Monday, March 31, 2014

Mindful Monday 3.31.14

{ Sunday Funday with my Family....we enjoyed crab legs while my hard working husband shot a Wedding}

MINDFUL MONDAY
 
Happy Monday All! Truth is I'm exhausted tonight.....so many thoughts, doubts, ideas...all running through my mind tonight...I think it's probably best if I keep this "Mindful Monday" post short and sweet...and mostly photos.
 
Until next time xoxo
 
 

SPECIAL SNAPSHOTS FROM LAST WEEK:
 
This Baby...
  
 This Baby...

 These Babies...

 Good Times with Addie Jo....

 Thursday we were suppose to get a bunch of really productive stuff done...but instead we went to "Jump Street"

 And then went to Sushi.....

 I don't know why it is....but....we always have a BLAST....

...At Costco..... finally Costco doesn't scare me anymore....

 Justin soaked up as many cuddles as possible...as this is the time of year he works a ton...for his family. #bestdaddyever

Grandpa and his Girls
 
 
 

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Mindful Monday 3.24.14

{ Because 8 Years of Marriage...Deserves an Extra Special Sparkly Occasion}

MINDFUL MONDAY

*Let's just pretend it's Monday...mmmkay??

 
Highlights of last week included:
~Treasured time with my dear high school friend Sara...it had been three years since our last visit...and it's crazy how much both our lives have changed since then.  It was especially special because she's expecting her first baby soon....and she was able to meet my two little ones.  Sadly Hannah & Emma were in tears the majority of the visit...as "stranger anxiety" is still in full force...especially if a new person comes into our home.  Don't worry Sara...babies are the BEST thing EVER, truly!  You're going to be an amazing mama, I just know it!
~Our first "real" vacation post having children.  I say "real" because last summer we did do a "staycation" at a resort here in the valley...but this was our first "real" out of state vacation....VEGAS BABY.  It was weird, wild, and a whirlwind....but that's Vegas....I'll try and do a separate post this week specifically about the trip. 

New fab finds:
 ~ Impress Nails ! So I'm a total girlie girl..and I've always LOVED acrylic nails... I had them for years...but nowadays it's just not practical... being a mom, and all the little buckles and contraptions you've constantly got your hands into.  But Impress Nails...are simply "stick ons" for special occasions.  They have them in long, short, french tips, colors...and they are SO EASY and SO FUN.  They are perfect for date nights or photo shoots!

~The Neon Boneyard....a super rad spot we landed at during our getaway.  It's where all the old Vegas signs retire to.....  And the coolest part...they host weddings and events there!  It's really cool concept if you're looking for something totally different.  It was just another reminder that this world is full of people and their wild ideas, pretty inspiring.

Yes this actually happened:
 ~Justin punched out Mike Tyson on the strip. true story.
~I had my favorite breakfast Loco Moco, not once but twice in Vegas.   I first tried it on our honeymoon in Hawaii, and when ever it's offered on a menu, I'm sold!  Oh my gosh...soooo good.
~Danced in a completely Frozen Bar.....Everything was made of ice; the walls, the bar, the seats and even the glasses that you enjoy your cocktails in.
 
Feeling Appreciative:
~For my parents for watching the buggies...it's so comforting to know that they're happy and safe. 
 
Baby Moments I Want to Remember:
 ~Those two little girls can EAT.  Wow.  They both are so close to walking...but I'm in no hurry...they are communicating with us so much, it's so amazing.  I've also noticed that they're really starting to play together...passing blocks back and fourth and chit chatting with each other. 
 
I Turn it Up:  "Radioactive" Imagine Dragons, I also refer to Hannah & Emma as my little "Imagine Dragons" which Justin thinks is weird.
 
 
Something Inspiring: 
 

 
 
 
SPECIAL SNAPSHOTS FROM LAST WEEK:
 
Hi Sara! Love You!
 
My sassy little mini teenagers...
 
Everyday I'm hustling...

They love their "library"

The prettiest little "I'm Poopin" face I've seen....

YESSSSS

We Celebrated our 8 Year Wedding Anniversary {a little early} at the Eiffel Tower at Paris.  We got there about 20 minutes before the sunset and had an amazing view...it was really awesome watching Las Vegas transform from day to night.  LOVED.
 

The Neon Boneyard

 Freezing in Minus5 Ice Lounge 
 
Home Sweet Home.... Where we belong...with two little girls in their fairy pajamas eating graham crackers.....this is the life.
 
 
 

 

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

{Wedding Wednesday} : "Ten Sweet Years"

 
 
Ten sweet years have gone by since Donnie and Brianne became Husband and Wife.  I'll never forget their beautiful Wedding day.....the day was very sweet, very tender and their love for each other truly shined
 
They were so young...everything was just beginning.  A few years later.....their love for each other would continue to grow and multiply...as they added two breathtakingly beautiful precious daughters to their family. 
 
Their first dance song on their wedding day was  "Feels Like Home to Me".... to this day every time I hear that song I think of them, and it always brings tears of joy to my eyes.  That song is so perfectly them...and their love..... 
 
(Photo by Still Life Studios)
 

(Photo by Still Life Studios)

(Photo by Still Life Studios)

(Photo by Still Life Studios)
 
(Photo by Still Life Studios)


In just a few weeks they will stop time its busy tracks to honor their marriage, as they celebrate their ten year anniversary by renewing their marriage vows. 
 
How incredibly special will it be for their daughters and loved ones to be a part of this beautiful ceremony and this very special moment in life.....
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Monday, March 17, 2014

Mindful Monday 3.17.14


~Marlene & Luke~
{ In just five weeks, THESE two will say "I DO" in THIS very spot!}

 
MINDFUL MONDAY

Highlights of last week included:
~It was actually kind of a rough week.  My little ones got sick, again.  And so did Justin...in addition he has a terrible sinus infection.  Ewwe. I hate sickness, I hate talking about sickness....but last week it ruled my life, and I wasn't even sick.  I had to cancel some super fun social plans,...but sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do.  Luckily everyone is on the mend. Hopefully life can resume as normal again soon.

~I was able to escape the coco nest briefly to meet up with a beautiful couple for their final details meeting and wedding walk thur at the lovely CopperWynd Resort.  Luke & Marlene are such a sweet couple and have been such a joy to work with...I'm SO looking forward to seeing all of these plans come to life. 

New fab finds:
 ~One of my best girlfriends received a "Baby Brezza" for a shower gift??? Umm...where the heck was this thing a year ago??? Wow.

Yes this actually happened:
 ~My flawless perfect daughter was STUNG by a mosquito
~We had a outbreak of fruit flies in our home, that was not fun
~Watched "Dallas Buyers Club"...I found it very interesting...although parts of it were hard to watch and the stereotypes and ignorance was pretty heart piercing... What I found most incredible was that I didn't even realize that Jared Leto was "Rayon" until the next day. Wow, he really did do an outstanding performance. 
 
Feeling Appreciative:
 ~For my aunt Pam { a talented nurse} who thankfully I was able to call and send photos of my poor little Hannah's bitten cheek. Pam was able to relieve me and confirm that yes it was only a mosquito bite and not a poisonous spider.
 
Confessions:
~I hate folding laundry...ugh...why does it never end?
 
Baby Moments I Want to Remember:
~They both climb up on the couch now....I'm scared
~They both been saying "Mmmaaa Mmmaa Ma and Dadada" a lot
~They both say "Uh Oh"...and it's sooo cute
~They fight over toys and take toys away from each other constantly...lately I've been telling them to "love each other and share"...when I say that Hannah pats her sister's back ever so gently, it's the sweetest thing.
 
I Turn it Up: 

 
Something Inspiring: 
 

"I don't wait for moods. You accomplish nothing if you do that. Your mind must know it has got to get down to work" Pearl S. Buck
 
 
 
 
SPECIAL SNAPSHOTS FROM LAST WEEK:
 
 
My sickly little sad crew
 

Poor precious Hannah

My view most days

Emma will sit in his lap forever

"Uh Oh"

I was able to sneak in a little 30 minute getway with my Mom at one of my fav places "Relaxation Foot Spa"

Those fruit flies didn't have chance against my big bad husband!

On one of our evening walks these two insisted on "Wedding Crashing" on Villa Siena's beautiful grounds.

Justin got a tip from the FOB on the wedding he shot Saturday...I'll give you one guess what he spent it on....Welcome to the family "Periwinkle & Tinkerbell"

It's the BEST exhaustion you'll ever feel...all the time.
 
 
 
 
 

Friday, March 14, 2014

{FRIDAY}: Food, Fitness, and Fashion Vol. 3

 
HAPPY FRIDAY! 
{In case you've missed the past installments of FFF}:

Vol. 1
Vol.  2

Again, I always feel a little weird posting my "Food, Fitness, and Fashion" posts because again I do not deem myself an expert in this area at all.  These are simply areas in my life that I've been paying more attention to and doing my best to make them more of a priority...so as always, I like to share what I've learned along the way on my blog. 

1.) Food ~
I joined Weight Watchers about six weeks after having my twins {per my obgyn's suggestion, as she herself is a WW Lifetime Member}, to help to speed up my weight loss efforts...what I didn't realize was by joining this program my entire outlook on food and fitness would completely change.  I never realized before that I could actually have full control over what I eat, what my weight is, and how I feel.  It has truly been an awesome awakening for me. 

I'm now  4 freaking ounces away from my "Lifetime Member Goal Weight".  That means once I hit that number and maintain it for 6 weeks consecutively{within a 2lb range} I become a "Lifetime Weight Watcher Member" meaning that the Weight Watchers program is now completely free for me....all the meetings and all the online tools....and I get a very cool "Lifetime Member" key. 

I could go on and on about all the wonderful things I've learned...but for now I'll leave with some snippets in photos......

Some of the Things I Eat:
Bottom Line...you can eat anything on WW, you just have to "track" it and stay within your weekly "points" allotment {this differs from person to person}  Also, I'm fairly new in the kitchen...cooking still very much intimidates me...they are all SUPER SUPER easy meal ideas:

Flat Out Thin Crust Flatbread Spicy Italian/1Serving {3 pts} + Hunts Seasoned Tomato Pizza Sauce/3 tablespoons {1 pt} + Red Bell Peppers & Onions {0pts} + Fat Free Mozzarella Shredded Cheese/1 serving {1 pt} = 5 Points Total

2 Italian Stuffed Meatballs {Prepackaged & Already Prepared/Got them at Fry's Market Place} Paired with a simple Salad w Fat Free Italian Dressing = 11 Points Total

I call this my "Skinny Spritzer"...it helps to satisfy my before bed sweet tooth on days when I've already eaten up my "daily points" . It's Diet Cherry 7 Up over ice,  Blueberries, Topped with Lite Whipped Topping = 0 Points Total

1/2 of a Thomas Light English Muffin {1pt}, Topped with Melted Fat Free Kraft Cheddar Cheese {1 pt}, Banana {0 pt}, Boiled Egg {2 pts}, Coffee with Sugar Free French Vanilla Creamer and Fat Free Whipped Topping {1 pt} Totaling = 5 Pts  

 
Snap Shot I took after a Weekly Meeting...SUCH A POWERFUL message....especially to an EVENT PLANNER! This has been one the biggest lesson's learned through this program...in my old mindset I would treat everything like an "event"...."I have to get the entire house organized TODAY"...."I have to get my business running and off the ground TODAY"..."I have to read all these books on parenting TODAY"....and that is such an unrealistic way to look at life, not to mention I was setting myself up for disappointment daily.  Having children plus the weight watchers program has really helped me to understand that nearly everything is process. 
 
Doesn't get much easier than this...Lean Cuisine's Meatloaf & Potatoes, and then I threw in some extra veggies Total = 6 Points

Proof that you can still eat fried chicken and French fries on W.W. plus a side of Fat Free Ranch Dressing.... Totaling = 9 Points {I will however probably not eat this again because I think this was a "trigger" food for me....making me more hungry afterwards}

Super Duper Easy, simply heat in a pan Totaling = 6 Pts

Staple items I buy from Costco

These are NEW and sooooo delish!  Dark chocolate covered frozen strawberries....Totaling = 2 Pts!
 

This is my "I want something naughty snack/meal"....1 Serving of Mission Tortilla Rounds, 1 Serving of Tasty Bite Madras Lentils, 1 Serving of Kraft Fat Free Cheddar Cheese, White Onions, Bell Peppers, and Salsa...Good and Filling but yet kind of Indulgent.  Totaling = 8 Pts

Apple {0 Pt}, Boiled Egg { 2 Pts}, Mustard {0 Pt} Totaling = 2 Pts

1 serving of Eggo Nurti Grain Waffles {4 Pts} &1 serving of Kroger Sugar Free Syrup {1 Pt}, Light Whipped Topping {0 Pts}, and Blackberries {0 Pts} Totaling = 5 Pts

 
1 serving of Costco Crusted Tilapia {4 pts}, paired with a spinach salad, mushrooms, red and white onions, green peppers, snap peas {0 pt}, and 1 serving of Light Vinaigrette Balsamic Dressing {1 Pt} Totaling = 5 Pts 
 

Yum, Totaling = 4 Pts

My Walmart Staple Items {p.s. how CUTE are those baby dolls??? Yum!}
  
This a side by side screen shot of my W.W. app.  The shot on the left shows the ending to my week {I call this my WW Report Card for the Week....I ate all my daily points plus one, had 9 weekly points remaining {that I didn't eat} and earned 27 activity points {that I didn't eat} That was a really good week.  It's all about playing a numbers game with yourself all week and trying to come out ahead...and what do you know...surprise surprise I didn't starve to death :)  The screen shot on the right shows my fresh new week....complete with 26 daily points, 49 weekly points, and 0 activity points}
 
My inspiration board that hangs in my bathroom next to mine and Justin's 101 in 1001 goal list....since then I've added another blue ribbon and few more stickers....these are fun little rewards that WW hands out to you for each goal, milestone you hit.  I love visual reminder of how far I've come since having my buggies. 
 
OPEN INVITATION: I just wanted to share my excitement and invite anyone reading this blog to join me at the meetings I attend:  Every Tuesday Night @ 5:30 at 1017 S. Gilbert Road Ste 105 Mesa, Arizona 85233. Seriously, it's actually pretty awesome, and the leader of this meeting is hilarious....{she herself as lost over 110lbs!} I've had a few friends join and are doing great on the program....don't be shy join the fun...it's a little cheesy at first but once you get past the initial start up stuff...it's very empowering and motivating.



2.) Fitness ~  
 
Truth is all I do is walk/run nearly every day for about 60 minutes.  It's all that really works for my schedule/life right now and it's works, it's easy, and it's FREE.  Occasionally I'll join a girlfriend for yoga or recently I joined my brother for rock climbing...but bottom line it's just about MOVING. 
 
 Morning Walks = Clear Thoughts....Endorphins are a REAL thing!
 

In the recent past I purchased an "Active Link" and I love it!  I'll share more on this on my next blog post...but basically it's very similar to a "fit bit"....I wear it all the time except when showering or sleeping...it's very motivating.
 
Yoga...wanna start doing more of this...
 

Sometimes you just gotta do it. Don't think about, just do it...and then boom, it's over.
 
Rock climbing was a blast. I hope to do it again in the near future, plus I got to have fun hanging with my brother....It's fun when social outings aren't centered all around food.
 
Involve your friends...I've had a good amount of my best girlfriends join me on my daily walks...and it's been so fun...we know we at least have a full hour of a catching up, why not do it walking??? {hi Renata!} 
 

Probably the most annoying thing I do, is I take a photo during or after every single stinkin work out, and I share it with a very close group of friends/supporters...the accountability helps me immensely. Plus it's great to look back on all of those workouts to see how they've impacted my life....plus my babies are super cute.  Hey, it's all about finding whatever works for you!
 
 
 
3.) Fashion ~

Okay, so my sweet mom bought these for me as a Christmas gift...and I was like "ya right, like I'll every be able to wear printed pants"...and truth be told...I LOVE them, in fact I'm wearing them right now as I type.  They are total "Lululemon" knock offs and they are fantastic! I'm pretty sure she bought them at Target or Walmart.....they are called {Champion Advanced High Performance/Medium Regular Fitted/Duo Dry Max/Cirzenwash}
 
I feel weird posting these kinds of photos but oh well, whatever....So if you keep up with my blog {all five of you:) P.S. I love you} you've heard me talk about STITCH FIX before.  The top in the photo above was from my 2nd Stitch Fix! 
 
Stitch Fix is this awesome program where a personal stylist puts together clothing options for you to try and mails them to YOUR HOME on a month basis.  She chooses your "Stitch Fix" based on surveys that you've pre filled out regarding your personal style, size, preferences, etc!
 
You pay a $20.00 "styling fee" and then you pay for the items you want to keep...and the $20.00 "styling fee" is credited towards those items.  The "fix" comes with a prepaid shipping envelope and anything you don't want to keep you simply put in the envelope and toss it in the mail....SUPER EASY...and super fun! 
 
Here's a few more pieces that I've kept that have come in my "fixes"
 
Quite possibly one of the dorkiest photos of myself that I've shared with the internet, but oh well....the dress is fun.
 
Floral Top
 
Top
 
 Any who...this post is now getting ridiculously long...bottom line if you don't have proper time to shop...you should check out STITCH FIX...it's soooo fun! And if you do end up scheduling a "Fix" of your very own...would you pretty please use my referral link: https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3316660
 
I would appreciate it....especially since my jerky cousin didn't use it when she ordered hers { I love you Bri!}
 
 
 
Much LOVE all....as always thank you for allowing me to share my world...I hope my rambling nonsense inspires you in some way....or least gives you some good material to make fun of me about ;)
 
 
 
 
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