I had to humble myself this week. I came in loud and proud last week, on Monday’s Daily Journal! I really did try hard this week to get all my workouts in, but I still didn’t reach that “5 days a week” mark like I wanted, but I’m still proud that I did two quick at home workouts, that I will be posting today because I want to end last week’s workouts with that last at home workout I did. I say that because I want to restart and revamp how I go about working out now. I think I want to change workout programs, still going to use Brittany Lupton’s App (No I am not sponsored by her but I wish ;)) for workouts, just I want to use her Advance Split program instead of her Glutes Program. I will also be using her Core Program still because it’s fire for core and abs and I have felt my core strength increase and I love that for me!
The reason I want to restart/revamp the way I go about working out is the positivity portion of it because when I self-reflect on it, I am so mean to myself when I don’t actually go to the gym. I am so down on myself for missing workouts due to life getting in the way, or just because I don’t want to workout that time. I am so mean and rude to myself when it comes to missing a workout and I hate that. I really do hate that. I listen to too many podcasts/podcast episodes about being gentle with yourself, and that it’s okay to miss a workout, whether it be a week or a month, like it’s okay to do that Tee, you do not have to be so dang mean to yourself girl! QUIT! I am human and I have to remember that. I feel like I love myself so much that I hold myself accountable for a little bit too much. And not saying that I don’t want to hold myself accountable, it’s just I have to set my standards a little lower, they’re way too high for my busy life right now. And don’t come for me saying “no no, keep your standards high, do more do more,” because somethings are just too much and I’ve come to realize that. NO! I’m not saying going to the gym 5 times a week is too much because there’s people that that works for, but with the way my life is, I can’t do that right now, and I have said over and over, I’m listening to my body and when it needs a break, it needs a break, and that’s okay. Plus, when I think about it, I liked when I was going 4 days a week because I hit all the things I wanted to hit, so with Brittany’s Workout Plan, I’ll hit the four days.
So, I’m going to really sit down and figure out a plan for me on workouts, free time (hobbies and games), I also want to get back into daily devotionals before bed again or just in general because that really did help me spiritually and I miss that. I have a lot to sit down and revamp and I’m excited to do that. I’m going to take today to do that!
3 Things To Be Grateful For
I’m grateful for hitting over 1,000 VIEWS ON THE BLOG!! That is amazing and I’m so thankful that that many people viewed my website. I’m also thankful for everyone following, reading, and sharing this blog as well!! I love you ALL! Please continue to do so!
I’m grateful for being able to actually take time to myself and do what I want to do, whether that be working out, reading all day, playing The Sims 3 all day, or just resting and napping. I’m so grateful to have the time to have needed me-time. After the holiday, I really felt like I didn’t have any time for just myself. So Saturday afternoon through Sunday until I went to bed, I only did what I wanted to do, and it felt so good to just have a day and a half to just myself. Not everyone has that opportunity so it makes me grateful that I did have it.
Lastly, I am grateful for God. I say that because He really has kept me in a great place lately, and over the weekend, there was a point where I thought my “great place” was going to vanish over a situation but then I remembered that God is on my side and I don’t need to fear. I will get through anything, with Him on my side.
What are your goals for the week? What’s on your to-do list? Have you ever humbled yourself, on/about what? Let’s chat, email me (link below)!
There it is y’all, today’s daily journal really has me feeling good about this week and all the goals and to-do’s I want to accomplish. Please please please FOLLOW the blog and Instagram (link below!) Let’s get it! Have a great day and week! Love you!
Oh, Colleen! You did it again girl! I cannot stress how much this book was needed! Thank you BookTok for pressing Colleen Hoover to write this for Lily and Atlas! I honestly enjoyed it so so much! Like everything about this book was needed! Lily did some self growth in this book, Atlas step up to the plate for his family, that he wasn’t even aware of, Ryle pulled himself together enough, it all was just GREAT! I didn’t ugly cry until the ending almost, at the most giving statement in the book. “It starts with us,” and BAWLED my eyes out! I won’t give away too many spoilers and say what that was about, but iykyk! 🥹🥲
I cannot get over how great of an author Colleen Hoover really is. Like I didn’t randomly find her, people have been suggesting I read her books, for a while. So when I finally got into them, I couldn’t put it down. And oh! The acknowledgments got me too! When Colleen Hoover said she was thankful for her readers, boogers, and librarians for sharing their love for reading! Ahhh! Something just hit me in the feels and I lost it again, because I’m sharing my love for reading by posting this book review for her books, and I have nothing bad to say about her books, other than some endings are rush. But hey, coming from someone who hasn’t ended a story of her own, I cannot talk too much about that 😂 ugh I just love the three novels I’ve read so far by her, and I suggest that if you’re getting into Hoover books, you should start with these three because they suck you in so fast and they do not disappoint!
I have another author, who’s books get me like that as well, Tara Sue Me, she’s really good, but Colleen Hoover, comes at a close second. I will also say, someone in my family asked if Colleen Hoover was the “new” Sarah Dessen and I will say, it does bring me back to the Sarah Dessen novels, even those were young adult novels, and these are adult, but the obsession I had with Dessen as a teen was probably just about the same for Hoover, her books are like the big sisters to Dessen’s books! Maybe one day I’ll even go back and read some do the Sarah Dessen novels!
Star Rating:
I would give this book another 5 out of 5! Better yet 10/10 recommend! You have got to read this book, and really do suggest reading It Ends With Us first before you start this one. She really did give us the love story that Lily and Atlas needed! Lily deserved to be loved the correct way, and Atlas was the man for that! I also am so happy for Atlas and what he got to do for his family because he really did exactly what I would have done for my family as well. And it hits home just a little bit! But before I give anymore spoilers at 6am this morning, I leave you with this: GO READ HER BOOKS! Now!
Alright! There is it is folks! Good morning and I hope you guys have a great day while I draft some more for you all! Wasn’t planning on taking yesterday off but things happen! Life happens! Love you! GO FOLLOW THE BLOG + INSTAGRAM! See ya in the next one! 👋🏾 ✌🏾
I can’t really say I feel overloaded with work, even though I’ve gotten a lot done for work. However, I do not seem overwhelmed at this new job and with my new position. Everything is super laid back for me right now, and I couldn’t be more thankful about that. I know once I’m not remote, and go back to the center, I will be jammed with work and it’ll feel non-stop or never-ending, so, that’s why I’m glad this taking this time slowly, and enjoying not being needed with such great demand.
With all that being said, I’m glad today is technically my Friday, and I couldn’t be more excited to eat a lot of great food tomorrow. I also am excited for some Black Friday shopping as well. I should probably check on what time the stores open and what not, lol I have not yet done that. Add to the to-do list, Tee!
Speaking of things to do, I have two different blog posts in the draft folders for y’all. A book review on “It Starts With Us” by Colleen Hoover, and a short story, written by myself. First of all, let’s just chat about Colleen Hoover. She is an amazing author. Her books are outstandingly great to read, and suck you in just right. I cried for all three of the books I’ve read of hers, and I promise you, I know a lot of people that have done the same. Honestly, both my friends that read her books let me know before I read each, that I was most likely going to cry while reading. I’ll save the rest of my thoughts for the review but just know the three I’ve read so far are 10/10! Definitely recommend. On the other hand, my short story, is coming along pretty good. I call it a Holiday Mystery for now because I don’t want to share the title just yet. But, the genre is something I’ve never really explored writing before, so I’m taking my time with it. It will be short, but I want enough detail to make sure it does end well, and the conflict get’s resolved in some sort of way that ending it, will make sense to my readers.
To Be Thankful For
Not to switch topics so harshly but moving on, I want to discuss what I’m really thankful, hence the holiday tomorrow.
Y’all know how much I talk about my amazing boyfriend but it’s because I cannot get enough of him, and talking about him to others, because, y’all…I am beyond lucky to have someone so caring, understanding, and mindful on my side, by my side, and my other half. You know? It’s so great to just not have to worry about anything going wrong, and if they do, we resolve it…QUICK! We do not let things go unresolved, ever! And at first, that terrified me because I was so used to that being the normal. Unresolved. No closure. No answers. That was my norm, and now it’s not. That in itself, has done wonders for our relationship, and I’m not saying everyone’s has to be like or that’s what a “real” relationship should be like, but that’s how OUR relationship is, and I love that about us. I have way too much anxiety to let things sit over night, it’ll drive me crazy and he knows that. So, we don’t let it happen. Is it hard, yeah sure, but I rather it be hard in that moment then on and on for weeks. You get me? Okay, let’s move on. The best thing about this man is that he really, really loves discussing our future together, and I love that so much. My anxiety about the future has lessened a ton thanks to him, because we frequently talk about it, and what it’ll be like, and what we want. See the key word here? We. It’s great to discuss thing as we, because it reassures me that, we, are going to be in this together. Now, God has his plans for us both, whether that is for us to be together in the end, I have no clue, but I will say this, if God gave me Landon, as a stepping stone in my life, to push me in His direction, then thank you God, I’d do this over and over again if that means Landon is in my life again, even if it were for only a period of time. I’d do it all again. Why? Because not only do I love, I am in love with him, and care for him so deeply, that I’d want to experience this again. Not only that, I have grown soooo much thanks to him building me up, showing me the love I deserve, and protecting me. Basically, I love him til the end of time, and that’ll always be the truth.
I am very thankful for my family and friends. They all know how much they mean to me, and they know who I’m talking about so I don’t need to go into too much detail, but I will say, I’m the most thankful that God has really turned my dad and I’s relationship around for the good. Not to get too personal, because I’m not really ready to share all of that on here just yet. And I don’t want to jinx myself, but the last three encounters with my dad has been the best in a very long time. And the people that know this, know this already, but I am very thankful that it has been the best because before it wasn’t and that destroyed me. So I’m thankful that things are taking a turn for the good, finally.
I am thankful for myself. I say that because I’ve come such, such a long way that I could cry at how much I’ve accomplished this far into my life. 25 years. I’ve lived that long and somehow managed to get this far in life. I have a great job, great boyfriend, a place to stay, a nice car, family and friends, this blog, and a lot more. I’m doing really great for myself and I couldn’t be more proud of myself about this. My birthday is next month, the 27th to be exact and I’m so excited for the year 26, and all I’ll accomplish then! STAY TUNED! It might just be a great one, I can feel it!
Thank you ALL, for reading! Enjoy your Thanksgiving, whether it’s with family, friends, coworkers, anything, anyone, or if it’s just gonna be you, enjoy it. I pray that everyone have the best day, and enjoy this time off, this break! I will see y’all on Friday! I am taking tomorrow off! Love you! Bye!
FOLLOW THE BLOG AND MY INSTAGRAM! Links below! Happy Thanksgiving, from me to YOU!
Week 3! It’s been a week too! Between the extra rest days, excuses, and the snow, I got three really good workouts in. I did not get Yoga in though, plans changed and I had to do something else. But, that’s the truth behind a fitness journey, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. But, on the flip side, I did accomplish some great things since last week. I got a lot of PRs at the gym, could definitely feel myself getting stronger, which is great progress, I got my first blog interview posted for y’all to read, and almost finished 2 books! I also started drafting for my first short story, for the blog! So, yes I’ve had a lot of accomplishments this week! You guys already know about the quote I referred to in my most recent Daily Journal, but if not, it stated “Sometimes you gotta take a BREAK so you can take it up a notch!” and I agree with it, I took like 3-4 extra rest days and maybe that’s because subconsciously, I knew I needed a break, to come back harder! And today, after those 3-4 days, I DID come back harder! I’m lifting a lot heavier for the most part than I was in September when I relaunched my fit journey and I couldn’t be more proud of ME! So, without further ado…Week 3 of Workouts!
Day 1: Boyfriend Workout
This workout is what I called the “Boyfriend Workout” because I literally do my boyfreind’s workout lol! Plain and simple. Whatever he does, I do. So, I would call this: Full Body Day. I say that because we hit a little bit of everything with this style of workout he does.
Machine Back Extensions for 50 reps
Ez Bar Bicep Curls for 50 reps
AB Machine for 50 reps
Elliptical for .5miles
Row Machine for 50 reps
I believe this workout took about a good 35-45 minutes for us to complete! Felt really strong here, hit some PRs! Yay!
Day 2: Back, Biceps, Cardio, + Core
Woo! This was a KILLER day! I really did a lot of lifting and movement here with this one.
Lat Pulldowns 3×8
Bent Over Row (Underhand Grip) 3×10
Chest Support Rows 3×10
Rear Delt Flys (DB) 3×10
Ez Bar Bicep Curls 3×12
Alternating Hammer Curls 3×10
CORE CIRCUIT on the Elevate Core Machine: 2 rounds
Basic Scrunch 10 reps
Dynamic Plank (elbows on board) 20 slow counts
Oblique Scrunch with Knees (R) 5 reps
Oblique Scrunch with Knees (L) 5 reps
Intermediate Plank 20 slow counts
Intermediate Scrunch 10 reps
CARDIO: 10mins
Treadmills 12 incline, 3 speed
Day 3: Compound Lifts
With this workout, I chose to compound lift, meaning a style of training that integrates movements that stress multiple muscle groups at one time. It’s a heavy hitter kind of day, so I suggest that it be the beginning of your workout week OR after coming back from multiple rest days, (today, based on the way I’ve been counting days, would be the last day of the week and also after multiple rest days) but that’s just a suggestion, I am not a fitness trainer, by any means. I also put my PRs as well, and I’ve most definitely improved since the last two compound lift days, 7/10/22 and 9/10/22. I based this workout, though, on the 9/10/22 workout, and only two of the exercises hasn’t increased by weight.
Pull Ups (1XAMRAP (highest rep=4.5 w/o assist)
3X10 on ALL ⬇️
Chest Press (highest weight for 8 reps, quick pause then 2 more reps= 95lbs)
The two that “haven’t changed” are the exercises I haven’t been doing a lot of while following Brittany Lupton’s Program, so I can see why I haven’t really increased a lot of weight, but the other’s have gone up by at least 10-20lbs, and that’s fantastic improvement. I also, improved on my pull ups, I can almost get that fifth one now! With no assist! Yay!
So, I hope you all enjoy your day, and enjoyed reading my week 3! Please FOLLOW the blog, my Instagram, and feel free to use my Spotify playlist! Links below! Love you ALL!
I’m really trying to push myself hard this week. I’ve bullied myself all week due to missing a lot of days of the gym, I have excuse after excuse but I’m just finding ways to make it a big deal. I read this quote today, by Gymshark, and it said “Sometimes you gotta take a BREAK so you can take it up a notch!” And I agree! That’s such a better way to put it then “I missed this many days” like come on, Tee! Get it together girl! Stop getting so down on yourself.
So, like I said, I’m really aiming for FIVE workout days this week! Yes I’ve accounted for Thanksgiving trust me, that’s rest day 1! And there’s really no reason for me to rest before Thursday anyway because I’ve taken enough of a break. Trust me, I did consider “oh just do three in a row,” so you can hit your goal of three times a week, and it’s a smaller goal for you,” UMM NO! Stop it! We’re going FIVE days and I know I can do it because I used to do it before and I was fine! I’m making this promise for myself! Right now! 🤝🏾
This Week’s Goals!
I decided to add this in, just four quick, yet amazing goals for this week:
Finish drafting short story for blog
Finish reading “It Starts With Us” and start “Ugly Love” (Colleen Hoover is such a great author!)
Have a GREAT Thanksgiving break!
Get my workouts in!
I believe I can do all these things! What are you goals this week?
3 Things I’m Grateful For!
I am grateful for my friends and family who have been there for me throughout any and everything! They know who they are, and I’m so glad I have that support system!
I’m grateful that God gave me my boyfriend, and I can’t stress it enough, we were made for each other I know it! I love you, Landon!
I am grateful that I am actually able to partake in my favorite hobbies and that my life isn’t so busy that I cannot!
What are you grateful for? I’m very grateful that God has put the people in my life that He has, and taken the ones He knew I did not need. I’m following His plan for me, and I know He wouldn’t lead me astray! I really want to get back into my devotionals, because I felt so much closer to God and Jesus then.
Alright everybody! Let’s enjoy this week, this Thanksgiving. If this time of the year is hard for you, I am keeping you in my prayers! Thank you for reading. Please follow the blog and Instagram (link below)!
It’s been a hot minute since I last did a daily journal. I just realized that I was so worried about the other topics that I wasn’t posting my journals. Anyways, here we are and I’ve had a lot go on the last couple days. Just to list some of them off:
Editing the blog website, with photos, and button links that are easier to navigate. Just updating the blog website
Uploading and posting the interview with Kaysie
Reading two Colleen Hoover books and doing reviews on them. I have to finish the second book before I do that review, if I do it, I haven’t decided on that yet.
Working from home! I still have lots of lesson planning to do lol.
Took three rest days in a row…no way…I’ve been doing that too often for my taste and I think I know how I will change that. I only want 2 rest days tops, and it’s been so hard to stick to that.
So as you can see I’ve been inside a lot these last couple days and although I’ve been doing work, in so way or another, I’ve just been so busy. But it has also been very nice to stick to a morning routine. Which the funny thing is, since my boyfriend had his first snow day on Friday, he kind of threw me off my routine a bit. It was so funny because, as I stated prior, I have a routine, and I do the same things each morning, but Friday, he wanted to watch some shows, wanted me to make him a cappuccino, breakfast, nap, etc. and that was throwing me off a bit, but we survived haha. I just told him that I had certain things to get done and had to do it so I let him do his own things and went to do mine. It was very nice to have him home though, got lots of cuddles in.
I will say though, I came to the realization that I need to start writing my workout schedules down again, because I haven’t been following it anymore, because I was just deciding what workout to do the moment before getting to the gym and it was working at the beginning of the month but as the weeks have been going by, it hasn’t been working. So to change that, I’m going to go find a weekly template to use, most likely the one I was using two or so years ago, because that seamed to help me a lot better. I also, did not go to my first yoga class due to change in plans and what not so that makes me sad as well. SO! Im making sure to go this coming Tuesday, I am also thinking of going to the gym today as well but I haven’t decided on that yet because there is a few things I want to get done today and I’m not sure how long that’ll take. Anyways, it has been really nice to get some of my thoughts down like this, so they aren’t just lingering in my head anymore. So thank you for letting me do that.
On a good note, I have decided to start drafting a short story! Ugh! I’m excited for how this will go. I’m going to start drafting today and see where I get. This will be interesting because it’ll be a short story, which means, I have to either end it in this one sitting, or have a huge cliff hanger to do a part two or something. I haven’t decided which I’m going to do yet, so stay tuned for that! It’ll definitely take me a while to get that posted but I will work on it as much as this holiday will allow me to. I also have to talk with my other two interviewee’s about their interviews, because I think I’ll do one of them in person, and the other over a google doc, like I did for Kaysie. Speaking of which, Kaysie’s interview turned out so well. I love how simple it was, just having her answer the questions by following my directions and then if I needed, just had her edit her answers a little, then add my introduction on her and the rebuttals to her answers. It was so simple for me to do that, so my next interview may be like that as well. I have not yet decided on that one just yet.
I was going to write something else, but it literally just slipped my mind as to what I was actually about to do. So, I’m going to end the daily journal here and thank you guys for reading haha! Wow, you just witnessed me lose my train of thought.
Thanks For Reading!
Please feel free to leave me a comment, message me via email or Dm on Instagram, and let me know how I’m doing, how you like the blog! Follow the blog if you haven’t already! Same for Instagram, link below! LOVE Y’ALL! Enjoy your day!
Hey everyone! It’s the weekend and that means it’s time for the FIRST INTERVIEW for the blog!! I wanted to interview Kaysie, the new stay at home mom, wife, sister, daughter, aunt, friend, and most of all, my family, for the this blog! Kaysie is super funny, yet straight to the point. She’s new to this “stay at home mom” thing and she’s rocking it y’all. Little Rosey, her daughter and my niece whom I love so much, and Hunter, her husband, are so lucky to have her. She may get stressed out, but at the end of the day, she’s there for you! And I truly love that about her. She takes it all seriously, but also with a grain of salt. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the WONDERFUL Stay At Home Mom Interview, featuring Kaysie!
The Discussion
Ever wanted to know what it was like to be a Stay At Home Mom? Well, I’ve got news for you! Kaysie knows, and she’s going to tell us exactly how it is. I came up with a series of questions for Kaysie to answer and her responses are phenomenal. She was true and honest about how she answered the questions and even went back and added more to her responses, after I had asked her to. Such a great first interview, I’ve got all the tea for ya! Let’s get into it.
Question 1: Why did you choose to be a stay at home mom vs. working at a job?
Coming in hot with this one, Kaysie responded with:
“I never wanted to be a stay at home mom until I gave birth to my daughter, Rose. After I had her it’s all I could dream about. I was very lucky, I was able to have my family watch Rose for the most part while I worked for the first 3 years of her life. As Rose became older my itch for being a stay at home mom grew. I wanted to be the one making decisions for her during the day and I wanted to be the one primarily raising her. As Rose started learning more things and especially after Covid I also decided I wanted to homeschool, I felt in order to fulfill my dreams of how I wanted Rose to grow up and be raised it was only natural to be a stay at home mom.” Wow, what a great, real, and heartfelt answer.
Question 2: What is your most favorite part about being a stay at home mom? Explain.
Easy enough right? Kaysie:
“Being with my daughter. Before being a stay at home mom I was a teacher at a daycare, so I also love coming up with educational activities for us to do. I love love love to see her grow every single day. ” So sweet to hear, #goals, right?
Question 3: What is your least favorite part about being a stay at home mom? Explain.
I’m sure you expected that, but I asked her to go back and give me just a little bit more here, and her answer is so honest and true. Very heartfelt. She stated:
“The guilt society puts on stay at home moms. Even some of my own family members have passed judgment on me for the decision my husband and I have made to be a stay at home mom. I am not sure if people mean to or not, but when people pass judgment on our decision for me to be a stay at home mom I feel like they are looking at me as “less than” instead of an equal provider to the family. At the end of the day I am still providing for the family, it takes more than money to successfully run a household.” Enough said, on to the next.
Question 4: What’s a typical day/routine look like for you?
Simple, right? Kaysie replied with:
“Completely depends on the day. We are involved in a lot of groups. Monday we go to play and learn at a church, Wednesday we go to toddler time at a library, and on Fridays we go to preschool reading time at a different library. Day to day varies on what needs to get done and what the weather is outside. When it was nice out we spent a lot of time outside, now that it is colder we are spending a lot of time doing art and playing with play-dough. I don’t plan on having a more strict schedule until I start school with Rose.” Love the honesty here, it’s not just A.B,C, it’s the real life answer, things change all the time, and she’s ready for it. I love it.
Question 5: What are your top five goals as a stay at home mom?
Again, I asked her to go into depth with this one, and explain how she would aim to accomplish these goals, and she does by saying that:
“In no particular order…
1. Homeschool Rose to the best of my ability 2. Create a warm inviting environment within the home 3. Be the best, healthiest version of me 4. Grow my family closer to God 5. Be a part of our community
Completing these goals is something I work on daily. Most of my goals are inside goals, I have to work on myself in order to guild my family. I am continuously working on myself by going to therapy to become a cycle breaker, creating a healthier lifestyle by eating clean and moving our bodies. I expose Rose to the word of God daily and make God our center so she knows everything we say and do is for a bigger purpose, to honor and glorify God. I think it is equally important to be a part of a community and for Rose to know how to be a successful part of a community. I do this by getting involved in things like preschool time at the library and play/learn at the church. My goal is to become more involved in the community as Rose grows.” PERFECT, phenomenal, just…she’s rocking this interview y’all, am I right?
Question 6: What is your biggest accomplishment since becoming a stay at home mom?
She comes back with:
Let me start off by saying I have only been a stay at home mom for two months,” and I’m already impressed with how she starts off, “within those two months my life has been anything but normal. I have my mom living with me temporarily, my husband Job was transferred to Grand Rapids and his schedule changed, that’s just to name a few. So far my biggest accomplishment has simply been surviving. Keeping my mental health somewhat sustainable and creating teachable/loving moments with my daughter every day is what I have accomplished so far.” She dove deep with this one. Proud of her and her accomplishments. Rosey and Hunter are too, I know they are, and she knows that as well.
Question 7: How long do you plan to be a stay at home mom? If forever, why? If only for a little while longer, why? Explain.
The honesty here, is also great. Thought she’d be tired of me by now but she goes on:
“I truly have no idea. I would love to stay forever but I don’t know what the future holds. Going into this chapter of my life I agreed I would be a stay at home mom as long as it makes sense. I am not against working, if one day we notice our family would benefit more from working than being a stay at home mom I will go find a paying job. Once our babies are grown, if I want to go back to a paying job why not? As long as it makes sense to be home with my babies then I will be home.” Great, right? So, I kept pressing her.
Question 8: How do you handle stress? How do you know when you’re about to explode? What do you do to prevent and/or resolve that?
Not a trick question either, I really just wanted to know. She stated:
“Handling stress I think is something that you never master, it’s something you continuously work on throughout your life, there is no finish line. I know when I’m about to explode when I feel like I want to yell. I normally will start to yell at my dogs (sorry puppies!) If I get to that point I know I need to take a breather. Is there such a thing as preventing stress?? If there is someone please fill me in. Stress is a part of nature, I result from it by taking some me time, jumping in the shower to give me 10 minutes of silence sometimes is all it takes. Also therapy.. Therapy therapy therapy!” This is your sign, if you need it. I appreciate her honesty here, and how she mentioned therapy. I agree, and maybe need to get into therapy myself but this isn’t about me.
Question 9: How do you incorporate “me time” or self-care for yourself while being a stay at home mom? What are your hobbies?
We talked about stress, now I wanted to get into “me time” and how she incorporates that into her new journey. She replied with:
“Me time is HARD. Everyone needs me every second of the day and my to-do list is seriously never ending. I am very blessed to have a husband who supports and understands that I do need me time. Lately I have been reading books as my me time, sometimes I go shopping by myself, or just lock myself in a room and vedge on my phone. I think it helps that I have talked to Rose about me time and helped her understand it. She knows if mommy is in me time that it’s important I get that time. Rose even takes me time where I don’t bug her and she is by herself playing. We have made it a part of our normal everyday activities so it is never a fight.” ROUND OF APPLAUSE! Because she hadn’t failed me yet! I told you, she takes this seriously y’all, her daughter even is in on this routine with her! Get out of here!
Question 10: Would you recommend being a stay at home mom to others, and why or why not?
Last but not least, I bring the interview to a close with this one. Now this answer she gave me, was the best one yet. Kaysie really corrected me here:
“I don’t think being a stay at home mom is something you can recommend. I encourage everyone who desires to be a stay at home mom, I also encourage everyone who wants a career to pursue that. Being a stay at home mom is not one size fits all. It has to make sense financially and it has to make sense mentally. If you truly want and desire to be a stay at home mom and want to take on the house responsibilities and be with the children all day then I encourage you to find different possibilities on how to make that work. However, not every mom wants to stay home. Some moms THRIVE on building their career and they are better moms when they have their career they can go to every day, and i support that too! Everyone has to make their own decision that makes sense for their family dynamic.” Oh. My. GOSH. She really rocked me with this one. How amazing it is for someone to really feel for both sides and prove it. MOM/WIFE of the YEAR!
And There It Is Folks!
Now that y’all have a little bit more insight on what it’s like to be a Stay At Home Mom, I want to thank Kaysie for not just being my first interviewee, but for sharing her personal life with us. How grateful I am to have someone like her in my life to let me dive deep into her life and post it for you all for to read. She really gave me her best and I couldn’t have asked for more. Thank you Kaysie, you are phenomenal, and whether you know this or not, I’m so glad to have someone like you in my life. Keep it up, girly! You rock! Give Rosey a kiss for me. Love you!💙
Thank you guys for taking time to indulge in this interview with Kaysie and I, we greatly appreciate it. Give us some claps below! Maybe one day, I’ll do a video interview or something with someone???? I’m kind of against it, just a little, because I hate the way my voice sounds on recording but who knows, I’m down for anything on the other hand too, haha. So we’ll just have to see.
Y’all know what to do! Follow my blog and my Instagram! Thank you, love you, bye! Enjoy the weekend, y’all!
Hey y’all, I got another Instant Pot recipe for you! It’s another one of my favorites, and not only that, also quick and easy. This took me about 25 minutes to, prep food, cook it, and serve by the time my boyfriend got home from work! Everyone will love it!
Ingredients:
1 1/2 crowns of broccoli (1 big crown if you can found a huge one)
1 large chicken breast
1 box of Penne Pasta (1lb)
5 cups of water
1 Value size Prego Homestyle Alfredo sauce
1 Regular size Prego Homestyle Alfredo sauce
Seasoned Salt, Garlic and Onion Powder, Oregano, Italian Seasoning, Salt & Pepper to Taste
Instructions:
I know I could do all this together in one pot somehow but I don’t, haha. I really like making sure the chicken is cooked before adding it to the pasta and broccoli so I take the long way around.
Cut both heads of broccoli into bite size pieces, then put in strainer inside of the instant pot.
Add 1 cup of water. Set Instant pot to Pressure Cook, on High for 2 minutes. Once finished, quick release instant pot, and make sure broccoli is somewhat soft. Remove strainer of broccoli and set aside.
Put pasta into instant pot. Add 4 cups of water, and 2 teaspoons of salt. Make sure all noodles are covered in water. DO NOT STIR. Instead, press the noodles down into water.
Set instant pot to Pressure Cook, on High for 5 minutes. Once finished, quick release instant pot, and make sure pasta al dente. Drain extra water into a strainer, set aside. (I usually just add the pasta to broccoli in strainer that’s already set aside so you don’t dirty up 2 strainers)
Cut up chicken breast into bite size pieces, season chicken with seasoned salt, garlic and onion powder, oregano, and Italian seasonings. I do a fairly good amount of seasonings by eye bawling it.
Add chicken bites to instant pot, set to Sauté on High for 15-20 mins (will not take this long to actually cook chicken). Cook until tender and no pink.
Add both jars of Prego Homestyle Alfredo to chicken and stir until sauce is warm!
Once warm, turn off Sauté mode, pour in noodles broccoli, and stir to combine the mixture!
Add salt and pepper to taste!
Enjoy!! This recipe is simple, and does a dinner justice! I get so full off this meal, its insane. Its boyfriend approved as well, for you ladies cooking for ya mans! Thanks for reading!
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First of all, let me just start off by saying, “you did it again Hoover, you did it again!” When I tell you I don’t know which book I like more, Reminders of Him or It Ends With Us, I really can’t. I like both for different reasons considering how different both stories are. But I will say I almost was upset that the ending came so quick like that, like with Reminders of him, but Hoover gave us a sequel so I can’t really be that upset. I’m really excited to get into the next book!
Now, as far as character development and well-roundedness, I think Hoover did phenomenal job with all of the characters. Just like with the other novel. I believe each character seemed realistic, especially after finding out who the character were based off of, NO SPOILERS! These characters are so good that you feel with them, with each chapter, the anticipation grows, and grows, and grows, emotional roller caster for sure!! You will finish this book within 3 days tops ! I promise, everyone I know that has read it, has! You won’t be able to take it, so you’ll binge it as fast as you can. I sure did, 2 days I think it took me, that’s it!
That’s how good of a read this was for me. It was so entertaining. There was tons of jaw-dropping drama, ALLIGATOR TEARS, and ugly cries right off the back. Hoover wraps you up in a box and you forget to eat lunch, that’s the type of read this is.
Now for the more serious stuff. This book shows domestic abuse/violence and toxic relationships between characters. But the book also, shows empowered women! She takes it to the next level but shows you the “how’s” and “whys”. She really opened my eyes, with this story. Though I’ve never been in anything like that, thankfully, but I know that it’s easier said than done. But please, if anyone reading this, please know that this is NOT what you deserve, and that’s all I’m going to say, other than get out NOW! I really don’t know how I’d be if this were my life but what do I know is, is that GOD did not have that in HIS plan for me, or any of His children. So before I cry more, I say, to read this book, for enjoyment and entertainment, but also for a learning opportunity to educate yourself in that regard even if it were a fiction novel.
Star Rating:
I give this book a 5 out of 5 for being not only a phenomenal read, but for giving her readers an educational experience. As hard she said this was the write, she did an outstanding job at it! Thank you, Hoover, on to the next!
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This week was a short one y’all. I got three amazing workouts in this week which is good, and I’m proud of myself for going. More rest days than I wanted but, oh well. Yes, I am kind of sad that I didn’t go 5 days this week, and kind of beating myself up a bit for not going at least four days this week, but I’m working on being more gentle with myself, and more kind with my self-talk. Is anybody else’s little voice in their head bullying them? Because, guilty! So, I’m promising myself that I’ll be a lot nicer to myself. With that being said, here’s this week’s WEEK OF WORKOUTS!
Day 1: Glutes
SUPERSET:
Barbell Glute Bridge 3×12
Banded Hip Abduction 3×30
DB Box Step Ups 3×12
Weighted Back Extensions 3×20
BANDED GLUTE BURNOUT CIRCUIT:
Fire Hydrants 3×15
Glute Rainbows 3×10
Banded Clamshells 3×10
**now that I’m writing this, I think I did 3 rounds instead of 2 like Brittany Lupton’s program called for, dang it lol, well extra work for me, and YOU, hehe!**
Day 2: Back + Biceps
Barbell Row 3×8
Inverted Row 3xAMRAP
Lat Pulldowns 3×10
Single Arm Bent Over Rows 3×10
Hammer Curls 3×10
Single Arm Rear Delt Flys (cables)
CORE CIRCUIT: 2 rounds / 45secs on 15sec rest on all
High Plank Knew to Elbow
Leg Raises
Deadbugs
elbow to knew Fingers to Toes
Heel Slides
Day 3: Glutes + Hamstrings
Romanian Deadlifts 3×8
DROPSET:
Bulgarian Split Squats 3×10 (I use a 10lb barbell plate to hold in one hand)
Bodyweight Bulgarian Split Squats 3xAMRAP (drop your weight and go to failure)
Weighted Back Extensions 3×12
Leg Curls 3×12
Abduction Machine 3×20
And there it is folks! I know I’ve said this a lot but HUGE thanks to Brittany Lupton’s Workout App! Her programs have really helped me advance in my workout sessions. I’ve built so much confidence in myself, much more physical strength, and more love for my fit journey! Thanks Britt! You’re the best!
P.s. I’m going to my first official YOGA class tomorrow! Stay tuned for that, I’ll let y’all know how it goes, and how I plan to implement that into my workout routine!
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And That's The TEE 