7 Things Every Woman Needs To Know

'nuff said.

God's plan was not the same as mine, it was better

That other life of mine seems like such a distant memory now. But I still remember how I felt when I got out of a bad relationship. Like it was my fault, like I was the failure, like I had displeased God, like everyone was watching me, judging me, I shrunk down into an abyss. There are three people in my life who completely saved me and pulled me back out... First My dad, then my mom, and finally my now husband. 

During that time of trial in my life, it seemed like such a monumentous battle. Why did this happen to me? Why did I allow myself to make such a massive mistake? But only now, looking at the size of the blessing that was on its way, can I fully understand why that battle was necessary. God had to make life pretty disastrous to get me to change my situation. He did that so that He could give me all I ever wanted. So that He could give me HIS plan for my life, instead of my plan... That I ever so royally screwed up. He took my mistake, and turned it into a teaching moment, then gave me my heart's desire. 

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Romans 8:28  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Put On Blinders!

You've seen her, I've seen her, she's the pinterest mom. The mom who makes all other moms pale in comparison. 

Being a mom is one of my passions. I try my hardest to let my little know that I love her fiercely. I would do anything for her and I thank God for letting me borrow His perfect child while she's on Earth. At the end of the day, a 4 year old's foot in my face while she's sleeping in my bed is just Heaven. Never thought I would think that. 

But during the day. During the awake hours, half the time I want to pull my hair out. I wonder who got me into this disaster! Hubby, that's who! The days are long, each hour slowly passes, but at the end of the day, I realize how truly short it was. My days with her are numbered. She'll be on her own sooner than I like. All too often she likes to remind me that she's getting bigger and older. And I love her, fiercely and wish I could pause the time. Even though she's a royal pain in the neck at times. 

Then there's the pinterest mom. Just when I start to think I'm doing a great job, pinterest mom blends up some non toxic peanut butter playdoh (sans sugar of course) and shoves it in my face. Is it wrong that I really just want to eat it? Pinterest mom gets her workout in and looks like a bombshell doing it, is she even panting? Pinterest mom does not have a foot in her face when she's sleeping. Pinterest mom, is she real? I kinda don't think she is. I think we put our best foot forward when we are on Pinterest or any other social media. I mean, we all have rockstar moments, if we only showcased those special moments, we could all be pinterest-mom, AmIright?! 

Don't let Satan steal your joy and your triumphs at being a mom! You are no less of a mother than any other mother. John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." Focus on your family and God, put blinders on to everything else. Galatians 6:4 “Let everyone be sure to do his very best, for then he will have the personal satisfaction of work done well and won’t need to compare himself with someone else”

So my advice to myself, and you if you want it, is to put on blinders! Stop caring about what the other mommies on the block are doing, and just do your thing. Love your little in the best way you know how, with a passion that only you can deliver, and you know what, she doesn't know anything different, so she thinks you are the BEST, whether your play dough is bought from the store or made from peanut butter. 

My goal is to stop comparing my life to someone else. I'm me, I'm special, God gave me strengths and weaknesses and He gave her to me because He knew that we are made for each other, because He designed it that way. So let's make a vow to stop and smell the flowers, take a pause and worry about only yourself and your adventure with your little one today, even if that adventure is being cooped up in the house watching Alvin and the Chipmunks for the umpteenth time... and stop comparing your mommy life to someone else's, pact? 

The MOM Shake

No, this is not a booty shake move workout or a special prance to make the hubby laugh, this is a Get out of Jail free card! A secret weapon. A game changer! 

The Mom Shake is my GET THROUGH THE DAY pick me up!

1 Scoop Chocolate Shakeology
4 ounces of cooled coffee (I never have time to let it cool, so I cool it by brewing in a large cup and then adding the milk right to the cup)
6 ounces unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/4 cup of rolled oats
1 cup power greens

1/2 banana

1 tbsp PB Fit or PB2
1 packet of stevia
1 cup ice

Blend well for 2 minutes on high speed

This shake packs a punch!

Energy--- Shakeology, greens, oats, coffee
Endurance--- Shakeology, oats, banana 
Flavor--- Everything!

Relax in Under 5 Minutes

This week has been rough for me. Who am I kidding though, I'm a mom of three. The days are long but the years are short. So while I LOVE being "mommy" pretty much every week is a little rough.

There have been a few times when I wanted to just go hide for a little while to relax. Not advisable when you have a toddler. They get into things, and that relaxing moment you just felt is gone the instant Cheerios are spilled all over the kitchen. So, how to relax in 5 minutes without hiding from your toddler?

1. Chocolate. Yes, I said it. You love me right now, right? Go grab yourself some 80% Cacao Dark Chocolate for the times when you just need to take a bite. Real dark chocolate regulates cortisol (the so-called Stress Hormone). So not only do you get a much need bite of chocolate, it's working against that nasty cortisol.

2. Stretch & Breathe Take a moment and bust out some deep breathing and your favorite Yoga-inspired moves. Slow, deep breathes will lower your blood pressure and your heart rate (after the Cheerios have been dumped). Close your eyes, if you dare.

3. Go outside. Get some fresh air for just 5 minutes. Clear your head. Stop and smell the proverbial roses. Sunshine is scientifically proven to improve your mood, this is why Californians are so happy! The traffic is why we are so mad... it's really a catch 22.

4. Workout. Nothing gets out pent out aggression like a workout! Keep it simple, just a 5 minute circuit, or some TurboFire inspired jabs!

5. Eat, drink and be merry! Try to eat every 2-3 hours. Being hungry is just not conducive to relaxation. When you need a quick pick-me-up, grab one or more of these specific items:
Mango: Mangoes are rich in antioxidants and Vitamin B6, which improves cognitive function, attention span, and mood!
Green tea: Green tea is a source of L-Theanine which helps to calm you down and relieve anger.
Orange: Studies have found that the vitamin C helps reduce stress and return blood pressure and cortisol to normal levels after a stressful situation (i.e. Cheerios as mentioned above)
Apricots, even dried apricots: They are high magnesium, which is a stress reliever and a natural muscle relaxant (win-win).
Turkey: L-tryptophan is the amino acid that tells your brain to release serotonin, the feel-good brain chemical. We like serotonin.


Happy Relaxing! Two of my favorite words!

DIY mom

Do you DIY? I may be a tiny bit addicted to Pinterest. I went on Pinterest hiatus for a while, then I had to get back on to plan my daughter's birthday party. The result? Hey, let's take the closet doors off and make a girl-cave! That goes with her birthday party, yes? No. No, it doesn't. This is a true addict talking! But my sweet husband went along with me, and like the amazing man he is, promptly removed the closet doors with minimal questions. Maybe he knows there's a method to my madness! 

Girl cave is done! And my girl sat down in her reading chair from great-grandma, smiled wide, and said "it's my castle!!!!" Score one point for mom!