Monday Motivation

Over the years my "why" has changed.  It began as a competitive outlet for me when college sports was over.  Then it turned into proving to myself that I could run a marathon.  Then it was speed and discovering who I was.  After becoming a mom, it changes almost daily.  Some days it's a stress release, others it is to remind myself what it feels like to be just me!  These days as we are expecting baby #3, it's about staying healthy for me and for the baby.  Yesterday however, it was to feel it again...to feel the cool air in my lungs and remind myself what it felt like to just have me and the road.  Whatever your "why" is...find it and let it motivate you each day!!

What's your why?

Pardon Me While I'm Streaking!

This year I have decided to finish up the year by challenging myself to the Runner's World run streak from Thanksgiving to New Years.  I feel like lately that I have been in a funk of sorts....some for good reasons...and I need a goal to keep me motivated through to 2017.  Now this will not only take dedication to get my runs in early before the day gets crazy, but it will take, I fear a lot of dedication to my treadmill!  I don't want this streak to impact the fun that my family and I look forward to each holiday season, so like I said...bring on the early morning runs!!  Now I know many that have fabulous run streaks going...and the fabulous Dani at Weight off My Shoulders is rocking the AMAZING run streak of 755 days (friggin unbelievable!)...but this is not what I am going for.  Just a streak from Thanksgiving to New Years...a way to streak my way to 2017!  I'm 2 days in so now here's my question....who's coming with me?!?!?!

And while you are streaking away and need some protection from the sun, check out Block Island Organics fabulous assortment of sunscreen and facial products as well as my favorite night cream!!  Head on over to their site and score yourself 25% off with the code BFCM16 at checkout!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you celebrating today!!  I'm as always thankful for your support of this crazy journey!!  Enjoy those you love!

Get Your Fashion Fix

As a working mom of two (one totally OWNING the nickname the "tiny tornado"), my days of leisurely strolling stores looking for just the right pieces to add to my wardrobe are very few and far between!  Enter Stitch Fix! 

It seriously couldn't be easier and more convenient!  Your first step is to take the style profile quiz...basically what are you looking for in clothes and what are clothes that you like, along with how do you like your clothes to fix and what areas do you like to show-off vs hide.  I also linked my profile to my Pinterest style page so I can really give the stylist a lot of visuals about things that I like and am drawn to.  You also can set a budget for what you are looking to pay for the items.  Your final step is to schedule your fix and for just $20 (which let's be honest is worth EVERY PENNY if it means I don't have to step foot in the mall and wrestle with my children while we are in said mall) you will have a fabulous box headed your way put together by your own personal stylist!!  You can then purchase any of the items in your box...or all...and your $20 goes toward your purchase!  SCORE!  You then can send back the things you do not want in a prepaid envelope.

I did my first fix last month and I loved the items!!  I was looking for things for work really and a few items that could work for both. Here a peak into my fix!

The part that I really loved what the style guide that was sent along with the clothes that showed how I could incorporate pieces I already had in my wardrobe to go along with the items that were there....I need picture instructions sometimes!!

The pieces really didn't work for me and what I was looking for but I really loved how I was able to see a lot of the choices I could have!  I gave my stylist a lot of feedback and am excited to see my new fix coming in!!   

Looking to add some new pieces to your wardrobe but can't find the time to shop on your own?  Try out Stitch Fix!!!  The clothes come to you!! Have someone on your list that loves fashion...or is like me and can't get themselves to the store?  Why not a gift card??

Have you ever tried Stitch Fix?

Monday Motivation

Oh some days that excuses are just so valid...so quick...so comforting!  Maybe it's the howling wind outside I can hear from my cozy bed, or the hours of sleep I can count on one hand.  Whatever it may be I know that if I give in to those excuses, I will feel it for the rest of the day.  I have found lately a HUGE impact (even more than before) of missing a workout in the way that I feel...a missed workout makes it 10X harder for me to be alert...to not feel sluggish...and to be honest it impacts my ability to be kind to others!!  This week, my plan is to WIN!!!  I am going to win that race with my excuses...even if they do involve a holiday!!

How do you win over your excuses?

Monday Motivation

I'm taking a step to the side today for my motivation...away from the "push your limits" usual quote.  Last week, as I am certain it was for many people, was a hard week for me emotionally.  It wasn't as much the election results as it was what followed the very next day.  The words I saw on social media that people were saying not only about their fellow Americans but their friends, were discouraging.  Even my usual "run it out" tactic didn't work!  It may be because I am at heart an eternal optimist...or perhaps I am a mom of small girls as well as an elementary school teacher.  Half of what I do all day is teaching little people to love each other...use kind words...accept everyone even if they think differently of you...and that all people deserve to be treated kindly.  This week is a new one...one where I encourage you...motivate you to choose love.  Hate is such a heavy burden to bear!

Monday Motivation

Each and every day all we can do is go out there and give our best.  Sometimes that looks like a pr...or a killer workout...or an awesome ride.  Other times it may not look all that different than the day before.  I know that it is so easy to get frustrated with small dollops of progress....I feel it all the time!  The important part is continuing to show up each day....the dollops of progress will one day be a huge improvement!  Do quit...keep showing up!! 

TTT...Thankful Edition

The past few years I have decided to take the month of November and remember things that I am thankful for each day.  Since today is Thursday and is also the 3rd, it seems like a perfect post to start off my tradition!!  Here you go!!

My husband...

I have said it a million times before, but I am going to say it again, I could never be doing all the crazy things that I am able to do without the support of my husband.  He supports my adventures and tries to find a way to let them happen even if it means juggling two chickies!  He is an amazing husband and an absolutely fabulous Dad to our two ladies!  I am blessed to share this journey with him!

Our chickies...

These two!  Growing up I was nervous to be a mom of girls....but I absolutely LOVE our girls!  They couldn't be more different but they color our life in their own special way!  They challenge me each and every day to be a good example for them....some days better than others.  They never cease to amaze us with the depth of their love of their family and their kinds hearts!  I'm so thankful to be their mom!!!

My parents...

I always have appreciated all that my parents have done for me and taught me over the years but it certainly has been heightened after I became a parent myself...especially when I call my Mom to tell her about some crazy thing one of the girls is doing that is driving me nuts and she kindly says, "She's just like you!"  My parents are and always have been all about their family....and it is a trait that I am so thankful for!  They love my sister and I and adore their 4 granddaughters!  Their family is their life and I am so thankful for their example our lives!