Wellness Wednesday

This week is a different kind of Wellness Wednesday.

Being a mom, obviously sick days are not an option and our hubbies can't take a day off for every cold that comes our way. I've had a wicked cold since getting back from vacation and it is kicking. my. butt.

So today I'm sharing some of my survival tips for getting through the colds and coughs of motherhood without losing your mind.

Preventative measures: BE HEALTHY.

I know you're last on your priority list, mama, but you need to take care of that body. You are the most important person in your children's lives, you need to ensure your health for many years to come. No, I'm obviously not just talking about colds, flus, and other viral stuff. Take care of yourself through healthy eating, daily exercise, and healthy mental practices. Do not put yourself on the back burner until it's too late.

Since adopting a health nut lifestyle about 2.5 years ago, I have felt better on a daily basis than I ever have in my life before. I am more active with my children, I am able to be on my feet running, jumping, chasing, tickling, tagging, and much more all day long. I'm less tired, less sluggish, and MUCH happier.

If you can't do it for yourself, do it for your children.

Moving on...

SLOW DOWN. When you get sick, you need to realize that slowing down is okay. I struggle with letting my daily tasks and duties slide. That laundry does not need to be folded today, mama. The vacuuming can wait until tomorrow.

You don't need to be Supermom when you're sick. Put away the craft supplies and break out the movies, popcorn, coloring books, and Leap Pads. A day of rest for you, means a day of rest for them too. They won't mind.

Let your husband take the reigns. That's what they are for! Helping pick up the slack. Luckily, I have an amazing hubby who is incredibly helpful with the kids and around the house on a regular basis. When I get sick, he'll throw a freezer meal in the crockpot in the morning, wear the kids out a bit before work (hello obstacle courses in the backyard), and make breakfast for the kids and sandwiches for lunch so I don't have to. I haven't quite come to terms with the way he loads the dishwasher though ;)

This last few days has been full of couch cuddling, movie watching, and easy meals. Bare minimum, drinking tons of water, and lots of tissues.

Current Faves

My make up routine has changed so much in the last six months, I figured it was time to update a few of my favorite staples.

I am happy to say I have found some great products for oily skin and for summer time!

Going clockwise from top left:

MAC cosmetics Pro Longwear Foundation with SPF: Perfect for oily skin. Has great coverage and amazing stay power. Finally found the perfect match!

MAC 208 eyeliner brush: I've debated on getting this for so long, just because my existing eyeliner routine was solid. I am so happy I went for it! Application is easy and precise! LOVE. 

Maybelline Lasting Drama gel eyeliner: Such a great drugstore find! I get Blackest Black and it is gorg! Applies smooth and stays. 

Lorac Get Hot palette: This palette has some great colors for summer - light, warm, and buttery which works great for all skin tones. 

 MAC Mineralize Skin Finish: love this blush in Northern Lights. Coral pink with bronzy undertones along with simmer - perfect summer shade!

Benefit Hello Flawless: Great setting powder or something quick to throw on if you're skipping foundation. Has buildable coverage and a matte finish. 

Kat Von D liquid lipstick in Jeffree: My newfound love. I am obsessed with these gorgeous lipsticks! Bright and bold, dries matte, stays allllll day. These are my absolute fave lip colors. 

Make Up of the Day/Hair of the Day

From Yesterday!

Smashbox "Sable" in the crease (seriously does every brand have an eye shadow named Sable?)

MAC "Pink Freeze" on the lid

Smashbox "Headshot" on brow bone

MAC Playland "Sweet Experience" on the lips

I was going for a springy make up look again. I've been addicted to the Lorac Pro Palette all fall and winter, so I figured it was time to switch it up. 

My latest obsession is the Smashbox Master Class Palette 2. Has a lot of really beautiful shades, perfect for Spring and Summer. 

Sweet Experience has been my go to lip color since I got it. I LOVE this color! So perfectly pink! I can't get enough. 

Teacher Appreciation Day Gifts #3 and #4

Just realized I completely forgot to update the blog on what else we did for Teacher Appreciation Week last week.

Day Four

The kids picked out flowers for each of their teachers, I picked out the cute tin with the chalkboard from, and I got the tag from 733blog.com.

We stuffed mason jars with chocolate and a hidden gift card! Tag from indulgy.com

Wellness Wednesday

I love switching up my workout routine. It's good for your mind and your body - your body won't settle into the same routine and you will enjoy the challenge a new routine brings.

For the last few weeks, I have been following a routine by Kris Gethin on BodyBuilding.com. It's a lot of weight training - which is my favorite - and some cardio. I personalize every workout for my needs and I'm still getting a feel for this one.

Check it out over here: Kris Gethin 12 Week Plan


Healthy Eating Tips:

Clean eating can do so much for your body. Keep it simple, keep it natural. Buy from the outer ring of the grocery store - fresh organic veggies and fruit, lean meats, organic eggs and milk, etc. Luckily, I live in a location where there are many organic and whole food stores close by. It really opens up options for variety!

My current favorite recipe is Quinoa Avocado Tacos from Food Babe. Using all organic ingredients and zero processed foods. Check out her site - she has a lot of great information and delicious recipes!

Food Babe’s Quinoa Avocado Tacos

 

Prep time

15 mins

Total time

15 mins

 

Serves: 2 – 3

Ingredients

• 2 romaine hearts or 1 head of romaine lettuce
• ½ cup dry quinoa cooked to package instructions + 1 tsp chili powder
• 2 large ripe avocados diced
• juice of one lime
• 1 and ½ cups of cherry tomatoes diced in half and squeezed of excess liquid
• ¼ cup white onion diced
• handful of cilantro diced
• ¼ tsp sea salt
• ¼ tsp fresh cracked pepper
• 1 garlic clove minced
• 1 jalapeno or serrano pepper diced with seeds removed

Instructions

1. Combine quinoa and chili powder in water and cook to package instructions
2. Make guacamole by putting all ingredients except romaine in a bowl and combine well
3. Place washed and thoroughly dried romaine leaves on a platter
4. Serve family style – Make the tacos by using a romaine leaf as the shell, adding a scoop of quinoa and a scoop of guacamole to the middle
5. Make it fancy by adding slices of lime, salsa, hot sauce, tortilla chips, sour cream and/ or goat cheese to serve as toppings or on the side

Teacher Appreciation Gift Day #2

Today the kids gave their teachers these keychains.

Truly, all of their teachers have been so amazing. I have not experienced better teachers in my time as Mom of a student. 

The kids even helped me make them. I hope the teachers all enjoyed them :)

Maddie's Outfit of the Day

Little Maddie is wearing nautical theme today. 

Her entire outfit was a steal:

Chambray shirt from H&M for $3

Striped tank from Oshkosh found at Ross for $2.99

Yellow shorts from Carter's found at Kohl's for $2.60

Blue sandals from Gap for $8