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

4 Months {Bradley Joseph}

You guys…is this normal, to start feeling like maybe you want "Just one more" baby around 4 months of your current baby?! OY!  It's not like it's been easy, or perfect, or even like I know what I am doing 90% of the time.  I get frustrated, I tear up, I spend all day in my clothes from the night before…I drink caffeine like it's my J-O-B and yet…..at four months, I am like, where is my baby?! How can he be starting to roll over, and know what is going on around him, and start baby food? Maybe, just maybe we will have one more.  Oh my gosh…

Anyway back to the man of the hour.

Bradley Joseph.

You are SO much fun baby boy!! I swear the only thing that I don't like, is that you throw up some of your formula…all…day…long.  I have timed your meds 12 hour apart and give you the first dose before your first bottle [2 ml] and [2 ml] at night before your last bottle.  But you probably puke up about 1-2 tablespoons after every bottle, which by the way you're taking 8 oz every 3-4 hours.

You're sleeping through [most] nights.  Thursday night you got up around 3:30 and wanted to party/drink a bottle.  It was cool though, I don't mind.

You also had a pretty cranky day Memorial Day. I was hoping to socialize and talk to adults [no offense kids] but that just didn't happen. I spent most of the day feeding you inside or walking with the Boba so you would calm down.   I am not mad, but I felt awful I didn't know (and still don't) what was wrong!?  Could be too many people wanted to hold you. Maybe it was the scorching hot temps. Or even a tooth is starting? Who knows. You've been totally normal since being home...

You handled your shots quite well Mr!! We still delayed some, so you're not up to par yet, but I don't like overwhelming your little body with all those vaccines right away.  You're doing great and Dr. gave us the green light to start solids!  Hopefully it will help you not spit up so much; she said you eating 8 oz every 3 hours is a lot for your belly, but we will see.  You love to eat, so do I kid, so do I!

For kicks, this was little Miss Brooke at her 4 month checkup!!

I think the best quote of today or even so far, is your sister saying, "Fart brother, fart!!" As you tooted along this evening with one of your poos.  Only my kids could make that look adorable to me! I guess that is what being a mommy is all about.

So we started out 4 months with more outside time.

Your eyebrows kill me.  I think they are so darn adorable and I just giggle every time you raise one (or both) of them.

My sister, your Aunt Brianna informed me this weekend that she thinks you have my eyebrows. haha

So what are you up to little guy?  LOTS. I tell ya, lots.

You're a movin and a groovin all day long.

No lie. I was trying to get as similar shot to your 3 month photos because it was Daddy's favorite.

Oh ya, these are getting harder to take! You love to move!

You are a drooling machine.  I keep checkin for the teefers, but haven't seen anything yet. Maybe, just maybe a little something working its way on the bottom left.  But for now? Drool. Drool. and more drool.

I mean, come on. That smile?!

I literally had just put this onesie on you for your photos, and within 4 minutes, drool.

You love your friends --aka your forest mobile from Grandma.

Dose chunky monkey legs---oh I love em!

I try to keep the 'gloves' or socks off you as much as possible because you love to explore with your hands!! You're always grabbing at things, my necklace, your toys, anything!! But when you get sleepy, you rub rub rub your eyes and if I don't have the gloves on, you scratch and that is not good Mr!

You apparently crave and thrive on routine.  Every morning you get up between 5-7:30.  I obviously prefer the latter, but I do whatever you please.  You cry a bit but within a minute or two you start laughing and talking.  And usually your sister is talking to, and I am not gonna lie, sometimes I lay in bed and listen to you two "talk".  You still get your first dose of zantac first thing.  

What's new:

-You can roll over, therefore

-No more swaddle!  You face planted one time and after that we were DONE.

-You scootch backwards on your butt, so you are mobile.  Legit, I can't leave you on the bed any more!  You went all the way from your room to your sister's room on your back, by pushing with your feet.  Crazy!!  You also go right off the rug in the living room.

-Started solids

--Rice cereal, apples, pear & banana.  I know there is so much debate, but we did this with Brooke and she is the best little eater I know, so I decided BLW is not for us and we are just starting to have fun and explore with foods.  You take about 5-6 small spoonfuls of cereal/fruit and LOVE it.  As soon as you spit it out or act done, I don't push it.  No need!   [It has seemed to help with your reflux a bit]

-You go to sleep in your own crib at night…no rocking, no swing, just you and the crib (and the sound machine!)

Loves:

Your sister.  You just think she is the funniest thing in the world.

Books

Toys

Outside

Stroller 

Teething toys--it's been so hot I think you love when I keep them in the fridge 

Being tickled, sang to, danced with

Routine

Dislikes:

Falling asleep, you crank out a little bit before you just fall asleep sometimes.

Being alone, you still love being with mama, a lot.

A bunch of random people holding you

Hot temps

Being off schedule 

You are wearing 9 month clothing for the most part, some 6 month still fit, but sleepers or anything that is one piece has to be 9 month to fit your length.  I am happy it's starting to get warmer because I feel like a bib and a diaper are gonna be your main outfit this summer! It helps me keep down on the laundry haha

"Daily Routine" at 4 months:

The times change from day to day, but it sorta looks like this…

7:00 wakeup, meds, bottle

play

9:00-11:00 nap

11:00 bottle

play/run errands etc

12:00 have some cereal and fruit

1:00-3 nap

3:00 bottle

play

5-6 you usually take a little cat nap

meds/ 6:00 bottle

bath/play

7:30 bed

10/11 bottle

Maybe a 3:00 feeding, maybe you sleep til morning. 

That's where we are at.  You've been taking 2 longer naps one in the morning and one when Brooke does, which is great--if I can keep Brooke away from you long enough in the morning you'll sleep, but usually she wakes you up and you get your best sleep when she does as well.  I enjoy that time to workout, shower, or catch up on a blog.  Much needed!

I'm not sure how much longer you will be fitting in your swing, as I have to buckle you in to keep you safe and your legs are really long!  I can't believe you're so big already, but I am so grateful you are healthy and well, and completely thriving.  We have a lot of fun adventures coming your way this summer and I know you will have a ball on our vacation. I can't wait to see what you think of a pool. You are so sweet little love, and I am so proud to be your momma. I still sit and stare in complete shock, that I am a momma to both a little girl and a little boy. I don't always know what I am doing, but I sure do try my best and most of all, love you with my whole heart.  

Chakra Balance Massage [O.M.G]

So, I'm not sure if it's the bags under my eyes or if I really just work that hard with my kiddos, but either way, my husband said to me last week, "You deserve a Spa Day.  You need to go and get all done up, whatever services you want.  Talk to my mom and figure it out."  Well, later that day he ended up talking to his mom for me and she promptly took a half day last Thursday and I got to treat myself to a Spa Day.   {Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you Mama D!!!!}

I randomly found this one Spa, Luxe  It was one I had never been to, nor heard much of before.  I was drawn to it because I have begun a little more self-discovery and have been working on myself a lot.  I've been looking into meditation, yoga, Mala beads and tons of self-improvement.  I feel as though when you open yourself up to the universe, everything unfolds itself to you.  And so, there it was.  A Chakra Balancing Massage.  I had no clue what it would really entail, but I was ready to find out!

Since hubby said get whatever you want done, I figured I would throw a facial and pedi in there for good measure.  [bliss]

So first of all, the Spa was HUGE! I'm not going to lie, the location doesn't really do it justice, and from the outside it kinda looks like an old motel or something.  But inside? Top of the line.  The changing room/bathrooms were stunning.  Soft fluffy robes and little slippers to put on.

There were several little waiting areas, one with a gas fireplace and one that had this funky looking one!  There was tea, water with orange slices and fresh fruit.  Everything to make you feel zen and full of bliss.

I haven't really done my homework on all 7 of the Chakras. I know the main idea of them, but I still don't know what color associates with each one and what each chakra does.  You don't need to know any of it if you go and get this done, the person will explain as much as you want!!

First she told me that this particular massage I was getting, she does a deep tissue massage and trouble spots (for me it was my back and neck, so I laid face down).  She then does her energy work (chakra balancing) and pretty much the energy work is known as Reiki, (ray-key) which I hadn't really heard of before and now am becoming so interested and want to know more!

Aveda is the product line they use, so she had me pick out 3 cards that either the colors or words stuck out to me.  Each one represented a Chakra and had corresponding scents to help open/balance them.  I chose three, I forget which ones, and she had me close my eyes and smell each one.  The one I liked best was the "heart" or Harmony card.  ---Side note, you get to take a bottle of that mist home with you from your massage!  It had lots of sandalwood and she said it was a popular scent.

Hard to see, I didn't have the flash on but my "Heart Chakra" card…a lot about sympathy, empathy, and love.

Now, I find it strange that I was drawn to this one, because well…I have a really big heart and all day and night, I care for my loved ones.  But as I got to thinking, maybe that was the point.  Perhaps I had SO much love, it needed to be balanced a bit with my other Chakras…thoughts?  Like I said, I am totally new to this.

So the actual "massage" went like this-- I laid face down and she massaged my back/neck and it felt soooooo good! I've had massages before and she was great. Not too hard, not too light, but just right.  Then she started to just put her hands on my and stand there and I was a little confused, like what is this??  Then it hit me, that must be the energy work.




Once I flipped over to my back and face was out, HOLY MOLY.  Talk about a spiritual/out of body/really flipping cool experience.  She had told me before we started, some people see colors, some see images, and if I get overwhelmed at any point, we could stop.  I tried so hard to clear my mind and not think [but as we all know, that's really hard to do.] so  I just went with it.

As she touched different Chakra points, my mind filled with different colors. I kid you not, believe me or don't, but it is straight up awesome what can come into your head!  I saw lots of white light as she was at my head/Crown Chakra and I kind of felt a little buzzy? It's hard to really put into words.

I kept seeing a crazy big open eye with long lashes (representing my 3rd eye probably) and lots of purple and blue.

She said my throat chakra was pretty closed, and I don't really recall many thoughts as her hands were placed there.  At first I was like what???!!! I am known for talking too much, for saying what is on my mind and not exactly holding back.  But then again, I have also learned to be quiet and keep things in.  There are lots of people and instances in my life where I just don't agree or like what is going on, but I don't say anything. She kind of laughed and said I just need to find a way to get that out.

As I continued to reflect, I thought a lot about me.  As a teacher, I couldn't do, wear, say, act, certain ways because, well I was a teacher.  I respected that profession and took it very seriously; I didn't even like running into my students at a mall!!  And after I no longer taught, I remember feeling a bit free….

Well, to be blunt, I kind of felt that way again when I started taking my AdvoCare biz seriously. Don't say this, don't post that, don't, don't…don't…which I completely understand and totally get, but it's not me. .I am such an all or nothing kinda girl, I love the products, I love my team, I totally support everyone, but if I want to have a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and share it on social media? I'm gonna.  Which is why I haven't been posting much about it.  I am just me. I take my products, I promote a healthy lifestyle but I human and once in awhile, ok weekly, I eat sushi with white rice and soy sauce.  And I'm more than ok with it.

And as I continued to think about other areas in my life, I realized how much I hold back because of our lifestyle and I don't want to come off as braggy or this or that.  I never even shared my beautiful Christmas gift from him, because I was almost embarrassed…why would I be embarrassed, if this man who works so hard and wants to spoil me with a gorgeous handbag??  Don't I deserve it?  Can I not be honest and share it? But I've realized, again, that those who really know us, know how hard we work to achieve where we are at.  That Joe and I work together, and if I want to show off his new whip on instagram or Facebook and someone thinks whatever, that's fine.  I'm learning to just be happy and okay with who I am.  I only get one life and one way to live it and if I'm constantly worrying about what someone thinks or that heaven forbid I post something and they unfollow me, WHO CARES?  Life is short and sweet and there is only so much time for happiness and celebrating others.  Sure there will always be negative people, but it is not my job to worry about them.

So yes, this was way more than just a simple massage for me.  It is part of a journey that I am so excited to be on.  I have so much to grow and learn and just really become super comfortable in my own skin.

My mind was racing with images however, when she was at my heart.  I kept seeing myself as a kid playing with my sisters and I kept seeing my two babies, playing and laughing. I literally felt so much energy during that and it is what stood out the most.    She told me afterwards she felt SO much mothers love coming from me, it was like whoa.

She didn't say much at all about my sacral chakra.

She said my root Chakra was weak and that it was OK to be more grounded…. I had told her how I was all of a sudden open to all of this new age stuff and she said that it was evident in my balancing because my crown was going crazy!! I am all over the place trying to learn all this new spiritual stuff, but I always have to remember it's ok to just be.  Stand on the ground, feel the earth, be one with nature.  LOVE THAT!!

She did reflexology on my feet after the energy work and then we were finished.

I asked her if there is anything I should work on and she said that she does not tell her clients what to do, she really just shares what she can and the rest is up to us.  I really want to know if she could see or feel more that she didn't tell me??

Oh she did sense some nervous energy at first, (probably when I was like WTF am I paying you for, if you're just standing there touching my leg haahha!) Like I said, I had no clue what I was getting into. NOW I know. I just have to laugh at myself at this point.

When she was all done she told me to take my time sitting up and she'd come back with water.  I am telling you, I could barely move!! I was like shaky and it took some time to actually sit up and come to. I took a photo of myself and I felt like I looked a little drunk!! Ha

After that amazing  experience, I then had my facial!  The lady was totally different and really outgoing and it took a few minutes for me to get used to her energy, I know I sound all woo woo but I am serious!  She ended up being really nice, but at first I was like what the ?!

I had a major glow after that and felt 10 years younger.

Here is my 'free bottle' of the Chakra scent.

Oh, and my pedi was great too!! Charged Up Cherry is what I went with---LOVE it! Perfect for Spring.

So of course I am totally digging this whole energy work thing and I don't take it lightly.  I know that if you're not careful, you could get yourself into some crazy things… but I am interested in maybe learning how to balance myself and learn how to do it on my kids and definitely my husband--especially because his Crohn's can flare up from time to time and I feel as though we are all connected and everything works together. 

Gimme all the crystals, mala beads and high vibrations please!!