jenndellefave

Tea With Me

jenndellefave / April 5, 2019 / Leave a comment

Happy Friday friends!! It’s gonna be a busy, but GOOD one, I can feel it! I saw a super fun post idea over at Chelsea’s Blog The Girl Who Loved to Write — so adorable, go check her out!! Her post is “Coffee Date: Four Cups in” and while I don’t drink coffee, we all know I love my tea!!

So I’m sipping on some Earl Grey de la Creme with warmed vanilla soy milk and figured I’d take a few minutes to chat with you! If you were sitting with me enjoying some tea, I’m sure we would have SO much to talk about. The sun is shining, and we are all dying for some warmer weather! 38 degrees is not Spring. It is trying though, the sun and the warm weather that is…

…I jumped on the ‘preset bandwagon’ and am trying out some fun filters. #iwantaprettyinstafeedtoo I am laughing at myself, you can laugh too.

…I’d tell you that I’m really looking forward to Bailey getting some formal dog training. We love her dearly, but she’s a beast and we cannot wait to get a better handle on her.

…I have not been great about going to the gym. I was putting ME first for a bit and it was working, but this whole working, mom life/wife life thing crept right up on me again! Boo. I have been walking the dogs, doing a little yoga at home, but it’s not the same.

…We have no big plans this weekend other than Brooke’s dance photos. It’s also hard to top the Disco last weekend, so I guess low key means that I can read my TBR book pile?

…Speaking of I’m LOVING the current book that I am reading, Daisy Jones & The Six. I’m totally calling it a slow burn–as in I hold it and love the words that I’m reading, but am sincerely savoring them instead of flying through it like I do sometimes. I legit told my husband I felt sorry for him yesterday, because he doesn’t love books the way that I do. It’s hard to explain, but man the smell, the feel of the pages, and a really good book–there is nothing like it!! I highly recommend this one if you’re a literary lover and a fan of music.

…I’m currently listening to Start with Why on audible. Fascinating stuff I tell ya! If you’re a lover of learning or in business for yourself or even run/manage a team of others, you’d get a lot out of this one. I was blown away by the part on Southwest airlines and also why Apple was so successful.

…In other book news, I received an advanced reader copy of The girl He Used to Know and it launched this week. It’s SUCH a beautiful story–it’s also one that I have a hard time putting into words. You just need to read it; I don’t want to ruin a single second of it for anyone! It really is worth the read.

…I’m trying to figure out which direction to send my son as far as sports go. We tried a little soccer thing last year, but he ran off the field a lot and it seemed a bit overpriced for what it was. Brooke has her dancing but Bradley is 4 and needs something. I’m thinking this Summer I’ll get him into the Y or something. I know he has A LOT of energy and needs to be around other kiddos and under someone else’s supervision than just mine!

…My spray tan is fading and that makes me sad! LOL I need to order some new faux tan lotion or at home spray. What’s your fave??

…I’m already experiencing Spring Break envy. We have no plans to travel anywhere and I wish that we did! We are going to go away this Summer though, so researching is in full effect. Any suggestions for 2 kiddos 4 & 6?! We loved Lake George and had a ball last year in South Carolina, but we aren’t sure where to travel to next…

…I need to head back to Trader Joe’s and check out their goods again! It’s been some time and when I was there last, this tea (what inspired these thoughts!) caught my eye. What are your TJ favorites?

Have a fabulous weekend!

4 and 6 (Belated Birthday Re-cap)

jenndellefave / April 3, 2019 / 2 Comments

Oh gosh, how does the time fly by so darn fast?! Early 2019 was a pretty rough start for us, to say the least, but we were so grateful that Joe was able to feel well enough to be a part of the kids’ birthdays. He wasn’t even back to work yet, due to his Crohn’s flare ups, but he was able to smile with his children.

For Brooke’s actual birthday, we brought her in some Chic-fil-A and had lunch in the cafeteria with her and her classmates.

That afternoon she came home to some gifts, cards & a fun balloon! I also picked up some stuff at the Dollar Tree to decorate the table etc. She’s really into drawing, crafts and being artsy, so that’s what she got!!

That night we took her out for ‘noodles’ and sushi.

Since we always have their party together, they typically share a cake. However, I read (and spoke to!) that when siblings share a cake, it kind of takes away the special feel of a birthday…and I can totally understand!! I love birthdays and I don’t want to take that away from the kids. Besides, this year they each wanted a different cake flavor and character.

Brook wanted Vampirina on a chocolate cake. I remember it was early January and I was sitting beside Joe at the hospital thinking to myself, what on earth can I do to get these cakes for the kiddos?! Thank goodness for Etsy!! I clearly didn’t do anything other than slap the edible image on top of the small round cake (we bought the cake from Wegmans), but with all that was happening, I was happy to get something like this!

She loved it.

Bradley wanted a Black Panther cake in vanilla. It worked out beautifully, as the kids at the party could choose chocolate or vanilla and we had the perfect amount of cake!

They got to bounce around at Leap and Laugh with some of their close friends.

We had pizza and juice, clean up was minimal and everyone had a ball!

Bradley’s actual birthday happened just a few days after and again I had a balloon waiting for him and we decorated the table. He had been begging for a “Bumblebee” transformer and he loved “Daddy’s red car” so we scooped him up a red Lambo…

They were so excited to match with their birthday crowns. For his special dinner, he wanted pizza (shocking!) so we made some at home.

I realize it’s already April, but I didn’t want to not document our babies’ birthdays!! I have to admit, that being able to do a 2 for 1 at a party place is quite nice. Those places can be a little expensive, but totally worth not having a gazillion people over at our house. It’s tricky with January because it’s so darn cold and a lot of times, people get sick so we have learned to just keep it simple and go with the flow.

Ugly Disco

jenndellefave / April 1, 2019 / Leave a comment

The Disco is over!! (insert sad face!) We have now been to the Ugly Disco 8 times. I was so excited Friday night, I had trouble sleeping, and I actually went back through my old blog posts to count and see! (Pics are below!)

It’s a great cause as the money is raised to support the Golissano Children’s Hospital here in Rochester.

Friday I got my nails done in a white gel polish to match my go go boots!

I wanted to get a really fun and flirty light pink pout, so I found some of these drugstore lip products to play with. I really liked how they came out!!

Cheers!

I got this super fun dress on Amazon & I also needed a new pair of Go Go Boots because my old pair literally broke for good last year!! These were super comfy and I could have kept on dancing all night long!!

White Go Go Boots (I wear a size 9 shoe and I got the large; they fit perfectly!)

Dress I ordered a small in the dress, and it was small! It said up to 120 lbs which I’m around 138 here, so it was snug. I always wear booty shorts under the dress anyway, but it did come with a cute headband, clip on earrings (I didn’t wear) and these super fun pink glasses!

And can we all just say a big giant thank you for spray tans!! Goodness an all over tan glow makes a girl feel SO good!!

I’ve been trying to work out and eat better, more consistently; I’m not where I *want* to be, but I am happy with the progress I’m making with the efforts I’ve been putting in. I have been loving my workouts at the gym and look forward to continuing my health journey. It’s no joke staying fit and living a busy life! I have to thank all those years of dance for making it easier for my legs to get into good shape though. Muscle memory is real. (And Catalyst is the bomb!)

We took an uber there and back.

Joe and his get up gets so many compliments and I took so many photos of him and other ladies it was quite hysterical!

Joe’s long time friend Chris and his girlfriend are always fun to hang out with. Thanks for a fun night guys!!

I ran into my friend Becki who was dressed up as the 1970’s Honey Nut Cheerio Bee!!!

It’s so hard to take photos when you’re all dancing to great music haha!

And some flashbacks from year’s past…

2019

It’s seriously the best time and we look forward to going every year! The only years we didn’t go were right after we had the babies (both were born in January and the disco was in February, so mama wasn’t quite ready to boogie in a little disco dress!) And another year his cousin got married, but other than that you can expect us to bring the house down each year at the Ugly Disco!

New Beauty Faves

jenndellefave / March 27, 2019 / Leave a comment

There’s something so simple and yet so satisfying by just lighting a candle. No joke I picked this up at The Dollar Tree last Saturday. I often feel as though my Throat Chakra is closed or at least partially blocked; I know that I need to speak more freely and say what’s on my heart more. I lit the candle and dove into my newest mask obsession…

This Deep Clean Detox Mask by Ever smells SO amazing!! I am typically a sheet mask girl, but slathering this mask on with a brush makes me feel fancy and it literally smells like a spa treatment. And it works!! I think I should do it 2x a week, but I’m lucky if I make time for myself once a week. It really helps with clogged pores and small breakouts– especially if you’re like me and maybe forget to totally take off all your makeup from the day. OOPS.

Detox Mask

I paint it on and then really “try” to relax for 10-20 minutes. I then use a warm wet cloth to remove the mask.

I’ve also been using “purple shampoo” which seems to be all the rage right now to achieve that icy blonde look on the mane. I saw this at Sephora and I chuckled at the name. Bust your Brass. It smells SO SO good and if you know me, I am huge on things having good scents. It also leaves my hair super soft which I appreciate!

Bust your Brass

Post workout face (holy Zumba Strong!!), but check out that blonde hair! This is a day after using this shampoo/conditioner.

I also just ordered my first Beauty Counter items! I’ve heard amazing reviews on this company and their products and Joe’s cousin signed on with them. I needed to replace my eye makeup remover, as I was running low on Mary Kay, and I thought I’d try it out. SO happy that I did! It smells amazing and feels so refreshing, not oily and really works on removing mascara! I also had to try a lippy because, well, I have a lipstick/gloss obsession. I love this subtle mint flavor/feel. It’s so hydrating too! I got the color “Brunch.” I will be shopping from Mary again soon!

Beauty Counter

What are some of your current beauty faves?!

Healthy Food Hacks

jenndellefave / March 25, 2019 / Leave a comment

I’ve been making real efforts to eat mindfully & healthy again. Trust me, I know it’s not easy to make every meal a homemade, from scratch, perfectly balanced etc. I have however, really been listening to my body and eating my 5-6 small meals a day since I did my 10 Day Cleanse a few weeks ago. Here are some ways I work on keeping myself and my family healthy!

I believe in real food 80% of the time and give 20% wiggle room for life’s fun things, like french fries and sweets. I also think top notch vitamins are important to keep us healthy and that all things begin and end in the gut!

Check out your local grocery store’s freezer section. There are some amazing options for smoothies these days!! I added water and this was packed with lots of veggies, flax, hemp seeds, fruits etc. I also noted it did not have a lot of sugar, but I failed to take a photo. oops! It was super healthy and yummy.

Kimchi is so good for our guts! Pre & Probiotics will help your digestive system get back up and running, plus it has a great flavor, so you can add it to so much! I love the simple snack of sourdough (also good for guts in moderation!)

Super easy breakfasts– Soft boiled egg & a packet of oatmeal.

I also love a good over easy egg with cooked spinach; I will sometimes use a little cream cheese on my ezekial toast to get that bagel feel haha! A little turkey bacon & Everything but the bagel seasoning and you’re good to go.

Sheet pan dinners are super quick and a great way to eat healthy AND use up food in the fridge. I use whatever I have on hand, sprinkle some seasoning and bake at 375 for about 45 mins – an hour.

KIDS

I started utilizing a simple strategy for our meals last week. Kids love meatballs, so I think I’ll do “Meatball Monday.” I phoned it in and used frozen meatballs, threw them in the oven. I served them “butter noodles” in this case I used whole wheat pasta, a little butter, salt & evoo. I also gave the kids green beans for the veggie and some pasta sauce to dunk in.

Another fun/easy hack is to grab a muffin tray and fill it with all the things. I try to use up anything we have leftover in the cupboard and add fruits or veggies too. Bradley had requested a PB & J as well, so I made sure to have that for him! This keeps them from asking me for a snack five million times! Plus, when giving my kids options, they are learning what healthy food is and ‘junk food.’ I don’t want them to fear sugar and junk but I also don’t want to make a big deal about it. I teach them to eat til their bellies are full. I think our approach works well.

Family pizza night!! The kids LOVE helping out, so we grabbed some pizza crusts and created our own pizzas. I love the cauliflower pizza crusts, so I made those for me.

We love the downtown butcher/restaurant McCann’s, but sometimes I just can’t handle all the buns, grease etc. They have an amazing Butcher salad that is so good!! The dressing is bomb and their steaks never have any antibiotics etc. Super yummy!

I saw this on Insta and I want to re-create it!! I am loving granola and smoothies, plus the new Advocare Bodylean does not have a weird protein taste—it’s a need for staying on track!

This looked yummy too, so I figured I’d save it here to refer back to it. Have you tried anything like this?

I’ve added collagen back into the mix again, because hello—I’m nearing 40 people!!

From the site: Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body and helps give structure to our hair, skin, nails. However, as we age, the production of collagen levels in our body decreases. AdvoCare Glow Collagen contains 5,000 mg of marine collagen peptides that function to support our body’s natural collagen production.* Silica, sourced from bamboo extract, complements the collagen and supports the strength and elasticity of the skin.* Additional antioxidant Vitamin E helps to promote healthy skin cell function.*

Perfect berry taste to sip on while I read some of my new book!

I’m also crushing on these protein cookie dough bars!! Some store bought bars hurt my belly but I never have an issue with these.

Another hack I’ve been using is these tasty ready to drink protein shakes. I will leave it in the car (on cold days, or in a cooler with an ice pack) and after a gym workout, I can easily refuel!

My gym routine- I take 2 catalyst before my workout (about a half hour) and then during my sweat sesh, I drink a rehydrate. I was getting really dehydrated when I first joined the gym again, and I didn’t feel well at all. Since upping the electrolytes, my workouts are better and I feel stronger!

Another fun drink I throw into the mix are the Advogreens. I have the berry flavor and it’s tasty! This is packed with probiotics and excellent for gut health.

We all know how much I love me some Starbs, but I think we can agree that too many trips will empty the bank account and make the pants not button!!

I love Lady Grey Tea with some hot water and then I’ll use my milk frother and steam some vanilla soy milk. It’s so good!

These little chocolate dipped almonds are great when I want a little sweet/salty treat!

What are some ways that you keep you and your family healthy while being busy?

*Follow my Instagram stories, as most of these photos were pulled from there!* JennDelleFave