My journey to a healthier, happier me!

 

Cardigan Sweater c/o Modest Modern Mama

Top - Similar

Jeans - Kohl's

Boots c/o White Mountain Shoes

Cardigan Sweater c/o Modest Modern Mama

Top - Similar

Jeans - Kohl's

Boots c/o White Mountain Shoes

There has been a lot going on in my life that I haven't really talked about on the blog. I want this space to be happy and lighthearted, but in reality that's not how life always is.

I have always considered myself a worrier. For example in elementary school I would get homework on a Monday and it wouldn't be due until Friday but I would have to get it done that night or else it was the end of the world. 

That was just the start of it and since having my kids it has gotten worse with each one. I was becoming such a mean mom- I was irritated with my kids all the time for the littlest things like B asking me a simple question. I also hated driving when I used to enjoy it. I didn't want to do things or go places in fear of something bad happening, and I would get anxiety over getting anxious. It's a vicious cycle! I began to think what I was dealing with was something that couldn't get fixed and I tried to deal with it the best I could with a positive attitude and exercise.

We moved to Boston, my husband started his residency and I knew I was in over my head. I needed to get my life back on track if I was going to be able to take care of my kids by myself with my husband working so many hours. 

I was terrified to go to the doctor, partially because I didn't know if I wanted to admit that I had something wrong with me especially with it being all mental. On the day of my appointment I had barely gotten back to the exam room and I was already crying. I thought for sure they thought I was crazy! Thankfully I saw an amazing doctor who listened to my situation and reassured me that major life changes such as moving, having a baby, starting new jobs, etc. can all bring on anxiety. She put me on some medication and it was a little hard adjusting to it at first but it has changed my life! I've been seeing a therapist to get tools on how to cope with my anxiety and I try to exercise regularly.

I still have bad days but I am able to think clearer and not worry so much. I am so much happier and I never thought I'd say this but I LOVE living in Boston!

I'm not saying that everyone should get on anxiety medicine or see a therapist, but it was something I needed to do to become a happier and healthier wife, mom, and person in general.

Feel free to reach out to me with any questions or if you can relate with me. Life can be so tough but when we have the support of one another it makes the biggest difference!

Love you guys!

This post is a collaboration with White Mountain Shoes and Modest Modern Mama. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

Three Things

Here's another update on each member of our family! There are days that I can't believe I have two kids! When did that happen?!?!

B:

1) It's so cute to watch him play lately. He's been using his imagination more and I love hearing what his toys say to each other!

2) He likes Paw Patrol right now and watches the episodes on YouTube whenever we let him.

3) Loves his comfy clothes! He probably wears jeans once a month.

Baby E:
1) He's still a mama's boy, especially when he's tired and is starting to have 'stranger danger'.

2) Does not like his bouncy seat anymore and is always trying to sit up while in it.

3) Has started reaching for things in my hands-like my phone, cups, papers and will put anything in his mouth. The other day we were grocery shopping and B gave him the shopping list and the next thing I knew he had eaten half of it!

Hubby:

1) Works out whenever he has time in the morning or during the day. He wanted a simple home gym where ever we moved next, but since we're going to Boston that will have to be his residency graduation present!

2) Got to play soccer for the first time in a while with B and some neighbor kids!

3) He's still doing a great job searching for a place for us to live in Boston!;) (I wouldn't be surprised if we end up driving there with our moving truck with no place to live the way it's looking right now.)

Myself:
1) I've been trying to be more intentional with how I spend my time and I'm able to get so much done lately! Facebook and Instagram can suck you in!

2) One thing I have appreciated a lot lately is when people ask to hold Baby E for me at church activities. It's such a nice break and allows me to do my responsibilities quicker.

3) My LipSense business is keeping me a lot busier than I expect, which is a really good thing! 

Three Things

We have had a busy week so far with meetings, church visits, play dates, and Valentine's Day! B got a balloon and has been carrying it around with him all week! It's like an imaginary friend or something!

Anyways, I just wanted to stop in and give a quick update of each person in our family!

Baby E:

1. Is an amazing sleeper at night but still cries a few hours a each day.

2. Loves to suck on his fingers and Mom's hands.

3. Favorite part of the day is being naked on Mom and Dad's bed before getting dressed for the day or at night in pajamas.

B:

1. Still loves trains and Little Einsteins.

2. Is awesome at flying his Dad's mini drone!

3. Can sing the ABC's all by himself and is learning to cut paper with scissors.

Hubby:

1. Is halfway done with boards! One more written and a practical and he'll officially be a dentist!

2. Wishes he had more time to read books that aren't for school....only 4 1/2 years until he can do that:)

3. Has been searching for a place for us to live in Boston. We've decided we'll most likely be renting and we know what area, now we have to find the perfect place!

Myself:

1. I've recently started exercising again and I'm so out of shape but excited to feel myself get stronger!

2. For part of my church responsibility I plan a lot of activities/events and I'm starting to enjoy planning them. 

3. I've been in packing mode since January but I've resisted and I'm trying to hold off until at least March or when we have a place to live!

Thanks for catching up! See you back here tomorrow!

Linking up with Thoughts for Thursday, Thinking out Loud, Penny's Passion

Pregnancy Update {37 Weeks}

I'm still pregnant over here so I thought I'd give you an update!
Secretly I'm hoping this baby comes this week because 1) I had B when I was this far along and 2) It's the best week for my husband.
 I guess time will tell!


How far along? 37 Weeks 2 Days

Total weight gain: 25 + pounds and still gaining about a pound a week. I'm getting excited to be able to work out again. I wanted to keep up with it while pregnant, but with being sick it hasn't happened.

Maternity clothes? Definitely! Skirts are the most comfortable thing right now.

Stretch Marks? Yes, on the sides of my stomach.

Sleep: I wake up a couple times at night but sometimes it's hard to get back to sleep.

Best moment this week: Getting my hair done, waxing my eyebrows and lip, and painting my nails- I'm ready whenever the baby is!

Miss anything? Being able to cuddle in bed with my husband without my belly in the way!

Movement: All the time! But mostly at night.

Food cravings: This last week was no-bake cookies! So yummy!

Anything make you queasy or sick? Only when I don't eat every hour.

Gender: Boy!

Labor signs: Some cramping and Braxton hicks. I am dilated to a 1 and 50% effaced, so my body is getting ready!

Belly button in or out? It's pretty flat right now, so it makes me wonder how it will be after birth.

Wedding rings on or off? On, but it leaves a mark if taken off.

Happy or moody most of the time: I've been a lot more emotional the past few weeks and needing to be more patient with people. But we are very excited for the baby to come!

Looking forward to: Seeing what this baby looks like! I just assume that he'll look and act like B.

Pregnancy Update {34 Weeks}
Summer Maternity Clothes
Baby Announcement

Pregnancy Update {34 Weeks}

First off, happy first day of fall! It's officially here and we are so happy about it!

I'm a little late to the game with posting weekly updates, but I wanted to do at least one to update you with how I'm feeling/doing at the end of this pregnancy. Despite being really uncomfortable all the time, I am very grateful to be pregnant. It really is a miracle!

How far along? 34 Weeks 6 Days

Total weight gain: 25 pounds, I've stopped weighing myself at home but at each doctor appointment lately, I've gained about a pound a week.

Maternity clothes? Yes, and those are starting to get a little uncomfortable.

Stretch Marks? Yes, mostly on the sides of my stomach.

Sleep: I have had issues sleeping for quite a few months. Mostly because I can't get comfortable, but I just recently stopped taking naps and that has help me sleep in longer stretches. I also started sleeping just on my left side and that has helped quite a bit too!

Best moment this week: B telling me that he loved me without me prompting him to say it!

Miss anything? Being able to get out of bed without hurting.

Movement: Yes, after 8pm is his most active time!

Food cravings: I always crave french fries, cereal, and juice.

Anything make you queasy or sick? Not lately, but I had my fair share that feeling sick up until 22 weeks.

Gender: Boy!

Labor signs: I have Braxton Hicks occasionally, but nothing more than that.

Symptoms: I don't know what this is supposed to mean, but if you see me you'd know that I was pregnant! Little kids at the park ask me what I'm having.

Belly button in or out? Out and starting to show through my clothes.

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy and still in nesting mode!

Looking forward to: Being able to sleep without extra pillows and to be able to bend over without it being uncomfortable.

Next month is starting to get a little crazy with my husband's schedule, so hopefully this little guy will come at a good time! But who am I kidding, he will probably come at the craziest time;)

Linking up with Thoughts for Thursday, Thinking out Loud, Penny's Passion

Show & Tell {Can't Live Without!}

Three day weekends are the best!

For Labor Day we went mini golfing. I have been suggesting that we go and I ended up winning today! It was B's first time and he loved it!

Today I'm linking with Andrea for Show and Tell Tuesday. Today we're sharing three things we can't live without. It was tough to keep it to only three things!

Vaseline (I'm wanting to try this kind out, but haven't been able to find it in the store)-I seriously go crazy when I don't have it on my lips! I always slather lots on before bed so it will last all night long, even though I reapply it every time I get up in the night, which is a lot with this pregnant body.

Lotion-If I ever got stranded somewhere, I will need lotion as well! There's just something about dry hands that drive me crazy. There are certain fabrics I hate touching unless my hands have lotion on them. With living in a humid climate, it has helped my skin stay pretty moisturized, but I still use lotion daily out of habit.

My Husband-Last but not least, I could not live without my husband! I seriously count down the hours until he comes home from school! It's even better when he gets home early! He makes our days so much better!

Dental School Life

As many of you know, my husband is in his third year of dental school. It's a four year program, so we only have a year and a half left! Just because my husband is the one in school, doesn't mean that I'm not doing anything at home. It takes a lot of work and encouragement on my part to help his days go smoother. It is definitely a team effort!

Here's a look at the past few years of dental school and what it's been like for us!

YEAR ONE 2013-2014: I worked two jobs during the last two years of my husband's bachelor's program, so comparatively I saw him a lot during his first year. He was mostly doing book work and would come home at normal times (between 5:30 and 6:00pm) each night. With it just being classes he was able to be home a couple of afternoons a week too. I also had Baby B during Christmas break of this year.

YEAR TWO 2014-2015: This is the year of tests at the school we are at! There are 30+ tests this year, which meant a lot of studying. He also had more clinical courses this year, which also means less time to study during school hours, so we saw him less.

YEAR THREE 2015-2016: There's a lot fewer tests, but more requirements to pass off in the clinic. If my husband was planning on doing General Dentistry then school would be 8:00 - 5:00 every day, but that isn't the case because he's wanting to do Oral Surgery. In August 2015, he took an entrance exam for the oral surgery residency but didn't do as well as he wanted so he's been studying like crazy to retake it this month. He also did an externship in December 2015 and has three more planned this year. With all of this extra stuff we haven't seen him a lot lately. It will all be worth it though!

YEAR FOUR 2016-2017: Coming soon...

Feel free to ask me any questions about dental school and/or specializing. If I don't know the answer I'll ask my husband!

Let me know if you're a dental or medical student wife! It's always great to know you're not in it alone and to have someone to relate to!

Linking up with Thoughts for Thursday, Thinking out Loud, Penny's Passion, Stuff and Things, Faith and Fellowship , Tuesday Talk

A-Z All about me! + Thanksgiving Link Up Info

Hello! With all my new followers this past month, I thought it would be fun for you to get to know me a little better! I'm going to go through the alphabet and give you 20+ random facts about me! Enjoy!

A- I will not have animals in my house. I'd rather not pick hair off of my clothes or take care of them.

B- I eat a banana every morning!

C- I have been clogging since I was 10 years old. (similar to tap dancing)

D- Ever since we moved out East I have hated driving because of the crazy drivers!

E- I try to exercise 3-4 times a week, either at a class at the gym or with YouTube videos at home.

*This post contains affiliate links.

F- I love food! I am always eating, just ask my friends:)

G- My childhood bedroom had lime green and purple walls. (I didn't realize it was Barney colors until I had finished it!)

H- I love going hiking and backpacking, growing up my family went every summer!

I- I love ice cream! 

J- I would rather do jumping jacks than run.

K- Baby B and I like to kick the soccer ball back and forth!

L- When my sisters and I are together, we laugh like high school girls! (One of them is still in H.S.)

M- I love mint flavored anything!

N- I HATE needles and blood!

O- I eat oatmeal with chia seeds, honey, and some sort of fruit pretty much every morning.

P- I love giving and getting pedicures! Feet don't bother me.

Q- Quality time is one of my love languages.

R- I used to go running in the mornings with my Dad while I was in elementary school. Now I'm not a fan of running.

S- We do a huge grocery shopping trip once a month. Then every week we only buy bananas and milk.

T- We eat something taco related every week.

U- Most people have not seen my house untidy.

V- I've always thought it would be cool to play the violin!

Keep scrolling for the rest!

Sweater: Old (Similar, Similar, Similar)

Skirt: Old (Similar, Similar)

Boots: Old (Similar, Similar)

W- I like going on walks as a family!

X,Y,Z- These letters are way to hard and now you know lots about me!

On Thursday, November 5th, 12th, and 19th I'm hosting Thankful Thursday Link Up! ! Come share whatever you're thankful for! Spread the word and follow for reminders!

Do we have anything in common? Will you be joining me for Thankful Thursday? Let me know in the comments below!

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Linking up with Thoughts for Thursday, Thinking out Loud, Penny's Passion, Stuff and Things, Faith and Fellowship , Tuesday Talk

What's up Wednesday {9/30/15}

It's the last Wednesday of the month which means I'm linking up with these blogs for...

What we're eating this week: With it being the end of the month, I am needing to do some meal planning, but we'll probably be eating basil pesto tortellini, ham and potato soup, and tilapia and rice!

What I'm reminiscing about: Sunny Days! It's been so rainy and cloudy here. The weather report says it won't be letting up until next week...

What I'm loving: Pumpkin smells and flavors in everything! I especially love pumpkin candles!

What we've been up to: My husband had a whole week off of school because of a world bike race, so we did some sightseeing to Luray Caverns, Carter Mountain Orchard, and Tuckahoe Plantation(which was Thomas Jefferson's boyhood home)!

What I'm dreading: Nothing....but I am wanting to get over this darn cold I've had for a week!

What I'm working on: I recently made this canvas glitter bat and the tutorial was posted yesterday! It was really fun to make!

What I'm excited about: Christmas Break! haha I know it's forever away, but I can't wait to be around family! 

What I'm reading: Shattered by C.K. Bailey It's such a good book! A good mixture of mystery and romance! It's also set during Christmas time, which is fun for this time of year!

 Side Note: I've started so many books this month but have been disappointed by many of them. I just don't appreciate the cussing or sex scenes. Why can't books be clean anymore!?!?

What I'm watching: Dancing with the Stars! I love this show and the fun costumes and dances! I'm a huge Whitney and Derek fan! 

What I'm listening to: Silence....it's a great thing;)

What I'm wearing: I shared my favorite scarves on Monday and here's one of them!

Here's a transitional outfit I wore last weekend! Booties are the best transitional pieces!

Skirt: Similar

Booties: Similar, Similar

What I'm doing this weekend: This weekend we are watching our church's semiannual general conference. It's where we listen to our church leaders deliver messages of inspiration and guidance, so we can become better and closer to Christ. Here are more details if you're interested.

What I'm looking forward to next month: Halloween! I don't like dressing up myself, but I'm really excited to be dressing Baby B up and taking him trick-or-treating!

What else is new: Don't forget the enter the Fall Nail Giveaway found HERE! Ends tonight at midnight EST! Winner is announce on Friday!

What's your favorite Halloween tradition? Growing up I would sort my candy into piles after going out trick-or-treating. I really love candy! There would always be certain houses that would give us so much candy and I loved it! Now I definitely don't eat as much as I used to!

Thanks for catching up! Happy Wednesday!

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What's up Wednesday! {8/26/15}

Today I'm linking with these great blogs for...

What we're eating this week: I tried a new recipe on Sunday and it was so good! It was Honey Rosemary Chicken and it's a crock pot meal. I tend to have bad luck with recipes from Pinterest, but this one was great!

What I'm reminiscing about: One of my really good friends just had a baby and it's so crazy how big Baby B is compared to him. They grow up so fast!

What I'm loving: Cheez-it Grooves! They are so yummy! My husband's family introduced us to them and I cant get enough of them! (I just went and stocked up because they are that good!)

What we've been up to: We haven't gone swimming a lot since we got back from our trip last month, but we still have another week and a half to get in some pool time! Instead, we've been using our creativity and Baby B used water colors for the first time and loved it!

What I'm dreading: I hate going to the doctor and I have my yearly check up next week. I'm not thrilled but it has to be done..:(

 What I'm working on: Every Fall our church holds a Super Saturday Craft Day for the ladies and I'm helping organize it. It's in October, but we are in full swing making the display crafts and getting it planned!

What I'm excited about: We planned out our site seeing schedule last weekend and I'm so excited to be seeing places on our bucket list for Virginia!

What I'm watching: Nothing lately...there haven't been any shows we have gotten into and it's been kind of nice spending our nights reading and hanging out.

What I'm reading: Blink of an Eye by: Gregg Luke It's a pretty good book so far, I'm a little over halfway done with it. I've never read a mystery book like it, so it has kept it interesting. Read it to find out what I'm talking about:)

What I'm listening to: Baby B and I have been a little obsessed with the Teen Beach 2 songs "That's How We Do" and "Best Summer Ever." We sometimes have dance parties that last an hour listening to these songs!

What I'm wearing: This lovely outfit was featured on Monday. Check out this post for details! The skirt was love at first sight! You need one in your closet!

These are my momiforms from the past few weeks! We have done lots of playing and keeping it casual on the weekdays.

Pants: Kohl's

What I'm doing this weekend: Going to the POOL and relaxing!!

What I'm looking forward to next month: It will be Fall! I can start decorating, eating, and wearing all things fall! Sadly, it will still be summer weather here, but I can make it Fall indoors:)

What else is new: I can't think of anything...

What's your favorite back to school tradition: I can't think of any one in particular my family did, but a daily tradition was that every morning my Mom or Dad would cook us a hot breakfast (pancakes, waffles, french toast, oatmeal, muffins) and then Sundays were the cold cereal days! 

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Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award

Last week Katelyn from Simply Sunflour nominated me for this award! I just found Katelyn's blog and have loved getting to know her and reading all the great tips and stories she has! 

 Here are the questions I was asked to answer and I'm so excited to share more about me and why I blog!

Why did you start blogging? I started blogging because I wanted to be able to do something productive in my down time, aka when Baby B naps. I have so many thoughts going around my head and at times I feel like they make me anxious and stressed. With having this blog to focus on, I am able to think about this blog and not worry about things that don't matter.

Where did you get your blog name? My husband is in dental school, so we are "Brushing" our way through life, as I share fashion, beauty, and craft tips and tricks along the way! I also wanted to share my perspective of being a wife of a dental student.

What is your favorite part of blogging? I love being able to help people with their fashion and beauty questions. It's the best when someone approaches you about a fashion or beauty question and you are able to answer it.

How much time do you spend blogging? I spend 2-3 hours a day writing and creating posts. Most of it is done while Baby B is asleep and I love that I can blog and still be a mom.

What is your most popular blog post? My post about my Favorite Hair Products was a hit! I think a lot of people enjoy seeing what products others are using and love!

Any advice for other bloggers? Don't compare, criticize, or complain! Comparing just makes you feel bad about yourself.  Criticizing doesn't make you a better blogger. Yes, everyone has bad days but complaining to the world doesn't fix your problems. Be positive!

Thanks again for nominating me! I hope everyone enjoyed learning more about why I blog and who I am.

I nominate:

Andrea @ Living on Cloud Nine
and anyone else who wants to participate!

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Linking up with Thoughts for Thursday, Thinking out Loud, Penny's Passion, Stuff and Things

Show and Tell Tuesday: High School Edition

Today I'm linking up for Show and Tell Tuesday: High School Edition!

In high school my life revolved around dancing, good grades, hanging out with friends, and working.

 I was a nerd and always tried to get good grades, always did my homework, and studied for tests. I competitively danced (clogged), so all of my extra time outside of school work was spent practicing in my garage or working to earn money to help pay for dance lessons and competitions. I worked at a daycare and taught clogging.

Here are my activity card pictures. Freshman to Senior (Right to left)

My clogging team my senior year!

In February of my Junior year, most of my high school burnt down because of an accidental fire. It was like I was in a movie, driving down the road to school and seeing smoke and flames. My Dad went to school in the same building when he was a kid, so it was really old. We ended up not having school for four days and they brought in portable trailers. The part of the school that was saved was where the senior classes were, so luckily my last year was in an actual building. Unfortunately it smelt really bad!

I love these girls! It's so fun to see where we are all at right now.

All of us have kids or are expecting!

I do miss some things about high school, like living close to friends and clogging all the time, but I'm enjoying where I'm at and the person I'm becoming!

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