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.

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

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

Fashion Friday

It's Friday!! I am enjoying a semi low key morning vibe~Brookie is with my dad and step-mom and hubby is off today.  He has a lot of errands to run but it's nice to have him around!  Baby boy is into everything::currently playing with a faux pearl bracelet--trying to drop it down a heating vent::

My look yesterday: A long sleeved Old Navy shirt in coral and my favorite Stella pieces from last year. 

Kaia Earrings & Necklace

Totally adds value to any old outfit & I can feel more dressed up with less effort!

I saw this and can see Brookie and I in these, so I decided to take the plunge and sign up for the discount with Stella & Dot!!  I think this will look so cute alone or over jeans.  We can have our suits on or just go grab lunch and be ready!  I don't know where we are vacationing yet, but it will be fun and we are going to be styling!

Lace Tunics

I saw this shirt on Jane a few weeks ago and had to grab it.  I also grabbed the Riviera Statement Necklace as it was on sale (and I still had a half off hostess credit!) So as my friend says, I basically got it for free.

While I don't have a degree in fashion, I do have SO much fun with it!! Here was last Saturday as I played around with our Easter outfits!

Brooke's dress and Bradley's plaid shirt actually came from B.J.'s Wholesale Club of all places. We went there for diapers and I saw a few clothing items at a decent price and it worked!

My dress is a few years old and I actually wore it two years ago on Easter.  I got it in Toronto and I don't remember which store.  I paired it with a Target Statement necklace.

Joe chose his blue shirt...he's worn it a bunch but he always looks so good in blue!!

Workouts?  A good headband. A cute workout top.  (I love a motivating phrase!) A solid sports bra & leggings (Old Navy and LuLaRoe are my go to).

I'm also adoring my wristlet pouch.  I have seen quite a few floating around, so they're quite on trend!! Keep doesn't disappoint when it comes to being in the know!

I shared this on my FB fan page (Bliss to Bean)  yesterday in a silly video I made.  I am super excited to try some new makeup out!  [Holly photobomb]

It comes with a little compact so you can apply it on the go!

Checkout that contour the girl did on my cheeks!! I snapped a photo of myself "working" last night.  Yes, here is my "Thursday night look" haha.  Good old Victoria Secret Robe.

I  had a lot of with an online social.  Joe was working late (last day of the month) baby was asleep, and I was able to make some money and talk about jewels!  Seriously wish I had only started this gig sooner.

Want some sneak peaks??! Shhhh!  Tassels are all the rage!

Help me decide, bag 1 or 2?

Launch Social

Since I couldn't see spending full price for something of these gorgeous beauties on their way next week, I took advantage and signed up.   I don't go to the mall a lot, but when I do? I don't really see anything I love.  And with Stella & Dot?  Seriously everything catches my eye AND I get constant compliments. 

Hope that inspires your fashion for this upcoming Spring/Summer!  

Which looks are you loving?

Target Haul {mini vlog}

Happy March!!

 I am just posting really quickly to share some goodies I found at Target last week.  I love seeing what other mommas find, especially if it's something I need or am looking for!  For me, y favorite finds are in this photo, and I share a little video below as well.  

Socks--they are so soft and super comfy; perfect for workouts.

Daily Devotional-- I am expanding my journey in faith and I felt that this would help. I love it so far!

Sticky notes- To leave myself positive reminders, quotes & mark pages of books.

Hand sanitizer- because...germs!

Easter decor- I love this little pink and gold piece for the mantel!

Sports bra--it's super comfy and I LOVE the back! I was looking at some LuLulemon pieces but they're like $90.  Try $13 here--yay!

What else do you find at Target? I am always looking for new cleaning supplies etc!!

{Tiffany's vlog here}

Stay beautiful friends! xox

New Year Thoughts

With Christmas behind us and the New Year here, I can't help but get excited, overwhelmed, and a bit anxious about what is to come!! Usually I'm all like, here are my goals and thoughts and I feel like I can get my head on straight.  But to be honest with you, I am literally taking things moment by moment.  We are about a week until baby boy's due date, and I'm not being negative, but I really don't think he will be here early or even on his due date [feel free to prove me wrong little man!] but with Brooke, I remember feeling so hopeless and helpless and her due date of January 4th, came and went…and we didn't meet her precious little face until January 11th!!

So, I'm setting small little goals each day, like FINISH taking down Christmas TODAY, and catch up on about 5 loads of laundry I'm behind too. Ha.  They're all clean, but need to be folded and put away.  I am just doing what I can do, but I also know my MAIN goal is to be rested for labor.  I was sooooo not rested for Brooke and I think that was part of what made it so difficult.  I didn't treat it like a big workout, and when I was through I felt like I ran a marathon, even though I have never run one before, because of how exhausted I was.

I feel like everything coincides though; I don't want to be stressed out during labor, but to be honest a messy house stresses me out.  So I can't just lay on my couch watching TV while my home looks like a bomb went off.  I am so grateful Joe is helping with grocery shopping, so I can focus on the basics of maintaining the home!

Speaking of, I know that last year I wanted a "mess free, stress free, clutter free 2014" well I can assure you, that the de-cluttering is still going to be a main focus for me this year.  We really changed things up this year as far as Christmas gifts and it was WONDERFUL!  We exchanged 'secret santas' with my family, so we each had one person to buy for, and of course people could still buy for the kids.   Usually we end up bringing so much extra STUFF into our home and it is just too much.  With children, I don't mind toys, but at least this way I can focus on changing them out and containing their stuff, not so much extra junk Joe and I don't even need.

This post is all over the place, but I feel like writing, so I guess that is just the way it is today, sorry if I'm making your head spin!!


****

Ok, so I came up with a sort of plan! (I still need action plans, but at least I've got something in writing!)

Personal:

Health- I've already started on this. I have picked up some bad habits, so I am really working on being better.  I know once little boy gets here it will be important to really fuel with healthy foods, not sugar and processed junk because I NEED the energy to keep up with two kids!   I also can't wait to get back into working out on a regular basis. I will start with at home workouts etc, but my goal is to join a gym by April.  I will need the mini break with kids in the care center, it will be perfect!

Writing/blogging--- I just want to keep doing what I am doing. I write when I am inspired and I love looking back on my life.  I need to print this last year of blogging and keep it.

Reading-- I want to read one book a month.  I think that's attainable, but also will be challenging with two kids.

ME TIME.  To me this isn't the gym or anything above. It's getting out and doing something with a friend or by myself without feeling guilty.  I used to get my nails done bi weekly and that little hour window every two weeks did wonders for my soul (and cuticles haha!)

Marriage:  Monthly date nights. I want to say more, but at this rate, getting out once a month will be a goal!! Maybe I will change this to twice a month, or once a week eventually, but I know with a newborn we aren't going to want to leave much at first.

Continue being the best wife I can be.  I know there will be tough days where my patience will be thin, but I have to keep my emotions in check and not take it out on him.

Find a trustworthy sitter: My goal for this year is to eventually find someone (or several) to call upon for help.  Family is great, but sometimes ya just want to run out here or there and it'd be nice to have some sitters lined up to choose from.  With my husband's work schedule, he can be very busy and the time he has off, we like to do things together, so maybe having someone to help me from time to time when I need it would be really beneficial. I am not sure about leaving a brand new baby, so this may not happen for a bit.  Or, I may find someone to help and I don't even leave the house.  I could use some time to work on my Advo biz or whatever.  Date nights are important too, so a sitter will be useful.

Children:  Simply, I want to give them my best too.  I am going to strive to be patient and not pick one kid over the other consistently.  Someone said to me that your toddler will get all of your time and your baby will be second…I don't buy that. I think that there will be shifts and times when one's needs need to be met more than the other.  There will be tears I  am sure, but I plan on baby wearing a lot, so hopefully this will help!

I also want to do solo dates with Brooke. I never want to lose a special bond that we have, and I know her Daddy loves it too.  It will be important for us to share and divide our time amongst all of us.  I am sure it will not be balanced and perfect 100% of the time, but to have that in the back of our minds, will be key.

Continue toddler school--1.) Monthly theme  2.) Sensory Bin 3.) Letter of month 4.) Books to go along 5.) Craft

January- Winter [snow]
February- Love [Valentine's Day]
March-  Transportation
April- Spring [Easter]
May- Farm
June- Gardening/bugs
July- Summer/Independence Day
August- Beach
September- Fall
October- Halloween
November- Thanksgiving
December- Christmas

Family:  We officially have our first family of 4 vacation booked!! We are going to Lake George again and it will be so much fun!  I cannot wait to plan a little bit more for that that.  I am also going to make it a goal to get out of the house and do something twice a month, even with the wee babe! I really don't want Brooke to miss out on things like the museum of play, or other fun activities that will stimulate her.  Once the weather warms up in Spring/Summer, it will be much easier, but when baby boy is tiny and the winter is harsh, I'm sure we won't do a whole lot.

Friends: I really want to be a better friend. My goal is to host a dinner once a month, much like this idea I've read about here-- Friday Night Meatballs; friends with kids can bring kids so they can all play, and just invite people over for dinner and see what happens!  If no one comes, no problem, but the idea is to connect, face to face and not have just "text or FB" relationships.  Actual live interactions are important, especially for our kiddies!

Home:  We don't have any major construction or renovations we need to do.  The only thing I can think of is changing the office (which is the current dumping ground for stuff) and turn it into a play room.  We don't want all the toys taking over our entire living room.   I have already started organizing with the 'homeschooling' stuff I do with Brooke, but it will be nice to get a huge desk, old computer, and a bunch of books out of there.  I do want to hold a garage sale this summer and get rid of my JUNK!!

Finances:  Save. Save. Save.  We want to buy or build a new house in the near future and now have two kids.  I love shopping, but I also hate clutter, so again, this will be a goal for 2015.  I also will continue to plug away with my AdvoCare business and my goal for that is to get to Success School this year.  I love that it is truly a what you put in, you get out type of business and helping others is a lot of fun!

So that is what is flying around my super prego brain these days.  I am super excited for the new year and keep looking back how much happened in our lives in 2014, I can't imagine what amazing things 2015 will bring.  What are your goals this year?   Anything in particular you'll be striving for?

Belief, Good Health, and a Cash Prize Contest!!

July 2013 I decided to stop feeling sorry for myself and take care of my health.  I was 6 months postpartum from having Brooke and still had quite a bit of weight to lose. I didn't feel like myself. I was tired and grumpy all of the time, and had a really crappy outlook!  I should have been on cloud nine.

I had a wonderful and supportive husband, who worked hard so that I could stay home with our precious baby.  I LOVE staying home, but feeling the way I did was not doing anyone any good. {If mama ain't happy, nobody is happy was the truth.}

As I've mentioned before, my friend Nikki reached out and basically told me to cut it out.  Here was an excellent opportunity to jumpstart my life into an entirely new direction.  I felt a sense of rebirth; from the moment I decided to join this team of champions, I have never looked back.  I have never felt so supported in every sense of the word, when it comes to weight loss, health, and just being involved in an incredible community of people who just care about each other.

From losing over 30 pounds with these amazing products and sharing them, I have been able to grow my business.  I may not be able to attend every Success School due to certain circumstances, but I am confident that my timing will be perfect and I will continue to grow.

The amount of people I have helped lose weight, gain better health, feel better about themselves, and help them earn extra income really makes me feel a sense of accomplishment.  My goal is to help even more people in 2015.  I know that I am a compassionate person; it is one of the main reasons I went into teaching. I love watching others grow and learn! AdvoCare completely allows me to fill that while I'm staying home and raising my babies.

I'm not gonna lie, I also enjoy having a plan B source of income.  It's a crazy world we live in and although my husband has a great job and we have started our own rental business, I still like having something to call mine.  I am my own boss; how cool is that?  Long gone are the days of me thinking I would forever be a teacher.  It was a great career for the 8 years I was in it, but I have no plans of looking back.



I also want to share one of my accomplishments. While this is not me bragging or being boastful, I am so proud to share this little gem that arrived in the mail.

A Silver pin, which is proof of how many lives I have changed, just by me saying YES to an incredible opportunity.  I didn't get this by being selfish; I earned it by planting TONS of seeds, sharing my story and helping others get what they want in life.  Once upon a time, I never dreamed that I would even achieve this.  I doubted myself, I had negative thoughts, and thought maybe it was just something for others.

Guess what?  I proved myself wrong, along with others who have told me it's just a scam and no one ever really does well with Direct Sales…bla bla. I just kept with it; that's the thing with this biz, you just can't quit and you need to BELIEVE.  I have some of the best leaders who are constantly coaching, answering questions, and always there for me.  I follow their lead and do my very best to provide that same support to others.  I know there are more people who need "better" in their lives.

I've never been an "energy drink person" but I definitely had a bit of a coffee problem prior to meeting SPARK.  I will be honest, I was nervous to try it because I was so anti energy drinks.  Well, once I tried it I haven't looked back!  No jitters, no crash, no weird fuzzy feeling (like I'd get after drinking one too many cups of coffee because I was so tired.)  Not to mention all ingredients I had no idea that were going into all those cups of coffee…and how about the price?  I'm happy to have made that substantial switch!  If you've never tried a SPARK, let me know! #lifechanging

I definitely love this new Holiday flavor.  I'm a pumpkin gal and it helps with the sweet tooth that creeps in from time to time.  SO YUM! Pumpkin Spice Meal Replacement Shakes

I may have bought a few more boxes so I can try these!

Or maybe even this!



We also have some awesome products to help keep us healthy throughout this germy season.  I swore by Immunoguard last year and Joe has already been handing out the chews at work to people who are feeling yucky.  Don't wait until you get sick--be proactive and don't get sick this year!



The last thing I wanted to share is this group challenge we have!  We did one in the Spring and it was so awesome, we wanted to squeeze one more in before the holidays.  We have cash prizes for the top 3 transformations.  It's not just about losing weight; we have challengers who are looking to define abs and see more muscle definition as well!

24 Day Challenge video

Please connect with me if you're interested in joining!  I also love referrals, so if you share this with someone and she signs up, I'll happily compensate you with a FREE thank you gift!

-Free personal coaching with 24/7 support

-Meal plans/recipes/grocery

-Fun, supportive and encouraging environment 

-Top 3 transformations will win CA$H prizes just in time for the holidays!

Turn that Frown Upside Down

Sorry about that mini whine-fest.  I was having a moment. or two or three and although I'm still in pain, I am not going to let myself just sit and cry about it.  I will sit more often, but I will not complain. #pinkypromise

So, hubby is at swimming with Miss Brooke. I have dinner simmering on the stove.   I wanted to sit down and reflect a bit...

25 weeks 5 days

A few quotes and pictures I found amusing or inspiring…

I woke up today and told this to myself:

And I learned a long time ago, you should never say, "I'll be happy [when]"… You should just always be happy with whatever stage or moment you are in.

Sometimes us girls need to be each other's cheerleaders.  Life can be crazy and moms seem to mostly have it all in their control.

I thought this was great---replace the wine with some Spark and it pretty much sums things up, am I right?

I saw this, as I scrolled…and it hit home.  You really just never know who is watching or listening to you.  In fact, you may be changing someone's life and not even know it!  I always want to inspire others to be their best selves, so I made mental note that I had best be working on me.

So, during my sweet angel's nap time, I sat myself down, watched some videos, listened to some calls, and sipped on some awesome chocolate protein shake.  I had been meaning to, wanting to, whatever you want to call it, putting more time into my Advo biz.  So I made time.  I took some great notes, felt inspired, encouraged and renewed.  It's amazing what just a little bit of effort does for you.  I was SO miserable with myself before I was introduced to AdvoCare.  I cannot explain to you, what this company and all of the people I have met have truly done for me.

Let's face it; I'd love to lay around and be all rich and fancy like--jetsetting off to Florida on a whim.  But really….let's be honest. I'm not on a reality show nor would I most likely be okay with that type of life. I do enjoy working for something, helping others, and really seeing myself grow in so many ways.

For kicks--um it's October.  Next month is November.  Then it's December….then baby time!! So I just need to SMILE!! It will all happen so fast.

Truth: No one wants to be around a negative person.  I've been around them and I run away! I have ended more than one relationship because some people are just so toxic and draining…you just don't need that energy in your life.  Certainly one must look at herself and recognize that if you don't enjoy being around, no one is going to want to be around it either!

I'd much rather be the happy bubbly person in the room, then the witch in the corner complaining.

It may be impossible to paint my own toe nails now, but all the more reason to get a pedicure.  #optimism

{images all via google}

How do you turn yourself around when you're in a slump?  What motivates you?