I mentioned last week I really was enjoying Sarah Mae's book Having a Martha Home the Mary Way. Her quick tips, easy ideas and breath of fresh air are just what my soul needed. I had a few takeaways from her book and one really has stuck with me (almost) daily.
She shared this $25,000 piece of advice of creating your own Six List every day. She suggests that you write them down the night before, in order of which you will do them. {I'll be honest, the night before and in order part are still a work in progress for me...baby steps!}
Basically Charles Schwab was approached by a public relations expert Ivy Lee back in 1920. Lee suggested if he met with Schwab's executives they'd be more productive, therefore making Schwab's business more profitable.
It worked and Charles ended up paying Ivy $25,000 for his work.
Why do I think it works?
Well, if you're anything like me, your to do list(s) are pages and pages. You never fully accomplish it all every single day and then you feel like a flop.
If you just focus on 6 (SIX) non-negotiable things you have got to get done for the day to feel as though you did all that you could, you'll have a great day and be productive.
It's kind of fun too...
Yes, I'm a dork.
My sample list for today:
1. Workout at the Y
2. Play/read with kids.
3. Fold & put away all of the laundry (while watching This is Us)
4. Read.
5. Pay bills.
6. Meal prep for the rest of the week.
Simply cross off each number as you complete the task.
What happens when you don't get to the last one or two?
Just roll them over to the next day and start with those.
February break came at the perfect time this year; the sun came out, the weather warmed a bit and the kids had so much fun on play dates.
We got outside, we went out for lunch, visited friends and Brooke even had a sleepover with her cousin.
Of course with that came germs and so the last few days have been a little, um, trying? I keep reminding myself that they're not throwing up, so it could be worse!! I also remind myself that they're only little once and even though 24-48 hours with one sick kid, let alone 2, seems like an eternity, they will get better, the house will get cleaned and life will resume as normal, hopefully sooner than later!
For now it's been cuddling, wiping noses, drying tears, watching Trolls on repeat, and trying to get them to eat something other than popsicles, pudding and jello. Thank goodness for Blue Hawaiian Punch that hides the flavor of Advil so well.
I was able to sneak in a quick 20 minutes to shower and get dressed yesterday and then Bradley was up. The only way I was able to make the bed was when they watched Trolls, but even then he climbed back up the stairs and said, "Mommmm cuddle pweeease." It's pretty hard to resist that request.
I've been listening to him whine, "Mommy I so sad," which I think he means sick, but he's probably said that over 100 times, no joke.
We watched so much TV the last few days my mind is mush, but what else can you do when they're this little and don't feel well?
Motherhood is a funny thing; we yearn for time away, to not be clung to, hung on, snotty noses wiped on....and yet as soon as we are away, it takes all of us not to rush right back and have them in our arms.
I so badly miss when they were little at times, and yet I love the ages that they are at. However, I catch myself daydreaming of when they're a little bigger and all of the fun traveling, exciting activities and grown up kid stuff we'll endure.
We watched the movie Collateral Beauty Sunday night, after the kids went to bed and we were just exhausted. The fire was going and we sat there in silence, taking in the movie. Love. Time. Death. It was quite a bit heavier than I anticipated, and yet it was just what we needed to watch. We're never promised tomorrow and love certainly does make this world go around. And death? It's a sure thing, it's just that we don't know when.
So as hard or trying as some days can be, and boy there can be some doozies! Just take time and reflect on what brings you joy; what good is in your life and what are you excited about tomorrow?
I was writing in my Style Boss Happiness Planner that I earned with stella & dot and every day you're to write down what you're excited about. Well, the days where I had a date night planned or a fun play date with the kids, those were easy to see what I was excited about!
But what about on a Monday where one has a fever of 101 and the other is coughing and just not quite herself? What can I possibly be excited about?? And that is where my mental attitude needed to shift. I needed to start looking for something to be excited about every day, especially the normal mundane Mondays, because that's what life is mostly made up of. The fancy date nights and super fun play dates are not the every day. That's what makes them so exciting. I realize that I can be excited that I get to be the one taking care of these sick babes and I don't have to call in to anyone and explain my absence.
I get to make homemade 'magic healing soup' for us on a whim.
I get to see my husband in the middle of the day to feed him a quick lunch.
I get to give my babes my (mostly) undivided attention and have no other work I "have to do."
I get to love on them, bathe them, read them stories, cuddle them, and love them.
I get to be their mommy.
That alone should excite me every stinking day.
As we tried to get Brooke to eat her breakfast and Bradley sat crying in his chair and then crying on the couch, "I'm so sad," Joe and I wished each other good luck. He's got his end of the month today, which means his early night of 5pm will not be happening and he'll probably be lucky to get home before 11. He knows I'll be a single spouse for the day into the night, again. I woke up with a runny nose and sore throat myself, so I could use a little luck. Hopefully some rest, tea and fresh juices will kick it.
He then sent me a song after he dropped Brooke at preschool.
If you haven't watched Trolls, I'm not sure what you're waiting for. Don't wait to have kids, just go rent it yourself!! My favorite part is this one and I tear up every time I see it.
My favorite quote,
"Happiness isn’t something you put inside, it’s already there. Sometimes you just need someone to help you find it."
Well, I hoped to have plenty of fashion inspiration for you this Friday from yours truly, but truth? Our house has been full of the sickies. :( Joe and I did not get all dressed up and go out for NYE. And the rest of the week? I lived in sweats and changed frequently, only because our sweet baby boy had his first bout of the stomach bug. Not fun!! I did enjoy the extra cuddles and snuggles, but I have never seen him so sick. Poor guy!
I do have some fabulous January specials to share!
Shop this link to get any of these Trunk Show Exclusives with any $50 purchase.
Oh, and by shopping that link? You could win the hostess rewards, which are currently up to $61!!
The Spring line launches soon!! I am thinking the top left Nila Chandeliers.
The Getaway bag is super popular, and this is a little smaller and a little more affordable: The Day Tripper. Totally getting this too!
Which one of these is your favorite?
The poncho scarf is so adorable too...so many adorable pieces in this collection!
See something you love?! Let's book a Trunk Show ASAP. I have even created a quick fool proof hostess coaching group to ensure that you'll get fabulous sales and earn lots of FREE Stella!
Or perhaps you're ready for something new. Maybe you come here and check out what I'm doing and are curious about being a stylist? If you're even remotely on the fence, my advice is DO IT! I will be honest that I signed on in March and didn't do much with my business at all until August. What made me sign? A heck of a deal! We are currently offering that incredible deal again.
To start up your very own business, all you need to invest is $199. In return? You will get $450 in accessories. If you are teachable and coachable, you will earn that investment right back and end up with even MORE freebies. I'm looking to expand my style team so let's chat!
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!)
The girls had their lunch and dinners mainly here at the little picnic table. I'm all about keeping the crumbs outside!
We played with bikes, bubbles & bounce houses!
I introduced Nikki to Club W. It's my life line!! haha
Wednesday we hit up the Museum of Play and even bought lunch there. I took a bunch of photos/videos on Snap Chat, but I have so many pictures from there I didn't save much.
The kiddos were all well behaved and we enjoyed our french fries! After our play time, Bradley & #babybigtruck fell asleep, so Brooke, Nikki & I grabbed some Starbucks and went for a little drive. I showed her our land and our adorable little town we'll be moving to!
Thursday was hot hot hot!! We knew it would be the nicest day of the week, so we saved that for the Zoo. It was really crowded, as it seemed everyone else had the same idea, but we had fun nonetheless!
Brookie was our tour guide with the map.
Mr was getting hangry so we knew it was time to head out and enjoy our lunch.
Even though the leaves weren't all on the trees, it wasn't too hot outside of the Zoo where there is a small play area.
We had a major #momwin with getting the kids to stay awake from the Zoo. We were able to get all three of them down for a nap, thus allowing us some quiet time!!
For dinner we made the mango lime pizza---SO good!
I stole your photo Nikki!
A little salad....
And Joe grilled us some wings!
Friday morning was a bit of a whirlwind as they had to leave and I had to go get my hair done and then go to a memorial service.
That night I was beat and we decided Mexican would be for dinner. Kids were a bit wound up from that outing!
Saturday morning I read some article about how one lady couldn't find any pictures of her mom with her growing up; the photos were all of her as a kid and not of the mom. So I'm really making more efforts to be in the photos, whether or not my hair and makeup is done. I want my kids to see how present I was!
Sunday morning Daddy ventured out and brought home some donuts and we all snuggled on the couch, being that it was all of 45 degrees that morning!
We got to meet baby Avery and brought sushi over to our friends for dinner. The kids napped well and I was able to devour my book The Nest (so good!) I even started this book.
Now it's couponing, a diaper/wipes run, and I'm still trying to play catch up on laundry. Operation no bottle is still working, but he won't take any "milk" (cashew) other than his formula, which is annoying. But I'll try to find something else too---either way, he hasn't had a bottle since Wednesday so that's good!
As for me, I need to get back on track with eating clean and working out. I'm going to do some 21 day fix workouts, piyo & tone it up girls this week. If it warms up, you bet I'll be walking the kids too!
With the New Year right around the corner, I am so very excited to have KEEP in my future. We are about to launch a new line of letters and celebrate the new year with one word. My word that I chose is SUCCEED. I want to succeed as a wife, mother, in life and of course my new biz! I have big dreams and hefty goals for you 2016, I hope you're ready for me!
I just love all of the positivity that surrounds this company and I cannot believe how much fun I am having! I am reconnecting with so many girlfriends and enjoying their special moments with them. It's seriously a blast.
If you're thinking you'd like something new to do in the New Year, you love people and fun personalized jewelry, this could be for you! I was so excited the other night that I had to sit down and make a quick video about the extra perk of signing up NOW! You get an extra $50 credit to pick out even more jewelry to add to your kit. KEEP has never done anything like this and they are celebrating their one year anniversary. Now is for sure the best time to join and grow with this incredible company.
The best part is that it's whatever you make of it! If you want to do a little on the side, no worries! If you want to earn enough to buy your own pretties, awesome! If you're looking for more income, that is totally possible too! Join me~ There are tons of groups on Facebook that we all connect and chat on, plus having mentors is always super helpful.
I also wanted to share what my KEEP collection looks like in just a few weeks into this biz. I love sharing my stories through personalized pieces!
I am really pumped to start developing newer content here on the old blog. A sweet friend of mine, Elizabeth reached out to me and really did plant a seed within my heart. I'm not quite ready to launch a brand new blog, but I am going to really make an effort to incorporate mommy chic on this blog. If it's really taking off, ya never know! But like I mentioned a few posts ago, I really feel like I'm having an awakening, no not Kate Chopin style, but something that just fills some more spots I'm passionate about in my heart. Mainly? How to stay in style, while staying home!
When I was teaching, I didn't even think about it. I always had to keep it classy/conservative/and on a tight teaching budget. But I always received compliments and had other teachers asking fashion advice. Well, maybe I should run with that a little bit more! I love fashion, but no in a crazy NYC fashion week kind of way. I love that dressing up or down can really tell a little story about a person, before she even talks!
So to start? Over the weekend I had my first LuLaroe Pop Up Boutique. Basically, it was a tiny little store, set up in my very own living room! Totally failed at taking any photos of it, but there were over 600 items, ranging in little kids to extra large sizes. Jessica was amazing to work with, and she has the cutest baby bump, and these clothes look EXTRA cute on pregos! The material is all different, but some are so soft and stretchy, feel like pajamas, BUT are so pretty and feminine. I just LOVE shopping from other working mommas and everything is made in the USA. She was so organized with everything and was so sweet. Not only does she have a full time gig, two daughters and one more baby on the way, she does this amazing business too! It really makes me wonder if fashion is something I would really like to get into in the future…I just had so much fun!
I tried on a few pieces before my guests arrived! I am not going to lie, I loved using my bathroom, office or bedroom as a dressing room! How convenient is that? It was very easy to allow everyone to try on different styles.
Cassie Skirt-- I love that it was fitted and had this sassy animal print! I could see myself running to the grocery store in flats OR throwing on boots or heels, to wear out to dinner. Totally kept it.
pardon the informal pic!
Randy Tee-
I was SHOCKED at how soft and perfectly fitted this was. I also was shocked at the size-- XXS Everything fits so differently, it's important to try on, and I loved this one so much, I didn't take it off--I wore it for the party!
Hosts get 10% off of everything and 1 free item per 10 that are sold at your party. This was my loot! I can't wait to dress up in the leggings, tunics and my adorable Ameila dress. I even went with some silly red with black cats for Halloween. Meow!
My new loot!
What makes it interesting is that there is no online catalog to shop from. You kind of need to see items in person to get a feel for the fit and the material…BUT once you've tried things on, (in the comfort of your own home!) you will have a general idea of how they fit. I think they're perfect for both working mommas and stay at home moms. You can transition some of the plain tees with pretty jewels or layer with scarves and cardis.
I will totally have a Summer party, for sure! I also know that I will want to buy some winter/Christmas leggings soon. They are SO soft and very chic.
First and foremost, it's my hubby's birthday!! I took this picture on our last date night, which happened to be the day we closed on our land! I am so grateful for all that he has taught me, given me, and that I am able to raise beautiful babies with this man. He is such a dedicated, strong-willed, hard worker, and for that reason alone, I am able to stay at home with our precious ones. The life we build is like no other; our story is sacred, different and completely and 100% ours. This guy right here, is the epitome of strength; when shit gets tough, he stands tall, and fights for what he believes in. I've never met a happier soul, and couldn't be more in love if I tried. I love you so much baby!! Happy 38!
In baby news: Mr B is ringing in his 9th month at 22 pounds 10 oz and 30 inches long. He did not like his shots, Brooke was a champ for hers, but both were extremely well behaved at the doctors. (I may have treated them to one new toy each afterwards! We now have a new teething toy and Brookie is a "Puppy Doctor"
Speaking of puppies, it's totally her new thing. At first it was 101 Dalmations, a movie which she will watch over and over and over and over…you get my drift? And then it was Paw Patrol, but now it's pretty much anything to do with a puppy or dog!! I know this little girl will lose her mind when we get a big dog again some day--in our new home, in a few years…after these two are successfully potty trained themselves..haha!
So, today we had our Puppy Pancake Breakfast. For $2 (per pancake eating person) we got to meet and greet Clifford the Big Red Dog and Rocky the Dalmation. She was SO excited! The kids were to bring their favorite dog. She brought her new puppy from yesterday, "Bella" or "Pluto" depends on when you ask her.
I loved that they had arts and crafts- Make a dog!
She was not shy about going right up to them. In fact, we had to leave a little early because she just kept following them around! Other kids needed a photo op too!
A local vet hospital was there and gave her a free "leash" and she is in heaven now!
She enjoyed the pancakes and really enjoyed the butter hahah of all things. She stuck a whole blob right in her mouth; she didn't know what it was!! I tried to take as many photos as I could, but it's certainly tricky with two littles moving and grooving!
Snoopy's dog house.
Brother was loving all the kids and puppies too!
It was the best $2 I've spent in a very long time!! I highly recommend checking out your community centers, as you just never know what you may find! This place is amazing for kids and seniors; I can't wait to do more activities with the kids as they grow.
