Confessions & Laughs

Happy Thursday!!

I confess that...

It was a rough week last week.  This one decided to run out back after a Husky, when Joe & the kids were getting a lawn mower out of the shed.  Thank goodness she is okay, but she had some gashes/bite wounds and major bruising.  She thinks she's a big dog.

I've been really trying to eat clean, but when hubby brings home banana cream donuts from Donuts Delite....

One cannot resist.

These two have been soaking up sweet Summer.  Lil man loves his watermelon (mama loves that he can eat it in a diaper outside) and lil miss loves magic dance camp.

I have finished quite a few books lately so I will have to share my thoughts/reviews.  THIS one author however, is speaking volumes to me.

My heart was happy to see one of my favorite flowers on sale at the grocery store.

The kids and I met up with a friend at the splash pad.  Brooke loved loved loved the water.  Bradley, not so much.  (Daddy much?)

The struggle is real.  Which nails to do for my birthday weekend?!  {Clearly some form of pink and glitter!}

1.

2.

3.

4.

I was so blessed with some early birthday flowers from friends and my Fall samples arrived!

Hubby said I'm hard to buy for. Say whaaaaaaa?  So I googled my favorite champs and sent him this.

Speaking of, so last night after I tidied up the house, did the dishes, got the kids to bed and sat down to look through the new SD catalog, I meant to voice text my bestie about the new BLACK HORN necklace that I'm dying over.

This was too funny not to share.  Somehow even though I clicked on her name, my watch sent a text to my husband and instead of horn, siri heard:

Needless to say there was a very quick facetime call after he got that first message!!! Ha


Bradley and I played with snapchat---silliness.

Bubs also insisted he sit in the blue car like Daddy's.  Anything with wheels and motors...

Another giggle.

Joe sent me this meme to see my response. {pardon the language}

My response,

"But the real question is, why is he even holding a dish?!"

He told me I was funny, and I replied with:

I'm really trying to not take life too seriously.  It's really a lot more fun when you're lighter on your feet.


On a random note, holy caffeine buzz from this! I usually drink green tea but one of these made me zoom around the house after 4pm.  And I made it myself. #winning

Have a beautiful day!

Confessions and Randoms...

I confess...

...I'm so happy it's Thursday!! I'm beyond ready for the holiday weekend. Bring on the fireworks!

...I feel guilty for blogging.  I sometimes think I am "wasting" my time, but then when I think about it, I don't have many activities that I do just for me, and in a way, I hope that my blog helps others.  At least that is what I tell myself so that I don't feel guilty for taking some time to write!

...I did not want to workout today but I did it anyway.  I pushed play on my Beachbody on demand and did cardio with Shaun T.  Boom.

...I am not loving this silly weather.  Where are you Mr. Sun and please dry up all this rain?!

...I totally got my new Driver's license in the mail and cannot believe how chubby my cheeks were! The photo was taken years ago before I had kids...so while the fine lines and wrinkles are not there, man oh man my cheeks!

...Side note, I really appreciated being able to go to TOPS to get my vision checked and filling out all my info online and entirely skipping the DMV.  Not a place I want to go and bring the kiddos!

....Lots of good vibes and positive thoughts for this weekend. We have some big deals happening and I am praying for some smooth sailing!

...I have really been taking in what Brené Brown has to say.  She's got a lot of good stories and a way with explaining how our minds and hearts tend to work as women.

...That said, this quote stopped me in my tracks when I was walking the dog the other morning:

...I will fully admit I don't like the middle of things---the uncertain, the unknown, the crazy ups and downs and where the EFF is this taking us feeling...but it's so true.  Without a scary middle, there is no beautiful end.  I need to learn to embrace, get uncomfortable (even more than I was already thinking that I was) and that yes, I DO want to be in this arena.

...Confused about what I'm talking about? Do yourself a favor and grab this book:

...I'm sure I'll share more later as I am only a little ways in.

...Some days I don't feel like lifting heavy weights or jumping around like a crazy person.  It doesn't mean that I don't work out, it means I turn to Yoga.  I am obsessed with my new Alo yoga pants.

...I made the kiddos a homemade pizza last night and it took all of me to not eat the other half. #truestory

...however I did nibble a few bites and immediately felt a yuck feeling in my gut. I tossed both kids in the stroller and pushed them (it's rather heavy now!) and felt a little better.

...I saw this about about died.  Joe and I will randomly start singing this aloud and then question wth? Seriously this song is something else.

...Is it 5:00 yet?  Mama is heading out on a sushi and business date with daddy and is ready to get dolled up.

Happy Thursday!!

Thoughts & Confessions

I confess...

I am obsessed with this quote. I really want to finish the book Daring Greatly by Brene Brown (who by the way is the key note speaker at Hoopla in Vegas! SO bummed it's not working out this year, but I am so excited for all of the Stella girls who will get to hear her speak.    I think back to so many times where I felt the need to defend myself or explain for things, and during yesterday's devotional it really spoke to me as well.  There is NO need to explain why you tell someone no.  No need. Simple. End of story!

I confess...

I have not had a Starbucks drink in over 2 weeks!! Considering I was making it an almost daily habit of my Green Tea lattes, I consider this a small victory.  (It's to the point where my kids play "Starbucks" and will go to windows or my kitchen counter and order a green tea latte! I about died when they started doing this.)  These pretty things were floating around social media yesterday so I may have to treat myself to one on our upcoming vacay!

I confess...

I kept myself quite busy listening to books while Joe worked his butt off during his tent sale.  It was my 10th sale with him so I know the drill. No one is going to come and save me, no one lends out a hand to help out with the kids or ask if we need anything.  And ya know what? It's just something I have to learn to deal with.  I can sit and cry "poor me" (which I may have had one night where my girl Nikki talked me off a ledge---thank you mama!!) But the truth is, I'm a strong mama and I've got this.  I try to remind myself that we are living like no one else now, so that we can live like no one else later.

Know what else helped?  This book.  I am obsessed with GC.  I loved his 10x book and think I need to listen again, but this spoke to me in so many ways.  He reminds me of my husband and now Joe loves listening and watching him too.

They say you're the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with, and well other than the kids and Joe, I'd have to say my other "people" are authors.  Speakers. Podcasts.  I don't watch TV and really try to keep my mind right.  If you are looking for inspiration, buy Grant Cardone and listen to him speak the truth.

I confess...

As much as I love my personal development, I also need to turn the thinker brain off a bit.  I started this book awhile back and couldn't get into it.  I picked it up again and plowed through it pretty quickly.  It started out slowly but then took a turn and I was hooked!! One of those, "where the heck is this going?!" books...  I gave it a 3.5 and definitely recommend it if you like those murder mystery types of books.

Since I had no where to be or dress up for, I didn't take many pretty selfies haha! I traded them for sweaty selfies and have been working out almost daily.  It helps me stay sane for sure!!

I have been doing Beachbody On Demand and mostly Shaun T week.  I do Yoga too--pretty much no excuse to not workout with on demand.  Turn on the laptop and press play.

2 weeks of eating well (10 day cleanse) working out, etc. I'm down 6 pounds and I am starting to see leg definition!! I'm pretty pumped.  My little workout helpers aren't very helpful and it can be frustrating, but it's working so yay!

PS The apple watch was a game changer too! I love seeing how many calories I burn and how many steps I take in a day...it's a little addicting and I'm trying to not obsess.

I confess...

I was OVER the moon excited about our sparkle studs in gold.  I can't seem to find either my smokey studs or my regular clear studs, but I did order the new ones yesterday.  $19 and they look real!  I love a good stud in the Summer (especially a less expensive version of a diamond!) beaching it, pools, playgrounds, you name it and I won't worry about losing them.

Our ever popular white Gita tassels are now in black too! So fun.

I confess...

I love it when it's 90+ outside.  We always joke around that I'm a "SummerGirl" since that was my screen name on Match.com when I met Joe.  But really, we love the heat and just lounging in the front yard while the kids jump in and out of the kiddie pool.

I confess....

I did get to escape 2 times during the sale.  It's super hard to not have any help with the kids from the moment they get up until the moment they go to bed. I hit up a spa one day for a massage (she worked the sh*t out of my knots--quite painful actually!!) and acupuncture (which to me is more medicinal than just relaxing.) I go monthly for stress/reflux and simply tell her whatever is bugging me.  

Put those oxygen masks on mamas.  We MUST take care of ourselves.

I confess...

I feel like we all have our own paths that we are on.  I struggled for awhile wondering "what my purpose was" or just feeling insecure with what I was choosing to do in life.  I truly feel that the more I stay focused on me, Joe, the kids, our dreams, goals and our future, the easier it is to just be.  I also have dug a little deeper into my faith and see the bigger picture.  I'm not in control of anyone or anything, other than my own mental attitude.

Sometimes people will say that Joe works too hard or that I am too hard on myself.  I used to let that get to me a lot....but I've started to shift my thinking quite a bit and realize what a dis-service it would be if we just stopped. If we just settled for the average and didn't bust our tales out there, what greater good could we provide?

I have started making a list of the charities we want to donate to, the people we want to help, the places we want to travel to with our kids and all of the things that hard working money will be able to provide.

I heard Grant Cardone actually say that being poor is selfish because then you're only taking care of yourself.  You can't help anyone else if you're not able to really take care of yourself.  Wow.

I see a big future ahead of us and know that although we are in a great place in our life, God has so much more in store for us and we have a long way to go.

I Confess...

...I don't know whether I am coming or going these days!

...I keep hearing myself talk in the Olaf voice, "All good things, all good things!"

...I've spent so much time watching, reading and listening to uplifting podcasts, you tube channels, self-help audio books and I am fairly certain it is all beginning to truly pay off.

...New business ventures = life is crazy.

...Finding the time to "just be a mom" vs. "being there" is a bit of a struggle.

...I hate strict schedules, but I have got to find a solid routine!

...Currently looking for a house cleaner and less expensive childcare...work with me universe!

...I'm so stinking proud of myself for the hard work I did the last few months with my stella & dot biz.

...I have also discovered that I don't LOVE living online.  It's great to a point, but I need human, face to face, real interaction to make my soul happy.

...Hubby and I had a weekend without kids (thank you Nana & Papa!) Seriously don't know where those moments went, as it was gone in a blink of an eye!! Dinner out, sushi lunch, met with our builder, Ugly Disco, Brunch, Real Estate work...we were busy bees!

...Speaking of the Ugly Disco, I will be sharing photos, I promise! We went to our first one 8 years ago! I think we look even better now haha! It is such a fun event and for such a great cause.

...In the middle of all of the hustle and bustle I am consciously making efforts to stop and smell the roses.  Life is short and we must enjoy the little things! (cliche, but so true!)

...There truly comes a time in your life where things make zero sense, so you stop feeding into them.

...Current Mantras: "Do fewer things more often and get better at them---FOCUS." And  "Success is determined by what you say NO to."--Steve Jobs

...I'm also loving Jesus Calling as my daily devotional.  I swear things are speaking to me and if I only let my faith and trust God, the universe, the Divine, I then live my best life possible.

...I'm SUPER excited to go to the Circus today, and by Circus, I mean Brooke's pre-school class.  She's a lion! ROAR!

...Bradley Boo is singing his ABC's, chatting up a storm, and really coming into his own.

...Brooke is currently obsessed with laying eggs, 'hatching' them, and pretending she's a bird. Bless.

...There are a million things I would love to blog, but I am struggling to find time to breathe!

....We finally invested in a Ninja---GAME CHANGER---I have been making what taste like Wendy's Frostys to me!  2 frozen bananas, a few blueberries/raspberries frozen, cashew milk with protein, 1 tbl of peanut butter, 1 tbl of Cacao powder, 3 ice cubes. Kids think it's ice cream!!!

...I am officially back at working out!! Beachbody on demand is my jam. Currently digging Chalene Extreme--love her! (Thanks Ann for the rec!)

... I am slacking in the dinner department. Any kid friendly meal ideas/clean eating recipes would be much appreciated!

...We keep getting a taste of warmer weather and I do believe I saw 77 on the forecast for next week!

...Currently Reading Mind Power If you are into the "Law of Attraction" get this book!!

...My youngest sister is 10 months clean. I am so proud of her.  Keep it up!!

...Something about the rain, a cup of tea, and the dryer going makes me want to blog, even at 7:30 in the morning.

....BOOM. I blogged!!! Yay!

...Happy Thursday friends!!

Girl Chat: Luck

I am really wanting to get back into blogging more and connecting with other ladies again!  I was just chatting with my friend Nikki and we were saying how tricky it is to keep up with everything (life) and blogging always seems to be the first thing to go.

I saw this link up on Danielle's site and love the idea of "Girl Chat."  Today's topic is a time when you were lucky.  I definitely am on the fence of whether things are "luck" or simply acts from above.  I also wonder if we can truly manifest or create our luck in some situations.  

Either way, whatever you want to label it, you've got to check out some of the amazing stories being shared on this link up!! 

I feel incredibly blessed in many areas of my life and I guess you could even say that I am lucky.  However, I have had a few times in my life where I think luck does play a role.

I can't think of one single elaborate story of luck, so I'll share a few snippets.

That time we were in Las Vegas back in 2009 and I insisted on playing the slots at NY NY and I won $225 on that silly triple diamond game.

I've won a few giveaway items throughout my blogging, and from some of those winnings I gained a new friend.  Hi Rachel! 

I'm lucky that I stumbled into this blogging world back when I simply stayed home as a housewife, and found passion through sharing my words, thoughts and hearts here on the keyboard.  

I'm beyond lucky that I developed many close friendships because of this little blog; women who make my life better.  Women that even though I've never seen them face to face, all I need to see is a text on my phone or hear their sweet voices.  

I'm feel very lucky that we did not lose power last night.  We just had a crazy windstorm yesterday that left thousands of people in the dark, schools closed (Brooke is home today!) and we have stayed safe and with plenty of power.  I'm not sure if it's because we lost power last week and had new poles?? Either way, I'll take it.

I'm lucky to have the ability to stay home and raise our babies.  

I feel lucky that both of my children are healthy and well.  Sure they get colds and sniffles, but I'm talking about the heavy stuff. My heart aches so much for anyone who has a truly sick child.  That has got to be number one on my gratitude list each day. I thank God for healthy children.

I'm lucky that my husband (boyfriend at the time) showed me that it was ok and good for me to read and listen to "self help."  I don't know where I'd be if he hadn't shared that gift with me.

We were lucky that when in Europe for our honeymoon, the France airstrike happened in the afternoon as opposed to the morning when we flew from Paris to Rome.

I felt lucky in the last few weeks as random checks in my name started appearing.  I believe I manifested them, and I would love more to appear.  I believe that what you put out into the universe does come back to you.

I am lucky to have supportive friends and family on my down days and am grateful for them to help lift me up.  

I certainly feel lucky to have met my friend Shelby who shared the stella & dot opportunity with me! I love being a part of something and it may have taken a few tries to get to where I am today, but I am so so happy to be a stylist! Can it be July yet?!

I definitely feel mostly blessed more than lucky, but at times a little luck doesn't seem to hurt! I'm grateful for so many opportunities to find the silver linings in situations and to try and keep that positive outlook in every aspect of life. 

Do you believe in luck?

Thoughts from the Weekend

Get ready for a random, all over the place post. LOL!

It was a nice weekend to have Joe home.  We were thinking of going away for the weekend with the kids or getting out and doing something fun, but that just didn't work out. Baby boy is still feeling not quite himself and I got hit the hardest Friday.  My whole head was congested and as much as I tried to keep up with "mom life" it got the best of me. I rested a lot and fell asleep at 8:30 Friday night.

Joe grabbed us sushi Friday evening and so Saturday I had left over Miso soup, juice and water for lunch.  I LOVE FOOD so when I had no appetite, I knew I was sick.  I am grateful for solid vitamins and lots rest, as I think it could have been much worse.  Thank goodness it was not!

I think my daily dose of positivity and green tea help too.  Sunday I was able to get out for a few hours and check out some goods at Mashalls and Target.  I may have stopped at Express too.

Totally random, but I saw this photo on my phone...April 1st you'll see these two fools tearing it up at the Ugly Disco.  We cannot wait!!  This was back in 2012...pre kids.  I am hoping I feel my very best this year!

This was a solid read!! Sorry about the language and if you're offended, than don't bother, because he probably drops the F bomb like 50+ times.  I think his message was pretty good and I know that I give WAAAAAAY too many effs about unimportant things.  I'm working on that.

Have you signed up for #thegirlfriendproject yet?!  Sign ups are open until the end of March.  You will be paired up with another lady for the month of April.  We will be "Showering each other with kindness!"

Link is here:#TheGirlfriendProject

A look at my first box from my partner Lindsay!

Thursday night I did whip up some asparagus wrapped in prosciutto.  No one was really hungry, but it was tasty nonetheless.  At least I tried?

Back track to last Wednesday it was almost 70 degrees and we had so much fun playing outside.  (I think this was when we were feeling better, and then bam, the next day baby boy got hit hard again.)

Seriously my life has been in this spot all last week.   I hate seeing my kids sick; it's so hard! Hopefully we will be on the mend this week and kick these germs to the side.

That's about all I have. I've been doing some workouts I'll be sharing and I am thinking of doing an actual "February Favorites" post, if I can find the time.

My biggest struggle is that I want to do everything, but when you try to do it all, you are not very good at it.  So, I'm trying my hardest to focus and put forth energy on things that will be really well developed and good.

I also just signed up for a virtual book club and I am excited to hold myself accountable to that.

I just need to keep laughing, keep breathing, keep loving and enjoying the small moments of life.

I rush around and then try to relax...

I find myself dwelling on little petty things that annoy me or the not so great parts of me.

I need to really stop being so hard on myself and love myself where I am.

I am terrible at the comparison game lately.

Do you know what I mean?  Where you start noticing every crumb on your just cleaned carpet?

Every wrinkle on your face?

Every mistake you make?

It's a stupid slippery slope and I want to get off of it!

I listened to Joel Olsteen's message yesterday in the shower and it spoke to me about being happy. Finding the laughs, and smiles and enjoying life is why God put us here. We are not here to be miserable or feel less than.

I will put that in the forefront of my mind this week as I work hard on healing ourselves and enjoying March. 

Happy Monday! [weekend rewind]

Oh my gosh, weekends just fly right by, do they not?!  I always say that my weekend starts on Thursdays, since Joe has off Fridays.  He actually got out a little early Thursday since he worked three bell to bells in a row (end of month) and Thursday I was able to sneak out of the house for some work/girl time.  My sweet friend Cathy had a trunk show and we had so much fun!!

This scarf was a hit!  Since I didn't post for my #fashionfriday I figured I'd share a few looks quickly here.

Look at all the ways you can style this little guy!

 I just had a ball styling her friends, catching up with Cathy and chatting about all things in #momlife.  If getting out of the house and filling my cup while earning a little extra money happens, I call that a total win!!  It was just what I needed and I really am grateful for this little gig.  Cathy works full time and does Tastefully Simple, so she's even busier than me, so our schedules make it so hard to connect.  I am blessed to have her in my tribe of strong women!  Thanks again Cathy for letting me into your heart & home!!

Friday I felt a little guilty because I had to run out first thing in the morning for my hair appointment.  It was a beautiful morning full of sunshine and a green tea latte. {ps. loving the pink sleeves Starbucks!}

Cathy also suggested I try the Garden Guacamole starter--it's part of their eat well line--aka no garbage ingredients. Makes avocado toast bomb!

Friday evening we have dance class and it is at THE WORST time of day ever.  6:15 on a Friday.   didn't think it would be so hard to get her here at this time, but man it's right during the dinner/weekend rush and it's tricky.  We love it and we made it happen.  So excited that she got to try on her costume!

So...how about Valentine's Day is coming right up?!  Our Covet diamonds are so pretty and the perfect way to say I love you...or I love myself.

I'm so proud of my bestie Ann too; she just started with Lip Sense. If you haven't tried it, you simply must!! It's like a lip gloss, but the color is like a lipstick and IT LASTS for hours.  No more kissing it off, getting it on cups and straws. I'm obsessed.  I just got some Diamond Glitter gloss for days when I want to sparkle a little extra!  Join her VIP Group: Ann Gets Lippy on Facebook.

As for Super Bowl Sunday?

We hung out at home.  Little dude & I have a slight cold; nothing major, just the annoying tickle in throat/cough, runny nose and feeling blah.  Lots of laps in the Cozy Coupe for him.

A little bubbly & OJ helped me feel better...

We did some errands, checking on rentals, depositing rent checks, and grabbing a latte.  I am obsessed with these $35 boots. I needed something that kept my feet warm and dry and that go on quickly.  They tie up, but they have zippers on the side. With a pair of cozy socks, these are the best!

I made some homemade bread, which was so good!

Braised Beef Shanks were amazing too...I forgot to take a final photo, but I did tomato sauce, onion, carrot, celery, red wine...the house smelled so good!

I did a silly attempt at football pizza for the kids.  It looked cuter before the cheese got all squished. They enjoyed it regardless!

We had so much fun watching the kids dance during the half time show and I enjoyed watching the game, especially towards the end!! Joe fell asleep and I woke him up because I had a feeling it would be rather epic.

Oh, and in other news?  Thanks so much to everyone who shopped the Mystery Hostess Show.  I had over $300 in rewards to give away, and my girl Rachel won them!! I am so excited to see what she spoils herself with.  Crazy!!

Have a stylish week friends!