Category: LIFE-ING

A moment of honesty here…I almost had to break up with the scale. But we talked things through and I’ve decided to give it another chance. And by “we” I mean you and me by way of this post here so thank you for the talk.

Truth is the number on the scale hasn’t budged for a while and I am pretty frustrated. I was REALLY enjoying my own little game to see how many of my health metrics I could change and how what I would eat could change them. But they have been sitting strong and steady at the best they have been my entire life and it FRUSTRATES me. Say what!?! Yeah, I know it sounds stupid but this is just where my head is at right now. The “game” is over and I am bummed. This is where things can get real bad real fast for me if I’m not careful. I don’t want to get too discouraged by the numbers and start to overthink things.

So instead of spiraling let’s celebrate a non-scale victory by sharing some more side by sides I never thought would see the light of day. I started off this summer wearing swimsuits I have owned for years but had never worn because they were too small. And now with summer coming to an end some of those same swimsuits are now too big! So yeah, the scale hasn’t budged but that doesn’t mean things aren’t happening. That doesn’t mean the work I’m putting in is all for nothing. And that ABSOLUTELY DOES NOT give me an excuse to fly off the rails and self sabotage. There IS a transformation there and it cannot be measured by the scale alone. Period.

From One Worry Wart To Another,

Life is to be lived in the present — in the here and now! So stop wasting your time worrying about tomorrow when you have more than enough going on today that needs all of your attention. Embrace the beauty of the present moment and cherish every experience it brings. Let go of those nagging worries and anxieties that hold you back and instead, focus on the incredible opportunities that surround you RIGHT NOW. Take a deep breath, take that leap of faith, and see where life takes you! Remember, the future will unfold in its own time, and agonizing over it won’t change a thing. So get out there and MAKE EVERY DAY A GREAT DAY no matter what life throws your way! You’ve got this babe!

With Love From,

A Recovering Worry Wart

I’ve always been that woman who wears her heart on her sleeve, unafraid to show the world my emotions and vulnerabilities. Well, guess what? I’ve taken it a step further and now wear my life story on my sleeve.

Each tattoo etched on my skin tells a chapter of my journey—the highs, lows, and everything in between. It’s a collection of memories, lessons, and so much personal growth. These tattoos are not just mere illustrations; they’re my badges of courage, resilience, and self-expression.

I’ve always believed that our stories make us who we are, and now I carry mine with me wherever I go. They serve as a constant reminder of the battles I’ve fought, the love I’ve experienced, and the dreams I’ve pursued fearlessly.

But let’s not forget the most important part—my story is far from complete! Each new day brings fresh experiences, challenges, and opportunities for continued growth. With every step I take, my sleeve will continue to evolve, reflecting the ongoing chapters of my ever-unfolding life. So here’s to being bold, vulnerable, and embracing our journeys with open hearts. Remember, it’s never too late to rewrite the narrative.

I also want to give a HUGE shoutout and sincerest THANK YOU to @abbydanis. I can’t find the words to express how grateful I am for the INCREDIBLE work you’ve done. Your artistic talent, expertise and professionalism have transformed my vision into a breathtaking reality. Now to start planning the next one…

Yes, life can be tough. REAL tough! Unfortunately that is something I know all too well. But it’s important to remember that our struggles don’t define us. It’s how we respond to them that TRULY matters. We can choose to let our challenges consume us, or we can choose to RISE ABOVE them and find the beauty in each and every day.

Believe me, I know that choosing to see the good isn’t always easy. But it IS always worth it. When we focus on the positive, we attract more positivity into our lives. We become happier, more fulfilled, and better equipped to handle whatever challenges come our way.

Remember that. no matter what life throws your way you have the power to make every day a GREAT DAY! No matter how difficult it may seem. Embrace the challenges, find the silver linings, and keep pushing forward.

Are you feeling so overwhelmed you don’t even know where to start??? Don’t worry, I have been there too. Drop a 🫶🏼 in the comments if you would like me to share more on just how to move past that freeze response. You’ve got this babe!

I joke around a LOT about how I can’t wait for the day I get Botox. But the truth is the thought of actually going through with something like that FREAKS ME THE F*€k OUT! I couldn’t even handle the feeling of a moving and growing baby in my belly so the thought of losing muscle control to my VERY EXPRESSIVE face is a no. It’s a hard pass for me.

In search of a more natural alternative I have gotten SUPER into really good, affordable skin care, better sun protection, and a TON of staring at myself in the mirror. But instead of tearing myself down and nitpicking at every little flaw I am speaking to myself with love and learning to embrace what I don’t like.

Take my forehead wrinkles for example. I am hands down most self conscious about my forehead wrinkles. If I can find a way to cut them off or crop them out I will do so. Just watch my stories. I do it almost every day. But today I am embracing my forehead wrinkles. They are a reminder of the beautiful and happy life I have lived. Because when I smile I don’t just smile with my mouth I smile with my whole dang face!

Stop hiding behind filters and let your true self shine through! Embrace your flaws, your imperfections, and your uniqueness. Share your unedited, filter-free photos with the world and show everyone that THE REAL YOU IS BEAUTIFUL, AUTHENTIC, AND WORTHY OF LOVE AND RESPECT. Let’s put the real in reality and inspire others to do the same. Tag me in your favorite filter-free photo! Let’s make this a thing!

We all have things we want to achieve in life, whether it’s hitting a fitness goal, learning a new skill, or simply taking better care of ourselves. And if you’re anything like me then you struggle to stick to your own goals because you’re always putting the needs of others before your own.

That’s where my daily non-negotiables come in. Consistency is the key to achieving anything in life. It’s not about making a huge effort once in a while, it’s about making a small effort every single day. Setting daily non-negotiables is a great way to stay consistent. These are habits that you commit to doing no matter what life throws your way. Maybe it’s waking up early and going for a run, or taking time each day to read and learn something new. Whatever it is, make it a priority and stick to it.

My daily non-negotiables include:

💦 Water first

☀️ Sunlight on my face

📚 Devotion and personal development

🏋🏻‍♀️ Move my body

🍽️ Eat like I love myself

😮‍💨 Breathe

It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day hustle and bustle of life, but remember, your goals and dreams are important. They are worth the consistent effort and work that it takes to achieve them. What’s a habit related to your goals that you’ve been wanting to create? Drop it in the comments and make that commitment to yourself today. You’ve got this! Keep pushing forward and never give up on your goals and dreams.

Rise and shine sunshine!!! 🌅 Did you know that a solid morning routine can not only boost your productivity and energy, but it can also positively impact your overall wellbeing??? 🤯 But you’re NOT a morning person so where do you start??? Keep reading for the how-to from the perspective of a professional night 🦉.

1️⃣ Get rid of that whole “pick a wake-up time that works for you and gradually adjust it earlier” blah blah blah B.S. you’re not a morning person and that’s ok! Get up when you get up and THEN start your routine. I used to stress so darn much about the time on the clock it took energy away from the things I should’ve been focusing on, like HAVING A SOLID MORNING ROUTINE.

2️⃣ HYDRATE with water as soon as you wake up to boost your energy and wake up your body. I like to leave a 16 -24 oz glass on my bedside table overnight and drink that as I make my morning rounds. I then follow that up with a glass of my coveted Fire Water.

3️⃣ Make your bed as soon as you get up – this simple task can give you a sense of accomplishment and set a positive tone for the day and more importantly…it keeps you from crawling back in it!

4️⃣ Soak up some sunlight on your face to help regulate your circadian rhythm and improve your mood. I try my best to do this within the first 10-15 minutes of waking up but life happens and Mom-ing comes first so that isn’t always the case. But this one is a MUST so I do get it in as soon as I am able. DO NOT skip it. It’s THAT good!

5️⃣ Spend time in devotion or personal development to set a positive tone for the day ahead. Whether it’s reading a book, listening to a Podcast, meditating, or practicing gratitude, MAKE TIME for activities that nourish your mind and soul.

Start small with your morning routine – even just a few minutes of stretching, meditation, or journaling to help you feel more centered and focused. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to a morning routine. Find what works for you and stick with it. With a little consistency and patience, you’ll be rocking a solid morning routine in no time!

I’ve felt SUPER stuck lately. It’s been extra frustrating because I feel like I’ve been here before…a million times before. Talk about disheartening! 🫠 And when you’re in a state of stuck it’s soooo hard to just get going again. But it’s incredibly important to remember that being stuck is NOT a permanent state. With the right mindset and some strategy, it’s possible to break free and start moving forward again. I promise.

Here are some tips to help you get unstuck and start making progress towards your goals:

1. Take a step back and reflect: Sometimes, being stuck can be a sign that we need to take a break and reflect on what we really want. Use this time to think about your goals, values, and what’s important to you. This can help you gain clarity and perspective, and identify the steps you need to take to move forward. As a busy Mom and Wife this one is a hard pill to swallow for sure but sometimes rest truly is the best medicine.

2. Set small, achievable goals: When we’re feeling stuck, it can be overwhelming to think about the big picture. Instead, break your goals down into smaller, more achievable steps. This can help you build momentum and make progress, even if it’s just one small step at a time. For me this is as simple as my daily non-negotiables (be sure to follow along on stories to see how I achieve this in real time).

3. Try something new: Sometimes, being stuck can be a sign that we’re stuck in a rut. Trying something new can help us break out of our comfort zone and gain new experiences and perspectives. This can be as simple as trying a new hobby or activity, or as big as making a major life change. I recognize that pushing myself outside my comfort zone is necessary for growth and trying new things can be a fun way to do this.

4. Seek support: It’s okay to ask for help when we’re feeling stuck. (Read that again Ang.) Whether it’s talking to a trusted friend or family member, seeking professional help, or joining a support group, having a support system in place can help us feel less alone and provide us with the resources and guidance we need to move forward. I would not be where I am at today without my people.

Remember, being stuck is not a sign of failure. It’s a natural part of the journey towards growth and success. By taking the time to reflect, setting achievable goals, trying something new, and seeking support, you can break free from feeling stuck and start making progress towards the life you want to live.

Feeling grateful today as I reflect back on the whirlwind that was my last couple of days. I was head down and working hard in the kitchen to cook and prep some delicious freezer meals to donate to a family in need this holiday season. It’s times like these that remind me of how fortunate I am, and how important it is to give back to those who have little when you yourself have plenty.

Cooking and preparing these meals brings me so much joy, and knowing that they will bring comfort and nourishment to a beautiful family in need this holiday season is truly heartwarming. Giving back and helping others is my passion. It’s always such a rewarding experience. And for the first time ever I was able to share in this experience with little man. We have worked so so hard to get to this point in our lives and I’m so grateful to be able to do our part.

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To all of you out there who are also spreading holiday cheer and helping those in need, I salute you. Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter, more compassionate world. “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi.

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