Category: LIFE-ING

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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The month of December kicks off a lot of little traditions for our family. And the one I am most excited about this year is reading the Bible with Hunter. This will be the first year that he can read right along with me or even to me! The book of Luke gives us the full story of Jesus. And with 24 chapters it’s the perfect fit for the month! We read one chapter each day/night leading up to Christmas Eve. It’s our special 1×1 time together and I hope as each year passes that the tradition will carry on.

Do you have any special traditions in your family this time of year too???

There are friends, there is family and then there are friends who become family. Another successful Friendsgiving celebration is on the books and boy was it a day to remember! We spent the entire day celebrating friendship with those we hold most dear to us. It’s these friendships and these people that have made our cross country move five years ago worth it. It’s these friendships that have made me feel a lot less homesick for Wisconsin and have made Arizona start to feel like a true home. It’s these friendships that will last a lifetime.

This year was our biggest year yet! I have never seen our home full of so much laughter, food and fun. My heart and belly is so full and I wouldn’t have it any other way. A HUGE thank you to everyone who made it this year! We love and appreciate each and every single one of you. And to those of you who couldn’t make it we missed you terribly. Let’s get together real soon.

It warms my heart to see how this event has grown over the years and I’m so excited to watch it continue to grow for years to come. I cannot wait to do it all over again next year! In the meantime I have two refrigerators full of leftovers that need to disappear ASAP so hit me up if you’re hungry.

You know I’m always gonna keep it real with you. But I feel a little bit like an imposter. I will admit I have been a little bit in hiding. I haven’t shared my workouts, transformation photos or really given any updates on my health and fitness journey for a while now.

Truth is I have been struggling behind the scenes and haven’t really known how or what to share. So before I spill my guts here people I ask that you keep it kind. And for those of you who just can’t help themselves I can promise you that there is nothing you can say to me that I haven’t already said to myself.

I want to start by saying that life is good! REALLY REALLY good! But for someone reason I find myself in a season where my disordered eating is getting out of control again. I am back into a cycle of starving, binging, and purging. I act like it’s some unknown reason that led to this but because of the healing journey I’ve been on this past year deep down I truly do know.

For the first time in my life I am coming face to face with all my demons, past mistakes and childhood traumas. The mask is off. The heavy drinking and substance abuse to hide from having to face these demons is off. I am facing all of this in its truest and rawest form. And to be on this journey at a time when I am also mourning the loss of a future I can no longer have as a woman and mother because my body is changing and my hormones are an absolute mess is beyond difficult. Not just for me but for my family. My poor husband especially. He gets the sobbing, blubbering, can’t even breathe or form a sentence version of me that only those closest to my heart have ever seen.

The work is being put in folks that I can promise you. Even if you don’t see it. Even if I don’t share it. It’s being done. I CANNOT and WILL NOT continue to live my life this way. And for the very first time in a long while I feel like I can see a little bit of sunshine through this heavy cloud that’s been hanging over me. The pieces of the puzzle are all starting to come together. I am able to see things clearer and have a better understanding of how I got here and in turn have a better understanding of what needs to be done to truly heal my whole body, heart, mind and soul.

Thank you to all of you who have been there for me without fail watching, supporting and uplifting me as I navigate this crazy journey. Thank you to my amazing support group and team. I wouldn’t be here without all of you. Thank you to my husband for never giving up on me. Thank you to my family for always showing me grace and forgiveness. I’m coming out of this a new woman for sure. I’m so close. I can feel it!

It’s your “day one”. The pantry and fridge have been cleaned out and your grocery haul is up next. So where do you begin???

When you’re just starting out trying to eat better I am ALL FOR splurging on convenience items. Items you know are going to keep you on track regardless of what life throws your way on any given day. Pre-packaged, pre-cut, pre-cooked, individual serving sizes. You know, the kind of stuff you don’t even have to think about. Whether it’s a crazy busy day and you’ve gone far too long since last eating or you’re in a grab-and-go situation that may lead to bad food choices; focusing on convenience will make all the difference in the world when trying to avoid that end of day binge or quick run through the drive thru.

Pre-cooked, pre-cut protein options are a MUST. They can be used as a stand alone item or as an add-in to any meal any time of day. I’m a HUGE fan of pre-cooked, chopped and frozen chicken breast. Be sure to grab some eggs and cottage cheese too. It’s the fastest, easiest way to boost your protein intake. With pre-packaged salad kits the possibilities are ENDLESS…eat alone as a full meal, as a side to a meal or as a wrap! So good to have on hand. Finally, I always grab a healthy amount of fresh fruit and vegetable options for the week. Apples, individual servings of avocado or hummus and little veggie snack packs are PERFECT for grabbing on your way out the door. Don’t over complicate it babes. Make it so stupid easy you can’t fail.

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Today was one of Hunter’s favorite days…it was a “YES DAY”!!! These days don’t happen often but when they do it’s a pretty big deal. What’s a “YES DAY”???

This is how we do it:

1️⃣ We agree on a store to shop at.

2️⃣ Hunter has 10 minutes to shop.

3️⃣ Anything in the store is fair game. All items are an automatic yes.

He may get ANYTHING he wants BUT…

4️⃣ He must be able to carry all the items himself.

5️⃣ He is responsible for checking out all by himself.

Today we went the Dollar Tree and let me tell you, some of the items he picked were a little bizarre, some were cute and some were super duper sweet. He got really creative this time too. When it came to carrying his things he headed to the gift bag section first to have bags to fill for easier carrying. His total came to $23.09 and included things like a toothbrush, toothpaste and his own deodorant, a lei and flip flops for Mommy, a card for Daddy and a bright blue glittery star to go by Grandpa’s photo and flag. I’m most impressed and extremely proud that given the option to get anything he wanted that he thought of others.

Have you ever done a “YES DAY” with your kiddo??? If you haven’t I would highly recommend giving it a try! It’s a pretty special experience and you might be surprised at some of the things your child picks out and why. If you do happen to do your own “YES DAY” be sure and tag us!

I was trying to think of something profound or poetic to share but the truth is nothing creative is coming to me. I’m just sad. And it’s truly difficult some days to simply get out of bed. These days don’t come often but they have now come back to back weeks. When you ask me what’s wrong I cry harder because I just don’t know! Or maybe I do know but the thought of telling the truth sounds so dumb.

But the truth is I’m still grieving. Some days it’s triggered by little things like dropping popcorn on the floor and calling for Athena out of habit. And some days; like today, it’s seemingly brought on by nothing at all. There are days I will miss my Father in Law and then feel guilty because I should be missing my Grandpa, Athena, Justin’s Grandma and Aunt just the same. Then I feel even more sad for not grieving each of them the same. I carry guilt for still grieving when others are not. The snow ball grows and the cycle continues.

I know in time I will be ok. And I am putting in the work to ensure that does happen. I just didn’t expect that it would take this much time. In my Bible study last week my dear friend had shared with me that things will never be the same and that hit me right in the gut. Nothing IS ever going to be the same! And I AM still holding on to all the things that my future holds that I won’t be able to share with these people.

I fucking miss each and every one of them so much. And as if the grief weren’t enough I also have new anxieties and fears surrounding my family that still lives. It’s a struggle and one that I’m so over dealing with. But the reality is that this is my new normal. And I DO have to live each day going forward without them. If a single one of them were still here they would tell me to live by my word and get out of bed and make every single day a great day. So for now I’ll cry. But just know that through the tears I’m determined to make it a great day. If I can do it you can too! If you’re struggling also please know you are not crazy, or wrong or alone. I see you. Drop a ❤️ below if any of this spoke to you.

I’m just walking around holding back tears today and it sucks. There has been so much fun and so much excitement this whole week there truly is no need for it and seemingly no cause. I’m literally sobbing as I type this. I’ve also been super snappy with Hunter today and the guilt of that alone is weighing heavy on my heart. It’s so crazy how life can be so joyful one minute then grief says “I think the f*ck not!” And just slams your ass back down again.

Its not lost on me that I’ve been asking God for a good cry. Actually I’ve been begging for it. It could have been any day in the past six months and I was ready for it! But now? Really? With friends in town and with all the fun stuff we’ve been up to? Now? Now is when the tears are gonna finally fall? Grief is such a b*tch and I would never wish it on my worst enemy. So I’m gonna go bawl my eyes out for a minute then continue on with my day. Because I’ve got things to do, places to go and people to see. If you’ve ever had a day like this please know you’re not alone. I certainly hope I’m not.