Loosing my Motivation!

There is nothing worse than to loose your motivation for anything! And noone is exempt from this.... What should I do when all of the sudden I just want to give up and throw in the towel? This can happen with exercising, dieting, trying to look good or even with relationships. Everything requires work otherwise it is usually not worth it. We tend to treasure those thing we work so hard for! For example, one is most likely to stay away from unhealthy foods if you worked so hard to loose weight, etc.

I struggle with time management and wanting to do so much! I want to give up exercising and eating healthy and just trying! It's those stubborn last 10lbs that does it to me....

So how did I get that motivation back? Well by speaking up my frustration and surrounding myself with positive people that will not let me give up! If I am lacking in the mommy hood dept then I have my new mommies to help me up. If my relationship/marriage is lacking I have people to give me words of wisdom! And when I want to give up working out and eating well I have my positive people to motivate me. So the key to increasing your motivation is to surround yourself with positive people!!!!

Baby Fashion on a Budget

Before I became a mom I heard a mom state that she refuses to look good and have her kids look bad! That statement stuck with me for years and I realized how many moms spend their times looking great and neglect their children's fashion. Other moms believe that keeping up with their kids' just cost too much money. Whatever the reason is, kids' are sometimes out of season fashion (because its cheaper) or just not matching.   I can already hear comments in the back of my head telling me how this is only because I am a first time mom and a new mom and this fad will fade away.  I refuse to believe this lie! I also refuse to believe that I cant dress up my baby cute without spending tons of money.....so this is what I do so far....

I always make sure my daughter matches from head to toe. Keep in mind this is just my fashion sense and everyone is different. I buy my daughter's clothes at Marshalls, TJ Maxx and Ross. These stores are very affordable and are not out of season bargains. I do shop out of season sales because sometimes is not really out of season. Let's talk about bargains. Define what is a bargain for you. For me, a bargain is an outfit for less than $10 and separates for less than $5. I don't spend more than that and I don't buy too many outfits from a specific size. Truth is kids out grow their clothes very quick so I budget quantity and price! Do not be afraid of major department stores like Macys, Bbaies R Us and The Children Place. You will be amazed with their sales and clearance. These stores are a season ahead so they will clearance out summer clothes in summer etc. I bought bathing suits for $1, outfits sets for $6, etc. I have gone to thrift stores and I get better bargains at regular stores and the clothes are brand new. Children can be expensive with diapers, food and wipes so why not save every time you can!!!!

Here are some of the outfits my daughter is rocking!!!!!

Proud Mommy and Baby

Spring Baby Fashion

Fun in the sun 

Baby Spring/Summer Outfit 

How to be a Happy Mommy!

http://m.parenting.com/article/how-to-be-a-happier-mom?src=SOC&dom=tw

I found this article very interesting and helpful! Enjoy.....

Don't Forget Him!

As I am doing this new transition I realized how easy and quick you can forget about your partner! Between working full time, new baby, trying to work out and house chores, I tend to totally neglect my husband! Huge NO NO!!!!!

So it's important to take time for date nights even if you are staying inside. Call a babysitter or a fellow mom and go enjoy your partner. It takes dedication but its not hard. I plan to sacrifice an hour of sleep just to hang out with the hubby after the baby is asleep. I also have date nights once a month. Another cool thing is to make an outing out of errands. Like take a quick break for lunch and sit at a park or grab a bite.

My ultimate favorite is setting a night routine for my baby and enjoying a talk or even play around with the hubby. Whatever you decide to do will work and don't forget to have sex!!!! Yes, we must keep that fire going.....

Healthy on a Budget

One of my interests is eating healthier and somehow exercising. Momma gotta loose all that baby weight!!! However, if you look at grocery stores you will quickly realize how expensive healthy food is. (Side note: never understood how all these experts wants America to loose weight and not make healthy food affordable) I am determined to start making better choices and healthier choices without breaking the bank.
The first thing I did was download all my groceries apps! I am an on the go mom so I need all the apps out there. With my groceries app I can see what's on sale and what coupons are out there. The App automatically uploads the coupons to my store card and makes a shopping list for me. Another step I started was to follow some delicious recipes from eatingwell.com! They are awesome and super easy. They also have diet plans if you want to loose weight. I recently read a psych article that said to loose weight we have to diet AND workout. So I will try it. Another cheaper option is that grocery stores started their own healthy store brand. For example, Safeway has the Eating Right brands and King Soopers has Simple Truth brand.
I usually buy all my fruits and veggies from a farmer market because it is way cheaper than any supermarkets. Our farmers market is Sprouts! Another good tip is to limit yourself to the perimeter of the store. It's usually where all the good stuff are! I can't always do that but you can try it. Parenting magazine has an article about 10 healthier fast food choices when you are on the go and they are affordable. You might want to check it out.

Give yourself a break!

There will be moments were you just want to throw in the towel and not care about anything! I sure felt like that yesterday. It's like you want to do all these great things but sometimes doubt that you can do it. My solution to this problem was "catching a break of myself"! It's really easy to take a break from everyone else but it's hard to give yourself a break from yourself. Did you know we are our worst critic? At least I am. Well I took a break and I ate whatever I wanted, didn't work out, left the baby in onesies and ordered a pizza and ate it on the couch with pjs! Funny part is my husband loved it and my baby even decided to go to bed earlier. Needless to say, I didn't care and it turned out good!

Quick Tip: Find a Support Group

There is a saying that it takes a village to raise a child! There might be some truth to that. We moved to Denver where we knew no one and have no family. So when I got pregnant I knew I had to create a support group or I was going to feel real lonely.

So a very good tip is meetup.com. I found great friends who supported me thru my pregnancy! If you don't know what meetup.com is look it up. It's a great site to find groups of people with your same interest. If you are pregnant or just had a baby check out whattoexpect.com and loom for community groups in your areas.

I am currently in a small Denver group of moms and its great to have ladies going thru the same going at the same time! We do monthly meetups and play dates where babies play and mommies have wine! Here is a fun pic of our last play date!

Schedule, Schedule, Schedule

I realized that although we want to do much unless we organized ourselves and work on a schedule it would be nearly impossible to get things accomplished.

Today I had on my to do list to shop for a present to baby shower, a birthday present for my mother in law, post office run and attend the baby shower!
Seemed very simple to accomplish since I wake up at 7 am thanks to my 4 months old! Well, I was only able to get the baby shower present and go to the baby shower! I was so disappointed.

So, scheduling is very important! Make sure to add time for yourself, family and loved ones, and of course some playtime!!! Yeah I know it sounds impossible but I bet if we don't go back to bed (unless its a scheduled rest time) after the baby or kids wake us up then we have longer days and longer hours! I have a pretty good routine and schedule down for mornings and evenings with the baby! It took a while but consistency worked for us. I wake up at 30 mins before the baby just so I can shower and drink coffee, then once she is up I feed her and change her and let her play in my room while I get ready! Bedtime for her is 8 pm and ours is 9 pm so that gives us an hour for some alone time with each other!

My scheduling is not much and it is minimal but it makes time for me and my husband, play time and some sense of control... Making small changes and goals are more effective than big unrealistic goals!

Girls Night Vs Guilt

Well I understand that moms need time away from the husband and the kids. However, what do we do with the guilt that comes with such pleasures? Some will say that they rather take time off and do something at home and technically not be away. How helpful is that? I had tried to step away from my duties and "relax" and guess what.... My mommy brain doesn't turn off that easily. I think it's healthier and better to step out of the house. Now I am a new mom so I need baby steps. I can't just take off to a weekend getaway with the girls (although it sounds so tempting at times).

The guilt (The monster) that nags in your head saying how horrible it is to be away especially if you are a working couple and the child is in daycare! How terrible it is to pick up your baby from daycare and disappear!!!! Right? At least that's what my "monster" tells me!

I had to ignore that little voice and remind myself what kind of a mom will I be if I don't care for my sanity. A small girls' night out helps me recharge and reminds me that I am still me (perhaps a better me). And I also keep in mind that my baby will love me regardless because I am her mom. I feel less stressed out and more put together when I take time for myself and daddy CAN take care of her! If you are a single mom make sure you find a support system. Become part of a group where you can exchange date nights and swap babysitting duties!! It's worth it and super affordable (or free). Give it a try and see how you feel! I am taking baby steps so I suggest you do as well!

Makeup in a rush!

Lets be honest, sometimes we get so hectic that makeup is the last thing on your mind!

Here is a quick tip for make up in a rush: BB and CC creams! Yes, they are lifesavers.....

These creams are like a hybrid from tinted moisturizer and foundation. So if you have little to no time this can be a good investment.

The difference between the BB and the CC is that BB gives you more coverage and CC gives you more moisturizing. According to a recent consumer research the top 3 BB Creams are Smash Box ($39), Loreal ($12), Two Faced (cant recall the price). I personally use the CC cream from Clinique since I live in dry climate Denver!

The Beginning!

Ever wonder how simple and easy TV moms' lives look like? I sometimes wondered if it would be possible to live a fab life juggling between your career, family and personal interests. Is it possible to have everything you need and want at the same time? If not, then what has to be sacrificed? Maybe the TV moms married the perfect husband and) had the perfect children with perfect personalities.....NOT.....

In reality, it seems like you must die to yourself in order to maintain your children in a healthy lifestyle and maintain the fire in your marriage. I, for once, refuse to believe you have to give up everything you ever wanted just because you reached big milestones in your life. These milestones, in my opinion, are supposed to enhance your life not dim it. For example, if you have a stylish fashion why does it have to change just because your schedule got a little hectic. This is where my fashion interest comes into play. I do not want to be a mom that dresses like I am in denial nor a mom that just let herself go because there is no time! I am determined to find a way to make it work. 

What about me-time? What do you mean there is no me-time? You mean the only alone time is when I get a bathroom break?What about that toddler that somehow follows you to the toilet!!!! This is when psychological therapies comes into effect. As a psychotherapist, I understand how important mental health is.  And yes moms deserve this time as well! As a mom, I feel like I am the ONLY one available to cater to my family's needs...well guess what.....I need to cater to myself as well. So, taking time to reflect and recharge is important to me and I must find time to do so!

Having a baby is a wonderful thing and by far the best thing I have ever done! However, my body went to distress and it takes commitment and work to get back into some sort of shape! Health and fitness is a new phenomenon I want to try! Why? Because I want to look fab! NOT REALLY! Although it helps, lol! Actually, I want to run after my daughter and play with her without feeling like I am loosing my lungs! I need the energy to juggle everything in life. I want to raise active children that play in the playground and not inside the TV! Although children's TV Shows are a life saver, I do want to interact and play with my kids! I saw a quote on twitter that said " I am not loosing weight, I am getting rid of it. I have no intention of finding it again" (@Bfit_Bhealthy). That's exactly what I want to do. My goal is to eat healthier and exercise in an affordable and easy way!

Is it possible to do this? Let's see because I am about to find out.....

Greatest Love of All

Me and my daughter