Our Mornings

I learned pretty quickly during our snowmageddon we have this year that my child needs to be entertained in order for my vocabulary to include more than the word, "No!"

Knowing this I have made a huge effort to have something planned for us to actively do from 8-12 each day so far this summer.  I even anticipate bringing him to daycare a few days this summer for consistency and to keep him engaged with other children.  I just couldn't bring myself to do it this week - being our first full week of summer together and all.

So, we've stayed pretty busy finding creative things to do and pretty much the NC summer mandates that all things be completed by noon in order to survive.  (Let's be real, everything really needs to be done by 8:30 a.m. to be pleasant.)  So, mornings are our thing.

Carson has been sleeping in until 7:15ish most days which is more than 2 hours later than my school day wake up time so THANK YOU for that, sweet boy.  And rather than set an alarm and wake up before him to get my workout in, I've just been rolling out of bed as I hear him sound the alarm.

 Once awake, we do our breakfast thing and decide what to do for the day.  So far we've gone to the park, hit up the pool, visited the children's museum (a day that I couldn't fathom standing outside longer than it took to put Carson in his carseat - thanks humidity), looked at granite (we're moving!), and went to Target (only to find the better deal is online plus free shipping so I came home to make my purchase). 

 

It's been pretty amazing.  It makes me think this SAHM thing is golden.

Those Special Containers

The other day I pulled out my lunch and someone asked me, "I see you use those containers all the time.  What's so special about them?"  To which I shared all the special details about those 7 color coded containers that have literally changed my life and entire relationship with food.

Have you heard of the 21 Day Fix?  I feel like it's everywhere these days.  But, I suppose there are still people out there that don't know what they do or what they can do...if you let them.

I was probably more skeptical about this program than most people when I got started.  I just knew it was going to be another challenge like Whole 30 or Weight Watchers.  Both of which I did and had amazing results from.  Both of which I also 100% abandoned after 30 days or so passed.

But, if I'm being honest, this is different.  It's easy and it's visual.

I think the visual part is the greatest difference in my personal success with this program.  It's not a list of "rules" to follow for a certain amount of time.  It's not a daily tedious counting task.  It's a visual of what a serving size looks like when you put it on your plate.  How many strawberries I should really eat when I want a snack.  Eye opening and easily applicable.

There's no starving all day so I can eat all my points that night to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.  There is no cutting of carbs out of my diet. (Thank God!)

Here is what I learned from the 21 Day fix:

• I need more protein.  And I need it from better sources (quinoa has protein, but is not necessarily a good source of protein considering the small amount in 1 cup)
• 2 servings of fruit is waaaaay less than I typically consume in a day
• Planning ahead is the key to success
• Pinterest is my BFF for new recipes
• I consume way more carbs than a normal person ever should and all my favorite foods are carbs, but there are lots of trades I can do that leave me just as satisfied
• Real food is the best fuel
• What I put in my body greatly affects the way I feel physically, mentally, and emotionally

I no longer have to use the color coded containers; I'm happy with my weight and I've met my goals.  Most importantly, I've learned what I should be putting in my body and how much of it needs to go there.  I don't need to use the containers to do that anymore; in just 21 days I learned the habits necessary to make this a lifestyle change.

And it works. (see my results here)

Spring Family Photos 2015

family pictures spring 2015 by coachgaines featuring a blue dress

If you're anything like me choosing out fits for family photos is difficult.  I want us all to look nice and go together, but I worry about being matchy-matchy.  And I want to make sure we are comfortable in our attire so the pictures look natural, but I also want us to look our best.  

This is what I've come up with for our spring pictures in a few weeks.  What do you think?

Everyday Weekends

Since I started fitness coaching a few things have been affirmed in my heart.  Most importantly, the idea and belief that my dreams really can become reality.

For a long time I've had a desire to stay home with my son.  Pretty much since I found out he was going to join our family, I wanted to be with him as much as possible.  Of course, as reality would have it, there are bills to pay, retirement to think about, health insurance to have, and all the other luxuries of life that cause us to work.

Imagine if every day could be like a weekend day.  This past weekend I ran a 5k, took my son to the zoo, and spent the day at the pool.  In between those memories and during nap time, I was able to get some work done for my business.

You could make your own hours, volunteer at your child's school without having to take time off, go on vacation whenever you want because you make your vacation calendar.  You could be your own boss.  You would still be building an empire and bringing in income on top it.

Sounds like a dream come true.

I mean how awesome would it be if every lunch hour looked like this...

So, now you know my dream.  I want everyday to have the flexibility of a weekend.  It doesn't mean I don't want to work.  I love what I'm doing.  It just means I want to do it on my own terms.  On my own schedule.  At my own pace and in my own way.

I never saw myself as an entrepreneur.  I could definitely see myself in the fitness field, but never doing my own thing and working my own business.  Boy how things change.

Linking up with Shanna