Summer 2019...

This summer has definitely been an interesting one...and I have limited my posts.

For those that don’t know I suffered from a severe allergic reaction all over my body for the first 3 weeks of summer. I was on 21 days of steroids to reduce the inflammation. It was terrible. I couldn’t exercise, be exposed to the sun and I had an insatiable appetite. I felt anxious, bloated, gained weight and just didn’t feel like myself. I worked so hard this Spring to get my body “summer ready”. And now as summer comes to a close, I am starting to feel like myself again. I feel so lucky to have found @paddlediva - I really pushed myself in something I thought I could never do. Thank you to Gina @paddle_diva Amy, Shai and Tim for an amazing summer. I have leaned so much from you all. Next summer paddle teacher training for sure! My husband has been paddle boarding for years and this summer - I finally joined in. So happy we can now paddle together.

Summer is just around the corner...

Who else is dreaming of summer?! Today is a gorgeous day in the middle of the winter. I am so happy today - and feel energized. I miss the warm weather.

“Our bodies make vitamin D when our skin is exposed to the ultraviolet rays in sunlight. Vitamin D is important for strong, healthy bones because it helps us absorb calcium and it also helps boost our immune system.”

Remember to take time for yourself today - those moments are so important.

I'm back!!!

I cannot believe summer is over. We had the best summer! I took real time to be present and mindful of every moment we spent together. We were at the beach this summer, our girls had sand between their toes, picked fresh vegetables at local farms and just were KIDS. I feel so blessed that I had the opportunity to spend this quality time with them. The memories we spent together as a family are ones that I will cherish forever.

This summer, I truly worked on myself. I spent time with friends, exercised daily and just had no worries for 9 glorious weeks! I learned this summer, how important it is to take a pause from the hustle and bustle of the city and just relax.

This fall, I promise I will blog more. I needed time to recharge and reset. Now I’M BACK!

How is it June?

As I follow my blogging journey, I have noticed a common thread - TIME.  Time is just flying by.  Our oldest daughter finished her second year of preschool and our little one started camp for the first time.  I just can't believe it?!  How is it June?  As a mom of two, and a health coach I find that I need to make good use of my time in order to be productive and not stay up so late at night.  at the same time I also need to carve out time for myself.  Take one hour a day to watch reality TV, workout or take a long shower.  It's so hard some days.  How do we find that balance?  How do you find that balance?

Spring is here!

We have had a busy spring in our household.  It was my birthday a few weeks ago, I co-chaired a large fundraiser at my daughter's school, it was my youngest daughters' birthday and then today is my oldest daughters' birthday.  Then mother's day is around the corner.  OH MY!

I can't believe the little girl that made me a mom is turning 4 today.  I always say to her "Can I keep you small forever?"  She laughs at me and proudly states, "I am a big girl'.  Becoming a mother is and has been the most rewarding job!  I feel so blessed to have to beautiful girls, who are growing and thriving.  As a mom of two small girls there are a few things that get me through the day- a steady workout routine, lots of hugs and kisses & COFFEE!

My husband and I love the experience of getting coffee.  There is nothing like walking into a coffee shop, and getting your first coffee of the day.  All year round we drink cold coffee, not iced coffee - but COLD BREW.  For those of you who aren't familiar with cold brew, you are missing out.  Cold brew is less acidic then hot coffee.  So for those who suffer from stomach upset from hot coffee, you may want to test cold brew.  It's also not as harsh on your teeth and offers a smooth taste.

My workout routine has been pretty consistent since September.  I aim to exercise 3 or 4 times a week.  I switch off between Physique 57 and AKT.  

I have been doing Physique 57 for almost 8 years.  This has been a constant in my life through my engagement, wedding process, and two kids.  Physique 57 uses your body as weight resistance, and they totally overload your muscles.  You feel long and lean just after 8 workouts.  https://physique57.com/how-it-works/

AKT is a new regimen in my life.  I smile during the workouts, it's fun and builds confidence.  During the Happy Hour class, you learn a dance routine while alternating high interval training in between.  This is an intense cardio class, as I leave so sweaty and have to change my clothes before I exit the NOMAD studio in NYC.  They also offer other class styles as well using over head bands, step up boxes and a ballet bar.  I highly recommend... https://aktinmotion.com/classes/

Off to drink my cold brew and enjoy the Spring day with my birthday girl!

We all scream for...HOT SAUCE!

Did you think I was going to say "We all scream for...ICE CREAM"?!  Well my new love is HOT SAUCE!  There are a few foods as a health coach and mom I can't live with out.  

• Seltzer (Love the bubbles, great substitute for sugary soda), add a squeeze of lemon and you have a great refreshing drink.  We always have a stash of La Croix in our fridge.
• Justin's organic peanut butter mini cups, who says a health coach can't love dark chocolate and peanut butter!
• Now lets add HOT SAUCE..

Hot Sauce has amazing health benefits.  First, it helps curb your appetite and aid weight loss.  Chile peppers also have a ton of Vitamin C, which is necessary for healthy teeth, immunity and strong bones.

Do you have any foods you can't live without?

35!

WOW!  I recently celebrated a birthday, and my family made it so special for me.  I feel so blessed!  This birthday really made me think about a few things in my life, and I felt sad.  When did I become a woman in my mid thirties?  I feel like the years are just flying by.  Since my birthday, I have been trying to just take a moment and pause.  Reflect, and slow down.   Spend quality time with children and husband, be in the moment.  I really look forward to walking in the door at the end of a long day.   Hearing the little foot steps against the wood floor, just warms my heart.  It's those things we need to cherish...

so much to do so little time...

Everytime I sit down to write a blog post, the same underlying issue arises.  TIME!  There is just not enough of it.  The past few weeks, have been incredible for our family.  We took our spring break vacation to South Carolina.  Which was amazing!  We truly spent such quality time together.  Upon returning home, our routine was so out of whack.  Kids going to sleep later, relaxed schedule and so much SUGAR!  

Now we are back at school, and life is resuming somewhat to a normal state.  

Some exciting news, you all may have noticed I added a new credential to my webpage.  I am now a member of the International Health Coaching Association!  I somehow found time to study, and sit for the test.  It was an incredible feeling to see that I passed upon completing the exam.  

Over the next few weeks, our family has so much going on.  Birthdays!  Fundraisers!  Parties!  End of School!  

I am trying to savor every moment of my children as little ones, but the days are long and the years fast.  

What do you do to savor the moments?  How do you handle the stressful day to day STUFF?

6 weeks is way too long...

As I sit at my daughter's preschool waiting to pick her up, I wonder where does all the time go in a day, a week, a month, a year....

As a mother of two kids, I struggle with being in ten places at once, doing things perfect, remembering to do the laundry, pick up the dry cleaning, having "special snacks for the kiddos", and especially just being present in each and every day.

I have paused my blogging unintentionally, and feel the need to get back at it!  Being persistent and holding yourself accountable is half the battle in being successful in each and every way.

Remember don't be so hard on yourself, "Rome wasn't built in a day".

Detox Week 2

WOW!  What a roller coaster ride this detox has been.  I am 12 days in, and only 9 more to go.  I don't really miss chocolate anymore - but I am missing chips.  Who knew I was so into salt.  This detox has tested my mental capabilities.  Can I really do this?  Am I able not to give into temptation?  With drive, determination and a little bit of optimism I know I can do this.  Is there anything stopping you from overcoming something challenging?

Holidays, New Year and Detox

I hope everyone had a lovely holiday - with lots of love, laughter and good health!  

With the holidays comes lots of alcohol, sugar, over eating and lack of sleep.   Our kids had 19 days off of school, and everyone was totally off in terms of their personal routines - myself included!  

Now that 2018 is here - its time for a RESET!  I have decided to start a 21 sugar detox challenge.  

https://21daysugardetox.com

NO SUGAR, Basically no fruit (one green apple a day or green tipped banana).  

I will track my progress, my defeats and my WINS over the next 21 days.  People think because I am a health coach, that I never "fall off the wagon".  We all do - its normal.  But now i am feeling tired, irritable and my LuluLemon yoga pants are just feeling a bit snug.  I am 3/4 of the way through DAY ONE, and I am definitely feeling the withdrawal.  I am craving crunchy snacks (I love Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers and Pirates Booty).  I will use all my mental strength to make sure that I am staying on track and holding myself accountable.  I think the big challenge will be not having my Justin's Peanut Butter cups after dinner.

What are some ways that you stay motivated during a challenging time?

WOW where does time go?!

WOW!  I can't believe it has been 3 weeks since my last post.  It has been a whirlwind few weeks with lots of family time, travel and EATING!  My husband and I traveled to Europe for 96 hours, kids free.  We drank lots of wine, ate croissants (I am GF keep in mind) and did a ton of walking.  Then came Thanksgiving, great family time and delicious food all from WHOLE FOODS!  We had an organic Thanksgiving!  What fun!

As the holiday season approaches, I want to make sure I focus on family time & self care.  Lots of exercising, and lots of quality time with my kiddos & hubby.  What are you doing during the holidays?  How will you make sure you take care of yourself?

#momstruggle

My girls have been sick all week, first the baby and now the oldest.  This is the time of year, I feel everyone is struggling with staying healthy.  Pulling all nighters with the baby has made us physically exhausted.   I have been hitting the gym, drinking water and trying to eat healthy (LOTS OF GREENS).  I hope that is enough to protect my husband and I from getting sick.  Watching your kids sick is so heartbreaking.  How do you stay healthy during this time of year?  

Trick or NOT Treat

As a parent I always look forward to Halloween!  The pure joy of your child dressed up as their favorite character is amazing to see.  This year our girls are Elsa and Anna from the hit movie "Frozen".  Seeing their smiling faces as they head to school just made my day.  As day time turns to dusk, its time for Trick or Treating.  Our oldest daughter is still young enough to not really understand the concept of knocking on strangers doors to ask for candy - she does understand the concept of M&Ms!!!.  Do you let your kids indulge?  Do you worry about high fructose corn syrup and artificial dyes?  I am of the theory, that you have to live life!  Be Happy!  Enjoy Halloween with your kids and let them indulge (just a little bit).  My parents always checked our candy bags when coming home from trick or treating and that is something that I will definitely do as well.  How will you handle this holiday that promotes sugar?  Happy Halloween from our family to yours!

today I put on jeans, instead of gym clothes

As a busy mom, some days are a struggle to get dressed and feel great about yourself.  Today I decided to wear jeans!  Feels like a victory for me!  I know most of you out there have the same struggle.  Don't be so hard on yourself - time management can be a tricky thing.  I find that if I lay out my clothes the night before when kiddos are sleeping, I am prepared to start the day.  Wendy Wearing Jeans (1) vs. Gym Clothes (0).  Who's ready to tackle the day to day struggle of time management with me?  

ready, set, go!

Today is the day I become live - my website that is!  For many years, I feel like I was walking around life in a fog.  I wasn't feeling alive - now I am finally living.  Do you feel like that?  I live the day to day struggle that many of you face each day.  How can I be the best version of myself?  How I can I be a working parent, and still feel connected at home?  How do I find time to exercise and lead a healthy life?