Day Two: Old Town, Massages, & Shopping!

Wednesday morning we got up and decided we wanted to go check out "Old Town."  We had a few hours to kill before our 2 pm massages, so we wanted to take a little adventure.  This was our "vacation day" for sure, and we lived it up!

I layered with a kimono, black tee, & skinnies.

I couldn't get enough of that Arizona sunshine!

Or the palm trees.

We stopped at the resort's coffee shop and were on our way!  I had the barista make me her favorite drink--for the life of me, I can't remember anything other than an "Americana" and something about white chocolate? Super yummy!

When we got to Old Town, there was a little camera crew following two hip mamas and their babes in strollers.  No clue what they were talking about, but it was kinda cool to see!



Just one of the fun shops down there.





We kept trying to imagine what life was like back in the old days--a saloon and meeting up at high noon!



My friend.



The cactus were so cool and apparently really old. I had no idea how long it took to grow one and I guess it's illegal to mess with one!

We ate lunch at Mission--a really good Mexican restaurant!  Table side guacamole, yes please! I was dutifully studying the menu and wanted to order everything, basically.

Seriously, look at that guac!  I'm still drooling over it.

I decided on the Cubana--big as my head!! With an egg on it, duh.  I could barely eat half.



Joe went with the pork tacos. Yum!


We had a few moments to relax in the sun before our couples massage.

I did make one purchase [yes, No Spend November was not strictly enforced, le sigh, but…] the gift shop was full of Lilly Pullitzer, Tory Burch, Kate Spade & Kendra Scott.  None of which I own! So hubby says to me I can buy the Tory sunglasses, but I couldn't justify $165 on something the kids will probably steal and break.  So I opted for the $20 fakes, since we totally forgot our sunnies at home, and decided on this cute pair to come home with me.

I know they're a bit summery, but they're light and SO pretty! I love pink and it makes me so happy, so I figured these would go with a ton of my outfits.

I was imitating the statue ahead.  Hubby caught it on camera.

We had so much fun, just us two!

Spa time!! I cannot explain how amazing the spa was.  It smelled heavenly, they had rituals and everything!  There was a gigantic 50 pound crystal you put your hands on and inhaled/exhaled toxic & negative energy.  You then grab a stone (or rather, it picks you) and you set it down with an intention.

Rhodonite was mine.  Tiger Eye was Joe's.



After our aromatherapy massages, we sat by the pool and sipped a little something.

After that we headed back to our room, showered, changed, and were ready to meet everyone at the cocktail welcoming reception!  

I went with a simple attire, but was hoping to stay warm since it was outside!

Black Swing Dress- Old Navy
Vest- Arden B [similar]
Boots- Aldo {similar}
Necklace & earrings - Stella & Dot

Not gonna lie, I was super excited for this little swanky event!  Little did I know the amazing people we would meet and what a great time we would have!

Tomorrow's post will be about the conference and my *proud wifey moment!!

5 on Friday!

Even though it feels like Summer, Fall is right around the corner! We had our first official fire of the season Sunday.  Hard to believe with temps in the 80's, but it was really chilly (50's and rain) when we had one!  I am looking to many comfy moments with my little family right here in this very room.

{1}

Cozy Fires

Being that my husband does finance for a Chevy store, whenever they take in a too good to pass up deal, is usually when I get a new car.  This time happened to be a 2013 suburban! It really doesn't feel any different driving than my Yukon, but obviously it's a little longer in the trunk.  It's really nice to have a sun roof again; I really missed that! I am also happy that there are captain seats. Usually I was fan of a bench, so that I could go back and tend to the kids, but they're pretty self sufficient at this point and if they need me, I'm driving and I need to pull over anyway.  Plus in my Yukon, we had to put the seats next to each other since there was no clip behind me, so that was already causing issues with "Brudder touching me!" Oh, how I forgot about sibling fights haha.

{2}

A new truck!

Pumpkin everything!! I am so happy these are back in stock and it saved me during my cleanse the night I had to pick my truck up.  Everyone else was eating pizza, ((drool)) but I had my handy shake in my purse and enjoyed a healthy and filling shake!

{3}

Pumpkin Spice

I scored these adorable boots from Marshall's.  They were pretty reasonable (29.99) and I cannot wait to pair them with leggings, skinny jeans, dresses and pixie pants!

{3}

Cute Fall booties!

My friend Ann randomly sent this to me yesterday.  She didn't realize how much I needed to see it. Sometimes we go through some tough times in life and we just have to really be strong.  It's a daily workout for the mind, but it's so important to focus on the good in life, realize what and who matters most and work very hard at preserving it.  There will be times when you just have to learn to close a door, or just not open it, when negativity comes a knocking. 

{5}

Be positive and strong. 

That is all! Have a wonderful day and enjoy each moment of this precious thing called life.

Fall Faves

OK, I'm just gonna be honest. {because that is how I roll}  So, if you don't want to hear my #pregnancyprobz feel free to skip down to my first photo.


 I don't why, but I get to my 25/26th week of pregnancy and I seem to hit a wall.  I just don't feel like dealing with ridiculous crap.  My patience is rather thin.  I am so thirsty all the time and when I'm not drinking water, I am waddling to the bathroom.  I feel like I am definitely having a boo-hoo moment/oh woe is me, and I am basically needing to put myself in time out.

I totally fess up and had a mini tear sesh when Joe got home last night.  Can I really make it another 15 weeks? (of course you can, women have been doing this forever) I just feel big, ugly, and definitely more of a debbie downer.  I see my previous stretch marks getting darker and fear that new ones are popping up, even though I lotion/oil/lube up day and night.  It's hard to see that, but again I focus on the positives...I will say getting my eyebrows waxed helped me feel a TON better even though my cheeks look like they're super chubby.

I tend to not be able to fall asleep at night, so I'll go back through and read my old blogs and I wrote about it when I was prego with Brooke HERE.  I can deal with all of the discomforts and annoyances that come along with a pregnancy; I get it, I'm creating a human being, it's a blessing and a lot of work! But goodness, this HORRIBLE PAIN is getting worse and having a toddler makes it a gazillion times harder!  Not to be all TMI, but it literally feels like my hoo ha will fall out/break in half.  It's terrible. I think it's Pelvic Girdle Pain, from what I researched last time around.  I wish I could workout and go on long walks, keep up with the housework and all the cooking and day to day stuff, without this horrific pain.  The chiropractor seems to help, or at least it's mental.  Basically it's just that lovely hormone relaxin doing it's thing so my body can give birth.  I'm grateful, I really am, but owwwwwwieeeeeee.

My Dr. told me to wear a support belt (which I don't find does much other than annoy me b/c I have to take it off so much to pee all the time) and to rest.  I had to laugh at that because staying home all day long, isn't very relaxing.  But today?  I took Brooke to gymnastics and my body is just not having it.  I don't like the pressure/feeling so I am making myself sit.

I will focus on all the positives and know that in the end, it is all worth it to hold my sweet baby boy in my arms!!!  I know there are ups and downs and everything is SUCH a blessing and I am beyond blessed and grateful to carry a healthy baby.  I just am being real, and having my moment.  Tell me I'm not alone...

SO? Let's talk about what I'm loving right now.  Mmmmmmm K?  {since I have to sit, I may as well blog}

Well, I am just loving this season right up!! I figured I would share some of my must haves--some are already in my possession and others are certainly on my mind!!

First up:

Fab Fit Fun.  

LOVE this subscription box! This is my second box and I have got to say the sizes and amount of "stuff" you get for the cost, is incredible!! They also offer a coupon code the first box you get, so you can share with friends and that goes towards your next purchase.  Since it's seasonal, you only get 4 boxes a year.  I think that makes it extra fun too!  This box had TONS of fun stuff--a cute apron, a 3 month workout pass for online videos, lotion, lipgloss, crackers, tea, and more!

Wanted: A plaid blanket scarf.

I just haven't found one I am totally in love with. So, I have no link to share, do you?? These are so cozy and cute; plus I think it's smarter for me to invest in something more plaid like this, so I can wear it again in the future!

via google

via google

I'm half tempted to go look at Jo-Ann's for fabric and just "make my own".

via google

Ankle boots/booties:

I made the purchase via Target during their BOGO.  I love the small heal, and I think they'll be perfect while prego and dealing with the upcoming snow, while still looking cute.

Oh, what was the other half of the BOGO, you ask? Something similar to this:



I wanted a Fall bag and so I actually ended up with the larger one that I can wear cross body.  I am using it as a purse/diaper bag until January then I'll be back to hauling more junk around!  I didn't want to splurge on a super expensive bag, since let's face it.  Crumbs from Brooke's snacks and her sticky fingers are all up on that thing.

Comfy Sweats:

When I was pregnant with Brooke I bought one pair and wore them a lot…so I figured another pair would be really nice this time around! So cozy, warm, and well, comfy.  I can't express the amount of discomfort I am in, so when I can, I'll be in these. Thank you. Victoria's Secret. I'm living in them right now. LOVE.

Tot Fashion: 

Brooke has a monogramed dress that my friend Amber did for her!  Fall colors and so cute.  She is also dancing around in her new Ugg knockoffs from Target.  They'll be sure to keep her tootsies warm this winter!

Baking:

Anyone else just loving her kitchen this month?? I am all about baking, but I am trying to be smarter about sweets. I know sugar is the worst, so with all of the apples or peaches we get, I will slice some up, place them in a casserole, sprinkle with apple or pumpkin pie spice, sliced almonds or walnuts and drizzle a little honey.  I bake them at 350 until I can smell them and they're soft.  (about 20-25 mins?)

Seasonal Treat:

I am still craving coffee/lattes like it's my J-O-B.  Again, with the sugar, I just can't.  I mean, how can you unlearn something?  It's just like I cannot bring myself to drive through fast food lanes just because I'm hungry…I have learned to pack healthy snacks or wait.  I'm not saying you're gonna die if you have one sweet treat, but most of us can't control our habits and they spiral out of control. 

Enter a better option: Coffeccino  

So I will sip on some Coffeeccino instead and it does the trick!!  Plus I don't have to leave my house because again, I am a hermit and enjoy being home right now. If I don't have to leave, I don't.  I just won't.  

Scents(y):

I love our Young Living Essential Oils diffuser to get the house smelling all purdy-like, but I also love me some fall scents.  I don't love having open flames with tiny hands, so I am using one of my warmers.  I just got 3 new scents and OMG.

This one??? AMAZING.  It is literally the essence of Fall.

And lastly, for my main man:

This will be the 7th hunting season that I'm with Joe and he has wanted a big ol' buck forever.  He got a nice rack last year, but I know he wants something to mount on the wall {help me if he does!} and so maybe this will be his year!!  I really don't mind the smaller ones because I think they taste better and I'm the one who does all the cooking…but I hope he gets a big one!

Physical, Emotional, Spiritual {Wellness}

So true, right?  That is what life is all about; finding that harmonious balance of, happy.

I just love sharing my thoughts so that I can reflect back on them, but I share them here on the web in case anyone else may benefit from my thoughts as well.

{Physical Wellness}

AdvoCare launched a few new products and while I am practical with my money, I decided I have to wait to try this new skin care line out once my other products are done!  However, I do not have anything in the "rejuvenating serum" spectrum, so I bought the serum to try out {OMG!} and Drew Brees Carmel/Almond bar.

The bar is not overly sweet, which I LOVE.  I ran out of bars and bought another brand--forgot to the check the sugar and man oh man, it was just TOO sweet and I did not feel good after eating it.

The serum is perfect for our necks--ladies, I am talking to you.  If you notice, it's the first thing to really show signs of aging.  I usually just put lotion on my neck, but just a few days into this wonderful smelling serum, I can see my neck/chest glowing! I can literally feel the tightening and hydration happening. Ca-razy!

I am trying the firming lotion next, as my lovely lady lumps continue to grow during pregnancy--thanks hormones--I can't wait to try!

Best part?  NO PARABENS!! Love love love this company.

Can I tell you how JEALOUS I am of this?? Once I'm done being prego/nursing I cannot wait to try this improved metabolic nutrition system! They have changed up the MNS 3 by adding a little CardioQ.

Cardio who?

New! CardioQ: This product combines the ingredients CoQ10, Vitamin D, and Lycopene to provide nutrition for healthy aging and cardiovascular support.* CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that helps support processes where energy is needed the most, such as the heart and the liver.* CoQ10 levels decrease as we grow older. Because of this, the need for supplementation increases as we age. Vitamin D deficiency has been identified as a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Vitamin D receptors are expressed in a variety of tissues, including cardiacmyocytes, vascular and endothelial cells. Vitamin D has also been shown to affect inflammation and cell proliferation and differentiation.* Lycopene is a powerful ingredient that provides cardiovascular and immune support and encourages healthy aging.* 

Basically, you'll be pouring top notch nutrition into your body and feeling incredible. This product (and Spark) made me fall head over heels with this company.  You don't even understand how great you can feel, until you get on this product…and then I went off it and was like, why would I not want to feel this amazing every day???  Perfect to solution for someone looking for more energy, appetite control and overall health wellness improvement.

I had to share these on sale too-- Purple champs are a great way to get DHA with a sweet taste!
Cranchews are a fave for a healthy bladder.
CitriZinc is for all my teachers who wanna ward off those upcoming germs with school fast approaching!

{Emotional Wellness}

One of my incredible leaders mentioned this book. It sounded like something my husband would like, so I found the audio version on You Tube.  I sent it to him, and realized maybe I should listen too.

WOW.  If you are still struggling with money or the concept of having money is a bad thing, or where you're spending your money--read or listen to this book!

It helps me understand a little more why my husband works so, so, so hard and what he's trying to accomplish.  It makes me want to propel my own business in AdvoCare further, and help more people "see this light."  You should not have to feel the burden of finances; it's not rocket science, but since it's not taught to us in school, so many (myself included) have no clue what we're doing with our money!

We were taught to go to school, get a safe job, and make money.  That is something I will NEVER tell my kids!

This guy tells it like it is, what he learned, and how to be wealthy.  We need money (and lots of it) to survive and thrive in our world today.

When I say it has helped me change my mindset on money, things, houses, cars, new this and that, I mean it.  It made for some excellent conversations with my husband and made me hungry for more learning.

One notion that stuck out was, don't quit your day job, but also have your own business. You never know what could happen with your 9-5, so what else can you do for yourself to earn income?  I know any extra amount is helpful, so if you're not doing something, perhaps being your own AdvoCare boss may be right for you?  It's worth thinking about.  I know I appreciate the cushion, a lot.  I also want to help others become financially free; what if you had no more credit card debt? How would that feel? What weight would lift off of your shoulders?

{Spiritual Wellness}

*Disclaimer:

I am an independent AdvoCare distributor with the company and it is my goal to help others with achieve their health and financial goals..AdvoCare products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. AdvoCare does not endorse products for pregnant/nursing moms or any persons under the age of 18. For more information on the key benefits of our products, please visit the product pages.