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.

3 Day Juice Cleanse

Happy Monday! 

So, I wanted to share my thoughts and feeling now that I'm all done with my Juice Cleanse.  First and foremost, I am NOT a Dr, nutritionist or anything of that nature!  I am just a girl who loves her body and wants to feel the best she can!

I used Instagram, "Instastory"{Styled_by_Jenn} to kind of keep a daily log of my thoughts etc.  I discovered that you can just save the whole story from the day, so I did that (which case now you see random's of my kids etc, hey that's my life!!) 

I did forget to document a few times when I drank my juice, but I think it's a decent overall impression.  Overall I would give myself a 97% (haha! The old teacher in me!)  I drank so much water and kept a fairly good attitude; there was one point on day 3 where I was getting a little absurd and mad over nothing at all.

The hardest part was cooking meals for my kids and my husband, while sipping on juice. I love food SO MUCH and enjoy eating healthy, so to not be able to nibble here or there at all for 3 days was tricky.

I chose Breathe Yoga's 3 Day Juice Cleanse program.  It was $112 which worked out to about $6 a juice, and for that price I figured it was well worth the money.  Buying all organic fruits and veggies and then making the time to juice them may have prevented me from doing all three days.

3 days

6 juices or smoothies a day

I picked up at 7 or 9am and again at 3pm.  

I chose a 3pm smoothie because I know my body well enough to know that is when I crash. I had something to look forward to and it was always a delicious drink!

I found it SUPER convenient to just go grab the juices, other than being an idiot and dumping the second morning's juices in my truck.

Would I recommend the cleanse to anyone? Yes and no.  If you've NEVER cleansed before, I highly suggest you checking out Advocare's 10 day cleanse. I still find that one to be way easier mostly because you can eat real food! It also taught me what foods are best for my body and honestly it's more practical for every day life.

Simply drinking juice for 3 days straight is not teaching you anything about how to live healthier.  Sure it will give you a sense of what juices you may enjoy and what I learned is that maybe when I am eating one of my 5 or 6 small meals, I could replace one of my meals with a juice and probably be totally fine.

At the end of day three, I gave in and ate some plain Kale with lemon squeezed on it. I also had a banana with my very last wheatgrass drink.

I could tell my body was almost in shock by day 4, as I woke up so hungry and almost lethargic.  I couldn't wait to get the eggs into my system for some protein! I am a HUGE protein believer and with all of the running around I do, I firmly believe our bodies need it.

**TMI**

With a cleanse you worry about "going" too much or not enough...I just went once in the morning.  Nothing to worry about there!

I did lose 4 lbs in those three days, but they all came back.  I did not cleanse in hopes of losing weight, I really wanted to reset my body and see if it helped with my Reflux issues.  While I had no tummy troubles at night, sometimes my stomach aches when I lay down to go to sleep, I still had the 'caught in the throat feeling' every day, if not worse than normal. (lack of stomach acid?)

So if you're looking to challenge yourself and have always wanted to try a juice cleanse, by all means go for it!  I would probably have been smarter to do it in the Summer, as I mention in my video I got pretty cold one day.  I am craving juices now and certainly am not taking for granted my ability to eat healthy and real foods again.  

If you're looking to lose weight and firm up, then certainly just start eating better and working out. Nothing beats the gold old fashioned way.

PS. I could totally go for a hot apple and cinnamon drink; that was so yummy!!

If you have any other questions or comments, feel free to ask below.  I would love to answer them for you!

Recipe Share: Matcha Latte

I thought I'd share a drink recipe today!  Since I kicked my Coffee (and Spark) habit, stupid reflux, I still craved something in the morning a little more than just a cup of plain old green tea.  I knew matcha was powerful, but I didn't know how amazing.  Check this out!

 I kept hearing about "Green Tea Lattes" and finally tried one at Starbucks---wow! Total game changer. Now of course, I've gotten some flack because it's got quite a bit of sugar in it, and the powder they use is not like anything I have found in the store (or Amazon)  But I really watch what I eat (typically) and try really hard to limit sugary items.  I found myself venturing out for these almost daily, so my wallet and health needed an intervention.  It's taking me a few months to figure out the best way to make these, but finally I found it!

Here is how I make my matcha lattes.

1.  I enjoy soy milk, and I prefer the reduced fat only because of the taste and consistency.  I've tried vanilla soy and that's okay too.  I've also invested in a milk warmer/frother---TOTALLY worth every penny.

2.  I bought this kind off of Amazon. Use 1/2 teaspoon.

3.  It's very clumpy so I mix it with a tiny bit of hot water to help smooth it out.

4.  This thing does all the work with one button--you can get it super frothy or just a little, I love that it has two options.

5. Pour and mix the green tea & water with the milk.

Here is what the warmer looks like. I am not a kitchen gadget person; I find that too many tools are a waste of space, but this is super easy to clean.

You'll get a little bit of film from the milk, (which I was getting waaaaay more from heating in the pan, and then the mess of boiled milk spilling over!! Oh, it was bad!!)  You just use the handy little brush and scrape it out.

I do it right after I use it and it looks brand new.

So again, here are some awesome perks of drinking this fabulous latte!  You could just make it with water, add a little honey, but I prefer it straight up with my soy.

I haven't tried any of these, but you could add it to your juicing recipes, smoothies or even bake with it!  I have read you don't want to take too much, as with anything.  I try to limit my use to once a day and sometimes I will just go for a chai instead.

If you follow me on instagram, you'll see these in my instastory quite often!  Even if you're a huge coffee drinker, you may surprise yourself and enjoy a cup of this.  I love how mellow I feel and truly get no crash or high off the caffeine.  It's a slow and steady awake feeling and I appreciate that.  I still stop at Starbucks now and then and definitely enjoy them at fancy coffee shops, but I am so happy to have found something to replace my coffee habit.  Sure I miss it and especially this time of year with all things pumpkin spice etc, but when you listen to your body, and find something that makes you feel better instead of worse, you listen to it.

Let me know if you've tried  Matcha! 

I'd love to hear your favorite recipes.

A Quick Hello

Well, Summer is almost over and although I am a Summer Girl...I'm ready for a new season and new routine.

I've been doing okay with my Miracle Morning, but I would still like to get up a little earlier.  I'm still getting into a routine and that's what's important. I keep reminding myself, progress not perfection. (In everything in life)

Joe woke up Saturday not feeling too well; kind of run down etc. He had to go to work all day, but came home and pretty much went to bed until 12 the next day.  We even had a date night planned but had to cancel our sitter. Of course I started feeling a little achy myself, and today poor Mr. Bubs is full blown runny nose, sneezing and downright miserable. I feel so bad for him!! Hopefully it will clear soon. Stupid germs!

As August comes to a close, I am really looking forward to September.  We have a whole new season of life starting come September.  Our oldest will be going to Pre-School! I cannot believe how time has really flown by.

This morning I was looking at my Time Hop and it showed little Brookie at Bradley's age now, and I was pregnant with him.

It makes me realize how much has changed in our lives and how precious time is.

For those wondering, my sister is still doing well--keep those well wishes, prayers and healing thoughts coming.

I will definitely say this is the Summer that I have truly started to come into my own.  I look at my past, and I realize how much I relied on others to support me, give me guidance, or be there for me.

I have learned however, that at the end of the day, you only truly have yourself.  Well, with that said I know I have my husband, but he cannot be here every moment if I'm feeling a little down, angry, frustrated, hurt.

I had been doing really well working on myself (listening to daily motivation) and then bam, I stopped.  What happened? I started feeling down, hurt, like a victim etc.

So I started listening again.  Just like we need to shower every day, we need to surround ourselves with the right words, shows, people, things etc.

My Angel card today was, "Notice the loving guidance you hear inside your mind, or from other people."

Don't focus on those who won't give you the time of day, or worse, those who bring your spirit down.

My little blog has been such a great place for me to connect with, uplift other women, and speak from my heart.

It saddens me that some things are the way they are in my life, but sometimes I have no control over things.  And that, has been the biggest lesson of all.

I hope you are having a lovely Wednesday my friends.  Shine bright! You are beautiful; you are wise, and you have all the power within you.

xox

Miracle Morning

The other morning I was in looking through books on my kindle and I came across a book I had never heard of before.  I bought it rather quickly, (thank you Amazon) and for an extra dollar or so, I had it added to my audible account.  {I tend to listen more than sit and read as of late!}

Wow.

I feel like the universe has definitely been trying to tell me to get up earlier.  I don't know if I would call myself a morning person, but I have always been really good about getting up early...until I had kids.  After I had Bradley, sleep was really hard to come by, as he was not a great sleeper.  In fact, I think my body was still trying to catch up on all that missed sleep up until a few months ago!

Now, that said, I am always up by 7am, which is still early for most people!! But, in the land of littles, a working hubby and my stay at home life, 7am means time to take care of everyone else and no time for me.

I kept saying to my husband that when Brooke goes to pre-school this Fall, one thing I do not want happening is the whole rushing out the door/stressed out mornings.  We really enjoy our morning time together and the last thing I want to be doing is fighting with her to eat her eggs and get dressed.

Mind you, she's up now at 6:15 pretty much daily, so waking her will not be a problem.  I was more concerned how I will walk the dog, iron clothes, make breakfast, get her ready and feel like myself a little more.

Everything I continue to read, listen to or watch, has told me that in order to be successful, I must wake up early.  OK, but how?? I wake up then what?  What is the best way to start my day so I am on the right foot??

Enter this gem:

As with anything, there's no shortcut, excuses or BS that can help you become the best version of yourself.  In this quick book he explains a little way to start your day.  {By the way, his story is similar to my husband's and quite inspiring!  Talk about falling down and climbing your way up to the top!!}

So here is what he says to do.  Wake up an hour earlier.  Can't do that? Well, then aim for a half an hour earlier.   Drink a glass of water (we are dehydrated from not drinking overnight).  Get up and get dressed or shower.  Get out of your bedroom. Break your hour down into these 10 minutes each.

Silence

Affirmations

Visualizations

Exercise

Read

Scribe

{SAVERS}

Silence

Not many of us will actually sit in silence doing nothing.  We have so many distractions, we rarely clear our heads.  If you can sit down and just be for a few moments, it will set your tone for the rest of the day.  {I'll admit, I just started implementing these and this one I still do in my bed. I try not to grab my phone or kindle, but just start being grateful for things in my life listen to my inner self.}

Affirmations

Write out positive affirmations and read them aloud.  "I am a morning person."  "I am patient."  "I am a published author."  Whatever you believe, you become.  A few positive and inspirational affirmations will help your morning turn into a beautiful day!

Visualization:

Where do you see yourself going today?  What sort of plans do you have laid out?  What about tomorrow?  Next year?  What are some goals a dreams?  Taste, feel, smell, hear ---try to actually picture yourself being whatever it is you want to become.  {one for me is our new house! I keep trying to visualize where it is I want to live.}

Exercise

I loathe working out in the morning. Always have.  For 10 minutes though?? I have been doing some light yoga stretches and just trying to get that blood flowing. I  also walk the dog so that helps too.  If I can squeeze in a workout later, I do that too!

Read

Pick up a motivational book.  {Not just the latest chick lit!} Obviously the one I have been reading is The Miracle Morning---next up on my list is The Diamond Process.

Scribe

Write.  Get a pretty journal or a $.59 spiral notebook and write.  You could just journal what comes to mind, you could write a book, you could just jot down some goal, just put words on a paper! {today I am actually blogging!} 

Here's the kicker; a lot of you will say, "I don't have the extra hour, I get up so early as it is."

Then do it for SIX minutes.  

Sit in silence for a minute, read your affirmations one minute, visualize something for a minute, do jumping jacks or yoga stretches one minute, read one or two pages, and write for one minute.

NO excuses.

So my mornings are starting to look more like this...

I've added an essential oil; today is "Grounding."  I have my full cup of water, my green tea and lately I've been getting into Angel Oracle Cards.

I shuffle the deck and choose a card.  Today this card came up twice; once when I opened the box and then when I split the deck to choose a card.

Whatever comes to mind, I acknowledge and think about throughout the day.  Kind of cool...

This has come to me at a perfect time in my life.  I cannot control what is going on around me; I am going through some stuff, just to say...but this is helping me stay centered and at peace.

I told my husband last night, despite all of the negativity surrounding us and all that is going on within our lives, I have never been more at peace.  And that to me is something I have never really felt before, so whatever I am doing must be working and I will continue working on myself.

I want to give my children and my husband the best version of me; they deserve it.  I deserve.

Love yourselves and have a beautiful day friends!

Day 7: Finish Something!

I DID IT!! 

Today concludes my 7 day video challenge.  I am so excited I could hardly contain myself.

Day 7?  FINISH SOMETHING.

All too often we get caught up in 500 different things, going 300 different directions. 

That. Drives. ME. Crazy.

I have noticed however, when I make a real effort to complete a task, I feel SO awesome!

Finish a book.

Finish a to do list. (We did this yesterday and literally high fived each other!!)

Complete a workout schedule.

Sell that certain amount of product (jewelry, in my case!)

Make a new meal, (plan, shop, prep, cook, eat!) 

Choose something applicable to your life and follow through.

Whatever it is, enjoy what you've chosen through the process and feel the incredible energy after you've finished.  You'll be flying high my friends!

Happy Saturday!

xo

Day 5: Be Selfish

Sometimes we put ourselves on the back burner.  We don't take time to pamper ourselves, read a good book, sit down and eat a healthy meal. 

I'm telling you it's OK to be selfish! If you take some time to fill yourself up, you will have more to give to others. It's really just a matter of making ourselves a priority from time to time.  

If you feel like you're just empty, it's time to be selfish.  (maybe only an hour or two of time by yourself is what you'll need!)

What's your favorite way to be selfish?

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?

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!! 

Day 2: stop the comparison game

Happy Monday friends!

I am a little anxious today, so any extra positive energy can be sent my way!! I am really trying to focus on all good things and to get myself to stop comparing my life to anyone else's. 

I am truly happy with my life, but there's always that wish of ....just a little bit more!  

----breathe----

Maybe you too struggle with being at peace with what you have and are a little harsh on yourself.  We need to stop being so hard and just love ourselves.

Here's my unedited day two video!

xox

I confess...

...I've been waking up with a scratchy throat--allergies still?? #overit

...I'm not sure how a week has gone by again already; I feel like I JUST wrote my confession post!

...We had a freaking ball at the Luke Bryan concert. For a few minutes I almost felt 21 again!

...I still find it amazing how time does help us grow, change, heal and move forward.  

...I've been leaning into this guru/gem lately.  She helps me fill my heart with radiance

...Super excited to mail out some goodies for my friend Rachel to host a Stella & Dot trunkshow! We will have to facetime but it will be super fun.  Well, let's be real; it'd be more fun to fly out there to Cali, but we can't have it all, can we?

...Joe's got his tent sale again this weekend and so we are having a pool party today at one of the other wives' houses.  Kids and momma time!

...I still haven't gotten back into the swing of working out on the reg.  I got up and out of bed to walk the dog before 7, but I know I need to move more.

...sometimes I really wish we were having a 3rd...but then I realize how much I didn't love being prego! haha No, but really...I love our two little ones and I think we have the perfect combo.

...I've been drinking tea like it's my job.  Herbal. Green. Chai. Earl Grey. I love them all!

....I decided to give my skin a break with the whole fake tanner (it was becoming a bit layered) and wow. I can't believe how little sun I've gotten this hot sunny summer! (yay for not burning either!)

...I'm nervous about my sister, as she approaches the end of her hospital stay. Extra prayers, healing love and energy are always welcome.

... I reeeeeeeeeally wish we lived on our land.  Like, yesterday.

...my three year old is really starting to voice her opinions; what a balance between allowing her to find her voice and teaching her to be respectful!

...I rocked baby boy last night before bed; I didn't want to let him go.  He bumped his head and shut his fingers in the drawer right before bed--poor little guy! He's so tough, but still my little bubs.

...Joe told me a "sad statement" as he put it.  He heard, "One day you will pick your child up and put him down, and never pick him up again."  Cue the tears.

...I cannot believe how hard it is for us to put ourselves first sometimes.  I was helping a lady with a 24 day challenge she just ordered, she just has a hard time justifying taking the time (to cut up healthy fruits/veggies/meal prep...) and I explained to her that it is really the best investment for herself and for her kids.  Once you start taking care of your health, it's a win win all around! Then I found myself staring at myself in the mirror, thinking that while I have my physical health under control, I really need to continue working on my emotional well being.  It's not selfish to want to be happy and to learn to rid feelings of guilt, when no wrong has truly been done.  On that note, I am working on meditation and yoga...still working on those chakra centers!

...You can't pour from an empty cup. So fill 'er up!

Happy Thursday and embrace today. 

What I Ate Wednesday

Happy Hump Day!

I've had a few requests asking what I've been eating, so I figured I would share.

I've really been playing with my diet, mostly because of my reflux. I've found triggers that really bother me and try my best to avoid them.

Meal 1-

Breakfast:

2 eggs scrambled with a handful of spinach cooked in.

Sprinkle of feta cheese, a few tomatoes, & 2 slices of organic turkey bacon.

Matcha Latte with soy milk

Meal 2-

This has been a lovely in between breakfast and before my workout snack!

I just drizzle a little of the plain Kefir, not sweetened, 

over whatever fruits weren't finished at breakfast. 

Meal 3-

Post workout protein shake.

Meal 4-

Lunch today was 2 big red leaf lettuce leaves

-leftover whole chicken from dinner

-mix in a little bit of mayo (I like the evoo mayo) and a little avocado

-some grapes mixed in too with a dash of sea salt

Meal 5-

Dinner:

Tonight was man pleasing chicken thighs & steamed broccoli with sea salt and lemon.

I didn't have any brown rice and I feel like too many carbs bother me.

I'm really listening to my body and if I don't feel like having something, I don't.  I really hate having to watch every little thing at first, but my mood and my physical body feel so much better when I eat like this.  

I still have days where we have pasta or ice cream cake, but I try very hard to keep it to a minimum so that I feel my best.

What are you eating lately?

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

Sunday Sweats

2 years ago my friend Nikki and I hosted a workout linkup that was really quite helpful! We had a bunch of people who would link up and share there workouts.  I need to start this again.  Even if I'm the only one, I need to hold myself accountable and not be a quitter.  So? Every Sunday, my goal is to post my workouts and my weekly meal plan.

I also know my girl Holly shares her Sunday Sweats here, so I can cheer her on as well!!

BOOM.

I've used every excuse in the book as to why I haven't been working out.  Wanna hear them?  Maybe you're using them to...just saying...

• I'm a sahm "I HAVE NO TIME". Yeh, okay Jenn.  You have time to scroll FB, Insta, and do a bunch of other time wasters.  Get off your butt.
• I don't have a gym membership.  Ummmm what about all of the workouts in the drawers? On you tube? 
• I don't want to waste nap time.  Ya hear me. It's the most precious time of the day! Some days I don't want to use it working out. Ok, workout with your kids and show them what healthy means.
• I want to workout alone.  Ok, then if you do feel like working alone, do it during nap time!
• I don't feel well.  This is a huge one lately.  I really haven't been feeling myself and it sucks.  I'm telling myself that if my Gerd or whatever I have is acting up, do yoga or piyo.  Listening to my body will be key.
• I don't want to get sweaty.  Get over it.  They invented showers.
• I want new sneakers.  You have a pair that work just fine; maybe use that as a goal for motivation after completing 4 weeks of a program!
• I am fitting into my skinny jeans.  Yup.  This is now an excuse. #lame  Just because I'm thin doesn't mean I'm healthy.  Do it for even better reasons, real reasons this time Jenn. And STICK to them.
• I'm too tired.  I bet if you workout, you'll get more energyyyyyyyy~
• It's too late.  Do it anyway.
• I don't want to.  Suck it up buttercup.

And there you have it!! This will be my rationale whenever these stupid thoughts come into my head.  I was actually going to start tomorrow, but I thought eff it and start today.  Why waste and put off what I can do right now.

So I did.  And I didn't die. I did realize how weak I have gotten and how much further I need to go.  I also really felt gross when I was doing the ab work as the stomach acids were gurgling up in my throat. I learned not to eat lunch and then do my workout now and maybe not do so much bouncy stuff until I get this reflux situation figured out.

My plan is to do a hybrid of PiYo & 21 Day Fix workouts because I have them and those are my favorites. I need to do this for me.

On a healthier note, I am also going to meal plan better and share it.  It's a little wacky with everyone's dietary needs around here.  Brooke is totally normal and can eat anything, but is picky...Joe has Crohn's so does best on a low fiber diet, mainly pastas, lean proteins, fish.  Bradley has issues with dairy, so he is tricky in that regard.  Any now me?  Oy.  I find anything rich, spicy, or eating too much really triggers me.  Bananas seem to bug me.  Tacos were really dumb to eat along with pasta red sauce.  I'll figure it out as I go....

But for next week, this is what I came up with!  Links below.  *I'll be using ground chicken for my meatloaf muffins, as I have to use it up!*

Meat loaf muffins. Pork Loin. Tilapia. Pasta. Thighs. Sirloin Burgers.

This.

Here is to an amazing week!  Stay beautiful. xox

Mommy Moments

I just wanted to capture some of the photos from my phone on the blog.  We've done a few things in January like attend a friend's 4th birthday!

We had a playdate at the museum of play.

He loved Mr MacGregor's garden

They both had a ball in this old fashioned kitchen. I literally sat and watched them play--so fun!

We've had some cute photo moments...

He's such a ham.

And a future flirt.

We walked the mall and let off some steam at the play area.

We purchased baby boy's first kicks!! Size 6.

We've had some cuddles on the couch while we have all come down with some sickies.

He really prefers feeding himself, as messy as it is, it's pretty cute.  Enjoying some of mama's homemade chicken soup.

I had to document this because I don't think either of my kids have fallen asleep in the high chair.  He didn't sleep much the night before and I was desperately trying to get them both to nap the same time. He didn't make it the 5 more minutes.  Poor bubs.

So while the stomach sickies have subsided, we're still trying to kick these colds. Poor Joe has it really bad today and so I'm off to the grocery store to stock up on more soup ingredients! This house needs to be cleansed or something. No more illnesses please!

I'm thinking of trying these two:

Healing Soup

Carrot & Ginger Soup

We devoured this one the other day---so good!

Apple & Sweet Potato Soup

Sometimes I question what my calling is, but today I feel confident that I am here to care for these beautiful souls.  I am not knocked down with this cold like them, so I am doing everything in my power to stay that way!! 

Sending much healing energy to everyone who may need it today..

Stay beautiful xox