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!!!

Consignment Sale

I hit the JACKPOT!

I got almost all of my kids a summer wardrobe in one fail swoop last night…at a consignment sale.

Yes, thats right I got piles and piles of clothes shoes and accesories (some even new!) and most everything Gymboree or Gap or a some name brand. I even picked up a full set of 30 level 1 and 2 early reader Scooby Doo books on my way to the checkout!

I did not have the time, or motivation to price and get all my stuff to a sale this Spring, but I was able to work 2 hours yesterday morning  (with free childcare for 3 rascals!) setting up for this sale and in return I got to shop at the pre-sale. This is the way to go!!! I helped put out clothes for the sizes I was looking for so I had an idea of what was there and where it was. Then I got to go shop last night without the crowds, the shoving, the pushing, the waiting in line... It was GREAT!

I am telling you with 4 kiddos who LOVE to play outside and do arts and crafts, this is the only way to go. Then if they ruin something, oh well…. No sweat.

Let them play and have fun and look cute doing it!

straight from London

Yes, Here it is friends...the latest fashion trends straight from the runway. Look out Lourdes and Ashley and Mary-Kate...here comes the Miraglia Girls!

All colors and patterns mixed together!!

The pantless look. Tailored on the top and
birthday suit on the bottom!

Budding Fashionista

As the girls got dressed this morning it became apparent how different their "styles" are already. Melina is all about comfy with a bit of sparkle thrown in. Meeka is more girly girly; she loves her hair bows and pretty things. Melina got dressed today based on how her clothes matched her underwear. Meeka got dressed based on her shoes...

That should say it all!

I regret not getting a picture of Melina before she left for school. She accessorized her outfit with a gold sparkle headband, pink and white socks and her black patent leather dress shoes. 

But I am sure you can use your imagination.

Hi, my name is Gretchen and...

I AM A BARGAIN SHOPPER! 


I always have been and I think I always will be. (Although it sure would be nice to not have to think about a budget!) At first it was out of neccesity....it all started way back in High School when you DO NOT DARE to wear the same outfit twice and I went through a whole school year not wearing the same outfit one year (I did mix and match things...I was not that bad!). As a poor college student everyone baragin shops and then when real life kicks in, well you all know the deal. You either spend wisely or arrive in major credit card debt. So I choose to spend wisely.


Today, with 4 kiddos to feed, clothes and have FUN with it is out of neccesity still! But I love it. I love the thrill of finding a great deal. And I don't mind buying used clothes...for goodness sake they are just going to get it dirty anyway! I recently bought a stroller and some mats off off Craislist (And it is great way for me to make a couple extra bucks too selling the stuff we no longer need) and today I went with a friend to a consignment sale where I loaded up on fall clothes for everyone (Thanks Lexington ladies for being my inspiration on this one)! I arrived early, stood in line and hunted out the deals. One lady told me she had been watching me and she knew I was a pro...what a PROUD moment for me!! Check out what I got! 

So when you see my kids stylin' and compliment their outfit...you are complimenting my skills as a bargain shopper... And PS- make sure Michael hears you, so he will always be willing to watch the kids while I feed my addiction!! :)

Fashionistas

Although life throws many curveballs at us...and spitballs and poopballs... and well you get the picture, I try to have a little fashion in my life. I figure if I put on a necklace, maybe no one will notice the ketsup and formula stains on my clothes. I don't know if it works, but it makes me feel better about myself. Today I decided to add a pink flower pin to a white tank and jean shorts to dress it up. Made me feel spunky today. (This picture was taken at the Children's Garden this morning)

This morning Melina also sported her version of style. She came downstairs wearing a headband (which she called her pretty flower headband) and then proceeded to take several trips to the mirror to "check how it was looking." She is more my tomboy and the headband as a sweatband with biker shorts and tennis shoes and little bit of sparkle on her butterfly shirt just fit her personality to the T!

And Meeka is more my girly girly. Always sporting the accessories. She has been wearing my heals lately (and walking pretty well in them). I caught her again tonight with my heals, a phone and a water bottle. (looks like her toes need a little work!)