The Six List

I mentioned last week I really was enjoying Sarah Mae's book Having a Martha Home the Mary Way.  Her quick tips, easy ideas and breath of fresh air are just what my soul needed.  I had a few takeaways from her book and one really has stuck with me (almost) daily.

She shared this $25,000 piece of advice of creating your own Six List every day.  She suggests that you write them down the night before, in order of which you will do them.  {I'll be honest, the night before and in order part are still a work in progress for me...baby steps!} 

Basically Charles Schwab was approached by a public relations expert Ivy Lee back in 1920.  Lee suggested if he met with Schwab's executives they'd be more productive, therefore making Schwab's business more profitable. 

It worked and Charles ended up paying Ivy $25,000 for his work.  

Why do I think it works?

Well, if you're anything like me, your to do list(s) are pages and pages. You never fully accomplish it all every single day and then you feel like a flop.

If you just focus on 6 (SIX) non-negotiable things you have got to get done for the day to feel as though you did all that you could, you'll have a great day and be productive.

It's kind of fun too...

Yes, I'm a dork.

My sample list for today:

1.  Workout at the Y

2.  Play/read with kids.

3.  Fold & put away all of the laundry (while watching This is Us)

4.  Read.

5.  Pay bills.

6.  Meal prep for the rest of the week.

Simply cross off each number as you complete the task.

What happens when you don't get to the last one or two?  

Just roll them over to the next day and start with those.  

It's that easy!

What will be on your six list today?

Fall Menu Ideas

Happy Tuesday!  

I found some new (to me) recipes that I wanted to try, so I figured I would share them here with you!  I am hoping to cook these up this week, so feel free to stay tuned 

(or follow my insta story: IG-- jenndellefave)

 to see how they turn out!

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Acorn Squash Turkey Meatloaf

Chicken Taquitos

Cheeseburger Soup

Eggplant Chicken One Pan

Crockpot Balsamic Pork Roast

Cleansing & Thoughts for June

Holy smokes!!

I am not sure how it is June 8th, but here we are folks!   I don't like abandoning the blog, but life happens, I suppose.  We had a great May, filled with some staycation time, date nights, and lots of time with family.  We've been hustling hard, building our real estate portfolio and working diligently on our business.

I felt the need to check myself with my eating, as I could feel my clothes not fitting how I like.  I haven't been prioritizing myself and have been eating more like 50/50 instead of 80/20, so I knew it was time to reboot.

I love documenting my cleanses so that I know what I ate during them...sometimes I get lazy and busy and make excuses as to why I don't eat 'clean' but if I can look back here and see it wasn't so hard after all, it just took a little prep time, it helps!

I started my cleanse Wednesday June 7th.
Starting weight: 137


If you have followed me for awhile, you know I was super into Advocare.  I still love their products and truly believe they help! The 24 day challenge helped me learn how to eat correctly and what foods really make me feel the best.

However, as I get older and my body changes and I find what works and doesn't work for me as well.  As much as I LOVE Spark, with my reflux, I just can't drink it.  Same goes for coffee.  I could cry into my green tea latte, but to be honest I am ok without them.

I did however branch out and try Beachbody's Energize, which doesn't seem to irritate me.  Its main source of caffeine is green tea---which is the only form of caffeine I seem to be able to tolerate well.  I also have switched to Shakeology because quite honestly, I enjoy the taste much better than any of the Advocare's shakes.  I am not here to diss or knock, I am just stating what works for me and my body.

I am also a member of Beachbody On Demand because it is the ONLY way I keep up with my workouts.  I have no desire to drag two kids to the gym.  I can throw on my sneakers or pull out my mat and get to work.

I am doing the 14 day Yoga challenge and I started yesterday as well.

So for this 10 day cleanse, here is my raw, honest and real approach!!

I am doing Advocare's 10 day cleanse (includes probiotics in the AM along with a fiber drink and then cleanse tablets PM)

Eating clean-aka-

• No alcohol
• No processed foods (other than protein powder)
• No refined carbohydrates
• No extra sugars
• No green tea lattes from the 'bux
• Drinking lots of water all day long (1/2 my body weight)
• Eating 5-6 small meals a day
• Getting good sleep

Day 1:

MEALS

Meal 1- I had 2 eggs over easy, ezekial toast, avocado spread on top, few tomatoes
Meal 2- 1/2 cup oatmeal, 1 cup of cashew milk, dash cinnamon & a few strawberries (overnight oats)
Meal 3- Vegan Cafe Latte Shakeology w/ cashew milk, 4 ice cubes, 1/2 banana & a tsp of pb
Meal 4- Chocolate Protein shake w/ ice and water after my yoga sesh
Meal 5- Thai Chicken Lettuce Wrap (cube chicken, grill pan, season, mix with broccoli, almond butter & Braggs liquid aminos (I dont have coconut aminos and lime juice. Sounds weird; trust me, it's good!)
Meal 6-  I felt a little hungry after dinner so I diced up turnips and sweet potatoes, evoo and seasoned in a pan.  They satisfied my salty tooth!


I saw this on the Advocare Facebook page and may have to try them! Use whatever protein powder you have.

Tip or trick:

Hardboil some eggs and always have easy fresh fruits and veggies on hand.  I ate these on Monday, as I was trying to prep for my meal prep haha.  I know that is the hardest thing for me as a busy momma of a 2 and 4 year old, plus having to cook separate meals for Joe because he cannot eat too many vegetables or whole grain/whole wheat items.

Lastly:

I constantly feed my brain.  I'm always listening to motivating podcasts, audiobooks, and looking at solid quotes.  Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.  We as a society have learned to settle for average.  We continue to live our lives with tunnel vision, no expectations, not pushing ourselves over and beyond.  Sometimes I wonder if I push myself or my kids too much, but then I realize that's silly.  Joe and I work very hard to create our exceptional life and there is no better way to live.  Whether is being healthy, making more money, fueling your mind and spirit with good thoughts, prayers and words, you must make efforts every single day.  There is no rest for this; we have got to face our fears, push our limits and never, EVER settle. Each and every one of us is worth more.

...more to come on that topic.

For now, Day 2 of my cleanse has commenced and I am ready to take on the world. Happy Thursday!

Mother's Day 2017

I hope that everyone had a nice day yesterday!  Hubby was so sweet and made 'my breakfast' of spinach, eggs, tomatoes & feta. I even had a little mimosa to start the day!

We relaxed and took it easy; Joe decided it was time for the kids to have a Power Wheels.  We hit up the sidewalks and headed out to the back parking lot.  Maiden Voyage!

Here he tried to make it go faster, aka 5 miles an hour. Neither kid liked it!

They love 'balancing' on this log.

He's getting so big.

Behind the scenes, #momlife

I wanted to get a few photos of just the kids and I...

I just love her little grin.

Thanks for the photobomb dad!

"Girls Rule, Boys Drool."

I think I got a few good ones for my mother in law to print off for me haha!

Of course I may have ended with one more little glass of bubbly.

Cheers to all of you who work your tail off each and every day.  You put everyone else before yourself, take pride in washing, folding, putting away little pajamas. You clean up countless crumbs and wash off never-ending sticky surfaces.  You still find time to love your husband and be a good friend.  You shower at 4pm and sometimes forget how nice jeans feel. Cheers to being awesome; no matter what season you're in, I am sure that #momlife is no easy task, but once you're living it, you'd never go back.  I'm not going to lie; I got quite emotional looking back at newborn photos wondering where on earth these last 2 & 4 years have gone.  Being a mother has certainly challenged me, changed me and for sure has made me a better human being.  Such a special task that should never be taken too lightly.

We ended the day with Joe's ribs & grilled asparagus. I also had him grill me up some chicken breasts to eat for lunch all week!

For dessert I made this Tastefully Simple sugar cookie wafter thing---I dont know but it was SO GOOD.  Joe wanted to put ice cream & fruit in it.

I was "SORT OF" healthy with some greek yogurt and fruit...omg. Addicting!

How did you celebrate Mother's Day?

Currently

Clean Eating:

I am really trying to eat clean and healthy.  Winter hibernating has me feeling not so fab! Every morning I still start my day out with this fun little concoction. Eggs, spinach, tomatoes, feta.

Trying Something New: 

Joe taught me how to shoot a few weeks ago.  I was nervous because I've never pulled a trigger, but it wasn't so bad! I actually hit the little gopher target on the first try!



Boys:

Speaking of guns, this one is starting to like his toy gun from Uncle Ty Ty! He runs around yelling "bang bang!"

Storm Update:

We did end up with a little bit of damage from the windstorm. One of our trees fell down right next to our shed, luckily it fell away from the house!

Reading:

I'm in a virtual book club and really trying to keep up! I don't make myself sit and read enough, but this one definitely needs your undivided attention.  I can't read and hear screaming littles!

I needed to highlight this part...I'm constantly beating myself up for not "being where I think I should be" or going as fast as I think that I should.

House Inspiration:

I like to take little drives with the kids to scope out nice houses in the area. #creeperstatus I'm gathering inspiration for when we build as well as looking for any For Sale By Owners!

Digging Earth Tones:

I'm obsessed with this little succulent I got at Wegmans.  I also love painting my nails these colors lately!

Growing my Team & Clients:

I am really loving my little VIP group!  I do fun giveaways and am starting to put together items for a sample sale.  It's hard to part with pretty pieces, but it's time to move out the old to make room for new.   I love going "FB LIVE" and having girl talk too. Care to join?  Hop on over!  Style by Jenn VIP Group




Sales:

I still can't believe all the gold beauties that are available this month at half off when you spend $50.

Storm #2:

I was well prepared for "Stella" to come and dump a bunch of snow on us.  I love being cozied up inside, baking & having no place to go.

We got over 2 feet.

Stella the snow storm!

Workouts:

After a bit of a hiatus, I am sweating and loving it again!! I find that if I post pictures I tend to motivate myself and keep myself accountable. I have a little disco dress to fit into soon!  I made it to a yoga class before the big storm and did a few at home workouts.  I'm starting to walk Holly on the regular, am/pm and that really helps me so much.

Baking:

I try everything to get the kids to eat more fruits and veggies.  These were a hit for Bradley but Brooke not so much after the first few bites.  Banana whole wheat muffins, with maple syrup and coconut oil.

Mommy/son time:

I had groceries to buy, clothes to fold, dishes to do, and so many things!! But, this little guy trumped everything.  We've been stuck inside for far too long and I knew a little one on one time while having some fun would help this little dude out so much!! He's such a ham.

Playing:

We tried to play in the snow, but it was a bit overwhelming for the kids.  Both of them got stuck and cried at the same time! Oh my goodness.  Never a dull moment!

Cooking:

I get requests for these bad boys all of the time!! Bake at 350 degrees for 1/2 an hour, flip and coat and bake another 30 minutes.

Drinking:

I love a good red and this was delightful!  Warms you right up on a cold Winter Day.

What are you currently up to?

Girl Chat: Luck

I am really wanting to get back into blogging more and connecting with other ladies again!  I was just chatting with my friend Nikki and we were saying how tricky it is to keep up with everything (life) and blogging always seems to be the first thing to go.

I saw this link up on Danielle's site and love the idea of "Girl Chat."  Today's topic is a time when you were lucky.  I definitely am on the fence of whether things are "luck" or simply acts from above.  I also wonder if we can truly manifest or create our luck in some situations.  

Either way, whatever you want to label it, you've got to check out some of the amazing stories being shared on this link up!! 

I feel incredibly blessed in many areas of my life and I guess you could even say that I am lucky.  However, I have had a few times in my life where I think luck does play a role.

I can't think of one single elaborate story of luck, so I'll share a few snippets.

That time we were in Las Vegas back in 2009 and I insisted on playing the slots at NY NY and I won $225 on that silly triple diamond game.

I've won a few giveaway items throughout my blogging, and from some of those winnings I gained a new friend.  Hi Rachel! 

I'm lucky that I stumbled into this blogging world back when I simply stayed home as a housewife, and found passion through sharing my words, thoughts and hearts here on the keyboard.  

I'm beyond lucky that I developed many close friendships because of this little blog; women who make my life better.  Women that even though I've never seen them face to face, all I need to see is a text on my phone or hear their sweet voices.  

I'm feel very lucky that we did not lose power last night.  We just had a crazy windstorm yesterday that left thousands of people in the dark, schools closed (Brooke is home today!) and we have stayed safe and with plenty of power.  I'm not sure if it's because we lost power last week and had new poles?? Either way, I'll take it.

I'm lucky to have the ability to stay home and raise our babies.  

I feel lucky that both of my children are healthy and well.  Sure they get colds and sniffles, but I'm talking about the heavy stuff. My heart aches so much for anyone who has a truly sick child.  That has got to be number one on my gratitude list each day. I thank God for healthy children.

I'm lucky that my husband (boyfriend at the time) showed me that it was ok and good for me to read and listen to "self help."  I don't know where I'd be if he hadn't shared that gift with me.

We were lucky that when in Europe for our honeymoon, the France airstrike happened in the afternoon as opposed to the morning when we flew from Paris to Rome.

I felt lucky in the last few weeks as random checks in my name started appearing.  I believe I manifested them, and I would love more to appear.  I believe that what you put out into the universe does come back to you.

I am lucky to have supportive friends and family on my down days and am grateful for them to help lift me up.  

I certainly feel lucky to have met my friend Shelby who shared the stella & dot opportunity with me! I love being a part of something and it may have taken a few tries to get to where I am today, but I am so so happy to be a stylist! Can it be July yet?!

I definitely feel mostly blessed more than lucky, but at times a little luck doesn't seem to hurt! I'm grateful for so many opportunities to find the silver linings in situations and to try and keep that positive outlook in every aspect of life. 

Do you believe in luck?

2016: It's a Wrap

2016

What. A. Year.

It was a year that truly made me grow.

I learned so much about myself, my husband, my children as well as my family.

It was a year that I've learned less is more, and I want to continue that into next year.

It's a year that I've truly found a beautiful path I'm walking on with my faith.

2016 shook me to the core at the thought of losing my youngest sister.

I know so many people who hate 2016, but as my husband and I reflected on our year, we could only see the good.

Our sweet babes turned 1 & 3.

I took a day off.

We focused on some house goals.

I wrote about being a mom.

Hubby & I snuck off to Toronto

I asked for prayers; it worked. Thank you.

We celebrated 6 years of marriage

August was amazing.

Our girl started school.

I blogged 31 days in a row.

Viva las Vegas

Enjoying December

While I don't bare my entire soul here on the blog, I share what I feel is right and what needs to be put out there into the universe.  I'm constantly working on myself and certainly don't have all of the answers, but I feel so much better as a person going into this new year than I have ever felt.

I don't feel lost, scared, helpless hopeless or unsure.

Instead I feel confident, protected, secure, excited, hopeful and ready for all that is yet to come.

Relationships have always been a part of my life that I have struggled with.  I get so emotionally invested or worked up, that it can make me sick.  I believe that with the new year upon us, I will have a much better stance on them, as I walk with God.

The more I let him take control, the less guilt, frustration, sadness, what have you...I feel.

It is not my place to fix others; my only job here on earth is to be happy.

Stay safe & stylish friends and happy new year's eve!!

Tips for a New Blogger

I am by no means a blogging pro.  I don't earn an income off of blogging and I don't follow a set schedule.  I have been blogging since 2011 and still blog, so I guess I have some ideas to offer!

1. Figure out your why.  Why do you want to blog in the first place?  For me, it's about clearing my mind, sharing my heart and possibly helping others. I love to document our family experiences, life happenings and what I love.  I also fill that creative writing need that I feel frequently and I enjoy it.  If I ever feel that it's not fun, I'm sure I'll stop.  I've certainly changed what I share throughout the years, but that's only fair since I was a newlywed, no kids and staying home by myself...now I juggle so much more!

2.  Have confidence.  No matter what your purpose is for blogging, just be confident in that and go with it! Don't sit around second guessing yourself; just start typing, add a few photos and voila.  Putting something out there on this web is a little frightening; if you worry about what others will think you'll never have anything to share.  If you feel like you've got something to say, then it's important to say it! You never know who you could be helping by sharing your thoughts online.

3.  Connect with others.  The best part of blogging was the relationships I made when I first started.  I met other wives who stayed home and then became pregnant, now our children are growing up and it's so cool to see that! I have to say that blogging has certainly changed throughout the years, partially I think because social media blew up.  Now you can snap chat, instagram and facebook your day away and don't really need to blog. I still love my little blog, so that's why I still come here.

4.  Consistently post.  Whether it's daily, weekly,  Tuesday and Thursdays, whatever, you really should have a bit of a routine. I feel that when I don't post regularly, I don't have people coming back say hello!  I know life gets busy, but if you don't stick to something, you'll feel guilty and probably give up.  If you happen to post more than what you original thought, awesome!

5.  Be you. Part of me wants to say, don't even worry about what others think.  Everyone has a tip or suggestion these days; I kind of feel overwhelmed in ways.  Blogging is no different.  If you're looking to monetize your blog, it will take a lot of time and effort--more than I currently have to give! But I know it's possibly.  Your blog is your space and you should always have fun.  Don't get caught up with what everyone is doing, and focus on yourself.

Do you want to start blogging? What would you say?

Currently

It's always hard to just start when you've stepped away for a bit.  So I thought I'd just share some of what is happening currently.  I am currently...

Sitting outside on the back deck, sipping on some fruit punch rehydrate and banging out this little blog post.  My fingers just needed to feel the keys under them and share what's on my heart, in my mind and what I've been up to.  I started that Mary Kay Andrews book last night, as I need a lighthearted beach read to just ease my mind a bit, with all that's been happening.

Cooking- I made this yummy and easy pasta dish the other week.  I just sliced up summer squash/zucchini, cooked in on a grill pain with a little extra virgin olive oil & this TS spice.  I sprinkled parm cheese at the end.  I boiled the pasta and then tossed it all together in the grill pan. So good!

Drinking- Iced chai soy lattes.  My jam!

Enjoying a little day date with my girl! We went to Wegmans and the Farmer's Market.  It was so nice to give her my undivided attention.

LOVING this hot Summer weather.  I don't remember having such great weather for so often and I am not taking any of it for granted!

Grateful for my mom staying with us; even under these conditions, it has enabled Joe and I so many little opportunities to spend some one on one time.  This was a day where we went out to lunch!

Getting all sorts of determination lately.  I feel like 'the next big thing' for us is around the corner. We just keep surrounding ourselves with positive people and those who truly 'get us' and it's really making for a beautiful life.

Feeling so blessed to these curly haired babes.  So many times I just find myself sitting and staring; watching them be siblings.  They bicker, of course, but when they're sweet and nice?  Melts my mama heart big time.

Amazed by this sunset at our land; how perfect will this view be?

Adoring this brand new tote that launched today in KEEP!  {Shop my mystery hostess social & enter to win rewards!}

Obsessing over these two necklaces combined to create a festive look for the 4th! {Tulum & Bliss}

What are you currently up to?