The Road To Running: Rain or Shine

My body has the crazy idea that maybe I need to take care of myself. Unfortunately, I don't listen well, if at all. This means I need the message delivered LOUD AND CLEAR.

If you've read any of my Disney revelation blog, you know some of this. But I'm pretty sure I really haven't let on just how bad it had gotten. Last Spring, my life was in a crazy constant tumble of insanity. As a mom to two adorable, active, and at times spirited little boys under the age of five, life was a nonstop journey of overwhelming activities that made me feel like I was forever on a hamster wheel dedicated to never-ending catching up. I was neglecting myself, my marriage (I kept forgetting how lucky and loved I was, and my frustrations made me stressed which definitely hindered my communication ability), but giving what I thought was my energy to my sons. Then, my feet started to hurt. Just a tinge here and there, especially after wearing a certain pair of really cute sandals. What I didn't know then was that I was developing a horrendous case of plantar fasciitis in both feet that would hinder my ability to walk for almost a year.

It became so bad that I had to seek medical advice. I stopped doing my favorite things (yoga, dance, walking, biking, playing soccer with my five year old) way before it got bad, but now I couldn't even attempt any of these things withour excruciating pain. An older ankle ligament injury became aggravated, doubling the pain. Not fun.

So, I started physical therapy. Ice, tons of ice! Rest (which made me so insane), new shoes (running shoes that took forever to find ones that gave me what I needed), and tons of yoga. To calm my crazy mind, and gently strengthen my body. My weight had started to climb up due to my lack of activity, but I knew if I could somehow get myself healthy and less stressed the journey back would be worth it.



So, I started walking after my son's bus picked him up with a fellow mom (who has since moved away) rain, snow, or shine. I learned to tape my injuries when needed, and started having movie nights with my family. I shared my fears with my husband, who hugged me, listened to me, and encouraged me.

Then, we went to Disney.

Life changing.

I began a Baby Steps to a 5k program, and I signed up for my first 5k. Every morning, without fail (weekends became optional so that my husband and I could work on our dream business) I walked briskly, knowing that slow and steady would be best for my body.

Then I found the Galloway Method and intervals!

To be continued....

posted from Bloggeroid

Disney Magic And The Crazy Mommy

The past two Decembers, my family journeyed to the most magical place on Earth.

Not Hawaii. That's one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Not Venice, though it feels pretty darn magical. I speak from experience here as I've visited both places.

I'm talking Magic With The Mouse.

Walt Disney World.

With my little ones, who are now 3 and 5.

Now, I've been to Disneyland (or, the Land, as it is sometimes referred to). That was a crazy land in Cali, no shower, six hour flight then straight to the park at 6 p.m. only to be fooled about Splash Mountain's fun at any other time drop by my future husband and his dad.  Needless to say, I have very dim memories of being rushed through the park that October. Except for that ride (because we have the moment of said drop forever frozen in time and documented by the Land, including my look of terror and utter hot mess post-flight self), and the Indiana Jones ride. Loved that one.

Fast forward many years later (we did get engaged in our Anaheim hotel...and not on the beach in Malibu, but sigh...), and we are happily married with two lil dudes. Perfect time for a family vacation!

My husband had taken family vacations down to Walt Disney World with his family when he was younger, which at that time included a fabulously long road trip (once in a trans am...or was that California? I always get those mixed up when they tell the story) with his mom and little sister.  We are not that adventurous, and opted for flying the friendly skies. Approximately two hours versus hours and hours and hours driving south?  Flying every time!

And this past time was incredibly magical.

Like any mom, I'm overwhelmed. I'm happy. I'm embroiled in a messy mix of pure happiness, anxiety, stress, giggles, gratitude, exhaustion, accomplishment...the list goes on and on. And the past year was especially filled with struggles. My feet decided to rebel on me, and I developed plantar fasciitis in one foot, while the other had a flair up from an ankle injury I incurred during my first pregnancy due to the stress of the pf. Not fun. Walking was painful, let alone running around with two very active little dudes. My life is a series of crazy juggling of things, and the things I loved to do (dance, working out, running around with my boys, standing!) were near to impossible.

And we were going to WDW. Where walking is an endless activity.

Long story short, I finally started to find what my body obviously needed (the right shoes for me SO IMPORTANT, time for yoga, breathing!) to counterbalance the years of working in heels on a marble floor.

When we were at Disney, I suddenly felt lighter, happier, and dare I say, magical? Despite the fact my husband was miserable with the virus the rest of us were getting over, we had the most relaxed and wonderful time. I felt lighter, no pain in my feet even after hours of walking all day long. Of course, I had my trusty foot roller (which made TA really interesting, and full of laughs!!), but really I think the best part was the abundance of water I was drinking (I mean, I know how important it is to keep hydrated but had been seriously slacking of late), restful sleep (ah, mommy happiness!!), healthy eating (we aren't big dine out people, and stayed in a place that had a full kitchen) everyday, and YOGA!!!!!

The atmosphere at Disney, of course helped! The wonder and happiness in my boys' faces at every moment was just what a stressed out mommy needed.

When I came home, I knew that I had to figure out how to keep those feelings alive.

And so, my Disney Journey has begun. I've learned tips, tricks, and best of all, how to keep my memories alive everyday while at home.

And, I've begun running again!! Cause, you know a princess can run to the Castle, join the Rebellion, or even Wine and Dine at Epcot.  #RUNDISNEYGOALS

(photo copyright A. Jakstas)

Dreaming Of Disney

I sit here in the pouring rain, waiting patiently for my kindergartner to get dropped off at the bus stop, and try to desperately not let the pouring rain damper my already dampened mood. The road construction through our development has made the drop off wait anywhere from 15 to 60 longer than usual.  And while I can't wait to have a new street with less off road flare, it's caused havoc on our routine. (And our bus driver is kinda awesome, which meant the times I mention picking up my lil dude usually ends up with tearful pleas not too do so.)

This leads to me a few things I made myself finally realize.

I'm DONE.

As in, done waiting for the right time, things to "be in place" so that I can get my dreams and goals achieved. I plan, daydream, but then I let the world overtake me. You know what I mean. Push the things that make me happy, challenge me, and generally are mine to the back burner so that I can mom, wife, work. It's ridiculous. 

WHY DO WE DO THIS TO OURSELVES??

This past fall, I started walking everyday after my son jumped on the bus in the morning, pushing my youngest who was two in his stroller. I met a fellow mom whose daughter was in his class just down the street from us, and we walked. She was my catalyst, calling me put for trying to beg off on rainy or cold days. I learned to suck it up, buttercup! This turned into counting steps (thanks, Samsung Health!), and made me really feel energized.

But here's the kicker. I spend way too much time on my phone (Facebook especially!!), or watching tv.

There were days, though that I rarely turn on the tv, which ended up being my happiest! Putting the phone down actually let me accomplish laundry AND yoga!!

So, that's the deal. I'm DONE. I know I need my phone for my fitness tracker, etsy selling, email for my at home job, but I'm going to set up times just for checking in. And stick to them.

And blog more! My endless Disney tips, frugal mommy tips, and hot mess madness.  I ran my first 5k this past weekend!!!

This summer, my five year old and I are running Run Disney Virtual 5k shorts, and I've convinced the husband if we can sell our second mortgage house that maybe, just maybe, we will run the castles soon. Grandpa's already convinced.

So, here's to Disney Dreaming. And making your own Pixie Dust!!

Chaos, Direct Sales, And Mommy Time

Direct sales have invaded and taken over my Facebook feed. Between Jamberry (which I've tried and love for my toes!), 21 Fix, Keep, and who knows what else, I'm overloaded with equal parts guilt (some of these friends are really friends, and I want to support them), annoyance (am I just another part of their "business" and that's it?), and the wondering if all those shakes/wraps/fixes really work (and if they do why isn't everyone doing them??).

Honest moment disclaimer. I'm not a fan of any kind of fix, etc, because I wonder why people can't find a way to do it themselves? And, a "fix" implies your broken...and after 21 days, you won't be. Now, sure the support systems of some of these things is really amazing for some people! I get it, we are all different. But, the problem is I have so many other things (Legos, food, training pants, food, food...I have two little boys!!!) that it is just crazy to spend more money on things like this, at least for me.

There's a bit of crazy happening in my life, mainly the daily chaos of raising two little boys and the struggles of trying to do what we love as a way to support our family. And all that other stuff. Like the dishes. Laundry. Sweeping the floor. Getting a shower more than twice a week.

In the spirit of my New Mommy, New Rules once upon a time dream, I'm getting back to basics. Tips, learnings, good times...

For today, get outside and enjoy the beauty of the world. Green, lush scenery and flowers in bloom, the scents of herbs growing in your garden, the sound

s of cicadas showing up for their once in sixteen (or is it seventeen?) years...read a real book in the sunshine (don't forget the sunblock!).

The rule for today? Do something for you, maybe with your little ones or maybe just for you.

Even if it's just a quick shower.

posted from Bloggeroid

Oh Dem Bones! Jamberry Review

Time for myself is one of my most precious commodities, and add to that anything much beyond a shower is just about at the realm of impossibility.

But, with two lil dudes, money is still an issue. Cause diapers, fresh fruit (my boys loooove raspberries, and just about any other fruit they can get their lil hands on!), snacks, and three kinds of milk, money doesn't stretch as far as it used to. Luxuries are just that. Luxuries.

But, once in awhile, I love to paint my nails and polish my toes. However, that in and of itself is a huge task. Either I smudge as I go from picking up lil guy, getting juice/snacks, or breaking up the newest toy battle or I barely even get two painted in five minutes.

After being inundated with invites and being unknowingly included in various parties on Facebook and groups, I became anti-Jamberry. Not only did I become annoyed that everybody seemed to be using our "friend" status to try to sell me something, no one asked if I would be interested. They just assumed.

Fast forward six months...

Lately, I've finally found my I'm not just my mommy stride. Well, some days I do. Which means there are days when my hair actually gets brushed (and sometimes even styled!), a bit of makeup is applied, and even brushing my teeth after each meal...or snack.

I decided it was time. Or, I should day I saw a Jamberry design that I loooooved. An mandala (I yoga for sanity, health, and with my lil dudes!), which led to finally reaching out to a friend who touted the amazing results of Jamberry and was a consultant. A habitual nail biter, which I often witnessed firsthand, she actually had nails (for her, anyway!) even though she ran an at home daycare that looked pretty good even after a few days.

I broke down after seeing the super adorable Halloween offerings and ordered. I had planned to treat myself to a pedicure, so four sheets were about the same. Plus, to be honest, I rarely enjoy a pedicure...too much on my to do list to sit still that long and make small talk.

They arrived..and sat waiting for some action for more than two weeks. I admit, I was intimidated due to my polish with lil dudes experience. But, yesterday, I gave in. Mostly because Halloween is just a few weeks away and didn't want to have wasted them.

And, after a bit of a shaky start due to a bit of caffeine (I drink a cup of half caff once in awhile), I successfully used a hair dryer, scissors, cuticle stick, and nail file to apply six spooky nail designs along with polishing the four extras with a quick drying metallic OPI nail lacquer.

Side note...the nail lacquer already chipped once. Sigh.

Easy, once I figured it out. And insanely adorable. Plus, I felt a bit like me again...which only makes mommy even more ready to take on the day!



Only two days in, but with the endless hand washing, baking, toy fixing, and battery changing, not a problem in sight.

I kinda like you, Jamberry. And Dem Bones.

posted from Bloggeroid

Jammies and EBay

When I left my full time job over two years ago, my husband and I knew financially, things would get interesting. We had been pretty comfortable up to this point, even with two mortgages. After all, we had our prior home rented out, and with just the two of us, I could afford to indulge my Coach and shoe habit.

Then came the day it was time to go back to work after having our first baby boy. I was in tears, especially after checking out a few day care choices. It broke my heart to think someone else would see his firsts and his adorable chubby cheeked smiles. Plus, I was breastfeeding, and the thought of pumping at work (and suffering because I chose to do so by unsupportive coworkers) terrified me.

I made the decision that I would sacrifice all the silly material things and clip coupons, do whatever I could to be with my beautiful baby boy.

It hasn't been easy, but it has been wonderful. Thanks to my years of collecting various things here and there, eBay has become the easiest yard sale I've ever held. And my beautiful baby boy has given my dreams of bellydance new wings...I teach and make adornment out of vintage materials with a bit of new thrown in, plus performing.

But, really, thank you eBay for making this mommy's dreams come true. Even if I only get to shower three times a week, and wear jammies all day sometimes.

posted from Bloggeroid

You Have To Complain The Right Way

Ever since I've had my lil man, an entirely strange thing has happened.

Time has someone gotten shorter for me. Time to shop (even a quick trip to the grocery store), time to sleep (the horror!), even shower. Which means if I do take the minuscule moment I have to actually attempt to purchase something, there needs to be minimal to zero issues with excellent customer service. Unfortunately, this really hasn't been the case for me lately.

Understandably, it is Holiday/post crazy season for retailers, and having had fifteen years of my life spent in the glorious halls of consumerism (sarcasm but with a smile!), I get that there may just be a few bumps in the road.

For example, take my Teavana experience. Now, expecting my next bundle of joy (who will, with no doubt, make time even more precious) I've taken a serious look just as I did before at what I drink and eat. So, no caffeine and I'm very aware of herbal and food items.

So, no coffee. Or tea.

But, just because I have two months to go, doesn't mean my husband has suddenly stopped partaking of my tea stash. Enter Teavana's Heavenly Sale.



I quickly make my choices, knowing I can store and hide a few favorites, while the daddy can have his tea and drink it, too. I order on my mobile, while the two year old shows me all his new vehicles (with sound on!!), missing the free shipping with $50! At $42, I totally will spend $8 to get $12 more...especially on sale.

I frantically call the customer service line to add to my order...and sit on hold for half an hour. Again, I get it, sale and holiday time. But, I'm also keeping the two year old occupied. Oy!!!

Thankfully, the customer service rep helps a mommy out, and adds on to my order. This is last Friday...I receive the original email confirmation, but nothing else. I put my faith (mostly due to the lack of time to be put on hold) in Teavana. And wait (I've been warned my order probably won't get sent over the weekend).

Wednesday, I call back...no email saying the order has shipped. Again, I am on hold. This time, I request a call back. Time being short. Thursday, no call. Again, I call and request a call back after being painfully on hold, plus email my order number with concerns (most of the items I ordered are no longer available) and receive the automated reply.

Friday, still nothing. During nap time (the hour and a half I sometimes get to try to do sometimes!!!), I jump on Twitter, and mention a short tweet about my situation.

Voila!!!

DM, requesting my order number. Within the hour, I receive an email stating my order has shipped. Then, confirmation with all items listed!

Evidently, social media is the way to go. Customer service at its finest...

Thanks for the help. Hopefully, the rest of our road isn't as bumpy ;-)

(Update...a week and three days later, my order is set to arrive today. Hopefully. I did succumb to temptation and picked up a few more treasures in store before the sale ended. Downside? Was told by two different locations that there is a four/eight ounce minimum required for loose leaf tea purchases. Hmm?)

Mommy Time...Cherry Chocolate Scones

There are days, even weeks, that I need mommy time even more than others. My husband works long hours, sometimes ten hour days seven days a week. Which, of course, makes my time with my lil man overwhelming, especially five months into the little brother baking time.

Not everything is easy, and I understand that better than most people. Does that mean that I don't get Tina Fey's character in Date Night when she tells her husband about her fantasy? You know the one...a hotel room all to herself with a can of Sprite. Because I do.

But, sometimes I need to do something, and challenge myself. Some of my happiest memories involve being in the kitchen with my mom. Not having her around and being a mom has been incredibly hard....I miss her terribly, and there are days when I need to feel her around me.

So, this week, I took nap time to try something new. Scones.



I found this recipe in a catalog for my local grocery store, and thought chocolate and cherry scones from scratch? Oh yeah!

I tweaked the recipe a bit, substituting fat free half and half and adding dark chocolate chips. And, in reality, there was so much icing, that next time, I'll definitely cut that part in half...unless I have a few cookies just begging for something special...

Scones:

Double Chocolate Muffin Mix
1/2 Cup Flour
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Ginger
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
1/4 Cup Unsalted Butter
1/2 Cup Dried Cherries
Zest of 1/2 Orange
1/4 Cup + 3 Tablespoons Fat Free
Half and Half
1 Tablespoon Baking Cocoa
1/2 Cup Dark Chocolate Chips

Glaze:

1/4 Cup Fat Free Half and Half
Zest of 1/2 Orange
2 Tablespoons Baking Cocoa
Pinch of Salt
1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar

Preheat oven to 375. Spray baking sheet with cooking spray. Combine first five ingredients, then add cold butter in cubes with flour. Use a fork or pastry knife to mix while making butter into small pea-sized pieces. Add cherries, orange zest, and dark chocolate chips. Then, add half and half, dough will seem dry.

On flat surface (I used wax paper so that I could also flip an edge over to help kneaded the dough), dust with cocoa powder then knead for a few minutes. Shape into a circle, then cut into wedges (6-8, depending on how big you'd like). Place two inches apart on greased sheet, bake for eighteen to twenty minutes. Cool.

For glaze, combine ingredients and whisk until smooth. Once scones have cooled, drizzle on scones.

This recipe works with any muffin mix (blueberries, anyone?), and you can change the additions to suit your taste (crushed peppermint candy canes, white chocolate chips, dried raspberries)...

Things I Love...Already Famous Nail Colour Sephora by OPI

I've pretty much resigned myself to the changes in my life since little man made his entrance into the world. Long, hot relaxing showers...actually doing my hair every day...even actually getting dressed out if jammies. Although, that last one doesn't happen as much as I'd like. Jammies all day is fun sometimes.

And doing my nails. Nap time is jam packed with as much as I can fit in, which usually consists of a quick lunch, shower, and either dishes/yoga/laundry/bellydance. That is, if I'm lucky.



To keep myself feeling pretty (silly, but as a mommy, I need those fitly things!), I've found the easiest way to jazz up my nails quickly is metallic nail polish! Not only do you get a splash of sparkle, it dries really fast!!

So, here's to my new favorite color: Already Famous Nail Colour by Sephora By OPI. A great neutral metallic that makes mommy time fit in with everything else!

No 'Poo...For Real

When I became pregnant, I instantly became aware of certain things. First, whatever I used had to be healthy for my lil jellybean. Second, diapers and baby clothes are expensive.

Confession time. I love my Coach purses, my Victoria's Secret, and Yankee Candle. (We won't mention my Teavana problem because that developed later.) And now, I had someone else to buy things for! With less money.

Back to the issue at hand. I gave up alcohol (I can't believe this is an issue), caffeine (withdrawl sucked), and started looking at the chemicals in my everyday life. A consumate product junkie, I owned a plethora of hair and beauty products. They owned my credit cards.

The sad part was most of these miracles were liars. Pretty little yummy smelling liars. And so they sat in my bathroom closet, a fancy island of not so misfit products. My hair is thick, long, and has a natural curl that easily straightens but doesn't stay the way I like. Drizzle, extreme volume that only seemed to get better the longer I didn't wash it. Ew...kinda. My favorite stylistic actually told me years ago to not wash my hair more than twice a week. I could rinse, even do a little conditioning but no shampoo save for those two times.

But, then the bun in the oven happened. And no more diet soda. (I miss Dr. Pepper still.) Then, I noticed other things. Margarine is like plastic? Chemicals?

I'm not perfect. I still use some things now. But, a friend of mine sent me a no 'poo link after I complained about my straw-like ends and endless drying time that made my hair time even more difficult. A one year old makes life soooooo different.

The good news, I learned, was that I kinda was already doing this with my infrequent washes. Plus, since mommy-dom had cut down on hair styling time, I was already almost product free (still love my Fructis 3-in-1, though).

What could it hurt?

I'm trying it, not only for my hair quality, but more poor credit cards still haven't recovered.

Here's the deal. It isn't as Ew as it sounds. Your hair has natural oils it produces that are stripped out by chemicals and then we try to put them back in...which either dries it out or makes you have your very own oil spill. By shampooing less, or instead using natural ingredients, your hair eventually (faster for some) balances out. You still clean your hair with, for example, baking soda mixed with water (I'm trying 1 tbsp per cup of h2o) and conditioning/rinsing with apple cider vinegar (which my hair stylist recommended once, too!). Yes, I admit, there's a stinky smell when it is wet, but once dry, it disappears. (I'm going to try a few suggested things for this, too, like honey and essential oils.)

So far, my hair is soft and actually smells clean. We will see if I have the horrible transition stage (fingers crossed) and how things go. I'm hoping to try out a honey/aloe treatment and a coconut oil mask, too.

And, if I save money, how can that be bad with fabulous hair?

Things I Love...Mommy Time!

My moments, the ones that are mine and mine alone, have become an even more precious commodity.

Sometimes, they drift in and out of my day. Between the being dragged around to check put light switches, playing with the dog's water bowl (and subsequently cleaning up the water from said activity), diapers, cruising in Lightning McQueen, and endless snacktimes, I need a little reminder of me time.

The thing I love for this? My three votive holder from Yankee Candle.





I love that I can make my own scents that fill the air as I buzz by, either with one single scent or three to make a custom fragrance.

This time? S'mores...makes me long for a summer night, sitting outside watching fireflies light up the night while enjoying yummy gooey chocolate-ness.

Sigh...



It's a good thing I just stocked up...time to take Lightning around the block...