I Confess…

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I miss the link up for these!! {If there’s a new one, someone please LMK! K thanks.}

…I’m on day 2 of my cleanse and I’ve got a whole chicken in the slow cooker—I’m dying to eat it and it’s no where near dinner time.

…Yes I am still doing Advocare cleanses.  They are gentle and effective and my body just seems to reset just perfectly when I do them!

…I went to step on my scale yesterday and the batteries were dead.  NOT COOL! I need to know how many el-bees I lose man!!

…I am super pumped that my husband agreed to go speak on a panel again for an awesome Auto Financial Group conference.  Mama gets to go again too—yay!!

…On that note, we are staying at this beyond gorgeous & swanky Hotel Monteleone.  You guys, there is a carousel bar.  Yes, an actual carousel that spins slowly while you sippy your drinky!

…I am in a silly mood.  I just finished a great uplifting audiobook, maybe it is that.

 

…For real though, I love the way Marie tells her truth bombs and sprinkles adult language throughout the book. It’s real life and quite motivating! Her uplifting and encouraging spirit brought me here to type a blog post!

…Every time my dishwasher beeps, Joe typically says, “Jennnnnnnn” when he’s here.  Now even when he’s not here, that’s all that I can hear when the damn thing beeps.  It’s funny bc it’s true.  I’m the only one who really unloads the dishes.  Well, Brooke helps with the silverware.  And I am not complaining; I love my dishwasher!

…I’m still going at it with 100 Morning Meltdown, but I adapted so I can do it at the gym or I’ll just do other cardio instead of her crazy plyo moves.

…I’m sore from the Meltcon workout I did yesterday.

…One of my favorite YouTubers launched some Merch!! Check out her adorable sweatshirts and tees here!!!

…Ya’ll know I’m a Rachel Hollis fangirl and I have been so excited that the last 90 Days is coming up!! People, we have less than 100 days until 2020—what are you doing to make it count??  I cannot wait to break out that new journal.

…One of my favorite authors/spiritual ladies Gabby Bernstein had a new book launch today and as soon as my audible credit loads (as it does the 24th of every month) you bet that I’ll be listening to her!!  She mentioned on Good Morning America today that yes it’s about talking about getting what you want in life, but first and foremost you must feel good in order to receive.  YES!!

 

…Why yes, I am a book & journal nerd and I’m not mad about it.  I also just love the feeling of completing a book or finishing writing in a journal.

…Prayers up for my dad.  He’s having a small procedure done Wednesday and as always, good vibes & health are always welcome.

…There is no better feeling than being in alignment or my authentic self.

…Fall is in the air and me breaking my pumpkin cold foam chai addiction is real.

…Gratitude does do so much for the soul!!  I’ve been doing my Start Today Journal after I personally journal and there is always something to be grateful for.

…”Create before you consume” is also my morning routine motto.  Before I let in anyone else, I let my own inner light, soul and beauty shine on paper, in my mind and heart.

 

Have a fabulous Tuesday friends!

Weekend Review

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We had such a great weekend! As always, it flew by super fast!

Friday I snuck out for some “do you time” and honestly enjoyed my mani/pedi like no other! It was a great ‘cheers to me’ for having an awesome Summer home with my babies, and an amazing feeling knowing they were both off and in school while I soaked my tired feet! I went with a Fall color, kind of like a red wine!

After that I ran some errands, met up with my boys for a working lunch at a park and we were home to meet Brookie off the bus before we knew it.

Saturday was a pleasant surprise, as I had made plans to attend a freezer meal workshop with my girlfriend Cathy, and assumed I’d bring the kids.  Joe decided it was his Saturday off and took them instead! It was so wonderful to focus on chopping the meats, fixing/bagging up some recipes and most importantly have some GIRL time, I was so grateful! This tasty Chai comes out soon and you betcha I’ll be ordering some!

Saturday called for a night out with my honey, and since the temps are cooler, it was time to bust out one of my favorite faux leather jackets!  Still rocking open toe shoes though.  Had to show off that pedi!!

We dined at a local favorite and it was so good! I hear comments from time to time about how many date nights we go on, but honestly it’s THE BEST THING for us.  I miss him when we don’t see each other a lot and with two dogs, two kids and a business, it’s pretty much vital we get this alone time.  We always have a good time no matter what we do or where we go!

I didn’t snap a photo of the pork belly special—we were starving!  The pork was outstanding and they served it with avocado mousse, melon, watermelon & cucumber balls–drooling just thinking about it!

This pizza was also scrumptious!! It was like a salsa verde on a pizza with a chorizo, cilantro–total party in our mouths.

As for Sunday we had places we should have gone, but our bodies said rest…so I spent the morning finishing up Big Little Lies and honestly relaxing all day.  It was heavenly! I was full of energy this Monday morning and attacked the day!

Happy September!

Tea with Me

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If we were to sit down and have a cup of tea, I’d enjoy this kind! My bestie gifted me a “Sipscription” and this was one of the teas from Sipsby.  This one actually kind of tastes like coffee!

I’d have so much to tell you, since back to school just started!  Summer flew by, but I so enjoyed every stinking minute.  I sometimes wonder why I feel so much emotion though; even the change from Summer to Fall has me all weepy.  I know I love Summer the most, but I do enjoy our Fall weather.  When the trees all change it’s so pretty! I enjoy going for donuts and cider, pumpkin picking and all the slow cooker recipes!  Football, red wine and cozy fires are in my future and I’m not mad about it.

I’d probably tear up telling you all about my babies going off to school for another year.  I was a teacher, you see, so of course I know the value of an education, the mingling of like aged children and stimulating my kids’ minds is so important to me.  But selfishly, I miss them.  I miss the baby snuggles, the bottles, the sticky cheeks, the consumption of them needing me.  No, I don’t want more babies, but I think it’s normal to always have a feel of just wanting your babies just a little while longer.  Don’t get me wrong though, 4 & 6 is such a fun age! They are so sweet and innocent and get along pretty well for the most part. My husband and I keep saying how much know we will miss this phase too! I really had such a beautiful Summer with them.  Parenting is so crazy; I am so ready for bedtime and to sit down quietly, but gosh they grow so darn fast!

I’d tell you if Summer 2019 had a sound track, you’d find these songs on it!

Dancing With a Stranger, Calm Down, Git Up Dance, Old Town Road, Have you Ever seen the Rain, and it would conclude with Dreams–this song has come to me over and over and over again in August.  I would see the lyrics, “thunder only happens when it rains” and I heard it on Big Little Lies.  My husband randomly played it, and I’ve heard it come on several times on the radio.  Why?!?

If we were having a chat, let you in on a little secret—I may not watch TV, but I am known for binging on You Tube! I can’t help it, but I get sucked down a rabbit hole once in awhile. Lately I’m back on the wife/mom bandwagon and adore these two ladies!  How Jen Does it & Beauty & The Beastons

I would fill you in on my manifestations.  “What you think about you bring about.” Thanks to a mastermind training, I’ve started really putting things out there and whoa—they do come back at ya!  Something as small as Joe and I talking about how we wanted a picnic table for the land, and we just wanted to find one…I was walking with the dog and someone had it out by the road. Score! Now we can have picnics or even a bonfire before it gets too cold!

I’d say that I am pretty pumped that I have done 37 workouts out of my 100!  I’m feeling so great and can’t wait to just keep going! It’s amazing what CONSISTENCY does.  I don’t love every workout but I get them done and that’s what counts.  30 minutes or less, there’s really no excuses.

I was also proud of myself for not buying all the things at Home Goods yesterday! I did scoop up a few new pillows for our couch, because Bailey, and all of the Fall Decor was so cute.  I cannot wait until I have our new home to decorate!

I’d admit that I still haven’t used my Instantpot.  I don’t know what my problem is, I’m like nervous or something?! I did use my slow cooker yesterday.  I did the old chicken breasts, cubed small potatoes, green beans, butter & a packet of Ranch dressing. I didn’t want to have to grab fast food after a late afternoon at my sister’s gymnastic’s center, so I prepped before we left. I felt like a total badass for having dinner ready when we walked in the door.  So, I’m giving myself some grace on the Instantpot.

I am pretty excited about some “DO YOU TIME” tomorrow.  With Joe’s work schedule and the kids back to school crazy, I haven’t done much for me. I have worked out, but I am excited for a few hours of daylight alone! I see a pumpkin cold foam iced chai latté in my future.

I’m looking forward to doing some Freezer meals with my friend Cathy on Saturday.  Some of these recipes look so yummy!  I’m really making efforts to make more meals at home as we got into a bad habit of eating out a lot this Summer.  It’s okay, we’ll reign it in and it will be delicious!

Currently I am trying to read my Book of the Month book, The Reckless Oath we Made, but I haven’t been into reading much.  I am making it a goal to read tomorrow though!

Looking back at this Summer, I can’t help but believe that since I took all that time to work on me, it was truly the best gift I have given myself, my husband and my children.  I am so grateful for this crazy beautiful life.  I have never been happier, and it’s crazy because I know life is only going to continue to get better.  It’s what we make of it, and I know and believe there’s so much more in store.

 

Amazon Storefront & Some Randoms

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Happy Thursday beautiful souls!

I woke up this morning, got hubby off to work.  (totally thought he told me he wasn’t going in until 11; totally got that wrong and was just late getting him dressed, fed and packed lunch out the door! #oops) I did my Total Body Bad Ass workout, ate breakfast, showered and we had an excellent appointment with no tears and no cavities at the dentist for two kiddos.  After that, I did an Amazon return at Kohl’s (great marketing technique!) grabbed a few last minute back to school items for kids as well.  We had lunch, picked up the house and I’ve had a few moments to work on this here blog.

I’m enjoying the cooler temps, but not quite ready for Fall! Partially because I’ll miss having both of my babies home with me all day and I know the snow will soon be flying.  It’s all good though.  To everything, there is a season!

Speaking of Fall, I am finally able to create a storefront on Amazon!  If there’s one thing I have always loved, it’s Fall Fashion.  Now I can keep all of my fashion ideas in one spot AND share them with you!! I love shorts, flip flops, bathing suits, tees and easy livin’.  However, there’s something about layers, cool mornings, booties, jeans & cardis that this upstate NY gal just adores.  I’ll share some more of the looks in another post, but go ahead and take a peek at all the Fall feels!

I am excited to add more lists to my storefront, from the kids, to dogs, household items, clothing, and building a new home (eeeeek!!), I have lots to share!  Blogging has always been my form of active relaxation.  I love writing, feeling creative and sharing with others what works, what doesn’t and what is going on my crazy little world!

It’s hard to believe the Summer is almost over, but we had such a great one.  I have lots to still post from our vacation, so that’s my goal before September.  (Get my Lake George re-caps ups!)  I truly feel like we had the right amount of go-go-go and total relaxation.  I’ve found the ebb and flow of business and mom/wife life and I continue to work on myself daily.

Until the white flakes start flying, you’ll find us outside as much as possible.  Currently the kids are riding around in their “Green Car” they call it and I’m enjoying the fresh air, warm sun but cool breeze of later August. I’ve been cutting technology out as much as possible so my two have been so cute and creative.  They were playing with plastic bags, the water hose, and adding leaves pretending they had pet fish yesterday.  They make me laugh!

I know this a random post, but I wanted to share just a little bit and if you want to check out some good reads, I’ve added quite a few of my favorite books here.

I just finished Big Little Lies and it was AMAZING! Now I’m ready to watch the show everyone is talking about.  I love Reese Witherspoon and cannot wait to see how this book is portrayed on a TV show.  I am getting ready to start The Reckless Oath We Made as my bestie told me it’s one of her favorite authors.  I’m excited!

No big plans this weekend and I’m not mad about it.  I am kinda looking forward to reading, blogging and cooking up some yummy foods.  This came through my inbox the other day, so I may try this Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl!   Enjoying the days friends, that’s what it’s all about!

What’s on your agenda this weekend?

Tea (and cookies) with Me

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I figured we’d sit down and have a little tea together, shall we?  I’m having a cup of English Breakfast, with a splash of vanilla soy milk.  You?

 

July rushed right past us, although I thoroughly enjoyed all of its glory.  The weather has been literally, too good to be true and I am not sorry that I have spent most of my days outside breathing in this fresh air.  The sun feels glorious, the pools have been refreshing and I just LOVE Summer so much!

I slacked in my reading a bit in July; I was in a bit of a reading funk, but I think it’s safe to say I’m in the clear.  I’ve just finished several books that I do recommend! Class Mom was hilarious.  Evie Drake Starts Over was simply adorable, heartwarming and just a good old fashioned good read.  I literally finished my book club read hours before our meetup and it was quite the page turner towards the end, Watching You.

I’ve been studying, watching videos and really working more on our real estate business.  I am such a learner that it is half annoying (to me or my husband more, I’m not sure) that I can’t just dive into things without really giving it a hard go at researching.  I know success means sometimes you throw yourself into it, fail along the way and figure it out (I feel like that’s how we got here so far on my end!) Some of the biggest lessons were mistakes that were made.

I’m still riding in my ‘flow of authentic energy’ and am crafting my final blog post regarding my work with my life coach Lindsay Preston and two of her courses that I finished.

Other than that, we’ve eaten our weight in soft serve ice cream, delicious cheeseburgers and all the tasty Summer eats.  Of course I’ve been balancing it all with my daily workouts and eating clean mostly 80% of the time.  I know that life is too short to not enjoy the delicious food!

It’s hard to believe this will be my last year as an official “Stay at home mom” and while I’m aware that I work at home too, I can’t help but feel such a twinge of excitement and sadness all at once.  The other day I sat on our front porch as Brookie ran around, in her 6.5 year old glory.  I could feel the pull of years past, when she was only a 6 month old baby girl.  Her goofy grin, her bright shiny blue eyes and bald baby head–my heart ached for a quick moment, as I held that thought tight, knowing full well how beautiful it was to be with her every step of the way.  Bradley too, but this gift of motherhood is so amazing.  Time flies way too fast and while you’re in the midst of it, it sometimes feels like a never-ending carousel ride of bottles, diapers, bath and bedtime, sticky kisses, potty training, “mommy” this and “mommy” that… and yet I can see the quiet future, not so far off in the distance.  I see the quick kiss, if I’m lucky, and the running out the door.  The days where friends will be cooler than parents, and activities will take more of their days.  So I settle in, quietly here, with this small cup of tea.  I let them bake M&M cookies with me and make the hundredth peanut butter and jelly sandwich for the Summer.  I stop and cuddle with them if they ask.

I know babies don’t keep, but I am so very grateful that the memories of them do.

 

(P.S. These cookies really are perfection!! Follow the recipe below.)