Showing posts with label me. Show all posts
Showing posts with label me. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

34 Life Lessons

Today is my birthday (insert party emojis here!) and I am turning 34.  Birthdays definitely aren't what they used to be - no sleepovers, parties at the waterpark or all night bar crawls anymore.  Birthdays have turned in to somewhat reflective days for me.  So today, I thought I'd share 34 lessons I've learned - one for each of my years.



1. Always order dessert.

2. Make time to call your parents.  Even if they have mastered texting, a phone call is much better.

3.  Written thank you notes are mandatory.

4.  Forgive.

5.  Never doubt yourself.

6.  Don't be afraid to fall in love.

7.  Buy the shoes.  You can't take money with you!

8.  Look people in the eye while saying "hello", even strangers.

9.  Make time for your friends.  They become family as time goes on.

10.  Always have a pet that you can cuddle.

11.  Use emojis when appropriate.

12.  Emojis are always appropriate.

13.  Have a glass of water in between drinks.  Or drink vodka/water/soda water with lots of limes.

14.  Send or give cards to the important people in your life randomly, just to brighten their day.

15.  Take at least one day a month without technology.  Turn it all off.

16.  Stop and listen when your children want to tell you a story.

17.  Never say no to cuddles - soon they won't want them.

18.  Save some of every paycheck - you just never know.

19.  Drink water every day.

20.  Remember where you came from.

21.  Don't underestimate the power of a good book, bubble bath and a glass of wine.

22.  Be grateful, even when it seems there is nothing to be grateful for.  (You are alive!)

23. Chocolate is it's own food group.

24.  Cheese makes anything better.

25.  Don't be ashamed of watching those trashy reality shows - everyone needs a little entertainment.

26.  Tell the people you love that you love them, and tell them often.

27.  Be yourself.  Every day.

28.  Splurge on yourself every once in awhile.

29.  Do nice things for other people - be charitable when you can.

30.  Only buy things on sale.  If it's not, wait a week or two.

31.  Learn how to cook a "signature meal".

32.  Try to see the other side of an argument, even if you don't agree with it.

33.  It's ok to say "no".

Lastly, and more importantly:

34.  Find something that makes you happy in every single day.  There is always something, even if you need to dig a little deeper some days!
 
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Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Dreams Do Come True (+Giveaway!)

This past weekend was a big one for me.  If you follow me on Instagram, you already saw that I spent Sunday night with my five main guys from childhood.  Those guys would be New Kids on the Block - and I'm here to tell you that it was just as amazing as my 10 year old self had wished it would be!

The majority of my elementary school years were consumed with NKOTB.  I had t-shirts, oversized buttons, a sleeping bag, countless posters, and of course all of the cassette tapes.  Joey was (is) my favorite - after all, he was one of my first crushes.  Every Friday night for a year straight, my best friend and I would have sleepovers and watch the videos of their concerts.  We'd dance and sing along with them, wishing and hoping that they would come to our hometown and we could see them.  They never did (or, my parents have a lot of explaining to do), so that dream eventually faded.

When my besties and I learned that they were coming to Chicago, we jumped at the chance to see them.  Even better, Nelly and TLC were opening - which was a complete college flashback and absolutely enjoyed.



After dancing and singing/yelling for three hours, my ears were ringing and I was exhausted but it was all so worth it.  My head was flooded with memories of my childhood and it reminded me of the days where my biggest concerns were getting my next perm or catching the ice cream truck in time.


I might have waited 25 years for this moment, but it was worth the wait!  Here is my main man, Joey, singing directly to me.  Isn't it obvious?


Now, on to your dreams!  Who doesn't dream of Target - more specifically, free giftcards to Target?  I've joined with six other amazing ladies to bring you a $70 Target gift card! Enter below and good luck!

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Thursday, May 21, 2015

Quatro, Shi, IV, FOUR.

Well friends, somehow I managed to mess up my entire blog layout/design.  At least I have my designed header - but the titles, dates and page names are messed up.  All this has done is speed up my desire to move to Wordpress.  I mean, if I'm paying someone to fix a design anyway, shouldn't I just pay someone to get me to the wonderful land of Wordpress?  Decisions, decisions. 

In the meantime, the wonderful Whitney tagged me to do this fun "four" survey that I'm sure you have seen in other posts.  Humor me, ok?

Four Names People Call You
Meagan
Meg (most common)
Mama/Mommy
Honey

Four Jobs You've Had
Daycare Worker
Pharmacy Tech
Parking Lot Attendant
Various positions within Fundraising

Four Movies You've Watched More than Once
Love, Actually
Clueless
Serendipity
Elf

Four Books I Recommend
The Storyteller
Reconstructing Amelia
The Secret Keeper
Hunger Games (all of them)

Four Places I Have Lived
Iowa
Minneapolis, MN
Chicago
Suburbs of Chicago

Four Places I've Been
Japan
England
France
St. Thomas/St. John/BVI

Four Places I'd Rather Be Now
On the beach
Iowa
In bed
On a Girls Trip

Four of My Favorite Foods
(not healthy!)
Pizza
Pasta
Chips and Salsa/Guac
Baked Sweets

Four TV Shows I Watch
All the Real Housewives
Married at First Sight
Orange is the New Black
BIG BROTHER

Four Things I'm Looking Forward to this Summer
Nights outside with cocktails
Sunshine
My Birthday!
Weekly playdates with my besties

Four Things I'm Always Saying
"No way!"
"I mean, really?!"
" I love you!"
"Oh, stop!" (to my daughters)

I think most of you have already done this, so I'm not tagging anyone.  If you haven't and want to participate, please do and let me know!

Tomorrow I have a fun blogger to share with you, along with my favorite posts from this week! 
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Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Multiply by Ten

Life is really great at a few things - one of which is pulling me in a million directions, all at the same time.  It's completely reasonable that I be in three different places at the same time, wearing four different hats.  Right?  Wrong.  I can't do it all.  I try most days, but then on some days, I want to give up and just focus on a few of my responsibilities.  I need to have ten of myself. 

Mom Me needs to play with my children all day, teach them new skills, and mold them in to great people.  Real Me is able to get them dressed and fed, and is able to read a book or two throughout the day.

Career Me needs to work 40+ hours a week, make outstanding goals for myself (and meet them), and make everyone happy here.  Real Me gets my work done, but doesn't have much time for new projects.

Chef Me should cook great, nutritious breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks for my girls and husband.  Real Me is lucky to get the girls to eat fruit once a day (veggies do not go well), and we end up eating out 1-2 times a week, mostly because of showings and laziness.

Homemaker Me is getting the most attention these days.  Have you ever been in a house with a 5 and 2 year old?  Chaos.  It's up to me to keep it clean, picked up and tidy, because you never know when you'll get a showing request.  We have a cleaning lady once a month, but recently needed to step it up to every other week because I couldn't keep up.

Wife Me should take more care of my husband.  He's lucky if I ask how his day was, and this makes me sad.  He works hard for us and deserves more attention!  He also gets the brunt of my stress, and that's not fair.

Friend Me should be texting, emailing, visiting my girlfriends, just keeping in touch better.  I definitely feel like I haven't seen them as much, and that's partly on me.  They are the best friends, and understand my craziness lately, but I miss them!

Daughter Me needs to go home and visit my parents.  I haven't been there since Christmas!  That is unacceptable.  Thankfully, I have a wonderful family who understands everything that is going on right now.

Dog Mom Me (of course I couldn't leave out my buddy Charlie!).  He needs me too!  He gets so anxious in the car, and he has been having to leave a lot due to showings.  He needs me to cuddle more, walk him and play fetch more.  Real Me feeds him, lets him out and only cuddles while I sleep.

And, of course, let's not forget about Me.  I would love to take a bath, relax, read, craft, maybe go shopping.  Right now, all of these things feel selfish to me - it's hard to tell myself that "me time" is important.

I know I am not the first person to be busy, or stressed out by the million directions I feel I'm being pulled in.  How do you handle all of the hats you wear? Are there any really good tips for getting the most out of the few 24 hours we have each day?  I'm all ears - all 20 of them!

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Wednesday, April 22, 2015

The Plan

I'm a planner by nature.  Trips, big decisions, projects, even my blog posts are planned in advance. I used to be more spontaneous - back when adult things didn't rule my life (like a career, kids, house, bills and the like).

The most spontaneous I get these days are "Let's go out for dinner!" or "I just bought myself a nice purse!".  Everything else = planned.

So, when we put our house for sale, I had been planning it for months, if not close to a year.  When we would list, how much, what I needed to do to prepare, etc.  Earlier this month, we accepted an offer on our house - which was right on schedule with my plan.  We started looking at houses and prepared to move this summer.

Then, God must have decided to teach me a lesson because our buyers pulled out of the deal.  We now have to re-list and start all over.  This was not part of my plan.

I've spent a lot of time the last week reflecting on everything that happened.  Why?  When will we move?  What school will E go to in the fall?  When should I look for a new nanny?  And I've come up with one answer - It's not up to me.  I am learning, stubbornly, to let go and go along with The Plan.  You might have seen on twitter or instagram nice little reminders to myself - to choose to react positively to situations, and to find something good in them.

So, that's what I'm doing today. 



Reasons Why Not Moving Right Now is OK:

|| We will save more money

|| If E goes to the school we are currently zoned for, she will know some friends already from preschool

|| I still have my short commute (about 12 minutes).  When we move, it will be more like 45

|| I don't have to pack

|| Until we re-list, I don't have to keep my house perfectly clean and tidy

|| We still have our great neighbors (who also happen to have a pool, bonus)

It's hard to give up control.  It's difficult to not have a plan.  But I have to trust that The Plan is better than anything I could have came up with myself.

Letting go now....

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Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Currently....

I feel like time is moving so fast - we are already in April tomorrow, and I feel like we just got through the holidays.  I need things to slow down, just a bit.  There are so many things going on right now, I thought a good Currently post would help me focus on what is happening today, rather then worrying about the future. 



Currently I'm...

Reading:  "Uganda Be Kidding Me" by Chelsea Handler.  This is my first Chelsea book (shocking, I know) but I am enjoying it.  The things she gets herself in to are pretty funny to read about.  A good, no-thinker book.  I also just read "Reconstructing Amelia", which was great!

Writing:  Besides this post, I am putting together stories about my time in Japan for you.  The tricky part is remembering the details, and getting my pictures and souvenirs from my Mom's house.  I want it to be finished before publishing the first.  I find myself adding to posts, switching things from one to the other, so it's taking quite a bit more time than I originally thought!

Listening:  Nothing.  It's silent - which is a rare but special treat in my house.  The girl's are at their nanny's house!

Thinking:  About all sorts of things.  E's school registration, our house selling, finding a new one, work - just to name a few.

Wishing:  That our house would sell already.  We've had a lot of activity, so hopefully soon.  It's hard keeping it so clean with two littles and a dog - who freaks out every time he has to get in the car for a showing.  Poor guy!

Hoping:  That once our house sells, we will be able to find our perfect next home.  This next one we will be in for awhile, so it has a lot of pressure to be what we want.

Loving:  The warmer temperatures lately.  60 today and tomorrow!  Although I don't like in between temps (hot or cold only please!), this is a sign that summer is on it's way.

Wanting:  For a smooth month of no spending, starting tomorrow.  (More on this tomorrow)  I need a lot of luck in this area. 

Needing:  A little time to myself, that doesn't involve anything but a book, wine and a bubble bath. 

Eating/Drinking:  I just ate a granola bar, and currently drinking water.  No coffee for this girl! 

What are you currently up to? 

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Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Winning the Lottery

Don't get too excited, I didn't really win anything.  Although if I had, I'm not sure you would hear about it here for quite some time, if ever.  There are a few reasons for this - I'm not one to talk openly about money, especially on the internet where anyone can read what I write.  Also, well, because you have to play the lottery to win - and I maybe buy one ticket a year.  But that doesn't stop me from dreaming about what I could do with all of the winnings!

|| First, I would take the cash option and invest it myself.  I don't trust Illinois to pay me every year for 50 years or whatever it is.  They can barely give me my tax refund each year.

|| I would set up accounts in each of the girls' names, my soon to be niece, and few extras for future nieces/nephews.  It would pay for college of course, but also pay them a modest amount each month once they turn 18.  Not enough to live on, but enough to not have to worry if they fall on hard times.  I would still insist on them learning to take care of themselves, and how to work for a living.

|| After that is taken care of, I would absolutely charter a jet, fill it with our closest friends, and go on a crazy vacation.  I'd take over a lavish resort somewhere and just go all out.  Drinks, dinner, outings, everything!  I'd also hire nannies to go along so we could all take our kids, but still enjoy evenings out.

|| My house that's for sale?  Oh yea, I'd just pay it off and donate it.  Then we could move to the area we want to be in, before Kindergarten starts in the fall.  Paying in cash, of course.  I'd probably hire a decorator and contractor and make the new house exactly how I want it.  (Did someone say gourmet kitchen and huge whirlpool tub?  Oh yea, that was my dreams coming through.)


|| I'd send my Dad and step-mom to Europe, all first class.  He'd get to see Wales, Germany, anywhere he wants.  A small token of saying thanks for putting me through college.

|| I'd buy my Mom and step-dad whatever house they wanted.  They wouldn't have to worry about selling, because I'd just pay for their current house and then donate it to an animal rescue place in Cedar Rapids.

|| I'd buy both of my parents places near us, so they can come visit any time they wanted, and stay as long as they wanted to.

|| Speaking of donating, I would get involved with a few charities and research organizations to see how they operate before making any kind of financial commitment.  I've worked in non-profits my entire professional career and want to be sure that I am making a true investment that will be used for it's intended purpose.

 Of course, I'd pinch myself a few times, go shopping (more than a few times!) and say thanks every day for my wonderful blessing.

It's Wednesday, so of course I'm linking up with Anne for Wednesday Wishes.  To be superficial, I really wish to win the lottery.  Writing out these plans makes me wish I could follow through! I also wish that you fill out my reader survey and enter the giveaway - found here.

What's first on your list if you won the lottery?

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Tuesday, March 17, 2015

The Vacation of All Vacations

How, exactly, do I begin to tell you all about my vacation?  Quite simply, I can't.  It was exactly what Tim and I needed.  I could probably spend an entire week telling you about what we did, sharing pictures, and reminiscing about how I wish we were still there.  But instead, I'll put it in to one long, picture-filled post because I have some other exciting things going on this week that I can't wait to share.  Bear with me while I picture and memory dump below!

Our flight Saturday was delayed, but after a limo ride to O'Hare and knowing that we would be on the beach in half a day, there wasn't much that could bring us down.  We had a direct flight and watched a few movies on the way down.  Upon arriving at the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas, this was our view - we were off to a great start:



Sunday was spent at the spa, where I had a fabulous massage, and then on the beach.  Monday, we chartered a boat and skipped over to the British Virgin Islands - mostly Jost van Dyke, including Sandy Spit - which is where the Corona commercials are filmed.  To say that this little spot was my happy place is a huge understatement.  I just laid on the sand for at least an hour, soaking it all in.  We also stopped for a quick hike to the "Bubbly Bath", which is a spot where waves come through walls of rock and make a fun little wave pool.  Unfortunately, I didn't have my phone = none of my own pictures.

Sandy Spit.  source
Tuesday we went in to Red Hook, where after a few cocktails, I decided to try one of those fish pedicures.  The fish are pretty small, and they rub all along your feet to loosen dead skin and then suck it off.  I had seen it on tv before (The housewives did it in Thailand!) but never in person.  It felt like little bubbles - and only really freaked me out when they tried to go through my toes.  But here's the kicker - my feet are still soft.  After a week of the beach and sandals.  I am a believer!




Wednesday, we took the ferry to St. John and rented a Jeep.  We hit three different beaches, then had the best dinner I've ever eaten at a place called Fatty Crab.  If you are ever in the vicinity of St. John, go here.  It is a "funky southeast Asian restaurant" and only has locations in New York, Hong Kong and St. John.  It was so, so good.  St. John is quickly becoming my favorite of the Caribbean islands I've been to.



Thursday was another boat day - this time we went to Tortola, another British Island.  We first snorkeled, where we saw two different sea turtles and hundreds of fish.  We spent the afternoon here - eating, drinking cocktails and just enjoying the views.



The second picture is one of my favorites from the trip, complete with the British phone booth.  It's a framer!

Friday, I woke up with a migraine.  I did my routine that always seems to help - drink a regular Coke, slather Peppermint essential oil on my forehead and sit in a warm bath.  Just over an hour later, it was gone - so out to the pool I went.  We spent the day reading and soaking up the sun.  I finished two books in one week - that is definitely a record for me!

Saturday was our travel day home.  By that point I was ready to see my babies again, but so so sad to be leaving paradise.  I can't wait to go back again - maybe next time to stay on St. John.  Has anyone done that?

All in all, it was a fabulous trip.  We loved our time together, the girls loved their time with the grandparents, and I wouldn't have traded it for anything.  I was able to cross five things off of my 101 in 1001 list!  Also, a special note to my Midwestern readers - we brought the warm weather home with us.  You are welcome. :)
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Wednesday, February 18, 2015

It's Me... A to Z.

It's been awhile since I wrote a true "get to know me" post, and I've noticed some new followers around here (Hi!) so I thought today was the perfect day.

Last month, I saw a list of favorites, from A to Z, on Tabitha's blog an loved reading through them.  Catching small glimpses in to other blogger's lives is fun for me - it helps me picture them while reading a post.  (Does that make me a little creepy?  Sorry!)

A | animal // Dogs, definitely.  I saw pandas at the San Diego Zoo a few years ago and loved them too, but dogs for every day.  I can't walk by one without asking it's owner if I can cuddle and squeeze pet it.
b | beauty product // Chapstick.  Especially in Chicago winters.  My faves are EOS and Burts Bees.

c | color // Purple, any shade.  Although lately I've been loving coral and mint.
d | drink // Water.  Or Vodka.  They are the same, no?
e | exercise // Lately my jam has been the treadmill.  I rotate between the Couch to 5k program an Jillian Michael's workout.  (See it here)
f | flower // Hydrangea.
g | game // Monopoly!  Or Trivia Crack.
h | human // It's tied with E and A.

i | instrument // I played the flute for ten years when I was younger!
j | job // I used to work at a Ronald McDonald House.  It was the most emotional job I ever had, but also the most fulfilling.
k | karaoke song // Anything Britney or Madonna.
l | lunch // Turkey Sandwich, with dijon mustard, swiss cheese, lettuce and tomato.  Bonus points if it's whole grain bread.
m | movie // I seriously can't pick.  I love different movies for different reasons.  Some of my faves are these.
n | number // Eleven.  Not sure why, it's just the first one that came to mind.  Maybe I should play the lottery tonight with that...
o | object // Does my car count?  I feel super safe in it, and have enough room to tote the kids and all of their stuff around in it.  The four of us, plus the dog can comfortably travel in it - which is not an easy feat!
p | picture // This wedding photo:


q | quote // This:




r | restaurant // I cannot choose.  There are so many options!  If we narrowed it down, I probably could. (Pizza - Lou Malnati's or Aurelios, Steak - Del Frisco's, Italian - Biaggi's, etc etc.)
s | season // Summer or Winter, I love the extremes.
t | trend // Gold everything.
u | underwear // Anything that's comfortable (which is hard to find, by the way)
v | vacation // Ahhh.. St. Thomas, Japan, London.  I feel like this needs to be narrowed down as well!

w | writer // I don't have a favorite.  I like a variety of books.  Chick Lit, Romance, Mystery, etc.
x | x-tra favorite :) // dessert // Creme Brulee, Cheesecake or Cupcakes.  
y | year // 2007.  When we got married, and our lives together really began.
z | zodiac sign // mine... Cancer.

Today I'm linking up with Anne for Wednesday Wishes.  I wish that you each get to spend a little more time with your favorite things this week.  Take time for the good in your life!
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Tuesday, January 27, 2015

A Child of the 80's

Last week, I wrote about my favorite movies of the late 1980's.  Reminiscing about those led me to remembering the really amazing, sometimes questionable fashion choices I made when I was younger.  Granted, at that age most of my clothes and decisions on what to wear were inspired by my mother - but I always had an opinion on what we should be shopping for.  Just ask her, I remembering arguing at the mall about what we should buy for back to school when I was going into first grade!

Let's get right to it, list style.  (And don't judge me for my fashion sense during these decades, I know I wasn't alone!)

|| T-shirt ties.  Do you remember these?  A nice little way to tie up one side of your shirt.

||  Scrunchies.  The bigger, the better.  I had unruly hair that needed a beautiful piece of fabric to hold it together.  Which brings me to...

||  Permed Hair.  Three different times.  With bangs.  Be jealous.

||  Anything with NKOTB plastered all over it.  Shirts, socks, school supplies, sleeping bag, sheets.  Yes, sheets.  Joey was my first crush, afterall.

||  Reeboks.  Not just any Reeboks, but the puffy white high top ones.

||  Tight, I mean really tight jeans.  They were so tight that my sister had to help me get them off over my ankles.  I wish I was kidding.

||  Self-decorated Puffy Paint shirts.  Bonus points if they were made with a spinner.  Anyone else?

I could go on and on, but I think I've painted a pretty good picture of my fashion sense at ages 5-9 (with puffy paint).  I wish I lived closer to my parents so I could add amazing pictures to this post... but then again, maybe I'm thankful I don't!

Linking up with Amanda's List Yourself link up.  


Knock on Wood - List Yourself

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Thursday, January 22, 2015

Top 5 Movies of 1985-1990

Once upon a time, about 25 years ago, you could find my older sister and I enjoying the long days of summer by splashing on the Slip 'n Slide, chasing the ice cream truck, or hiding out in the cool basement, fighting over who got to be Mario.  We would also ride our bikes up to Mr. Movies to rent a video, at least a few times a week.  We would rotate between just a few - the ones we could watch over and over again. Today I wanted to share those with you - and I'm secretly hoping there are some other fans as well!

 Let's get right to it!

source
 Maid to Order, 1987.  Featuring Ally Sheedy.  The concept was great - a spoiled girl wakes up with her former life erased and has to work as a maid in order to appreciate the things she once had.  Loved it, couldn't get enough.  And really, it taught a valuable life lesson - Appreciate what you have.


source
Troop Beverly Hills, 1989.  Starring Shelley Long.  "Beverly Hills, what a thrill!"  If you don't know this, I suggest drop what you are doing and go to Netflix right away.  (Yes, it's on instant!)  I obviously could not relate to life in Beverly Hills, but I could relate to being from a divorced family and the woes of Girl Scouts.  Also, #BlackBeltInShopping applies to me as well!



source
The Money Pit, 1986.  Featuring Tom Hanks and Shelley Long.  So apparently we were smitten by Shelley Long.  This is another great movie.  My sister and I would rewind the falling bathtub scene at least a dozen times each time we watched the movie.  Tom Hanks' laugh was the best!



source
Funny Farm, 1988.  Featuring Chevy Chase.  We were (are) big animal lovers, and the silly adventures these two got in to with the residents of their just-bought farm were hysterical.  You know, hysterical to a seven year old.  But in our defense, we have watched it since becoming adults and we still love it just the same!



source
Mannequin, 1987.  Featuring Kim Cattrall.  So unrealistic.  So amazing.  A department store window designer falls in love with a mannequin - who comes to life at night.  This movie may have played a part in my small fear of mannequins as a child (they could wake up and grab me!), but I loved it none the less.  I remember begging my mom to let me watch this in her room before falling asleep, every night for at least a month.  Special shout out to Mannequin 2 as well!

Have you seen any of these movies?  If not, do any of them look entertaining?  What are you faves from childhood?
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Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Things That Aren't So Bad...

I can be a little stubborn.  I like to think that I'll try anything once - and I will, but if a situation gives me any reason to dislike it, I will.  And I won't easily try it again.  There have been a few things, however, that once I've been convinced to try (again), I've decided that they weren't so bad after all.

source

|| Brussel Sprouts.  I think this is leftover from my childhood - although I don't even remember a time being forced to eat them.  I've had them again recently, and I'm in love.  Roasted, grilled, with garlic, bacon, so delish.  Although pretty much anything with garlic and bacon will have me singing it's praises.

|| Scandal.  The first time I watched this, I was sitting in the Tampa airport during a 6 hour delay.  My sister convinced me to watch it on my iPad, while we shared one set of earbuds.  I couldn't even get through one episode.  Last year, I tried again, and it's one of my favorite shows now!

|| Working out.  Oh, my love-hate relationship with working out.  I will be getting in a swimsuit in two months, so after the holidays I decided to start working out and watch what I eat.  I've been counting calories (anyone on MyFitnessPal?) and doing workouts online.  I feel so good after working out, and already feel stronger!  Plus - I've already lost weight.  I'm a believer!

|| Snow/Cold Days.  While everyone was at home last week with school and work cancelled around here, I went to work.  And it was great.  No one to bother me, I wasn't stuck in the house for three days with the littles (who got a little stir crazy) and I got so much done!

|| Country Music.  I know this comes as a shock to some of you.  But after my girls trip to Nashville, I fell in love.  I'm slowly learning it, but have the local country station on my preset in the car now.  I even play it on Spotify in the office!

|| Iced Tea.  I've given up Diet Coke, which was really difficult.  When I go to places like Jersey Mikes or Panera and buy the meal deal, my only options for a drink are soda or sugar filled juice.  Oh a whim I tried iced tea (unflavored) and it's really good!  Refreshing and something different than water.  Plus, isn't there still caffeine?!

|| Not eating sweets.  My sweet tooth hates me for saying that.  I sort of hate myself for saying that.  I love sweets!  But when counting calories, it doesn't leave much room for them.  Instead, I put some of my grapefruit essential oil in water and it really cuts the craving.  (Let me know if you want more information on this one - happy to share with my fellow sweets lovers!)

||  Reading.  I loathed reading while in school.  I'm sure it's because it was mandatory, and never a book I chose.  But now, I live for it.  Getting lost in a book is something I have to do as often as possible.

|| Change.  Change can be scary, intimidating, something you'd like to avoid - but it's not always bad.  Good things can come from change, and that is something I am slowly learning.  Change can be exciting!

Are there any things that you thought you really didn't like, only to find out that they weren't so bad?  I'd love to hear about them!

In case you missed it, don't forget to enter the Starbucks giveaway below!

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Monday, January 5, 2015

2015: The Year of ME

I don't like resolutions.  I've never stuck to them.  Also, why pick one day to change your entire way of life?  I do like reflecting on all aspects of my life and picking places that can be improved, but I like gradual change.  So, while I was thinking about how I wanted 2015 to look, I pinpointed things here and there and made a list.  And after looking at the list, I came to one conclusion:  all of my items pertained to others.  Not me.

2015 needs to be all about ME.

Ever since I can remember, I've made decisions based on other people.  How will this affect so-and-so?  Will anyone's feelings get hurt?  Once I became a wife and mother, making myself a priority really went out the window.  The happiness of Tim and the girls (and Charlie!) is most important to me.  But I've been missing years of doing things for myself.  So, 2015 is my year.

Personal.  
I want to be healthy.  I want to look great and be confident in my clothes.  If I need to take thirty minutes to myself while my girls are awake to work out, I'm going to.  But along with that, I will not be so hard on myself if I slip up here and there.

I will make reading more of a priority.  I love getting lost in books, and just haven't made time for it, since high school really.

I will not feel guilty for going on a quick trip with Tim at the end of the month.  Or for a week to St. Thomas in March.  This will take some convincing, but we deserve it!


Blog.
I will continue to explore in my writing, and continue to post 3-6 times/week.

I will sponsor more blogs and grow my blogging tribe.

I would love to meet another blogger in person - but that's not entirely up to me :)


Marriage.
I will take time out of each day to really talk to Tim.  Ask about his day, and listen to his replies.  Too often we are caught up in the "business" side of marriage - kids, bills, household things - but I will make communication a priority.

We will plan a date at least once a month, even if they are at home dates.

I will be more patient - even when I feel my patience wavering.


The Girls.
I will continue to turn off all electronics on the mornings I am home with them.

We will read every night - no excuses!

Every night, I lay in E's bed and we talk about her day.  I will continue to do this, and start with A. (Even if she doesn't talk back too much!)


 What are your goals for 2015?  Does anyone else have the issue of not putting themselves first?  I might need some reminding throughout the year, but I can't wait to look back and see how different this year was for me. 

Today is Monday so I am linking up with Emily for Grateful Heart Monday.  I'm so grateful to even have the opportunity to be able to make changes for a new year.  Each day is a gift, and cherished deeply.  What are you grateful for today?

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Wednesday, December 31, 2014

2014 - According to My Blog

Well friends, 2014 is coming to a close.  Tonight we will be celebrating all of the good things that happened this year, reflecting on the not-so-good, and making plans for 2015.

2014 was a big year for All the Joys.  I started it, for one.  But beyond that, it grew.  Not only in numbers, but I feel like writing this blog made me grow, which in turn I think is shown through my posts.  We've made blogging friends, we've joined link ups, we've accepted sponsorships.  I can't wait to see what 2015 brings.

But first, I wanted to take a moment and look back at my top ten posts of the past year, based on number of views.  I love how these posts reflect on who I am, and it was great fun going back and reading them.  Let's start with #10, making our way down to #1:

#10: Cash In Your Pockets (or PayPal account!).  I still think blogging can be expensive, but I still use these resources for making some extra cash to pay for things.  If you haven't read this one, you should.  And sign up for the money makers!

#9: BFFs.  Ahh, my besties.  Love these girls with my everything.  We are more like sisters than anything else.

#8: He Blogs!.  Tim's blogging debut.  He still asks me if this was my most popular post.  Sorry honey, #8.

#7: 12 Gender Neutral Grab Bag Ideas.  It looks like most of the views on this one were from Google.  Makes sense, everyone (including myself) was googling this in December.  For the record, I'd like to add what I received from grab bags this year: a brie baker, a glass popcorn maker, and Dunkin giftcards.  #winning

#6: Passionfruit: I Quit.  Nothing new here.  I still despise Passionfruit.  I am still owed money, but have come to terms that I will never get it.  I repeat: Adproval for the win!

#5: The Rollercoaster of a New Blogger.  I'm still considering myself "new", and all of these points still ring true for me.  Anyone else?

#4: Friday Favorites: A New Linkup!.  I love that this post made my top five.  The Blogger Love link up is something that I consider one of my biggest accomplishments of this blog for 2014.  It's something that I look forward to every Friday! 

#3: I'm Not a Stay at Home Mom.  Still not.  Read about why I can't be.

#2: Joey, Andrew. Ethan, Paul, Zach, Taylor and Ian.  My crushes growing up.  Still love every one of them, although Tim (as in Riggins) tops my list.  #texasforever

#1: All of the Stitch Fix Posts.  Honestly, this one sort of surprised me.  But I guess my readers and people googling Stitch Fix really want to see what I get each month.  And that makes me happy, because I like sharing it!

(Truth - I intentionally did not include any post that included a giveaway, because those always get more views!)

Were any of these some of your favorites by me this year?  Any you wish were on here?  Later this week I will be sharing some goals for 2015 - for me, for the blog, etc.  I can't wait to see what 2015 brings for All the Joys! 

Happy New Year - enjoy tonight but please be responsible!  (And send me pics of you in glitter, I love glitter.)

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Tuesday, December 2, 2014

It's Pretty Awesome + Giveaway

I'm late to the party today, but I'm here!  I had some family things going on last night that prevented me from blogging (the shame!).  Even though I'm a little late, I couldn't pass up the chance to link up with Anne for my list of Awesome!  After last night's events, this could not have came at a better time.  Let's refocus and share some awesome, shall we?

// Jersey Mike's.  It's my lunch choice today, and I forgot how fresh and delicious it is!

// Christmas traditions.  I love having new traditions with my immediate family, on top of older family traditions.  Our newest one is coming to the blog next week!

// Bonding with my sister over family drama.

// Getting a project I've been working on at work done (and funded!)

// Reeses Trees.  Is there anything better?  Maybe Reeses Pumpkins.  Or Hearts.  Or Eggs.

// At-home Date Nights.  We watched more of Homeland - Season 3.  It's becoming a little ridiculous - but I'm hooked.  I need to find out what happens - don't tell me!  I hope I don't lose interest like I did with these shows.

// Christmas Shopping.  I absolutely love this.  Picking things out for loved ones, watching their excitement as they open the gift.  Gift giving is my fave!

// Packages from bloggy friends.  I got an amazing box from Lauren - more on that next week!

// Getting an awesome parking spot at work.  This is rare, so when it happens it can really make my whole day.

// E getting her first invite to a birthday party... for someone other than my friends' kids.  This is huge, as she is a shy kid... so making new friends on her own is a really big deal!  (Even if she doesn't want to go to the party...)

So, what is awesome in your life?  Please share the awesomeness!

One more piece of awesome for you.... check out this amazing giveaway, and enter for your chance to win.  Good Luck, wouldn't be awesome if you were the winner?!


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Wednesday, November 26, 2014

TV Shows I've Given Up On

By now, it shouldn't be a secret that I love tv.  I always have.  My DVR is often my favorite way to relax - and it is quite busy recording all of my shows.  One of the biggest differences between Tim and I is that he likes to watch mostly sports - whereas I like anything but sports.  Very rarely, we'll find one we both like (Dexter, Friday Night Lights, to name a few.  PS I will always love Tim Riggins.)

Over the years, there have been a number of shows that I have been committed to.  (Uh, Grey's Anatomy?  When will you end?)  There have also been shows that I've given up on.

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// Vampire Diaries.  Even my extreme love for Damon can't keep me interested.  I really, really enjoyed this series before Elaina's transition - since then, it's been a little "meh" in my opinion.  I even deleted four unseen episodes because they've just been sitting there on my DVR.

// Red Band Society.  Truth be told here, I didn't watch more than two episodes.  I'm a sucker for teenage dramas, so I thought I would be all over this.  I found it a bit depressing and over the top as far as devastating things that can happen.  Not to mention the fact that it is completely unrealistic.

// Revenge.  This one barely made this list.  I started watching it recently on Netflix, and I don't know why it lost my interest.  I liked the idea of it, but always found myself choosing something else over it.  Those of you who still watch it - should I go back?

// The Taste.  I'm not much of a foodie, but I liked the premise behind this one.  Sort of Top Chef meets The Voice.  Recently, I've seen some commercials for the beginning of this season - and all they did was remind me that I didn't miss it.

// Stalker.  I was so excited for this one - and even Tim watched with me!  But again, it become too predictable and almost boring to us.  If we'd both rather do laundry than watch this, it's a problem.

// Always Sunny.  The early years of Always Sunny were amazing.  I can't pinpoint when it stopped being funny to us, but it did.  Maybe it felt a little forced?  Is it even still on?

// Almost Scandal.  My sister got me to start watching this in the Tampa airport when our flight was delayed five hours.  I wasn't in to it.  It could have been the fact that we were sitting there for that long, or that we were sharing earphones - either way, I didn't get past the second episode.  Last year, after hearing all of the hype, I gave it another try.  And I'm so glad I did!

Have any of you given up on the same shows?  Any others that didn't make my list?  And while we are at it, share your favorites so I can add them to Netflix.  Bonus points if the men in your life like it too.  I wish there were more shows that Tim and I liked to watch together.  Right now we only have Homeland and Shameless (PS we're behind on both, so don't spoil anything!)

Linking up with Anne for Wednesday Wishes.

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Wednesday, November 12, 2014

The Good and Bad of Being Me

We all have qualities about ourselves that we love, and some that we don't love as much.  Getting older has proven one thing to me - I definitely know what I like and don't like about myself.

Today I'm linking up with Amanda for List Yourself.  I love this idea of a link-up - it's based on a book that Amanda read, where it gives you prompts to make lists.  The point is, at least in my opinion, is to make these lists and discover more about yourself.  Plus, tell me a blogger that doesn't love lists and I'll give you chocolate.

Today's prompt is: List all the qualities in yourself you the least - and the best.

Qualities I like the least

|| I'm sometimes judgmental.  I really try not to be, but I usually judge people based on my first impressions - good or bad.

|| I forgive easily.  This could also be a good trait, but I've been burned by a few exes because of this.  I've learned to stand my ground and make people earn my trust back.

|| I'm lazy.  I hate working out, I hate cleaning, and most days I just want to lay on the couch and watch tv.  There are exceptions to this of course - deadlines at work, playing with my girls, spending time with loved ones.  But if I'm home alone (rare) or during naptime?  Yea I'm usually not doing anything productive.

|| Going with the above, I procrastinate.  In college, I would almost always write my papers and study the day/night before.  Still true today - and my real life job revolves around deadlines.  It stresses me out!

|| I'm not always the most patient.  This is something I'm really trying to work on, especially with my girls.  Some days they just really test me, and some days I snap. :(


Qualities I like the best

|| I give good advice.  People ask my opinion on things, ranging from childrearing to fashion.  Maybe it's because I say what's on my mind, not always what they want to hear.

|| I love.  And I love deeply.  My friends and family mean the most to me, above all else.  I will go out of my way to make sure they are happy.

|| Besides the patience bit above, I'm a good mom.  I love my girls, let them have fun, but also teach them how to be good people.

|| I make people laugh.  I'm sarcastic, and you can always count on me for comic relief.

|| I'm organized.  Bills, budgets, groceries, packing - I do it all.  My attention to detail is spot on and comes in handy every day.

|| I'm a great judge of character.  My first instinct is almost always correct.


When I first started writing this prompt, I was a little nervous.  Did I really want to lay out all of my best and worst qualities for the whole internet to see?  Of course I did.  As intended, this post has made me look at myself in a new way.  And in the end, isn't that how we grow and become better people?

We're going to let my girl Kate Spade sum it all up:

I am wishing for more patience with my girls.  Also to finally get myself in gear and drop the laziness.  I need to work out, clean, get organized.  So much to do!

Linking up with Amanda and Anne.



Knock on Wood - List Yourself
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