Advocare Cleanse Day 1, Fitness & Faith

Hey Monday!

Today I am finishing up my 10th day of antibiotics and starting my 10 day cleanse.  I haaaaate antibiotics and am so grateful for them healing me, but now get that bad bacteria out of my gut. Puhlease!  I should probably wait until tomorrow to start, but timing wise, this is what needs to happen, mmm k?

It's been a hot minute (90 days) since my last cleanse and I found myself picking off the kids plates just a wee too much.  You know what I'm talking about mama, I know you do.  "Just one bite," turns into "just one cookie" or "'I'll eat clean tomorrow" or "Well, I ate like crap all weekend so what's the point of it starting to eat clean now?"

Well the point is that you will feel a million times better and will thank yourself if you stick to and get back into a healthy regime.  If I use the word "diet" I refer to what I am eating.  I am never ON a diet, I will never be on a diet. I like to think of the 80/20 rule because back when my girl Nikki told me about that, my world was changed forever.

I always struggled with eating healthy or staying fit.  I usually carried an extra 10-15 pounds and would not have considered myself fat, but I was never really comfortable.  Unless I starved myself from carbs and worked out like a maniac, it was a challenge.

Enter in Advocare

Finding my groove back in 2013 was crucial.  After having Brooke and having A LOT of extra weight to lose, I was seriously ready for something.

I had no idea how much Advocare would teach me, the friends I'd gain along with the confidence that it brought me.

I am still a MUCH better person today thanks to Nikki for reaching out a hand, and Danielle showing her the way.

While I may not be building a business with it, I certainly fuel my body a lot better because of it.  (And still enjoy my 40% discount FOR LIFE)

At 36 I want to be in fantastic shape to run and keep up with my kiddos.

I want to feel the best in my own skin and treat my body well.

I want to be as hot and sexy as I can for my main man!!

It's true.

So you just gotta find what works for you.


Today I did legs and it felt oh so good.

I started with the probiotics, followed by the peach fiber (YUM) and then I was kind of mad at myself for, A.) Not eating enough breakfast and B.) Not taking a photo!

I had 2 eggs w/ spinach and one pc of dry wheat toast.  I needed more...

Meal 2 was one small chicken breast, a veggie & some brown rice at 10:45 haha.

Then I had to go stage one of our homes & knew I needed some energy to do it...

After my leg workout I hit up the vegan chocolate shake.

I'm not sure if I'll do chicken or fish tonight, but I made sure hubby grilled up chicken and venison yesterday so I will NOT be short in the protein department.

I'm starting to look into the whole Macros thing..still super confusing and do I really need a food scale?!

I also have a new girl crush...I don't watch TV really, but I tend to get sucked into You Tube and following people that I admire.  When I was pregnant, my feed was flooded with other prego mamas. Now I feel like I need to be surrounded by healthy, fit and inspiring ladies! She is hysterical and real.  I love her easy recipes and her dog is adorable too!

I must say that although getting sick kind of made me down in the dumps, now that I'm doing much better, I feel so much more focused and energized than before.

I attribute it to really starting to walk further along in my faith.  With some very knowledgable and intelligent ladies in my life, I feel as though I am starting to reach a place of such peace and serenity.

True alignment with oneself happens when you can pull apart all of the layers of and see the very core, meaning of life.  I will continue to work super hard at this level because I have never felt so good mind, body and soul.  Am I perfect? No.  Am I exactly where I want to be? Yes and No.  But I know I am on my way to getting there.  Slow and steady.

Enjoy your day friends!

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 Vibes

Last week when Joe was home sick, he was able to catch up on some music videos.

For some reason, this song popped up and we have been obsessed ever since. 

It's upbeat.

It's happy.

It's the way we should all live life.

I hope my grandkids do something like this for my 100th birthday.

Happy Monday!

Birthday Overnight in July

While I'm well aware of the crazy that is happening with Irma~~~my mother is headed north soon thank goodness~~~ I still had a few blog posts in my draft section that I want to post.  I want to look back and remember Summer '17 and the fun we had.

My birthday was on a Tuesday, so that Saturday before, hubby wanted to surprise me with a little night on the town.  My sister was able to come to our house and watch our sweet babes and dog so that we could have some alone time~thank you sooooo much Bri!  You have no idea how much it means to us when you swoop in and stay with the kiddos.  They love their Aunt Brianna!

I went with a simple black shift dress from Old Navy--yup!  I think I paid under $10.  Gotta love a steal!  I paired it with a pair of Guess shoes I picked up last time we were in Vegas.  I used my LV clutch and our new Amelia Sparkle necklace.  I felt like my uber blonde hair was also an accessory haha!

I think I was wearing Purple Reign lipsense and I am fairly certain Palette 3 from Younique.

This gorgeous neck candy also comes apart and I can wear it like 8 different ways. Love!

We dined at Good Luck and I enjoyed some Rosé, and then they gave us a little champagne for us to toast my birthday.

#bloggerstyle

Hubby did so well! He picked out this fancy hotel over in a nearby town where we could use our Marriott Rewards---the room was like something out of NYC!

We went across the street to a wine bar and had so much fun together.

I also loved my pave orbital ring!

Seriously spoiled and so much fun.  When you're married, have a two year old and a four year old, and your husband works 50+ hours each week it can make for some major stress in life.

Nights like these I thank my lucky stars we found each other and can enjoy all that life has to offer.

I was moving rather slowly the next day, but we did have a yummy brunch, and a nice little drive.  After 9.5 he decided to take me to this little beach tucked away that he used to visit when he was younger.  We've been back several times and ended up taking our family photos here too.

My best friend.

You are a #girlboss

I've been going a mile a minute lately and there seems to be no stopping it now!! I'm constantly trying to find a consistent flow of my energy; I certainly played the victim a bit on Monday and compared myself to others...never good to do!!

I try to set reasonable goals, but man it's tough to get everything done alone! I do sometimes wish I had an assistant.  (Other than two curly hair cutie pies that follow me around all day!) But, I'm working with what I've got and I decided today, I'm going to literally write out my "done" lists.  Yup.  I need to stop and smell some essential oils and breathe.  I never give myself enough credit or toot my own horn, because, well? I don't want to be arrogant.  I don't want to become cocky.  But I think sometimes I go so far the other way and don't really see all that I do. So Jenn, when you're feeling down and like you don't do "enough" or aren't "where you think you should be" this blog post is for you.

You wake up every morning and walk the dog.

You iron Joe's clothes.

Bacon, eggs, juice, waffles etc.

You fuel yourself with clean foods and sip on green tea.

You are home with your children.

You wipe their noses, change their diapers, wash their hands and love them through every stinky second.

You fit in workouts when you can.

You get 5 million snacks out for the kids.

You clean all of the crumbs.

You wipe the floor down 3+ times a day.

You do all of the dishes, laundry, and cleaning. (no more house cleaner)

You do all of the grocery shopping.

The errand running, grabbing rent checks, depositing them, and keeping track of who paid etc. is mostly done by you.

You read books to the kids.

You count with the kids.

You listen to self-development books every day.

You play with playdough and paw patrol more times than you can count.

You've kissed sore bumped heads, broken up fights and made the littles smile so big, it hurts your heart.

Snuggling to sesame street after a boo boo happens.

You give the dog water all day long... ps buy a bigger dish!

You make lunches, and more snacks.

You clean up more messes.

You make a dinner that kids won't eat, and make more pbjs than you'd like to admit.

You give bath time and cut nails, and sing songs and read more books.

You cuddle and kiss and soothe.

You stay up and make a warm meal for your husband who works late into the evenings.

You hop online and do trunk shows.

You step outside of your comfort zone and try new things: hello juice cleanse.

You go to yoga classes.

You go to friends' houses to set up trunk shows and share the love of fashion with others.

You help other women feel confident and stylish when assisting them with their accessories.

You've helped others feel good with text messages, voice messages and shoutouts.

You alone are the sole person for your sister. 

You take her to meetings, you help her with things she needs help with and you make time for what is important.

You spend time with loved ones and celebrate birthdays.

You are the office manager for Fave Properties.

You're THE organizer. 

Your marriage is stronger than ever.

You're in better physical shape than before kids.

You're in a better emotional state than ever before.

You're strong. 

You're a tremendous role model for Brooke and setting a good example of what type of woman you'd like Bradley to fall in love with one day.

If that doesn't scream #girlboss I don't know what would.  Stop being so hard on yourself and give yourself some credit!!

You do all of these things, so that your husband can work his crazy long hours and provide monetarily for you and your family.  The more you keep everything else together, the better he can perform at work.  You're a team and you are a damn good one.

There are days when you want to stay in bed and read all day or lounge and be lazy, but you have big dreams, huge goals and lots of life to live. NEVER SETTLE.

So while you may not be able to say you've financially supported the family nearly as much as your husband, you are the one that keeps this family together. You make this house a home, create a loving and safe place for friends and family to be together.  Your two year old may not be eating as many vegetables as you'd like or as much protein, but he's healthy and thriving. 

So if you're struggling with a negative voice that won't quit, tell it to shut up and list all of your attributes.  What are all of the things you do well that give you your best life?

PS I totally thought about not posting this, but you know what? If this helps one other woman feel more confident in herself, and stop feeling bad about what she isn't or doesn't do, then I feel like I've done a little bit of good.  Plus I feel better now. xo

Top 5 Tips to Enjoy this Season

Whether you're single or married, have children or don't, this time of year can be absolutely crazy!!  I know that when I'm not careful, I get so stressed out over little things and end up not enjoying the moments.  I've been making it my intention this December to not let myself get too caught up in 'everything else,' and to really be happy amongst the chaos.  It is so important that I enjoy this season of our little kids and the season itself.  I want to create positive and happy memories for our children, not having them remember how frantic mommy was this time of year.  For me, having one in preschool was a game changer.  My loosey goosey schedule is a thing of the past and we now have to work in a few outside activities.   I quickly got myself together and figured out ways to keep happy.

Here are my top five ways I am keeping my cool this Christmas season.



1.  Plan Ahead.

It's a must.  I wish I had planned out my meals for the whole month like my friend Cathy, but if you can't plan monthly then at least do it weekly.  I also am trying to get better about looking at my day ahead, so that I am not totally blindsided (like I was last week!)  What can you plan ahead?  Date nights, shopping trips, menus, "down time/family time"--yes, schedule it in, holiday parties, school functions, workouts, grocery store runs, time to wrap presents.  The more you map out what is left to do and when you'll be able to do it, it's so much easier.  My problem is that I have my phone, my day planner and the family fridge calendar.  I have to get better at making sure all 3 are lined up.  I tend to remember things more if I actually write them, so that is why I refuse to give up my written calendars.  "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail."

2. Stay present.

When I start getting all uppity and such, I realize I need to focus: family, faith, friends.  Maybe that means putting down my phone and picking up the big camera.  Take some good photos of the kids this size.  Or maybe it means put away all cameras and just be there, playing, singing, laughing, eating, whatever with them.   We didn't take a single photo of us decorating the tree; in a way I was sad, but I am actually happy that we all enjoyed that time together so much, a photo was forgotten to be had.  Don't allow yourself to worry about what is to happen; the cookies will get made, the toys will be wrapped, the shopping we get done.  Just breathe in the moment.   Don't let yourself slip down what should have happened either, that's not going to change or fix anything.  Just focusing on where you are at and being happy, will help you de-stress instantly.

3.) Ignore the noise.

What noise am I talking about?  Well there is the adorable noise of the kids trying to sing/scream all the Christmas songs, (I usually try to applaud from the next room over!) but I'm talking about that extra noise.  The noise of others who don't intentionally make you feel bad, but after seeing all of their perfect holiday cards, it makes you think twice about your cheesy iphone one.  The girl on FB who always gets to wear gowns and looks like a movie star every weekend at holiday soirees.  The mom with six kids whose house is always neat as if she has a maid.  The younger friend who is out having fabulous cocktails with all of her friends.  The Martha Stewart on instagram who bakes and coordinates every little detail that makes you want to run to the store and re-create so your house can look that cozy.  Do not let social media steal your happiness.  If you start feeling jealousy while scrolling it's time to put down the phone/tablet/computer and do something different.  We all share our highlights and there is no faster way to steal your joy than starting to play the comparison game.

4.) Have fun.

What is it about this time of year that makes you smile?  For me it's the childhood memories of baking cookies.  I remember my mom would have her girlfriends over and they'd make different cookies and swap.  I used to do a cookie party before I had kids, but then it got too big and having kids made it tricky.  I'd like to start that up again one day!  This year I have already made 3 different kinds of cookies with the kids and Brooke is having so much fun helping me.  I put on some Christmas music and we just make a big old mess and make some delicious cookies.  If you're not into baking, maybe it's driving or walking around looking at lights/decorations.  Maybe it's just listening to Christmas music.  Binge watch a few Hallmark movies (while you fold laundry or wash dishes!) Or if you're crafty, go to Michael's or checkout Pinterest for a holiday DIY.  The kids love getting creative and your house looks super cute.  What's the point of this time of year if you're not taking time to do what you love?  December only comes once a year.  Enjoy it!

5.) Be grateful.

I have to say, this has been the biggest help lately.  As soon as I'm having a rough day, I will try to snap myself out of the funk.  I make myself think of 3 things I am grateful for.  It's hard to be unhappy when you start to train your mind to think of all that makes you smile.  I really am trying to write them down in the morning or at night, but at the very least I say them out loud.  Sometimes it's when I walk the dog, so I don't have anything to write it down on...but I quickly become humbled and remember all that we have.  Right now, say three things you are grateful for today.

I am grateful for my cozy slippers, this time to blog and this delicious vanilla spiced tea with Rumchata.  Nothing crazy or fancy, but I am so thankful this is my moment right now!!  

Remember to breathe, catch those snowflakes on your tongue with your tot, and enjoy that piece of gingerbread cookie.  Of course, voice texting to your best girlfriends who get you it also quite essential, but that's just a given.  It is the most wonderful time of the year, so let it be.

Look Back at August

The last day of August my friends!!

It's been interesting for me to try and find a good morning routine.  I think I like doing some light yoga first thing with a cup of tea.  Some mornings I would jump online and start working, but I think that is not the way I need to go.  I did promote in my S&D biz, so that was super fun and exciting!

I also had some fun nights out with the hubby.

We had a few date nights as a whole family, one of which ended with a ride on the Merry Go Round.

These two have been extra clingy; we all are fighting off a little Summer cold still.

We've sat outside and seen some amazing sunsets.

Our bathroom got a mini makeover--yay for no more makeup or bronzer on a white rug! We are hoping to paint soon.

90 degree days call for burgers down by the lake.

And cool drinks in the shade on warm and muggy days.  Sandbox, treehouse and slide were some of our favorite moments.

I took home some toys to clean for the pre-school and this one carried the jugs into my bedroom all by himself!!  He just looks so big; my heart explodes.

And Summer is not over yet!! I bought these and declared that we will be having a fire either here or at the land this long weekend.  I also bought a pack of hot dogs (gasp!) and we'll be enjoying those as well.  

If you're feeling overwhelmed, like everything is spinning out of control, it probably is!  

It's the New Moon so be sure to set your intentions.

It's also Mercury Retrograde so chill out, laugh at things and know that everything will be okay.

Happy Hump Day!!

Day 6: Dance

Sometimes ya just need to move and groove.  Pull up your favorite song and just start dancing around.  Dance like no one is watching, or record yourself so someone is!

It's no shock that I love to dance.  Anyone who knows me, knows it's probably my favorite thing to do!  While I am struggling to get into an adult class (that whole selfish/me time!) I can dance any time or anywhere, especially while I am home!

My favorite thing is when we'll be eating dinner all together, listening to Sinatra, and Joe will pull me up out of my chair.  It instantly lifts my soul and we have a great time twirling around the kitchen. 

I know that when the kids get a little grumpy or seem like we need a mood change, this is exactly what we do.  Joe will play videos and I'll throw on Pandora.  We love Kidz Bop music channel or even the top hits (I censor them).

The kids requested Rio (it's their favorite movie right now! We have seen it a million times!) So here ya go. Perfect for Friday.

Dance away my friends, dance away!

Day 3: Be the First to Comment

Today's task is a super easy one.  I found myself scrolling my instagram or FB and just feeling blah.  It then occurred to me, that when you're feeling down, the best thing to do, is to lift someone else up.  In turn, it will help you feel better.

I really started getting a kick out of being the first to comment; obviously you can't always be the first to comment, but if you pull up your Facebook and see a post that just went up, say something nice!

It really does lift spirits and it's always a good feeling to spread happiness. There is so much joy and happiness in the world, we just need to focus on it to find it.

There is also much anger, frustration and sadness, and if you focus on that, you'll attract more of that as well.

Happy commenting!! 

I confess...

...I totally just packed the kids up and headed to Starbucks. In my defense, I was out of my low fat vanilla soy milk and couldn't make my own latte.  I did however, go back to the OG and get my grande vanilla soy latte---WOW!  I can't believe how strong the espresso tasted after about a month hiatus! Crazy.

...I am dreaming of some amazing QT with my groom.  I am talking about breakfast, lunches, dinners just us, not worrying about whether someone is drinking enough of her water, or if someone else is eating enough of his veggies.  To sit in absolute silence, or to talk and discuss big dreams.  To rap along to the dirtiest of hip hop music, and laugh because we can.  Kid free time is much needed!

...I ate three pieces of cheese pizza last night for dinner, and even though I did a quick arm/ab workout and a a 20 minute walk with the kids, I still jumped on the elliptical last night.  Felt damn good!

...I am going to write a post about how social media is causing depression/anxiety/unhappiness.  The more I stay away and do "other activities" the happier I've become. No joke.

...Bradley is the funniest little boy I have ever met. He keeps doing this side dance and booty goes round--I die.

...I can almost not see the parking lot behind our house and I kinda love it.  

...the triangle pavé ear climbers are back and EVERYONE wants them! They sold out so fast last time, I didn't get a pair, don't delay!!

...I love goat cheese, but not so much on the morning eggs---I prefer my feta.  Sorry Nikki!! 

...I'm finding it hard to believe that it's the end of May and that Memorial Day is next weekend. I need to finish mulching and grab some flowers asap!!

...I am shocked at how many people reached out to me after my post on Tuesday.  I never know what may strike a chord with someone, as I write really just for me...(selfishly) but I am so moved when others find comfort or familiarity with my words.  I like that a lot.

...Father's Day is around the corner, I have NO clue what to get my dad! He owns a hardware/lumberyard and is probably the hardest man to buy for on the face of the earth. I wish I could buy him time, so that he could just spend it with his grandkids and not worry about working.

...Parenting is no joke.  (obvi) Joe and I were discussing how "easy" we have it, with me being home 24/7 and his hard work ethic, allowing us to live this way--and yet we still have struggles, challenges and worries about our kids.  I take my job as a momma very (too) seriously at times and I just want both of them to be totally fine and have no issues ever. . . I may be referring to some potty training related issues, but I don't going too public about that with my babes. 

...I'm excited for my grandma to meet our kids!  Both of my other grandparents have passed before they got to meet them, so it will be very special for me.

...I keep seeing 11:11 a lot lately, I mean pretty much twice daily. I love this interpretation here: 

In my opinion and what resonates with me, is that when you see ‘11:11’ whether on a clock, a license plate, your bank statement or wherever you happen to see it, is like a friendly little sign from your soul, source, higher-self, or the entire Universe, whatever you choose to call it, God, if you will, that everything is in alignment and you are exactly where you need to be, right here, right now.  (Source)

...I really do feel like I am exactly where I need to be lately and there is NO freer feeling that just that.  To not feel like I am supposed to be doing this, that or the other thing.  To feel completely at ease, almost blissful in this chaotic world that spins around me.  I do not wish for anything more, I am simply surrounded by beauty, abundance and am happy---from the inside out.  Isn't that what we all strive to feel or be?  I don't know how long this feeling will last, but I am soaking up every lovin minute of it. 

Let it Go

My husband told me to be like Elsa yesterday, as I rattled off a bunch of things that frustrate me, trouble my mind and make me feel ill at ease.  I've been feeling rather good lately, but whether it's just that time of month, certain factors in our lives, the weather, or whatever I want to use to blame...

I sometimes just get a little "up in my head" and I really don't like it.  I realize it's been a few days since I've listened to my positive motivation audiobooks, and I truly believe that may be why.  It's like anything else in life; I can't carry on eating burgers in fries, if I want to stay in good shape.  Same goes for my emotional and mental well-being.

The thing I struggle with the most is caring what others think.  I worry about everyone's feelings, how they may be affected by certain situations.  It's hard to make everyone happy--it's actually downright quite impossible.  

I can say that as the kids get older and our responsibility continues to grow, it's becoming harder and harder to tow the line of "doing what's right" vs "doing what's right for me/my family."

I don't know why I crave balance so much, but with Joe's crazy work schedule, not many people can relate to how little time we have to work with, and with building a new home on the horizon, a lot of things are definitely going to be shifting, changing, and hopefully our friends and family can be understanding.  While Joe has never been one to just lounge around and be lazy, (neither of us actually) I know that in the upcoming year, between his work schedule and us working on the land, it's sure to be intense!

Since I can't make others understand what it takes to make our little family function happy & healthy, I know that playing a victim is not an option.

I stumbled across a powerful little video (reminder) via Facebook this morning.  I follow the "Power of Positivity" page and truly needed to let these soak in...

10 Things to let go of to be happy:

1.) Let go of toxic people in your life.

2.)  Let go of regretting past mistakes.

3.)  Let go of the need to be right.

4.)  Let go of feeling sorry for yourself

5.) Let go of negative self talk

6.)  Let go of the need to impress others.

7.)  Let go of limiting beliefs.

8.)  Let go of the need to please everyone

9.)  Let go of gossip and complaining

10.)  Let go of worrying about the future


Wow.  Can I just say that some of those hit me right smack in the middle of my head! I don't know why I allow myself to care so much about things that I have absolutely no control over.  I once thought it was a gift, to be so compassionate.  But as I've learned through my 34 years, there is only so much I can give, and sometimes I need to pick and choose where I exert my energy.  Right now it's mostly going to these two little curly haired babes that I brought into this world.

Last night, as the clock neared bedtime, Bradley was in a funk.  He was fussy and just not feeling it. I was finally showering at 6pm and he stood outside the shower door and cried the whole entire time.  I felt awful, skipped shaving my legs (again) and thought he wanted an early bed time.

As I got his last sippy cup ready, changed him and laid him in bed, a huge part of me wanted to rock him, but he was so worked up I thought perhaps just laying him down would be best.  So I laid him down, he drank his cup and to my surprise did not fall right to sleep.

He sat and talked, cooed, and giggled and finally laid down. A few minutes later I heard his cry, and as his momma, I know his cries. This was an "in-pain" cry so I rushed in and his foot was caught in his crib slats.  I of course picked him right up, snuggled him and rocked him for a little while and it was just what I needed.  I'm sure he needed it too, but to rock him in his chair, that I haven't sat in for quite some time, well, it just turned me into a big old pile of mush.

I thought about all that Joe and I have created, accomplished and continue to still do.  We dream big dreams and we make them happen.  I know along the way there will be haters, or simply people who don't understand.  There are going to be others who think we should just be fine with what we have, what we do, where we're at.  And that's fine for some people, but what's wrong with wanting a little more?  Pushing ourselves daily and continuously to live a life we are both happy with and proud of.

As Joe got home last night around 9:30, we sat on the couch and ate dinner and briefly spoke of this.  I giggled and said how I too pushed myself that day because I wanted so badly to stay in my bathrobe, lay in bed and listen to the rest of my audiobook.  But I knew he deserved a nice warm, freshly cooked dinner.  He deserved a smiling wife at the door, greeting him after a 13 hour work day.  He deserved his partner to discuss the day's happenings and laughing with me over all the silly snapchats from the day.

We work extremely hard for our happiness, our family, and the life we live.  I don't feel the need to document it and shout out it out upon the rooftop, but I do know what we have is real and it's different.  It's not always picture perfect, but it's perfect to us.

And anyone who doesn't understand, or doesn't care to understand us?

Not. My. Problem.

I may have to play that little top 10 video all day and focus on not caring, pleasing and focusing on others' thoughts, opinions, because man---that just drains me.

How do you 'get out of your head'?  Is there something that helps you stay motivated and not worrying about others' so much?  Is it simply just a switch?  

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