Makes You Think

Yesterday at church our priest made some wonderful points during the homily that really made me think.  Basically he was talking about back when he was a young boy he used to love getting Time magazine and looking at the cover pictures by Norman Rockwell.  He reminsced during his talk on the picture below to the left.  A family enjoying dinner together, talking about their days, and enjoying being with one another.  He then referenced the picture to the left with an entirely disengaged family unit, texting on a phone, and parents serving fast food.  The point of the homily was to remind everyone that the time together around a dinner table or just being with family in general is sacred and therefore the focus should be on one another...not all distractions that we have at our finger tips.  I will admit I am culprit of checking my phone constantly and bringing it to the dinner table and everywhere else.  Like the world will end if I don't respond to a work email as soon as possible.  Bottom line it made me think, and made us recognize the rules and expectations we want to put on our family time together.  I once met a couple who had a rule that from 5:30-8:30 cell phones were left in the car.  I believe that is a rule we need to start to implement as well, because what matters in life is time with the ones you love.  Who's with me?

Weekend Round Up

This weekend was exactly the way I had hoped it would be.  You know one of those weekends when you are together with your family and going to the grocery store together is the most fun ever?  Fall is a busy time and two uninterrupted family days are sometimes hard to come by.  It was a weekend full of simple pleasures with the ones I love! 

Friday Night Golf- There is something about watching your baby and your husband do the simplest of things together that warm your heart.  This picture especially warms mine.

Swim Lessons Saturday-  We started Jack when he was ten months and he loves it!  We have also seen huge improvement in a few short months with his skills.  He can kick, almost pull himself up on the wall, and is a pro at underwater dips.  Highly recommend.  I was watching from the parent room and saw another little girl around the age of 3 getting private lessons who was SCREAMING the entire time.  She was terrified of the water as she had not had exposure until recently.  It made me happy with the decision to start Jack early despite my heart stopping every time I have to be in there dunking him under.

Pumpkin Patch- Awesome, we got our pumpkin and Jack loved the sea of orange.

 

I would title this picture "A boy and his pumpkin"

Romney Rally Saturday Night-  I vow to never write about politics on my blog, as I want all to read.  Bottom line  I respect both positions, but did enjoy this family memory very much.  Regardless of belief and political stance there is something about people coming together regardless of age, race, sex, and social status to support something.  This makes me especially proud to be an American.

Butternut Squash Pasta-  Made this awesome recipe, highly recommend!  One of many thousand Pinterest pins that I actually got around to making.  I added turkey sausage for a little kick.

 Rocked Palins Caddy Costume-  From afar you can not see the crooked cut out lines, but I have to say it came out pretty darn good.  This is a picture of the fitting, finished product, and Palin wearing it. 

Last of all my little golfer, I may have shed a tear at how adorable he looked in his costume. 

That was my weekend! How was yours?

Happy Birthday To My MIL!

Happiest of birthday to one of my favorite people ever my mother in law Karen!  I got pretty lucky with the MIL card.  Karen is one of the kindest, most genuine woman I know, and someone I truly admire.  She loves being a grandma, and Jack sure does love his grandma as you can see below.   Thank you for all that you do for us, and all the wonderful memories.  Also special thanks to Grandma Martin from above for having Karen on this day, who in turn gave me the greatest gift I have ever recieved in Johnny!  I love you and can't wait to celebrate over Turkey Day!

Are You Ready For The Weekend

I know I am!  After leaving for a work trip last Sunday and missing a full day with my boys I am game for loads of cuddles, laughter, and family time this weekend.  Swim lessons Saturday, Jack O'Lantern Making, Chili, Playground, Trunk or Treating, and lots more! I may even capture John's phone, as well as my own and lock it in the safe for a few days. 

The only thing I am a little nervous about is my DIY project at hand.  Now I am really a DDIY'er don't do it yourselfer, I will either likely screw it up or spend more money trying to do it on my own then if I paid someone to do it.  I recognize and accept this fact about me, but Pinterest continues to try and pull me back from reality.  Hence my goal to make Palins Halloween costume.  Jack is going to be a golfer for Halloween (I let John pick his costume) and Palin will be Jack's caddy.  This is what I have to work with two pieces of felt green and white, stitch witchery, velcro, letters, scissors?....I know what you are thinking...1. My above mentioned assumption about bieng DDIY'er is an accurate statement and 2. Good luck sistah.  I look forward to showing you the finished product next week.  In the event it comes out awesome I will surely be able to share video commentary of what it took to get there.

Favorite Baby Items Part 1

Babys are on the brain with lots of people I know right now.  It seems like everyone is pregnant or has just had a baby.  I absolutely love it!  Since I am obsessed with baby stuff, and am the queen of reviewing items I figured I would share some of my favorite baby items from Jack's first year.

Baby Bjorn Travel Crib-  We did not have this from the start but bought it after we got pissed at the pack and play for the final time on vacation in May.  This crib is like a pack and play  just ten times lighter, ten times smaller, and a million times easier to put together.  Worth every single penny, and Amazon does have it for the best price.  The great thing is Buy Buy Baby does price match Amazon so if you need it now you just print out this and you should be good to go!

Fisher Price Whale Bath Tub-  The story behind the baby tub is funny to many.  I originally spent $40 on the Tummy Tub (aka the bucket), used it once and felt like Jack was going to drown.  While the Whale tub is not asethtically pleasing to a woman who prefers neutrals, it does the job better then any other infant bath on the market!

 

 

Manhattan Toy Whooz It- This was Jack's favorite when he was a baby given to me by good friend and super mom Janine.  This is a must have on my baby gift list, I think Manhattan toy is a great brand and  I am a huge fan!

Aden & Anais Swaddles and Burp Clothes- All I have to say is Aden and Anais products are off the hook, and one of my favorite baby brands.  I am also now obsessed with their sheets.  The muslin is so soft, and Jack loves cuddling with these cozy blankets.  The burp cloth is huge, sits flat on your shoulder, and turns into a bib. 

My Breast Friend-  I started with a boppy, but then discovered my breast friend at the hospital.  It is somewhat like an inner tube for breastfeeding, but it provides back support and a more stable surface to position the baby.  I think both the Boppy and the Breast Friend serve different purposes, so if you can get both do it.  If not I would choose the Breast Friend.

Sakura Bloom Ring Sling-  I didn't use this enough but when I did I loved it!  I discovered this ring sling on another blog I read and I love the neutral materials and the quality. 

Uppa Baby Vista-  It seems to be a running joke with anyone that walks through our garage about how many strollers we have.  I will admit I may have gone overboard on the strollers (we have 4) but this is the deal each one serves a very specific purpose.  The BOB we use almost everyday to walk or run, but it is not a go out shopping stroller.  While I love the BOB, the Uppa is still my favorite.  We have used this almost every day since Jack was born and it is amazing.  I love the ease of use (John might argue this point, considering an entire valet line may have laughed at his multiple attempts to fold the stroller and then just try to put the entire thing in the trunk upright after the frustration, I digress), style, functionality, and versatility.  Now that Jack is bigger I have since bought the stroller version (G-Luxe) and am equally happy. While the UPPA is pricey if you plan to have more kids it is worth spending the money (it turns into a double).  It is also way more affordable then the Bugaboo.

Lots more to come on this topic, especially as Jack as grown I have become partial to certain brands.  Happy Shopping!

For My 30th Birthday I'm Going To Get The Best Body Ever Using The AB Swift!

At the end of August I ran across an opportunity via Facebook for an info-mercial casting call that was looking for woman that had 10-15lbs to lose.   Hello! Sign me up!  I immediately decided to pursue the opportunity.  I sent photos of myself (that I will not be sharing) and interviewed with the amazing Briana Michel from SimplyB and a week later  I was cast for the info-mercial. 

My line for the before shoot was "For my 30th birthday I am going to get the best body ever using the AB-Swift".  I know you are probably laughing at this point, but it was pretty awesome.  I do have the potential at this point to become an info mercial celebrity...I digress.  Bottom line while the Ab Swift was great, what really helped me reach my goal was the training and eating.  No surprise right?  I mean everyone always says work out, eat well you will lose the weight.  As many would agree it is not always that easy, if it was I would not be writing this post.

I have always had a private insecurity with my body like many woman out there today.  When I found out I was pregnant with Jack I was terribly nervous about the weight gain and the post-partum process of losing the baby weight.  I worked out regulary throughout my pregnancy, and ate fairly well (up until the last 5 weeks, darn milk shakes).  My goal was to only gain the recommended 35lbs and all of my doctors knew that this was important to me.  One of my doctors did say to me at one point "Stop being so hard on yourself, as long as you gain no more then 50 lbs you will be ok."  50 LBS!!!!!!!!!!!  I was thinking in my head "This woman is off her rocker,  I will die if I gain 50lbs."  Then the months of August and September in Florida came upon us...warranting a daily milk shake.  Then Jack was a week over due.  To say the least the 35lb goal came and went. Then the 50lbs Dr. Ashby has been referring to came and went as well.  My total weight gain once all the fluid and pitocin had been pumped into me was around 52lbs.  See picture below.  As many have said to me my whole life and during my pregnancy "You carry it well because you are tall".  Never has made me feel any better, but I appreciate the encouragement.

Once my beautiful baby boy was in my arms, it really didn't matter.  I knew I would work it off, and obviously since I was breastfeeding it would be gone even faster.  Um...wrong again.  I did lose 35lbs within the first 5 weeks, but let me tell you they lie about breastfeeding making everyone skinny.  I was one of "those people" that held onto the last 15lbs until I had stopped.  Actually it tooks about 5 months after I stopped to be exact.  By June I was back to my pre-baby weight, but I had set a goal by my 30th birthday to be 10lbs less then my pre-baby weight.  By mid-August I was not close to that goal, and that is when I discovered the info-mercial.

By October 5th (my 30th Birthday) I had lost 14 lbs, and 17.75 total inches to now be 11 lbs less then my pre-pregnancy weight.  I am not going to lie I am pretty proud of myself.  The hardest thing about being a mom is juggling everything and finding that time for myself.  I committed to my work outs 45 minutes per day and planning my meals ahead of time so I was never forced to just grab something.  The key to the weight loss for me was my eating.  As I said above it seems so easy to just say "eat healthy".  Well what does that really mean?  To be honest the appropriate way to eat, and eating healthy is different for everyone depending on our bodys make up.  In working with Briana Michel and Jim White I got one on one nutritional counseling each week that helped me figure out what my body needed to really see results.  Briana and Jim do remote nutritional counseling and will help you figure out exactly what works for you. There is truly a science behind it.   I am bound by my confidentially agreement for the info-mercial to not share the details of my individual plan.  But what  I can share are a  few high level tips and thoughts on what I think made the biggest difference for me:

1. No drinking- I know that is no go for many, but it was only for 6 weeks!  I found that once I had eliminated the wine I actually did not miss it (that much).  I replaced that nightly glass with a cup of tea and found to be perfectly satisfied.  Now that the info-mercial is over I have certainly introduced alcohol back into my diet but only in moderation. 

2.  Six Small Meals A Day-  This was always hard for me until I put my nose to the grindstone and really planned.  Planning was the key to success.  I knew when to eat, what to eat, and how to prepare it at the start of each week.  That piece alone took a huge stress off of me. 

3.  Clean Eating-  You can google clean eating and find all kinds of tips, advice, and recipes on exactly what this is.  Proteins, Carbs, and good fats.  What Bri and Jim did for me was help me determine what protein, carb, or fat I needed to eat at each meal.  You don't need a P, C, Fat every meal you have better results if you can determine what time of the day each food will help maximize your energy and weight loss.

4. High Intensity Work Outs & Free Weights-  Being on the go I want to do work outs that are quick and effective.  Before meeting Bri and Jim I would be in the gym for an hour on a stair climber, or elliptical reading a magazine thinking I was making a difference.  I was from a fitness perspective but when they introduced Fitness Blender to me with all of its quick, hard core work out routines I was hooked.  I am obsessed with HITT work outs.  They are fast, burn tons of calories, and really make you sweat. Nevermind the fact that you can do them ANYWHERE, so no excuses!  Here is another one I really like to go along with the one I posted yesterday.  I do them at least 3-4 times per week, in conjunction with running, and free weights.  I am no longer afraid to lift heavier weights as I have started to see definition in my body that I have never seen before.

The four things above were what helped me reach my goal, but the mental aspect of wanting to reach my goal and committing to it is what got me over the hump.  I had the info-mercial, Bri, and Jim to keep me focused and accountable to myself.  They are available to you and would love to assist in your goals their website is Here.  But the bottom line is I decided that I needed to do it, and that I was not going to let the wine "win".  If I can do it, you can to.  See I told you I added wine back in...cheers to reaching a goal! And on a side note while we all stress about pregnancy and baby weight, I will say I have a newfound appreciation for my body and what it can do. 

Etsy Never Fails ~ Nap Mat Edition

I have a slight obession with Etsy.  I love how you are able to search and find the most perfect, personalized gifts for people and handmade items for my little man.  I have many favorite Etsy shops that I buy from on a regular basis.  As I look to grow my Simply Inspired following I am going to be featuring a favorite Etsy shop each Weds. with a promo code to visit if you wish. 

Something that is important to me as an Etsy shopper are two main things 1. Responsiveness of seller 2. Turnaround time.  Jody over at Cakey & Bubs  this weeks featured seller gets an A++++ for both.

Jack's new super cozy Nap Mat!

 



 

Jack rolling around inside of his new nap mat

 

Palin also likes the nap mat, could also be used for dogs

 



A few weeks back I learned Jack would start the transition to the one year old room and would need to have a nap mat. After searching the regular stores and coming up with the same old tacky fabric themes , I decided to see what was out there on Etsy to accomodate my nap mat desires.  As many know I am anti baby looking stuff.   I wanted a plain nap mat, that was simple, cozy, and easy to clean.  Jody's nap mat fit the bill!  After communicating with many sellers she was most flexible to what I wanted, and could turn it around quick so that Jack wasn't left to sleep on the floor of daycare. (I am totally JK on that one, as I would obviously not have let that happen). 

I received the nap mat yesterday and it was everything I wanted and more!  I know there are lots of you out there that might be in the same boat as me so with that said  Jody is offering a 10% discount for Simply Inspired readers through November.  You must follow my blog if you don't already, share with all your mom friends, or friends in general (great shower gift?!) and when you contact Jody let her know you are a Simply Inspired reader and she will send the Promo code.   Happy Shopping!

Life's Simple Pleasures ~ Nightly Reading

Reading with Jack before bed was added to my list of simple pleasures over a year ago. Yet is amazes me how each night the feeling of content and peacfulness I have as I pull his sweet little self into my lap to read "3" books grows stronger every day. I love that he loves books!

20 Minute Work Out

After a whirlwind of travel over the past week I am finally home for a little bit and can catch up on the good old "to do" list.  I eluded to a big goal I reached in my re-launch post last week and am getting ready to post the details tomorrow.  Bottom line it was a weight goal I have been trying to reach FOREVER! Like many out there wanting to lose "10 lbs" had been on my to do list for some time and I tackled it.  I will tell you all the details tomorrow but wanted to share this link to an awesome work out I was introduced to by some awesome people that helped me reach my goal.  If you are crunched for time, or want something to add on to your existing work out to blast some extra fat I highly recommend.  Be warned it is hard, but extremely effective!  Doing this 3-4 times per week I have definitely seen a difference in my legs and arms!

Enjoy!

20 Minute Work out

Target Finds of The Weekend

I haven't been to Target in like three months.  I needed a few basics so headed over with Jack to see what we might find and these were some of my favorites.

Mossimo Color Block Ruffle Dress:  On Salle $19.99 (It is still warm in FL so I needed some fall dresses)

Gilligan & O'Malley Cotton Sleep Tank-  I fell in love with this brand when I was pregnant and the love still remains. These are on sale for $12.98 in store.

 

I really want this jacket from Lululemon, but since I am a bargain shopper now that we have a baby I found this alternative at Target for $39.99.  Same material only a half zip, multiple color choices. It is what I like to call a BFA....Budget Friendly Alternative

 

 

I am adding this in for kicks as I just found it online and think it is super cute.  I like this whole Peplum crazy that is popping up for fall, and think this is a BFA for those that want to jump on the band wagon with out dishing out lots of cash.

 

 

Oh man I just found one more BFA...I have to get off the website now! 

The GAP and JCrew both have these empire waste ponte dresses for fall.  GAP is $64.95 and JCrew is $108.  Well here is the BFA from Target Mossimo Ponte 3/4 Sleeve sheath $29.99

 

 

 

Hope you like my Target finds of the weekend!

Sweet Baby Kisses & Sweet Baby Smell

Weekends go by way to fast!  I think we all would agree.  Especially when you head out for a work trip on Sunday.  This weekend I think I kissed Jack about a million times, and have this new thing that I just keep smelling him.  Maybe I am weird, but I can't get enough of his sweet baby scent.  This was me all weekend, I definitely think my smothering went to a whole new level.  I am not the only one that does this right? Anyways Happy Monday peeps I hope you have a great week!

Make Each Day Your Masterpiece

A little Friday inspiration from John Wooden

Make Each Day Your Masterpiece:

 

To often we get distracted by what is outside our control.

You cannot do anything about yesterday.

The door to the past has been shut and the key thrown away.

You can do nothing about tomorrow, it is yet to come.

However, tomorrow is in large part determined by what you do today.

So make today a masterpiece, you have control over that.

 

The rule is even more important in life than basketball.

You have to apply yourself each day to become a little better.

By applying yourself to the task of becoming a little better each and every day over a period of time,

You will become a lot better.

Only then will you be able to approach being the best you can be.

It begins by trying to make each day count, and knowing you can never make up for a lost day.

If you sincerely try to do your best to make each day a masterpiece, angels can do no better.

Late Night Flight Home To My Boys

I am sitting counting the seconds to my plane departing to get home to my boys! Phew what a week!   A productive week of meetings, and great interactions with good people.  I can not begin to express the excitement I have of crawling into bed this evening and feeling John's arms envelope around me and of course kissing my sweet little baby.

         One of the things I said earlier this week was that I wanted to reflect on the past year and how my perspective and appreciation for pretty much everything around me has been taken to an entirely new level after having Jack.  Specifically my love for my husband.  I have always been head over heels for John, but watching him as a father this year has catapulted that love out of this universe.  He is an AMAZING dad.  I always knew he would be, but seeing him in action has been one of the greatest gifts I have ever received.  There is nothing sweeter then watching the two people you love most sleep peacefully together. 

 

 

Already be engrossed in Louisville basketball together

Accept beauty pageant medals together

 

 

 

 

Father son dominant swim lesson team (although you are a swim lesson hog JMS)

 

Steal secret birthday kisses

 

Bottom line you are amazing in every way! Thank you for always alternating late night wake ups, cleaning tons of bottles, making me know everything is under control when I travel, and for being flexible and supportive of our family and of me.   You are my best friend, love, and partner in life!  You continue to be my dream come true everyday JMS.

 

 



Lolla Cup vs. Zoli

Lolla: 

vs.

Zoli:


All I have to say is finding a cup that your baby can drink out of is no easy feat!  I literally have spent $100 finding the perfect cup and have narrowed my selections down to two, but with a favorite.  Being a huge Shark Tank fan I first saw the Lolla Cup about six months ago when they first aired.  Since then I have been hooked.  I made my first Lolla Cup purchase at a little boutique in Wilimington, NC and quickly came to realize that it was the only cup Jack could drink out of.  After doing more research on the Lolla Land blog I came to learn that introducing a baby to a straw vs. sippy has many benefits. See link to article here. 

With that said I ordered another, and then because of the popularity Lolla Cup went on backorder and I needed a back up.  That is when I discovered the Zoli Cup. Same concept as the Lolla Cup but somewhat different design.  Both work well and have a straw with a weight bottom that will allow for your baby to drink all of the liquid.  I like the look and durability of the Lolla-Cup more then the Zoli cup, as well as the ease of cleaning and how the straw curves towards the babys mouth.  The only thing I like about the Zoli cup is that it does not have as fast of a flow of liquid into the babys mouth.  Sometimes Jack is really thirsty and starts sucking away and then choking for taking in too much liquid.  I know this is something he will learn to control as he gets better using the straw so I am not that worried about it.

Bottom line I am  fan of silicone straw sippy cups, and would highly recommend the Lolla Cup before any other!

On a side note Zoli has these awesome stacking containers that are amazing for travel!

Maybooks ...My New Go To "List" Book

There is nothing I love morning then the perfect notebook.  Every morning when I get into my office I drink my coffee and write my to do list. For years I have done this despite advances in technology, and the daily struggle to comprehend my handwriting.  It is just part of the routine, and I always make sure I have an awesome notebook to write in.  For me finding the perfect notebook as always been quite the event.  When I was close to needing a new one I would begin my search of Staples, Barnes and Nobles, Amazon….to find not just a notebook but the perfect addition to my important morning routine.  While it seems like an easy task, it is not.  Until a few weeks back when I discovered my new obsession Maybooks!!

 

I love Maybooks for all the same reasons they evolved as a company. Reading the about us page definitely caused me to have a “Why Didn’t I Think of This” moment, but that is besides the point.  Maybooks are customizable notebooks!  You pick your pattern, colors, monogram, type of book and voila! A custom book just for you! So far I have ordered three.  The lined notebook, meal planner, and a wedding planner for one of my favorite people that will be getting married next year J.  What  I love the most about Maybooks is the thickness and the binding.  Nothing drives me more crazy then a bulky notebook that takes up a lot of space in my bag or a notebook where the binding comes apart.  Bottom line Maybooks has a new fan and regular customer.  I highly recommend checking them out!

Letters to Jack Jack

Sweet baby boy

 You are 1!  I cannot believe how fast this year has gone by, and how much you have changed our lives for the better.  The definition of you... is pure joy.  You bring so much happiness and joy to not only our lives every day, but every person that you touch.  Your smile, laughter, and happiness is contagious and just brightens the day.  Over the past year you have grown from this sweet little innocent baby, to this little toddler boy with quite the personality.  You love to live, and we love to live through you.  Seeing the world through your eyes has given me an even deeper appreciation for this beautiful life we live.  You are a great mix of both your dad and I.  You have your dads focus, my inquisitiveness, and both of our enthusiasm. You love books, music, your tambourine (wonder where you get that from), playing catch, playing with Palin, and exploring the world around you.  You finally just broke your first tooth about a week ago, which I was a bit worried about for a while.  You are in the 18 percentile for weight and 70% for height, so you are right on track to your dad’s physique.  At this point you eat what we eat for the most part.  You love, love, love fruit and sweet potatoes…..green veggies are often times a stretch but we try to sneak them in.  You are a great sleeper despite getting up at 5:00AM the past three nights. You are just encouraging your dad and I to seize the day.   You love to babble, and you love your dada and are sure to tell him about 100 times a day.  You are the king of babble and there is nothing more that I love then hearing you talk and watching your expressions.  Music is your favorite, and you have some pretty sweet dances moves for a 1 year old, you have mastered the clap bounce.  For the most part we think you have likely inherited auntie MO’s dance moves.  Every day I feel like you learn something new.  I love watching how you have learned to stack your cups, and sort shapes into your shape box.  Just watching you discover new things is awe inspiring.  We have almost gotten you off bottles completely, but I am having a hard time letting the night one go because that is our time.  It is funny because all I did was talk about how  I could not wait to stop cleaning the million pieces of your Dr. Browns bottles….but now my heart strings pull to think about not holding you in my arms feeding you before you go to sleep.  We could not ask for a better a baby.  You rarely cry and enjoy just stumbling around exploring the world around you.  I find myself wanting to freeze time often with you my sweet boy, everyone said it would go by too fast and it is.  It just reminds me to enjoy each and every moment that much more.  Thank you for a wonderful first year, I look forward to every second of everyday with you!

 Love

 

Your Momma

Many Woman Have It All...It Isn't Easy But It Is Possible

I published this link  Why Woman Still Can't Have It All on my facebook page a few months back, but was looking through articles and re-read it again last night.   It is quite interesting and there are a lot of good points, some I agree with and some I disagree with.  One of the most challenging pieces of the parenting puzzle for me as with many other moms has been overcoming mom guilt.  I always knew that I wanted to be a working mom, and am proud that I am.  My job is demanding, and keeps me away from John and Jack more then I would like.  Yet, I really enjoy what I do and I know through my hard work I am contributing to our family and being a positive role model for our son.  I do my best to have a positive attitude towards the balance which sometimes can be difficult when you have the struggle of wanting to be everywhere and do everything for all parts of your life.  The question always will remain how do you balance everything and get over "mom guilt"?  For me I feel like I am constantly in motion, yet surprisingly I find myself more efficient and productive as a professional because my time spent working is just that. One of my good friends said to me when I was pregnant "Work is now a means to provide the best life for my daughter, I worked hard to get my education to do so, and I am lucky enough to enjoy what I do...but in the end it is just work to be able to get home to my family."  The second I pick up Jack from daycare it is his time, and the focus is entirely on our family.  The time we spend together is quality time.  I am privileged to be friends with some amazing woman that do "Do it all, and have it all".   The point to be made is that it is not easy....it is really hard, really tiring, but amazing.  I believe the balance is also a continuous work in progress.  At the end of the day it is about embracing, appreciating, and living in the moment with your family when you are together.  I believe you can have it all, as long as you remember the most important thing is your family, and nothing will get in the way of ensuring that your family piece of the puzzle comes first.  What I have learned over the past year as I have worked to balance both is that your attitude towards the situation is what will make you or break you (and an awesome spouse).  An great company also helps the situation, which I am lucky to work for.  It's also in my opinion being realistic about the balance.  What you can't do is everything perfectly, but you can do the absolute best you can.
   Now with all of this said I edit this post sitting in an airport ready to head out on a three day business trip. I forgot my heels and my phone charger as I rushed out the door this morning.  I want nothing more to be home showing Jack my best dance moves in the kitchen while he eats his pancakes, or be cuddled up with John on the couch tonight with a glass of wine.  I will admit to the reality that it is so hard to leave my baby and my man. Yet, I am in an airport and I have work to do and if I am going to be away I am going to make the best of it as a professional and kick some butt.  So to all my fellow moms that are heading to work or out of town tonight, tomorrow, or whenever on a business trip I know what you are feeling but as you head out just remember you are awesome at it all and an inspiration for your babies!

Super Cozy

My favorite item of the day, despite being 90 outside I have been cozied up all day in cold AC putting on a makeshift "fall" in our house.  I am loving this tunic!

http://www.loft.com/loft/product/LOFT-Apparel/LOFT-Lounge/Zip-Pocket-Terry-Tunic/281028?colorExplode=true&skuId=12271597&catid=catl000020&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=6438

369 Days Later

369 Days Later.....well after the birth of our sweet baby boy.  I truly feel like an entirely new woman, and in so many ways I am.  First I am a mom now, Second I have transcended into the third decade of my life, and Third have an entirely new outlook on so many things that are around me.  To say this year has been a whirlwind would be a complete understatement.  My goal during maternity leave was to cuddle my sweet baby, and keep up on every moment with a daily journal or blog post.  And here we are again.........369 days later. 

I am on this big commitment to set and reach more of my personal goals.  As many parents out there would attest to finding 15 minutes in a day for yourself is often very difficult.  I want to use and commit to giving myself that time each day to reach my goal of making this a totally awesome blog with thousands of followers :) To get focused on the blog as you can see we have a whole new look, and yes I paid someone to help design the blog (Thanks Kelsey!) What do you think?  In addition I bought this fabulous little "blog book"  to jot down all of my ideas.  I already have the next 30 days Monday-Friday plotted out for your reading enjoyment.   

So what has inspired this re-launch of Simply Inspired?  Well just this past week I finally reached a goal....a big goal.  A goal that has inspired me to focus on my goal of recommitting to the blog. More to come on this goal later in the week.   The new Simply Inspired is going to be simply awesome!  I can't wait to share some of my favorite moments of the past year, things I have learned as a mom, articles that have been catching my eye lately, the challenges and rewards of being a working mom, and lots of new products and parenting ideas that I am always on the look out for. It is going to be an awesome journey and I commit to you five days a week, first thing in the morning a post from me.  Why...because I kind of am obsessed with my top five blogs and I seriously get upset when there is not something there in the morning to read while I drink my coffee.  I hope you will consider Simply Inspired to be part of your morning coffee...from this morning on.  Cheers to a great Monday!