Finding Balance

It’s the New Year and we have all been making and working on our resolutions, or maybe we have broken them already? Haha. I am working on finding the balance in life (I mean who isn't really?) In August I thought I'd have so much time since all my kids went to school this year.  Boy, was I wrong. I find myself busier than ever. I started a new career and I am LOVING what I am doing because it’s just me being me and sharing my passions for things I love. That's everyone’s dream job, right? It’s mine for sure. But it's also a job and I have to work hard at it. So how do I find the balance between my work, my kids life and time for me? How do I create the best me in this crazy world? How do I feed my family on the go, yet still keep it healthy, or at least semi-healthy? How do I not look like I jumped out of bed 10 minutes ago yet keep it simple and easy?

I have had this blog for a long time now and have been off and on with it, sometimes keeping up well and sometimes letting life get in the way. Well, here we are in the New Year and I have not posted since September, but its been on my conscious for some time now. I have recipes and things I want to share. And I have fun times and memories to archive. So, here we go again... trying to find the balance. Any your all invited to join in my journey. 

My New Venture!

As most of you know, all my kids went to school this year, all day, every day, for the first time. We are in a new town, a new state, where I don't know many people yet. As so many moms do, I have been debating what to do with my life now that the kids are all in school. I have been mostly a stay at home mom for 11 years. Do I get a job? Volunteer all day? What do I do for me? How do I find the balance?

A lot of my friends chimed in with FANTASTIC ideas and I have been mulling them all over for the past couple of weeks. And then it hit me....

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a blog post about My Fitness Journey. I received a lot of GREAT feedback, BUT best of all, I had a number of people tell me that I inspired them. I was beyond humbled by that and have been following up with those friends. They mean the world to me, and if this is their time, I want them to succeed! That made my blood pump!! I was excited by the fact that I could help someone. So after much thought, I decided that is where I am being called. I am going to use that excitement for helping other moms and make that into my "career". 

I 100% believe that every mom can, and should, find a little time for themselves each day. Looking and feeling good about yourself makes you a better mom, wife, businesswoman, volunteer, whatever it is that you do. I try to make that time every day. I workout for at least 30 minutes, try to eat healthy, get showered and dressed and put on some make-up (even if it is just mascara and lip gloss). 


I have the SAME struggles as every mom; my kids fight, we are busy to the max, the laundry is overflowing, the house always needs cleaned....it never ends!! So I KNOW what you all are going through. I am in the trenches with you! 


There are some FANTASTIC things that I use everyday; that I TRULY believe in, which is why I want to share them with you.

1. Beachbody Workouts- I have done P90x, Insanity, P90x3, T25 and tried a couple others too, through online streaming. I have a good knowledge of the programs, what they offer, and what works for what you need in your life! The best part, most programs are only 25-30 minutes a day!! You CAN do that!!! I am going to be setting up challenge groups on Facebook to motivate you, keep you accountable and HELP you reach your fitness goals!! 

2. Shakeology - I use this EVERY day, as a meal replacement, usually the meal right after my workout. I am NOT a big supplement girl. I don't like putting a bunch of stuff in my body or taking pills. This shake has so many vitamin and nutrients in it, tastes DELICIOUS! It also keeps me feeling full and full of energy. It's amazing! 

Photo collage credit goes out to my pal Carrie!!

3. Younique 3D+ Mascara - Like I mentioned earlier, many of days, I only wear mascara and lipstick. This mascara looks STUNNING! It is easy to apply, not tested on animals, and all natural. It will make you look and feel SEXY! I promise! Doesn't matter how much baby spit-up is on your shirt, you will feel like you are ROCKING it! 

Check out the differnce in this picture! Younique also offers a full line of make-up and skincare. The company is growing by leaps and bounds too. I promise you won't be disappointed!

I have created a Facebook Page  (click to see it, like it, and share it!) called, "Your Body, Your Look, YOUR WAY." I want to share with you my tips, tricks, motivation, triumphs and fails! I encourage you to share with others too! I am SOOOO EXCITED to start this new venture in my life and can't wait to share it with all of YOU; MY FRIENDS! 

Contact me directly if you would like more information on any of the things I have shared with you. I am happy to share with you my knowledge and experience. I use these things EVERY DAY! 

I LOVE to INSPIRE those that I love and care about! I want you all to believe that you can reach your goals, and live a HEALTHY AND BEAUTIFUL LIFE!!!

Mommy Meltdown

We all have moments every day we want to erase, or never share with people. And life doesn't always go as planned. Yesterday was one of those days for me....but I'll share, because it happens to everyone!

The day started out great, a normal day. Carson and I were getting ready to leave for his first field trip ever, to the zoo, and he was going to ride the bus. We were both excited because the sun was shining, and the weather had been predicting rain. And then I got a call from the kids elementary school. Lice had been found in Logan's classroom and they found knits in his hair. I needed to come get him. The girls were on their way to the nurse to be checked too. I started panicking a little; OK, lets go get Logan and he can come to the zoo with us and then we can deal with it. When I got to school they said both girls had it too. UGH!!! This was a first for us. I had never dealt with it and I didn't even know where to start. The nurse was giving me all kinds of helpful information, but I was feeling very overwhelmed. My stress level has been high these days; with trying to find a house in Florida and getting everything done here and everyone where they need to be. So first thing first though, I have to get Carson to school so he doesn't miss the bus for his field trip. I got to school just in time and as he got on the bus I started bawling in the parking lot. I couldn't hold it back. I had a sweet friend tell me like it was about how bad lice really is to treat. I appreciate the honesty, really Shannon, it wasn't you that made me cry! :) I just needed my moment I guess. 

Luckily, another fantastic friend saw me and got out to see what was wrong. In an instant she was on the phone and had an appointment for me at The Lice Place...yes, that's what its called. And that's all they do!! Thank goodness she took it upon herself to do that. Katie, I can't thank you enough!!!

So, as I wave goodbye to my baby on the bus, where I was supposed to be with him, we were all off across town to The Lice Place. I got checked first, and NEGATIVE. Phew! I figured Logan next and then the girls because they would be harder. Logan was positive. Then, by some miracle, both girls were NEGATIVE! They even went back and double checked very well. I couldn't believe it!! A small miracle in my day! I was prepared for hours and hours and hundreds of dollars. It took about 1/2 hours to treat Logan and $140. But well worth the trip across town and the money! I would have had no idea what to look for. I was really overwhelmed with all the info the nurse was giving me. So now, everyone is clear. I have to take Logan back on Monday for a check to make sure. And they guarantee   their work for 30 days. So that takes us to the end of school. Im good with that!! 

I did have to come home and do loads and loads of laundry. The washing machine is still going this morning. And lots and lots of vacuuming. If I'm going to treat it I'm going to do it right the first time and cross my fingers and pray we NEVER deal with this again!!! 

I missed my baby's first field trip. And yes, I cried in the school parking lot. But we all have our moments, right? Carson had a good time, Ms. Karen and Shannon sent me lost of pictures. And I did what I had to do. Life goes on.

Busy Career Week

I was lucky enough to get away for the weekend to visit with friends in Cincinnati. 2 days jammed full of friends, food, and drinks! I was lucky enough to get to see 7 friends, and have Astid spend two nights with me in the hotel, and Kim a night too!! Wahoo!

Girls Night Out in Over the Rhine

We spent Saturday getting books signed and listing to a talk by the author Karen Marie Moning.

I came home on Monday and have been non-stop since then, 

but busy is good in my world!

This week was Career Week in the Elementary School. I talked to both Logan and Melina's classes for career week and Michael came and talked with Logan's class. 

They each got to dress up as the profession of their choice on Friday.

I have a tiara wearing teacher, a football player and a dancer.

Carson had a busy week too! 

He has Dress Like a Pirate Day and a Snowball fight!

Aaarg Matey!

Ready, Set...

Throw!

Best Buddies!

Such a GREAT group of Kids!

Bell Bell...Simply the best

Yesterday the kids had off school for MLK day, so we took a road trip with some new friends! About 40 miles SE of us is a Blue Bell Ice Cream Factory. For those of you northerners who don't know what it is...its reason in itself to come visit me...TRUST ME!! 

They didn't let you take any pictures inside the factory. In fact, we didn't get to go "inside the factory." It was more of a window tour. But the kids enjoyed getting to see and they learned a couple things too!

Last night at dinner when the kids were going over what they learned, here is what they said:

1. Workers can eat as much ice cream as they like on their shift.

2. They have 345 workers and work from 7-3.

3. It takes 20,000 cows to produce the cream for that factory alone for 1 day!!!

4. They can fill more gallons a minute into 3 gallon tubs than 1 gallon tubs.

5. They rotate flavors every 3 months.

6. Every worker know how to do every job and the rotate every 15 minutes.

7. They turn the tubs upside down after packaging to ensure the lid stays on.

I would say they learned a thing or two! 

Included in the tour price was a free scoop of any ice cream flavor you like. Fresh from the factory!   YUM!!!

 Afterwards, these new friends got a whole day of playing together! 

 Such a FUN crew!!

Melina, Luke, Meeka, Jake, Logan, Andi & Carson