What to do with all That Halloween Candy

Okay but really if I have to hear, "can I have one more piece of candy" one more time I may die!
Oh and we have already  found empty wrappers in drawers and sneaking a piece in the corner....REALLY?!?!

So we came up with this plan of attack and  LOVED IT!!

The boys had a few pieces of candy last night and a couple today and we decided to give them 2 choices:

1. Keep 10 pieces of candy and give the rest away.
2. Keep 5 Pieces and trade the rest in for a new Hot wheels type car from Target

They loved it! WIN WIN, no more candy in the house, or hearing can I have 1 more piece 10 MILLION times, or my tummy hurts lol!

What do you do will all of yours?

February Valentines Day Sandwich Party

So today the dudes are not feeling well and their being a handful!!! But really keeping these two down resting...I would rather wrestle a lion. I was trying to come up with something fun that would keep them resting. We deiced on a sandwich party! They absolutely loved the idea. They helped me choose the toppings and get it all set up.  I made sure both incorporated some honey because it really helps with their cough ;)

You can use whatever ingrediants you want but here is what we did:

  

                                         

- Sourdough bread

- Jelly

- A variety of nut butters (we got it at our farmers market)

- Coconut

- Dark chocolate chips

- Cookie cutters (we ended up using hearts)

- Strawberries

- Honey (we used raw local honey from our farmers market)  

Once we had all our ingredients laid out I gave them each a butter knife and let them spread there toppings. Once they finished with their toppings they chose their cookie cutters and made shapes. This is really fun way to get your kids to try different types of sandwiches too or if they hate crust.

They were really proud!

We had a lot of fun eating them and the boys compared what they chose to put on theirs! 

All you need is a Love Sandwich

I hope you have just as much fun as we did! Comment below with pictures or toppings you used and/or the shapes you made :)

Remember to show up in all you do today,

Deanna

The Balance Between Wife, Mom, and Me

Finding that oh so sacred and sought after balance between being a wife, a mom, and me is exhausting, exhilarating, trying, and sometimes maddening.

I heard it called recently in an interview with Jada Pinkett Smith (below) a paradox and that really stuck with me. On one hand I have to think about each of my sons and what they need from me. Then I think about okay what does my husband need from me. Now, if I am being real with you all, often times in my past that is where my thinking would end. My life revolved around the wants of everyone else and I put myself last, or really, less then last. There would be times where it would be 2pm and I would realize I hadn't eaten. A day would go by and I would realize I hadn't drank water. A month would go by and I would realize I had done nothing for me. Now don't get me wrong being a wife. Being a mom. Those two things are my most sacred job, gift, responsibility, and passion. They truly are what I put above all else. There are so many joys. I have learned to play, be present, love unconditionally no matter what, and to grow and change each day.

However, I noticed as the years went by that I was feeling drained, cranky, not confident, and just plain not like "me". That brought up even harder questions, "who was me? What had I become? Who did I want to be?" I think as moms we so easily forget ourselves and what I have learned is when you forget yourself you're not the only one to pay the price. I have seen my life change in the last year. How my kids see me, how my husband sees me, how we interact, how I see myself, and how I feel about myself. 

This process has been long and is forever evolving. Do I think I have it perfectly figured out? No. I do however see a bigger picture, and strive for a better balance, with the understanding that at certain times one piece of all that I juggle may need more of my time and that is okay, as long as I am conscious. 

The key for me: Communication, time, and understanding. Communication is really just the foundation of all healthy things. It took me really talking out my concerns with Bryan (my husband), counseling (which I always highly recommend for everyone...it's a game changer), and personal development. No one is going to help you if you don't ask. If you don't communicate your needs to your husband, yourself, and your kids. 

We need to remind ourselves that these changes are slow and are a fluid journey, not a destination. Be gentle with yourself. Also, understand that what works for one mom may not work for all. You need to do some soul searching and dig deep into your goals, reconnect with passions, set out on a path to rediscovering yourself.  

When we lose ourselves and we don't take care of ourselves, that causes us to get out of balance. When we are unbalanced and lost in it all, we really can't, as effectively, take care of others. When I had kids or when I started thinking about the balance in my life, you want to know how I felt? SELFISH.... I feel like our society today makes us feel like we are selfish for taking care of ourselves and putting us first sometimes. I believe however that it's my responsibility to take care of me. What I do and what all the mothers I know do takes an immense about of strength, heart, and mental capacity every single day. If I'am not on my own game, if I'am not feeling good, then how in the world can I expect to model, take care of, and provide for everyone else at a level that they deserve and that I deserve. So, I actively seek and work hard every singe day to take responsibility for my own happiness. I don't put that expectation on my husband or on my kids. I choose happiness and balance every single day. Is it always pretty? Heck no..life is messy but what I am working on reminding myself of is that there is a small win in those moments to be thankful for and guess what? Tomorrow is a new day, with new potential, to try again. So take time for you. That can look different for all of us. Below is my list and stay tuned for what each of these looks like in my life, how I make it work, and why I feel it's important. 

1. Working out 

3. Gratitude

4. Follow a passion or start a hobby

5. Eat clean MOST of the time

6. Date

More Than a Pair of Skinny Jeans

Healthy living means so much more to me then looking good in a pair of jeans (although that's a big plus😉). I used to be so unhappy with how I looked and felt in my own skin. My self talk was negative, how I talked about myself was negative, I could never accept compliments from others. Having babies, nursing babies changes your body and not many people talk about that. It can be hard to see yourself change so fast and have your mental state be sensitive and emotional because well we are new moms 😉 Man it has been a journey... A long roller coaster of a journey.                                                  

I made a choice to eat whole foods because I have energy, I stay healthier, my body feels better. I choose to workout everyday (minus Sunday's) because I feel strong, confident, and doing so pushes me everyday and I feel like that's good for you both physically and mentally. Starting my fitness journey and becoming a coach to help others by sharing my story and encouraging them along th

eirs has changed how I feel about myself both physically and mentally and where I am headed in life. The weight and the toning is a product of those things.

There's no looking back except to learn and I will continue on this path to always be striving to be my best self🙌🏻

Here are the three healthy living philosophies I want to share with you today:

1) Remember to nourish your soul. Being healthy is very much an inside thing as well as an outside. I believe this can look different for different people. For me it's shutting down negative self talk with positive affirmations. If I find myself saying/thinking something negative about myself, I turn it around. I then will write the affirmation on a sticky note and put it on my bathroom mirror so that I see it and say it everyday. I take it down when I feel like I have moved on or worked through that issue. I also keep a journal where I write done something inspiring, a goal, and at least 3 things I am thankful for everyday. I am trying super hard to get back into meditation, it is so hard for me to find enough time to complete all my tasks but I find that when I do it I am a less stressed and more put together person. For others this may be praying, being out in nature, going somewhere that is spiritual to you...there are no right or wrongs here, you just need to find what works for you. 

2) Dedication does not mean deprivation. I hear this one a lot and I used to believe it what i was younger in college and high school. Being dedicated to a heathy and active lifestyle does not mean that you cutout any one food group. You can be healthy and enjoy that cookie, coffee, or scone. In life it's all about moderation and balance. This is why I talk so much about the 80/20 rule. I eat on point 80% of the time but you better believe I am making Christmas cookies and eating a couple with my boys after we are done. That is the beauty of it when you plan and eat well most of the time you really enjoy those 'treat meals'. You don't have the guilt or self hate. 

3) Stronger body, stronger you. For me, working on my physical fitness has been as much of a mental triumph as it has a physical one. When I am working on pushing myself with a new fitness program, upping my weights, or working on improving my speed, I gain confidence in myself. That sort of effort and perseverance affects every other aspect of your life (who knew right). I am also a stronger mom, I see my boys modeling Bryan and I's behavior, talking about fitness, and healthy food. Fitness has helped me learn that I can overcome failures and that tomorrow is a brand new day. You get a fresh start to try again, tweak, or change a goal. 

I hope that is helped inspire you on your Monday, in whatever it is your doing today! Make it a great one and remember to show up in all you do today!

Deanna

Holiday Survival 101

It's the holiday season (Yah)!!! That means treats, parties, drinks, and an insane amount of self control not to gain that average 7-10 pounds!!! Here are some tips to help you stay on track a little during the Holiday season! Even if you choose just one...it will help!! Which are you going to try and follow? 

1. 

Go for the light, skinless turkey meat as opposed to the dark meat! The dark meat is tempting but has way more fat and calories. We are talking a difference of 10g of fat per serving difference (wholly molley)!

2. 

Avoided the canned cranberry sauce and GO for cranberry relish :) The canned stuff has a TON of added sugar and preservatives. When you make your own relish you can sweeten it naturally with non-concentrate pineapple or orange juices (or fresh squeezed)! 

3. 

Instead of that bag-o-potaote chips, go for some colorful veggies and hummus! So tasty, will keep you full, and will be half the calories! Those scoops of dip and easily add up to about the same amount of calories you should consume in one meal (Say what?)! 

4. 

Desserts are a MUST! But opt for healthier options like chocolate covered fruit or make your own healthier version of that pumpkin pie :) Those sugar pack cookies can cause your blood sugar to spike and they have a ton of calories! A little dark chocolate is good for ya...and fruit, can't go wring there! Pumpkin pie recipe HERE!

5.

Most alcoholic drinks are packed full of sugar and empty calories. They also make us more hungry so  you consume more food along with all that sugar (eeek)! So maybe try watering down that drink with some sparkling water or soda! Fun recipe HERE!

Enjoy your holiday, just remember it's all about moderation and feeling good :) 

Happy Holidays,

Deanna

Sunday Farmers Market

Okay I know this sounds totally dorky but I think farmers markets are kind of magical! I absolutely love going!! People are always so nice, the food is divine, and you get to talk to so many different kinds of people. 

It was a chilly rainy day today and we had a blast! It was so much fun watching the boys run around and explore all the fruits and veggies. Listening to them ask question and taste different things was so much fun! Logan was asking all about how things were made. He wanted to know all the different kids of sprouts and then he picked out which he wanted!

As you can see from the pictures...their were little hands all over ;) Another thing I love is all the colors. I mean really, all the deep Fall and Winter colors are amazing. 

We ended up getting kale, sprouts, carrots, soup, and a couple bottles of spearmint  and peppermint oil. With all of that I think our total for the day was 36$ (19$ of that being the oil).

Overall, I love going as a family outing! I love that the boys get to be a little closer to where their food comes from. They are also surrounded by (mostly) delicious healthy foods and people that also enjoy all the clean foods! Also anything that is outdoors, is a plus fro this too little monkeys!  

Have you ever visited a farmers market? What did you think?

Remember to show up in all you do today,

Deanna 

Thankful Fun for the Whole Family

Bryan and I were trying to come up with some fun family gratitude ideas to do with the boys! I wanted to share them incase you wanted to implement in your home :)

So all year I am all about thankfulls (love my made up word)! We talk about your highs and lows at dinner and I have this, "tell me somthin good" song that I sing to the boys and then they tell me something! I have always loved it! 

Here are the two holiday ideas that we are doing in the O'Halloran house! Comment below if you are going to be trying one out and I would love to hear how it goes ;)

1. I bought this Postal Wrapping Paper off of Amazon and we are going to use it as our tablecloth for Thanksgiving (and probably a couple days after)! I am going to lay out markers and write the everyones names above their plates! The boys can doodle all day (especially while mommy is glued to the Thanksgiving day parade...My favorite;)) and then that night before we eat we will write down and share our three thankfulls! Just thinking about it, I get the warm and fuzzes. 

2. A grateful jar! This girl LOVES mason jars, so I am always looking for fun ideas, so that I get to use them. Super simple too...just print off a cute tag from Pinterest, add some pretty ribbon, tie, and done!!! I just cut up some computer paper and set it on the table. I told the boys to tell us when they think of something they are thankful for. So far I have gotten: mommy (heart melts), daddy (melt again), cars, Paw Patrol, riding bikes outside, cookies, mac & cheese, dinner, hummus, yogurt, school... It's so fun to hear what they say and they like hearing ours as well.

Enjoy your family,

Deanna

5 Reasons to Workout With Your Partner

So Bryan and I both started our transformations at the same time! It was about two years ago and I was really down and uncomfortable in my own skin after having our two beautiful boys. Bryan says (he is here too!!) he wanted to feel more comfortable, look better in his clothes, and wanted typical life tasks to be easier. 

So we made a commitment to each other that we would reach for our goals together and we never looked back. Do we workout together everyday? Nope. Sometimes our schedules don't allow for that. However, we really try and make it a priority to workout together a few times a week. 

Here are our 5 reasons to get sweaty together:

1. Accountability - Not going to lie some nights all I want to do is sit my bootay on the couch and eat Oreos. However, living with your workout partner holds you accountable! He is there to say, "Let's do this" or "na let's not go binge eat Oreos tonight"! 

2. Spend time together - we are busy and working out is non-negotiable so why not do it together and get just a little more time to hang out, work toward a common goal, and have some laughs. 

3. Endorphins - Exercise induces the symptoms of physiological arousal—sweaty hands, a racing pulse, shortness of breath. The results? A boost of attractiveness to your partner.

4. Helps you feel more connected to your partner - Sometimes it can feel awkward or embarrassing to workout with your partner. Let's face it, that is a vulnerable time, especially if you are just starting. By working out with your partner, you start to feel more confident in yourself and you begin to eliminate that vulnerability between the two of you. Plus you start to feel more comfortable in that sports bra and short shorts and confidence is sexy ;)

5. Sense of accomplishment - My husband is my biggest cheerleader and I like to think I am his. We push each other to do that last 10 seconds in a plank position or just one more push up! We like to spike the encouragement with some butt slapping, song singing, or loud clapping when the going gets tough! I feel like I can accomplish a lot more with this guy by my side. Tackling our workouts together helps boost our confidence to handle whatever life throws at us!!!

I hope this motivated you to get sweaty with your partner! If you did I would love to know!! Comment below that you tried a workout with your partner and what you thought!!

Thanks for stoping by,

Deanna

Family Photo Time of Year

Okay let me just preface this post with saying, "I LOVE family photo day"! To me yearly photos are very important. Here are my top 3 reasons for getting yearly family photos:

1. To see your family change and grow: I absolutely love changing out our picture frames each November with our new family photos because I get to take a nice long sentimental walk down memory lane! I am shocked every year at how much we change and I love having them all to look at. I also know as my boys grow up I will have the pictures to reminisce about, to show future partners how cute they were, and to make my hubby snuggle up and look through them with me when I am feeling nostalgic (he will love it I just know it ;)).

2. You're all together in the shots: Meaning mom is not behind the camera and missing from the pictures!!! I noticed this a couple weeks ago when someone asked for some pictures of the boys and I. I went into my photos and literally could only find a few where I was in the picture too! A lot of times we forget to get in the picture because we are so caught up in capturing the moments. So family photos allow for me to have some special pictures will all three of my favorite dudes!

3. It's Fun: We always make a family date around the day! Now my approach is fun and casual, I really want the pictures to represent us! So I let the boys help pick out their outfits and gel their hair! We usually have a big snack before hand and then we take them out to dinner afterwards. This year was a blast on our date afterwards. We try to just go with the flow when we are taking pictures, based on everyones mood (i.e. the kids aren't nuts and their are no massive melt downs ;). This is where I think it is really important to choose your photographer wisely! You want someone who has experience photographing kiddos (they get it!)!  I also love getting all dolled up and seeing my handsome dudes all cute for the day as well ;) 

Anyway, above is a little glimpse into our 2015 family photo sesh with the amazingly talented Kimberly Gaiser of lilie Photography! You can check her out here if you are Tucson based or if you just want to smile at some stunning photography: http://www.liliephotography.com

Thanks for stopping by,

Deanna