5 Ways to Feel Balanced

Happy Friday to you, friends!
I hope this week has been good to you. It has flown by for us, and don't ask me how because it's been total whiplash here with 60 degree mornings and 14 degree afternoons with 8 inches of snow. Say wha? 

Some days I feel like I'm a see-saw, like I'm going up and down just trying to find that even balance in my day-to-day. One of my New Year goals was to get on top of things, and knowing what I need in my days is where I have to start. 

I've noticed there are 5 things that I need to incorporate into every single day to feel like I'm on the right foot. 

1. Quiet time alone. I repeat alone. 

It is my daily goal to get both boys down at the same time at least once a day. Often it's a struggle.  But as an introvert I am constantly craving time to myself. When I'm able to avoid the TV, the iPhone or the computer and just sit with a book or devotional I always, ALWAYS feel a weight off my shoulder and renewed energy. 

2. Exercise.

My hardest struggle for sure. How great do we all feel when we sweat? How many excuses do we make not to? I am the queen of excuses, and yet never feel better than a week with a couple days of intense exercise. 

3. Food.

I struggle feeding myself. Both my boys are well fed, but by the time they've eaten and I've cleaned up we are on to the next thing, and next time I look at the clock it's 3PM and I haven't eaten. These are the days I feel foggy, tired and cranky. My goal is to have leftovers from the night before, prep salads earlier in the week, or have homemade smoothies ready to go so I can keep my energy up.

4. Be presentable. 

There is something to be said for feeling good about how you look. Initially, this requires some work up front (ie: shower, makeup, hair, etc.) but I notice I absolutely drag when I don't look the part. So suss it up girlfriend!

5. Fresh air.

Sometimes it is so hard to get out of the house, especially during some of these winter wonderland days when it's easier to cuddle up on the couch. But I feel so much better if I'm able to get us out, even if it's just for an hour. 

I didn't include coffee but, obviously, that is a no-brainer.

What do you need to keep the day on the right foot?

*** Linking up today! ****

Words this Wednesday: To Better Days.

Winter continues on here in the Rockies, and I'm not sure about you but we are starting to go a little stir-crazy. There's only so much in the ways of indoor entertainment with two young (busy) boys.

So just a warning, I went a little heavy today.

"What separates us from the animals, what separates us from the chaos, is our ability to mourn people we've never met." -David Levithan on 9/11

Lately, often, I find myself heartsick, physically sick over what is happening overseas. It's hard to just breeze over it when sharing thoughts on life here.

I am sick over the terror happening to innocent people, scared about raising my boys in a world where this can happen, and anxious to make a difference in preserving the freedoms and safety we enjoy here today. You see a theme here? Fear.

It's a challenge to maintain that peace of mind when there is just such darkness. I will try to make a difference in my little world, and look for opportunities to make a bigger impact. To spread light. But in the meantime oh man am I praying for those suffering, and for justice for those losing their lives to such evil. 

To good people, answered prayers and hope of better days.

Third Par-tay Pics

Oh, the days of extensive party-planning.

Lots of DIY, lots of advanced planning, lots of time spent diving into creative birthday ideas and what not.

 Here's what I did this year: made a call to the local Jump Street, made a call to our favorite cake shop, and then sent an Evite to Coop's best buds.

My favorite girls to do life with.

Then we came home, opened presents, loved on our babes for a bit and made a delicious dinner with both sets of grandparents and one aunt and uncle. It was the best.

Maple Glazed Pork Chops Though don't let me fool you, I will begin planning Ben's first birthday extravaganza very soon, full of lots of DIY and creativity. Happy week, y'all.

Friday Five: social media, perspective, shopping and videos!

{one} 
accessibility

Social media, internet on phones, phones on our bodies at all times - it's a little much. I found myself checking social media on my phone out of boredom, habit, or to kill time. I started to annoy myself with that habit. So Monday I deleted all social media from my phone, including Instagram. For as much as I feel I'm on it, shouldn't I miss it? I don't. Which means it's not important to me. It's a time stealer. The end.

{two} 
power of perspective 

My husband sent me this article, and wow, just wow. Check it out. Please.

{three}

Benjamin, for your viewing pleasure.

He sure makes doc appointments fun!!

{four}
Coop has spent exactly a year in his Ikea-transition-from-crib-to-bed, er, bed. We took full advantage of the Presidents Day Sales and snagged this bed set for a ridic price, along with the trundle for sleepovers. Think ahead right?

{five}

things i'm loving: 
this lululemon swiftly tech long sleeve crew
What I wear after long days at the gym as my mom-uniform. Also loving this comparable tee from Athleta.

And these Banana jeans. I'm still transitioning back to my goal weight I wanted a new pair of jeans that doesn't break the bank. These hit right below my ankle, I'm not fan of how this is photographed but they look fab with my favorite flats.

 

AND I loved them so much I ordered a pair of their distressed boyfriend jeans. Sight unseen. I know, impulsive right? (Again, not styled the way I like, but whatevs). I'll keep you posted.

Well, y'all, "Snowmageddon" is making it's way to Denver tomorrow so wish us luck for Coop's big partay! Have a great weekend.

*** Linking up today! ****

C is THREE!

When I first met Cooper I felt like we'd known each other forever but only recently got to meet.

He made so many dreams came true when he came to be and today, he is three!

I feel like he's been around much longer than three years, it's amazing how much children grow and change so much over such short periods of time.

Coop-man, you are kind, compassionate, independent and stubborn. You mean so much to our family. I'll post a special update for my special man on Monday.

2-years

1-year

0-years

Happy weekend, y'all!

A Monday Moment.

Good Monday morning friends!

Woke up to that beautiful fluffy snow this morning. 

Sharing a few shots of our home-in-progress this a.m.

My happy, zen spot just off the kitchen:

My view outside the kitchen window:

And my loves:

Chair / Ottoman / Laptop table / Lamp / Throw

*Children not for sale

Did you know three years today on President's Days Cooper was born? It was also a snowy President's Day (but the 20th) and one that forever changed my life. This day will always mean a bit more to us.

Have a great week!

3 Loves.

Happy Valentine's Weekend Friends!

I am all for a day set aside just for romance! What lady isn't? However I'll be nursing the hubs, who just got his wisdom teeth pulled at the ripe old age of mid-thirties. Good timing honey.

But I wanted to take a moment to spread the love!

Love for my husband:

Love for my babies:

And love for my dear friends:

Spread the love, y'all.

Temper-testers.

Happy Wednesday, y'all! How's the week been?

We have been spoiled, and I mean big time here in Denver, warm, gorgeous days - it makes me so excited for the months to come. But let's talk temper's for a second, because lately I've been losing mine with my toddler. 

Full confession here, I have a temper. I DO, and I'm not proud of it. Lately Cooper has been, shall we say, testing it, and I find myself being less and less proud of some of my daily moments. The last thing I want to do, THE LAST THING, is create shame in my child, or worse! Pass on my temper to him. A couple quotes on this stood out for me as I was thinking about how I can be intentional on this issue.

Not to worry, readers, as far as I know I have very happy little boys who don't notice any of mommy's insecurities.

But alas, I do believe that we should always know the areas in our lives that we need to work on, especially when it comes to relationships and our families.

So, this is just a reminder to myself to work on funneling frustrations with the typical three year old's "no," "I don't want to," and (did I mention?) "no," from moments of discipline to moments of learning opportunities. Because this 3-year old of mine, he is always listening and learning and he never, not one time has disappointed me. 

As his mama I want to build him up and teach him to be proud of his actions. And I'd guess that most of these teaching moments come in times of, well let's call them outbursts. Moments of mommy-frustrations that can turn into moments of mommy-lessons.

I want him to be a little boy that grows into a man with integrity.

And as always, I need to give (and receive) more grace.

So here's to a new week of toddler-testers, and less tempers.

Benjamin Wallace 6-Month Update

Ben is 6-months, er, plus a few days.

Though I'm late documenting #2 here on the blog, I did throw him out on the deck on a gorgeous day last month and snapped some pics. Months 0-5 are so different than 6+. They begin changing rapidly at this age.

A little about Benjamin.

He oozes coolness.

MILESTONES:
At 6-months he is sitting up on his own! He's into everything. The kid has long arms, and always has to be touching things around him; he is very curious.

PERSONALITY:
He's got this adorably laid back personality, and a sly smile that he doesn't give out easily. But when he makes up his mind about something he is stubborn. His laugh is a low cackle and when he talks (which isn't too often) it's more like low grunts. Ben's favorite person in the world is his brother. If he's crying or upset, Coop breaks out a little 'Twinkle Twinkle' and it calms him down in a snap. Every time. However when B-dub is sick it completely changes his personality and he turns into a crazy-baby-ninja. Ben is a physical touch guy and when you hold him he loves being cheek to cheek.

SLEEP: 
He is such a great napper, has slept through the night only a handful of times (mom's fault). Right now he naps around 8:30 (for 2 hours or so) and 1:30 (for 1-2 hours). And sometimes he needs a quick catnap at 5. He's typically down for the night by 6:30 or 7. He is also awesome in the car seat, which honestly what second child has a choice?

EAT:

He LOVES food and will eat whatever you put in front of them. Regularly he eats eggs, bananas and avocados. He can take down half an avocado no problem. Around 5-months he became a lazy, distracted nurser and we started supplementing with formula. It takes us a long time to get him to finish just 5-ounces, he'd rather eat food. A total opposite of big brother, who couldn't even handle too much texture for the first year of his life.

He is just dreamy and such a joy. 

Hello Friday!

Happy Friday friends!
What a week here in Denver. We've had 70s, we've had snow and 20s. WTH.
Anyways, back to my top 5 randoms of the week!

1. Missy Elliott

Words. They just can't describe the happy emotions I had on Sunday watching Missy. Katy Perry, I mean she's fine. But MISSY ELLIOT? Who is cooler than Missy and how amaze did she look?
Take me back to 2002. Holla.

2. Fifty Shades of...OMG
The countdown is on y'all. I'm officially re-reading the book to catch up on, um, details, and I hope I'm not setting myself up for disappointment. It's one of those story lines (hah! what storyline?) that can cross-over to cheesy town on screen. Gosh I hope not. I'm blushing just thinking about it!
{And, no, I will not post the official 3-minute trailer!}

3. Chaise shopping...need help.
We have this little nook in our master that I don't know WHAT to do with! I want to make it a special place for my husband and I to read and relax. I fell in love with this chaise but don't want to pay the price tag. Any suggestions on where to find inexpensive pieces?

4. Natural alternatives.
That old saying, "when you know better, you do better."
I've been trying to find that balance in our home between making sure we are being aware of what we put into our bodies...to not going overboard. One thing that has peaked my interest is natural ingredients in skincare -I'm currently using Beauty Counter (product review to come)- and I'm also interested in natural oils for cleaning and health protection. Any advice out there?

Check out this trailer that a friend recently worked on, I think it brings up some points that deserve our attention.

Thoughts?

{Click here if trailer not visible}

5.  Leather Jacket.

Let's talk fabulous leather jackets. I don't own one but I have been craving one! I love this jacket, but can't seem to find one that I like enough to pull the trigger. Alas, the search continues.

Happy weekend to you all!!