Can we talk about how exhausting it is to be a woman these days..? Is it just me? The last 10 days have been a mixed bag of emotions. I’ve felt incredibly energetic and proud of my accomplishments. I’ve felt so tired that all I want to do is stay in bed and let the kids watch cartoons next to me, just so I can sleep (unfortunately that did not happen). I’ve felt motivated and ready to tackle anything that comes my way, and yet the next day the feeling switches to overextended because my to do list is way too long. Why does the list keep growing..? I’m knocking things off the list and for every one thing I get done, three more pop up! What’s happening?

Nobody tells you that being a mom really means being a million different things at once. “Mom” actually stands for boo boo kisser, storyteller, juggler, chef, maid, master lego builder, chauffeur, broken toy fixer, water cup holder, booger wiper, personal shopper, therapist, stylist, snack provider, snuggle machine and unconditional love giver. I am most definitely missing a few others on the list, but I’m too tired to care! Ha! 😉

The truth is, I love all the job titles that fall under being “mommy.” Finding some me time in there can be tough though. Truthfully, the only thing I wish I had more of is consistent energy. Man oh man, how I wish I was one of those people who jumped out of bed in the morning and was ready to take on the world (and that growing to do list). Instead, it takes some serious motivation (and coffee) to get me up. Instead of going to bed early (which I tell myself to do each and every day), I stay up and check email, pack lunches, do laundry and dishes, and then watch a show that makes me laugh but does not have Mickey Mouse in it.

Finding ways to stay motivated can be a challenge. My motivation is a mix of things. I want to be healthy, get stronger, feel better, and have that little bit of me time to be a the best mom that I can be. I find that making a little time for myself helps me to do all of those things. The kind of me time I’m talking about is working out. Yes, I would love a spa day or to sit and read a book uninterrupted. All of those things sound lovely and are included on my list of things I want to find time for. That being said, the little bit of me time that I carve out is for the gym. Because I want to be healthy, get stronger and feel better, I prioritize the gym. It is the way I keep my sanity – which makes me a better person and mommy.

I worked out at home for the last 4 years because Gabriel and Sofia were still little and I wanted to be home with them. We created a home gym in our garage and it worked great for me. I worked out during naps which was my window for a sweat session and shower. Haha! Now that Gabriel is in preschool, and Sofia is just starting, I actually have days where I can go to the gym. I LOVE it! I’m lifting weights and learning how to get stronger each time. It is amazing how much change I’m seeing in my body – and how much better I feel about myself. My back pain is gone and I feel so much more comfortable in my own skin. Yes, I’m still tired and lack motivation some days. But because I know how fantastic I’ll feel when I’m done, I push even harder to get up and go. It is worth it and I only hope that every woman out there takes a little time to do what they need to feel better. That “me” time is important and should be a priority.

What is your motivation? A reunion, wedding or other upcoming event? Long term fitness goals around overall health and wellness? The satisfaction of more energy and feeling good in your own skin? Whatever it is, I hope you find it and hang on to it!

Being that it was just Thanksgiving and we all most likely overindulged, I put together some of my current fave fitness items. This time of the year can be really challenging. People get busy with holiday parties, eating delicious treats, baking, and celebrating a little too much. To help balance things out a bit – and maybe even throw some motivation your way – take a look at the items below. Maybe you’ll find something you love and can use in your next workout. Personally, I plan to do some toddler yoga and other family friendly workouts with my kids to stay active during the holidays. The gym will still be a priority – but bringing a little bit of family fitness into the mix is a fun way to get everyone involved.

Have a happy and healthy holiday season everyone! xoxo

Can we talk about how exhausting it is to be a woman these days..? Is it just me? The last 10 days have been a mixed bag of emotions. I’ve felt incredibly energetic and proud of my accomplishments. I’ve felt so tired that all I want to do is stay in bed and let the kids watch cartoons next to me, just so I can sleep (unfortunately that did not happen). I’ve felt motivated and ready to tackle anything that comes my way, and yet the next day the feeling switches to overextended because my to do list is way too long. Why does the list keep growing..? I’m knocking things off the list and for every one thing I get done, three more pop up! What’s happening?

Nobody tells you that being a mom really means being a million different things at once. “Mom” actually stands for boo boo kisser, storyteller, juggler, chef, maid, master lego builder, chauffeur, broken toy fixer, water cup holder, booger wiper, personal shopper, therapist, stylist, snack provider, snuggle machine and unconditional love giver. I am most definitely missing a few others on the list, but I’m too tired to care! Ha! 😉

The truth is, I love all the job titles that fall under being “mommy.” Finding some me time in there can be tough though. Truthfully, the only thing I wish I had more of is consistent energy. Man oh man, how I wish I was one of those people who jumped out of bed in the morning and was ready to take on the world (and that growing to do list). Instead, it takes some serious motivation (and coffee) to get me up. Instead of going to bed early (which I tell myself to do each and every day), I stay up and check email, pack lunches, do laundry and dishes, and then watch a show that makes me laugh but does not have Mickey Mouse in it.

Finding ways to stay motivated can be a challenge. My motivation is a mix of things. I want to be healthy, get stronger, feel better, and have that little bit of me time to be a the best mom that I can be. I find that making a little time for myself helps me to do all of those things. The kind of me time I’m talking about is working out. Yes, I would love a spa day or to sit and read a book uninterrupted. All of those things sound lovely and are included on my list of things I want to find time for. That being said, the little bit of me time that I carve out is for the gym. Because I want to be healthy, get stronger and feel better, I prioritize the gym. It is the way I keep my sanity – which makes me a better person and mommy.

I worked out at home for the last 4 years because Gabriel and Sofia were still little and I wanted to be home with them. We created a home gym in our garage and it worked great for me. I worked out during naps which was my window for a sweat session and shower. Haha! Now that Gabriel is in preschool, and Sofia is just starting, I actually have days where I can go to the gym. I LOVE it! I’m lifting weights and learning how to get stronger each time. It is amazing how much change I’m seeing in my body – and how much better I feel about myself. My back pain is gone and I feel so much more comfortable in my own skin. Yes, I’m still tired and lack motivation some days. But because I know how fantastic I’ll feel when I’m done, I push even harder to get up and go. It is worth it and I only hope that every woman out there takes a little time to do what they need to feel better. That “me” time is important and should be a priority.

What is your motivation? A reunion, wedding or other upcoming event? Long term fitness goals around overall health and wellness? The satisfaction of more energy and feeling good in your own skin? Whatever it is, I hope you find it and hang on to it!

Being that it was just Thanksgiving and we all most likely overindulged, I put together some of my current fave fitness items. This time of the year can be really challenging. People get busy with holiday parties, eating delicious treats, baking, and celebrating a little too much. To help balance things out a bit – and maybe even throw some motivation your way – take a look at the items below. Maybe you’ll find something you love and can use in your next workout. Personally, I plan to do some toddler yoga and other family friendly workouts with my kids to stay active during the holidays. The gym will still be a priority – but bringing a little bit of family fitness into the mix is a fun way to get everyone involved.

Have a happy and healthy holiday season everyone! xoxo