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!

Make a Vlog!

I may be a few days behind this challenge, but I made a video!! WOO HOO. 

It's more of a 'life update' and what's been going on…craziness. 

There are other videos on my YouTube channel from the past, feel free to check them out!

Thanks for watching!!

**oops today is the 17th!! haha

Where my Blog Began

Day 14:  When and why did I start blogging?

How fitting as I am approaching my 3rd blog-anniversary soon!  I started on September 28 and wrote my first post here.  I found myself in a whole new situation--I had taught English for 8 years and through much discussion, my husband and I decided it would be best for me to stay home.   There are many reasons for that happening, the main thing was the lack of time we spent together…I was up at 4:30/5am and out the door by 6:30 and he would get home at 9pm some nights.  While that may be "the way it is" for some people, we decided that financially he could support the two of us and my job, though not earning any income, was better fitted to stay home.  Because it was a personal choice, I have never once felt like a slave or that I made a bad choice. Sure, there are moments when I wish I had to wear some fancy clothes and sometimes I miss the idea of teaching--a classroom full of kids…but I also know it's not all sunshine and roses and that my role as a wife and mother are far more greater to me at this point than any dollar amount earned in a job.  {Well, unless you could the amazing part time gig I have with AdvoCare!}

So because my life drastically changed, I started reflecting on what made me happy; writing has always been therapeutic for me and I just love reading and writing.  I started connecting with other bloggers; young fashionistas, other housewives and just some amazing women overall!  There was an entire community at my fingertips and I just dove right in.  I loved being a part of swaps, sharing recipes, cleaning/recipe ideas…my blog was super cheesy looking back on it!! I talked a lot about clothes and coffee... That of course only lasted a short while, in April of 2012 I became pregnant with our first and my blog certainly has shifted ever since!!

I have met some of the best people through blog-land.  I went to NJ last year and met Nikki and Danielle, who have helped me earn my SAHM income over the last year [$500-$1000 per month!]  I hope to meet more of my own team, like my rockstar mama Rachel out in Cali.  I'm helping her earn extra while staying home with her baby girl; and she's helping other mommas who want to earn enough to spend more time at home. I love how I can be at home, but still connect and build friendships and co-workers. It's awesome to be able to help others.  It definitely fills that "teacher" void of wanting to help people succeed.

I think in some regards the blog-o-sphere has kind of changed…a lot.   Maybe it's because we all keep having kids and less time to write paragraphs upon paragraphs, and with instant social media like Facebook or Instagram, it kind of replaces that intimate connection of the blog.  I still keep up with mine, mostly for me to look back on and for my mom and grandma down in South Carolina.  Sometimes I think about making my blog private and only letting certain people in on our life, but then a bigger part of me thinks maybe, just maybe I'm helping just one person out with something that I say. I know that I find reading other real life blogs helpful, so I feel like I have something that may benefit others.  Who knows… maybe I'm just cray.

I just never would have thought that by starting a silly little blog, it'd lead me where I am today.  I have no clue who I would be, it's really weird to stop and think about all of the relationships that have been built through a blog.

Regardless, thank you for reading---whomever you are!! Whether you're a long time no commenter reader, or someone whom I correspond with on the daily.   Or maybe you're just my mom or mother in law and want to see Brooke pics haha.  {Yeah, yeah, I'll get back to them, don't worry!}

Have a great day!

Day 13: Relationship

Thirteen!! Holy moly.

A few things have come up lately and blogging {like it tends to} took a backseat.  I'll catch-up!!

 Today's prompt is very important to me, as it is "share your relationship." I've been married just a little over 4 years and have been with Joe since January 2008.

I always wonder what my blog would've looked like during my single and dating days.  So many frogs I had to get through before I met my prince!! I had never been engaged or married before I met Joe, so when he popped the question October 23, 2009---I was MORE than ready to say yes!!

Our story is simple and you can actually read more about it here.   I love the way we met and looking back on our first few dates, they always put a smile on my face.  That said, we had our share of differences, and quite a few fights early on.  There were moments when we wondered if we were truly meant to be, or if we were too different to make us work.  Through a lot of communication, compromising and love, I consider us a power couple and stronger than I'd ever imagine my marriage to be.

We dated, engaged, had a dream wedding, an even more amazing honeymoon, one daughter and a son on the way.  I would say we are living our dream life.  Every day we wake up grateful and happy.  We sure have our share of tough times, like currently with our dog, but I know we can get through anything together.  Life just keeps getting busier and we seem to be adding more to our plates than subtracting; we've started our own business, owning rental properties.  While it's not terribly time consuming, it's certainly in the infantile stages and requires lots of thinking, researching, and is one more thing to juggle in the scheme of life.  However, we believe that handwork and dedication will pay off.  We may not be relaxing on a lake or chilling out every weekend at BBQs, but in time I know we will be living very comfortably.  We sacrifice the down time now for what we want most later in life.

I know that I was meant to be a wife and a mother; it makes my heart full and I just love raising our daughter--a product of the love of my life and me.  I know that our little boy will capture our heart, just as Brooke has done.  I cannot put into words how crazy amazing it is to look into your daughter's eyes and see the man you love.  It's pretty awesome.

But there are moments when I miss "Joe and Jenn" because first and foremost, I love my husband.  That is why we took a trip, well tried to take a trip, just the two of us last Spring.  Little did we know we'd be going with baby boy on the way!  Without that solid foundation of a trusting, loving, caring, friendship and romantic marriage, I don't think we would be providing the very best that we could for our children.  He's my best friend and there is honestly no one else I'd rather spend a little more time with, than my husband Joe.  We believe in date nights and alone time, as that is so important for our children to see how much their parents are in love.  To put "us" first sometimes only makes the family better as a whole.

It's really amazing to look back and in almost 7 years, see how much two people can grow, accomplish and become.  I think we're doing more than alright and I can't wait to see what the next 50 years bring! I can guarantee it will be a wild ride.

A Favorite Tradition

While I am not someone who likes to rush the seasons, I will fully admit my favorite holiday is Christmas.  I love Fall, Joe's favorite is Halloween, and Thanksgiving is great and all, but I am for sure a Christmas girl.  I love getting a real tree and finding the "perfect one" to bring home to our living room.

My favorite tradition of all, is getting a Christmas tree and decorating it.  I've loved it since I was a little girl.  I actually blogged about this tradition back in 2011, HERE

Then in 2012, I was pretty pregnant with Brooke due Jan. 4, so we opted for a small tree and looking back, I barely blogged about it at all!! I did take a silly mini video of us finding our tree…HERE

In 2013, it was SO cold, but we ventured out and found our tree, decorated it and made sure not to leave anything too breakable at the bottom of the tree, worried Brooke would be into it.  She actually was great and really didn't seem too impressed by the whole thing!  HERE

So this year, we are pretty much in the same situation…I'll be super duper prego, baby due Jan. 10th.  We also have a very active toddler, so while the spirit of Christmas will be lively and wonderful, I think we will downsize our tree again.  It just makes life a little easier, since hubs will be the one really doing the heavy lifting.

I am that crazy person with like 20 totes of Christmas stuff.  In fact, we even added to our trees last year; Brooke has a pink one in her room, and the dining room has a white one that I bought on a black Friday special.  I shared a Holiday Home Tour HERE

It just takes me back to being a kid and the magic of Christmas and I cannot wait to have my own children make special memories around the tree.  I just love the act of family gathering, and even more so when it's cold outside, the fire is lit and the tree is beautifully lit up.  I know that I married the right man, as I had not felt so wonderful inside on Christmas, as I did that first Christmas in 2008.  Each year gets better and better and I just love everything about that tradition.

I'm sure as the children grow, we will make more traditions. I would really like to start having weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly dinners with family/friends.  Time slips by so fast, and I want my children to grow up in a social atmosphere with lots of good food and laughs with people that we love.

Do you have a favorite tradition?

Inspiration

I thrive off of quotes, nature, good books, magazines, and real life stories.  I need daily motivation and inspiration for all areas of life!!

Cooking. Cleaning. Exercise. Fashion. Makeup. Hair. Motherhood. Marriage. Relationships. Being my best self.

I always try to think of the glass half full, and when times get tough, I tend to think, "What would so and so do, in this situation?"

For instance, when I think I have it "rough" on a Monday night, when Joe had left the house at 8:10 and doesn't return until about 9:30pm {which is a long day for anyone} but when I'm pregnant and caring for a toddler, sometimes it seems a bit daunting!  I will think about Joe's grandparents.  Two people who came from Italy to start a fresh life here in America.  His grandmother literally came over on a boat about 8 months pregnant with his mom.  They had little to no money, a baby on the way, and grandpa and grandma built everything they had sincerely, from the ground up.  And while my own grandparents are SO very near, dear and special to my heart, seeing the life Joe's grandparents created was exactly what we want.   Joe knew he wanted it early on, as he took me to Florida to meet them right off the bat in our relationship! One month in, we were on vacation together and there I stood next to his grandma in the kitchen, and he told me it was the first time where he actually saw his future wife. I think she stands out to me the most because that is who we model our marriage/family life after.  However, I do believe two children will be enough...

Grandma went onto raise 4 children, work, make I don't know how many homemade meals a day, and rarely complained (if at all).  We recently heard stories of the first day grandpa went out and bought her a washing machine and a TV.  Things we take for granted all too easily.

I try to take pleasure in moments of cooking, cleaning --that one is tricky, I know-- and just the mundane tasks that make a house more of a home.  It is our sanctuary and I really try hard to treat it as such, even if it's not perfectly tidy 100% of the time.

I cannot imagine living a life uninspired.  With social media, I have so many women to surround myself with who are stay at home mommies who take care of the home, cook real foods, and still 'keep their cool.'  I think that you just need to keep visualizing and surrounding yourself by the things you want and the people you want to be like and you'll always be inspired.

The flipside of that, I think if we spend too much time peering into the lives of others and how "perfect" their lives appear to be on Facebook, Instagram, blogs, we can be rather uninspired.  It's just knowing that delicate balance of being happy for them, and then doing what makes you happy!  At least that is how I feel…happiness comes from inspiration and creativity.

Awhile back I wrote a post with some "tips" of how I seem to have it all together. Clearly I don't think that, but to others perhaps it appears that I do.  I kind of feel like it touches on this "inspiration" topic nicely! [read that post here]

Who or what inspires you? I'm always looking for more ways to tap into different layers of me.

10 Things I Love About…ME!

Sounds kind of funny to 'brag' about oneself, but I actually think that it's a wonderful idea!! We can be so critical and negative about ourselves…how often do you stop and say, "Hey self, you are awesome!"?

So, what do I love about myself?

10.  My ability to 'let go' and live.

I am no longer as "type A" as I used to be and as much as I love neat and orderly, there is no OCD up in here.  There are sometimes piles, messy floors, and well, trails of Brooke pretty much everywhere in here.  It reminds me that life is happening!

9.  I'm not afraid to try new things.

Whether it's raw oysters my husband insists, if I try them 5 times I'll like {which btw he was right and they're amaaaaazing!}or swimming with sea turtles in the caribbean, signing on as a Distributor for AdvoCare, or even dancing on TV with a local news station's version of Dancing with the Stars, Teachers Edition, each "new" makes me a stronger, better and more well rounded version of me.

8.  My legs.

I figured I should throw a physical trait up here.  I believe it's all the years I spent dancing, but I am also blessed with some long stems! Granted, there's some extra cushion whilst I'm carrying little boy, but when I'm able to workout normal and crank out some awesome supplements, I am super impressed with my legs!  I'm a about 5'7, so I think that's fairly tall for a girl.  I love it!

7.  My patience.

While I can lose it from time to time, I think overall I'm very patient.  I had to be as a teacher and even more so as a mom who is pregnant.  We waddle/walk at my daughter's pace and are typically in no hurry.  If we are, I try to be patient and understand that she's little and still doesn't know any better quite yet.  As much as I want to not let her feed herself at the table, I know that it's an important skill she's acquiring and that one day there will not be lumps of linguine stuck to my chair.

6. I know that I'm never done growing.

If I thought I was the best I could be and thought that I never needed to grow, I'd feel sorry for myself.  I really believe we can all strive to be better each day.  I know I am not perfect and often look for those areas that need to be changed, worked on, evolved, so that I can be a better mom, wife, friend, daughter, sister…human.

5. I think I'm pretty funny.

There are times when I just get rolling and can crack jokes with the best of them! I can be super serious at times, but others I just love to laugh.  If you can't laugh at yourself or at other things in life, what's the fun in that?  Lightening up has definitely lowered my stress levels and has been so fun over these last few years.

4.  I'm confident.

Seriously, confidence is the best accessory. Even if I don't "Feel" confident, I fake it til I make it.  I don't know what the heck I'm doing sometimes, but as long as you're smiling, being nice, and enjoying whatever it is you're doing, no one even knows!  If you're all shy and sitting in a corner, grumbling or playing on your phone, no one wants to be around that.

3.  I care. A lot. About everything.

This can be a downfall at times, but my heart is huge and I believe it's more of an asset than anything.  I   feel like compassion, sympathy, love, are all such important traits to living a happy life.  I find that when I care about someone or something, it just makes life better.  I do know when to stop 'giving' because there can be a fine line of being taken for granted…but for the most part, if you just love on people and things in life, your outlook tends to be a whole lot brighter!

2. I can forgive.

There are many times in my life where I want to sit and stew, stomp my feet and hold a grudge.  Now, there have been times where I just let something 'go' but if a person is truly meant to be in my life, I can forgive whatever situation that was plaguing us and move forward.  Again, that said, I'm not a pushover, but when love is greater, it finds a way to prevail. I'm sure I will be faced with future circumstances or situations where perhaps I cannot forgive, but I can't help but think back to Holocaust survivors and one in particular saying, "To hate someone else is like swallowing poison."  Basically the only one you're hurting is yourself, so forgive, let live…move on.

1. I know what I want out of life: I'm happy.

I think it's easy to just float around in life…and not really know what it is you want. I've been there.  Now that I have a clear picture in my mind of who I want to be, what I want, where I want to be, and continue to take actions to make those dreams come true, I've never been happier.  Sure, I've got down days and moments of 'woe is me' but overall, I am grateful, abundantly blessed, and so, so, so, happy.

I challenge you, what are 10 things about yourself you love?! Leave a comment letting me know!

Introvert vs Extrovert

I don't know if anyone is enjoying reading these blog prompts for #blogtember but I am having fun writing them!! It's nice to breakaway from my mundane, "daily life" blogs…although I have some adorable photos from the weekend, so I will be posting those soon!! I know my family loves seeing little miss Brooke.

Onto today--I really am split down the middle as far as being extroverted or introverted.  Growing up I was always the shy one; the only time I would really put myself out there, would be on stage when I danced.  I hated being in front of a room public speaking and I rarely, ok really never, went to big parties.

Then I went off to college and since I wanted to be a teacher, and I was giving presentations, doing small teachings and a bunch of things that really made me step out of my comfort zone.  Right after college I started teaching 7th and 10th grade English and I had no choice but to be able to communicate effectively and not be shy.

Along the way, I realized that staying home alone all the time and always keeping a nose in a book isn't really the way I wanted to live life.   I may not always be the person who sparks a conversation, but I am still getting better at trying to put myself out there with strangers.  My husband has the "gift of gab" and he can make anyone and everyone feel at ease and just start up a conversation out of no where.  I feel like I try to sometimes and it fizzles out and I don't really know the right questions to ask…and I will fully admit, if we are together in a social situation, he tends to take the lead.

[I'm specifically speaking in mommy terms, I suppose.]  I take Brooke to different activities and I always love trying to talk to other mommies, but they sometimes give me funny looks like, "why do you care how old my kid is?" I honestly like to learn and talk to people…and I feel like it's something this society is drifting away from.  So many people like to just sit on their cell phones while their kids run around like maniacs instead of talking face to face with a stranger.

I'm not letting it get me down, but it just means I need to keep putting myself out there and not let negative thoughts get in the way.  I have to not assume people don't like me, my gosh they don't even know me!

As for our 'down time' Joe and I love both a crazy night out on the town and a quiet evening in.  The crazy nights tend to happen FAR less often around here, and really the extent of crazy is going to dinner with friends and getting home after 11.  Being pregnant usually means lots of couch time, reading and writing blogs, and hubby playing his Madden game. But we did have a blast at the Ugly Disco and I think that getting all dressed up and dancing to disco music was probably one of the highlights of 2014!

I know that all of the leadership books I read and the group of awesome people all involved with AdvoCare really encourage me to just "go for it." I think that self-doubt will always try and hold you back and fear is not a good thing!  Sometimes you just have to stop negative thoughts in their tracks and just do it..whatever it is!

So after thinking about this prompt, I think it goes back to what Steve Chandler says in his 100 Ways to Motivate Yourself book, "You have no personality."  Essentially, each of us can make up who we want to be along the way.  You don't have to be shy and quiet, or crazy and loud all of the time.  That is the beauty of life--make yourself up as you!  You can choose to do things to make you happy or that make you miserable.  Everything in life is a choice.

Since I am a Leo, I do believe that may play a part in me loving attention. I would not consider myself a wallflower, by any means. I love birthdays and occasions where it's all about me.  What can I say?  I also enjoy the opposite end, and making others feel special on their special days.  I just feel like life is TOO short to not live up certain moments.

How about you?  Are you introverted or extroverted?

The Sounds of Music

We are HUGE music people in this house. I love that my husband and I have all different tastes and at any given time, you'll hear ranges from Jack Johnson to Jay-Z.   Britney Spears will always be my BFF.

This morning I pulled up my Pandora to see what I was last listening to, and it was on the "Today's Hits Radio."  This one is cute and catchy, am I right?  Even though I'm an, "Old married woman," I still think it's cute to think back about when hubby and I first started dating and those butterfly feelings that I had…and still get from time to time!

Brooke and I just love dancing around, so usually that is the upbeat music I play during the day.  If I want to be more calm or zen, I'll listen to some of these top stations:

Brooke just loves a good "We're Jammin" song, and I attribute listening to my Jack Johnson station while I was giving birth to her.  It was upbeat, but still played some mellow tunes.

I love jazz music or Frank Sinatra to listen to while I cook dinner, sip a glass of vino (when I'm not pregnant) and relax.  I feel like music sets the mood and when having people over, it always helps the atmosphere!

In a bad mood? Turn up some DISCO music--who can be frowning to, "Get down, Boogie Oogie Oogie"!! A little Saturday Night Fever never heart nobody!

I also just love some country songs.  Our wedding song was "Then" by Brad Paisley and it will always be one of my favorites.  I always feel like he's singing our life!  We definitely don't listen to a lot of hip hop or rap any more, as little ears can hear.  I do love some naughty words to help motivate me through some crazy workouts [currently on hold] and I will blast a tune or two when I'm riding solo in my Yukon, but for the most part I listen to my talk radio on Sirius XM.  I just love Dr. Laura--the world needs more of her! 

I can't neglect the current pop song (yes I am forever a teenage girl at heart) by Taylor Swift.  Girlfriend makes some great points here and Brooke loves to just, "shake shake shake it off"

What tunes move you?  Any good songs I'm missing out on?

Books!

Day 7! I'm on a roll.

I have been reading more and more since being pregnant; I'd like to think it's because I've finally figured out how to balance it all, but really I think it's because I listen to my body and sometimes mama needs to just put her feet up and relax.  I still find myself trying to make a good, solid effort to put

Currently Reading:

10 Distinctions of Millionaires and Middle Class by Keith Cameron Smith

How Toddlers Thrive by Tovah P. Klein PhD

The Fault in their Stars by John Green

Contagious by Johah Berger

Recently Read:

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

Happiest Toddler on the Block by Harvy Karp

The Noticer by Andy Andrews

Highly Recommend:

The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

I've taken a few books out of the library this summer but never really got into them much.  I have found the little time I do have, I just don't want to waste, so if I start a book and it just doesn't capture me, I probably won't bother finishing.  I've mentioned before too, that I am trying hard to only buy books that help me grow as a person.  As much as I used to love chick lit, I'm just not feeling it so much any more.  Maybe another cheesy beach read will capture me, but the last Emily Giffin novel, well, let's say I was happy I could return it to the library.

What are you reading?

::Currently::

Day 6!!

We have been busy bees this week!  The weather is wonky, hot/cold, rain/sun, so I think my sinuses have been acting up a bit. Boo!  So today is just a random collection of what is "currently" happening around this hiz-ouse.

I'm currently…

…putting my feet in plastic bags.  No for real.  I grabbed this on my birthday and it's actually incredible!! I use the sea salt scrub first, then apply this foot mask, wrap my feet in some grocery bags, and leave in on for about 45 minutes.  It kind of smells good and I love that I can still get things done, while doing a foot treatment.  I rinse/scrub it off in the tub and then apply the peppermint foot lotion.

Heaven!  My feet get a little lot roughed up, as I hate wearing socks or shoes, so this helps!

…reading, The 10 Distinctions between Millionaires and the Middle Class.  I was reading Brooke, I'm a Big Sister before she went to bed Friday night too.  She doesn't quite get it yet haha.

Anyway, this book is short, sweet, and very to the point. It takes a lot of the "other" books and simply breaks it down.  The difference in money, how we view it, act about it and why some people have more money than others is very clearly laid out.  I love reading it and then telling my husband what I read about, as he's already heard it on an audiobook (once upon a time) and it makes for great discussions.  I'll go into more later…

…eating, a healthy breakfast.  I really try my very best to continue sticking to the 80/20 rule.  I you can start your day out on the right foot, you are well on your way to success! 

The three of us share this fruit cup.

I toss in some greens with 2 eggs for my main protein/get ma greens on.

I have one slice of whole wheat toast because I just love toast with eggs. It's my thing.

Breakfast holds me over a few hours and then I usually eat a protein bar.  [forgot one today, doh!]

…playing soccer.  Not really, but we signed Brooke up for "Soccer Tots" and she runs around, playing games, singing songs, kicking balls.  It was really cool to have Joe home with us today, so he could what she'd be up to!  That little kid ran right in front of my pic as I tried to take it!  It's about an hour long, and I'm a little nervous how well I'll waddle come November, but it will keep me active!

…taking car selflies.  She loved it!



…getting really annoyed with society.  What the heck is with people? I know this is supposed to be "funny" but there are TOO many people that really think they're entitled to this kind of thing, that this cartoon just rubs me the wrong way.  Especially with the whole minimum wage debate and this terrifying article about moms being too stressed to cook dinner.

I just don't get where the whole, 'we get what we work for' notion fell apart.  I could go on and on, but that's probably another post as well.

…loving this visual!  What a great way to showcase how many options our company has to provide health and wellness!  Do you or do you know anyone who could benefit in any of these areas? I'd love to provide some coaching!!  I'm also donating ALL of my earnings this pay period to the CCFA (Crohn's awareness)…more on that later!

…telling myself to,

Somethings really are out of my control, and I just need to keep doing what I'm doing and not worry about others, unless they're ready to change themselves.  Too much time can be spent trying to fix someone or something that doesn't want to be fixed.

….and lastly, I am getting ready to head out on a date night with my man and some good friends.

What are you currently up to?

Passion

Day 5!!

Today's prompt is I am passionate about                        .

Sometimes I think that I am too passionate. I feel too much.  I think too much. I care too much.  As I get older, I have learned to somewhat "tame" my emotions, as they can really drain you!  Don't get me wrong,  I think that it's actually a wonderful thing, to be passionate.  To have something that drives you to become more, be more, and better than you could ever imagine is a powerful and necessary thing for us to live out our best selves.  However, I believe that you need to think with your head sometimes and not just your heart, and be aware of following through with your passion.

That said, I am still very passionate about life!  What exactly fires me up? What do I consider myself passionate about at 33 years young?

Good health.  After having a little bit of a 'scare' last year with brain cysts or other potential problems, hearing that only thing I can really control to help my health, is eating healthy, working out and keeping my stress levels down.  I take that so very seriously, as I have people who really count on me to be around--Brooke, baby, hubby, family...

Family.  Without close friends (whom I consider family) and my actual family, I can't really think of anything more important.  I know we are all so busy in life and always have "things to do" but at the end of the day, the love of family is really all that matters.  I am making it a goal to spend even more time with everyone I love. I know I just stated a few days before, but I want my home to always be open and welcoming for all.  I often times wish we didn't have so much communication via email, text, Facebook, blog etc, so that people just 'stopped on by, to say hi.'

Love.  I am so in love with my husband and I know that we have something so special and rare.  We will be that 80-soemthing year old couple, still flirting and holding hands.  We take our relationship and marriage seriously and work very hard at it, but we also love with our whole hearts.  Is there really any other way?

Books.  My love affair with reading started at a young age, as my mom read to me when I was little, I learned to read to her, and then I read on my own.  I taught English for 8 years and have found much comfort in well written novels.  It's an excellent escape, but other a powerful life long tool--some books really do encourage us to become our very best selves.  No tv show, movie, you tube video, or any other technological device can replace words on a page.

Cooking.  I used to just love baking, but then I really fell in love with cooking.  The act of following a recipe, creating something from nothing, adding and subtracting different foods.  I know that food is definitely part of my love language and that it is my job to provide healthy, good tasting and nutritious foods to myself and family.  I love the act of sitting around a table, talking and eating good food that I've prepared.

Moderation.  I believe it is the "key" to many obstacles.  If we can just use self control and enjoy little bits of things, instead of becoming wholly obsessed, we can feel balanced and well.  A warm soft chocolate chip cookie freshly baked from the oven will not kill you.  Eating them all day and night, repeatedly will.  I've learned to begin applying this moderation philosophy to all areas (shopping, food, finances, internet, tv, etc) of my life and I can tell you, I am much happier.  Our society is all about, "More is better" and really it's not.  Enjoy the first few bites of that piece of cake, sips of wine, what have you, but then stop.  You don't need the whole bottle or the whole entire cake. Trust me.

Fashion/beauty.  I take pride in my appearance and enjoy dressing well, as I feel it reflects my personality.  I try to be practical about not spending too much on trends, but focusing more on classics.  I just love playing with colors and patterns.  I don't always know what I'm doing, but it's fun to me, and so I think stepping outside of my comfort zone and trying things [like ankle booties] or faux fur can be fun.  You don't have to always dress a certain way, which I used to think you did. I thought you had to be "preppy" to wear a polo.  Truth? Just wear what fits your body type, and what works for the occasion you're dressing up for.

I think this quote sums up exactly what I am trying to say.

What's your purpose in life?  What passions allow you to get there and enjoy the ride?

Fashion Trends: Hot or Not?

Day 4 of the #blogtember linkup and I'm all caught up. Yay!!  Today is all about fashion.  I am really wanting to grab a few fall magazines and peruse…even if I can't wear half of it (ok more like all of it) because of my big ol' bump, I still love seeing Fall trends.

I try not to knock people for fashion; I feel like it's your life, your body and you can wear whatever you want.  If you want to wear pants as leggings, be my guest.  Maybe that's all you had time to throw on as you rushed out the door late for an appointment because your toddler wouldn't get a move on! 

I believe clothes are an excellent way to share your personality with others.  Sometimes we hold onto items a little longer because of their sentimental value.  I love a good trend, but I believe in spending money on the basics and classics.

One thing that won't hang in my closet or on my bum will be these high waisted shorts. I've mentioned them before, and I just don't like them. I don't they're cute.  If it's your thing, heck run with it.  If you're my daughter, I can assure you your bum will not be hanging out the backside because your dad will have your head. 

They remind me of the "mom jean" and well, let's just leave it at that.  No mom jeans around these parts.  And no, my awesome stretchy panel pants don't count!! Haha.

High Waisted Short by jennifer-delle-fave featuring short jean shorts

Now, the funny part is I really don't love winter. I don't love the cold. I can't stand wearing all these layers…but what I do love? Is a nice scarf.  I feel like you just can't go wrong with a scarf!  I am obsessing over these fun chunky knits!

{Are ya hearing Mama D?! Haha!}  I just love the feel and look of a soft, thick, chunky scarf to wrap my neck up in.  I can envision me sipping some hot cocoa while the kiddos play.  Ok, so that will be a few years, but really.  How gorgeous are some of these?

Chunky scarves by jennifer-delle-fave featuring woolen shawls

Even the button detail is so cute and the neutral tones are just lovely.  I think they'd go so well with any top or jacket.  I don't plan on buying a maternity coat this time around, sine I didn't need one last time. I just wore a puffer vest and scarves and the baby kept me plenty warm!

I threw in an animal print to boot, because you just need some to liven up the dead of winter.  That striped anchor scarf was too cute to not include as well!! But for now, I am lusting over these stunning scarves. 

What are some trends you take or leave?   Join the linkup! Brave Love

When I Grow Up

Ok, first of all that Pussy Cat Dolls song pops into my head! Remember that jam??  Anyway.  Once upon a time, I was a little girl and I wanted to be a Veterinarian.  I just loved animals (still do) and I wanted to take care of them.

And then I shadowed one day during high school, and learned the ins and outs, the real deal of what it was to be a vet.  

A catheter?

Putting animals to sleep?

Smelling like a dog all day and night?

I just realized after that one short day, it was not for me.

So then my guidance counselor said, "Oh, you've always done really well in English, what about being a teacher?"

For some reason, in my 16 year old mind, I had never once thought that I could be a teacher.  But here she was telling me that I very well could.

Fast-forward to my senior year of high school, I decided to do an independent study and in fact help "teach" a ninth grade English class.  Now, I didn't really make up lesson plans, but I did read the books and lead discussions and help "grade" papers.  I fell in love with it.  I knew that going off to SUNY Fredonia and studying Secondary Education English was exactly for me.

I loved being in the classroom; mostly I loved the kids.  I haven't talked much about teaching on my blog, but mostly because of the the sour taste it began leaving in my mouth as I neared the end of my 'career' as a teacher.  NYS has [from the sounds of things] only made things worse and I cannot imagine trying to teach, when my heart was so into teaching at the time. 

People ask when I will return to teaching, and the answer is most likely, I won't. 

What will I do when the kids are both in school?  

Great question! 

Joe and I talk a lot about where we will be in 6-7 years.  I believe he will own his own company and we will work together.  {Our little four home rental company, Fave Properties will hopefully have tripled over these next few years!}  Our dream is to have a nice big office building and a company filled with amazing workers.

Maybe I'll be into something else.

Perhaps I'll sky rocket with my AdvoCare biz.

For awhile I thought about owning a little boutique, but I am not sure that would give me enough meaning in life…I really do like helping people better themselves.

The beauty of this is, I used to think "I can only be a teacher." And that my friends is just crazy.  We have ONE life and we can do WHATEVER we want with it!  

I do know, and I've stressed this to Joe many of times, I will not be out of this house when those kids come home. I firmly believe that when school is out until bed time is so critical for children.  Even teens! I know some people have to work and cannot be home, but it is that important for us, I will make sure that I am home no matter what.  I want them to have supervision, a caring person to make sure they're doing their homework or taken to their sports, whatever.  

My job as a mom is a serious one and no paycheck will ever replace that.  I also know that I really want to be a close family; I know I can't control it, but I hope that when our kids have kids, they leave near by and we see each other weekly.  Joe and I talk so much about how we hope for family dinners with our children and that our home is always open to our kids and grandkids.  

At the end of the day, family is everything to us and so when I grow up, I want to love and be loved.

What Makes me Happy?

I used to say, "I'll be happy when…" and that sentence finished usually with a new purchase, an amount of weight lost, a certain goal being achieved.

Then I met my husband Joe.  He shared with me the "secret of happiness" and it's really no secret at all.  Just simply be happy.  Now, I get that it's not all sunshine and roses. I understand that life has some terribly depressing moments and awful events happen--those are exceptions.

I will tell you that it took some time and my first "self-help" book to see clearly, what exactly Joe was talking about.  We went to the bookstore one day, when we first started dating, and he was picking out a motivational audiobook and encouraged me to do the same.

I found this one:

It has about 5 or 6 CDs and I would listen to them on my daily 45 minute commute to, and then again from, work.  At first I didn't really care much about what she was saying, I kind of just listened…and then a funny thing happens with these motivational books.

They start to speak to you.

I found myself listening to it all of the time and wanting to hear more from other authors.  [this is why I believe I have such a huge spot in my heart for AdvoCare and all of its leaders.  I get it. And once you 'get it' you want ALL of your friends, family, loved ones, strangers, everyone, to also, "get it."

But that's the thing.  Not everyone does or will.  But you have to keep sharing this notion that if you just keep working on yourself, you to will be…

Happy.

Rich.

Funny.

Smart.

Whatever it is…

And for me, I just wasn't "happy" like Joe was happy all of the time.  And now?  I really am.  Sure, I have my down days, where life just seems to poop on me and I can't get my head on straight and I mess things up left and right.

I'm talking about the daily grind and the overall sense of happiness.  You can't look towards someone else to make you happy; I think most people have been on both sides of this. It is so easy to let happen in a relationship.  One person is usually always trying to make the other person happy, and it can just become downright exhausting.  It's one thing to cheer up a loved who is having a down day, but if they're constantly needing reassurance or are using you as an emotional punching bag, it's time to check your priorities.

Since having my daughter, I find myself looking at life through her eyes a lot more often than I ever imagined.  Everything is a wonder to her and it slows me right down.  Well, that and her baby brother growing inside me!  I cherish the snail paced walk we make from the car to the grocery store.  I smile at her love of bubbles--such a silly and simple thing, but the joy she finds in it!

Happiness to me is sitting next to my husband watching a movie or maybe enjoying a quiet meal.

It's a freshly cleaned room before the paw prints and sticky fingers get a hold of it.

It can also the view of paw prints and sticky fingers, showing how much love there is in this place we call home.

It's crawling into bed, feeling nice clean sheets hug my tired body.

It's hearing my baby's heartbeat at the Doctor's office.

It's driving around with my husband looking at land, dreaming of our future and all that we look forward to in life.

It's a fresh manicure or pedicure--to be able to feel like a pretty girl, even though I'm "just a mom."

It's usually a good sweaty workout--but those are on hold for a bit, while baby boy keeps baking these next few months…

It's staring at new baby socks and hats, day-dreaming of holding my son.

So if you're in a rut, go to the library, grab a book or audiobook and listen/read.  Focus on the good and it will overcome the negativity that you are facing. I promise you.  What you attract, will be.

What makes you happy?

About the Author #blogtember

9/1 prompt [I decided to play catch up]

Lil old me. Prego. A toddler. And an amazing husband.

My novel would be completely different than I would have expected, if you asked me this question 8 years ago.  My childhood was rather picturesque and rather fairytale like.  Sure it had its imperfections, but overall, I had a loving family, two parents who loved each other and two little sisters.  I grew up in a small, but not so tiny town, and was honestly a rather 'good kid'.  I did well in school, danced, and never got into drugs or alcohol.  

I went off to college to become a teacher, graduated in 4 years and got a job right out of college. I taught for several years, living in the trendy part of the city here, and ended up buying my own house at the age of 25.  I rescued a dog from a shelter, Sadie Lady. I went to grad school, received my Master's and met my husband on Match.com. We dated a few months and then I moved right in, as we just fell in love and it all seemed right.  

I continued teaching, he proposed to me in October, 2009 and by July 2010 we were married. I went back to school for one more year and decided to stay home as a housewife in 2011.  I started blogging, and since then we have had added a beautiful baby girl in January 2013 and are expecting a little boy January 2015.  

While struggling to lose the baby weight, I decided to give "that AdvoCare thing" a try, and in August of 2013 I started with a 24 day challenge.  Little did I know, this would be the start of such a growth in me; I lost over 30 lbs in 6months and kept it off and it taught me to eat so much healthier.  I am on my second pregnancy now, and am 16 pounds lighter at this point than I was with my first child!! 

 I started contributing to my family's finances {$500-$1000 on a very part time basis}.  This company has taught me so much about health, wealth and well-being.  I think that is what drew me to it, as I really believe in leadership and always working on trying to be our best. The teacher in me loves helping others reach their health and finance goals--and it continues to inspire me to be my very best.

I would consider myself a girlie girl, but I also love adventure and fun outdoors.  We love good food and so when I'm not cooking in my kitchen, I am probably researching different recipes to try.  

I am a dreamer, but also a do-er.  I think setting goals are great and really the most important thing I can share, is to communicate them with someone!  I believe that communication really is key in ANY and EVERY relationship.  I love texting, e-mail, Facebook, instagram, but most of all I miss face to face interaction.  I am making that a real goal this year; no more excuses.  No hiding behind technology; but to really truly 'get out there and be' with more people.

I never ever claim to be "perfect" and I know there are always areas for improvement. I just try my best at whatever I am doing and I try very hard to not compare anyone's life journey to mine.  It is special, unique and at the end of the day, the only thing we have control over is our own mental attitude.  There are certainly things I wish that were different in my life, but instead of dwelling on them all of the time, I try to focus on what I can change or do and always appreciate and focus on the good.

Joe and I often joke about what our "real life" book would look like.  If only…haha!  For now, I leave you with my blog, and leave it at that.