HBD!! Getting Older is a mindset....

I’m sitting here on the morning of my 36th birthday, and I probably should still be sleeping. Its a rainy, dreary morning but I have so many thoughts on my birthday so here I am!

Its funny when you’re a kid and you think there’s this “cut-off” age where you become old. Like..35 or 40 or whatever it is.

But when you actually hit that age, you don’t even actually feel old. lol, I guess in my mind age is just a number, and if you look after yourself you’ll feel, look and even act younger. I can’t really say that it bothers me like it does some people. Obviously I’m aware of it, ((and sometimes I think about it more than others)) but its all part of life!! I think back to 10 years ago and there’s certain things I’d take from my 25 year old body but I love my experience and wisdom so much more! Don’t get me wrong, there are some days where I totally feel my age (especially when pregnant or newly postpartum), or have days when I look in the mirror and don’t love what I see, but I’ve honestly have had people in my gym ask me “what sport I play” (ie. in college…LOL…umm I graduated like 15 years ago) and some that can’t believe I have kids because I don’t look old enough and am so fit…and thats what I remind myself when I have a negative day!

Today, in honor of my 36th birthday I thought I would share 6 ways I really look after myself to not only feel young (read: energy), but look younger as well. In addition I’m sharing 3 of my favorite memories from this past year!

6 non negotiables on looking after yourself & the aging process

1. Sleep. Obviously this is a tough one if you are a mom (or parent). But, once the newborn/first year stage is over with I always make sleep a priority and try to get at least 7 hours a night no matter what is going on. Sometimes its hard to look away when you see laundry, dishes, etc. but that sleep will help repair your body, skin, and brain. Everything else will be there when you get up.

2. Exercise: You all know I love to stay active and workout…and that could vary from a 30 min walk with the kids to a run, or a lift! But moving helps my body look and feel SO MUCH younger. Start with small goals- don’t try and change your whole life. Add more movement 1 or 2 days a week and gradually increase. Everything in life is a habit and after 3 or 4 weeks you’ll find the habit has stuck more often than not. I love these pegasus Nike shoes, these zella live in leggings to run around in all day, my Apple ipods (so great for working out), and my Apple watch. I’ve also had a Fit bit and have enjoyed that as well!

3. Nutrition: I never grew up loving salads, fish, sweet potatoes, or vegetables. I ACQUIRED a taste for them because it is what makes my body feel good, and I want to live a long time! So, if I can do it, so can you! Change is hard, but we can do hard things ladies!!

   Change your mindset about eating and you’ll find you have more energy eating for alllll of the things! Eat vegetables, whole foods, etc. Give it time for you to start to accept it in your palette! And of course add in pizza and treats every now and again…remember that 80-20 rule :)

4. Water: I’m sure you’ve read this a thousand times, but drinking enough water affects your complexion, how you feel, and how your body functions. I can tell you with certainty that 95% of the time I have a headache its due to lack of water because I’ve been busy. I drink a couple glasses of water instead of reaching for medicine to “fix” my headache. Trust me. Drink your water! This is my favorite water bottle- keeps water cool for up to 24 hrs and is super cute. Can’t go wrong with Swell water bottles, great quality and make great gifts as well.

5. Stay out of the Sun: This is one that I probably have to thank my mom. I honestly was shielded as a kid lol- hat, so much sunscreen, stayed in the shade (I used to get sick in the sun!!) Nowadays I see young college students with more forehead wrinkles than me and it makes me so sad. Stay out of the sun and use SPF! I use SPF 30 even in the winter on my face, and wear hats in the summer to shield my face as well as SPF 50.

   There are so many great self tanners out there these days that you can use in your own home! I definitely hit up tanning beds after years of being covered up when I was a kid (I am super fair) which I completely regret but fingers crossed that into my mid-20s through now I have been super sun smart that I’ll be okay. Obviously you want to be sun smart because of cancer risks, but also think of your skin & aging! I’ve linked my favorite SPF’s from La Mer- the SPF 50 and the La Mer SPF 30 (use mostly in winter), as well as my favorite self tanners: Josie Maran & gradual self tanner Banana Boat. I use Josie Maran all the time and the gradual self tanner is really great too- I just started using that as well. Love this Lululemon hat & this Nike hat to keep your face out of the sun!

6. Mindset. I spoke about this briefly already but honestly I don’t “dread” my birthdays. I’m proud of who I am, how I look because I work hard at it, and look after myself so I have a lot of energy and don’t feel too much different than when I was 19. Both of my post baby bodies were fitter and leaner than when I was 19 (and I am determined to get there after my last baby!), and I’m a lot smarter, more experienced and stronger. Everything in life is mindset!

Goodbye 35….3 of my favorite memories this past year

1. Hitting up NYC for my birthday last year and taking a helicopter over the city. That was definitely one for the bucket list, and it was amazing to get away for 30 hours away from the crazy life of parenthood just the two of us!

2. Our family vaca to Hawaii: As stressful as it was traveling that far, it was awesome to have a family trip and catch up with family we haven’t seen from Aus/NZ. Seeing the boys connect with their cousins was amazing and we really had a great time. A trip I definitely won’t forget.

3. Finding out about Baby3: This was obviously a surprise, and initially we had mixed reactions but I think God had his plan for us and we are more than excited to meet this little guy!

Below I have listed some of my favorite products for my skin, staying healthy & active!

Thanks for reading & Hope you all have a great day!! xo

Alex

Max's 3rd Birthday Party...and 6 tips for your first kiddo party

Happy Birthday to my big boy Max who is now three...where has the time gone?! 

I know a lot of people go really overboard with parties and invite tons of people including kids from their child's preschool class but I just can't get my head around that right now. For Max's first birthday I felt so CRAZED and last minute with everything and it was just a family party with 25 people. Last year I felt the same. So this year I vowed to be ORGANIZED. There is nothing worse than being super stressed trying to get ready for a party. I honestly tried to keep it really simple this year by repeating last years theme! I had some leftover supplies from last year ...and With the baby, work, and Max loving the farm theme last year I thought..hey, why not. Let's take the load off! 

                                                       Family photo on the hay ride :)

                                                                      Farm Tour!

 We went to Kelkenberg Farm last year for his second birthday and he loved it. So many activities (all included in the price): Hay ride for everyone, pony rides for the kids, a farm tour where you see all of the animals, and the chance to milk the goats. Its a great, laid back atmosphere and we just grill out, have some cake and hang out! 

                                                              Looking after the ponies!

Like I said, I had some supplies from last year (plates, cups, silverware) and I had little die cut labels that my mom made for different foods that we offered. I used a farm theme to rename foods such as "pigs in a blanket" (hot dogs), "cow dung" (brownies), silverware were "pitchforks" (forks), "butcher knives" (knives), and "shovels" (spoons), "greens" (salad), and "farm fresh fruit" (assorted fruits ie watermelon, etc.), and "pig tail pasta salad" (tuna salad). 

I picked up a majority of my supplies from Birthdayexpress.com online as well as Party city and the dollar store. All in all it was an awesome time! I honestly wish I would have had someone helping me along with Max's first birthday, so here are a few tips I have for anyone embarking on their first "bash" for their child!

1. Pinterest that ish!!!
Start Pinteresting a couple of months before the birthday and get an idea of your theme. There are soo many ideas on there and let your child lead the way! If they're older, you can let them pick or at least help you narrow your ideas down. For 1st birthdays, its a little more fun because mom gets to lead the way because they can't talk yet ;) 

2. ETSY THAT ISH!! 
Ok guys, once you get your ideas down, check out etsy. Order your child's birthday outfit {yes, birthday outfit. its a "thing" now. just do it. } early incase it doesn't fit, you don't like it, it gets lost in the mail...whatever. Order it, and check it off the list. I also found some awesome things on etsy like Invites. Last year I just got the pdf and went and printed them out. I would totally not do that again and save money elsewhere. It was freaking awesome having them delivered to my house and not having to deal with either lugging my kids to kinkos to print them, or spending probably the same amount of money with hiring a babysitter just to get them printed out! Its just one less thing to do. I guess if you have a great printer you could do it at home but clearly that is not me. You can also find random things on etsy to enhance your party- for example I got farm theme water bottle stickers (see below) for really reasonable prices as well on etsy. 

3. Order supplies early: 
Like I said, I used birthdayexpress.com. They were great and the prices were decent with free shipping. They have everything you can imagine. I do a lot of online ordering..with the two kids and working I don't get much time to get out on my own and when I'm with the boys I'd rather spend the time outside at the park.

4. DOLLAR STORE GUYS. 
yes, yes and yes. You can get kids wrapping paper, bags, treat bags (if you're doing the kid thing), bowls,big utensils, etc. ALSO BALLOONS. Ok so funny story...last year I spent the $40 on the helium tank...pumped a bunch of ballons (which took forever when I didn't have the time #thestress #omg) and they ALL BLEW AWAY IN THE WIND. I literally almost died in that moment.

That was my cue to never blow them up myself again. So anyway I found out the dollar store sells balloons and blows them up for you for a dollar. Oh. and you can call ahead and get them done in advance? sign me up. This year I bought 20 balloons, for 20 dollars. 20 dollars LESS than the stupid helium tank and I spent {zero} minutes on them. I also brought a few farm theme balloons with me I hadn't used from last year and they pumped those up for me for....yup, you guessed it. a buck! So, moral of the story is save your time and money and hit up a dollar tree. 

5. get help.

Seriously, get help. Especially if you have a baby. Babies are literally like put on earth to make you unproductive!!!!  Have someone come over the day of the party to watch said baby so you can prep. Have others make a simple side dish so you don't need to deal. Remember, It takes a village, mammas. Let's embrace that. Nobody gets a medal for doing it all on their own!! 

6. Take it all in ...and remember it is worth the work! 
After all..they're only ____ years old once #tear. 

xo

Alex

On the Road

Wow! What a crazy 4 weeks its been. Let's just say that I've been "on the road." 3 soccer tournaments and one trip to NYC with Max in the last 4 weeks. I think I am all travelled out for now. On top of that we celebrated Max's 2nd birthday which was super fun...but really exhausting preparing for. 

At the end of May, Aaran and I decided to bring Max to Manhattan. It was a quick trip but honestly I would totally recommend it to any parent. There is SO much to do in the city, especially in the summer. We hit up central park, the Central Park zoo, and walked around a lot taking in all the sights and sounds. We didn't make it to the Museum of Natural History or any of the other kids museums due to lack of time, but we will definitely make a trip there next time. It was so cool to watch him experience all the different people, sounds, animals, and LIFE in the city. Location is key if you have little ones- being able to walk to destinations is super important as taking the subway can be a pain depending on how many little ones you have (and especially if you don't know where you are going). We did take him on it but having two people vs one kid made it easy, plus I am there so often I know my way around easily. I am sure that the Bronx zoo is a far better zoo than the Central Park zoo, but we were only there for about 36 hours and needed something close so we could work around our tight schedule (and Max's nap!).

 The hardest part for us was being in the same room. M is in bed at about 7:30 pm. We managed to push this back to 8 pm but I think next time we will definitely stay in a one bedroom as we were sitting in the dark at about 8:15 pm. Ha! So much for a romantic evening! haha!  He loved it though and we will be bringing him back for sure! 

Little Max in Central Park (Upper West Side) 

Family Photo woulden't be complete without GA, Max's elephant that goes everywhere with him!

     Some ice cream to cool off in the 90 degree heat by the American Museum of Natural History

                                    Max and his Dad checking out the seal at the Central park zoo

I Kicked off (literally..) memorial day weekend with a soccer tournament in Hershey, PA with temperatures soaring into the 90s. As some of you may know-this is clearly NOT ideal pregnancy weather to function in much less COACH in all day. On my way to the tournament, I had to drop Max over for his first overnight trip with my parents as both my husband and I were coaching. I was nervous but he seemed to do great! He didn't stay at my parents house though-he stayed in their RV at Watkins Glen, a local racetrack where my dad's team was racing. He was in h e a v e n. Max is a huge car lover and soaked up every moment. My team narrowly missed out on the championship game but I honestly think the god's may have been looking out for me. After all the coaching in the heat and driving about 12+ hours for the weekend, my body was a wreck. The following weekend we had State Cup in Cortland, NY (another 3 hours of driving each way!). By the time I got back from the third trip in 2 weeks I was struggling to walk. My alignment or SOMETHING was completely off. More on this in my preggo post coming soon. 

                                                              Max at the races!

Next up was Max's birthday celebrations. We decided to do a farm theme. The party was complete with a hay ride, pony rides, time to milk the goats and pet the animals. All of the kids had a blast.  I'll be doing a completely separate post on his birthday party at the end of the week! 

After another tournament in 90+ degree weather this past weekend, its safe to say I am SO ready for a break from the grind of coaching. Its been a lot with the heat and pregnancy. I know I'll miss my kids when we finish in a week, but I'll be welcoming the extra down time! 

Hope you all have a great week and stay cool in this heat! 

xo

Alex