Its a Hero

goals

Looking Back + Moving Forward: 2020

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What. a. year! I keep seeing posts from friends regarding how 2019 was awful. I have to say, while we had some rough times, the good far outweighed the bad times.

Professional Life

2019 Summed Up

My professional life blossomed this year. It took a lot of hard work, including long hours and late nights. But I set big goals and surpassed my own expectations!

2020 Goals

I’m going to push it even harder this upcoming year. I’m going to work smarter and harder. I may even hire some help (whether it be a VA or someone to help watch the kids one day a week while I work), which is huge for me!

I’m really excited to continue several partnerships and to take on a major undertaking with a local brand! It’s going to push me beyond my comfort zone, but I’m ready for it. Speaking of comfort zones, I really stayed out of photos this year. I featured mostly food, spaces, and my kids. But in 2020 I vow to be IN my content more! Stay tuned!

Personal Life

2019 Summed Up

Old House Stress

This year was a really stressful year for our little family. Chad spent most of his ‘spare’ time at our old house, getting it ready to be put on the market. This largely meant that we rarely saw him. The kids craved his attention in the moments where he was home and, well, he was just plain ol’ exhausted.

Travel Time

The good news is that when he was around, we made the most of our time together. We took trips to Great Wolf Lodge, went camping at Jellystone Park in Pennsylvania, and even snuck in a trip to Kalahari!

We also (somehow) made it to Columbus several times as well as a trip to Kentucky! It was a crazy travel year, for sure.

Celebrations

We celebrated our final babies first birthday by throwing a big birthday bash at our forever home — our first real time hosting! It was a lot of work, but we were finally able to show our family and friends this incredible space.

The kids had so much fun playing in the yard and jumping on the trampoline.

2020 Goals

This year offers a fairly blank slate. I’d like to do some local travel ahead of our big trip to Hilton Head Island late this Summer. But other than that, we have no official plans.

I’ll be taking my kids on new adventures here in Ohio and exploring new neighborhoods in an effort to connect more with my community and to help nurture their curiosity.

Health

2019 Summed Up

Guys, I mildly failed at all things ‘health’ related this year. The stress of life and a serious time-management issue on my part resulted in very poor year of health and fitness for me. The one and only thing I did that is deserving of any credit is running the Pittsburgh Half Marathon.

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2020 Goals

Things are changing. In fact, I’ve already started making changes. I’m being MUCH more conscious of my food choices and making MY health a top priority this year.

As cliché as it sounds, I am going to get back to my regular weight this year. For those of you who haven’t been following along since before this year, you’ll know that I used to be workout fanatic. I’ve lost some of my mojo thanks to pregnancy and kids, but I think I’ve figured out what I need to get my excitement back.

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Don’t let the fear of not being “good enough” hold you back from achieving your goals! . Today I finished my first postpartum race after having Mila and my second half marathon, the @pghmarathon . I was underprepared. Crazy, crazy underprepared. The days and hours where I should have been running were spent tending to sick children. . But I still got out there today. I still showed up. I realized in the wee hours of this morning that I CAN DO VERY HARD THINGS. HECK, I birthed three babies on very little sleep (and one without an epidural). So I knew my body was (and is) capable for more than I think. . So if you think “I could never do ___,” take a step back and give yourself some darn credit! YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS! . Thank you to @brooksrunning for helping me remember how strong my body truly is. . . #sponsored #runhappy #brooksrunning #2run6 #clevelandblogger #clevelandbloggers #midwestbloggers #MOVEpittsburgh #pittsburghhalfmarathon #pittsburghmarathon #ohioblogger #womensrunningcommunity #instarunners #runnersofinstagram #runningmom #runtoinspire #sweatpink #this_is_postpartum

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Try new things

As a previous obsessive yogi, it has been years since I was ‘active’ in the community. I’ve tried the at-home practice, but it just wasn’t my thing. A new studio opened in my town and I’m going to try their hot power classes!

I’m also signed up for an OrangeTheory Fitness class trial. Now, if only I could get my hands on a Peleton 😛

Get back on track

Having babies and adjusting to being a work-from-home mom four years ago really did a number on my nutrition. I was no longer tied to a desk. You would think working from home would offer more balance, right? For me it did not. I have struggled with the freedom and my diet has suffered.

Now that we are officially finished with having babies (and now that we’re through the newborn phase entirely), I’m able to get a bit of my life back. And, for me, that means getting back in control.

For me, it’s less about weight than it is about comfort. And I just haven’t felt comfortable in my own skin for the last few years. I do have a goal-weight, but it is not unrealistic. I’ve set an attainable goal for myself as a ‘big picture’ thought.

Writing it all out feels surreal. I cannot believe what this last year has brought our family (and I can’t believe we made it through). But I’m infinitely excited for what’s to come.

What goals do you have for 2020?

woman with wine glass in hotel

Christmas, Credit, and Focusing on What’s Important this Holiday Season

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Thank you CreditRepair.com for sponsoring this post. CreditRepair.com’s team understands that a credit score is not just a number; it’s a lifestyle.

Being an adult, unfortunately, does not come with a handbook on how to “be.” I can’t speak for everyone, but I can tell you this — I’ve learned the hard way. With practically everything.

My personal credit journey.

I partially blame my struggles on the fact that I just didn’t understand privilege. I was a child of two very hard-working parents. We didn’t take lavish vacations, but we did take vacations. I recently recounted my childhood with a friend. We were talking about how we didn’t know how hard our parents worked and how lucky we were. We were happy to have had our vacations and to not want for anything, but we also didn’t realize the privilege that was afforded to us.

I’m not blaming that on my struggle. No, I created my problems. But I’ve made the mistake of not knowing my parents struggles twice now. I expected to just HAVE. Because that’s what you do. You work and you get, right? Well factor in a mountain of student loan debt (we’re talking Mount Everest) and a desire to fit in? And we have a problem.

The first time I rebuilt my credit on my own (with the guidance of my dad — thanks, Dad!). But fast-forward many years, a husband, and a child later, and it took a bit more help.

kids on a couch

A cry for help.

The second time around I decided I truly needed help. I used CreditRepair.com to help me get my finances in order, get me back on track, and find a clear plan for the future. CreditRepair.com is a leading provider of credit report repair services in the United States. They are a team of credit professionals who educate and empower individuals to achieve the credit scores they deserve. I worked hard, made lifestyle changes, and made plans for my future. I knew I owed it to my growing family to repair my credit and create a better life.

woman with a baby

The holiday spirit.

Part of my struggle with the holidays is the fact that EVERYONE wants to do something extravagant. But I’m beyond that. My number one rule is to NOT go into debt for the holidays. In the end, we’re all exchanging (likely or almost) equally priced treats for one another.

But at what expense? I don’t want my financial security to be ruined because I’m trying to keep up with superficial gift giving. We are all adults. When we want something we work, we save, and we purchase it. And if there’s something that you desperately want, you will get it.

I would rather see the joy on the faces of my children when we are able to take a fun vacation to the beach or go to an event with them. I would rather build memories than give superficial gifts. They will know love and they will know how much the holidays mean. But they will also know that it is more important to avoid financial disaster and avoid going into debt than to celebrate any holiday.

kids with mickey

A quest for financial literacy.

Financial literacy should absolutely be a point of discussion in families, schools, and even work environments, but it isn’t. Until it is, we need to rely on outside resources. CreditRepair.com is there to help.

Your credit score is not written in stone, and you are more than a credit score. CreditRepair.com will help empower  you to work on your credit score, enjoy your life, and make small lifestyle changes to help you achieve your dreams! But your credit won’t fix itself. Get help from CreditRepair.com today with a free consultation and kickstart your credit repair efforts.

Whatever you do this holiday season, please remember that no holiday ‘cheer’ is worth going into debt for. Let’s build our credit scores together with CreditRepair.com.

Getting your credit back on track with creditrepair.com

June Goals // Just Keep Moving Forward

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Let’s get right to the Real Talk, y’all — May flew by faster than April and we’re already 16 days into June. What the eff. Like, how is that even possible?!

Taking a look back at my May goals, they didn’t seem lofty at the time; but they were. Because, apparently, I’m the worst at actually doing the things.

I thought about revisiting my goals individually, but so many of them were left unfinished. I started to get really bummed out. So instead, I just decided to sum it all up reaaaal quick….

Things I didn’t do — curbside pickup for groceries, Fabletics, 5 yoga classes, Spring cleaning, and new Instant Pot meals. Fail, fail, fail, fail, fail. Sometimes life is too busy for our grand plans, am I right!?

Things I did do — get more sleep, kick butt at my health goals, spend 3 hours away from the kiddos, plant flowers, and spend time with the family. While not lofty goals, I realize they are the most important goals to actually meet.

So instead of dwelling on what I didn’t do, I’m damn proud of what I did get done in May! Let’s get to the June goals, shall we!?

June Goals:

Things I Will Try:

Curbside Express. For real. I will this month. It will save me time and patience. And that should be enough.

Things I Will Keep Up:

Weight Watchers + Fitness regimen. Still. This is a must. I have been feeling great, as recently documented, and I totally want to keep it up.

 

Post-workout stretch!

Things That Are Good For Me:

Date night. We need a date night in the worst way. To say that we’ve been bad about this since Remy was born would be the understatement of the year. Seriously. So a date night is a must.

Girls night. I need this, too. I need time away from the kids and time with my friends. I just do. Often times these nights are spontaneous.

Things That Are Good For My Family:

Reorganize our lives. I’m thinking family calendar, pantry, and our bedrooms could use a good cleaning and reorganizing.

Play outside daily. We are lucky enough to live right next to a park. I mean, the park actually butts right up to our backyard. So we have zero excuses. I can take the kids out to the park for even just ten minutes and let them get some energy out. It’s perfect! And they always seem extra tired after playing outside (double win).

Things I’m looking forward to:

Spending the night away from the kiddos. Confession: I’ve only spent the night away from Ari a couple of times. And I’ve yet to spend a single night (or day, for that matter) away from Remy. That’s gonna change, ya’ll.

Put-in-Bay for a day. I’m super excited to go to the local Lake Erie island for some fun with my friend Crystal! We get to go kayaking and all kinds of biking around the island. Should be a fun day.

Yeah, I know we’re already two weeks into the month. But guys — I can do this!

How did you do with your May goals!? 

Accountability // Health + Fitness Update # 1

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It’s been one week since my fitness update. And I feel amazing! Don’t get me wrong — things have not been perfect. Nope. In fact, I’ve barely been home to make dinner; I’ve been slacking on things around the house; and I’ve generally been a crazy person.

But I feel amazing.

In fact, I had gained three pounds over the Memorial Day holiday. Yep. That’s what happens when you go to a wedding and have family parties literally all weekend! But I did my Weight Watchers weigh-in Tuesday and I lost 6. SIX! This is: a.) the most I’ve ever lost in a week. Ever. and b.) it wasn’t easy. Not at all.

I know I’ve mentioned previously how much I love that WW allots points weekly to focus on the ‘bigger picture,’ and this week was a testament. I mean, I had days where I went way over with my points (and used my allotted weekly ‘wiggle room’); but I also had days where I was right on track. One thing was consistent — I consistently moved — Every damn day.

In fact, my fitness goal of 108 points was surpassed tremendously — I earned 116 fitness points! Those fitness points can essentially be ‘used’ towards food; but, I didn’t use all of them, thankfully.

The key to my success was this: I tracked everything. When you hold yourself accountable and actually track — whether it be through an app or writing it down — what you eat? It changes the whole freaking game, ya’ll. I mean, I looooove food. Love it. And I have an affinity for craft beer. But tracking it all still held me accountable. I was able to see how much or how little I was eating and where my ‘points’ went!

And that automatically makes a gal make better decisions. But I still lived my life like a normal person.

AND I STILL LOST SIX POUNDS. Crazy. pants. ya’ll.

So let’s real-talk this out — Here’s what my fitness routine looked like last week (PS. My weigh-in days are Tuesdays):

Tuesday = an easy walk with the kids but not much else.

Wednesday = 30 minutes of running.

Thursday = Treadmill workout; quick-walking pace + steady incline.

Friday = an easy walk with the kids in the double stroller.

Saturday = 45-minute, butt-kicking, cycling class.

Sunday = 30 minute run, outside, by myself, in the rain! ♥

Monday = 45-minute, butt-kicking, cycling class (again).

Also, I regularly met my own personal goal of 10k steps per day. I just made sure my booty got up and moving!

So, in short, I moved + I sweated a lot. But I also ate mostly healthy and still indulged on occasion. But from hereon out I’m not going to refer to it as ‘indulging;’ I’m going to call it living. Because that’s what it is. It’s living.

Other developments:

You’re looking at the newest head-coach of the Riverfront YMCA Girls on the Run, 5th-8th grade girls! We are launching this Summer/Fall and I’m SO excited to be a part of this!

Also, I’ve been doing lots of interval training, but during my rainy-day run I actually ran 22.5 minutes straight before stopping. This is huge! I thought, for sure, I could keep going. But then I came upon a HUGE hill and almost died and the end. But 22.5 minutes! And then I walked for about 2 minutes (killer hill) and then ran another 8 minutes. Not bad. Not bad at all!

So yeah. This past week was a good one. A very good one, health-wise. If you’ve been following since the beginning of this blog (which I’m guessing 99% of you haven’t — because that was a long, loooong, time ago), I finally feel like I’m getting back to my ‘roots’ again. It feels… amazing.

Mostly, I am happy. I am happy that I’m finally beginning to get back to myself again. I can’t wait to keep you updated on my journey!

May Goals // Striving For ‘Good Enough.’

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I don’t know if it’s just you, but when I saw all of those “It’s Gonna Be May,” memes, all I could think was, “Wait. Where did April go!?!” I know I was crazy busy with work in April (meaning, I worked practically every single day), but I still don’t really understand how the whole month seemed to vanish before my eyes!

I also feel like every new month is a brand new start. A chance to put everything in the rearview and just give those new goals a go. So instead of dwelling on what I didn’t get done in April, I’m setting myself up for greatness in May!

Things I Will Try:

Curbside pickup for groceries. I will admit, I tried this once last month because I *had* to get something for Ari’s preschool party and we were having a particularly rough couple of days. I used a free coupon to waive that cost and I learned to click the “do not allow substitutions,” when submitting my order (they will find something that may be similar in product but not similar in cost — lesson learned!). But it is a timesaver and keeps my kids on a tighter schedule. So I’m going to give it another couple of shots.

To get more sleep at night. I’ve been in this neverending cycle of stay-up late to get things done, but be too exhausted to make it all day without a nap with the kids. I prefer to be human during daylight hours, honestly.

Things I Will Keep Up:

Weight Watchers + my fitness regimen. See, I started back up with WW last month and finally am feeling human enough to put my YMCA membership to good use. It’s amazing what having a baby who (sorta) sleeps can do for a gal! So here we go!

Fabletics. I ordered a pair of workout leggings to just give them a shot. I freaking love them, ya’ll! I’ve had issues with buying workout gear in the past — the fit is either too loose or too tight; but these Lisette High-Waisted 7/8 Capris… are… amazing!

They are fitted but without feeling like a stuffed-sausage and they are beyond comfortable! Beyond! So I urge you to try Fabletics if you’ve been skeptical to give them a shot. Heck, I’m tempted to get another of this exact pair this month!

Things That Are Good For Me:

I’m going to commit to taking at least 5 yoga classes this month. Yep. That’s right. 5 yoga classes means just one a week, but an extra class thrown in for good measure. I know this is good for my mental and emotional well-being.

I will spend at least 3 hours away from my children in one day. Things that don’t count — 1. being at work; 2. after the kids go to sleep.

Plant some flowers. Last week I found myself doing some unexpected yard work… and it felt awesome to see progress AND be outside! I bought a couple of flowers to plant and they just make me happy. So I’m going to plant a few more. At least, that’s the goal!

Things That Are Good For My Family:

Spring cleaning. I have a goal to go through our bedroom, all of the clothes, the laundry room, and sort the kids clothes by the end of the month. In my mind I feel like I could just knock it all out in an afternoon; but the reality is, it’s a lot of work.

Try two new recipes in the InstantPot. I haven’t been great at trying new recipes as of late, and I really, really, want to expand my horizons.

Keep up the hustle. I’ve been taking on as much work as possible between the YMCA and blog-work; and I plan on keeping it up.

Things I’m Looking Forward To:

Going to a Derby Party at my sisters next weekend. Sadly, my mom (who lives in Louisville) won’t be in attendance; but the rest of the extended family will be! And after a really long 7 weeks away from my sister, I’m really excited to see her again!

Attending a family wedding at the Columbus Zoo. Like, how cool is that!? A wedding at the zoo! We get to be up-close-and-personal with the animals and everything!

I realize that none of these goals are lofty on their own, but honestly? they are perfect for me and my little family!

So tell me — what goals have you set for yourself this month??

Let It Serve A Purpose or Let It Go // and a giveaway

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Something amazing happened yesterday. I didn’t expect it. It wasn’t major. But it changed me.

Without getting into the nitty gritty details, almost 9 years ago, just as my husband and I started dating, a few incidents occurred with another person. This person was, by all accounts, a stranger to me. But was a friend of my husbands (boyfriend at the time). Again, I realize I’m being vague, but I’m doing so on purpose. But know this — it didn’t involve any form of cheating (after reading the first few lines, I realize that this could easily be incorrectly assumed); it was just a psychological incident to which I was an innocent bystander. And for many years, it caused me a good deal of anxiety.

I constantly wondered if we would run into this person. If so, was I equipped to emotionally handle it? Randomly I would have nightmares about her and the situation.

But, over the years I thought about it less and less. Time heals all wounds, right? Well, that’s what I thought. Until recently when this person randomly walked into a gymnastics class I’m teaching with her son. I was.. caught off guard. I texted my husband and he said, “She probably doesn’t even know who you are. Relax.”

The weeks went by and every single class I thought about how this person and I have so much in common — and this common experience — but technically we do not know each other. And it haunted me a little just to know that this whole situation was within arms reach. Literally.

And yesterday, after about 10 weeks of interacting with her and talking with her and getting to know her and her son (and feeling like a total phony for staying at arms reach), I finally spoke up.

I said, “Okay. So. There’s no way for me to say this without me sounding like a crazy person.”

Immediately she smiled as if she knew exactly what I was going to say. So I said it. Well, I said it kinda wrong, but I said it.

And she literally breathed a sigh of relief. She said “I know who you are. I just didn’t know if you knew who I was. And I’ve owed you an apology for many years. I wasn’t in a good place and I’m very sorry.”

And we hugged. And I told her that Chad always said we would get along swimmingly, and that over the last 10 weeks, I knew he was right. But that the air needed to be cleared.

But then she said something that really surprised me… she thanked me. She thanked me for clearing the air and being braver than she was by bringing up the elephant in the room.

And THAT — that was what really got me. Both of us had been tiptoeing around an uncomfortable situation. We both had agonized for years over something that haunted us, but it took this single act of bravery and humility (on both of our parts) for us really to be at peace with the situation.

I immediately felt a huge weight lifted off of my shoulders — one that I didn’t even realize I was still carrying around with me after all these years.

What if I had never spoken up? What if I had never gone far beyond my comfort zone and approached her about the elephant in the room? And I started thinking about every other thing I’m emotionally holding onto and how much it’s holding me back from truly enjoying life.

So I’m making it my mission for the remainder of 2017 — to let go of things that do not serve a purpose and to accept more of what does. Bring on all the positive, bye to all the negative!

While there’s nothing like a random Tuesday morning slap-in-the-face from the universe, there’s also absolutely nothing like a giveaway, am I right!?

Remember those Freshly Picked moccasins that Remy absolutely loves!? Well, I’m hosting a giveaway for a pair! Use the rafflecopter widget below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
You and your little one will absolutely love them! So soft and beyond adorable. And this is just one way that I can keep passing on the good vibes I’m riding high on from yesterday! xo

 

*Disclosure: I received one pair of Freshly Picked moccasins in exchange for a giveaway. As always, all opinions are my own.*