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Monday, October 14, 2013

Enjoying October: Pies!

I think it's safe to say, lil miss is enjoying her first Fall just fine!! We are soaking up as much of Autumn as possible.  We love taking our walks; they've been on the warm side {fine by me!} but sometimes we bundle up a bit if it's cooler.  The leaves are really turning colors and falling so it's a nice change of scenery!

We've been visiting Daddy up at his Tent Sale---he's working his crazy long hours again, but it's almost over soon. 


We had a little play date Saturday with Blake and his mommy.  We met at Panera for lunch, visited our men at the sale, and hung out at home.  It's been too quiet and too clean without Daddy around. We miss him!

Yesterday I was feeling a little "sorry for myself" [I believe I said, "Pity Party for One"] and my husband laughed at me.  I am a pretty emotionally high maintenance person, and reeeeeeeeeeeally miss our family time with him.  Everyone on Facebook seemed to be doing fun Fall activities with their families and here my hubby {and a lot of others who work for the company}had to go into work on a Sunday.  I just love him and really don't like when he's not around....but he had to go into work yesterday, and it seemed as though everyone else had plans...

However, the universe heard me, and my mother in law called up asking what I was up to. Turned out her plans were canceled, and wanted to know if I would like to make apple pies!

Of course I said yes!  We had a bunch of apples from Grandma's trees and so we peeled, sliced, cored....


Some cinnamon & sugar


Homemade pie crusts.


Messy kitchen goodness!


We ended up with a total of 5 pies! I have 2 in our freezer [we baked one last night] and my mama in law took two home.  We are all set for the holidays, in the apple pie department!!

I know that pies are not "clean eats" but as always, everything in moderation.  I also believe in the goodness of homemade foods, and the tradition of baking with family.  No chemicals, no garbage.  Just pure ingredients and lots of love!!  I want to instill within my daughter that you can enjoy all aspects of life, just don't overdo any one particular part!! I had so much fun bonding with my mother in law, talking and getting a little messy in the kitchen.  I look forward to the days when Brooke can bake with us too!

Plus it's very awesome to hear my husband tell me, as we're watching the Red Zone for the 49ers game, eating our slice of warm pie, "You really are my dream girl."  #awwwwww

I have to say that my 'unofficial Fall bucket list' is really getting checked off this year! Also? 

I'm in love with our front porch. 
What Fall fun have you been up to?

Thursday, October 10, 2013

In Good Health

I love sharing information with people and helping others attain their health goals.  Most of the time it's people who want to lose weight, but sometimes?  It's just to feel well again.  The typical American diet is really full of garbage. While I hope that this isn't being consumed daily by any one person, it is definitely a problem in our society.

google images


Obviously I am a firm believer in proper nutrition, but also taking the right vitamins and supplements.  There are a few that I know that if I stop taking for a few days, I see a HUGE difference.  While my absolute favorite is the MNS Max 3, [there is just so much packed into that daily strip pack; it's a NO excuses way of getting what we need daily!] there are a few other products you'll see in my cupboard and anyone who will listen to me and know how good they'll feel after taking these!

Probiotic Restore
  • Helps maintain normal beneficial intestinal microflora*
  • Supports healthy intestinal function*
  • Enhances weight management*
  • Improves nutrient absorption*
  • Aids in good digestion*
  • Provides immune system support*
  • Helps relieve symptoms of occasional constipation* 

Some people may not want to "talk about" some of these TMI issues, but let's be real. We are all human and sometimes our bodies can get a little wacky.   Basically that whole nether-region down below could benefit from introducing probiotics into our system.  Have you thought about using Probiotic Restore?
 
 In some of my research, I stumbled on this nugget: "Of the products tested, AdvoCare’s Probiotic Restore is one that contained the amount of CFUs promised on the label."  I LOVE reading that the company I work for, has really top of the line products. 
Dr Oz here


I've raved about the importance of OMEGAS here...I still swear they're making my hair, nails (grow) and skin glow!!

Not to mention little miss Brooke had a cold and my husband and I both got it...however, it's interesting that he is waaaaaaaaaay more sick than me.  I'm talking, constant runny nose, chest congestion, etc.  I have a little tickle in my throat and a few sneezes here and there. Could it be all the fabulous vitamins packed into the Coreplex multivitamin?? 

It comes in the MNS Max  3, so I have been diligently taking them every day!! 

I just ordered some of the Immunogaurd--- I only wish I had known about this stuff back when I was teaching! I was constantly getting sick.  My teacher friends swear by it!  I am happy to have it on hand come cold/flu season!




  • Provides support for a healthy immune system*
  • Enhances antioxidant activity*
  • Provides heightened responsiveness of the immune system*
  • Supports occasional respiratory challenges*
  • Combats the effects of stress and fatigue*
  • Excellent source of vitamins C and D
IS THIS YOU?
  • Someone who wants improved immune support and/or has respiratory challenges
  • Someone concerned with general health and well-being
  • Someone who suffers from frequent sickness and/or high stress

 I am always here and definitely want to help!  It's not always about losing weight, but feeling great should be on the top of everyone's priority list. I know that when I'm feeling well, everything in life seems to go a bit more smoothly. 

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Enjoying October: Pumpkins

Last week I took Brooke to her first pumpkin patch. She just LOVED it.  Since everything is so new, I just love watching her. The way her little hands grab a hold of the pumpkin, or her fingers feel the straw.  She is so curious and just soaking all of it right up.


It was a super unusually warm day, so it was nice to enjoy the sunshine.  We just picked up a few gourds because I knew I wanted to pick out our "family pumpkins" with Daddy. 

We had fun with our friends though!

And of all times she's been standing, she refused to stand up for me to take a picture here! haha


Little stinker.

So while I had grand visions of frolicking through the pumpkin patch, happily picking out pumpkins, we ended up quickly just getting them after work and before going out to dinner last night...

That's the thing about parenting {life} is that we have expectations or big ideas, and sometimes you just have to do the best you can with what you have. 

Brooke has had a cold the last few days, and well now my husband and I aren't feeling that well. However, his work schedule is crazy the next few weeks and we won't have time to go other than last night.  I knew I wanted to get some cute photos of us, so I curled my hair.

But then I steamed up the bathroom with a hot shower running so I could give Brooke a bath since she's been a little stuffy and needed to be cleaned up. 

So there went my hair!  And taking care of a sick baby makes one mommy not feel so hot & pretty.  But that's ok...this is real life and I don't have a nanny.  And I don't have makeup and hair artists to swoop in and make me look like a supermodel.

We still had our first pumpkin picking experience as a family and it was fabulous.  My runny nosed little angel is so beautiful, and even though I can see it in her eyes she didn't feel her best, she still put on some smiles.










Life isn't a photoshoot;  It's so much more than that.


We celebrated with some family last night, as today is my hubby's birthday!!  We had sushi and hibachi.  Miss Brooke was a big help opening gifts.


Happy Birthday baby!!


I love you more.

Monday, October 7, 2013

Weekend Fun: Fall Finds!


We had a fabulous first weekend in October; how was yours?!  Hubs had the whole thing off, so we took advantage and had my mother in law watch baby girl.  We had the whole day and night (Saturday) to do whatever we wanted.  Of course we hit up a mall!!

I needed foundation.

I prefer the mineral version instead of ready.  {$27}

And I ended up getting Blush (The Secrets Out) as well...



{$22}

I also ended up getting Mineral Veil

{$22}

But I ended up getting ALL THREE and an adorable silver bag to keep in my purse, for only $55!  I  was so happy with that deal.  Plus I had a gift card still from my hubby, [last Christmas!] and so it was an awesome save!

Yay!!

Unfortunately, I did not have any great deals at Aldo. But I now own the most beautiful pair of taupe boots.  Say hello to them; I am so in love! They fit well and I did buy the inserts to make them even more comfortable.  I cannot wait to style them with my wardrobe!!




I had some fun in Express too; a few shirts and some jeggings---those babies are on sale! They're so comfy and so I had to buy two.  Plus, the sale buy one get one for $29!



I will admit that I don't love the 80's rocker look that has come back.  I don't want high tops, faded wash jean jackets, and I can only handle so much lace...So I was hoping for a few more cute shirts; I'm talking about flirty fun tops that don't scream mom. Any suggestions?!

After the mall, we had dinner reservations at 7 at our favorite restaurant.  Someone had opened a car door into my husband's car, so after we dealt with that, we didn't have time to go back to our house and get back to the restaurant on time.  

So?

We ended up stopping at the hotel we were at a few weeks ago, and changing into a few of our new items, and just going to the dinner.  Luckily I had a whole new outfit and makeup!!  I couldn't stop laughing and I wondered if the front valet guys noticed we just went in and changed our clothes....they did say, "Welcome back" which made the whole situation so darn funny.

Only us.

After dinner we met my sister and brother out for a few drinks...we need more photos!


Sunday Baby Brooke was still stuffy, sneezing, runny nose and coughing.  It was mostly a rainy dreary day, but it cleared up and we ended up taking an nice walk in the tropic-like weather!

I made a simple dinner: Romantic Chicken Mushroom & Artichoke and a side salad.

Simple yet tasty!  Recipe here. I'm not sure what makes it "romantic" other than me whining to the hubs, "I don't know what to maaaaaaaaaaake."  Then coming out of the kitchen 45 minute later with this.  One of the reasons he loves me so much! haha

And last, but not least...


I love everything about this.  Except? I'm not a runner.  I have an elliptical in the garage that needs to be used and some weights. I have DVDs.  I have the internet.  I have a  workout bench/set in the basement.  What I do need?  MOTIVATION.

So my girl Rachel out in Cali {who is nursing her beautiful baby girl and doing AdvoCare} and I are going to keep each other in check.  Daily text messages stating our workouts.

1 thirty minute workout 4 times a week. [thank you Nikki!]

We can do this!

I know once I make a habit out of it, much like I did with clean eating, I will be all set.

Anyone else care to join in on the fit mama train? We're going to hottieville.  Ok yes, I'm a dork, but for real. It's time to keep our hearts pumpin and keep on lookin like hot mamas!

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Sunshine

Hello Friends! Happy Tuesday.  Last week this beautiful mama-to-be nominated me for this!


She asked ten questions and I loved them!! You're supposed to nominate 10 people, but I am running short on time, so I nominate you! If you're reading this and are a 'sunshiney-person' then feel free to copy these questions and post on your blog.  Leave a comment letting me know, so I can learn more about you!

1. Who is your blogger inspiration?

When I first began blogging, I was so excited to stumble upon other women my age who were head over heels in love with their husbands.  It was refreshing to see women like Danielle put it all out there! She has been an inspiration from day one.  I also enjoy Kelle Hampton's blog, as it reminds me to stop, slow down, and smell the roses.  It's very easy to get caught up in the newest trend, fun accessory, expensive tote, but her blog takes me back to what's important in life: Enjoying the Small Things.

2. What is your biggest dream?

To grow old with Joe and see our child(ren) marry and have children....I just know we will be amazing Grandparents. It may seem silly, but we're not granted that many tomorrows, so being grandparents sounds like a good dream to me!  I can picture us sitting on a big old front porch watching the kiddos play in the front yard. 

3.  How do you gain inspiration for your writing?

I must say that I have even more admiration for writers, ever since I started to blog.  There are days where I feel as though I have nothing to say, so I don't.  There are days when I have so much to say, and yet no time. I write from my heart; I try not to think about (or care about) what others may think when they read what I write.  I am not here trying to please anyone, I simply love to write.  I also enjoy looking back on all of the times I've captured in my writing.  My life inspires me....


4.  What is your favorite holiday tradition?
I am a Christmas gal, through and through. I love everything about it! My favorite tradition is decorating our tree.  You can see my posts about it here and here and because I was so big and prego, Joe wouldn't let me get a huge tree last year haha--here. I cannot wait for Brooke to see all of the pretty lights and ornaments this year!  The first phone call I ever had with Joseph, he told me how he bought this house and fell in love with the upstairs, where you can overlook into the living-room; he said he couldn't want to see his {future} children's faces all lit up when they saw presents under the tree.  *tear* I know, how could I not marry that guy?!

5.  If money were no object, what would your perfect weekend entail?

I'd fly to Italy with my hunny.  We just fell in love with Rome; I'd rent a private jet so we could travel in comfort style and we'd stay at a beautiful hotel overlooking the old city.  We'd eat as much as we could and bring back as much cheese and vino as they'd allow!


6.  What is your favorite fall activity?
I am so excited for the pumpkin patch this year.  I've been dying to get some adorable photos with her and the pumpkins.  I'm looking forward to some hot apple cider, donuts, and maybe even a hay ride.  But most of all, I want to see how many pumpkin patches we can hit up in one month! haha



7.  What is one passion you may or may not share on your blog?
Dancing. 


I think I've shared a few times my love for dance.  I took ballet 14 years.  Jazz. Pointe.  Hip Hop.  Even tapped for a summer.  I danced a little bit in college when I was a part of Show Choir.  The last time I "danced" was when I was 26 and auditioned for "Dancing with the Teachers" on our local morning news.  There were 100 people who tried out and only 8 of us made it. [I came in 4th!] It was always an outlet for me and I LOVE it.  And? I MISS it. Heck, I even miss dancing out at the clubs!! Minus the whole staying out til 2am thing.  Zumba was a great outlet that  I really should get back into again...

8.  What is your exercise routine?
Speaking of Zumba...Yeah, we (even my husband was saying he wants to workout more) need to get better at this.  Right now I take walks with Brooke and try to do "something" [a Yoga DVD, Jillian Michaels, the elliptical] I need to stop making excuses and just DO.  My friend Nikki gave me a goal of 4x a week 30 min.  Now I just need to stick to it!!

9.  What was the last book you read?  How would you rate it?

I am currently reading The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson. It is a leadership book that was recommended from some of my top team members.  It is an easy read and so much of it applies to my life already.  I laugh and tell my husband that he could've written it, because so many of the tips the author gives, my husband does.  It all stems from the same ideas, and either you are or you aren't successful.  It is not hard to be good at certain things, but this book is the perfect reminder, "What is easy to do, is also easy not to do."  If you ever wonder why you're not where you want to be in something with your life, grab this book and read it.  Even if it's just 10 minutes a day...you'll start shifting your mindset and I guarantee you'll start to see changes in your life. 

Go read it now!!

10.  Share one thing about yourself.

 I am constantly working on being a better person.  I take it really seriously and listen to audiobooks, read leadership books, and try to surround myself with positive and uplifting people.  I even stopped watching Real Housewives (gasp, I know) just to see if that was a bad influence.  I still will watch it from time to time, but I don't want to be like those women. OK, I want their clothes and figures, but their personalities? No thanks.  I believe that if everyone spent as much time on herself, really working on trying to be the best she could be, a lot of problems would solve themselves.  Jealousy, insecurities, pessimism----it doesn't have to be a way of life.  The more I step outside of my own mind [and stop worrying about what others think of me, as it really is NONE of my business] the more comfortable I become in my own skin. I love this feeling.