The Most Magical Place on Earth

Yes - we've finally made it to Walt Disney World!

It took a little convincing, since my husband wasn't completely sold on the idea (he didn't know what he was missing!) and because my daughter has a fear of mascot and characters.

I think we can all agree that we will be going back again!

While we were there I enjoyed a Dole Whip float- it was fantastic! Too bad they are usually only available at one place in the Magic Kingdom. I could have easily enjoyed one of these daily!!

When we went to Epcot, there were special stands throughout the World Showcase because of the Flower Show -- so bonus! I got to enjoy a Dole whip with Coconut Rum! Hey, it was 5 o'clock somewhere!

My kids didn't love the pineapple ice cream as much - what?! - but they did enjoy a nice, big slushie with a mountain of whipped cream. Note: My daughter treated her mouse ears like a uniform and wore them every day that we went to a Disney destination. It was so cute!

While we were there, we also got a super special, "backstage" tour of the aquarium that is part of the Nemo ride and Turtle Talk with Crush at Epcot. Talk about being in the right place and getting noticed! We got taken to the top level of the aquarium and got to meet the trainers and the kids got to feel a wet suit and see all the training gear! It was definitely something that added to the trip for sure!

I cannot wait to go back! I wish we lived closer so it was a possible yearly trip, but I'll plan for 2016!

Remember to take the time to enjoy your family, whether you're at the most magical place on Earth, or sitting on your couch! <3

-A

Facebook.... The Fairytale that never was.

Warning, this post is going to be a bit snarky.

But, honestly, I'm just trying to be real. Why is it that people try to project a perfect life on Facebook? You know the type, those that you know are struggling yet post statuses gushing about how wonderful and perfect their life (relationship, job, etc) is going. I don't get it. Does this come along with the age of connectivity, where people can scrutinize every inch of your life? Is that why people create their own Fairytales?

Now, I'm not perfect... but I love to share inspirational or funny things. I like to make comments pertaining to how awesome I am, I like to share funny things about my love for bacon. Sometimes I share about how my kids make me crazy, or about a good day I am having. I'm all over the place -- just like if you talk to me face to face or on the phone. That's me.

What I find interesting is how some people ONLY post when they get new things and want to brag, or when things are going badly they proclaim how wonderful their life is. Sure, no one wants to air their dirty laundry all over Facebook (or do they? There's a lot of that going on too!) but why make it all gumdrops and rainbows?

I wish I could challenge everyone to be REAL. Just for a day. Share your passion, share your humor, share YOU - the real you, not the one hiding behind the screen trying to create something that doesn't exist.

-A

Be the change...

I was just looking over my 2014 bucket list and in the career section, I had written "Step out of my comfort zone more" or something along those lines.

The funny thing is, I have stepped out of my comfort zone so much that I think I can cross that off - it's almost like it snuck up on me when I wasn't realizing it. I often find myself saying "this is so NOT me" but really, I think I need to start saying "This is the NEW me".

When I look back on the past year, I realize I have had a great deal of professional growth. My network has expanded more than I could have ever imagined and my new position has me interacting with people at higher levels than ever possible in my old position and it's NORMAL.

It's almost like I just looked at that list and laughed a bit because my comfort zone has changed so much that I'm not even sure what is out of my comfort zone anymore.

I always hear people say "Be the change you wish to see" and for once I think that I have done it -- I am the change, and I'm loving every minute.

So, what change are you going to be?

-A

A more "Paleo" lifestyle?

I've struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember.
I was never a "skinny" kid, I was always a chubby kid - but I was never as overweight as I am now.
Since my son was born in 2010, I never got back to pre-baby size and actually yo-yoed quite a bit, getting within 20 lbs of my pre-pregnancy weight and then ballooning back up, gaining 25 lbs from that point.

For me, I know that tracking my diet is key, along with more intense exercise, but I've failed miserably at sticking to it. Even last year, walking 20+ miles a week in preparation for my 60-mile, 3-Day walk, I didn't lose - because, while I was exercising, it wasn't very intense and my eating habits were not all that healthy.

I did well a few years back when I cut back on carbs. No, I didn't eliminate them or do an Atkins-style diet, I simply tried to cut out sugars and unneeded carbs most days of the week. I felt better, I lost weight and I noticed that I snacked less because the foods I ate weren't simply "fillers".

Like most, carbs are my kryptonite. So I've been debating lately whether or not to try to incorporate more of a "Paleo" lifestyle. In all honesty, I'm not looking at is as a quick fix, or even a diet for that matter. I'm actually just thinking that my whole family could benefit if we start eating less processed junk and more real foods.

So, last night I pinned a TON of Paleo recipes, guides, etc. I think I'll give it a shot, even if it's a slow, phased-in process. My biggest struggle will be replacing rice, potatoes and pasta for everyone. I'm a veggie lover, but the kids and husband aren't as gung-ho about using cauliflower as a potato substitute or spaghetti squash as a pasta substitute. But, I can try - if they don't like it, I'm sure some grains and starches won't be horrible (for them), but if we can build our meals to incorporate more roasted vegetables, fruits and meats, I think it will benefit us all in the long run.


-A

Starting over; the 2014 Bucket List

I was inspired by a friend who recently started a blog and told me about making a 2014 bucket list for different areas of your life.

I love this idea, I think it's a great way to challenge yourself and also keep track of happenings throughout the year. So here I am, I'm back to my blog and I'm putting my list out there for everyone to see (or anyone who stumbles across my abandoned blog!).

Fitness
1.Focus on healthy eating and portion control.
2. Start and finish the couch to 5k program
4. Complete a 5k
5. Complete the 24 week SGK training program, as close to program mileage as possible.
6. Complete the Philly SGK 3-Day and try to walk as much as possible, farther than last year (Last year = approx. 47 miles)

Family
1. Be more patient
2. Go to the shore at least once this summer
3. Go out for more family walks/trips to the park
4. Spend more one on one time with each of the kids
5. Do more arts and crafts with the kids
6. Take the kids to Disney and just enjoy it – no stressing, no rushing.
7. Go to at least one Phillies game this year – try for a Kids Run the Bases event.
8. Learn to disconnect; no computer/phone at least one night per week.

Career
1. Work harder to step out of my comfort zone.
2. Network more.
3. Learn more about Immuno-Oncology
4. Learn to disconnect from work on weekends/time off.

Personal
1. Read a book a month/average 12 books
2. Improve my knitting
3. Improve my style (clothes, makeup) by learning to blend colors better
4. Crochet more for myself and my family
5. Expand my Scentsy circles

Financial
1. Pay off the 4Runner.
2. Do the 52 week savings jar (at least until October – use for Christmas shopping)
3. Pay down debt
4. Budget better, and stick within the budget
5. Spend less on coffee & soda


So, there it is. The categories are in no special order. I hope to come back monthly, or at least quarterly, and update what I've done or what I'm working on! Care to share your bucket list? Leave a comment with a link to yours!

-A

It's been quite a while

Well, blogging definitely didn't stay on my list of "musts" while thing got busy. Sorry 'bout that!

In the past few months, I've been a part of an amazing journey. Along with 11 other women, Sofia's Angels, we walked the Boston Susan G Komen 3-Day, 60 mile walk for breast cancer. When I decided to sign up for the walk, and the huge feat of fundraising $2300 in order to participate, I never would have imagined what a life-changing event it would be.

I've had a chance to get to know my teammates over the past year through Facebook, texts messages, etc but coming together really formed a bond that has exceeded all my expectations.

The journey was amazing through sweat, tears and some blisters (luckily none for me) we have truly formed a sisterhood. We were all brought together in memory of Sofia, the mother of our team captain. In her memory we bonded, we walked, we raised awareness and we opened our hearts. I will forever be grateful that I was a part of it.

Sadly, the SGK walk will not be held in Boston next year - but our team has spread to other locations. Not even a week after the walk, I had already registered to walk Philadelphia. That my home turf, yet the areas we will walk will be new to me!!

I cannot wait to make more memories over the next year, and meet new people as our team expands!

Already a hiatus

When I started this blog, I thought I would take a different approach. I would post when I could but try not to make myself feel like I needed to post all the time.

Well, I just looked and realized that after 4 initial blog posts, I've taken nearly 2 months off!

It has been a crazy two months, an entire softball season has come and gone - my little slugger really enjoyed it and will be playing Fall Ball in Sept/Oct and she will be finishing Kindergarten in less than 2 weeks.

Time really does fly! My husband seems to be really enjoying his new job and my son is showing more & more personality every day... the fun Threes where we want to pull out hair out because he's just difficult!

I'm also now only 7 weeks away from one of the biggest things I've done in my life - the Susan G Komen 3-Day Walk for Breast Cancer. I cannot wait to go to Boston to walk with my amazing team, trekking 60 miles over the course of 3 days. To meet fighters, survivors and loved ones who are walking in memory of those who have lost their battles. I cannot wait to finally meet all of the ladies on my team - I know it will be such a bonding experience. We will laugh together, cry together, deal with blisters together... make memories that will last a lifetime.