It’s easy to convince yourself that someone else’s relationship is #couplegoals, but the truth of the matter is that there is no perfect couple or perfect marriage. Nothing is ever as smooth as it looks on social media. Every relationship takes work, especially a lifelong commitment like marriage. While I don’t believe any relationship is perfect, I do believe that there are five essential ingredients to sustain a relationship through the ups and downs. Below are the five ingredients — in no particular order, that I feel creates a lasting relationship.
About
I am in the process of positive chance ♡
A space for all women (guys welcome, too) on a journey to encounter each day mindfully, with balance, moderation and love.
It’s about being healthy in mind, body & spirit. Staying true to yourself. Knowing that all is possible through faith in God. In short: It’s being the best version of yourself that you can be.
Here I share everything from beauty, fashion, food, travel and my life as a millennial mom of three. What’s most fun about this blogging journey is to share my stories with other women who are just like me; moms, wives, boss babes and go-getter fashionistas who love to take care of their families and homes while working hard for what they love.
Thank you for your support and love. It means the world to me.
Xo,
Marcia
5 Ways to Show Gratitude and Practice Kindness Every Day
Gratitude is something we should practice every day; it’s good for the soul. whether it’s by jotting down what you’re grateful for in a journal, meditating on it, or just living it every single day. 1. Write in an abundance journal. Purchase a small notebook and keep in your purse or on your bedside table. Take a few minutes each day to jot down one or two positive experiences, or, alternatively, write down what you’re grateful for at the end of each week. If you don’t write down these small moments of happiness, they will be easily forgotten. When you keep a journal, you can look back and remember how much you have to be thankful for during the times when life doesn't seem to be going your way. 2. Express your gratitude in person. When a family, friend, neighbor or co-worker goes above and beyond, be sure to verbalize your appreciation. Make time to those that are important to you. 3. Show respect for those around you. Treat others with the same level of courtesy you expect to receive: smile, show kindness, exhibit patience and listen. 4. Don't complain. When something terrible happens, it's natural to want to complain about it. Every time you complain, you reinforce a negative state of mind without offering a solution to the problem at hand. Instead, next time you feel frustrated, take a few deep breaths and try focusing on something positive. 5. Volunteer in your community. Be there for friend in need. An act of kindness does more good for you than those you’re serving. Xo, Marcia
Mother of 3. No matter where life takes me I am mindful that .. “I am in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing.” Embracing my blessings.
And so it’s just a matter of really having the courage to create the life that is specific to you and no one else. And to have a family that loves each other and supports each other, that’s my greatest accomplishment. Xo, Marcia
Never stop dating your husband
Speak without offending, Listen without defending .. Marriage foundation: Faith in God, Family & Always working on our marriage. Come together when it's important. The formula: Admiration, Communication, & Love Xo, Marcia
“The magic isn’t in getting married, it’s in staying married.” 3.12.01
Marriage isn’t always a super fun party. Although we can sure turn up! Lol Just like anything meaningful in life, it requires preparation, hard work, and communication. One of the most beautiful things I’ve ever experienced is the growth that comes out of the “crappy” part of marriage. The miscommunication, the struggles, the insecurities, the arguments and, at times, even the doubt. This has been the most amazing, challenging and beautiful years of my entire life. Xo, Marcia
My Love For Holiday Traditions
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!!
What holiday traditions does your family have or what new traditions should you start?
There’s so much about this time of the year I genuinely enjoy… the music, the food, the gathering - and most of all, the traditions.
Tradition #1
Christmas time always takes me back to my best childhood memories. Decorating the tree with my boys has always been one of my favorite Christmas traditions. The joy on my little ones’ faces when we see all our favorite ornaments means everything to me.
Tradition #2
Our Christmas tree is definitely more traditional than mine was when I was a little girl. And I never wore matching pajamas. You will only regret the pictures you didn’t take. We love creating our holiday card every year to share with our family & friends.
www.shutterfly.com
Tradition #3
The Elf on the Shelf a Christmas Tradition. We began this tradition on December 1st, 2014. Santa has blessed us with the most magical Elf. Star, comes every year to make sure we stay off the naughty list.
And remember the primary purpose of tradition is to strengthen family bonds. So this year instead of only putting your energy into buying gifts, make it a point to create lasting memories. Have your family participate in an old tradition, re-invent a childhood activity that brings fond memories or create something entirely new for you and yours, and vow to do it every year to come!
Happy holidays!
Xo,
Marcia
https://www.elfontheshelf.com
My top picks
3 Face Masks to Prepare Your Skin for a New Season
As the weather affects your skin’s needs, your skincare routine should change with the seasons, which, of course, includes face masks. Here are my top 3 face masks for when your skin needs a boost. Plus, a few simple tricks for getting the most out of each one.
Recommendation #1
APTO Skincare Celery Juice Mask
You’ve probably heard of the celery juice trend, but have you heard of its topical benefits? Filled with vitamin K, it can help improve circulation, which is just what your skin needs when it’s time for a refresh.
https://www.aptoskincare.com/products/celery-juice-mask
Recommendation #2
Josh Rosebrook Cacao Antioxidant Face Mask
Though it’s on the pricier side, this is a great, clean mask. It’s especially great to use during times of intense skin congestion, like when you’re PMSing or when your skin is panicking because of a major weather change. Bonus: The antioxidants in this mask help overall clarify skin.
https://credobeauty.com
Recommendation #3
ROSEN Skincare Earth Mask
Eucalyptus has a wide variety of benefits for the skin, including antibacterial principals that can assist in treating acne. Plus, it smells really good, too. This mask, which has eucalyptus alongside clay and fruit extract, goes on nice and thick and takes less than fifteen minutes to work its magic.
https://www.rosenskin.com
Self love 101
Loving yourself completely, will change everything.
It's time to be the best version of YOU, and to do that you have to absolutely, whole heartedly love and believe in yourself like crazy. It's not vain to do so, it's actually humble. Show thanks to God, The Universe, (whoever you believe in), that you're so thankful that they made you, YOU.
Choose Yourself
Inspired by a book I bought for $0.99 earlier this summer, I decided it was time to start loving myself MORE.
And not just in the superficial sense of self-love, like exercising regularly and watching less TV. It was time to really, fully and wholly love myself–top to bottom, inside and out.
To love myself to the point of waking up every morning with a heart overflowing with gratitude for all I was blessed with in life. To love myself unconditionally– flaws, attitude and all.
First Comes A Choice
Every day, we are choosing. We may not choose our circumstances, but we choose how we react. In fact, the only thing truly within our control is ourselves and our choices. It’s all we have. So even when other people hurt us, when our pain is the direct result of someone else’s choices, the choice is still ours whether we let that pain suffocate us, or if we let it go. Move on. Forgive. For far too long, I felt the pain and emotional bruising from distant moments I should have long-since forgiven as sharply as if they had just happened yesterday. We all love to take responsibility for success and happiness…But taking responsibility for our problems is far more important, because that’s where real learning comes from. That’s where real-life improvement comes from. To simply blame others is only to hurt yourself. -Mark Manson, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
https://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-subtle-art-of-not-giving-a-f-ck-mark-manson/1123517507
Then Came Growth
As time wore on, personal development became my addiction. Much like the early lessons, the new lessons I was learning didn’t always register right away. I had to chew on them for awhile. But all the while, I could feel myself changing. I could feel myself growing more aware of who I was, how I acted, even what my heart wanted (some might call that “intuition”)–and that awareness allowed me to make better choices. This summer, I bought that little $0.99 book. That book was called Choose Yourself, and it was written by a man named James Altucher.
Learning to Love Myself
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” -Gandhi
Xo,
Marcia
https://www.amazon.com/Choose-Yourself-James-Altucher-ebook/dp/B00CO8D3G4
My birthday weekend getaway to Niagara Falls, Ontario.
For the last three years I wanted to visit the falls but life always got in the way. This year although Joshua couldn’t join us because he just started college, my birthday was coming up and the timing was perfect. Now that Joshua is a way I thought what better way then to spend some quality time with our two boys. Visiting Niagara Falls with kids is a pretty classic family vacation destination and we wanted to check it off our bucket list. There is so much to see around the falls that everyone will enjoy.
Niagara Falls actually consist of three falls at the end of the Niagara River: The Horseshoe Falls, Bridal View Falls and American Falls. Each of these falls has unique beauty. Your going to want to see them all.
Take a Boat Ride into the Spray of the Falls
Be sure to do the wet boat ride right into the foot of the falls. You either take The Maid of the Mists from New York or The Hornblower from Canada. You could also take an adventurous ride on the Whirlpool Jet Boat Experience.
Niagara Falls Canada Side
We had always heard “you have to stay on the Canadian side” when you go to Niagara Falls. Yes, it has a lot more entertainment, especially if your visiting with kids. What I enjoyed most from the Canada side was the view. The view was breathtaking during the day and absolutely magical at night. From the American side you are kind of straining your neck to see the Horseshoe Falls and you are essentially right at the top of the American Falls.
We stayed right on Clinton Hill area of Niagara Falls — think Vegas meets Times Square meets NJ Boardwalk. This area is full of theme restaurants, arcades, waterparks, and other entertainment such as Ripley’s Believe it or Not. Needless to say kids had a blast. Lucas really enjoyed the dinosaur golf course and Zach and I couldn’t get enough of the Sweet Jesus ice-cream. Yummy!! Oh and we definitely had to visit the brewing company for the hubby. There was something for everyone and more.
https://www.niagarafallstourism.com
“Life is a daring adventure or nothing at all”.
I figured no better place to zip line than across the amazing Niagara Falls. Last year in my 30’s and the best one yet. Living every day with intention. Thanking God for all my many blessing. You honestly won’t be able to beat the views from atop the zipline. Can you imagine flying past the famous Maid of the Mist? It was absolutely incredible. I totally recommend.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/vqgf9x44gdr5hqn/AAC3Dks7ocPYIdSoG2JdXHqqa?dl=0&preview=FeatureVideo-2019-09-21-1032-A.mp4
Niagara Falls American Side
On our way home we wanted to visit the American side of the falls. The city on this side is smaller than on the Canadian side. There is a wonderful park nestled right up against the falls. On this side you won’t get the full view of the falls, but will get to see the falls from the top and you can even travel down to the bottom of them!
Niagara Falls State Park
This state park is situated along the top of the waterfalls. From this perspective you can look over the edge of the falls. I love the mist feeling all over the air. This view is beautiful and feels really good.
On the American side we also visited the aquarium of Niagara falls. Visiting the aquarium is always a must when traveling with the kids. Both Lucas and Zach love seeing and learning about animals. The seal show was a lot of fun.
Sometimes it is hard to make my whole family happy on a trip, but all four of us adored every second of Niagara Falls! We were really able to experience and appreciate the beauty and power of this, not-to-be-missed water fall!
Xo,
Marcia
https://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/
3 Significant Ways To Start The New Year.
It might be hard to believe, but 2020 is just a few weeks away, which means the opportunity to start the New Year fresh is probably on your mind. Common New Year’s resolutions I usually hear are diets, hitting the gym, and spending less & saving more. While all great adjustments to make, let’s be honest how long have you ever kept one of these resolutions going?
Instead of making a resolution that’s way too easy to break, leaving you disappointed and feeling the guilt of failure why not start the new year fresh by committing to change three things in your life.
Here are three significant ways you can give 2020 a fresh start.
Clean out your closet.
You might be hoarding unnecessary negativity in your closet, and it’s the perfect time to let all of that go. Pull out every single piece of clothing you own and take a real look at how it makes you feel. You want to be sure that every option of clothing you own brings positive vibes only.
Saving your favorite jeans from five years ago? The ones that are way too small right now but would fit if you could just lose those extra ten pounds? Keep it real with yourself here! Women’s bodies change. Sometimes, it doesn’t have anything to do with weight, our actual body shape changes as we age. So ten pounds or not, those jeans from five years ago are probably never going to fit the same way again. Every time you try them on you’ll find yourself disappointed. Who needs that? Stop punishing yourself! Get rid of them!
Last but certainly not least, one woman’s trash is another woman’s treasure. Sell your good stuff to local second-hand shops or online sites like https://poshmark.com and make a few extra bucks. Then take everything else and donate it. Giving back is always a great way to bring more positivity to your life.
Designate “me-time.”
I can’t stress enough how important it is to schedule in some alone time. Just like everything else in your life, the only way you’re going to achieve some regular time for self is to schedule it in. Although we’re getting better, as women we tend to put everyone else’s needs before our own. The problem with leaving yourself for last on the to-do list is that the likelihood of getting it done diminishes.
Self-care looks different for everyone. For some of us, that might mean pampering ourselves with long hot showers, a body scrub, ect For some, it might mean an hour of yoga, your weekly manicure, a boozy brunch (my favorite 🍷). There is no wrong way to spend your me-time, this is about whatever you need to make you feel better mentally, emotionally and physically. Start the new year by dedicating some time for yourself.
Let go of toxic relationships.
There’s much more work that needs to be done to maintain relationship when you’re an adult. Adult relationships take effort, time and energy. Both parties need to be committed to bringing all three to the table regularly. The new year is the perfect time to re-evaluate your relationships. Although it can be tough, it’s absolutely okay and healthy to let go of toxic people in your life.
If you have people in your life that are competitive, love to keep score, play tit for tat and are not sympathetic to your feelings, needs or woes are people you need to bid au revoir. Any “friend” who does not celebrate your success or cheerlead your cause is self-absorbed, send them on their way.
Beware of any “friend” who purposely makes others feel lesser than and gossips about other people then runs to hug, kiss and smile in their face, that’s what you call a fake. It’s only a matter of time before they start behaving that exact way behind your back too. Sometimes it’s hard to identify a toxic friendship. Removing yourself from relationships that aren’t one hundred percent full of love and support not only cleans up the energy around you but also gives you more time to invest in more meaningful relationships.
Not exactly resolutions but these three acts will without a doubt start your 2020 off to a fresh start.
Happiest New Year to all!
Xo,
Marcia
Thankful
For everything I have, for everything I don’t, for everything the universe has taken from me & for everything to come.
As we end 2019, I wanted to share some end of year thoughts that have been on my mind and hope they can inspire you to live your best (and more peaceful) life in 2020. It's just a few thoughts that I've been reflecting on. The older I get the more I realize life is about one simple thing: being HAPPY. We are all searching for happiness, one way or another.
Thought #1
No matter what you do, make sure it brings you happiness. Whether that's spending time with my kids, family or friends. I want to spend time with those who bring me love and light, nothing else. I am focused on doing things that make me happy, even if that means staying home and other times going out and having a good time.
Thought #2
Whoever you are spending your time with, make sure that they are GENUINELY wishing you well from the bottom of their heart. Don't waste time with anyone that makes you feel sad, angry or annoyed. Spend your time with those who celebrate your wins & genuinely love you.
Thought #3
Be a good human, don't play people and don't cheat yourself. Create good things, the reward will come. Don't do anything that doesn't sit well with your soul or spirit.
Thought #4
Prayer works wonders. I am so proud of where my relationship with God has taken me this year. 2019 has been such a beautiful year spiritually for me. God speaks to me daily in so many amazing ways but how did I get here? By feeling genuinely, truly GRATEFUL. I've asked for answers and for guidance and my God has always delivered. If you are going through a tough time or a confusing time, please don't ever doubt that God has got your back, no matter how blurry things look right now.
Thought #5
Through the good and the bad ... when I lay my head to sleep, I want to feel peaceful and I want my soul to be at ease. That was my goal these last couple of months; Affirmations make me feel good, prayer makes me feel good, meditation, exercises make me feel good, so I do all the things that make me feel good.
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For 2020, I hope (and pray) I can continue these thoughts and feelings because I've never felt better than the past couple of months. I am filled with happiness and gratitude. I am ready for what’s to come for 2020.
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Wishing you all an amazing end of 2019 and a even better New Year. The world needs more love and kindness spread that shit like confetti! 🎊
Xo,
Marcia
Zachary will be 5 years old in less than a weeks. What better way to start the celebration then with a big boy haircut ✂️
Zach, I am so proud of you kiddo ❤️ Although he himself loved his long hair he was getting tired of being mistaken for a girl. He would proudly say, ‘I’m am a boy and I’m growing it out to donate’. Cutting his hair gave him so much confidence, and we hope it can bring the same confidence to another child. Zach can’t wait to show his new haircuts to his teachers and friends at school. #WingsForKids #CurlyGoldenLocks #12inches #FirstHairCut #NewYearNewMe 🎊
Wigs For Kids
Their Mission: Helping Children Look Themselves & Live Their Lives.
For over 30 years, Wigs for Kids has been providing Hair Replacement Systems and support for children who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, Alopecia, Trichotillomania, burns and other medical issues at no cost to children or their families.The effects of hair loss go deeper than just a change in a child’s outward appearance. Hair loss can erode a child’s self-confidence and limit them from experiencing life the way children should. With an injured self-image, a child’s attitude toward treatment and their physical response to it can be negatively affected also. Wigs for Kids helps children suffering from hair loss look themselves and live their lives.
Wondering how to donate your hair? And to read Zachary’s full hair donation story. Check out the link below to learn more.
https://www.wigsforkids.org ›
One day we were watching TV and a commercial played that displayed kids with cancer. Curious about their hair loss, he began asking me a lot of questions. After our conversation, he knew he wanted to help and even began telling his teacher and classmates he planned to donate his hair to kids who needed it.
I began researching hair donation options online, hoping to find the best organization. When I came across Wigs For Kids, I was so appreciative of all of the generous work I read about, and I felt it was a perfect fit for us. To celebrate his 5th birthday, we made the decision to cut and donate Zach’s hair.
As a mother, of course it is heartbreaking to hear about children being sick. I can’t even begin to imagine what that must feel like. I want to teach all of my children to care for and help others, which is why we decided together to donate to Wigs For Kids. We were grateful for the opportunity to help and it brings us joy to give joy to others!
From man bun to crown rolls Zach really enjoyed rocking his long curly golden locks. He especially loved all the compliments he got throughout the years.
Here are so sweet memories:
Some of the smallest people have the biggest heart ❤️
While donating hair may not seem like an act of heroism, to the children receiving a wig, it is a small action with life changing outcome. With his long curly golden locks down to his back and a smile on his face, Zach took on the role of what most would consider a superhero. Zachary is very happy knowing that one act of kindness can help another child feel good about themself.
Zach I love that you know exactly what you want and who you are. Thank you for being my kind little boy.
Xo,
Mom
https://www.wigsforkids.org/blog/mother-shares-her-story/ ›Disney, is truly magical!
I’m no expert at Disney vacations but I wanted to share some things that worked for us. Our first family vacation of the year and we were so excited that it was to Disney World in celebration of Zachary’s 5th birthday. I started planning a few months ago and I am happy and grateful that we was able to make this a reality this year for our kids. It truly was a memorable one.
Just wanted to share what worked for us as a family of 5 and with two younger kids. As you know Lucas just turned 11 and Zachary just turned 5 years old so we wanted to make sure everyone was happy. Zach had been obsessed with Mickey Mouse and the gang for a couple of years now. So when the hubby and I were discussing how we should celebrate we knew a surprise trip to Disney World would be the most fun especially that Lucas had never been. We managed to keep it a secret till the morning off. I woke up the boys and gave them the choice of either going to school or to Disney lol .. on our way to the airport we go.
Fun and being stress-free was on top of the list for me. Of course I wanted a fun vacation but if I am being truly honest, it was overwhelming to think of how much we wanted to do. Disney is BIG ... the possibilities and the magic are truly endless, so with that said, so is planning a schedule with small children. Here are my tips and advice for making your Disney vacation truly a memorable one.
Booking your flight. Book early let the kids sleep on the plane. This way you have the whole day ahead of you. The kids were great and the flight felt super short. We got into Orlando at around noon. By the time we got our luggage and our car rental, we made it into the house right in time for lunch. It was perfect.
Renting carseats is important when you are traveling with a toddler. Safety is always our number one priority. So in order to make my life easier, we rented Zachary's car seat, I literally googled "car seat rentals in Orlando" and voila. We paid $35 for the car seat for 5 days. Totally worth the money and one less thing I had to check in at the airport. Remember to think smart and reduce your luggage and equipment as much as you can.
Pack less. If you ladies are anything like me you can only imagine I packed and then repacked, lol. I like to make outfits for each day and then roll them up together so they are ready when we get there. So with kids, it's always nice to bring extras but I was bringing way too many extras initially. So I went back and lined up day by day outfits and reduced my amount of clothes and shoes we were bringing. I packed one medium size luggage for Lucas and Zach to share. One big luggage for myself, the hubby and our teenager. Oh yeah, that makes 5, my 18 year old son Joshua. It worked like a charm. Remember, the less things you have the better and you can always buy whatever you forgot over there... Hello, Target! Any excuse to go to Target, no matter where I am. And of course both Target and Walmart have all the Disney gear you will need so don’t over spend by buying your tees and Mickey ears at the park.
We arrived on Wednesday. We stayed at a beautiful 3 bedroom house with a outdoor and indoor heated pool. It was our home away from home and it was perfect. We headed to Target to get groceries (mostly breakfast items) and snacks for us to have since the house had a fully equipped kitchen. Of course we wanted to make sure kids had all they needed while in the house. We especially wanted to pick up some juice boxes and snacks to take with us to the park. Yes, Disney allows coolers. So if your kids are anything like mines bring in some extra snacks so you won’t break the bank buying so much stuff.
Consider your children's age. We have small kids, they have short attention spans and I only have so much patience. From the beginning we knew we wanted to do Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. We also knew we didn't want to do back to back park.
A trip to Disney World would not be complete without a stroller. Disney is notorious for its long lines, and nothing could dampen a good time more than toting around a cranky toddler impatiently waiting to meet Mickey. Needless to say everyone sat on the stroller. Lol
Download the Disney Park app. Best thing i did. Truly kept everything in one place. You can see wait times for rides, you can schedule your Fast Pass options and even have your pictures all in one place. You can even locate all your favorite characters. I love it, it's free and I totally recommend it. Zach really enjoyed chasing around all his favorite character and asking them to sign his autograph book. He got a lot of cool autographs.
FastPass saved our life! You can schedule the shows and rides you want to attend right from your phone through the Disney Parks app. Having my schedule on there made my life so much easier and it was a relieve that I had reserved the shows and attractions we really wanted to do. Not only that, but the point of the FastPass is to get you ahead of the line. So it was perfect for a family with small kids. Heck, it's perfect for everyone, truly. Josh and I felt pretty good about ourselves walking pass the people who didn’t have FastPass. Lol
Bright and early on Thursday we headed to Animal Kingdom. Animal kingdom was the most fun. We started the day by meeting a couple of Zachary’s favorite character. We enjoyed three fun scheduled activities (thanks to our FastPass) this included the Kilimanjaro Safari, the Dinosaur rollercoaster ride, and the Na’vi river journey boat ride. The reason we wanted to visit Aninal kingdom was because the boys, mostly Lucas are obsessed with all kinds of animals. So for Lucas that was a must and I was happy to oblige. The kid is obsessed with dinosaur. The dinosaur rollercoaster ride was the most memorable experience. It was just the perfect amount of scary and amazing we needed to begin our day. By the end of the day we were exhausted but we had a blast. Lucas was so happy and we have so many memories.
Tgif we definitely needed a day to recover after so much walking. My dearest friend who is from Miami came to meet us and spend some time with us. We had the sweetest time catching up during the day while enjoying the 80 degree weather. We ended the night at City Walk doing tourist things. Lol Drinks were amazing!!
Woohoo it’s Saturday and it’s Zachary’s 5th birthday. We got to Magic Kingdom at around 11am and stayed till the park closed. We really wanted to be sure to catch the amazing fireworks at Magic Kingdom, and they were totally worth it. I really recommend that if you can stay till the end, do so. You won't regret it. Again (thanks to FastPass) we enjoyed three schedule activities aside from extra ones we did along the way. The Mickey’s PhilharMagic was super cute. Definitely a must see. Joshua really enjoyed the 3D affects. The Haunted Mansion was just the right amount of creepy. The Big Thunder Mountain Railroad was very exciting. I was very impressed by how fearless Lucas and Zach were. It was the most magical birthday ever. We were really happy with our vacation it truly was the perfect amount of parks and fun, as well as memories.
I truly hope this blog helps you at least a little with your Disney vacation. Again, I am no expert, this is just what worked for me and I wanted to share it with you in hopes it can relieve some of your stress when planning your next Disney vacation.
Xo,
Marcia
Valentine’s Day Ideas for All Stages
Valentine’s Day can be stressful. Regardless of how long you have been together, from young love to a married couple picking the perfect date for February 14th is not easy. This Valentine’s day gift guide below will help you plan a date and pick a gift based on the stage of your relationship.
Valentine’s Date ideas:
You just met recently or just decided to take your friendship to the next level. Make Valentine’s Day fun rather than trying too hard to be romantic.
1. Have dessert and drinks. Avoid the serious dinner date all together and go straight for the sweet stuff.
2. Hit a roller skating rink. You will have to hold hands not to fall lol and you are sure to have some good laughs as you skate around.
3. Bundle up and look at the stars. Pack a blanket, some snacks and a bottle of wine for a low-key date that has plenty of romance.
4. Go to a hockey game. Nothing says romance like being caught by the kiss-cam on a big screen. I picked hockey for two reason, one it’s not baseball season lol and two my sons girlfriend is a hockey fan ;-)
5. Go chocolate tasting. If your date has a sweet tooth, they will love you for thinking of this!
6. Try a wine and painting class. You can compare paintings and will have a sweet time.
Valentine’s Day gift ideas:
1. A simple bouquet of flowers
2. A stuffed animal
3. Tickets to see their favorite band
4. A box of chocolate or chocolate covered strawberries (my favorite)
5. A bottle of champagne
https://m.ediblearrangements.com
Date ideas:
Your officially an item and this may not be your first Valentine’s Day together. You feel really comfortable with each other. Feel free to get a little more romantic while also having a good laugh.
1. The classic dinner date at your favorite fancy restaurant. Celebrate old school, just remember to make reservations in advance!
2. Try salsa dancing lessons. Even if you have two left feet this is sure to be a good time, plus you get to hold each other close.
3. Go go-karting. Get your adrenaline pumping and laugh at each other when you spin into the wall.
4. Pack a picnic and enjoy the night skies. If you live in a cold climate, picnic inside and get the fireplace cranking.
5. Sing at karaoke bar. Laugh like no one is watching. It’s nice to let go and show your silly side.
6. See a comedy show. Nothing says a good laugh like a comedy show.
Valentine’s Day gift ideas:
1. A bouquet of roses
2. A nice robe
3. A gift set from her favorite cosmetics line
4. A custom name necklace
5. A nice watch
https://www.proflowers.com/roses-ros?
Date ideas:
You two have history. Maybe you’ve been married for many years like the hubby and I. Recreate your first Valentine’s Day together and reminisce on all the romantic dates in between.
1. Have a three course date. Eat appetizers, entrees and dessert each at a place where a milestone in your relationship took place like your first date.
2. Recreate your first Valentine’s Day date. See how different the celebration feels after years spent together.
3. Go to a boozy brunch. Whoever said day-dates are overrated never went to a boozy brunch.
4. Take a spa day together. After all the time spent together, you should celebrate with some blissful relaxation.
5. Attend a cooking class. Learning how to make a meal together is fun and you have a meal to make for the next time.
6. Find a swing-dancing club. Check out the live music scene in your area and let loose. Remind yourself of how silly and fun you can be.
Valentine’s Day gift ideas:
1. A rose for every year you have been together
2. A nice leather wallet
3. A luxurious bag
4. A weekend getaway
5. Personalized Valentine’s Day gifts for husband and wife
These date ideas can be used year round so feel free to shower your sweetheart in affection any day of the year!
Xo,
Marcia
https://www.personalcreations.com/personalized-valentines-gifts-wife-psevwif?
My son Joshua has been playing baseball for 14 years now. My son Lucas has been playing sports (baseball & soccer) for about 5 years. Zachary started soccer last year and has a long way to go.
Confessions of a Baseball Mom
I grew up in a family of mostly girls, three of us to be exact and just one boy. (my poor dad)!
All I knew my whole life was dance practice, fashion shows, and lots and lots of makeup and hair gel. I thought I would be a mom to a handful of cute little girls. Little did I know.
Fast forward to age 21 – I became a BOY mom and that future I had imagined for myself suddenly looked nothing like the pink, sparkly one I had envisioned. Fast forward again–I am now the PROUD mom of 3 BOYS and as you can imagine, everything I ever thought would be is completely different – in the best way possible, of course. Trash talk, stinky socks, legos, hot wheels, and sports. And ... BASEBALL.
I give baseball a category of its own, because baseball season is a thing. It’s a much larger THING than I ever knew or would imagine!
The LIST. team uniform, cleats, helmet, knee socks (with the matching belt of course!), pants, a bat (did you know these come in different sizes?) a bag to hold all of the shit i just mentioned, and don’t forget snacks!
LAUNDRY. Hellooooo laundry. You thought doing laundry for three dirty boys and two adults was fun? Let’s throw in some more clothing that’s stained with dirt that certainly doesn’t come off easily, and requires you to wash it at least twice a week. I had to be on top of my stain-fighting game. And I wasn’t!! OMG and let’s not forget the sand. The sand all over the house and car.
Bye-bye free time. That moment you push REGISTER on your computer you can pretty much say goodbye to your Saturday for the next 3 months. Your evenings now consist of driving to practice a couple times a week, and (confession) my coffee cup wasn’t always filled with coffee, if you know what I mean ;-)
Having said all that – I couldn’t help but be giddy on the inside when my kid hits a home run. When I overhear other parents whisper to each other, “who’s kid is that?”, because of some great play he just did. When my son looks at his dad for his approval after hitting a fly ball. And suddenly in the moment I am reaching for my phone trying to take pictures and record videos all while yelling so loud – and I’m suddenly THAT MOM.
I quickly forget that I was ever a mom that imagined little girls dress in pink dancing on stage, hairspray, glitter and hair bows. This baseball game is good. It brings families together. It forces us to spend HOURS in the car together and BE together. It builds confidence, it brings joy. It’s what I was meant to do with my boys. PLAY BALL!!!!!
This blog is dedicated to my 3 BOYS, especially my oldest son, Joshua, who is starting his first baseball season at the college level this Spring 2020! Let’s go!!
“Throw your heart over the fence and your ball will go with it”. - unknown
Xo,
Marcia
BOY Mom
Yup. I am that baseball mom.
And I have some confessions.
I only know the score if it is really good ... or really bad.
Because who can really keep up.
I have no idea what inning it is.
If it is starting to get dark out, I can guess that it is “close to the end.” But I am usually wrong.
I have trouble telling the kids on the field apart.
I have a chair positioned 100 feet away from a bunch of kids who are roughly the same size, sporting matching uniforms and wearing hats on their heads.
Am I clapping for your kid? Am I clapping because I think it might be my kid? You’ll never know. Thank goodness they have numbers on their backs. Now, if only I could keep the numbers straight.
I live in fear of a pop fly ball coming in my direction.
Mainly because it could knock over my coffee ;-) Or hit one of my other kids running around while their brother plays. And if that happens that means it’s off to the emergency room and God-forbid we don’t get a drink after this long ass day.
I probably don’t know your kid’s name.
Heck, I probably don’t know your name either. I am great at remembering faces, but names? If you said it when we introduced ourselves, I probably forgot it by the time our handshake was done. It is something I have struggled with my entire life. If I haven’t referred to you by name since the start of the season, there is a 99% chance it’s because you are forever embedded in my brain as “number 7’s mom.” I will remember by the time they are drafted to the Yankees. I promise.
Maybe.
Lol
I’m grateful for the other baseball parents.
No matter how hard I try, I am bound to this game here and there. Not so much to the parents. I can tell they really don’t like me. And that’s okay. Lol But I know I can always count on another teammates parent to drive my kids to the right field and cheer them on. Or to cheer on a kid who resembles them. It’s really the thought that counts.
If you drive my kid, I remember your name. I promise.
I really do enjoy baseball.
The games may be long, I may be covered in mosquito bites, and my kids’ antics may make me cringe from time to time, but there is no place I’d rather be. Which is a good thing, because during baseball season, there is no other place I’ll be.
Xo,
Marcia
(Baseball Mom)
5 Ingredients to a Lasting Relationship.
01
Trust
Trust is not simply about fidelity. It’s about creating a space of safety and vulnerability for each other. The only way for love to grow in a relationship is if the foundation is built on trust. Do you trust going after your dreams with your partner? Do you trust sharing your insecurities? Your hurt? Your honest feelings and messy emotions? Do you trust that your partner will always tell you the truth even when you don’t want to hear it? You should know your partner will have your back no matter what. That’s trust!!
02
Respect
Having respect for one another is extremely important for a long-lasting relationship. Do your dreams hold weight in the other person’s eyes? Do you appreciate each other’s unique strengths, abilities and flaws? When you critique each other, is it coming from a place of love? Do you respect each other’s boundaries? Do you admire each other? Do you feel that your partner honors you? Respecting each other is about valuing each other’s opinions. Maintaining respect for each other in a relationship can be harder than maintaining love, but it is an essential ingredient for a strong relationship.
03
Communication
In this day of social media and technology, communication is a skill that cannot be taken for granted. Do you truly listen to each other? When things are not always going well are you giving each other the respect to communicate? Are you interrupting each other? Are you engaging in effective dialogue? Do you understand each other’s communication methods? Are you talking with each other or at each other?
04
Fun
Being able to create a good time is part of what keeps the magic going. You should have that one thing that you both enjoy doing together. Can you have fun doing nothing? Do you guys have inside jokes? Something only the two of you get? Do you laugh at the same jokes? Enjoying those carefree, spontaneous moments deepens your bond and lightens the load when life gets heavy.
05
Chemistry
Although physical chemistry is often taken for granted, it’s so much more than sex. Are you compatible in your desires? Is there electricity? Intimacy is the power behind a simple touch or even a hug.
If you recognize that any of these categories is lacking in your relationship or if you’re going through a rough patch, why not share these five ingredients with your partner and make a conscious, loving effort to show those areas a little extra love.
Happy 19th Anniversary babes!
Xo,
Marcia
Nama-stay chill.
Have you heard about the benefits of meditation? It’s 100% true—studies show that meditation can decrease stress, increase focus, and even provide relief for those who suffer from chronic pain and illness. Meditation may decrease high blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and even improve the immune system. Experts have also found research showing that meditation can help boost brain activity and support mental agility, especially to those with decelerating memory loss. But the fact remains that meditation isn’t easy, especially for those of us who struggle to turn off the mental chatter and the buzz of thoughts of work, bills, family, and all the other stresses of modern day life. That buzzing is exactly why we need meditation now more than ever. With our busy lives and the often welcome (yet unfulfilling) distractions technology provides, it’s important to make time to simply sit with your thoughts. Taking time to meditate especially during these difficult times of the Covid-19 is very important to me and how I’ve been able to keep my mental health under control.
When I first began, I started out doing what one would think of as traditional meditation. Sitting legs crossed, hands in a mudra, and trying to quiet my mind by focusing on my breath.
It wasn’t that it was horrible. It was just that I couldn’t wait for the timer to go off, so I was never consistent with the practice. But my practice transformed when I found what I did enjoy: writing! Three years ago I began a gratitude journal as a form of concentration that quiets my mind, and thanks to an article I read about smiling (Did you know your mind can’t tell the difference between a fake smile and a real one?), I created a practice. I set several alarms a day to smile, breathe and just thank God for one minute until the alarm goes off. Funny enough, after doing these practices that I actually enjoy, I now can say I practice meditation. I don’t wait for the timer. In fact, I look forward to seeing just how much I can completely relax each time!
01
Should You Start Meditating? How and Why?
Even if you haven’t practiced it subconsciously, you have probably at some point in your life or another practiced meditation in some form. Simply keeping your eyes closed right as you wake up in the morning before (checking your cell phone) can easily be considered meditating. Meditation can look different depending on people’s preferences and lifestyles, but there are a few things you can do to ensure you are getting the most out of your meditative experience.
www.nbcnews.com/better/amp/ncna822591Prepare your space
Some people like to use cushions. Others like to sit cross-legged on a bed, floor, or a chair. There is no right or wrong way to do this, but what is important is choosing a space and position that will help you remain calm, comfortable, and undisturbed.
Remain consistent
No matter where you choose to meditate, it is always helpful to remain consistent with your time. This will help you pick a routine and stick to it. It is especially helpful to use a timer when you’re meditating, as well. That way, you will never stress about the process taking too long or being late for your other morning duties, like making breakfast or taking the kids to school.
Choose a focal point
Meditation coach Lyndsey Burton writes that many times, people get confused about meditation, thinking the only way to meditate correctly is emptying your mind entirely of thought. Rather than trying to wipe the slate clean, she suggests focusing on your thoughts objectively, not allowing any emotions or alternate narratives to interrupt the process.
Focus points don’t always have to be thoughts, of course, and it is really up to you what you choose to focus on. It could be your breathing, or a particular sound around you, or even an object in the room. The purpose of a focus point is to help re-center your mind should it happen to wander. Pick one that seems best for you.
The practice of meditation can get a bad rep. But the benefits are overwhelming. If you’re new to meditation, or you’re frustrated as you try to find that center of gravity, remember that the more you try, the better you become at finding your zen.
If you want to join in on the “new year, new me” movement, consider taking 10-minute every morning for meditation. Turning over a new leaf doesn’t have to be difficult. It’s all about finding what works best for you.
Sending everyone love & light. Stay safe!
Xo,
Marcia
Easy Practices to Gently Introduce Your Child To Meditation
Meditation is fun for children of all ages. It’s a wonderful way for them to learn how to feel calm, focused and connected to their feelings and physical bodies. Here are three easy meditations to help gently introduce your child to the practice. Children should always feel free to modify these in ways that work for them. It’s more important that they enjoy practicing than it is for them to be “good” at meditation. If they associate joy with meditation, they will want to continue doing it, and over time their skills will naturally develop.
Breathing Meditation
Breathing meditation can take many forms. Start with this simple version. Guide your child through the following practice using just their hands: or you can try to hold a Hoberman sphere in front of your torso (or use your palms pressed together), and take a long breath in as you expand the sphere outward (or your hands apart). Keep expanding until you’ve inhaled as much as you comfortably can, then start contracting the sphere (or bring your palms back together) as you exhale your breath. Take notice. Was your inhale longer than your exhale? Were they about the same? Repeat the breath several times and try to make the length of your inhale and exhale even. Play around with the speed of your breathing. Enjoy your breath.
Candle Meditation
Also known as “fire gazing,” this simple practice invites children to calmly release their worries and thoughts by gazing into the flame of a candle. Safely set up a candle about 2 feet in front of your child. You can use an LED light candle which is safer for toddlers and easy to carry with you while on the go. Have your child sit comfortably and set a timer. Any length of time works. Five minutes, two minutes or even one minute. You can let your child decide.
Dim or turn off the lights. Light the candle and instruct your child to keep their eyes on the flame. Encourage your child to let go of anything they might be thinking. If their gaze wanders, gently remind them to return it to the flame, continue sitting still and to let go of their thoughts, if possible.
This meditation works well for children because it gives them something naturally mesmerizing to focus on, without them needing to close their eyes. Focusing on a flame allows them to feel calm and peaceful. For slightly more advanced practice, instruct your child to breathe in the light each time they inhale and imagine that the light fills their whole body with a happy feeling.
Mantra recitation
The word “mantra” means “mind protection,” and can be any word or phrase that your child repeats to feel happy and calm. Ask your child to think of words and phrases that make them feel happy. Encourage them to repeat those words or phrases, three or more times silently or aloud, whenever they’d like to throughout the day.
Here are some ideas:
Warm sun, blue sky.
I am _____ (peaceful, strong, happy, loving, kind, thankful, etc.).
Let it go.
“Om” (the universal sound. A grounding and comforting sound).
May I be happy and free. May my family be happy and free. May my friends be happy and free…. [fill in anyone else as you wish.]
Your child can turn to these three meditations for calm, comforting and happy vibes. Encourage them to practice often, but never force it. Remember, one of the best ways to encourage a child to meditate is to let them see YOU practicing, too.
Zach, enjoys using meditation as a form of prayer. He puts his hands together as if he’s praying in church. He feels calm and at peace.
Lucas, really likes to find his zen. Using his breath helps him do that nicely. This helps him take control of his body.
Xo, Marcia
8 Tips For Better Sleep
If you’ve ever crawled under the covers worrying about a problem or a long to-do list, you know those racing thoughts may rob you of a good night’s sleep. Sleep disturbances, like having a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep, affect millions of people. The issue might not necessarily be the number of hours you’re sleeping but the quality of your sleep. Creating intentional habits can help you get the most out of your sleeping hours.
Set a sleep schedule
Having consistent sleeping habits will set you up for sleep success. There’s a reason parents create sleep routines for children — it works. The body has an easier time transitioning because it knows what to expect when there is a schedule. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, regardless of whether it’s the weekday or weekend, can help support your circadian rhythm. As your body gets used to a routine, you’ll find falling asleep is easier and you might even be up before the alarm.
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/what-circadian-rhythm
Create a bedtime ritual
Start by signaling to your body that it’s time to unwind. This will look different depending on your personal preferences. You might want to read a book, sip on a cup of tea, or even work into a skin routine. Journal about your day, or set your intentions for the next day. This is a time where you can intentionally slow the pace down and focus on what you’re grateful for. Allow yourself to let the day go.
Keep the electronics away
Plan to disconnect from your phone at least 30 minutes to an hour before you bedtime. This will help decrease your exposure to blue light, a type of light that has been shown to inhibit the sleep-inducing hormone, melatonin. Charge your phone somewhere out of reach, or better yet, in another room. This will help you resist the urge to check your phone or scroll through social media during a moment of sleeplessness. Keeping your phone away from your bed at night can also help reduce your exposure to radio frequency energy. Invest in a traditional alarm clock to get you out of bed.
https://www.businessinsider.com/california-public-health-cell-phone-radiation-guide-2017-12
Be mindful of water
Getting up in the middle of the night to get water can really disrupt your sleep. You can minimize your movements by planning ahead and keeping a bottle water by your bed for when you wake up thirsty. Don’t drink too much water before bed though, getting up to use the bathroom mid-snooze can also lower your quality of sleep.
Wear an eye mask
Light plays a big role in your sleep. Melatonin is stimulated when the eye detects darkness and hindered when the eye senses light. Using an eye mask can block out any unwanted light in the room when you’re sleeping. Depending on which direction your bedroom windows face, early sunrises can also disturb your final few hours of sleep. Wearing an eye mask to sleep ensures that the rising sun won’t wake you before your ready to wake up.
Invest in a quality pillow
You don’t understand the power of a good pillow until you feel the difference it makes in your sleep. Investing in a pillow that properly supports your neck and head while keeping your body aligned can be a game changer. Ideally, you should choose a pillow that will give you the best support for your spine depending on the position you prefer to sleep in.
Meditation for sleep
Sleep meditation is a practice that can help us fall asleep and stay asleep longer. mindfulness and sleep meditation can really help. It’s definitely has help me. When we get into bed with our to-do lists still going through our minds, sleep meditation gives our mental processes a rest, calming the nervous system of the body and creating the conditions for sweet, deep, natural sleep.
Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on your breathing and then bringing your mind’s attention to the present without drifting into concerns about the past or future. It helps you break the train of your everyday thoughts to evoke the relaxation response, using whatever technique feels right to you.
https://mindworks.org/blog/sleep-meditation/
Get more sun
Get more sun
Sometimes it’s not the things you’re doing at night but the things you’re doing in the day that impact the quality of your sleep. Studies have shown that having direct exposure to sunlight during the day, and the morning hours more specifically, can improve your sleep. Not only does getting that morning sun help keep your circadian rhythm balanced, but it can also help boost your mood and increase your general happiness.
We are all going through hard times. Which is why it’s very important to take care of your mental health.
do not
lose hope,
please believe
that there are
a thousand
beautiful things
waiting for you.
sunshine
comes to all
who feels rain
xo, Marcia 🌞💋
How do you cleanse your house with sage?
The ritual of sage burning has its roots in Native American tradition. Today, people burn sage and other holy herbs to cleanse a space or environment of negative energy, to generate wisdom and clarity, and to promote healing.
What does saging your house do?
Sage smoke offers rapid delivery to the brain and efficient absorption to the body. Scientists have observed that sage can clear up to 94 percent of airborne bacteria in a space and disinfect the air. When sage is burned, it releases negative ions, which is linked to putting people into a positive mood.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.vogue.com/article/sage-how-to-cleanse-energy-home-office-smudging/amp
Beginner’s guide to Smudging
What is Smudging
Smudging is a ritual used to remove negative energy from yourself and your space. This includes any traumas, bad experiences, or negative energies from other people.
Usually done by burning dried Sage, it brings awareness and clarity as it increases your spirituality. White Sage has been used in ceremonies to promote blessings of health, clear the negative energy and encourage protection.
Why and when to smudge
Smudging can be done anytime you feel the need to do it.
You can smudge when you’re moving into a new house, when you had guests, after an argument, or when the energy just doesn’t feel right. Smudging is also a great tool to use before meditation, yoga, or any other spiritual practice, as it helps to increase your awareness, spirituality and sets a space for your practice. Whether you smudge daily, weekly, or monthly is up to you and your needs.
What you need to start
Start with the basics: white sage and palo santo.
Sage is the most common, versatile and one of the most effective & aggressively cleansing smudging herbs. It is used for cleansing, healing, bringing balance and protection.
Palo Santo clears out negative energy and brings a balanced energy to the space. It is great for healing of the physical body, its benefits include relieving the symptoms of colds, headaches, inflammation, emotional trauma, stress, asthma and arthritis.
Begin your journey with smudging and creating mindful rituals.
https://chakrapalace.com/products/10-piece-large-smudge-kit-2-white-california-sage-abalone-shell-wood-stand-palo-santo-amethyst-rose-quartz-candle-salt-instructions?variant=31740863184945&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzc2_9PXb6AIVBeXICh3RNAg3EAQYASABEgLR8_D_BwE
What research says about smudging?
Some of the oldest cultures in the world have been known to heavily rely on the repeated use of sage to clear negative energy in a space. Smudging, which is the act of using a sage smudge stick to clear the energy, was especially important when performing spiritual rituals, such as before meditation, prayer, or other spiritual practices. Interestingly, there is a scientific aspect to the practice of ‘clearing’ a space through smudging herbs.
Smudging can actually help clear the air of different kinds of bacteria, as well as improve allergy symptoms.
There was a study on the effects of smudging, and the results were very interesting: 1 hour of medicinal smoke caused by burning wood (such as palo santo) and other medicinal herbs (frankincense, sage, pine, yerba santa), caused over 94% reduction of bacteria present in the space, and the ability of the smoke to disinfect and purify the air was maintained up to 24 hours after. It was also found that it could address neurological, dermatological and pulmonary issues.
Additionally, the effect of smudging lasted for a month after the treatment with no discernible bacteria found.
So while you may not personally believe that smudging actually clears negative energy, it’s definitely clearing something! And the reduced bacteria in the air for sure has a psychological effect, making the space feel like a cleaner, healthier environment.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17030480/
https://www.harrysworldsouthst.com/buy-smudge-sticks-philadelphia
Another trip around the sun 🎉
Time, now more than ever, feels ... fleeting and in slow-motion at the same time. The days turn into nights, the nights turn into weeks and the weeks turn into three months later. Anyhow, here we are September 23rd, my birthday. My BIG 40th birthday .. I sat down last night to reflect on all that’s happened for me and realized that this year has honestly been one of the most challenging year I’ve ever experienced.
In saying that, I don’t want to discount the fact that it’s also been one of the most blessed years of my life because as cliche as it sounds, even the challenges are blessings. All of the tough moments, all the sleepless nights, all the struggling to make the right decisions. The juggling– trying to find the balance between being a hands-on mother of 3, a wife, a teacher for my students. And so much more. But as I ready myself to move into this new chapter (relocating to another state) Even with all of the chaos, the self-doubt and questions, the lessons I’ve learned have been life-changing, so I thought I share the three most important things I learned this year ...
You Can’t Make Everyone Happy
One of my favorite internet memes is “You’re not an avocado, you can’t make everyone happy.” It makes me laugh every time. The irony is that not everyone even likes avocados. Seriously though, I’ve spent so many years of my life trying to make everyone else happy and have gone out of my way to make things work even when I knew I would be stretching myself thin. Not this year though! I’ve had so much on my plate that I’ve had no choice but to say “hey, this is what works and when it works for me.” Understanding that you can’t make everyone happy and that it’s not your job to even attempt to do so, is liberating.
Everyone Has An Opinion On What You Do But Who Cares
Whether you ask for it or not, someone’s always got something to say. Criticism can make or break you—if you let it. This year I learned to tune out the noise, stick to my gut, keep my mind focused on my goals and just do me. Why should anyone’s opinion affect me. I’ve always done what’s best for me and my family without anyone’s approval.
If It Scares You… You Will Grow
I looked fear dead in the face more times this year than I can count. Switching to a new company (I’m so blessed to be able to be with my kids while working from home), letting go of my fears of my first born going off to college, letting go of toxic relations, (like I said not everyone likes avocado, and that’s okay), some medical issues (thank God, all is well), making the big decision to relocate my family to another state (I’ve NEVER left New York) .. I could go on and on.
The truth is every time I feared I couldn’t do something, I did. And each time I got more comfortable being uncomfortable I grew.
I can confidently say I’m proud of myself, I love who I’ve been, but I really love who I’m becoming.
To my 30’s
Thank you for the love, happiness, blessings, losses, sadness, lessons, failure, accomplishments, but mostly I am grateful for the opportunity to be alive.
To my 40’s
I’m ready for new experiences, challenges, and grateful in advance for everything that is yet to come.
I’m so hype for what’s next to come. Stay tuned!!
Xo 💋,
Marcia
My hubby Bought Me A Peloton Bike A Year Ago Today & Here’s What Happened
This bike is worth all the hype, my friends. And then some.
I’m here to report that I am OBSESSED!! I never would of thought that I would be interested in cycling until a few years back when I joined the YMCA and meet a cool chick who convinced me to take a cycling class with her. We showed up what seemed like everyday for a whole year. That experienced CHANGED my life in so many ways, which lead me to this beautiful peloton journey. I miss those days, I am forever grateful. Carrie, thank you for pushing me and for encouraging me to try something new!
Although this year I wasn’t always consistent because sometimes life gets in the way, I got on my Peloton bike and haven’t looked back since. In short? I am straight-up obsessed with the energy of the instructors, efficiency of the classes, and ease of doing a killer workout from my home, usually in just 20 minutes.
WHY A PELOTON
I remember testing one in some mall in jersey, and although I had thoughts about getting one, I did have some reservations. Like, how much better or different could it REALLY be from other cycling bikes? Can you actually bring the energy of a cycling class into your home with a solo workout? But I’d heard great things about it so I sat my booty on the saddle in Jersey to give it a spin (literally), and was pretty much immediately sold.
If you haven’t heard of it, Peloton is a workout company that sells high-quality spin bikes with built-in monitors where you can stream spin classes from the comfort of your home. If you sign up, you also have access to their app, which has even more workout classes, like yoga, strength classes, stretching, and cardio. They also came out with a Peloton treadmill that streams running classes that I’ve heard is the bomb, too.
The thing about it that I LOVE the most is it’s not just a workout. It’s so inspiring and motivating, and the music is so dang good. The instructors are all so different, but each of their attitudes and energy is so captivating with the highest vibration. They’re there to encourage and push you to give it your all. My favorite instructors are Ally Love, Hannah Corbin, Alex Toussaint and Robin Arzon — their energy is just pure confidence and joy and badassery, and it’s contagious.
My Whole Family is Using The Peloton Bike
I actually stay on the bike for 30-45 minutes. I can exercise when I want (classes are available 24/7), how long I want, and the “I have no time” excuse is gone, given that there are 10-minute classes in the Peloton library. I mean, who doesn’t have 10 minutes a day to spare for good health? The good news is that my husband and son use it, too, and the whole family is now exercising.
The Peloton Bike is More Than Cycling
It’s really the best investment because in addition to cycling, I can also take live or on-demand strength training, yoga classes and meditation and it’s all included in my membership at no additional cost. It’s way cheaper than joining a gym, and I can do my workouts from the comfort of my home. The amazing Peloton community is what keeps me motivated to keep logging on and working out.
It’s for the long run. “Treat your body like it belongs to someone you love and you can't go wrong!” - Hannah Corbin
ARE YOU AS PELOTON-OBSESSED AS I AM??
(PS, if you have a Peloton, add me! My username is ladyred23)
Xo, Marcia
OH HEY, FOR BEST VIEWING, YOU'LL NEED TO TURN YOUR PHONE