The Twelve Resolutions Project

The year 2018 has been SO GOOD to me. The highlight was the birth of my beautiful and healthy Sloan (who will be one year old in a week!). I also met some people (you know who you are 😉) who have inspired me, encouraged me, and will be life-long friends. I was able to accomplish a decade-long "hope" that became an actuality...this blog! Yay!

It's been a year of changes, growth, learning, being busy, and feel good moments.

I plan on making 2019 the year to focus on the good stuff. You know that Kenny Chesney song? If you'd rather listen to Baby Shark on repeat than listen to a country music song (then how are we even friends?) then I'll give you a mini preview. The "good stuff" is the stuff you can't drink, can't buy; but instead it's all the other "good stuff" that happens in life.

I have to say that I'm not real big on making a resolution on New Year's Day. If I want to start doing or stop doing something, I do it (or don't) right then. However, this next year, I'm filling it with twelve "good stuff" resolutions and calling it the 12 Resolutions Project. Simple in theory...twelve resolutions; one resolution per month.

My challenge to you is that you follow along with me or create your own resolutions for the year!

January's Resolution: Give Back/Daily Acts of Kindness
Think about this one. Thirty days of acts of kindness. Time to pull out some creative juices. This idea was inspired by a day in which I was feeling stressed while shopping for stocking stuffers at Target. I feel embarrassed to even type that. Stressed...about stocking stuffers. What? As I was leaving Target, I saw a young family with two small children. The man was holding a sign that read, "Looking for a job. Anything will help." Typically, I ignore these signs. Maybe I'm heartless; maybe I'm realistic, but normally I give a please-don't-make-direct-eye-contact-with-me vibe while I sit in my car. That day...woah. It was as if God spoke directly to me reminding me of my own fortunate circumstances.

I was on my way to the gym a few minutes down the road, trying to (unsuccessfully) hide my tears. Within a few minutes, the story was out and I was crying again. This was no time for a workout. Everyone who showed up at that gym that day had a f*** it attitude and decided that wine and tacos were a way better option. We dragged our butts to Blue Pacific Taco. To the rescue! But first, after a pep talk and some leftover food selflessly given up by Kristin-the owner of the gym, we made a pit stop to the family in need. I watched this family eat this food in front of me, thanking me profusely, and having them tell me how hard it's been since their youngest (3 months old) was born. My heart was broken. Wine was poured.

My friends and I have been collecting travel-size toiletries at a couple of locations to pack up in gallon-size ziploc bags to keep in our cars to give out to those in need when the occasion arises. If you're local, you have until January 11th to bring in items to Live Free Health & Fitness or Fit Body Bootcamp. My plan is to pack enough for all of my packers to have at least 3 bags stored in their cars.

Stay tuned on my Instagram @thatmosesgirl for the other 30 acts of kindness I plan on for January.

February's Resolution: A Salad A Day
I would guess that a healthier lifestyle is probably the number one resolution that people make. This is my own twist. Over the holidays, I found myself thinking, "Have I eaten anything green today?!" I love a good salad, and again, 30 day of salads may be tricky, so I'll have to be creative again. Counting on my girl from @seriously_salad for some inspo! Bring on the greens!

March's Resolution: No Alcohol
I have to admit, I'm known for drinking my red wine. I love my red wine, but my waist does not. So, this will be a challenge. I have given up alcohol for pregnancies and breastfeeding. Surely, I can do this for 30 days again! La Croix may be my best friend during this month. Oh, and no green beer either. Pinch me!

April's Resolution: Cook Every Day
I used to cook all of the time. I watched my mother cook dinner every night while growing up. I'm no stranger to the kitchen. However, this past year, in an effort to save time and energy, I've been using prepped food service companies-which was helpful in a lot of ways. I'm busting out my old recipe books and going to town. These will likely be fun shenanigans on my Instagram stories as well.

May's Resolution: Read Something
I have a stack of books on my nightstand that I have been planning on reading for about two years. Oy! I used the excuse of not having enough time to read. But, if you read my last post, then you know that that excuse is just not valid. I'm a big fan of Ruth Ware books, so I plan on diving into one (maybe even two) of these.

June's Resolution: Organize
Thirty days of organizing something. Friends, lookout! I might be coming to your house. Organizing is actually something I love to do. I find it therapeutic and productive. Label makers, bins, baskets, and file folders make me swoon! I recently reorganized my pantry. It's been a game-changer. Don't you dare ask me where anything is in that beautifully organized pantry!

July's Resolution: Gallon of Water
Ever been to hell? If not, just come to Florida in July. The humidity is basically unbearable, so I figured this is the perfect month to hydrate! I have done this challenge before, but only for a week. It was definitely a challenge. Also...you pee a lot. The key is to find a reciprocal in which you actually enjoy drinking. I love this one. It's clear so you can watch your progress, it's 20 ounces, and it's pretty...not necessary, but you're bringing it with you everywhere, so might as well be nice to look at.

August's Resolution: Wake Up Early
To read. To drink coffee in silence. To check emails. To walk the dog. To do whatever I want to do before the entire Moses house turns into a circus ring. A challenge, but since becoming a mom, mornings have become more bearable. Staying up later in the night would be more of a challenge. #thisis30

September's Resolution: Marriage Book
Two Christmases ago, my parents gave John and I a couples daily devotional book. They swear that keeping God in the center of their marriage is what's kept them together for 32 years. Enough years together to say that that's some solid advice. Unfortunately, I think John and I have completed about a dozen of the devotionals...out of 365. Fail.

October's Resolution: One meal (at least) together as a family
Soccer practice. The baby needs a diaper change. I'm coaching an evening class. John needs to get some extra work done. The days to eat as a family seem nearly impossible. Whether it's breakfast, lunch on the weekends, or an actual family dinner, I'm going to make this our family mission at least for October. No electronics. Just family. At the dinner table.

November's Resolution: Be Thankful; Give Thanks
Keeping with a thankful theme for November, I thought this would be a good time to give thanks for 30 whole days. Letting someone know I'm thankful for their friendship. A shoutout on Facebook for something I'm thankful for. Giving a card to family to show appreciation.

December's Resolution: Read The Bible
The book of Luke is 24 chapters long and it tells the story of the birth of Jesus. I can't think of anything to get you more in the real Christmas spirit.

As 2018 is coming to its end, I decided to take a look at my favorite moments throughout the year. You've been a good one, 2018!

Sloan born: January 8

Clark holding Sloan for the very first time.

Easter

Officially becoming a soccer mom

The Opening of Live Free Health & Fitness....new friends, new job, new certifications

Attending a Gator football game: September

Blog launched: Oct 29

Sloan's first Halloween

A quick family selfie to close out the year

Join me in the Twelve Resolutions Project!

Alright 2019...here's to the year of The Good Stuff!

Busy Is The New Happy

I like to be busy. I have a full-time desk job, a couple of part-time jobs as a fitness instructor, (at two different gyms) and a mini side hustle of promoting this healthy supplement (shameless plug!). I am a wife and a mom of two youngsters. My other side gig is playing fetch with my fur baby (it takes 44 throws to make him kind of tired). I manage the finances in our household. I meal prep, exercise, get my hair and nails done, and have a group of friends who are more like family. Not to mention, I am active in keeping this blog up and running. Phew!

On a very regular basis, I get asked how I manage to do all of these things. I have some tips, but the main answer is simple:

I make time for the things that are important to me.

Did you get that? One more time? Ok! I make the time. I find it. And, you know what? You can too. I'm breaking down my best advice to a somewhat organized, yet chaotic life; things that work and don't work (at least, for me) and why or why not.

Let me preface by saying, I am farrrrrr from perfect. I miss things. I forget about things. Sometimes, I don't get even halfway through my list of to-dos. The mom brain is sometimes so prominent, I can't believe I didn't accidentally misplace my own head. Like that one time I drove all the way to work with my kiddos being quiet (um, that's a first) before I dropped them off at daycare. Or a time when I was placed on a project at work and then totally blanked on it a day before the deadline. That was fun. And a million other little things that are way more embarrassing.

Here are what I believe are the greatest tools and tips to managing a busy schedule and life!

1. Ok, for a third time, but it's so important: I find the time for the things that are important to me. Family, health/fitness are my biggest "things" that I keep high on the priority list. For example, I'm currently working on my blog post a day late because I needed to be with my family-not out running around taking photos of myself and typing on a computer. I needed that time. And my kids and husband needed that time. It means that sometimes I work out at 5:30 am or 10 pm because those were the only times I could make that priority happen. It's important to me, so I find the time.

2. A calendar. This may seem like a no-brainer, but lately I've chatted with grown adults who do not keep a calendar. I have kept a calendar since about the 5th grade. I've dabbled with the cutesy paper ones, but I have to admit that my calendar on my phone has been the most effective. My calendar is my BFF. How do people function without it? No, really...I want to know.

3. Write it down. A good ole to-do list. I think I made up for not having my cutesy paper calendar by having approximately 4 million notebooks. I write down ALL THE THINGS. I write down everything like "pay the mortgage" down to "put letter in the mailbox". There's something very satisfying about crossing things off of your list. I like to use the cutest notebooks like this one. I'm more likely to use it if it's adorable. Fun fact. I also save them. Why? Because they're adorable!

4. Communicate. This isn't a one-woman show. I need help to do all the things. Every week, my husband and I discuss our week. There's no question of who will be picking up/dropping off kids, shuffling to soccer practice, and who makes the bottles. This is #4, but it should probably be higher on this list. Any week we've tried to "play it by ear" ends up being a battle of but-I-thought-you game. In this game, we're all losers, and I'm a sore loser. #monicagellar

5. Plan ahead. Plan your workouts. Plan your meals. Plan down-time. Plan errands. Plan. Just plain plan. #plan

6. Set goals. Daily. Weekly. Monthly. Yearly. Give yourself a deadline. If it's important to you, you will make a deadline. Don't wish for it. Set goals to get you there. Today, my goal is to get all of the laundry done. My weekly goal is to get to the gym at least four times. My monthly goal is to prepare and plan for the THREE parties I am hosting within the next 4 weeks. And, on a super personal note, my yearly goal is to lose the last bit of baby weight (hence the goal to get to the gym 4 times this week). Having things on your list isn't going to get them done. Setting goals will.

7. Organize. I can't be alone in this, but I am way more productive when my house is in order. Knowing where everything is and having everything in its place where I can easily access it makes for a less stressful day. While the kids are in the tub, I walk around my house for about 20 minutes picking up things, loading the dishwasher, cleaning up a mess, and throwing out old food in the fridge, etc. Every. Day. With five beings in the house, this is necessary. Is my house always in tip-top shape? Haha! Not even close.

8. Say no. Know when you're stretched too thin. Say yes. Know when you could be doing more. This looks different for everyone. I never want to be bored, but I never want to neglect my family. I sleep better when I've been busy, but lose sleep when my to-do list is 10 million miles long and I can't seem to get it all done. There's a happy medium. Find it.

So, yes, especially if you know me personally, I am busy. And, that's just the way I like it. It's the best cure for insomnia because you're mentally and physically exhausted; it keeps you out of trouble; (true believer in the saying "Idle hands are the devil's workshop.") it gets things done; and it's the new happy!

Everything Is Cuter In Mason Jars Rum Cakes

Hi!

If we've been friends longer than a year, then you've probably received one of my Rum Cakes in A Jar. I only make them once a year-around the holidays to keep them extra special. Before you decide to scroll to the recipe, let me explain the tradition and magicalness behind these sweet cakes.

1. They're delicious.

2. They're in a mason jar. #cute. You could place baby formula in a mason jar and still say "Aww! How cute!"

3. Don't worry. You can still drive. Your breath may say otherwise even after one bite, but the alcohol has been baked out of the cakes. It's quite rummy, but without the booze.

4. It's easy.
5. I've been baking these before Pinterest and all of the mason jar crafts and goodies were in existence. I win this time, Pinterest!

Recipe (serves 12)

1 dozen wide-mouthed mason jars

1 box of yellow cake mix (I told you this was easy!)

1 box of instant vanilla pudding (this keeps it moist...sorry to the weirdos who hate this word. Would you rather have dry rum cake?! I didn't think so!)
1/2 water

3/4 cup of rum (I prefer Barcardi Gold...again, trust me on this. I've been doing this for years!)

4 eggs

1 cup of vegetable oil

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Pam (it's a noun) the mason jars.

Place jars on a cookie sheet.

Put it all in bowl and mix with an electric mixer (or whisk until your arm falls off) until it's not lumpy.

Pour the mixture into mason jars about half way full (or empty...but I hope half full).

Bake 'em for about 40 minutes.

Put the lids on the jars while still hot. *Use an oven mitt...don't burn yourself.

When it's cooled down, decorate the jars, as you wish. 

You remember the Friends episode when Monica makes her little bits of heaven candy for her neighbors? This is my version. Be prepared to give this to EVERYONE you know. Plus, save a few for yourself. It's that good.

I feel you, Monica.

Tell your friends that if they'd like another next year, to kindly return their jars. Mason jars don't grow on trees.

Enjoy!

Pamming the jars

Adding eggs

Helper Finn

Big smiles for the best part-RUM!

How about a little taste test?

See you in 40 minutes!

Baked!

Barefoot in the kitchen

Things I Said Before I Was A Parent

     

Photo by Melody Coarsey Photography

Photo by Melody Coarsey Photography

               

Look at these pictures of my perfect children while I'm being the perfect mother?!

Remember in my first post when I stated that I would like to keep this space a no-judgement zone? Well, today I'm breaking that rule and judging myself in my BK (before kids) chapters of life.

BK, I would watch as other parents would care for their children and think about how I would do things differently, or the same, or whatever. Judge or admire. 

We've all seen those moments...

The lady who is bribing her child with popcorn to get up off the floor in the middle of Target.

The dad who handed his child a tablet at the restaurant dinner table.

The mom who is yelling so loudly at her child at Publix, that the entire store hears her.

The parents with those backpack leashes on their kids. 

The child who clings to his mommy because he's afraid of everything.

Spoiler alert! I have done all of the above. If parenting has taught me anything, it's that you will eat crow if you ever judge another parent. This post...this is me eating crow. The whole damn bird. I'm sorry random parents who didn't know I was judging you! 

Let's take a trip down memory lane, shall we? Legit things I've said BK.

1. "I will never put my child in daycare."

Ha! Can we take a moment to laugh our faces off about this one? My thought was that I would be a stay-at-home mom and bake cookies with the children as I taught them their ABCs by the time they were 18 months old. Turns out, I'm not cut out to be a SAHM. Kuddos to those who are; you have the hardest job on the planet and the patience of a saint! So, I reluctantly (at first) placed my kids (and my bank account) into daycare. For my kids, my career, and my sanity, this has been one of the best decisions I've made as a parent. Socially and mentally, my kids are thriving! And they ought to with the amount of $$ I pay (PS, it's more than my monthly mortgage payment. Take that pill and swallow it.)! 

2. "I will make my kids eat their vegetables every night."

Aw, that's cute, little baby Allison. Eat your peanut butter and jelly sandwich and try not to get it all over the place. Sure. Sometimes, I do make my kids eat their vegetables. But, sometimes, I really don't care. #shameless

3. "I will never bribe my kids."

Do you know how family pictures are made? BRIBERY! See this cuteness? I bribed him with chocolate to get him to lie down next to his sleeping newborn sister. Bribery + Chocolate = cute photo.

 Photo by 8.08 Photography

4. "I will never yell at my kids."

I will yell in my house. I will yell with a mouse. I will yell here. I will yell there. I will yell everywhere! Different tactics work for different scenarios. Getting on a toddler's level and telling him it's not ok to slap his sister doesn't work. Yelling at him to never do that again...now, that works. The point got across to him pretty clearly when I got in his face and yelled. Again...#shameless

5. "My kids will never watch a tablet while we're eating."

If we're at a restaurant, and Antsty McPantsy can't keep still and he's spilled everyone's drink, rather than repeatedly asking him to sit and be still, (like wrestling a marlin) I hand over his tablet, chat with my husband, and eat a warm meal prepared by somebody else. Everyone is happy. 

6. "My children will never have temper tantrums in public."

This is probably my personal favorite. If you see a parent who is dealing with their unruly kids, nod in his/her direction as if you're telepathically saying "I'm not judging you. Kids have tantrums." and then go about your own business. I'm the parent who pretends like nothing is happening whenever the bear has been poked. Showing my son ANY type of attention towards a tantrum leads to the bear being even more provoked. So, while I look like I'm not doing anything to tame the beast, I am. Again, just mind your business. 

My new thing I say PK (post kids) is...

"I will never judge another parent."

Every parent has a story. They're likely going through something. BK, it was easy to scoff at the moms and dads who did all of these things. I would get annoyed if I heard kids crying; I'd think "why can't they get their kids under control?"  We parents are doing the best that we can. Sometimes we just want to get in and out of Publix, so we shove the cookies in the kids' mouths. Sometimes, we allow our kids to get away with something because we're just so tired of fighting against them. Ugh. Parenting is hard. "Am I going to make my child a spoiled brat if I give him his fruit snacks before dinner?" "Does he really need another toy even though he was so good in Target?" "Am I spoiling my baby by holding her all of the time?" "Am I rotting his brain by allowing him to watch more than 1-2 hours of television this weekend?" "Am I being a good parent?" "When will they figure out that I have NO IDEA what I am doing?" Ssshhh. Don't you dare tell my kids! 

Things we SHOULD say as parents...

"That mom is struggling. I should offer to help."

"Raise your children to be functional, kind, and respectful citizens."

"Be kind." 

"Be humble."

"Make good decisions."

Whether you're in the BK or PK stage of your life, just remember, crow doesn't taste very good.

Photos by Melody Coarsey Photography