LIFE

We survived the Tent Sale!! This year I really went into it with a positive mindset.  I usually get all frustrated, mopey, angry, lonely, sad, whatever you name it….because it is a really long time for him to be away from me (us). But I must say, going into it with optimism made it so much better this time. Sure it was hard to play solo parent and not see him until 1030/11 some nights, but he makes darn good money and allows me to stay home with these precious babes.  Plus we have vacay right around the corner so the countdown is on!

So what did we do?  A lot of just hanging around.

And eating. Eating and pooping is basically what happens all day long around here!

We visited our friends for a few hours…

We hit up the Farmer's Market for the first time this year!

Enjoyed the beautiful weather--sandbox is a hit!! Baby boy just loves being outside.

She ate her lunch in her playhouse.  Girl loves her strawberries!

LOL we made silly faces.

And took it easy.

Friday night we went to my inlaws for homemade pizza--YUM!  We made sure to take a nice stroll after all these carbs…so worth it though!

Brooke is OBSESSED with the fairy house.  Her and grandma need to make one!!

Brooke loves to 'feed her rabbit' like Grandma was feeding brother.

Saturday was HOT and SUNNY! We met my friend Alison for a walk along the canal.  Life is so much easier with an extra pair of hands

Sunday Joey had to move his office and cars back, but after that he drove all the way out to my dad's to spend a little family time.  Someone missed her daddy something fierce!

It makes me so excited for Lake George and all of the family time we will enjoy.

Feeling Better!

I don't even know where to start---any where in my life!! Last week I got SO sick with the stomach flu, it literally took me down for the count. I don't remember the last time I was that sick!  Without going into gross detail, I will say that I have shed about 5 pounds and all of my shorts now fit.  I had planned on cleansing, but I am waiting at this point because my stomach is still kind of sensitive.

 It started Tuesday morning at 2 am and that day I had my husband stay home with the kids in the morning until my sister could come help out for a few hours.  It was my mother in law's 60th birthday--and I totally missed the fun dinner and night out :(  Joe was able to take Brooke but I some how managed to watch the baby.  By Wednesday morning I felt even worse and called in for back up, because my husband could not take off any more time for work during his crazy sale.  My stepmom came and took the kids (thank goodness) I'm not sure what I would have done otherwise.  I literally just laid in bed and slept and slept--I did have Joe take me to urgent care because I was worried about dehydration but they said I seemed ok and to just keep doing what I was doing: fluids, rest, tylenol every 4 hours.  It was TERRIBLE!  I finally started feeling a little bit better and took a shower Thursday and by Friday I had to get my kids because my niece was graduating kindergarten. It took everything to drive to get them and then my truck died! Oh, not fun.  Luckily my mother in law met me at the dealership, helped me with the kids and we weren't there too long.   Saturday she took Brooke back to her house for the day and I was able to really rest some more and Bradley was so good.  By Sunday I was able to leave the house again and go get formula, wipes and see my hubby at the sale for a little bit.  I also cooked dinner for the first time in over a week.  Today I am still trying to play catch up and just try to do what I can, even though I am still not up and running 100%.

It takes SO much for me to ask for help because I am very much a person who likes to be in control and I can handle a lot, but when you can't even get up off your bed---you need help. I am grateful for my family who really stepped up and helped me out while I was sick.  I really appreciate it!!

So I figured I would share a few things here on the blog…

I found this shop Haute Mama Mala on instagram and I ended up winning her giveaway! How beautiful are these bracelets??  So pretty.

The stones are just gorgeous and the amethyst is stunning! I love love love them.   Here's to much love, happiness and spreading good vibes every where!

He has been so good.  You just need to keep the boy fed!! He is eating his fruits/veggies 3x a day along with 4-5 bottles of formula a day.  He still spits up a ton, but he's mostly smiling!

He gets so excited for his food!

And this goofball---she is just too much.   She has become a backseat driver and I was getting something for brother when the light turned green, I hear, "Green means GO!"

So I am super thankful to be feeling better, even though I'm not totally myself yet and know it will be a little bit before I am doing my sweaty workouts and all that…I just keep telling myself to take it easy, do what I can and be happy.  

Fitness Friday

I did a few of these awhile back and I felt like starting back up again, just to see how much I moved in a week!  I also just kind of "wing" my workouts and just choose something I feel like doing that day.  I know I should be lifting more weights and I am hoping to push myself and start doing cardio and weights in one day.

I currently feel strongest in my legs and booty, but my core and upper body definitely need some more attention.



Saturday- Elliptical
Sunday- Rest
Monday- PiYo Drench
Tuesday- Stroller walk w/ the kids
Wednesday- Elliptical
Thursday- 3 mile walk with Holly
Friday-  {{looks like I better do something with weights!! haha}}


It's nice to see what I did and where I can change things up next week. I used to go to the gym every single day in college my Jr/Sr year.  I had a strict weights/cardio regime and really ate mostly clean, except the weekend binge of PWT---that would be Pizza Wings and Things and my drink of choice: Labatt Blue Light.  Holy cow seems like forever ago.  Anyway, at 21 my metabolism was amazing and I really had nothing to take care of other than myself and my hamster, Gus Gus.  Legit I had a hamster in college and I named him Gus Gus after Cinderella's mouse.  I would share a photo, but "back in those days" we did not have cell phones with cameras and any photo I would be able to find is probably tucked into a thing called a photo album.  Crazy I know.

Thanks Ryan.




So, overall I am in a great mindset, even though I am not loving my 'bikini body' just yet.  I tried on my new suit and I really am loving my legs--I think it's because I danced so many years and great genes, but my trouble spot has always been my tummy.  So, my goal is to strengthen this core, especially having 2 kids it will be no easy task.  I am trying to love my whole body.  I know how much it's gone through in just the last 3 years.  I read things like, "how to get bikini ready" and some people say, "put on the bikini. There ya go."  But I want to feel confident and that is just not where I am at just yet. I may have to get a one piece or tankini for Lake George anyway.  I am not sure I wanna be falling out of a bikini chasing after Brooke and struggling with B man anyway.  So, any suggestions on a "mom suit"?! Ha

Just being me, accepting where I am at and knowing that I can and will be better…



My diet has been 65% clean I would say.  I am going to cleanse again starting next week~~while hubby is doing his thang at his Tent Sale, I figured it would be perfect for no excuses as I just have to take care of me and the kiddos.  Brooke eats whatever I eat so it will be good!

I WILL crush this cleanse this time. Last time I was all still missing cheeses and wine from being prego, but this time I am ready!

Anyone wanna join me? I am going to try out our new and improved fiber drink! You can check it out here.  I am excited to really see some bomb results this time through.

Happy Friday!!

Bibdanas: Baby Boy Fashion

I know most people disagree and think little girls have the best fashion, but holy smokes, little boy clothing and accessories make my heart skip!! I think partly it's because I had sisters growing up and never really had itty bitty baby boys in my life, but either way, I am all about the cuteness that is for little baby boys!!

I also live for bibs with my little man because he is constantly spitting up and/or drooling. I have been on the hunt for some of the super cute Bibdanas I have seen many babies sporting, I just didn't know where to purchase.  I hopped on Etsy and found this wonderful shop, Finding My Sunshine.  Christina was so great to work with and is a work at home mama, which I just love supporting.  I wasn't really picky about the fabrics, I just told her to pick some cute boy colors to use!



I love them!!  She includes care instructions and a sweet note.



Mr B loves them too.  He's about 18 pounds and in 6-9 month clothing and these fit just fine.  I love that they are reversible and I can put them either way, pending on his outfit.



This is my favorite picture of him, just look how stinking adorable he is!!

I think these Bibdanas are the perfect way to add a little something extra to a boy outfit, but also save me from changing his outfit if he does drool or spit up. I can just change out the bib.  Win win!  She has tons of fabrics to choose from for burp cloths, dresses, and teething rings too. Be sure to check out her shop--it'd make a super cute gift for any mama to be!

Weekend Recap!!

Friday was hot hot hot!! Loving little man's summer outfit.  Easy to clean!

We have yet to clean our deck off, but I think that will be our numero uno thing to do this weekend.  It's about 48 here and rainy today, so it's not like I could use it anyway. But, little miss B doesn't mind the leaves and dirty feet…

She is such a a good big sissy! She ends up in just a diaper too. [[hopefully not much longer--potty gods are with me today--keep it coming!]]  How I love summer.

Friday night we went out for a DATE NIGHT!! I really didn't think we'd get one in for May, but we managed---thanks to my super amazing best ever mother-in-law Mama D!!!  She came by to hang with the littles so we could get out on the town… I got to wear a cute dress, do my hair and wear a new necklace. Woop woop happy dance.

In my hubby's new ride!! He is so sexy and he's all mine.  He's so funny about how much he loves his new car. I even joked around a bit and said, who are you taking out on this date me, or her?! (the car) but it was such a blast.  We had an amazing dinner outside and drove around with the top off--perfection!

Totally didn't take my phone out at all during dinner, but I assure you--the champs I had along with some old world red vino from Portugal---Oh my word---mini wedge salad, oysters, and filet, lobster tail…freaking amazing.  Best meal all month!


My life was made complete when my favorite wine EVER followed me on Insta.  #winningatlife

Can I just TOOT my own horn for a minute?  I mean, I am so stinking proud of myself. While the scale hasn't budged much and my clothes are still tight, I am getting there people. Legit, loving myself from the inside out is working! I can literally feel myself getting stronger and that is just an amazing feeling.  The elliptical has become so much easier for me and I am actually enjoying workouts again. Yahoo!

Trust me, being fat, out of shape and working out is NOT FUN.  I won't lie to ya.  When I haven't worked out in oh, say, 9 months--cough--cough---and I go and try to start up. It sucks.  But sticking with it, doing something a little different each day or even just 3-4 days a week, I am feeling it!

Oh and if you haven't made this buffalo chicken quinoa salad, go do so stat!! You're welcome.

Recipe here  (pictured below is my version) I switch it up and just use whateva I have on hand. Sometimes it's beans, broccoli ---creamy blue cheese --- a smidge people!  Or a little ranch.  So darn good!

It's legit been so hot my oil melted and I had to put it in the fridge. Now it's 48 and rainy out…boo. I can probably take it back out now.

Some lazy Sunday morning drink fest.

And we attended an engagement shower for someone that works with Joe.  It was so cold we couldn't really go outside, plus it was raining, but the lodge had a little fire and we lasted about 2 hours before mr. started cranking out.  No not here, even though he looks petrified haha

I told my husband to go get Brooke a cup.  He repeated to me, (or so I thought) a cup? Yes dear a cup. She needs water…

He came back with a POP. With caffeine.  She had a few sips, swirled and twirled around for a few minutes and threw a football that almost landed in the salad, but hey guess what?! She survived.

I could probably go on a rant about all this crazy parenting advice that I have been falling for and sharing the last two years, but all I am going to say is, I have stopped.  Stopped what, you say? Stopped the crazy insanity.  I am no longer going to try and live "that" way.  I will always have my children's best interests at heart, but for goodness sakes the lengths we all go to try and keep things pinterest perfect has stopped at my house.  Sure I will still use pinterest, that is not my point. But everyone has a damn opinion about something (as is his or her right) but that doesn't mean I have to feel guilty about things such as…my daughter having a few sips of a coke.  She survived!! No I don't plan on giving it to her (like ever) but my point is, I have started 'unfollowing' more people than I care to admit because I am sick and tired of parental advice being shoved down my throat.

This is my pre-workout cray cray face.  I may or may not have had a Spark and some arginine before attempting PiYo Drench. Holy mother. I couldn't even finish it, partially because my toes are peeling---stupid dry feet---I am using some stuff called Foot logic and I "think" it's working, but they girls at the Spa told me to keep using it for about a month to notice. Anyway, 45 minutes was a long workout and I made it about 35.  Not bad.

So yeah, I guess you can say my throat chakra has been opened and that my outspoken self has re-surfaced and I am crazy, full of life and love with my whole heart. Take me or leave me, but I am just loving this journey I am on called life.

Peace lovies!! Talk soon. xoxo