I tell you how JEALOUS I am of this?? Once I'm done being prego/nursing I cannot wait to try this improved metabolic nutrition system! They have changed up the MNS 3 by adding a little CardioQ.

Cardio who?

New! CardioQ: This product combines the ingredients CoQ10, Vitamin D, and Lycopene to provide nutrition for healthy aging and cardiovascular support.* CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that helps support processes where energy is needed the most, such as the heart and the liver.* CoQ10 levels decrease as we grow older. Because of this, the need for supplementation increases as we age. Vitamin D deficiency has been identified as a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Vitamin D receptors are expressed in a variety of tissues, including cardiacmyocytes, vascular and endothelial cells. Vitamin D has also been shown to affect inflammation and cell proliferation and differentiation.* Lycopene is a powerful ingredient that provides cardiovascular and immune support and encourages healthy aging.* 

Basically, you'll be pouring top notch nutrition into your body and feeling incredible. This product (and Spark) made me fall head over heels with this company.  You don't even understand how great you can feel, until you get on this product…and then I went off it and was like, why would I not want to feel this amazing every day???  Perfect to solution for someone looking for more energy, appetite control and overall health wellness improvement.

I had to share these on sale too-- Purple champs are a great way to get DHA with a sweet taste!
Cranchews are a fave for a healthy bladder.
CitriZinc is for all my teachers who wanna ward off those upcoming germs with school fast approaching!

{Emotional Wellness}

One of my incredible leaders mentioned this book. It sounded like something my husband would like, so I found the audio version on You Tube.  I sent it to him, and realized maybe I should listen too.

WOW.  If you are still struggling with money or the concept of having money is a bad thing, or where you're spending your money--read or listen to this book!

It helps me understand a little more why my husband works so, so, so hard and what he's trying to accomplish.  It makes me want to propel my own business in AdvoCare further, and help more people "see this light."  You should not have to feel the burden of finances; it's not rocket science, but since it's not taught to us in school, so many (myself included) have no clue what we're doing with our money!

We were taught to go to school, get a safe job, and make money.  That is something I will NEVER tell my kids!

This guy tells it like it is, what he learned, and how to be wealthy.  We need money (and lots of it) to survive and thrive in our world today.

When I say it has helped me change my mindset on money, things, houses, cars, new this and that, I mean it.  It made for some excellent conversations with my husband and made me hungry for more learning.

One notion that stuck out was, don't quit your day job, but also have your own business. You never know what could happen with your 9-5, so what else can you do for yourself to earn income?  I know any extra amount is helpful, so if you're not doing something, perhaps being your own AdvoCare boss may be right for you?  It's worth thinking about.  I know I appreciate the cushion, a lot.  I also want to help others become financially free; what if you had no more credit card debt? How would that feel? What weight would lift off of your shoulders?

{Spiritual Wellness}

*Disclaimer:

I am an independent AdvoCare distributor with the company and it is my goal to help others with achieve their health and financial goals..AdvoCare products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. AdvoCare does not endorse products for pregnant/nursing moms or any persons under the age of 18. For more information on the key benefits of our products, please visit the product pages.

Last Challenge of Summer

If you remember, it was about a year ago I started my first 24 Day Challenge with AdvoCare. [here]  It was actually the beginning of my journey towards being a healthier version of me; a stronger version of me; overall, a BETTER ME!!  While I obviously cannot cleanse or use some products, I can hold myself accountable for eating cleaner.  I am NOT eating for two this time; I am enjoying foods in moderation, but still really trying to maintain my 80/20 rule.

Looking at that photo below, I'm like oh my goodness, I think my stomach is smaller right now 4 months prego than it was 6 months postpartum!! And in 24 days, look at that.  What a reminder that ANYTHING is possible, just focus and believe.

My girlfriend is doing a challenge so I am throwing it out there, who wants to join us?  I need to hold myself a little more accountable and back to eating clean foods, and MORE greens!  I would love to have a little support group here.

I know that I feel more positive when I eat cleaner and move more too; if you're stuck in a rut, just try it!!

I'm not gonna lie, I'm a little jealous that we can now "build your own bundles" and mix up whatever flavors you want!!  How cool.  I would STRONGLY encourage the add-ons, Thermoplus, Catalyst and Carb-ease.   With that, I must once again thank my friend Nikki for pushing me, when I needed it.  Thanks friend/coach!!  She is such a fireball and is doing such a great job with her new bundle of joy.  Love ya girl!

I am forever grateful for her interrupting my life and I know I say it a lot, but I will NEVER be on a diet--and Brooke will NEVER hear me say that.  I know it is so crucial for children, especially girls, to not be bombarded with thinking that they're fat, or mom is constantly trying to crash diet etc.  On top of it, all while getting healthy, I am still able to continue to our family's finances.  I still am in awe of that.  

So Summer is still rocking and you've got one more chance to challenge before Fall!  It's not easy, but I promise it will be worth it.  

Workouts, Motivation, and Thoughts

Last year when I was feeling so lost and sad about losing weight, I sadly attempted the Tone it Up Bikini Series.  I love their positive vibe, pretty surroundings, and their kick-butt workouts.  Because of AdvoCare, I can say I am LOVING it this time around.  Cardio? OK! Weights? Yes please!

This ish is no joke. I try to keep up with it on the elliptical, but sometimes I just do what I can.

My elliptical. I have a love/hate relationship with this thing. I BEGGED my husband for it last year; as if I thought once having it I'd lose weight and feel amazing.  Boy, was I wrong! I cannot tell you how HARD it was to get on this thing for 20 minutes (or more) last year.  I was 30 pounds heavier and had no energy.   Now?  I honestly love it.  I don't love that it's in the garage (our weather is still questionable) and it's too big to bring inside.  However, my motto? No excuses.  So I try my hardest to jump on it for at least 20-30 minutes now.  I have been trying new shows, but nothing is capturing me like Scandal did.  [womp womp]

Lovin this new app I got! {rhonna}

So fun!

Sometimes I wish I had a gym membership, but honestly? I am loving my workout area.  I can get down to biz after my Arginine and Catalyst…no worries!

I bought this journal last year and began writing about my weight loss…I love how the tiu girls encourage writing goals and dreams.  It's important to manifest our wishes, so that they come true!

Some of these seem so simple, but those of you who have been enjoying weather above 50 degrees have NO idea how much sitting outside reading a book or laying on warm grass would mean to us freezing New Yorkers!

I either pull up the you-tube  video or the photo on my phone…#noexcuses

Day 3 I didn't get my cardio in, but I did do this one!

Wowza!

I know life is all that we make of it, so I just keep finding motivating quotes to keep me going!

Earlier today-- I was on a mission and it wasn't *too cold. I watched you tube videos...

After my 30 minute cardio sesh, I did the 'cowabunga' and fueled up with my Chocolate muscle gain protein shake.  My view isn't exactly pristine, but it's my life and I freaking love it.

Oh, and of course I am pumping my body full of vitamins & lots of healthy foods! Organic apple & pb are my afternoon sweet/salty treat.

I should probably finish up the laundry, mop the floors and get dinner started, but I wanted to share what I've been up to!!

If you're having a hard time getting started, I am here to help!  It took a few 24 day challenges and a lot of motivation to get where I am at.  I am debating on how to share my progress; I am not perfect but I am ok with that.  My tummy has some soft spots and stretch marks, and I've not been 100% on point with my clean eating; why? Because I love food.  I feel amazing and am happier than I have ever been with myself, so for that I am proud.  

I will say I so badly wanted a jr bacon cheeseburger and cheese fries from Wendy's yesterday, but I did NOT give in!! I am happy about that.  I know on vacation we will live and let live, splurge and enjoy all that the island food has to offer. And that will be much tastier than garbage from a fast food joint.

Happy Thursday my loves!

Mama Thoughts

Am I doing enough?  Am I doing it right?  Is she happy? Is she eating enough?  Did she eat too much? Is she pooping normal?  What is normal poop anyway?  I should have breastfed longer. I should have started milk sooner. I should have co-slept.  I should sing to her more often. I should let her play with the dogs. I shouldn't let her play with the dogs.  I should carry her more.  I need to read more books.  I need to make more food from scratch.  I need to take her out and about and socialize more.  I need her to see her grandparents, great-grandma and other family members more.  I need to sing more. I need to let the dishes go and just play more often. I need to keep up with her laundry.  I should be signing with her more often. I should work on speech with her.  I shouldn't have let her had that chocolate.   I should have let her try a little more. . .

Holy. Cow.

Ladies.

Mamas.

Mamas to be.

Mamas who aren't ready to be mamas.

Mamas who want to be a mama but aren't quite there yet.

Wow.

Never in a million years did I think that being a mama would change me, the way this little girl has rocked my world.  She is such a blessing; every morning I smile back her her little grin as she says, "Hieeeeeee" and I thank my lucky stars for her.  At night, I put her to bed, or even at nap time, we blow kisses and wave 'bye bye.'  I kiss her stinky little feet. I tickle her round tummy.  We rub noses and give Eskimo kisses.  We dance. We hug.  We sing. We laugh.

We cry.

I know there is no such thing is perfect, but man…all you want is your child healthy, happy, and well.  Right?  Some days seem harder than others.  If it's not a diaper rash, it's explosive diarrhea, or her sucking her thumb and scratching her nose.  Or it's falling.  Or it's a bloody lip.  It's the cry I hear because she doesn't want to go down or her nap, even though she can't keep her eyes open.

But some days are a never-ending series of small problems that seem to build up and up and up...

***

I began writing this post Monday night [2.3].  Come Tuesday, I once again realized I am not alone. Two of my favorite mommy bloggers posted about being a mom.

You have to wonder, is it something in the air that makes us want to get this off our chest? This overwhelming feeling of motherhood that consumes us.

**

It is now Monday February 10th and my sweet little baby is sick.  A congested cough. A slight fever. Enough to make mama worry though!  I thank God she is so healthy, but no one wants to see her little one feeling ill, even in the slightest bit.

So to answer myself today, yes Jennifer you are doing enough.   You wake up each morning and give that little girl everything you've got, even if you don't feel like you have much to give.  You're teaching her to be a little girl.  Which will one day be, a woman.  You're teaching her patience, kindness, compassion and strength.  You're teaching her how important it is to be happy. To marry for love.  To believe and have faith in things no matter what.  That family is most important.

You teach her it's ok to cry when you're hurt.  You continue to show her that she comes from a long line of women (on all sides of the family) who are strong and independent.

You are her mother; the only mother she will ever have.  And that in and of itself, is something so beautiful.  So be nice to yourself Jenn!! It's ok the dishes pile up sometimes and that the dog hair clumps into Holly size balls of fur.  It's ok that you had pajama day and allowed her to get pasta sauce everywhere--even in her ear.

And I'm reminding you mamas who are reading, you too are DOING SO GREAT!  It's hard not to hear it all of the time, but we all need to know.  If you're doing you're best then good for you.  Each of us is only doing what we know and believe is best.  We are not perfect. We yell. We pout. We stomp.  We sigh.  We snap.  We apologize. We smile. We hug. We play.  We are all human and we ALL have room to grow.

Surround yourselves by other empowering mommas.  The ones who lift you up and brush you off when you're having a bad day and that salute you when you're on top of your game.

Never stop loving, growing, learning, and living.  There's so much to still see!

OK, after nap time it is.

This Week in Workouts Link Up

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It's Sunday, which means it's time for our Week in Workouts link up!!  I am not going to lie.  I am still hurting [in a good way] from these workouts.  My goal is to start small, 3x a week.  I accomplished that!!  I am no professional, but i do know that you need to start some place.  You cannot expect to run a marathon without proper training.  With that, I may have only done 3 little workouts, my body feels it and my appetite has increased!  Bring on the protein!

1.12-Sunday: Rest 

1.13-Monday: Jillian Micahels Ripped in 30 

1.14-Tuesday: Rest 

1.15-Wednesday: My new CU24 bundle came in!! [scoop it up here]

I only did the first cardio workout.

I literally had a ball, pun intended.  I need to work on my core, it's my weakest area by far.  I was rolling all over this damn ball and couldn't stop laughing at myself! If ya can't laugh at yourself, you've got nothing.  I cannot wait to do it again!

I will remember to put on my Polar watch next time...

1.16-Thursday: Rest

1.17-Friday:  Zen in Your Den Yoga.  I neeeeeeeded it.  20 minutes of stretching and planking oy! I just pull up good old You Tube and go.

I didn't even get dressed; I just did it in my VS pjs.

1.18-Saturday: Rest  [aka I still really feel it in my bum bum]

I will definitely be attempting to add more as I feel stronger.  You just can't get discouraged and know that it's not a race; you are not in competition with anyone.  This whole workout linkup should empower you to want to do your best and feel better.  Be sure to eat every 2-3 hours, drink as much water as you possibly can, and eat clean.  If you have any questions at all, I would love to help you!

Be sure to link up and share your workouts; I LOVE the inspiration and seeing what other people are doing as workouts too.  Happy Sunday!