Slow and Steady, You'll Make it

I've decided that this will be my motto from now until at least the end of the year.  It's funny, how we push ourselves so incredibly hard sometimes, it takes acts out of our control to s-l-o-w us down.  We all got a pretty bad 'back to school cold.'  OK, well Brooke first had the sniffles and cough, and then Bradley, then me and Joe...but Brooke barely got sick!! I will say she has the strongest immune system of all.  I thought I was getting better, but I think I just told myself that since everyone else was so sick and mama doesn't get sick days.  Well, that backfired and I ended up with a nasty sinus infection.  I'm on day 6 of my 10 day antibiotics (which I loathe taking--cranking up probiotics you bet!) but I feel back up to 90% of my normal kick butt self.  

Sunday I literally rested, slept, and read.  I still did some laundry, made meals and took care of things, but I didn't go crazy.  Why does it take until we literally fall apart and drop, before we will listen sometimes?

It's interesting because amongst the crazy of owning our own businesses, running the house, taking care of the kids, Joe working 60 hours a week, I often find myself feeling robotic.  I know Joe does too.  It's hard because we have big dreams and goals, but sometimes we pick up so momentum we lose sight of what's going on right in front of us.

For me, I get so wound up that I can't even hear that 'still small voice.'  When I can't figure out what to do next, ultimately it leads to me turning into a big old mess.

But that is okay.

I may take a step or two backwards, but the setback is always preparing us for a setup.

I find that books fall into our laps at the perfect time.  The most recent read that has helped me immensely was one that my good friend Lindsay was reading.  It was just what I needed at just the right time.  Sure she talks about how it's easy for us moms to get overwhelmed with housework with kids, but I feel like it can be applicable to all areas of life.

Take one thing each day to do, do it well.

As I sat on our back deck on Sunday and actually read, (I've only been wanting to do this all Summer) this hit me straight smack in the middle of my head, heart, body & soul.

"One step at a time, one day at a time, slow and steady, you'll make it."

Wow.

Why do we put so much pressure on ourselves to be everything, to everyone, all at once and right away?  That is no way to live my friends.

As soon as I catch myself trying to fly from one task to the next, whether it's changing the laundry from washer to dryer, loading the dishwasher yet again, changing another dirty diaper (I really need to get on the potty training train...but that's another story) or taking calls, returning text messages, fielding all of the requests from my husband, putting food on the table for once again, a meal...

None of it can be done well, if I multi-task and I noticed, especially with this beautiful thing called technology, I am constantly bombarded with tasks and 'urgent items' that need to be attended to 24/7.

So, I have decided to stop, for the most part.

If the dryer beeps but I'm doing dishes, I will finish the dishes.

If the phone rings and I'm literally helping my child eat his dinner, that caller can wait (or call back if it's an emergency.)

All of these interruptions lead to nothing truly getting accomplished and me feeling like crap.

When I actually complete something, it feels so good. Otherwise I just feel like I am losing my mind.

And when your body is begging you to rest?

Listen.

Like this book said, there is a huge difference between being lazy and being tired.  I've always said when you've pushed yourself too hard, too much, it will almost be too late and you'll have no choice but to put your feet up and heal.  If you're just binge watching Netflix shows every night just because...maybe you could be doing something more important and fulfilling in your life.

Hubby brought me home flowers, and it was just a simple and sweet reminder of how important it is to stop and focus on what makes you smile.  

So if you were like me and the rest of the house looked like a bomb went off, but you have one room that is mostly clean, (aka no one will die tripping on a toddler toy left on the ground) do this.

Light a scented candle.

Buy some flowers.

Sit with a cup of tea (or coffee)

And be.

Happy Thursday friends.

Tuesday Tidbits

Happy Tuesday all!!

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

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

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

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




The hot wheels exhibit is all the rage...



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



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



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

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

My guys!! How cute are they?

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

Mama's Day Off

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What do you do with a day off?  

Stay beautiful xox

Are you a Dirty Girl?

And by that I mean, ahem, gardening, ladies. 

My mother-in-law refers to a club in which her friends and her shared gardening tips,

and they call themselves Dirty Girls.

Love it.

I have faint memories of helping my mother and grandmothers in their gardens when I was little.

I also have many memories of me killing plants throughout my life.

I do not have a green thumb.

However, like most things I'm not great at, I try not to give up.

My ability to bake and cook did not develop on the first batch of cookies, or the first time I made pasta.

Practice makes perfect, and small victories build confidence.

It also helps to have really good gardeners in my life!
My friend Jill helped me pick out flowers that would work best in part sun/shade,

since we don't get a lot of sun on the back deck, which is where I wanted to put the pots.

I also had her come over and give me some tips on how to keep the front gardens looking better.

My mother-in-law is the greenest person I know {in more ways that one!}

She has huge gardens with all fresh veggies and lots of pretty flowers and plants.

She's very good at it.

So this was me yesterday...

I am still working on the front gardens and they are not ready for viewing;

once I pull all the creeping Myrtle out and finish weeding, we're mulching, and then I can share.

My six pots came out pretty darn nice if I may say so!
As I put them together, I think of it as styling an outfit.

Which colors look best together?

You don't want too much filler, but you need enough to look put together well.

Don't pair all big fluffy plants all together, but rather  mix and match.

It really is like clothing/jewelry, but they're flowers!

Here are the looks--errr--potted flowers, I came up with!

[Note: You're getting a sneak peak of our deck, since we don't have patio furniture yet,

I haven't unveiled what it looks like. Also, the spindles are in the process of being painted]

This one is my favorite!

 Joe said this is his favorite;

it reminds him of fireworks shooting out.?

So it probably took me two hours, to plant/figure out how I wanted it to look.

I am so, so happy with them!
So, if you're still not plant savvy, just get a pot, some dirt and pick out some flowers/fillers

and play around!
The worst that can happen?

They die.

The best?
Beautiful flowers to smile at over a cup of tea, and a sense of accomplishment.

If you use Miracle Grow potting soil, water them, give them sunlight, and love them, 

you'll make a fabulous dirty girl.

My neon mani may be a bit ruined, but that's OK.

My pretty new flowers are worth it!

My other new mini project:
Decorating the Mantle

I love changing up the looks of things around here.

So, with the help of photos, I put away/pull out from storage

and a quick trip to the Dollar Tree,

a fun & festive mantle to last up through early July!

Bird: Gift from my MIL

Star: $1 store

Garland: $1 store

 Sun: $1 store

Flip Flop photo frames: My sister's bridal shower favors I bought

 Frame: a gift from my step-mom

Photo: Vegas--summer 2008

So there's my Suzie Homemaker update for the week!
What are some fun things you're doing around your home?
I love inspiration.

Happy Digging!!