Roughly 365 days ago I wrote out my intensions for a bright new year. Great intensions of less screen time, more date nights, less top knots, more running, more time for myself (ha), more water, less wine (ha, again)— the list goes on and on. Instead I got the complete opposite. Spending nearly 365 days with my children in tow. 3 months away from my husband– ipso facto equaling zero date nights. Running was a fun past time of 2019 and getting dressed up in anything other than athletic wear was something to celebrate. I saw my friends only a handful of times and I certainly didn’t explore new coffee shop corners. Let’s not even mention the wine. Rather than going on and on about what a sham of a year it was. I’m going to share what I gained, reasons to be thankful and the few glimmers of light I found in those dark crevasses.

March 2020– A bitter farewell.

Our family embarked on a cross country drive, leaving some of our fondest days behind us as we said goodbye to the sunshine state. 12 days on the road in our 7 seater expedition from Jacksonville, Florida to Seattle, Washington, during the (1st) peak of covid-19.  Not to mention, in the midst of a national stay at home lock down. (We had a government exemption, luckily). It was supposed to be an all American site-seeing road trip of a lifetime, what we got however, was so much more— We were like creatures of the night roaming a planet with little life on it. We saw Mt Rushmore with no one else around. We summited mountains with not a soul on them. We walked national parks with miles upon miles of space between any other being. We stayed at vacant hotels smelling of lysol and bleach and ran the halls like the wild banshees we were. We ate meals from gas stations and had side of the road picnics in vacant lots of boarded shops.

We made memories that are burned within us, traveling in to a portal of time that we surely were not prepared for. Memories we will share with our kids when they are old enough to understand the gravity of those 12 days on the road.

We survived this.

April 2020 — Honey we’re home.

My mother took all five of us in to her home. What was supposed to be (a running theme here) a few short weeks, ended up being nearly seven whole months. Colin and I slumbered on a mattress on the floor in the back living room surrounded by wardrobes made of cardboard boxes. Most of our belongings were left taped in boxes with high hopes of diving in to them in a matter of months living down under. {9 months later we still haven’t gotten those boxes…..any day now🤞🏼}. It wasn’t perfect, it had its bumps like you’d expect.

Those seven months however, provided me with something more precious than a closet and a bed lifted from the floor. I was given a gift of TIME– unscheduled time with my Mother. Many people don’t get to spend even a day with their parents. Maybe they are no longer with us, perhaps you’re estranged. Maybe you’re keeping your distance for their own safety this year. I feel lucky for that time, imperfect as it was. Even luckier for my children, who spent that uncharacteristic time with their grandparents. A safe place to call home. We had family meals, shared duties and of course, always someone to watch ‘queer eye’ with after the boys turned in for the night. I had help navigating virtual school and someone to lighten the load while raising 3 kids when Daddy was away. We had cocktails ‘not’ always at cocktail hour and still made memories that will mark as the craziest year of my life.

We survived this.

June 2020. Im leaving on a jet plane.

Colin was set to travel for work to Dallas, Texas. Despite eye rolls and imminent judgement I was determined to join him. Marriages need time to connect, our marriage needed time to connect. Away from the chaos of the daily grind– especially during this exhaustion of a year. And lets be honest, living with your mother in-law kind of puts a kink in the romance department (no offense, Mom). We needed time to talk, to listen, to plan. We were about to embark on a journey of life that was mostly out of our control. We were either sending Colin to Australia only to return a few months later and that be the end, door closed; OR we were sending Colin to Australia in hopes of joining him a few months after. We had no idea which outcome was coming. Either way, we needed those few days to just, be.

Masked up, purell on tap we set off to the South. Certainly not the VACATION most desired, but it allowed us to have breathing room, together. To slow the rollercoaster we had jumped on for just one moment. It allowed us to laugh again, to let our gaurd down for a moment and remember that no matter what– we will be okay, as long as we had each other. We walked the mostly quiet streets listening to the calm that was around us. We sat on rooftops with the sun shining upon us dreaming of a life we were hoping was ahead. We found real bits of happiness in that southern town.

We survived this.

July 2020– Its not goodbye, its see you later.

Not knowing exactly when we would be together again, we embraced for the last time as we watched Daddy walk away. We were supposed to fly off into the sunset together, as a family, but this wasn’t the story that unfolded just yet. Rian, Teagan, Leo and I were left sobbing in the car as we made our way home, without him. At this time the kids and I hadn’t been permitted to travel to Australia with the borders now closed. The exemption only permitted him, as he was considered an essential employee. These were some of the most difficult few months of my life. 3 children. Homeschooling. Living somewhat nomadic. Visits with friends and family were sparse and certainly not in the capacity I needed. But it was a summer of growth. I learned a great deal about myself in those months. I learned the mountains really were my safe place, its where I felt most grounded and at peace. The noise of the world is shut off and I could breathe steady and think clearly.

I learned the beach is where my heart was most happy. The kids and I found our way there over and over when the days were tough. Where we could find pieces of joy in every sunset and breaking wave. My heart felt rest, when the sun set. Knowing I just had to get through one day at a time.

I survived this.

August 2020 — A little bit of magic.

August was tough. Emotionally I was at my breaking point. The nation was at odds, covid, fires, you all know the story. I had a half hearted wild-whim of an idea to go to the desert in the middle of summer. All it took was my best friend Tarah to say yep, let’s do it, without even batting an eye. Both desperate for a change— We packed up 5 kids 2 adults and drove 17 hrs to Palm Springs, California. Despite fires blazing in Northern California, record temps of 100+ and 5 children under the age of 7. There we were. Was is comical at times, sure. What wild, off the cuff adventure isn’t? After an isolated summer and constant “sorry we cant do thats” we gave our children a gift. A week long play date with friends (not over zoom). Swim sessions that lasted in to dusk. Movie nights in the warm dessert air. Little bits of magic for those kids. As for us adults, we had bits of magic too. Girlfriends we hadn’t seen or hugged in months joined our “quaranteam” for a couple days, was just what the soul needed. We had conversations that actually mattered. We shared meals, yummy wine and enjoyed tipsy night swims when the kids were finally down. We braced for homeschooling and assured each other that everything was gonna be alright.

We found little bits of magic in that dessert.

Together, we survived this.

October 2020– 14 nights 15 days.

Sydney Australia. Liv Apartments, mandatory two week quarantine. Not the way I imagined my introduction to Australia. But here we were, come hell or high water.

Imagine spending every waking minute with your family in 600 square feet of space. Imagine having a door you cannot cross the threshold, not even for a walk. No swoop by the grocery store or a drive thru coffee. Now imagine that, along with food deliveries you wouldn’t even force on your children. What resembled the likings of cat food and strange colored side dishes you couldn’t even name. Lame efforts of “maybe ill eat that later” became obvious over time as we just began putting them straight in the garbage. (fyi: We cringed at the waste– trust me, we tried to have them stop deliveries, with no luck). Internet was junk, 2 COVID tests lurking and time was endless.

15 days ahead of us, we gave it our all– to welcome a time of rest, a time where absolutely nothing needed to be accomplished. When is the last time you allowed yourself that luxury? There is a sense of peace it actually brings. To be honest, it wasn’t that unbearable. We binged watched (too many shows) without guilt– Star Wars’ entire collection, films we had intended to see for years. We soaked in every bit of sunlight our patio shone. We celebrated Halloween unconventionally, threw a Toga party for royalty. We played board games , built forts and puzzled our way through the weeks, even managed an Uber eats sushi date with no kids (in sight). Wine helped the boredom that came after 5pm, and quiet bubble baths helped our sanity. We felt every hour that ticked, but dreamt of what was outside those doors.

We survived this.

November 2020. G’day

We live in Adelaide, Australia. Words that still feel strange coming out of my mouth. We navigated some of the most difficult circumstances and challenging set backs we could imagine. Nothing unfolded how it was intended, but what last year did? However, against all odds, we are HERE– taking in each day as the gift it is. A gift of freedom, a gift of safety, a gift of joy.

I can take my children to a park, a luxury I hadn’t realized until it they were caution-taped off. I can let my children play, without fear that their asthma puts them at high risk. I can hug a friend and not feel shame. Our pile of masks are washed and tucked away in a drawer for a time I don’t have to think about. My family can go outside and explore as we love so much to do. These are luxuries I took for granted. These seeming small, what used to be normalcies now have new meaning. These normalcies are what I’m so beyond grateful for today. Nothing is perfect of course, even with sweeping ocean views and a COVID free world. Certainly there are gnawings of daily life and a loneliness being so far from anyone I call family. I do not believe a new year is going to wipe the slate clean and everything will be great again. But I do know, for today, I’m living a life I’ve dreamt of for nearly 5 years. I surely hope to live it as justly as I can.

We are living this.

If last year taught me anything, it is that family and your village are most important. Lean on them. Marry the one you’re willing to spend 24 hours a day with over and over and over. Wash your hands. Cover your mouth. Find your places of joy and be there, as much and as often as you can. Watch more sunrises or sunsets. Be grateful for your health and take care of it. Get outside. Find spontaneity where you can. Check in on loved ones. Give yourself grace. Survive one day at a time. Find peace wherever you can and hold on to it as tight as you can.

2020 was an awakening and for that, I’m thankful.

I wrote this a few months ago when things were pretty dark. When the west coast was blazing on fire, rioting in the streets, deep in isolation and hope was thin. My family was separated, displaced, waiting desperately on news to bring us back together. Though today, we are reunited and my mental state is far better I still feel this blog is important and relevant to share.

This year is heavy, If there were ever a word to describe it. Covid-19 still raging across the globe– perhaps worse then ever, schooling from home seems to be the future we must get used to. Political divid drifts further and further apart, and the fight for basic human rights are still being spat on— we are literally living in fear. Fear for our future. Fear for our lives. Fear for hope.

An endless year of pain, suffering, and cancelations. Whenever you try come up for air you just get tossed back in those ferocious waves, left to tread in exhaustion. When does it become too much? Some days are hard— in so many ways, in so many forms. Ways that some can empathetically nod in agreement to. Hard in ways that are difficult to say aloud, in fear. Perhaps, your struggles are trivial in relation to what’s happening in this world. Huge monumental happenings that we can’t and shouldn’t take away from. However, it can also feel isolating to those who may be fighter smaller (in comparison) personal fights in their own life. In the same tune, sharing successes can feel equally difficult, even more so perhaps. In fear of coming across as insensitive or tone deaf to reality.

Writing used to bring a sense of catharsis for me. A safe, yet vulnerable place to put my incoherent thoughts into comprehension. A way to share pieces of me that I’m not always comfortable sharing, verbally. Lately I find myself struggling to actually put anything of real significance out in the atmosphere in fear of these very judgments. It is thick and fierce out in the world right now. I’d love to sit back and say I don’t care. But that’s not entirely true, I will always try to protect myself and my family from hurt that I can direct. Ive scaled back from all forms of social media and blogging for quite some time. It hasn’t felt natural. For me, if these platforms cause more distress then joy, then it’s just not worth it. So I stepped back and have kept things pretty simple. It can be draining having constant negativity and hate forced in your face. Its helped my mental state significantly to shift media toxicity and negativity towards things I can control. However, as time goes on, and the state of the world is not changing any time soon I realize it’s also important to face it and confront what makes you uncomfortable, share your voice, even at your most vulnerable.

I have a difficult time trying to place my own joy and my own hardships in spaces I can’t seem to find. Nothing seems to fit, it all feels awkward. We’ve been dealing with some of our own hurdles as a family over the past year and frankly we’ve just been trying to stay afloat, tackling one task at a time. Doing our best to make sure our kids are as unaffected as possible as we navigate these strange times. But I wonder. I wonder about those around me who are also feeling lost. Feeling like they may be drowning. Feeling like they can’t express their own pain, in fear. I fear many are shutting down their grief, their worries because they can’t compare to the bigger, harder, grandeur problems happening around us. I fear those around me are not sharing their wins, their own happiness. If there is anything we need more of in this world its joy, but most importantly a sense of hope. Am I alone in this?

We forget people are still dealing with heart ache, miscarriage, lost jobs, disease, addiction, debt — parents navigating school for the first time, working from home, isolation and much more on TOP of global distruction. These are not trivial. These still are real and worthy of feeling and needing. We forget people are winning races, beating cancer, finding faith, graduating school, creating life. These are worthy of praise and celebration. Even in the darkest of hours, we always need hope that things will get better. I’m trying to allow myself the grace to share the we’s and the woes, even if uncomfortable. Because I’d never want anyone to dumb down their truths because they were afraid it wasn’t important enough.

So here is me. Saying out loud that some days really [expletive] suck! Covid, politics, race wars, economic downfall has all wreaked havoc on our lives. On so many levels— Basic and substantial. This year has rocked our worlds and will continue to do so for quite some time. You can still be an advocate, an activist, a spokesperson, a warrior and still require help and support in your own life. You can still be compassionate and sensitive, yet still share your sunshine.

If we keep pushing down our struggles our pain, or even our triumph, in fear, eventually it’s going to boil over and won’t be so easy to sift through to pick up our pieces. If we don’t allow chance for happiness then we have failed. I give permission to anyone to grieve your own pain and I promise to listen without judgment. I give you permission to beam and to laugh. Don’t forget at a basic level we are all human, red, blue, black, white, male, female. We all are worthy of our feelings, big or small.

That is and has been my intention of this blog, that even in the darkest of days I hope we can all find a little sunshine.

Hi, hello, it’s been awhile. A long while, in fact.

Allow me to reintroduce myself, I’m Vanessa. I am a wife, a mother, a right brainer, an introvert who practices extrovert-ness, an empath, a creator, an anti-homebody, a wanderlust kind of dreamer.

I used to be many things, before kids and even at times after. But then, I had baby, my third actually (yay, Leo!) and now I’m slowly, very slowly, trying to find my way back to who I was.  A doer, a runner, a hiker, a smoothie bowl enthusiast. A multitasking-pro, a text back right away, 8 hour a night sleeper type of girl. I was a maker. An expert other shoe finder and sometimes even a creative writer. I could squeeze in workouts in any window of opportunity, drink all my water and still manage to check in with friends and family, fairly regularly. I feel like I had things pretty dialed in. At least I thought?

As for now, I’m hanging in there. Some days better than others. Trying to find my way, again. Finding the pieces that have been scattered around, attempting to place them back where they once were. Perhaps I may not find the exact way, perhaps it will look different this time.

I’d like to believe that is the beauty of evolving and growing, that there can be different ways of looking at something and it still being just as great.

When you have children, life changes inevitably– life gets busier, more chaotic, more interesting, laughable even at times. It’s a constant juggling act and will surely keep you on your toes.  It can be equally as challenging as it can rewarding all in a matter of minutes and that’s before you even had your first cup of coffee. Am I right? To be honest, some days are tough. Hell, some days are tough without having to care for tiny humans.  Add three tiny humans to be responsible for, it can be overwhelming. It can feel like your drowning at times, even.  After coming off a really difficult pregnancy (mentally and physically), its been hard to catch my breath and feel whole again. I cannot help but notice the tiny parts of myself that have chipped away over the years.  Pieces of myself that have been lost. Maybe not forever, but for the time being.

I’ve lost the ability to do things quickly and efficiently, like I once could. I’ve lost any and all alone time. I’ve lost patience. I’ve lost the days where I can call a babysitter at the drop of a hat. I’ve lost my ab muscles and the ability to run more than a couple miles without feeling like I’m going to keel over. I’ve lost being able to keep up with laundry and maintain a perfectly tidy house. Friendships have surely suffered, because free time is sparse and planning a girls night takes weeks if not more, of preparation. I’ve lost a wrinkle free face and a gray hair free head. I’ve lost many hours of sleep and the ability to shower for more than increments of 3 minutes. I’ve lost the carefree attitude of shrugging off uncertainties and knowing I can’t always keep my babies safe. I’ve lost the ability to give my husband a full tank when he walks through the door after his own long day. I’ve lost the ability to look in the mirror and fully recognize the reflection staring back.

I know some of  these are just minor set backs and temporary. Especially the first year after a baby is born.  Some are things I may never get back. Casualties of the territory I like to say.  It can be hard to not just do it all and to snap your fingers and say “I’ve got this” because surely it’s possible. Worth it though? Probably not.

But you know what? In return I have gained so much.  I’ve gained super powers I have never had before. I can share my heart and love equally between four other beings. Three of them I created with my own body. I have gained a profound love and appreciation for my husband that I wouldn’t have known before. A love that differs from when it was just the two of us. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of what our parents sacrificed and endured raising us (without iPads and cell phones!) I can feed a baby in the shower while shaving my legs also simultaneously calming down my four year old who is in tears about not getting snacks, right.this.minute! I can do squats while I rock a baby to sleep and I can get three kids in and out of carseats in under a minute. I know that a bandaid and a kiss can help almost all owies. I know that mommy snuggles are never long enough before bedtime. I have learned that I can help shape three beings into loving, compassionate, empathic people. I can show them this beautiful life and world outside the confines of our own walls.  I can teach them that recycling matters and that we need to take care of our one earth. I have gained an intense appreciation for my body, not only for what it’s provided me but my babies too.

These are the gains I can be proud of. These are gains that are greater then what I’ve lost. As time goes on, I slowly am finding my way, redefining what it means to be me. Whichever hat I may be wearing: the mom hat, the strong woman hat, the wife hat, or the I’m a total train wreck today, hat. I’m learning to cut myself a little more slack. I’m reminded it’s not only acceptable, but it should be hard on days. It is no easy feat.

Life as a mom is messy and unpredictable. Its draining and impossible. My version is no different, certainly not perfect or even close to. No matter how many times it may look that way on your feed. But, I’m grateful for all that comes with it, the gains the loses and the in between.

  So heres to you mama, who may be in the same place. A little lost and a little found. Fighting our way through this crazy world, finding the balance. Or leaning in to the imbalance. Asking for grace. Here’s to finding a new normal and a different version– but just as important, you.

By, Vanessa Hughes

I know the weather has changed, and frankly, some days it can be bloody cold (polar vortex type of cold, for some ❄️). Sometimes the only energy you can muster is to throw on your comfiest oversized sweater, high wasted yoga pants and lambs wool slippers. The days when even getting to the grocery store sound like a feat. It’s dark. It’s raining. A hot cup of coffee is brewing and your favorite show is queued up on Netflix ready for your binge watch session.

Trust me I get it. I’m just as guilty. I have always been a a spring/ summer babe myself. Seasonal depression is a real thing in my world and I’m sure I’m not alone in this. When its cold and wet out it’s so easy to blow off your workout, that St. Helens sized mound of laundry is still taunting you, and the only thing you want to prioritize right now is… LAZINESS. Screen time with the kids exponentially goes up and you excuse it more and more because “family movies” don’t count right? Its bonding time and its only temporary.

But rather than slipping in to that non productive winter slump that can be so easy December to Feb….. okay, March. I want to give you some great little tid-bits of tools to staying productive this winter season– some can even be done in the comforts of your stretchy pants and slip ons, OH YA!

First things first.

Get a calendar. I don’t care if you’ve got the memory of a elephant. It’s so important to have a place for all your things. We all have a million things going on day to day and it’s impossible to keep track of it all if it’s not in one place you can easily reference. I prefer the old school planner myself, well actually, to be honest I use my icalendar and a planner. I like the tangibility of having a book to reference, too. Really thorough over here 🙋🏼‍♀️ but hey, whatever works right? Plus its fun to decorate!

Second.

To-do lists. Everyone loves crossing chores off a list. Am I right? There is so much satisfaction in crossing or checking off items on a list. Sometimes I make lists of things I already know I’m going to do in the day just so I can check them off… things like;

• make my bed ✔️
• Eat breakfast ✔️
• Wash my hair ✔️

Okay so maybe I don’t do this everyday, but trust me, there is beauty in lists. I’m not saying you need to make yourself crazy with lists of “to do’s” that sprawl over the entire year. Start small, with just this weeks tasks, first. Maybe it’s getting around to the tedious task of dusting, or meal prepping to make cooking more simple for the rest of the week, or organizing the linen closet that’s been neglected. Or maybe, its finally the week to drop off your clothes at the cleaners. Just small tasks throughout your week that make you feel productive. By the end of the week you can look back at said list with all those crossed off items and feel like you accomplished so much. Give it a try! Because even if it wasn’t your best week, you can still feel good about the things you DID do.

Third.

Eat your brain food. Yep, just like your mother used to say.  You cannot function to your full potential, when your body isn’t fueled properly.  It is such a huge part of our productivity. If you’re eating empty calories or way too heavy of meals, you’re going to feel sluggish, or spike and then crash, then there is no way that pm workout is happening, or anything else remotely productive.

Start small, once again, for healthy eating.  Try to get in a real breakfast. Don’t just slam down a venti coffee and call it good. Instead, think ahead, make a few servings of overnight oats, or simple three ingredient veggies and egg muffins.  Heck, even yogurt and some berries will suit you well. You don’t need to be a chef to eat clean, fuel powering foods.  Your body needs energy first thing in the morning, especially after fasting for 8-12 hours.  You know thats why they call it ‘break-fast’ 😉. Not only does it make you feel better, its actually linked to kick-starting your metabolism, lowering your cholesterol and it can level out your blood sugar throughout the day.

I’m well aware that comfort food and baked goods are everywhere this time of year. But remember how hard you worked this summer? Don’t let it go to waste, stay on track. Keep those small goals in mind, so that when Spring is here, you’re not just beginning to make better choices.  Make Sundays your “planning day,” — plan your dinners, lunches, and healthy snacks for the week.  That way you’re not stuck eating a bowl of cereal for dinner because you have no food.  Make it fun– Pick a new healthy recipe to try out each week to spice it up.

Fourth.

Get moving. Just as important as everything else can be, moving your body is so necessary for productivity. I know it’s cold and wet this time of year most places, and its hard to get out and just go for a run. Yes they may have slowed a bit (or a lot bit) but its time to get creative. If you consciously set a goal to get in 2-4 workouts this week I promise it’ll become more and more routine and less dreadful (and possibly break the winter blues.) Book ahead a few hot yoga classes with your bestie (mmmm warmth) which is always a great way to keep you accountable. Get your partner on board. If your partner is doing it along with you, it’s much more likely you will stick with it throughout the “cold” season. Motivate each other, make it fun! Keep each other accountable.

By a class pass. Its proven that if you have invested time or money in to something already you are more willing to commit to it. So stop making the excuses and just do it– try cutting out those daily trips to Starbucks, and voila, you’ve got your money for a months pass. If you’re trying to save money and don’t have the means to go to a gym or class, there are still so many options for free at home workouts. On demand, youtube, so many trainers offer free workouts on their sites, you just have to put a little bit of time to find what suits you.

If you prefer a morning workout, set out your workout gear the night before so its all ready to go. Set your alarm for 45 min and boom you’re ready to tackle the day before your kids are even awake.  You’ll feel energized and be so thankful you already crushed your workout before your day has even begun. If you prefer afternoon or evening workouts, like myself, try setting an alarm on your phone so you can be reminded of what you made a point to do. Don’t let the excuses creep in. Just a quick 20-30 min is all you need.

If your not a “workout” person, then try to keep with your 10k steps a day goal, even if it means your doing laps around your house (my husband and I are totally guilty of this). Whatever gets your body moving!

What does this have to do with productivity? A lot, actually. Movement and exercise create alertness and energy. It keeps your brain sharp and is linked to creating the chemical “mitochondria” in our bodies, which convert to energy, thus powering you through your workday or perhaps an extra boost to chase around those never ‘energy-lacking’ toddlers all day.  Energy is key to staying on task and remaining productive. An energized body equals a productive body. If you don’t believe me, try it for yourself!

Fifth.

Find alternatives. There are so many ways to enjoy the things we love and crave, by finding simple edits or alternative ways to “healthy it up.”   With Pinterest and cookbooks galore we have health at our fingertips, literally. There are so many ways around those heavy dishes that are usually served at holiday feasts or parties. You can make gluten free, sugar free cookies that taste incredible. You can make brownies from black beans (tried and true, I swear) that are just as ooey gooey.  Pizza with cauliflower crust and fries from root veggies, roots!  Like I said, the possibilities are endless. Find at least one good healthy swap once a  week. Then try for once a day, and in no time it’ll become habitual and you’ll feel better too!

Sixth.

Avoid the things that take you away from productivity. Ahem. Time to put that cell phone in the drawer and leave it be for an hour. Its so easy to get lost in cyber space, one minute your checking your emails and the next you’ve found the end of the internet… (two hours later.)  Its easy to do. Especially when its dark and raining outside and “you’ve got nothing better to do.” That goes for video games, television and your computer. All the gadgets that can distract you from what you really should be doing.  Even if you just set a “TIME OUT” on electronics for an hour after you get home, then you can instead, knock out a quick workout or tackle one or two of the chores on that new nifty “to do list.”

Seventh.

Stop multitasking. I get it you’re so good at doing this. You can master emailing, homework, breastfeeding and folding laundry all at once. But is this necessary? We’re constantly glorifying busy, and it needs to STOP. Studies have actually shown that multitasking and changing your tasks several times a day actually lowers your IQ. Isn’t that interesting? Time to slow down. Focus on one (MAYBE two) tasks at a time.  If you put all your energy in to one task, I guarantee it’ll be finished much faster than if you were trying to do it while mastering five other tasks at the same time. Focus more on quality rather than quantity.

Finally, number eight.

Stop overreacting. Take things slowly. Truthfully, I am guilty of this. All the “things” just get caught up in my head of what I need to do, where is the money gonna come from, how am I going to have time to do this? So many worries and unnecessary stresses that really can be handled in a more calm, realistic manner.  Thats where my lists come in handy for me. I prioritize whats most important first, then let the rest follow, or simply cut that list in half and focus solely on a few tasks at a time. knowing full and well I have time to get to the other not as necessary things later.

Don’t overcommit yourself.  If you want to see your productivity get thrown out the window, then book your calendar as full as you possibly can. Then see what happens.  You will literally burn out in a week. Take things slow, prioritize whats best for you and your family. Prioritize whats most important first, then you can. pencil in the bonus things after, if you feel up for it.

Hopefully these little tips will help spark your productivity and get you back to feeling energized and ready to take on the day.  Let me know what you feel is most helpful for boosting your productivity during the cold months? Id love to hear your thoughts! 

Here we are, the year twenty nineteen is upon us…

We’re finally getting into the swing of things post holidays, (well most of us are anyway). The last of the decorations have come down and neatly put away until next year. Your final garbage haul is going out from the endless piles of wrapping paper and boxes that were once perfectly placed under your tree. Houses are bulging a wee bit more from all the goodies we received from friends and family, and your pants may or may not be fitting a bit less comfortably then you remember a month ago (totally worth it though, right?) There is an urgency in the air that you can almost touch. Everyone is back to school (yay for freedom, again), or you’re back to work and ready to take this year by storm.

The new year is a time to reflect on what was and embrace what will come. For some that means a fresh start and new beginnings while others may be having a harder time saying “the end” to what may have been their best year yet. Either way, we are all embarking on uncharted territory, bracing ourselves for whats about to unfold.

Now, I have talked about “resolutions” in a previous post which you can read here if you haven’t already, Small tasks, big change.  However, this post is a bit different. Less about setting goals and more about just what the new year brings; hope, a fresh start or maybe a continued start, a time to manifest change or maybe just a year you really want to LIVE untethered!

It’s the time of year when gym goers numbers grow by the hundreds and the sidewalks are now bustling with beginner runners and bikers.  To be honest, as a former “gym rat” this used to drive me absolutely nuts.  I liked the slowness of the quiet gym I belonged to, I liked seeing the same familiar faces I was used to seeing. I hated having to fight over weights and treadmills knowing id see only half of these “resolution people” come mid February.  I thought, whats the point? Why are people even bothering with these resolutions they know they will never stick to?

But as I get older and understand well, life a little more, I’m suddenly empathizing more and more with these people.  Sometimes we do get off track. We all get caught up in tough seasons of life at some point. We don’t always have the time, the resources or the motivation to be perfect all the time. We have schedules, children, jobs, husbands/ wives (boyfriend/ girlfriends) all the things that can sometimes take priority over our own wellbeing. We’re all hostage to it at some point, and sure, the new year is a cliché time of year to regain control, but you know what… WHATEVER!  Whatever it takes to get people back on track, to get rid of the baggage (aka, time to ditch that loser boyfriend you’re still with). Whatever it takes to get motivated to make yourself a priority again. Cliché or not, it’s still you making a choice to do better, to feel better and to recognize that you are WORTH it.

Even if half of you stick with what you set out to achieve, that still leaves another half of you crushing workouts, making better food choices, less toxicity, more mindfulness, and more whatever it is you wanted to make priority this year. I think it’s extraordinary, I think its inspiring. We need to be less judgmental of those who fall off and more enthusiastic about those who are rocking their intentions.

But, I need to get real with you…

You know what I really HATE about the new year? The slogan “new year, new me!” I despise it, now more than ever. Why you ask? Because I think it implies that whoever you were “last year” wasn’t good enough.  That you weren’t worthy of bringing that “you” in to this new year. Whether you put on 15 pounds, went through a nasty breakup, lost a friend or even a job. It implies that you weren’t enough, that the bad things you went through will remain there, in the the past. That your downfalls just aren’t suited for this “new year, new me” that you are trying to create. Well I call BS. I believe whatever we go through, still is a piece of our being.  We can learn from it, and gain an understanding of why we make these toxic choices, why we continue to think we aren’t worthy. It doesn’t mean it has to define you, but it’s still interwoven into your fabric that makes you, YOU!

The new year is a time to reminisce and attribute what the past has provided you, or in some cases, taken from you. A time where you can process what you’ve learned from your hardships. This past year, I lost a grandparent, she lived well in to her nineties and lived a full, beautiful life- yet it’s still not nearly enough time and surely never easy to say a final goodbye. My younger brother lost two of his best friends in a matter of months, both taken tragically before the age of thirty. Loses you’d never want anyone to endure once, let alone twice. I’ve had to learn how to be a support to friends and family from afar who are suffering from their own misfortunes and heartaches.

These experiences, these significant pieces of our past are part of what shape us. They are part of our story. They teach us to live unapologetically, they teach us to love hard, and that its okay to say THIS ISN’T FAIR!!! We can’t always learn from our successes and wins. We have to take the good with the bad, and understand that life doesn’t come with a manuscript. We have to navigate roads we never intended on traveling, and trust that somehow we can come out stronger on the other side. Even if it was the hardest thing you’ve ever experienced.

On the other hand, some of you are coming off the best year of your life. Maybe you got married, or had your first (or third) child. Maybe you got that promotion you’ve been so deserving of.  Celebrate those victories, cherish these BIG moments, but don’t fear that it is the end, just because it is over. Trust that this is just the beginning. That the best still is yet to come, even if it doesn’t seem possible. Carry this joy with you and let it be a foundation for you to continue to grow on.

The light, the dark and the gray are what makes us human, what gives us layers and texture. Let the past be a tool of who you want to remain or strive to become. Never forget, that just because your year was or wasn’t your “best year ever,” doesn’t mean you need to change who you are, or who you want to become. While, I do believe its important to always be striving to be our best self, our most worthy self, I still believe that whatever it takes for you to get there, is still pivotal to who you are.  So lets change the narrative. Lets change our bad choices, lets change our nit-picking, lets change our attitudes, but let us not change who we are. New year, same you, it’s just as powerful. Be YOU, be the best you, but girl, you are and always have been, perfectly you.

As I sit here in the wee hours of the morning jet lagged and out of sync, I’m reflecting on what may have been some of the most relaxing {consistent} days I’ve had in half a decade.

My husband was summoned to a nearly month long business trip to Southern Australia. Me, feeling left out, couldn’t pass up the opportunity to mooch along. It was a last minute whim, but there I was booking my two week trip across the pond. I know, poor me right?! Hardly.

Lucky for me I have a mom whom quite literally just retired and was able to reroute her own vacation to end in Jacksonville to tend to our two girls for the entirety. To say it worked out nicely is a major understatement. I got lucky. But also, my mom is a Godsend.

4 planes and 31 hours of solo travel, my nearly five months pregnant self made it across the globe to Australia. Somewhere I’ve always longed to visit, figuring it would be years down the road before it was actually feasible, yet here I was. Worlds and far too many time zones away from home. Certainly I never thought it would be in these circumstances, but I happily accompanied, grateful for the opportunity.

It’s stunningly beautiful, the air is comfortable around me. The people are kind and equally hilarious to listen to. Their candor is refreshing and I couldn’t get enough of hearing people ask me where my accent was from. Who me? “Oh, ummm American,” (wishing I had a cooler response.) As they nodded their heads knowingly.

The city is calm and clean, you hardly ever hear a honking horn as traffic makes its way through town. The water is the perfect shade of aqua and the sand is warm to the touch.  The lands are sprawling with vineyards and grapes and the country-like towns outside the city were littered with wild kangaroos. Whom completely tickled me pink. I couldn’t get enough of them pouncing around the hills, munching off the land and playfully boxing just as we’ve heard in stories. They are such fascinating creatures, so docile and sweet. I even spotted wild koalas clinging to the tops of eucalyptus trees sleeping the day away. A total trip nonetheless. Every bit of it.

We had plenty of time to do our touristy travels. We moseyed up the beach highways exploring the quaintness of the beach towns, snuggled roos at the conservation park and swam along side a massive pod of wild dolphins on Kangaroo Island (which you have to say in an Australian accent). We strolled the city streets without a destination in mind, stumbling upon whatever fit our fancy. I just felt lucky to be there, no matter what we did.

The first week was busy, filled with many first, and the must-dos, but it also went by in a blink. Like most vacations do. However, you mix in jet lag and overall pregnancy tiredness, as the week came to an end I was ready for a slow down. The second week rolled in and my husbands work picked up, it allotted me time to rest or do whatever I fancied. You know what I thoroughly enjoyed? Not doing a darn thing. Well not completely nothing, but you get the gist.

What my days consisted of is something I’ve only dreamt of as a mother. In fact, it was so blissful, I’m dubbing it my “Mommymoon.” What’s a Mommymoon you ask? Well, we all know what a honeymoon is, and more recently babymoons have become more popular, so why not create a Mommymoon. Where Moms have a retreat of rest, pampering and the opportunity to relight their internal candle.

How often do you actually go on a vacation and not have anything planned? It’s so rare to fit in real unscheduled down time. Especially when you spent a year saving for this epic trip. There’s no time to waste by sitting around doing much of nothing. Sure, if your vacationing to Hawaii you may have a lazy day on the beach here and there, but I mean truly just rolling out of bed at your leisure and not having a plan in the day. It’s freeing. It’s rejuvenating. It’s a game changer.

I’m a mom of 2 with one on the way whom hardly gets alone time. Showers are spent usually with kids banging on the glass asking if I’m done yet, potty breaks are not something I’d ever call a “break” and leisure mornings? Ya right. We live away from our close friends and family so date nights are infrequent and solo mom time usually consists of a quick trip to the grocery store. Which I’ll gladly accept. But it’s hardly comparable. So when asked what I’d do all day while my husband worked and if id be bored by myself– I responded with “do you know how long it’s been since I’ve had alone time? I’ve dreamt about boredom and having enough free time in a day to even become bored in the first place, especially without guilt.”

Real life, its a 6:30 wake up call by a certain 3 year old, whom clamors in to my bed and proceeds to “lovingly” attack my ears and face for her comfort, until she’s restless. Which is then followed by a prompt “I’m ready to get up now, whine” and we’re up and heading downstairs. My five year old sleepily follows not too far behind (sometimes) politely asking for her milk and breakfast ASAP. It’s a scramble to get lunches packed and myself and them decently clothed and primped as we we’re bustling out the door to school. Afternoons are filled with cleaning the same messes over and over, running errands and then squeezing in a workout once my husband gets home. It’s then already time to prep dinner, bathe the kids and the day is done. Whew! A world I wouldn’t trade for anything. It’s chaos but it’s OUR chaos. I really can’t imagine it any other way. But a real break every now and again wouldn’t be the worst thing either.

This brings me to the Mommymoon. Which consisted of nothing of the sort– no wake up calls at all. Just a natural “I’m ready to wake up now” feeling. Followed by an (uninterrupted) scroll through the web and social media. A morning I’m sure most adults actually dream of. I then would slowly make my way down to the gym for my daily workout. It was followed by a prepared breakfast and fresh squeezed juices of my choice, that I’m still drooling over. After, I’d change into my suit and hit the rooftop pool (it’s summer there) and sit on my butt soaking in the last bit of warmth for awhile. I read an entire book plus a half of another, in 3 days. I’d usually then be ready for a nap (because, why wouldn’t I?) My afternoons were typical of meanderings around town debating which juice bar or coffee shop to swing in to. Then head out to the city where I’d find myself mindlessly shopping the outdoor malls, taking in the bustling world around me.

It’s fascinating to just be silent, it really allows you to a take in the culture and be present. There is so much we miss by being glued to our phones or always having a friend or partner in tow keeping you occupied. It was such a new experience for me to just be alone. Eating alone, shopping alone, it’s really not as lonesome as it sounds, and the awkwardness wears off, because frankly no one cares. Not that I want to make it a habit, but it was a new experience I valued. However, I always found comfort knowing my husband would be joining me for dinner out later that evening, I’m not completely a loner, I swear.

I haven’t felt a recharge like that in YEARS. Really truly. No kids. No agenda. No judgment. Just freedom to be.

Typically our children are in tow when we travel. Luckily, they’ve become quite accustom to flying and long car adventures. It’s not always pretty but as we like to say, they are pretty battle tested. I’m all about traveling with your kids for the most part. If it’s something you love to do, it shouldn’t stop you from doing what you’ve always done, you may just need to be a little more lenient. I thoughtfully considered bringing my girls along, but when my mother had offered to come and stay with them instead, I happily rethought my plans.

I do think it’s really important for them to see the world and experience cultures outside of what they are accustom to. What you learn from travel is not something you can be taught. It must be experienced. It must be felt and seen with your own eyes.

This year we’ve also been lucky to do some solo traveling {near and far} — it’s been quite a different experience for us. Spontaneity is one thing that is a bit harder when traveling with children, so without them you have freedoms you didn’t even know existed. Making plans on the fly and not worried in the slightest on what the timeline is. You don’t have to plan snacks and potty breaks and all the other things that inevitably slow your roll. It’s an adventure either way! And either way I’m always go for adventure.

I’m always going to push travel, it’s invaluable, it connects you with cultures and social skills you can’t read about. It teaches you how to step out of your comfort zone and learn how to navigate the unfamiliar. Whether it be language, foods, driving on the opposite side of the roads, or just learning new social cues. It’s experiences you’ll never regret.

However, this time, I’m pushing a different kind of vacation. A vacation from “adulting” — it doesn’t have to be across the globe or even across the town. You could check in a hotel down the street for all it matters. I do think it needs to be out of your home though. Because inevitably you’ll feel the guilt that you “should be doing something useful” and it just won’t have the same affect. I urge you to get off the grid a bit and remember you can’t pour from an empty cup. Something I’ve learned more than ever in this season of life.

I feel like I got my candles re-lit. I am so on board with creating time in your life to take a weekend (or more, if your lucky enough) to step away. To have no shame in just existing. Resting. Real pampering and loving on yourself. With no guilt. Bring on the Mommymoon!

Lately I have been having this undeniable sense of missing moments in time, before they are even gone. Almost a nostalgia for the present. A feeling that creeps from deep within, telling me, “you’re going to miss this.”

I sound completely nuts, huh? I don’t know if it’s the season I’m currently in. Or just trying so desperately to hold on to the instances I’m so grateful for and don’t want them to end. The catch is, I feel like I’m wasting time yearning for these precious moments before they have even passed. Like, hello! present here, right in front of your face Vanessa and you’re missing it.

Recently coming back from a trip home to the PNW it really dawned on me how treasured time with my “people” is– a true gift. Living far away from your village can be really hard, lonely at times even. Small reminders had me lusting to freeze time. Perhaps it was an overdue hug from a friend, a conversation with my mom, snuggles with my nephews and nieces, a back rub from my best friend, or a coffee with my sister. Morsels in time that seem so simple and ordinary in the scheme of life are suddenly feeling like moments I’m longing for. Fretting the goodbye well before it’s even time to say ciao.

Goodbyes never get easier, even though I’ve been doing it basically my whole adult life. College across state, post grad living in Los Angeles and now residing across the country. You’d think I’d be a professional at saying “see ya later” by now. Ironically, I think it actually gets harder. The idea of time is so much more precious to me as I get older. I often find myself saying “please let this moment last forever.”

On the other side, it’s this current time in my life. Living in an endless summer with my beautiful (not so) babies anymore who are thriving and taking this world by storm. Doing this all with my guy person at my side. It’s beach hair and warm skin. It’s impromptu buggy rides with not a care in the world. This life, right now is blissful, challenging and exhilarating all at the same time, I know I’ll miss it. I feel it in my bones how much I’ll miss it.

Reminiscing on when we moved to Florida with a not even walker and a toddling-toddler at the helm of what’s soon to be the best years of our life. In a blink, it’s been nearly three years and I still feel like it was yesterday we were setting up for our first beach day.

“I wish we knew we could know we are in the good ol’ days before we have already left them” The office

It’s moments with my kids, (when they aren’t being sass-holes, that is) when they are sharing and playing happily with each other. It’s unexpected “I love you mammas” when you need it the most. It’s hand holding when they need to feel safe, it’s early snuggles on a sun soaked morning. It’s the look they give you, that you just know how much they truly adore you. I miss them and they are happening.

You’re gonna miss this
You’re gonna want this back
You’re gonna wish these days hadn’t gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you’re gonna miss this–

Trace Adkins

I fear the day when I wake up and all the good days are behind me. I know this seems so irrational and insane but I can’t seem to suppress these feelings right now. I want to be forever young, with health on my side, my children to stay little and innocent forever.

With so much uncertainly in this world, I find comfort knowing I can keep my kids safe. They are under my roof, shielded by the safety of my arms. They can keep their innocence intact and look up to their Daddy and I like we hung the moon.

I find myself fretting the day when my bones are old and my body doesn’t work the way I want it to. The day when I can’t run or chase my children with ease. I’ve worked tirelessly to achieve this strong capable body I have today and I’m not ready to give it up.

I know in my heart these fears are so far from my current reality, but I am also aware that someday things will change. I just hope it’s a slow progression of change. Changes you can’t even see because they happen so gradually. The funny thing is, I wouldn’t dare trade my 33 year old self for my 22 year old self. I’ve worked far harder for this body, this mind, this life, than I did a decade ago. My life is so much more fulfilled then it was–even with more wrinkles, more worries and more baggage than I once had. Perhaps, that’s how it goes, perhaps thats how I will feel in another ten years or twenty, even.

It’s impossible for time to stand still, I know this– It’s a constant forward moving operation that never seems to slow. Quite the opposite, really. If there is anything I have learned it’s not to take it for granted.

I’m diligently working to be present, being aware of the preciousness of time and remembering to enjoy the simple daily pleasures. It’s so easy to become complacent and to get caught up in all of the ” I wish I had(s).” We are entangled in the hustle, the daily chores the silly stresses that are time snatchers. The constant worry about “what’s next” and what tomorrow will bring.

So here’s to today. Living in the RIGHT NOW. Not missing them because they are right smack in front of you. You just have to open your eyes wide enough to notice them. These small moments that really do equal the BIG moments. Here’s to not worrying about what tomorrow will bring, because “worrying does not take away tomorrow’s troubles, it takes away today’s peace.”

Its really a matter of perspective.

Now that we’re all getting in the swing of things with fall officially at our finger tips, even us Floridians are getting a taste. It’s time to begin thinking about the approaching holiday season (it can’t possibly be here already can it?) Panic aside, it’s gotten me thinking about many things. More than shopping, decorating, festive meal planning and mistletoeing– it’s gotten me thinking about changes. Thinking about the future and past promises. Promises I made to myself, to my family, to my body.

I hate to just brush past Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas because I’m a sucker for all things holiday. But this post is specific about the New Year and the ever taboo “New Year resolutions.” Now, I’m normally not big on NY resolutions. In fact I’ve never actually legitimately followed through with any of the silly pacts I made for myself for longer than a month or two, which is quite pitiful really. Most of the time they were so out of touch that it was a more of a joke to even believe them in the first place. Am I alone in this?

Last year, however, I wanted to do this for real. Not for show or for accolades from friends. I legitimately wanted to set goals I could actually achieve. Goals that could actually make an impact on my life. I jotted a list of small tasks to focus on in the new year. Not “lose 20 pounds” or “create world peace” types of goals– instead, reasonable aspirations that were feasible.

This vary list, I created right before the first of the year. Just eight simple “resolutions” if you will. Believe it or not, these 8 things have all made impacts on my year. One of them in particular, I found to be the most impactful and I’m certain it’s going to shock you.

Can you guess which one was the biggest difference maker?? Here’s a hint. It’s not running 4 times a week or hitting 10k steps a day. Believe it or not, it has nothing to do with fitness at all.

Oddly enough the one thing on this list that really made significant impact this past year, was, drum roll please…… making my bed. Wait what? That’s it? Seems silly right!? What does making your bed have to do with anything? Actually, a lot and I’ll tell you why.

I was never good at this small seemingly simple task. It was never something that actually mattered to me, or felt like it was necessary. I figured I’d be crawling right back in to that vary bed later that day anyway. It was a waste of energy and time, I thought. I’ve already got a million things on my plate in the morning getting two toddlers ready, making my bed certainly was not on the top of the priority list.

However, I decided to try to be one of “those people,” who woke up and made their bed pretty everyday and not just because company was coming over, but simply for me and my husband to appreciate. People who made their beds always seemed like people that had their {stuff} together. With effortlessly clean homes and tidy closets. Why couldn’t I be that girl. So I gave it a go. You know what?? I couldn’t believe how simple it was. Why on earth was I too lazy to spend 2 extra minutes to make my bed each morning. Even if it was just for me to enjoy, it felt good.

This tiny mundane task creates momentum in the day. It ignites the energy to tackle other tasks in your day thus creating a snowball effect. Once my bed is clean and neat, I’m then heading to the laundry to throw a load in, then so on and so forth… the cycle continues throughout the day. It generates a positive tone in your day to do other things with more intention, big or small all just beginning the day with one small task complete, a bed made ✔️.

It also creates a blissful place to come home to and rest your head. Who doesn’t love coming home to a tranquil clean place. Especially after a day of stress and chaos, it’s so nice to return to a place of peace, your personal sanctuary. This may seem like a complete load of bull to you, but I promise, there is something to be said about crawling in to a freshly made bed at night.

If you haven’t listened to admiral William McRavens speech to the students of University of Texas, on making your bed, do yourself a favor and listen to it. It’s incredibly powerful and inspiring. One quote in particular he states that I found moving is:

“If you can’t do the little things right, you’ll never be able to do the big things right”

We so often lose sight of how important small things can be. Taking your daily walks around the block, changing the oil in your car, mammograms or yearly dental checkups– small simple things that in the end can cause a lot of havoc in our life if we neglect them. If we can’t do those small tasks correctly then when big things come along like decisions that can impact our jobs, or parenting or major financial choices we could really be in a world of hurt. Something as simple as making your bed truly can impact change and you don’t have to be a trained solider to benefit from them.

I also believe your mood is significantly triggered by your surroundings. If your bedroom and home is a disorderly mess it actually will create more stress. It’s overwhelming to see a messy bed and disorganization, am I right? We spend 1/3 of our life in our bed and bedroom which clearly can have a significant impact on our wellbeing, so why not put some pride in to your space.

Okay, okay I’ll end it there with the bed thing. But I dare you not to be a little bit curious to see how it can impact your day if your not already a “bed maker.”

As for the rest of my 2018 resolutions; I’m happy to report all have been great successes this year. Even though I really emphasized the bed making I think all made an impact on my life in one way or another.

Drink more h20, I mean no brainer right?

Less screen time– equals more time present with my family and friends. Sadly, this one is harder than you think, but always a work in progress. There always seems to be a reason to give your phone a quick peek. There’s always a cute IG story instance or hello, photo ops! because obviously we need 20+ photos of our kids at the park or playing dress up, true or false? I will say, iPhones new “screen time” feature has been really useful to monitor my usage. Plus it shows you where you are spending your time on your phone. Social media, work, blog, texts etc. it’s helpful!

Hit 10k steps a day— this one i’d say I accomplish 6/7 days a week. BUT most days I average 15k+ steps a day so I count that as a win for the week and makes up for my lack there of, one day.

Run 4 times a week– This is a pretty average number for me. I have been pretty consistent with getting in this many or more runs a week. With the exception of a couple weeks here and there due to weather and schedule. Most of the time however I try to sneak in a workout video in lieu of a run.

Put on real clothes 4 times a week– (not sure why I kept choosing 4 days, but it felt right at the time, achievable I suppose.) This one may sound silly to those boss moms who go to work everyday and get to wear the cute little blazers and sassy outfits. But for some of us stay at home mommas, it can be a real struggle to actually put on something other than yoga pants, a tee shirt and a top knot. Especially when I tend to workout at 3pm, it seems like a waste of energy to get dressed to get back in to workout clothes a mere 7 hours later. But, just like the bed thing, it sets the tone of the day. If you wake up put on a cute outfit, a little makeup you actually do feel better. More polished, more put together and ready to take on the day!

Travel to a new place– Hello Ireland! (…and DC and Maryland) It’s no secret I love to travel. Whether it’s near or far, there’s so much to be seen in this world and I don’t want to waste a minute not seeing it. Ireland was a trip I’ll never forget and already can’t wait to go back. I still want to do an entire post on travels here because I’ve go so much to say on it and to recommend. Stay tuned for that! I think traveling is the best way to learn about the world. To really get a tangible feel of what other cultures are like, how they eat, how they interact, how they work. More than internet searches and Instagram pictures, the real deal experience. I can’t wait to see where my next adventure takes me.

Say NO, more– This one I really dove in to on a past blog post, but I strongly believe in prioritizing time for freedom. Being such a yes man, I’ve really had to learn to say no to things in order to create time for more spontaneity. There is nothing more freeing than having a plan-less weekend in my opinion. Yes, I love hanging with my peeps and doing fun group things. But! There is also something to be said about choosing what your weekend looks like. Freedom to just wing it!

2018 brought lots of small intentional changes in my life. Real attainable goals I actually stuck to and will continue to stick to. With the new year on the cusp I’m excited to drum up new intentions that I can accomplish in the new year.

What are some past resolutions you set and actually stuck to? What are some that you didn’t stick to? Finally, what are some goals you want to prioritize this coming year?

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, fall was always an anticipated time of year for me. After a beautiful bustling, sunshiny summer, fall usually crept up rather fast, but it was always more than welcomed. The gorgeous leaves turning ombré shades of orange and red. Cool crisp air with those late bits of summer sunshine still peeking through the skies. Really nothing beats those days. Where you can feel the warmth of the sun on your skin but the air is cool and crisp. There is a smell you can almost see. It’s candied spices and dew dropped. It gives me all the feels just thinking about it.

Some of my favorite moments in Seattle are those days wrapped in your favorite sweater, holding your first pumpkin spice latte of the season. Stepping over crunchy leaves beneath your boots as you walk the Greenlake loop. Soaking in that wet cedar smell while admiring all the burnt amber trees lining the lake.

It’s a season that brings changes, new beginnings and the start of the holiday season. There is an excitement and anticipation that lies deep within, knowing all the joy that the next few months will bring. Family gatherings, delicious foods, festive cocktails and dreams of what the New Year will unveil.

October is genuinely one of my favorite months, even though I love my summer days, there is nothing quite like October. Halloween is right around the corner, which means costume plans are in full go-mode, decorations are slowly starting to take part around your home and the throughout the neighborhood. It means strolls around the block ooohing and ahhhing as my kids see spooky ghosts, goblins and pumpkins galore in the neighbors yards. It brings a sense of nostalgia of my own childhood and all the fun that was had in October.

Growing up, many traditions took part in autumn. Some of my fondest memories were of my family and our antique apple press. Every fall, we’d pull out the old press and spend a full day making fresh apple juice that was to die for. Crates overflowing with various breeds of apples which were carefully plucked from the orchards in the days preceding. We would host family and friends to join in on the festivities, sipping hot spiced cider as we all took turns cranking that old press. Something I can’t wait for my own children to experience when we return to the PNW.

The traditions go all the way back to my early, early years. That vary press was a passed down from my paternal grandmother and grandfather. One I hope to pass down to my own children one day.

Fall is also a time to slow it down. We all are guilty of having busy, jammed packed summers- with so many activities to schedule in the summer months it’s a nice change of pace when the cooler months come. It’s a time to finally sit back and reflect. Reflect on all the fun you had while embracing the slowness that autumn brings.

Living in Florida we’ve really had to acclimate. Fall is certainly nothing compared to what we were used to. We don’t get many season changes as most other parts of the world get. It’s honestly one of the things I dislike most about living here. Yes we get a slight downshift in humidity and the temperatures change from the 90s to a more moderate 80s average. Mornings and evenings give you a slight taste of fall, which only leave you wanting more. But really, that’s about it. No falling leaves, no cool afternoon walks, it’s definitely NOT soup season and hot pumpkin spice lattes rarely sound good (major boo.)

Sometimes I just have to pretend it’s cool here. I blast the AC on rainy days and burn all the pumpkin candles I can get my hands on. I cozy up on the couch snuggled in the fluffiest socks I own, while binge watching Hocus Pocus with my favorite Little’s. I even whipped up a batch of GF vegan pumpkin chocolate chip cookies to really set the mood– sometimes you just have to roll with what your given and make the most of it!

For some, fall is a time to get back to basics and reel in the summer slips. After all, “vacation mode” is basically a permanent mode, July-September. Once fall hits most of us are ready to reset our intentions and get back on the workout train. However, once holiday season sneaks up we’re already back to our old ways and slipping up too often.

One thing I have learned living in eternal sunshine, is that swimsuit season is certainly not over, even though the calendar says so. It’s taught me to be mindful year round. There is no “getting summer ready,” when you have to stay summer ready. It’s taught me to stay focused and conscious the whole year. There’s no putting on your north face or hiding behind bulky sweaters and jeans until spring time. It’s something I will forever take with me. No matter the weather change. It’s made such an impact on how I feel each month and takes the stress out of the much dreaded “swimsuit season.” It has taught me that my health is not seasonal. It’s something I need to constantly be working on and thriving to stay consistent with. Of course we all have times where our nutrition slips, but it’s about how you get back on track that counts.

I’m grateful for conducive weather, for year round runs, but it can’t be an excuse when the day comes that I don’t have sunshine at my disposal. I’ll need to get creative and find ways to stay active and health conscious even through sweater season.

Find ways to stick with your health the entire year. I urge you to set goals this year (before the new year) that sets you up for success the entire year. Make it a priority to stay active through the rainy season or likewise for us sunshine staters, staying active in the intense summer heat too. Not using weather as a crutch this year, but rather working with it and getting inventive to stay active. Make it your prerogative to keep your nutrition goals the same, whether summer is on the cusp or not.

Wherever you are, find the joys that fall brings, even if you have to artificially create it. Appreciate the slowness and beauty that season change will create. It’s a time of year to reflect and reprioritize what’s important to you.

What are your favorite things about fall, how are your goals going to be different this year?? I’d love to hear in the comments.

GF vegan pumpkin chocolate chip cookie
recipe:

1 3/4 cups almond flour

1/2 tsp pink salt

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp baking powder

3/4 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1/8 tsp ground ginger

1/4 cup coconut oil (melted then cooled)

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

3/4 cup pumpkin puree

3/4 cup vegan chocolate chips (can use regular chocolate chips too)

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Line a large baking sheet with baking mat or parchment paper

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder and spices.

Using a mixer, combine the cooled (but not solid)coconut oil and sugars together. Add vanilla extract and pumpkin purée and mix until combined. Slowly add in the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Finally add in the chocolate chips.

Drop rounded tablespoons onto baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cookies are just beginning to brown around the edges. Let the cool and place on wire cooling rack to cool completely