March Monthly Resolutions

It’s that time again. Time to check in and be held accountable for my monthly goals. So how did I fare for February? 

Goal 1: Go the the gym 3x week- again…. failed. 

I made it there at least twice a week and I’m sure chasing after Emmett and Ollie have to count as a workout too, but I didn’t get in 3 solid 35 to 45 minute workouts per week. :-(

Goal 2: Get my reading nook completed… successful-ish. 

The area is painted, decor is hung, pillows bought, and books sorted and ready to be shelved. The only thing missing is the bookshelf and I haven’t bought it because I know exactly which one I want but I can’t bring myself to pay full price. As soon as that sucker goes on sale I’m buying it! I want this little nook to be completed so bad because I know it will be so cute and I love that all our books and games will be in one neat, organized space. Just the thought of this makes me so happy. 

My book nook... awaiting its bookcase

Goal 3: Date night… failed. 

While we did get lunch out for just the two of us, we did not, however, find the time to book a babysitter and make a night of it. I had intentions to get this done but the weekends got filled up with other plans leaving little time for a night away. This goal isn’t dead… Pierce, I promise we will get a date night on the books!

March Goals:

Goal 1: No soda. 

March 1st is also Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of Lent. I don’t fast but I do like to give up something for Lent. This year I’ve decided to give up something I enjoy but isn’t good for me... soda. This is going to be difficult because I love a cherry coke. I also considered alcohol, but let’s get real… Lord knows I need a drink every once in while after work and the boys have me at my wit’s end. I knew I would be setting myself up to fail if I picked that. I figured I can handle giving up soda, plus it will be good for my body since I’m trying to get toned for summer. 

Goal 2: Get in the gym for 35 to 45 minutes at least 3 times per week. 

Goodness Gracious, what’s wrong with me! I have to quit making excuses and go. I’m going to keep this on my list, but I have a feeling this is the month I accomplish my goal. 

Goal 3: Get my guest room completed. 

I’ve figured out what I want it to look like but now I need to put in the work to get it done which includes painting the room. I’m not sure what color I want but it definitely needs a fresh coat of paint. The previous owners must not have known how to hang pictures because for every spot where a picture hung there are at least 3 to 4 nail holes in the wall. There so many nail holes in this room it’s ridiculous! This room needs some love and I'm ready to make it a comfortable, relaxing space for our guests. 

Goal 4: Date night with the hubs. 

Repeat: I will find the time and make this happen!

These are my monthly goals. I like putting them on paper because it helps hold me accountable to keep progressing in my life on multiple levels. What are your goals for this month?

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On another note, I was gone for a little longer than normal because my little cuddle bug, Ollie, has been sick, and when he doesn't sleep, I don't sleep. So I've had no energy at night to post. On Saturday at 2:30am I had to take him to the emergency room because he was having a very difficult time breathing and it was so scary. Turns out he has pneumonia. Thankfully he is on the mend and seems to be feeling and breathing much better. Say a little pray that he continues to heal. It breaks my heart to see my children in pain. 

Oliver helping George take his breathing treatment

Here's to hoping March has wonderful things in store for you all!

Bye bye January, Hello February!

So as I said at the beginning of January, instead of having yearly goals, I am making monthly goals and now it's checkin time for January. So how did I do on my two goals? 

1. Hit the gym 3x a week- Failed 👎🏻 

I don't have any excuse for this other than life got in the way. I have to pick up the baby early or get something from the store. Lunch breaks are the best time for me to workout but they are also the best time for me to get stuff done sans kids. No excuse but that's what happened. 

I did workout at least twice a week but that was not the goal. At a minimum I wanted to workout 3 times. 

2. Use my facial scrubber every day for 30 days with before and after pictures- Succeeded 👍🏻 

I used the Conair True Glow Sonic Cleansing Brush every night after washing my face. I'd put a little face wash onto the pad and scrub for a minute. The scrubber has a built in timer and beeps every 10 seconds to let you know to move onto the next section of you face. This feature was really nice and I think it helped me get a good even overall cleaning. 

Results: I don't know if my wrinkles were reduced but my skin has a nice luminous glow to it now. My face feels tighter after using it as well. Some of my coworkers commented on my skin and asked me what I was doing differently because i looked refreshed and my eyes seemed brighter. I'll take that as a win!! Glowing skin and looking more refreshed are always positives for this tired mama. I'll keep using the scrubber and let you know if I see any changes on the wrinkle front. 

You'll have to excuse the lighting on the January shots, it's too harsh... oh, well. 

February Goals:

1. Go to the gym/workout for 35 to 45 minutes a minimum of 3x per week. For real this time. 

2. Get my reading nook completed. I've got the space painted, inspiration found, and a wishlist a mile long, so now I need is follow through and get it done. I can't wait to get this space done with all our books on a proper bookshelf and out of our guest room dresser. 

3. Get in a date night with the husband. Within 28 days I should be able to find the time and a babysitter so that Pierce and I can get one evening to ourselves. 

Here's a little inspiration to keep my February goals on track:

I think this is the bookcase I want, I'm just waiting for it to go on sale. Find it HERE. 

There are so many great restaurants in Charleston, here are few I'm dying to try:

The Obstinate Daughter

Tavern & Table

Husk

What are your favorite Charleston area restaurants? We don't go out to eat much, so when we do I want it to be wonderful and delicious so recommendations are always welcome!

Making Resolutions

Happy 2017! I hope that you are all having a great start to this new year. 

My typical New Year’s resolutions are for self-improvement (eat better, workout more, save more, spend more quality time with the family), and I have great intentions but my drive usually fizzles out after a few months. I hope that by setting monthly goals I will keep myself continuously motivated since I will be focusing on one or two manageable goals at a time rather than too many which would can be overwhelming. 

They say it takes 21 days to form a new habit, so rather than set lofty yearly goals that burn bright but fizzle out before spring gets here; I’ve decided I’m going to set attainable monthly goals. If they (whoever “they” are) are right, then as long as I stick to the goal I set for each month, I should be on my way to creating healthy habits.

January Goals:

**Get Moving**

Last year I had baby weight to lose and did the 12 week Bikini Body Guide. I had great results with the program and it really changed my mindset on how I should be working out. It taught me the importance of resistance and weight training along with cardio. As life would have it, I slacked off and let the chaos of life and excuses replace my workouts. Starting now I am back at it. 

Using elements I learned from BBG, I plan on doing at least 2 resistance workouts, 2 LISS (low intensity sustained state), and 1 stretching/rehab per week. No excuses, I have to do this every week. Hopefully by February it will be ingrained in me again. Working out makes me feel accomplished, strong, energized and motivated. Who doesn't what to feel that way? I sure know I do. 

Here is some workout gear I’ve been lusting over. One or two new things is sure keep me motivated, right? 😊

Yoga Commuter Mat

Cross Back Sports Bra

Kettlebell

Max Out Tank- the built in tank is awesome!!

Moisture Wicking Leggings

Nike Training Shoe- perfect for resistance workouts

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**Get Pretty**

Now that I’m in my thirties I’ve started to notice those signs of aging we all dread. They are inevitable but surely we can slow them down. I figure it’s worth a shot to try. I bought Pierce a face scrubber for Christmas that I’m going to test out. (I don’t know if your husband’s are into face products but Pierce loves a good face scrubber, peel, mask, etc., and I’m happy to ablige because then I can try them too.) 

Conner True Glow Sonic Skincare Scrubber

I’ve taken my before picture and, in 30 and 60 days, I’ll take after pictures, and we shall see if there is any validity to the claims that scrubbers help reduce lines. I sure hope so! Stay tuned. 

Thanks for reading and helping me stay motivated. 

What are your New Year’s Resolutions? I’d love to hear them.