The Fit Wife – A Lovable Lifestyle

June 15, 2013

What we are up to in JUNE!

Hello blog world!

What are we up to as of late?!

Lots! – New Nephew!!! – Gardening madhouse – work, work, work – running after baby – running on that tredmill – enjoying life… You know the norm.

I’ve mentioned before that the previous owner of our home was an avid gardner. She has some awesome plants… and amazing roses. Last week I took a bunch of shots of the amazing flowers in my yard and was going to write a post on how I have been you-tubing how to take care of these things (I’m doing well in some areas, not so well in others) – and I was going to share our farmer’s market trip then BAM I misplaced my memory card *cue sad trombone, and worlds smallest violin* I’m hoping to find and share those pics, but who knows! Darn SD card, you have no idea how hard it is for me to loose pictures… it is like losing a piece of me. So today I ventured out to find a few cute things, and a bunch of upkeep I need to get to…

My orgeno, lemon balm and thyme is just insanely happy. Can’t you tell? Here is a before and after:

😀 *happy dance*

This weekend is father’s day – Hector’s first since our amazing little man has blessed us with his precense. What is Evan up to lately?

Growing like a weed, standing on his own and taking baby steps… YEP! Baby. Steps. Walking is right around the corner maybe for is 11 month birthday.

I cannot believe that I took the picture above almost 6 months ago, where has my itty bitty baby gone?

Today we are going to try to get too many things done… so wish us luck.

Be back with more pictures of my love bugs and some workout updates!

xoxo

June 2, 2013

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Finding my “Zen”

I love weekends. It is safe to say I live for them. I get 24 of this little dude:

and time at home with the puppy, hubs and our home which is still fairly new to us. Lately I have had a chance to really absorb things around me. I’m finding more time to workout, more time to relax (ha, 5 minutes or so) and more time to read. The hubs got me this awesome gift for mother’s day:

I broke my other kindle somehow, and was devastated so this was a welcomed addition and I am really enjoying it pretty much everyday. I am almost finished Relic and recently finished The Wolf of Wallstreet and I downloaded a book on meditation as one of my goals is to start to meditate as I hear it works wonders and I need to find that calm. Lately anxiety has been getting the best of me (probably why the surge in gym-goings)… So this is something I really am stoked about. Other ways I’m looking to find my zen?

1. At home quiet “me” time. Getting in a bath, painting my nails, and figuring out new natural scrubs and beauty regimens. Loving this and this right now. <— Another one of my favorite bloggers, Maria is hysterical.

2. Thinking about at home projects – making lists. Hector and I are a family on a budget 🙂 – Not crazy, but enough of a budget that I cannot go out and purchase everything I want (wouldn’t that be nice! Not sure I know anyone like this… but I can dream haha). So I have a long list of at home projects that we are working on or attempting to work on for our new home.

3. Getting and staying organized. Even the little improvements in this department make me feel so much better. I love when someone says “hey do you have this…” I can go straight to it. My new obsession is mason jars. I love the look of them and I really wish I would have taken a before and after picture of this “after”:

4. Getting my craft on. Well although I have dabbled in craftiness and have a creative side finding the time to stay on top of it is difficult; but – this fun machine is going to help me turn Evan’s party paper into cool decor:

I did a lot of research before purchasing including hopping into my local Paper Source who swears by it (it is what they use!!) – This helps me find my Zen for the simple fact that there is an immediate tangible end product. After the awesome decor at my baby shower, I need to be able to make a solid effort to make Evan’s big 1st birthday bash a success even with decor.

5. Sounds, Sights and smells – nothing beats an awesome smelling candle, fresh air, clean home, flowers from the garden and my favorite music station (an awesome playlist or fav pandora station):

6. Remembering the things I do right… The hard work I do put in like still nursing Evan:

There have been countless times where I have thought to myself “why am I still doing this” as I hear the “whomp whomp whomp” in the background. But looking back at my 10 + month nursing journey… I can honestly say I am so proud. Evan’s first year of life has flown and I’m proud I put in the effort and am lucky it was so easy for me. Sure I missed some nights out because I rather be home to nurse then make time for another pumping sesh, but it has all been worth it for me and I need to give myself credit instead of feeling annoyed at its inconveniences.

Each day I work towards letting the positive in and the negative out. It is a daily battle. Just remember you aren’t the only one who has bad days but you are the ninja in your life. Get moving, let toxic things go and sweat it out.

Treat yourself to something special. Do things just for you. Just because you are a mom, or have other crazy commitments doesn’t mean you can’t do things for yourself. With that said… Some shopping, some yoga, and some cleaning.

Last night’s awesome sunset from our bedroom. xoxox

Stay happy, friends.

June 1, 2013

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10 Months

Every day I wake up look at my sleeping baby and smile. He is the best part of everything. Funny how your child becomes the center of your universe:

Mr. E. J. V. – Mr. Personality – his faces these days are hysterical… He is the light of my life. At 10 months he has 7 teeth that are totally popped through, a few more on the way… A wild sense of humor with funny fuzzy LONG hairs to match. He is smart, talkative, social, loving, and I simply cannot imagine my life without him.

This month his curiosity has absolutely skyrocketed and it grows and grows each day. He is into everything, he points when he wants something, and makes noises we make like coughs and sneezes *ah cho*. He absolutely says Mmma-Ma and Dadadadada. Hector believes he says Hec-tor too and tells me I need to only call him daddy.

He is such a sweet boy, always. I’m a lucky girl. When out and about it takes in his surroundings and he just stares and batts his eyelashes – especially at the blonds. 🙂

He loves bathtime, playtime, food time and cuddle time. We had a bit of an issue with diaper changing time but that has fizzled somewhat. He is all set in his big boy car seats and is eating much more solid chunky food.

Playful. Funny. Curious. Climbing machine.

He makes my heart melt, each and everyday.

Dear Evan,

You have really taught me what life is all about. It is about relationships, loved ones, smiles, hugs and kisses. You have taught me how to measure success: your giggles, your amazing growth, your happiness and safety. You teach me more everyday then I could ever teach myself. I have never been more proud then right now. I’m so lucky to be raising such a wonderfully healthy baby boy. You are going to do great things, I can feel it.

I want you to dream big. I want you to be everything and anything you want to be. I want you to give back to communities and those who have less than you. I want you to learn to sail a sailboat, drive stick shift, throw a mean curve ball and learn how to fly a plane. I want you to travel the world and learn about cultures, I want you to read and chat about history with Auntie Cole… I want Jackson and baby no name to smile huge when they see you knowing they have a lifelong friend in you.

I want you to always feel safe in my arms, and I want to give you the world. There are so many wants I have for you. I could never list them all but the one thing I want you to know more then anything else.. is that I love you. SO much that I feel it deep in my bones way down into my soul, and I will always love you… Even when you make mistakes, messes and tell me things I don’t want to hear.

Thank you for being my son. You have changed my life in so many ways and even though I thought I wasn’t ready for you… you knew I was. You trusted me the second you were placed on my chest 10 months ago. I love the way you can wrap your arms around my neck and look for comfort on my chest. I hope you always cling to me… I know over the years the definition of cling will change, but my love for you will always grow stronger like it does each day.

I love you my little bean. xoxo

Mommy.

June 1, 2013

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June 1. Catch Up. Saturday’s Start

Hey hey! It has been a while and I’m super behind! I’ll catch you up with our 10 month old sometime this weekend, promise!

In the meantime, a few things going on over here today – enjoying some of our favorite things:

Coffee and bananas, Evan (of course), sunshine, clean counter tops, sippy cups & my very own essential oil blend burning away.

I also stepped into my garden (which needs some TLC, it is looking like a jungle) to admire some INSANE flowers:

The only thing I had anything to do with was my herbs, which are doing awesome 🙂

My favorite blogger’s summer shape up starts Monday – superrrr excited about that! She gave us a bunch of info to have a successful head start so I’m going to cover my bases for that this weekend.

My May’s smoothie challenge was a hit:

My detox blend above with mint from my very own garden! 😀

And I will be treating myself to a vitamix in the very near future!!

So all is well over here, just busy – you know how that happens – life!

Be back later with some more updates from today, and some refreshed goals and my little dude’s 10 month update!

May 18, 2013

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Smoothie A Day Challenge

Hello world, happy Saturday!

I have felt quiet inspired lately, it is a mix of good weather, super cute baby, green grass and these crazy plants growing everywhere (weeds too! haha). But one challenge I’m super excited about is a challenge by health is happiness. I learned about it through lululemon on facebook, I have yet to set up a BHAG for myself but learning that I could participate in someone else’s BHAG I was totes in from the go. So the challenge is simple enough… A smoothie (or two, or three, especially if they are green!) a day! This is not a crazy challenge as I treat myself to these nutritious boosts regularly but this challenge has helped me to remain focused and somewhat organized:

Picking up several staples at TJ’s including:

Organic Kale
Spinach
Berries! Fresh and Frozen (blue, straw, rasp… lol)
Pineapple & Mango (frozen and cubed)
Almond & Coconut milk
BANANAS!
Ginger, parsley
Lemons
Avocado

At home I have protein powder, TJ’s green mix!, vanilla, maple syrup for taste if needed.

I’ve been very good about staying up to speed with this challenge as we get daily emails, with awesome recipes and you can checkout his site for great ideas on what to mix… Sometimes the mixes look awesome, sometimes not so awesome – but they all taste great!

I’ve made smoothies at home:

and had Loop Juice (LOVE detox smoothie!!!) and FFC do the combos for me:

Blueberry pomegranate above with Omegas boost was amaze. So. good.

I do feel refreshed and inspired, and it has pushed me to try new blends – some were crazy successful – some not so much.

My current fav is pomegranate, blueberries, water, ginger and lemon. Um. Yum. So, good. My favorite green mix is almond milk, spinach, kale, TJ’s green mix, banana and vanilla.

Any ideas on a great additive for some healthy omegas? I might search for Udo’s oil or something similar at Whole Foods today.

Something else refreshing? I got a new top in the mail with a great new sports bra (not pictured below) – nothing like smoothies and the FedEx guy (aka Santa) to make this girl one happy camper:

My goals have rewards… when I meet one, I treat myself to something special. I have so many things on my wishlist and I’m checking them off one by one. Big items I’m looking at? Vitamix and a Kitchenaid Mixmaster! For my new kitchen, I feel like it would be really appropriate to treat myself to a vitamix after this challenge… But my blenders work quiet well so IDK… Mixmaster is a must, so that may win…

While I work on this internal debate I’m off to the gym, followed by some time with a prego lady, who is making me a bit baby crazy!!! 😀

Shout out to my best and her new home! It is AWESOME! ❤

May 17, 2013

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Proud, very proud.

BAM! It is the middle of May. Seriously, what is with time?

Each day I wake up and really feel blessed. I don’t know if it is motherhood or the job or what but most of the time I’m pretty blissful (except for those moments where I’m overwhelmed and upset with myself) but I’m loving so much right now… Especially today. Today I got home, walked in my house and my perfect child was BEAMING, as always, to see me. He lets out this beautiful scream of happiness and reaches out for Mmmma Ma.

I’m so far beyond blissful when it comes to this little man. He honestly makes me want to jump out of my skin because I am so happy. Today I also finally took in all that Hector, Evan and I have accomplished lately. I feel I have focused so much on what I don’t do… Missing a yoga class, not getting enough running in… Eating out too often, not doing laundry fast enough… But I haven’t focused on the BIG things Hector and I have worked towards… Like our home, our family… our new jobs. Life has been a crazy transition lately and we have gone through some growing pains but I feel the relief… It is in sight.

So today I enjoyed this:

and this:

The weather was an amazing 78 degrees when I came home and our little ninja who can stand all on his own (walking will happen, way before 12 months, I’m sure of it) enjoyed some outside time while mommy tried not to kill her plants (they were looking pretty dry). How can you not smile at my little wanderer:

I’m so lucky:

May 14, 2013

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Weekend In Pictures

I promise, someday soon I will catch up with words… As far as words for this post I feel, less is more.

Smoothie a day challenge is still going strong and I plan to blog about some of my new found smoothie love!

Shopping! Smoothie stuff, baby food stuff and fluers of course 😉

lululemon came to the rescue when I found myself at the gym without *gasp* a hair tie! This nifty thing was attached to my gymbag as a pull and reminded me it is a HAIR TIE. Brilliance. one of the many reasons I love my lulu

Alas more insane beauty in my yard.so awesome.

I have the worlds best behaved baby… Even when this forgetful momma forgot daddy’s car keys at grandma’s car – he played so nicely 🙂 *sigh* yeah Hector’s car allows him to drive whereever once you start it… shut it off you can find yourself with a real problem…

Now for momma’s day! Hanging around town and in the Gold Coast:

I sure as the sky is blue… Love my life and love my family. ❤ Excellent weekend.
Cheers!

May 12, 2013

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Dedicated.

This time last year I was about 31 or 32 weeks pregnant, preparing for my baby shower and discussing pregnancy must haves. This year I am chatting with one of my best friends about her huge new move and career and watching my other best friend prep for her very own little man all while enjoying every moment I can with my little man that just steals my heart – everyday:

I’m definitely feeling overwhelmed by emotion these days. I am both beyond grateful and totally in shock with everything that is going on around me. My son is about to be 10 months old, my best friend’s baby is 2 years old and going to school, and my other love above is really close to the end of her pregnancy… Can time slow down just a bit? (Joanna is the only one saying No to that… but this time next year she will be on the “where is the time going bandwagon”). This time of the year it is so natural to celebrate motherhood and all of the wonderful, terrifying and crazy things we do because we are moms. Last year I thought I had a grasp on how much I would love my little guy, after all he couldn’t be closer to me, right?

This was just about a week before I had little Evan, now he is in this big world… it is exciting and terrifying.

Now that Evan is happily here with us, I could not imagine life without him. He has brought me so much joy. This Mother’s Day I will celebrate with my own mom, my grandma and my sweet husband and extended family. Last night I spent with my three main men: Evan, Hector and Oso (not pictured) cuddled on the couch watching a movie – it was perfection:

I’m so blessed, and so happy and excited to spend the day with people I love.

For the moms,

Happy Mother’s Day… You are all rockstars!

Love, Jen.

Off to Farmer’s Market! Yippeeee!

May 6, 2013

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Pictures of the day 5/5

Yeah I know it is 5/6 haha.

Big boy #hihsmoothiechallenge and the Fitnessista’s #smoothieaday challenge – home improvement – shopping – baby shower – gma! ❤

Oh! And i even snuck in a workout!

May 5, 2013

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Keeping it fresh

Hello beautiful weather! I’ve missed you so! All of the rain has really turned my yard from brown and drab to green and [sorta] fab!

I’m also totally THRILLED about my potted herbs. The previous owner was an AVID gardener and she told us DON’T RIP ANYTHING UP and although we will make alterations in back because we currently have no green grass space whatsoever – we would like a little for a play space for Evan and Hector *gasp* would even like to do a raised vegetable garden! MY VERY OWN GREENS! This man, he has a way with words to make me swoon 😉

I’m so excited for summertime bbqs with friends and fam. I’m so crazy blessed.

Someone super special to me is having a shower today – so back later for picks of the day!