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.

19 Weeks: Baby 2

Holy cow, we are in those final few days of, "baby" and pretty soon, we will know GIRL or BOY!!  We go on Wednesday for our gender scan!! Ahhhh! 

19 Weeks

Baby is the size of:

A mango. Not even a pound yet!

Gender:

I don't know!?!

Mood:

A little bit of a roller coaster.  I was all pumped, motivated and excited to be organizing my closets/clean out the soon to be nursery, and that kept me busy…but I really started to miss Joe as he worked a ton on another tent sale, so that was a little hard this week. I am hoping the weather warms up a bit and we can make the most out of the remainder of Summer!  I try not to be over emotional, but I get a bit teary here and there. I am very excited about finding out the sex of the baby.

Sleep:

I just can't seem to get enough.  I toss and turn a bit, but we are in bed by 10 or so and I get up around 7.  Yesterday I was nodding off and just so sleepy--{I blame the sudden cold temps!}

Symptoms:

I have been feeling SO awesome and then late Wednesday night the dreaded heartburn has returned. I notice it's when I eat some of my favorites like FRUIT. I had an apple and almond butter and a few chews/swallows in--Wahhhh. I know it's something I just have to deal with, as I made it through with Brooke, but it's really not one of my favorite symptoms!  I know I have to eat, but I'm starting the, open the fridge and stare--what do I have to eat phase…I am trying to keep it healthy without the burn.  I still have some hip pain, but the chiropractor and my walks are keeping it manageable.  Itchy belly/boobs--so I keep using lotion.  I'm starting to outgrow some of my newer shorts I bought this time around.  Oh and I'm really drinking tons of water, so I pee all.of.the.time.  I also have this nesting instinct to cook a bunch of meals and organize everything.  I also have this urge to be around family, but my family is not really close by so Brooke and I are alone a lot and that makes me sad.

Tired--Brooke and I just chilling on the couch.

But then her toddler energy kicks into high gear!

Cravings:

I still want a damn cheeseburger.  Pickle. Mustard. Ketchup.  

If you really wanna know, I want salmon sushi drizzled with lemon and a little wasabi.  A tuna hand roll and a glass of Pinot Grigio. But those won't happen til January.

Exercise:

I take Brooke on walks.  We even walked to the park and played around for an hour.  I am doing my stretches and need to pull out the pre-natal yoga dvd. I'm thinking about doing a prenatal water aerobics at the Y…but I really don't love indoor pools.  Have you prego mamas ever done a class like that?

Best moment of the week:

Joe came home Thursday and I was sleeping on the couch--tired I tell ya!-- and he laid next to me and Brooke was still napping.  I told him the baby was moving and so he put his hand on my lower abdomen; low and behold, he felt the baby! It was one strong kick or punch or push whatever but he felt it! Pretty cool. 

Looking forward to:

Wednesday's Gender Reveal.  I was thinking of doing a party, but everyone has whacky schedules and I just don't have the patience or desire to make anyone angry or try to make people happy, so my mama in law is coming over to watch Brooke and we will just go and find out! I still have no clue!

Thursday night I am attending a freezer meal workshop and I'm probably a little too excited for that.  I just want to be ahead of the game and get some meals in my freezer to make life easier, after baby and even when I just don't feel like cooking super duper prego.

Brooke: 19 Months

Yup.  My blog has gone all toddler talk on you, and I'm not sorry.  As I've been cleaning out my closets and organizing I found all of my diaries/journals growing up. I've mentioned before that I stopped writing once I met Joe, but in a way, that's not true.  In 2011 I started up this little old blog and well, here is where I write. I document our lives, what's on my mind or in my heart {somewhat guarded, as the world can see} but I love it.  Being a mommy is seriously so awesome, but with anything in life, I just want to know how to be my very best at it.  So right now, I read, write, talk, think and wonder about toddlerhood.

At 19 months, really, she is very helpful. ;)  She is into everything and really wants my undivided attention, pretty much all of the time. If not?  Something like this happens…

And although I may cringe and get a little mad for a second, I have to just laugh and embrace it.  Of course I try to grab my camera to capture it too!

Oh hey ma, thought I'd try one of your sports bras!

I have been organizing like a crazy pregnant lady, oh wait, I am…and so she's been helping with that!

Outside popsicles!

She is my little monkey and won't sit still.  Love her!

I have purchased 4 Toddler books.  I started this one---GO BUY IT NOW if you have a baby.  It is simple to read, very helpful and this guy knows his stuff.  I watched his DVD Happiest Baby on the Block and I think that is why Brooke slept through the night (and still does) so well.  So when I saw his toddler book, I hoped it would be of some use.  YES!  I will recap more later.

We are also reading Potty books, yes with chocolate covered lips.

She is no longer in her high chair; she is doing very well with a booster!

Still loves food and will eat, eat, eat…"More, more, more" and "I want, I want" are heard frequently in this kitchen.

She loves climbing.  It's her new thing. Oy!

Stats at the Doctor's office:

35 inches tall (over 99% for her height)
29 lbs     (97% for her weight)
Like I've said, girl is starting to bust out of 3T tops!
Size 7 toddler shoe
She got two shots today:  TDAP and HIB.  We are still behind on a few, but we'll get caught up.  Her next appointment is her 2 year checkup.  Oh, I may or may not be in labor!!  They said I can bring her a little early, so we'll go in December.

Flashback: ME!!  

I think Brooke looks like me, especially from afar, but close up she is ALL Joe.  It's really cool to see both of us in her.

Brooke currently loves:  Talking, singing-- I'll hear her bust out, "rain rain go away" "Patty cake" or "heads, shoulders knees and toes." It's so darn cute! Reading books, especially ones with flaps to open and look at.  Her light up turtle that glows stars when she goes to bed.  Counting, "Two, nine, sebun, yay!" So cute.  Food.  Milk.  Outside. Walks. Going 'bye bye".

Currently Dislikes:  Getting her diaper changed. Like haaaaaaaates it.  I've resorted to using my phone/you tube to distract her sometimes, because I just can't deal with the scream, kick, cry fest.  I am working on that, but it stinks! I can't get kicked in the belly!  We will get through this.  Oh, and she hates hearing the word, "no" but loves to say it. Of course.

And fresh off the press, this morning's sillies: just as we were wrapping up breakfast, she decided to strike some baby yoga on the table.

Again, my initial reaction was to tell her, "NO feet on the table!" But she just laughs and so I grab the camera.  What else can you do, when they're not even 2?

Happy Wednesday friends!

Toddlers Are...

How about I let you finish that sentence!!

I am head over heels in love with having a little girl. I try to really value and appreciate each milestone, moment, or event that we are given.  I try not to "wish" time away, but man oh man, there are days that are long, and just beyond my ability to reason with a 19 month old.  I had a nice reprieve this weekend and was super excited to pick up Brooke on Sunday.

However, we weren't in the car for more than 15 minutes and she started this ear piercing screaming; I'm talking top of the lungs, Maria Carey decimal--screaming.  I tried ignoring it, but she continued to do it and we had a good 40 minutes left.

I turned around and told her, "NO!" sternly, and already felt that sense failure as a parent.  I didn't get it. I hear how well she was at my Dad's and now she's miserable…

That was just the tip of the iceberg--we get home and it was literally one tantrum, after tantrum, flailing, thrashing, banging head on the cupboard.

It was 5:00 pm, so I figured she was hungry and boy, I could NOT make dinner for her fast enough. Joe wasn't home yet, so I gave her a banana while I made her the organic Annie's mac and cheese--- I was hoping we were grabbing cheeseburger (like the plan was) but Joe wanted Italian and I didn't, so now I was faced with having to make her and us a meal--while I had her and myself in tears.

Now, I know I was over-reacting; it was a damn cheeseburger, but I really wanted one!! I would have grabbed it for lunch.  Oh well, I'm over it now, but I'm telling you, Sunday night I went from calm, cool, and collected, to--what in the world?!?

I quickly gave her a bath after her dinner and then Joe stepped in for a bit.  He worked on "potty time" with her…and then she peed on our bathroom floor.  She calmed down a bit, played, had some dessert and she was pretty tired, so by 7:30 she was in bed.  She slept until 7:30 this morning, so I'd say she needed some sleep.

Monday? So far so good.  I hate to be on a schedule, but I think that a "routine" works well for us.  This is what we were doing last week and what seems to be helpful…some days we have plans or appointments so things get shifted and we just bob and weave, and go with the flow.

I may want to refer to this later for baby 2 when he/she is older, so here is what we are up to at 19 months:

7-8am wakeup
She gets her milk, plays a bit and usually wants all the berries while I prep breakfast.
8:30 breakfast
9:00 morning walk-LOVE this lately, she is calm but stimulated, I get to move a bit and all is well.
9:30 I drink my pink lemonade Spark and I give her a little TV time.  I need this time to set myself up for the day; look at my email, and write my to do list.
10:00-10:30ish "School" I'm calling it.  We do one-on-one activities, that I am hoping to do more posts on.  Basically I pull out anything that I don't like her using without my supervision.  This makes it special, because she can't just get at these things without me.
10:30 snack
11:00 I shower and sometimes she'll nap, sometimes she'll watch a little MMC while I get ready.
12:00/12:30 is lunch
1:00 We may run a few errands, or she may need her nap now.  I really kind of go by what she's feeling.
2:00/3:00 Outside play.  She just adores playing outside, so we either hang around outside the house or maybe go to a park.  Bubbles, chalk, slides, swings, playing in the dirt. Whatever. Just get that child outdoors!
4:00 snack time
4:30 Quiet play, books, play dough, coloring
5:00/5:30 dinner
followed by bath
If Joe is home we may go for a family walk or just play.  She winds down with a cup of milk and a little more reading.
8:00 bed time (earlier/later)

Like I said, we are not really into schedules, but this is a good idea of what our daily routine is like.  Today we left the house at 9:15 for her Dr's appointment and didn't return until 12:30, as we hit up Trader Joe's and the Dairy.  She fell asleep for about 15 minutes in the car, so around 2:45 I put her down, but watching the monitor, she's still not sleeping another 15 minutes later.  She's reading, singing, talking, and playing with her lovies.  If she starts to cry, I'll go get her, but other than that, I think that a little "Down time" for both mama and baby is good.

I am able to sit with a cup of mint tea, a croissant, the candle is lit, jazz music playing…and I feel baby #2 kicking away.  I try to allow myself a little more rest time, knowing that my body is so busy growing a bean!  I have been super productive and getting so much done, I deserve a seat every once in awhile!

A small respite in a crazy day.

What tricks do you use while entertaining your toddler during the day? I am all ears!

Nesting Already???

Hey hey hey my peeps!! I am sitting here KID FREE.  I have been busting my booty around here getting things organized--I woke up sore from non stop moving yesterday! We took Brooke and my niece to the Zoo [post to come] and then my sister brought the girls to my Dad's.  Joe's busy working another crazy tent sale, and although I wish I were in Dallas for AdvoCare's Success School, that did not work out for me this time. NEXT YEAR however, I will find a way to get myself and my team {girls ya heard!} there.

So for now?

It starts with the need to empty out the guest room. AKA Jenn's closet. The whole room just filled with my crap stuff.  Why so much stuff? Why could one person need all those shoes, clothes, purses. scarves, pretty jewels?  I dunno, but she does.

I went to Target sans Brooke, and was able to get some clear bins, came home and got to work! I have already gone through my clothes a few times this summer--donated about 10 bags--and could probably do some more weeding out.  I have to do this a few times because sometimes I feel sentimental towards these objects, or things, and other times? I WANT IT GONE.  Like right now, I keep opening new cupboards and closets and just tossing things that I know are not being use nor can be donated.  Our garage over floweth.

I had to combine Joe's TWO closets into one, and so far so good. I don't think he likes it much, but mama needs to move in.

I ordered this shoe ottoman for the foot of our bed; we've been wanting something to put there for awhile, so that our pillows or clothes from the day, whatever, can be set there and not on the floor. We just never found something we loved. Well, it's GO time and I saw this from Sole Secret and though--YES.  I need this!  I'm hoping it gives me more closet space to organize with and I can keep my shoes in it.

Here's the idea:

The best price I found was this site, and you're first time ordering you save 15% which basically covers the cost of shipping.  I thought the "Latte" color would fit nicely and not show any extra Sadie fur.  #becausethatsreallywhatmatters

Fun colors and patterns--

When I get mine, I'll be sure to give a little review!

I still have to figure out where everything is going, but I am on a huge roll and very excited!  It's really helpful to not have to stop and chase Brooke, as she is so much fun to play with, but nothing really gets accomplished. This way I have focused and am determined to move my closet into our bedroom/master bath area by this weekend.

Even though my belly is growing, I think it's a pretty good wakeup call to Joe that ish is getting real, and we need to get going because baby 2 will be here before we know it! He also realizes that we are outgrowing our home and really do need something that suits us all better.  It's not that our house itself isn't big enough, but the way it's designed doesn't suit our needs the best.  Plus I hate living on a track; I cannot wait to be in the country!!  OK and a walk-in closet will really help matters, but until then I have storage bins and some ideas up my sleeves!

I condensed his "every day shirts" and put all the bulky sweatshirts into bins. I am thinking that when it cools down, I'll swap the shorts (up on the shelf) out with the sweatshirts.  Makes sense to me?! I sent him this pic and I think it scared him a little…haha

PS Who needs 10 black belts?! hehe

I know the nesting phase is really when you're close to your due date, but this urge is insane and I don't know what else to call it!!

What has really been helping me focus:

1. Keep
2. Toss
3. Maybe

To be honest, the only reason there's a maybe pile is for Joe to look at, and for the most part he's telling me to toss! (and by toss, I don't mean literally throw out, some stuff yes, but we are donating a lot and that feels good too!)

I just felt the need to document my thought process, ask for a little help, and hope to look back in a few weeks when all is organized and well!

So, anyone out there with limited closet space, how to do you organize your girlie things? Necklaces, scarves, hats, purses?  I am looking for any ideas that you may have! I appreciate it.  Happy Saturday friends!