What is Self Love?

It sounds dirty, doesn't it? *insert 12 year old boy giggle here* Like, rather than just saying I love myself you say I practice self love.
Self. Love. Think about it.
We spend a lot of time trying to find ways to show others we love them, or waiting for others to show us they love us. What if instead we remember that we need to love ourselves before we can love someone else, and then actually do something about it? What a concept, right?!
Self love means that you spend time showing you how much you love you. Rather than waiting for someone to send you the perfect card, or buy you those flowers you've been waiting for, or doing something equally as romantic why not do it for yourself? Besides, if you're the one doing it for you, you can't really screw it up with the wrong thing!
Self love means being compassionate with yourself. I've been known to says some awful things to myself. I would never let a friend of mine say those things to themselves, so why should I let me say those things? Very rarely do we treat ourselves like we are our own best friend. I'm not saying you shouldn't have a best friend, you totally should. But we should treat ourselves like we would treat our best friend-with caring and compassion and with a focus on our well-being.
 Self love means focusing on what makes you happy and not feeling guilty about it. This is something I struggle with a lot--guilt. My brain has beat me up pretty bad in the past for taking time for myself rather than doing something for someone else. I've gotten better at it, but honestly it took a lot of practice. I've had to actually force myself to take a time out for me. Doesn't that sound silly? It does to me. But it's so real. Even trying to find one thing a day that I do just for me, just because I want to, has been a challenge. I've realized over time though that this is one of the most important ways I can take care of myself and in turn take care of my husband and kids. They benefit from a happy wife and mommy, and I benefit from knowing that I'm doing something that is just for me.
No one is going to make time for me, no one else is going to force me to take a time out. I have to do it for me. And you have to do it for you. What do you do to take care of you? How do you practice self love?

Working it Out

I'm currently a member of a gym. I haven't been there in over a year. Over. A. Year. We still pay for it every month. I still don't go every month. That's how we roll.
We have an elliptical machine in the basement. Prior to moving it a few weeks ago, it hadn't been used in 2 years. 2. Freaking. Years.
I have pretty running shoes. I wear them all the time, but not for running. I hate running. My body hates running. No time complaints here, I just wanted to mention the shoes, lol.
My current program is an at home program which means the only person who knows if I didn't work out is me. Normally, I would mentally commit myself to it and feel good about that and then not work out. But there's something about posting for a group of other people online every day about how my workout went with a #sweatyselfie and what I like/dislike about it that keeps me from just sitting on the over-sized recliner down in the basement instead of working out. There's an accountability piece and a connection piece that has made all the difference. Didn't like those surrenders? Post it on Facebook! Your toddler drank all your water? Post it on Twitter (#parentproblems)! Want to feel better about yourself because you're having an off day? Post it on Instagram! Seriously, it does everything.
And just because I'm sharing the good doesn't mean I'm not struggling just as much as my friends who are also participating. Social media has made it easier than ever to connect with others and support one another. Granted, there are some trolls out there who try to tear others down to bring themselves up or some crap, but I don't hang with those types so you won't find any in my groups!
What keeps you motivated? What keeps you from giving up?

October Recommendations

Okay! I've decided each month to recommend some of my favorite things or the things that have been helping me be a better me.

Get it HERE!

First, this BADASS book! It was recommended to me by my coach when I decided to become a Beachbody coach and HOLY COW am I glad I picked it up! (And by picked it up I mean ordered it from Amazon. Who has time for browsing bookstores anymore? Sadly, not me. Sigh...) I love the approach the author takes and her honesty. There are days where I felt like I needed to be convinced of my badassness, and other days where there was no convincing needed because I woke up KNOWING I was a badass and I wasn't afraid to show it! I've found myself going back to it over and over again because honestly, it never hurts to read a reminder that I should love myself just the way I am.

Check them out HERE!

Next, Sargento Balanced Breaks. Cheese, nuts, and dried fruit in perfect all-in-one snack portions ready to go?? Um, yes please! Also, they have quite a variety of cheese/nut/fruit combos so it doesn't get boring. They come in 3 packs where I buy them and I love how portable they are! I love me some cheese, and this is some good cheese. Also, the fruit and nuts don't get too salty which is sometimes the case with other trail mix types of snacks I've tried. Give this one a shot, let me know what you think!

Order it HERE!

Mascara is my go-to must have make-up. Even on those days where I don't feel like adulting, a little mascara can go a long way in making me look/feel like I tried a little. Currently I'm using Lash Blast Fusion by CoverGirl. It also came with a CG Perfect Point Plus eyeliner that I am in LOVE with! My eyes don't hold makeup for very long, as in it usually rubs off or slides down my face which is always a good look. This mascara holds up well and the eyeliner is smooth and heavenly.

Pick one up HERE!

And finally, this month is dedicated to my trusty Garmin VivoFit. I bought my husband and I each one last year. I wore it for a while and then stopped. Since I've started wearing it again I find that I'm actually taking the stairs more and walking a little further so I can see the graph on my phone show me I went over my steps for the day. It also tracks my sleep, which currently is showing me the pattern my 5 month old has of getting me up every 2 hours to eat right now, lol. I love that I don't have to charge it every few days because it runs on a watch battery and that it syncs with my phone in seconds! Also, who doesn't love different color bands? Hello color coordination and looking like a real live adult!

That's it for this month. Check back for my recommendations next month!

Things I've Learned While Doing 21 Day Fix

Things I've learned while doing the 21 Day Fix:
-The containers make great measuring cups. Don't use them as storage/meal containers. Seriously, the hot sauce in the blue one leaked EVERYWHERE.
-Meal prepping, heck even snack prepping, (albeit time consuming) is a HUGE help. I've always been known for having sort of random lunches. The few times I've actually planned ahead my co-workers were super impressed. Look! I adulted!
-Pack baggies in the fridge of cut up veggies or fruit for a quick snack. Or leave some baggies with almonds or other snacks on the counter. I'll be less likely to hunt for rogue chocolate chips on the baking shelf if I have a healthy snack already out and ready to go.
-Cook lunch for the next day while you cook dinner. My husband is AWESOME at this...but he does it for him, not for me. I'm always so jealous when I see him cooking and planning ahead and being all adult and stuff in the evenings when all I'm doing is counting down until bed time.
-Set out breakfast things before you go to bed. Get your ingredients ready, or at the very least your plate. Again, if you've already started the process you're more likely to follow through. Also, breakfast rocks.
-Get yourself a BIG ASS water bottle with a straw. You'll be less likely to spill it, and the straw makes it easier to drink more at one time. Mine is one from a visit to the hospital I made a few years ago when I got dehydrated and passed out while getting a haircut. Hello, ambulence ride! It was no bueno, so I've had that cup handy ever since. It's giant and awkward and I love it.
-Get creative in the kitchen. Some of the healthiest and most delicious meals I've made were 21 day fix approved. Who says you have to have boring food? Get a veggie spiraler-it will INSTANTLY up the fun factor in your meals!
-Pinterest is your friend. For recipes, meal prepping ideas, and more! (Follow me: @nanci_m)
-Put up inspirational pictures/quotes in your workout space. Mine is in the basement and I have pictures on the walls on either side of me, in front of me above the screen, and on the ceiling.
-Think "happy thoughts" while you're working out for each rep. "Sexy" "Cruise" "Youcandothis" "Getitgirl" or whatever else motivates you. Be your own cheerleader! *Cue "Cheerleader" music!*

I Heart Art

One of the things I love to do when I have time (ha, what's that?) is ART! I love drawing and doodling the most, but I've recently gotten into hand-lettering. I like to share my art on Twitter and sometimes on Facebook, but nothing is really permanent.

The instructor had a yellow background and an orange forest
floor. I went for the sophisticated evening look. 

My basement has several canvases I've painted over the years. Some I've done in the comfort of my own home just to get some creativity out. I've also really enjoyed painting at those wine and paint places. A few times I've gone with friends and watching them paint has helped me learn a little more about them. Some really like to adhere to the "rules" and paint the exact same things the instructor paints. I've even seen someone go so far as to count the number of branches they painted on a tree just so theirs could be exactly the same. It honestly didn't surprise me because this person tends to be very much like that outside of a paint studio as well. I've also seen someone say "The hell with this" and paint whatever they want. This too was not surprising as I've known them to always focus on their needs rather than what others think they should be doing. And at that time they just so happened to need to paint something totally off the wall. I've also asked other friends what they think their painting style says about them. They typically don't enjoy that question because they just came to drink wine and maybe paint something cool, not do some self-exploration and analyze their paint habits. Thanks for keeping it light, Nance. Jeez.
Since I ask it of them, I have also looked at my paint habits. A few things I've learned about myself:
-I use a TON of white paint no matter what the painting is. I think I use it as a base for every color I use. In my life I think this also shows up in anything I do. I like to have a solid base (of knowledge, understanding, etc.) before I jump in and start working on something.
-I like to paint nature. I also really like to be in nature. I'm not really an outdoorsy person (hiking, skiing, camping, etc.), but I do like to be outside. Being outside seems so much easier than being inside. There are rules when you're inside, certain expectations for behavior. But being outside means there really aren't any rules or expectations. It's awesome.
-I sometimes use the other end of the paintbrush. Like when I need a super tiny dot or a really fine, thin line. Who says that everything you encounter has to be used the way it's "supposed" to be used? Get creative! Use that paintbrush from the other end!
-My palate starts nice and clean and organized and ends up being one or two blobs of color made from all the other colors. Check out this post on my other blog here for more info on this palate problem. This is not unlike every organization task I've ever undergone. It always starts nice and pretty, but very quickly ends up as sort of a mess. It's a pretty mess, but a mess none the less.
I think that's how I'd describe myself actually. A pretty mess. I'm okay with that.

Tuesday Night Tradition

With two kids, I don't get to watch tv very often. Okay, I take that back. I do get to watch a ton of Disney Junior, but I don't get to watch what I want to watch on tv very often. One show that I have really enjoyed for the past few years (except for season 6A, but let's not open that wound) is Pretty Little Liars on Freeform, formerly ABC Family.

Pretty Little Liars is a Tuesday night show. I usually DVR it and watch it after the boys are in bed. Lately I've been watching it and using the elliptical in the basement at the same time. It's awesome! I start by getting myself some delicious, cold fridge water and putting on my running shoes. Since I'm not a runner I just leave these shoes in the basement with the elliptical, I don't miss them. I also like to make sure the remote is handy and that my phone is off. I figure the tv is enough of a distraction, I don't want my phone to be one too. I usually start with a sweatshirt on because our basement is really cold, but the workout usually warms me up. To be honest, the intensity of the show keeps me moving, and the commercial breaks are easy to fast-forward through. This usually gets me about 45 solid minutes on the elliptical as it is an hour long show. Bonus! Because I'm in the basement I can listen to it as loud as I want and talk back to the show and no one else can hear me!
This Tuesday night date that I make with myself is super important for a few reasons. One, this is sometimes the only solid chunk of time I get to myself during the week. I NEED this time. I need the space to move and be distracted by something entertaining. Two, I have started to really like Tuesdays. Most people think Tuesday is a second Monday (which I can totally see because I consider Thursdays pre-Fridays, but whatever), but I've started to really look forward to it. It helps me sort of gauge where I am in my week. I don't have many routines, but this is one that I do have. Also, this is one of those things I can chalk up to self love. Self love is something I'm not super great at but I'm getting better. No one else is going to block that time out for me and make me go down there. I have to do it for me, and I'm okay with that. It's something I actually don't feel guilty about, but I think the fact that I'm using the elliptical helps with that.
Now that I'm thinking about it, maybe I should have a date with myself every night! What do you recommend, my happy little community? What kinds of routines and dates do you have with yourself during the week?

I'm Thinking About Food! Again!

Always. Still.
I wouldn't say I have a bad relationship with food, but it is a bit unhealthy. I'm in the early phases of retraining myself to look at food a different way, which means I am constantly thinking about it. And because I'm always thinking about it my brain keeps taking that as a signal that I'm hungry. I'm not, brain. I promise. We just ate! In fact, sometimes it tells me we're hungry WHILE we're eating. Get it together. Just because I'm spending more time thinking about food doesn't mean we need to spend more time actually eating it. Although, I am a slow eater. I'm always the last one at the table or the last straggler to come to a meeting still eating my lunch or always the one with snacks...sigh...moving on.
I'm trying a few different things to help myself with the food part of this healthy habits plan. First, I'm only keeping food in the house that can be eaten. As opposed to what, Nanci, food that is just sitting on the counter that you CAN NEVER EVER EAT DON'T TOUCH IT IT'S FOR DECORATION? I know this sounds silly, bear with me. If it's in the house, I'll eat it. I can't buy a snack or a box of Nilla wafers for my son and not eat them. It's just not something I'm able to NOT do. So, if I don't bring it in the house I can't eat it. Otherwise, any food that comes in the house is fair game to be eaten.
Also, I'm trying to get better at prepping food for a few days at a time. Prepping for a week feels overwhelming, but so does trying to throw food haphazardly into a bag first thing in the morning with no plan and having a random ass lunch. I can do a few days at a time. Snacks, some lunch things, and having breakfast staples makes a world of difference.
Food is kind of my favorite thing. Good food is the best. And by good I mean extra super tasty and well-prepared. I need to find a that happy place where the food is delicious and well prepared but I'm not mentally kicking myself for what it is I'm eating, and then continuing to eat it anyway.
Tell me, community of friends, what tips do you have?