Should I Eat Before An Early Morning Workout?

Downtown Chicago Hotel Room Workout

No excuses!

Hubby and I were away for our anniversary.

I like to eat.

I’m also in a routine.

I got up early and got some killer workouts in before he got up.

Perfect way to get my time in as well as enjoy the rest of the day with him!

Don’t make excuses for yourself. Get it on paper that you are going to do it, stick to it, and get it DONE!

5 Tips for Saving Money on a Vacation

We just returned from a week’s vacation downtown (Chicago).

I grew up in the city, and we live in the suburbs now.

We felt this was a good getaway for us while Anthony could stay with my parents in the city a few days, just minutes away.

Staying in a hotel COULD mean lots of money spent on activities and food.

Without having a place to house leftovers if you are in a standard room, what are you to do?

This is what we did:

1. Packed snacks for midmorning/midafternoon: baked chips, larabars, dried fruit, and raw almonds.

2. Brought our own breakfast. We both drink Shakeology, so simple to pack one box of almond milk, Magic Bullet, and the stash of shake powder in our bag. Ice at the hotel to blend with!

3. Eat one nice meal out each day. We chose to eat our bigger meal at lunch time most days so as to save on the dinner prices and portions.

4. Research where you are going! There are tons of free things to do all over the country! Get online and Google it! Museums, parks, movies in the parks, neighborhood festivals, free concerts, parades…you name it!

5. Set a budget. Decide what you will allow yourself to spend each day and stick to it. Don’t spend JUST to “spend” since you are on vacation.

How To Get Out of Target with $$ In Your Pocket

The red balls….

The bullseye….

Oh I just need “one or two things”…

Yet, you see those parents coming out with cart loads full and a face like they just went through the car wash…

Pure exhaustion…

Anthony wears me out in Target. He loves that store, particularly, the vacuum display.

Yesterday, I did it!

My tips:
1. Stick to your list.
2. Go right to the first item on your list.
3. Know the layout of the store. Stay away from the toy section, tv section, or anything else that will distract you or anyone in your cart. 🙂
4. Have any coupons out and in your hand when you get to checkout.
5. Save a few cents by having your reusable bag(s) with you.

Studying Sister

Last week flew by.

I have a lot on my plate and I’m not stopping. The study book is thick but I’m getting through it right on pace. Even with watching the kids, running a business, being president of the young alumni board, and preparing to teach this two week course at the end of the summer here at the university.

What’s my secret?

Definitely have found that going in a different location (study lounge at the end of the hall) and being away from all distractions in my house or a coffee shop/store has helped me make the most of the study time.

2 hours…twice a week. That’s what I’ve got. I finish what I have to do in that time.

Stick to your plan, keep your phone/iPad/tv/radio/pictures/Facebook/Twitter all locked up. Haha, well maybe not locked up, but out of plain sight.

Focus on the one task at hand.

What do you have to get done?

I have found success at doing one thing at a time in small increments helps me cross off items on my to-do list much quicker.

My First Shakeology Share!

This was me a year ago. Liz and I are both still drinking Shakeology today, along with a whole bunch of family and friends.

It’s curbed our cravings, given us energy to LIVE life with our toddler boys, and tastes great.

Talk about an easy way to get all your veggies for the day in one serving!

There are tons of recipes and a new flavor was just introduced at our coach summit this week.

Liz looks even more amazing now then she did then.

Send me a note if you have any questions!

Happy Friday! (As I enjoy my chocolate-y all natural breakfast today…)

I’m a Believer…a Tomorrow Leader…and this is My Chance

Being away from my little Anthony for 4 days was enough for me.

I’m a mom…and I live and breathe for our son and my husband.

I have really looked inward this past year and realized the importance of writing goals and achieving them.

Prioritizing has been HUGE for me.

I don’t like to say no to people. I’m a giver. You ask, and I’ll do.

I’ve realized over the course of the last year that sometimes, that’s hurtful to the people closest to us.

Are you like that? A giver?

We give and give and give and give. What’s left for our family? Ourselves?

Seeing Anthony come into our room in the middle of the night and snuggle into my neck was the best feeling ever. He was so happy and content that crazy mommy was back….right where she belonged.

I learned a lot at my conference and am super glad my husband gave me the opportunity to go.

Priorities were to get home Saturday night so as to be with my two favorite people all day yesterday for Fathers Day.

Sure, I missed a few presentations, but I was with my family. Priority number 1.

If my actions are not in line with my priorities, I’m not happy.

Stomach aches and stress are really a thing of the past.

Living and loving life.

Own It…great song by the Black Eyed Peas. My friend Christine Dwyer played it at the conference this weekend. Check it out and take a listen to the lyrics.

Follow your heart!

I’ll be following mine. 🙂

Going on a Picnic Game (no supplies needed!)

Reading Cereal Boxes to Help Your Child Read

Cleaning Lady and a Babysitter

Stay at home mom/business owner/nanny.

That’s me in a nutshell.

But…I’m working on my personal trainer certifications and working my business every day?

How does one accomplish GOALS and be the best MOM to her child(ren)?

Well, it took me some time to realize this…but being the best mom meant DELEGATING some tasks.

Top two things I have done in the last 6 months that have made me be able to stay on top of everything:

1. Hire a cleaning lady

2. Hire a babysitter

I grew up with that mentality that you don’t hire anyone for something that you can do all by yourself. Well, there are only 24 hours in a day, and if I want to do what’s MOST important to me, then something has to give.

I have learned that the amount of work and quality of work that can be accomplished while you are paying someone to do the little things for you will be more than worth the $ you spend.

I have a high school girl that we know and trust come twice a week for 2 hours in the afternoon. She plays with Anthony while I go down the hall in a study room and study for my certifications and work on my business.

I just can’t do that with A around. IMPOSSIBLE

The time I have knowing that Kelly is coming every other week to clean is fabulous too. Instead of Anthony climbing on me while I get up to clean the high cabinets or trailing behind me begging to use the dustbuster vacuum, I can spend that time playing with him.

Take a look at your goals and priorities.

What can you delegate out so that you can be a better spouse/parent, etc?

If you are in the Chicagoland area and want a referral for a cleaning lady, let me know. She’s a friend of mine from college.