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Showing posts with label gratitude. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gratitude. Show all posts

Thursday, September 21, 2017

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.

Monday, January 9, 2017

Monday Musings

Happy Monday!! Isn't that the truth.  I strongly believe that what we focus on increases.  Sure we have bad days, but lately if my days start getting a little funky or rather trying, I stop and focus on something that is good in my life.  Gratitude (my word for 2017) is so powerful. Now, I get it some days are going to be doozies, and we will wish for a re-do, but perhaps there is something in this setback that is actually a set-up for something even better in our lives.  Just chew on that thought for a bit...
I also believe you can never have too many photos of your kids eating pasta.  How did the pasta get stuck on his forehead?! Bradley Joseph, we love you and your silly ways.




This week was full of of lots of downtime and snuggling.  Even Saturday, when everyone was feeling better we still took it easy and just relaxed a bit after nap time.  I am not going to lie, I really love just snuggling.  Usually we are all go-go-go, with this cold temperature, there is nothing going full speed at this time!


Especially since Mr. Bubs had his first bout of the stomach flu last Tuesday.  It was no fun but he made it through and we are doing much better now!


Friday Joe stayed home with the kiddos and I had my physical early in the morning (7:30) then treated myself to a little Starbucks breakfast and 'work time.'  I really just organized my head, wrote out some ideas, figured out my schedule.  Sometimes you just need a new, quiet space to clear your thoughts and write them down on paper.  Being a stay at home mommy is the best job ever, but I find it hard to always get my head on straight when someone needs me for something every other minute!



After my brain dump sesh, with myself, I headed to my hair salon.  I wanted more blonde, so more blonde is what he gave me! I am a little hesitant because it is WAY blonde, but hey I asked for it so I'll rock it.  Just call me Holly Madison for the next 3.5 weeks and I'll probably go back to highlights after.  It's hard to be this blonde without a tan!! Ha.  But hey, ya never can be too blonde...right? ;) Plus I sent SOS texts to my makeup gurus to help me balance out my coloring. Gotta love good friends.


I also had to laugh because two of my dear friends tagged me in this shirt on Facebook.  While I can't listen to as much rap as I used to, (hello little ears!) I still bump it in my Suburban or throw in the ear buds if I need to clean/workout...in fact after this post publishes, I'm going to throw on sneakers and plug in so I can clean my house top to bottom.  I'll probably be mixing between Jay-Z and motivational pod casts!! #reallife


And in other news....these pretty Spring necklaces will be available tomorrow!! I love me a solid statement necklace; it was not easy choosing from all of these beauties. However, I did settle on #3 and I have a feeling Ezra will be making many appearances in my selfie-stream!


Have you ever wondered what it means to be a stylist?  Feel free to ask me anything!! I would love to answer your questions. 



I hope you have a fabulous day that is filled with much love, laughter & peace. 


Sunday, January 1, 2017

New Year

I will break these down and I'm sure become laser focused as the year progresses, but as of today, 1/1/17?  Here are my 10 areas of focus:

1.  Use the good camera
2.  Exercise 4x a week
3.  Meditate daily
4.  Read 2 books a month
5.  Hit my business goals
6.  Travel
7.  Heal my reflux
8.  Spend more time with my sister
9.  Write my book
10.  Work on new house stuff


My word for 2017: Gratitude

It came to me, as I had been putting it out there into the universe that I needed a new word.  I kept hearing it, seeing it, reading about it, listening to podcasts...finally it struck me that God must want me to focus more on Gratitude.

The more you focus on what is good and positive in your life, the more of that you will attract.  It's so hard to do this when you're having a rough moment.  Often when something goes "wrong" in our lives, we focus so much on that, more 'bad stuff' starts to happen.

Try to turn it around as soon as it happens.  I'm not saying you have to find the positive in a tragic situation; there are certain things that deserve our deepest emotions.  I'm just talking about the little bumps that we tend to overdramatize...

The spilled cup of milk.

Running late.

You husband being sick on NYE, so your fancy plans go out the window.

So many things are out of our control and if we just realize that maybe things happen just the way they should, we could all be a little happier.

So today, I am embarking on a new path of my journey and embracing all of life's ups and downs.  Progress, not perfection.  Smile, breathe and indulge in some self-care.

PS.  f you're looking for a way to display your word, check out our engravables!! Today only I'm running a special with my Mystery Hostess Trunk Show.

{Check out the FB Event here!}


Happy New Year Style Babes!!

Shop this link to enter.

http://www.stelladot.com/ts/ko8o6




Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Santa {and things}

Happy Hump Day and Happy Birthday to my friend Shelby!!  It's officially the first day of Winter and although I love Summer, I have learned, in my old age, to embrace the now and be happy where I am at.  The more I try to say, "I'll be happy when," the more miserable I am.  If I can be grateful for what I have today, then I feel more fulfilled.

I was listening to Joyce Meyer this morning while getting breakfast ready and I really liked what she had to say.  "God did not give us self-control to control anyone else other than ourselves."  I needed to hear that.   It's been a trying week, to say the least, and just when I think my heart or mind can't take any more, it is then that I release and let go.  There is no changing, healing, or fixing others.  I know it's in my nature to help and I think that's what makes me a really great mom.  But I only have two small children and the rest of the people in my life are adults.  I need to remember that it's not my job to try and make peace or for everyone be in the same place that I am.  I try very hard to love people where they are and for what they are, but it is not easy.

So I re-centered my focus on my two kids.   We made peanut butter blossoms and blasted Christmas music yesterday.  I had to alternate from wearing a broken pair of reindeer antlers and a Santa hat. {my 3 year old's orders!} I have shed many tears and felt frustrated beyond belief.  I've reached out to my friends and family who get me and talked through things.  This time of year is not easy for everyone and yet I know that it is my job to make this time of year extra special for our children and us.

So if you're having a rough time, do things that make you happy.  Put on the carols, bake some cookies, drink the holiday tea and enjoy what is right in front of you.  Don't wish for something more, don't worry about what has been or what will be.  Give yourself grace and know that life is not a Hallmark movie, but you can create moments that will serve as beautiful memories.




This tea is so good!
As for our trip to Santa? Eh...


Brooke was nervous and kept twirling her dress.


Santa also came to preschool and she was SUPER excited to see him there.



My crew.


Because at the end of the day, you just need to find your tribe and love them hard.  Love them with everything you've got and just a little bit more.


Embrace the mess. Enjoy the chaos and breathe.  I hope if you are reading this and are struggling to find your Christmas spirit, that you focus on some things that you are grateful for and by changing your mindset, you can feel the love just a little bit more.


Thursday, October 6, 2016

Thankful Thursday


{Joe snapped this shot in his tree stand on our land!}

I have so much to be grateful for and it's no joke that the more I focus on what we have, the happier I am.  It's easy to look around and have a million wants and get frustrated when all I think about is what we don't have...and then it usually spirals down and makes me grumpy.  So I've been trying very very hard to not think about what we don't have and focus on what we do.  Gratitude brings in more light, more riches, more abundant and radiant love---try it!

I'm thankful for...

...two healthy and strong children
...for both a little girl and a little boy.  I've always wanted one of each!
...a hardworking husband who can provide us with our lifestyle, especially for me to stay home.
...a man who really understands me, teaches me, and grows along side of me.
...my sisters and so grateful my youngest has been given a second chance at life.
...warm green tea; soothes a scratchy throat!
...my morning and night walks with our little Holly.
...a really comfortable bed to snuggle into each night.
...our really reliable babysitter who allows me some free time when I need her!
...avocados because they make clean eating SO much easier.
...girlfriends.  We may not get to talk and hangout as much as we used to, but when we do, my heart is so happy!
...for my mom to come visit again really soon!
...the preschool teachers Brooke has--they are old school and amazing and I adore them.
...books. I am so happy to have my mind travel places I never expected it to.
...my grandma owl having a relationship with my daughter; that's pretty special.
...my health.  I have a few annoyances, but overall I'd say I'm pretty healthy.
...this breakthrough with Crohn's Disease. Hopefully they'll have a cure soon.
...probiotics.  I am fairly certain they've helped Joe more than we even know.
...my salt lamp. I swear I've been less anxious since I plugged one into our office.
...Fall.  The leaves are starting to turn and it's so pretty.
...our land! I cannot wait to build a house. 
...time and patience.  Sometimes you just need to wait things out.
...my side hustles. It's so nice to make a little extra money on my own!
...firewood so we can make lots of cozy fires this Winter.
...makeup & accessories to feel a little more put together even I when I'm not.
...my life.  It's beautiful and messy and creative; full of love and happiness.

What are you thankful for this Thursday?

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Day 4: Wake up Grateful


It's not always the easiest thing to do, or remember to do...but when I do, I feel so much better!

As soon as you get up in the morning, (you can even keep your eyes closed!) think of at least ONE thing you are grateful for in your life.

Today I was grateful for a healthy 3.5 strong willed curly haired little girl who crawls into my bed at 6:15.  What a beautiful little face to wake up to.


What are you grateful for?

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Light

How cool is this picture? It was from our engagement photos in the spring of 2010.  I don't know why we never printed this!! Our photographer was amazing.

Engaged

The topic for day three is "Light" in honor of the beginning of Diwali or the Hindu festival of lights.  I didn't know much about it, so I looked up over here...basically the whole notion of goodness of light, triumphing over darkness or evil.  I don't get much into religion on my blog, but I am spiritual.  I respect all types of religions and those who are devoted in their practice.  I definitely find it interesting to see how other cultures celebrate.

I love everything about this topic.  First thoughts that pop into my head is actual light, such as the sun, its warmth, the feeling of happiness as it shines on my face.  I also love the flickering glow of a candle or the sparks from a flame in a glowing fireplace.  There is something so tranquil about looking at fire, or lighting a candle.

 
 It just represents coziness and a homey feeling to me.  I couldn't have been happier when I met Joe and saw he had a fireplace in the living room!! It certainly makes for us being a tad on the hermit side on the cold, long wintery nights, but I really do love it.

What about inner light?  Do you allow yourself to truly shine through? Or perhaps you believe in a higher power...



I am always working on my patience and my ability to appreciate the now.  For some reason, even a candle light makes me want to slow down and just embrace the moment.  I took this photo a few years ago, 2009 to be exact.  I was in a bit of an argument with Joe and had to stop myself on a walk.  I realized that I had to start being a better girlfriend and change a few things about myself...a few weeks later, he proposed.  I would look at this photo daily to remind me how lucky I am, and to stop focusing on negatives. I still have the photo...
our street
Life is so hectic, busy, crazy, on demand, and our society is all "we want it now!" I am guilty of falling into this rat race, and really do make conscious efforts to push pause on all else, and devote time to myself, my daughter and my husband.  Joe & Brooke are the light of my lives and I know I would be nowhere near as complete and whole, without them.  And because of that, they come first above anything else going on in my life.   When something is so precious to you, don't you do all that you can to preserve it? Make sure that you're doing everything in your power to make sure they're happy, fulfilled and loved.  In order to take care of them, of course I have to take care of myself too.

my view as I type this--yes, hubby is playing Madden!

So I hope that on this Sunday, you too are able to sit back and enjoy a few moments...focus on the positive in your life and what is making you happy.  Perhaps you can light a candle and simply take a few deep breaths and realize how grateful you truly are.

{I so badly want to end this, "N'amaste!!}

But seriously, I do hope your lives are full of happy light~enjoy your day friends!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Giving Thanks, Football, & Shopping!

Happy Tuesday!
Just a few more days and we'll be dining on a 
deliciously prepared meal with friends and family.
With music playing,
glasses clinking,
laughs,
smiles,
jokes,
memories will be made.
This will be the last Thanksgiving as "just a married couple."
Next year, our little girl will be trying some of these foods!!
I'm so blessed and cannot wait to experience all that comes from now til then...
via google
I have so much to be thankful for this year,
it's almost overwhelming. 
I remember a year ago, as I drank wine and moped that I still wasn't pregnant...
It's easy to forget how much it hurt to see so many people around me have babies,
while I patiently/impatiently waited for it to be my turn.
As much discomfort as I am in,
I would not change any of it, so long as baby girl arrives safe and sound.
So I try to remember that no matter how rough life seems,
I have come a long long way.
Some where some place, someone else is feeling upset about something I once did.
Yes, we should be grateful every month of the year...
but I think it's safe to say, as holidays near,
our heart strings are tugged on a bit tighter.
A tear sheds a tad easier,
and it's just natural to want to be grateful for simple every day things.
google images
On a silly sports related note...
Anyone else see that game last night?!!?
I'll admit, I still don't know all the ins and outs of football.
I know a lot of the 49er players and I know the basics.
I'm now working on learning all of the different names of positions and their purposes.
I can tell you, I was a little nervous about the backup quarterbacks 
and how our team would do...
facebook image
But he was phenomenal! 
I never really cared for football because no one really taught me the game.
I think my husband actually enjoys teaching me about it,
so long as I don't annoy him too much during the games hehe.
There's something special about being able to enjoy a team together
 and be excited about all of it...
Although it's way  more fun when we win!!
These two, the "Smith brothers" were something else last night!
It was so fun to watch.
facebook image
I also want to gloat for a minute and say that I'm about 90% DONE 
with my Christmas shopping!!
google image

This is unheard of.
I can be the biggest procrastinator most of the times.
However,
since I have no control over when little miss makes her arrival,
I figured I'd rather stock up on gifts,
take my time to wrap.
I will admit that Amazon has become my best friend.
You can't beat free or minimal shipping,
and waddling is just so painful.
I'd share what I bought,
but I know many of these people read my blog!!
I did get some shopping done at stores,
but I am very appreciative of online shopping.
Can I rant a second about Black Friday?
I feel like it's being made to be such a big deal...
and overshadows Thanksgiving in a way...
I don't know. 
I'm just old fashioned and sometimes 
I just don't like where society is headed.
But that's another post, for another day.
I won't be standing in lines;
never have.
Never will.
Clearly it's the last place a prego should be anyway.
I don't like the craziness and madness that comes with it!
I may however peruse online "Cyber Monday"
since I have a few people left on my list.
How are you doing with your shopping?
Do you have a lot left or do you shop all year long?

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Thankfully OK Thursday!

It's OK & Thankful Mashup!
It's OK ...
...to love hot weather, but I would rather enjoy it lake, beach, or poolside!
...to be obsessed with egg & cheese sammies for breakfast
...to have paid $8 for a quart of cherries and enjoy every succulent bite!
...that my hubs finally has a day of tomorrow (the first since 6/3) and I couldn't be happier for him!
...that I try to like cheap makeup, but I can't help myself around the good stuff (BE)
via google images
Colors: Page Six & Most Requested {yes I bought this}
...my girlfriend Alison & I got our craft on at Hobby Lobby yesterday...
...now that I made jam I will never want store bought crap again...
...that I can't find the energy to make another batch of said yummy jam!
...to walk around my gardens/plants in awe and amazement of my accomplishments...
...that we may be buying water/squirt guns to get Holly to stop barking at every thing! {water is the only thing that works at her misbehavior, and I don't want to do shock collar treatments!}
...that husband and I will probably  need two squirt guns so we can wage a water war against one another!

Thankful
I am most thankful for:
...patience
...faith
...hope
...optimism
...for our new deck and being able to grill out on it with my love!
...finding the good in everything
...tonight is our first real DATE NIGHT in forever
...that tomorrow is finally Friday; I have been waiting so long for you!
...for true friends who love & support me always
...family who truly cares
...this gorgeous August-like weather...
...my flowers beginning to bloom...
 
...life.

Link up with the fabulous 
Neely & Amber

Its Ok Thursdays
and the lovely Tracy
Remember to have a beautifully blissful day!! 
xox

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Random Thoughts & What I Wore

I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed looking at everyone's Halloween costumes & such. 
We didn't dress up this year. Maybe next year. :)

 I had fun handing out candy and some of the nicest kids, by nice I mean that they said, "trick-or-treat" and actually used "please" and "thank you," were not our neighborhood kids.

Their parents were in mini-vans and a car (which oddly had a spotlight shining off of it) trailing in the street. 

One little wide-eyed girl, with too-tight of a princess costume on,
looked up inside my home and simply said,
"Wow." 

Their sweet words of how nice these houses are on this street, honestly humbled me. 
I've been driving through my neighborhood for the last 4 years.  Yes, I notice the manicured lawns and pristine gardens, as well as the lovely homes.
 
However, it's nice to be reminded of how blessed Joseph and I are to be where we are today.
As it is all too easy to get caught up in what we don't have.  {No, one day our baby nursery will not exceed 2,000 square feet like Jay-Z & Beyonce's.}
And that's ok!

I wanted to keep them all {Or at least give them the rest of our candy!} 
They we precious.
I wish I could thank them,
but instead I'll begin this November with giving thanks for one thing each day.

I'm grateful for our beautiful home, which keeps us warm and keeps me busy cleaning {all.day.long!}

Note Sadie at the front door =)


What I Wore:

As for my outfit:
{pardon the weird shots--it's so hard to get a good picture of yourself!}



Cardigan: Banana Republic
White ruffle shirt: Ann Taylor Loft
Khakis: Marissa fit--Ann Taylor Loft
Shoes: BCBG
Earrings: F21
Makeup: BE
 
What will you do to show your gratitude this month?

{P.S.} If you haven't entered my first giveaway, be sure to do so--it's such a cute purse!!
First Giveaway