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! ****