The Healthy Mama Series - Meet Vanessa

I am so excited to share a mama who believes in health and wellness. Hearing other stories about how busy moms incorporate fitness into their lives inspires me to be better. I know you will enjoy her story as much as I do. Thank you so much for sharing, Vanessa!

I’m a mama. Most of you reading this are probably mamas or mamas to be. Let’s be real for a second. Mama life is wonderful AND challenging, but mainly wonderful and sweet, with exceptions to those really rough days that make you forget you can totally do this beautiful job you were called to do. Because there are many days as a mom that you can barely go the bathroom, and who has time to style their hair? I’ve been a mom for eleven sweet months. There have been many up and down days, more up days though! But even though I’m a mama and I take care of my son 24/7 and rarely have downtime, there is one thing I try and make sure I always have time for. And even if that means waking up half an hour earlier, I do it.

So what do I make time for? Exercise. You know why? Because when I get a quick work out in every single day (or at least 5 times a week), I feel empowered, strengthened, and energized. I need that. I need those 20-30 minutes of just Vanessa time. I want to be a fit mom so I can keep up with my son. But that’s not my only reason.

So I definitely don’t have that child who has slept through the night from six weeks on. In fact, he’s eleven months now and still wakes up at least once throughout the night. And let’s be honest right now. Sleepless nights suck. LIKE BIG TIME. It’s so easy to lose your focus on whom you really are and become super depressed and frustrated because lack of sleep will totally do that to you. There have been countless nights where I slept on the sofa or paced the living in circles trying to get a baby to sleep. But you know something I’ve always tried to do? Work out. That is something for ME. And the second I finish an intense kick butt work out, I feel as if anything can come against me today.

Some mornings I manage to finish my workout before Eli wakes up. Other mornings I’m jumping around him, lunging next to him, using him as a weight, and working on my workout while also trying to occupy him. Those mornings are challenging but just like anything else, I don’t give up because I love to see the results my body has made. It is incredible to watch the progress your body goes through. Seriously, you can do anything with your body as long as you keep up with it. The hardest thing for me is consistency because being a mommy definitely means your little routine you had before babies goes out of the window and everything changes. I’m a control freak so I’ve had to learn to accept the changes that come with every single day. So now I wake up at 5:30am every day just to get a work out in before the little one wakes up. I want to be a strong mommy. I want to show my son that health and fitness are important.

Most of the times I just finish my workout, sweaty and all, and I hear Eli in the bedroom, awake. So I put my mommy smile on, open the door, and greet my sweet baby. Truth is I don’t really have a lot of time to fit my workouts in. I have a baby that needs mama. I have housework that needs to get done. I’m married to a Navy man so I’m mainly alone and parent solo. But I do what I can, when I can. And that makes me feel worth it. My baby comes first, BUT mama also needs to look after herself. And for me, working out feels good for my body and also does wonders for my mind!

Do something for you every day. You are worth it.

Vanessa is mommy to an 11 month old and a wife to her sweetheart who serves as a Naval Officer. She loves to blog, stay fit, enjoy a beach day while eating watermelon, and coffee and Jesus are her thing! Make sure to check our her blog and over on Facebook and Instagram.

Blog: https://fitfoodiemomlife.wordpress.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/fitfoodiemommie/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/fitfoodiemomlife/

Thank you so much for sharing and for the reminder of how beautiful and strong we all are - every single day. We ARE so worth it.

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To see other mamas in my Healthy Mama Series, you can check out Kristin here. Or, to see how fitness continues to be valuable in my life, you can check out my transformation here. If you are interested in sharing how health and wellness are valuable to you, please contact me. I love sharing strong mamas!

Friday Finds {Vol. 28} - Everyday Mom Style {Grapic Tees PLUS a Treat}

Happy Friday! After a few days of worry, we need a little fun. AM I RIGHT? And, you know what's fun? NEW CLOTHES.

We are gearing up for a weekend of sports, the school carnival, and some family time. It's getting hot in Texas, so it's time for some shorts and my current obsession - the graphic tee.

There are so many cute shops out there who have the best graphic tees for a busy, tired mama. Seriously - how cute are these? I just can't decide which one (or two or three) I need.

Left // Top // Bottom

But, if you need your graphic tee fix right now, I have two places for you to hit - TJ Maxx and Kohl's. You can find the most comfortable tees for the best prices.

This outfit is going to be my summer uniform. Do not be alarmed if you see me in this get-up multiple times during the next few months.

Shorts // Shirt // Shoes

And, you can't go wrong with these recent purchases. They are cozy, soft and give just a few clues into my crazy, caffeinated life.

Both tees from TJ Maxx

I'd love to hear of more shops/places to grab some fun new items for my closet - especially the graphic tee. I'm all ears!

Have a blessed and FUN weekend, friends! Thanks for the love this week. I can FEEL it :)

And to add a little spice to your graphic tees, check out Rocksbox! My first box came this week and LOVE! I am currently obsessed with my new Kendra Scott studs in Peach Illusion. Want to know more or create your own dream Rocksbox? Check them out and get a FREE month with this code - alwaysanewdayxoxo - you will love all the goodies. Don't we all deserve a sparkly treat?

Friday Finds {Vol. 27} - Workout Round-Up

It's Fri-yay! I am so ready for another girls' weekend - yep, I am a lucky gal and get to hit the road again to see some friends. Right now, I am clinging to friends who just let me be me. Can't wait to share our trip - and yes, we followed all of these tips for a perfect weekend!

But, there's one thing I am trying to do while gone, and that's not go overboard on all the food. Weekends are my weakness. Stress is my weakness, too, if I'm being honest. I try very hard to move a few times a week because more than ANYTHING, I workout so I don't wig out. It's therapy for me. Plus, it makes me feels a wee bit better when I dig into that queso.

I am lacking on posting some Friday Finds, but I wanted to round-up some of my favorite workouts so you can see just how awesome a good workout makes you feel. Now, let's get to sweatin'.

Tabatas are my jam - they are quick, tough, and effective. Check out how they are done as well as my favorites:

Cardio Tabata

Legs Tabata

What if you have a busy toddler? Try this park/neighborhood workout.

The Toddler Workout

The best workout advice I can give is to find an accountability partner - check in, celebrate, support, encourage, and share. I love my accountability partners - I have a few because I need that much help. My dear friend, Megan, gets me and pushes me. Since my transformation has transformed back, I am hanging on to her more than ever.

And, if you are ever in need of guidance, but finances and time are tight, use Pinterest. Here are some I have saved and use at home.

The 20-Minute Workout

The 20-Minute Glute Circuit

The 18-Minute HIIT Workout

30-Minute Shape-Up Session

What's your fitness routine look like? How do you stay motivated? It is NOT easy, but we need to take care of ourselves to take care of everyone else. Have a great weekend - get outside and get moving. So many benefits - and we love a happy mama, right??

5 Things I've Learned My First Year of Blogging

Confession - I still have no idea what I am doing in this blogging world. At the end of 2015, I made the goal to start a blog to share my words with whomever wanted to hear them. I published this post last May and just jumped right into all of it. There went my words - out in the open for anyone to see, read, and comment. Yet, the comments didn't come; heck, neither did the views. Fast forward to now, and while I feel more confidence, I am still sitting in a world of experts and vast amounts of information on taking your blog to the next level. And truth be told, I don't even know what level I am trying to reach. I just want to write - to take a minute out of "adulting" and have a space to let it all go. I am a worrier; I have OCD. And to make it even more fun, I am in the midst of another grief journey. I don't know what's happening emotionally from one moment to the next, but words help me muddle through all the dirty to find the good.

If you have read from the beginning, thank you! Thank you for your patience, your advice, your comments, and your love. In the beginning, my plan was to focus on fitness, but when life changed again for me, I knew my vision was changing too. Sure, I would love a million viewers and to have my words reach the masses, but I really want a corner to share. So, from this rookie blogger who is a hot mess of all things, here are some things I have learned this first year.

Be authentic.

In May 2015, I shared my fitness routine and plan for healthy living. I joined a group of motivated ladies and thought it was a perfect niche for a new blog. Workout, sell stuff, keep motivated. It felt right for a long time, but when my brother died, it no longer felt like me. I am now a mom who is grieving yet caring for her family too - it's a roller coaster. Sure, my workouts make me feel so strong, but my words give me a strength I did not know I had. My life right now is not predictable or easy, so I want to share those ups and downs. Should you want to start your blog, my best advice is make a list of your "special" topic areas - ones where you feel real and passionate. This post from one of my favorite blogging experts really helped me in narrowing my focus and finding areas where I could fully connect to the topic and then hopefully the reader.

Utilize Social Media.

I get my social media "fix" via Instagram and Facebook. I love finding other blogs and other mamas who share their journeys - the real, nitty-gritty ones that make you nod your head, cry your eyes out, and/or laugh yourself silly. When I have a new post or even one posted somewhere bigger, I share hoping others will connect to my words. The very idea that my life experiences are out there for someone to read and understand is surreal and a dream come true. So, if you want to write or blog, link up with other blogs or share your content on all social media platforms. Ask your friends and family to share as well. The power behind sharing spreads your message - you never know who needs to hear what you have to say. When I am struggling to parent "perfectly," I love the words I find. They help me be better for these two loves.

Find a community.

I have found such confidence when I became a member of a blogging group. Motivating mom bloggers surround me as I test, try, and tempt new ideas for my little blog. Not only has this group been beneficial for me, but I also reached out to a fab mom blogger who then became one of my closest friends. Kristy's patience for my multitude of questions has helped my confidence grow since day one. If you want to write and share, reach out to those you follow and grow your community. There is such great support here, and it has shaped my direction for this space.

Be patient.

There is so much I want to do with my blog. I want to make changes to the look and the layout as well as learn more about growth possibilities. Being patient with all these ideas swirling in my head is hard for my OCD problems. Each week, I try to look at something new to incorporate - a newsletter is next up on my list. But, I don't want to throw it together; I want this newsletter to be useful and fun for the busy mom. So, with this idea coming soon, I want to take my time in creating this newsletter. If you want to monetize your blog or even find your niche, take your time and do your research. My blog isn't perfect, but I will take my time in making the perfect space for me and my readers.

Via

Learn as you go.

You could spend hours researching blogging techniques and tips. But just as with the patience, you have to take all these aspects in slowly and learn as you go. Start a Pinterest board for all your blogging research then take time pulling out what's best for you and your blog.

Or, join a group board of other bloggers so you can see their ideas that could best be used in your plans. I have to admit, I started so quickly because I was ready to see my dream become reality, but there are so many things I still need to learn. I plan to attend blogging conferences/workshops to keep learning. Even if I do get my blog where I like it, I won't stop learning. Plus, it's fun! And I need a little fun in my life.

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These are not mind-blowing tips from a world-renowned blogger; they are just simple things to keep in mind if you choose to share part of your world with others. It takes bravery, a leap of faith, and a great deal of support. Thank you to those who have shared, commented, and critiqued. This little mess of mine is going to keep going as long as the words flow. I've got stories to tell about parenting, grief, mental health, physical fitness, and so much more. Hang on - I am not where I want to be, but I am so excited to learn more and share more with all of you.

A Mother's Day Reminder

I want to wish all of the fabulous moms a very Happy Mother's Day. Even on the days we do not feel one bit fabulous, we need to remember how awesome we are. We keep our little people going. We really just keep our crazy lives rollin'. So on the days you don't feel so hot or you question all your parenting, remember - YOU ARE AWESOME. {I am writing this post on a not-so-good day so I need this awesome reminder just as the next tired mama}

Mother's Day needs to be a starting point - a place to let all moms know they are so loved. I've been thinking back to that day 7 years ago when I found out I was going to be a mom - I didn’t say a word that entire day out of pure shock, fear, and joy. The months leading up to my son’s arrival were pretty much spent in research - birthing, sleeping, feeding, surviving; I needed to KNOW all of it. I even read BabyWise and sticky-noted the crap out of that book. You know, because I was going to consult my annotations at 3 am when my little guy just wouldn’t sleep. I spent hours packing my hospital bag over and over. The final result? I packed pre-maternity pants because I thought my gut was going to magically shrink over night.

And as we all know, it’s a matter of survival the moment that little miracle is born. I never read that book again, and I wore my stretchy maternity jeans until he was over one. A friend told me the greatest advice when he was tiny, and I still hang out to it nowadays with two kids. This too shall pass. Not the sweet moments - we know we want those to linger forever as though time stops infinitely. The lack of sleep, the teething, the potty-training, the frustration, the temper tantrums, the I-can’t-remember-when-I-washed-my-hair look, the lack of adult interaction. All of those yucky times will pass. And you will still be awesome.

Maybe you read and utilized every single word of that important baby book, and maybe your child slept through the night at 6 weeks. But, maybe not. Maybe you had the baby blues. Maybe they lingered longer than you expected. Maybe you were afraid. Maybe you missed the pre-baby you. But, your babies thrived. At some point too, you thrived. Why? Because you are AWESOME.

This mom role is no joke - it’s chaos one minute then complete bliss the next. It’s pure exhaustion followed by pride with your little one’s newest accomplishment. You bottle-fed or you breastfed; you organically fed or you consider the fact that you got the toddler to eat that processed waffle your greatest accomplishment; you worked or you stayed at home. The list is as long as the comments on a Facebook mommy war post. No matter how you did it, you did it with love. And BECAUSE YOU ARE AWESOME.

Via

So celebrate your awesomeness on Sunday. Then on Monday, high-five your mom tribe and tell them how great they are. Hug your kids because they know how great YOU are. And be kind to all the moms out there. Let Mother’s Day be a starting point because we do not know the battles each other faces, but I do know this fact - moms can do HARD things. Guess why? We are so damn awesome.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

The Perfect Girls Weekend

I just returned from my annual girls weekend with my college friends. A long weekend of laughing, lounging, eating, and conversation was good for this mommy's soul. How in the world did we make a 3-day weekend happen in our busy mom lives? It all started with an idea a few years ago and a commitment - and there you have the perfect girls weekend.

#1 - Start a Facebook Group

We started with an idea at one of our weddings and this turned into a private Facebook group where we could plan, coordinate, and discuss the weekend's itinerary. We could coordinate flight pick-ups, menu ideas, games, and then share our favorite moments from the weekend long after they happen. I love our little group and starting this Facebook planning group was just what we needed to get the weekend in motion. 

#2 - Pick Your Weekend

We always do the last weekend in April. This year, we already committed to our 2017 weekend so now we can head home, inform the husbands/work, gather babysitters, and start the countdown. Sure, we may miss soccer games or other events, but it's just easier to have this weekend set. No one flakes or makes other plans when this weekend is set. Make it a long weekend, too - we love our 2 full days and 3 nights of girl time.

#3 - Rent a House

Each year, we have rented a house in the same area with a full kitchen and a pool. We room with other friends and get cozy. All you need is in one space. The main idea is to not have plans - we sit in the pool and do not let time constrain us. A hotel getaway is great, but we like the ease of a home with all the amenities.

#4 - Keep It Simple

On our first evening, we conquer the grocery store. We partner with another friend and take a meal. This last trip, my friend Libbie and I had dinner. We chose the meals for the rest of the weekend and purchased our ingredients. We also have breakfast and lunch squared away with some snacks in between. Each year, I also learn a new recipe or snack idea I take home and use in my meal plans. Win-win!

Another way to keep it simple is to not make any plans. You are needed so much in your regular life and pulled in a thousand directions to take care of others, so it is nice to DO NOTHING for a few days. We like not worrying about time or places to be - it makes the weekend just simple and perfect. A bonus - I don't think I wore make-up once while there. Oh, and I stayed in my bathing suit/cover-up too. 

#5 - Grab Some Party Favors

This tradition just happened on its own. I had cups monogrammed for our first trip, then sweet Libbie had these koozies made with our college nicknames. The cups were perfect for some margaritas and the koozies kept our beers cold. I love these little treasures, and we make sure to bring them on each trip. My friend, Emily, also brought us fun water bottles too - a color for each of us!

I am sad it is over, but I am beyond blessed to have this group of ladies in my life. We met over 20 years ago, and we still pick up like no time has been lost. We support each other, crack each other up like crazy, and stick together even when we are apart. Thank you, sweet friends, for a great weekend - one I desperately needed.

Go start your group and get to planning. What a treasure you will have with your dear friends. I can't wait until we are rockin' our koozies at our girls weekends when we are old and gray. Now, THAT will be a good time. 

Why I Stopped Coaching

Almost one year ago, I started my little blog and a little business. I shared what my new business would be and started posting about challenge groups, workout programs, and such. First let me say that I still have one challenge group going; I love my at home workout programs and still make them part of my fitness routine. But, I had to make some changes - not for anyone else but myself.

This last month, I decided to part ways with my teeny tiny business. I think the programs and its message are phenomenal and know they greatly shaped how I incorporate healthy living into my busy, crazy mom life. But, I am trying to figure out the grief life and the mom life and the wife life - all the lives that make me truly function. I love the coaches I follow - they are awesome! My support for them hasn’t changed - I have. Here is why I have stopped coaching.

Accountability

Sure, I still have fitness goals. Working out is still an outlet for me, but so is writing. I’d say right now, it’s the words that are pulling me through the dark waters of loss. I’ll punch and burpee my way through a rough patch, but it is getting the words out that make me feel lighter and stronger. I have found an AMAZING blogging community who have challenged and encouraged me as I write more. I crave THIS accountability right now. My challenge group is full of hardworking moms who still post recipes and workouts so that accountability is still there for me, but for now, sharing with words is where I am.

Authenticity

In my current life, I don’t feel REAL when I post a workout video or a post-workout selfie. My authentic self right now comes from sharing about deep personal loss and the crazy beautiful mom life. My authentic self comes from my two sweet little loves who make me smile through grief; it’s my husband who has work stress then comes home to wife stress. We are trying to figure out our new normal. That is the real me right now, and I am connecting so much more to other moms who get that.

Responsibility

For right now, I do not owe anyone big reasons for why I am taking a step back. I was getting tired of thinking so much about creating a cute graphic or an ideal challenge group. I feel my responsibility is to myself and to share so that others who feel loss in some form know they are absolutely not alone. And I did feel alone in the fitness world right after my brother died. That is not being honest with my feelings or to the grief journey I need to go on so I can heal.

Planning

So much has changed in the last 4 months. Some may say I am a quitter and that I didn’t dig deep enough into what makes a successful business, and I can’t say I disagree. I just cannot quit myself - when I do that, I am of no benefit to my future self or to my family and friends. If you follow me on Instagram as well as the blog, you will notice I have changed my focus. You may see healthy recipes and a boot camp workout, but for now, you will see me planning a life around loss. You will see more candids of the good, bad, and ugly of what grieving through motherhood looks like. You will see my crazy moments of life with a busy toddler. And you will see my heart because it is so raw right now that words are my main weapon.

Thank you for sticking with me. Honestly, there are so many good days that have happened lately - like this post being shared on the Huffington Post. My first journey of grief that I am using to tread through this new journey. I am feeling such love and strength from my blogging friends and friends/family who share and praise my posts. It is that support that drives me today - not selling the latest workout program. Coaching is an amazing opportunity for so many; it’s just not mine right now.

If you know someone who is hurting from a loss - maybe it’s a broken friendship, divorce, job loss, or death - share my story and encourage them no matter where they are in their journey. Cheers to all of us who are fighting every single day!

You all encourage me. God bless!

And many thanks to the support at Her View From Home for my original post about my dad. When this post went up, it's when I started to see just how powerful words are.

Easy Garlic and Veggie Pasta

If you have seen the news or Facebook, you know Houston was hit hard by rain this past week. In fact, we are on day 4 of no school - schools, roads, and homes have been flooded. Luckily, we have been okay, but it is scary. Please pray for the families and for the waters to safely recede.

Since we have hunkered down due to flooded roadways, we have not been able to get to the store. Our first night after the rain, I threw together a yummy pasta dish. Now, I love a good recipe - mainly because I am NOT good at coming up with my own meal. So, imagine my surprise when this dinner was SO GOOD. Best part? We licked our plates clean and didn't leave any leftovers #thatsafirst :)

This meal could be changed in so many ways - change your veggies or add some meat/shrimp. My husband suggested Italian sausage - yum!

Ingredients.

8 oz. fettucini

5-6 lunch peppers (chopped) 

2 C. spinach

2 squares of Land O Lakes Garlic and Herb butter 

1/2 t. red pepper flakes

Salt and pepper, to taste

Parmesan cheese, for topping

We love this lunch peppers! Great for snacking, too.

These little squares are full of flavor. You will find them next to the butter at the grocery store.

Instructions.

1. Cook pasta according to instructions and drain.

2. Saute peppers and spinach with one butter square.

3. Add cooked pasta to the veggies and mix with the second butter square.

4. Add red pepper flakes and seasonings, mix.

5. Top with desired amount of Parmesan cheese.

Once I make it back to store, I am doing this one over again! Share and/or pin it - it's so easy!

And BIG hugs to all my Houston friends. If I can get to you soon, I am going to bring you some pasta and wine! Until then, hang on to these promises - you are in my prayers.

Friday Finds {Vol. 26} - My Confessions

It's been a week, friends. This almost threenager I have is making me WORK. I am so grateful for her spunk and personality - those traits get me through the rough days. But, man oh man, she's something else. I thought for this week of Friday Finds, I'd confess a bit about our week. Not much happened, but enough did to warrant a good confessional. So, here we go...

Confession #1

We are in the EARLY stages of potty training. I have not been too excited for this milestone. In fact, I have put it off for a while now because she already makes me sleepy - what in the world would potty training do to me?? She has shown signs of interest, but we are going slowly. She has had some successes to my surprise and excitement (like, too much excitement, but moms can feel me on this one - when it actually happens, you feel like a million bucks). Yet, Tuesday was one for the record books.

After insisting on no pull-up, I let her run around bare-booty and all. I reminded her 273 times to "let Mommy know when you need to go," and followed her around like a loony toon. I turn my back for one hot minute and hear, "I DID IT!" I am about to do a cartwheel that it actually happened, but a certain object ON MY RUG stops me in my tracks. She did it alright - just not where she would suppose to.

We will get there, right?? Someone encourage me right now. This is one milestone that can make an anxious mommy run for the hills.

Confession #2

Potty training and other stressful events have led me to a new drink. So, I guess I should be grateful because this fun cocktail ROCKS. I made them on Sunday and after said potty incident, I needed another. I squeezed the fresh lime juice and poured the goodness in a cup. Only, I turn my back for a second, and the threenager/potty trainee pours a cup of water into my treat. First, my find on the carpet; second, my desperately needed cocktail watered down. I confess I had a quick pity party.

It would make for a good reality show, folks. I made myself another and prayed the next day would be better.

Confession #3

On March 30th, I lost a dear friend to cancer. Her service this past weekend was perfect - full of faith, God, and strength. Our sweet Lindsey left us with her favorite Bible verses, and I am treasuring my time going through each and every one of them. I am confessing that I need these verses in this season of grief and chaos.

My favorite and current source of strength is Romans 5:3-5.

Via

I am CLINGING to this one - God will pull us through suffering. He will build us, shape us, and teach us. My sweet friend, Lindsey, believed this verse with her whole heart as she battled this terrible disease. So through grief, anxiety, and a rough day with my crazy girl, I will believe it too.

Happy weekend, friends! What are you confessing today?

Friday Finds {Vol. 25} - The Liebster Award

My little blog is ALMOST 1, and I have written close to 100 posts. At the end of 2014, I set a goal for myself - to start this dream of having a little corner of the world to escape to when needed. My favorite part as of late has been connecting with other awesome bloggers - encouraging and learning from each other. I recently learned of the Liebster Award which is a peer award given to bloggers by bloggers. Of course, there is added bonus because it is way to discover new blogs, as well as link back to your own. Such fun!

This week's Friday Finds are a few great bloggers with a passion for sharing and influencing others. This community is a great one!

I'm answering some questions from the Semibalanced Mama - thanks for the nom!

1. What is your favorite thing about blogging?

I love connecting with other bloggers - I learn from each of them and can relate to their posts and topics. My favorite bloggers inspire my words and my blog overall. 

2. What is a blog achievement that you have?
Just seeing ANY views on my blog is a dream come true and an accomplishment for me. I always wanted to start a blog, and I am excited it's real now! 

3. What has surprised you the most about blogging?
A blogging friend once told me it takes her 2-3 hours or longer to create a post. At first, I thought NO WAY, but it's true. Blame the OCD or the desire to put out good content, but it does take time to get a post where you want it. 

4. Right at this moment what is the song that would best describe your mood and this moment in your life?
Drink You Away by Justin Timberlake. Two reasons - I love him and I am picturing a glass of wine after a long day with a busy toddler!

5. What is your favorite number and why?
339. Random to some, but it has special meaning for me and my dad who has passed. It was my nickname for him. It was our little inside joke. Miss him. 

6. If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and what would you say to them?
See above. We would have some gumbo and a beer and discuss life. 

7. What is your favorite post that you have written? 
I would say my favorite post was the first one that started my little blog. This post about Change was the first I shared and the ones that made this place home for me. 

8. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Hawaii! I've never been, and I want to go so badly. To see paradise would be amazing!

9. Who is your biggest inspiration?
My maternal grandmother. If possible, I would make her a saint. She endured such loss in her life yet she never gave up on her faith. When I lost someone important to me, she talked to me about keeping my belief in God. Those words are so important during grief. 

10. What is the most random fact about you?
I love People magazine and getting lost in another world. I always wanted to write for them! I could do without the Kardashians though :)

11. Is your life how you pictured it would be when you were younger? Explain!
Oh my gosh, not at all. Life has been way harder than expected but even more beautiful too. I have lost very important people in my life, and I am still going because of my God and my family. They are beauty to me!
______________________________________

I am excited to nominate the following blogs:

Amanda @ Mommy Go Run
Heather @ Trix Are For Moms
Becky @ Welcome To My Life, Part 2
Trish @ Momma Needs Caffeine and Jesus
Husna @ The Beauty Mascot



I can't wait for these awesome bloggers to answer these questions - go check them out soon!

1. What is your biggest goal for 2016?
2. How do you spend any "me time" you may have?
3. Why did you start blogging?
4. If your readers could read ONE post from you, which one would it be and why?
5. Where is your favorite place to travel?
6. What is a favorite recipe that you would suggest for everyone to try?
7. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and who would go with you?
8. Describe yourself in ONE word.
9. What is your favorite movie and why?
10. What is one beauty product you cannot live without?
11. Share a favorite quote, Bible verse, or song lyric that motivates you. 

Thank you again, Semibalanced Mama, for nominating me! This nomination has been fun for me - I love sharing other great bloggers!

The Healthy Mama Series - My Story {Updated}

Here's the latest transformation in my Healthy Mama Series - mine. But, this time, it's probably not what you expect; it's definitely not where I thought I'd be almost one year about posting my original transformation. My transformation is complicated, and I have struggled in the last few months with where I am.  It's hard, frustrating, but it all comes down to trusting God and that He knows where I am headed. 

When I posted my first change post, I was so proud because I NEVER thought I'd reach my goal weight. I was running, working out, boot campin' it, and doing my best to eat clean. I had just stopped nursing my daughter, and that's when the change started to happen. I was not one of those where the baby weight "fell off" when nursing; I was the exact opposite. These changes I made were working, and I really did feel great.

2014 > 2015

But...in April 2015, life threw a big curveball. Anxiety, fear, and change crept in, and I had to make some decisions for my mental health. Slowly, these decisions started helping me mentally - I became less anxious yet the weight started coming back. I didn't really notice it until October 2015. By December, I needed something else to work because I was not happy that my hard work had started to diminish. I wasn't feeling comfortable in my own skin - again. Decisions were made; a promise for a healthier 2016 was created. Then - another curveball. A big one. The one we feared had happened, and I lost my brother. Enter comfort food, anxiety, fatigue, and a deep desire to survive this loss. I had to turn back to what made me slowly gain the weight back.

This decision makes me work harder to lose the weight, but I am slowly starting to see that where I am now is where I may stay. My transformation is now internal - I must accept that this spot is where God wants me right now. Am I where I was one year ago? No way. Could I be where I was? Sure. But, I honestly feel that God needs me to focus on my mental health first. My current issue is accepting the right now and giving myself grace. I am good with my food choices during the week, but the weekend hits - queso, tacos, and chips for all! Monday starts a new promise - almost every week. But, I need to stop looking at the past transformation pictures with sadness and longing. A taco here and a chip there isn't going to break me, and life is all about balance, right? Time to remember that more often than I do now.

2015 > 2016

And as for Beachbody, I love their products and use them in my daily life. If people want to ask me about them, I will gladly answer. But, for now, I feel as though my transformation needs to be documented through my family, my grief journey, my feelings - you know - the truth. Writing and exercise are my release. I won't stop sharing those things because sharing helps. And sharing is caring, right??

So, here I am - 10 lbs heavier. In the midst of life changing again. And, my transformation now is about giving myself some grace and allowing God to use me as needed. I hear God saying, "forgive yourself for not being where you were." I'm trying because a healthy mom isn't just one who work outs and eats clean. A healthy mom is one who really takes care of herself internally too; one who realizes her mental health is where she can find peace and be able to be a great mom for those who need her. It's a slower journey now, too, but it's where I want to transform the most in 2016.

Thank you for following my journey. Up and down and all around, and I am learning as I go.