Happy Hump Day!

I hope your hump day is rolling along nicely so far! Mine started off with a kick butt 6 AM Barre class at ToddPilates. I am always so impressed by all the people who get up bright and early to work out week after week. They never cease to amaze me.

After class, I headed home and tried to wake the beast (E is not a morning person). As I sat down to enjoy a cup of hot water with lemon, I saw one of the books I am currently reading sitting on the coffee table and thought I would share. I am actually reading three different great books right now on various subjects. I am usually not a person that reads multiple books at one time, but these three were just too good to wait on.

First up, is Chia Vitality by Janie Hoffman. I was sent this book by the wonderful people over at Mamma Chia. In Chia Vitality, the author, Janie Hoffman, describes her struggles with an autoimmune disease and how incorporating chia seeds into her life helped her overcome it. She discusses in detail how chia seeds can help boost your stamina, help you lose weight, and feel more alive. It is also packed with delicious healthy recipes. I just started reading yesterday, so I promise to report back with a full review and GIVEAWAY soon!

Next up on my reading (well, really listening) list is The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.

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I actually downloaded this book using Audible so I could listen to it while I drove to and from Houston this weekend. If you have never listened to a book on tape while driving, I would highly suggest it. Having something interesting to listen to made the trip fly by. I've also been listening to it while taking my daily walks which is nice as well. Plus, I am in love with this book!



This is so not your typical self help book. The story begins with Gretchen riding a bus and thinking about why she isn't happier with her life. She has a loving marriage, two great kiddos, she loves her job, lives in New York City, and just generally has a wonderful life. She decides that there is so much in her life to be thankful for and happy about that it's a shame to let all of that go to waste. As a writer and avid reader, she sets out on a quest to read as much about happiness as she possibly can.

After gathering all of her resources and information, she decides to dedicate a year to finding more happiness in her already great life. Each month she focuses on a different area such as her marriage, parenting, or her job, and sets resolutions to work on for the month. The book tells the story of this year from her point of view. Gretchen actually reads the book herself and her sarcastic, witty personality makes it all that much more entertaining.

I consider myself, like Gretchen, to be blessed with a wonderful life; however, I all to often dwell on what I could be doing better or worry about things that are out of my control. I am only to the month of May in her journey, but I have definitely had a couple of revelations so far and picked up many helpful tips to help me keep in perspective what truly is important. I would highly suggest this book to everyone!

Now what kind of pregnant lady would I be if I wasn't reading some kind of baby book right? Well have no fear! Book #3 on my reading list is The Happiest Baby On The Block by Dr. Harvey Karp, M.D
This book discusses how the 5 S's can help your baby sleep better, be happier, and avoid colic. It actually goes into a lot of great detail on what different doctors theorize cause colic and why they are incorrect. Additionally, it discusses how other cultures have soothed their babies for centuries and why westerners may be missing the mark when it comes to helping our little ones find comfort.

The overall premise of the books is that babies need 5 things to be comforted when they are first born.....
1) Swaddling - They need to be swaddled to feel safe and protected.
2) Side/Stomach Position - They prefer to be on their side or stomach which can aid in digestion.
3) Shushing - A shushing sound imitates what they were used to hearing in the womb and is therefor very comforting.
4) Swinging - Babies are used to constant motion when they are in their mothers womb, so a swinging motion helps to soothe them.
5) Sucking - Sucking actually triggers the calming reflex in babies.

Dr. Harvey Karp describes in detail how each one of these helps to soothe babies in it's own way, but also why doing them all together is the most important (and often most missed) step. It is totally worth the read if you are a mommy-to-be or have a fussy baby at home. Of course, I haven't actually put any of this to use on Annabelle yet, but it's fascinating none the less!

So there you have, the three books that are currently occupying my brain space! Now, it's time for some breakfast.

What are you currently reading?

In health,

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Hey!

It's Wednesday, and the week is probably rushing by at lightning speed between work, family and your to do list! Why don't you take a moment right now and just.....

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Feel better? Sometimes you just need to take a moment and make a list of all of the good things in life instead of all of the things you have to do by the end of the day. Breathing is a powerful tool and one that we can all use anytime we need it. Next time you feel frazzled, just take a moment to close your eyes and take a few deep breathes, relax your shoulders, and unclench your jaw.

Yesterday's workouts included teachign a Piloxing class, cycle class, and core class, and taking a Pilates reformer class. Tuesday's are definitley my busy day when it comes to teaching but I love it!

I worked pretty late yesterday, so the crock pot came to my rescue. I made teriyaki chicken with brown rice and stir fry veggies. I simply put 2/3 cup teriyaki sauce and 1 cup of water in the crock pot with 3 chicken breasts for 4 hours and voila!


Super easy, delicious and nutritions! E even liked it! :) A few days ago I showed a clip of Sophia Grace and Rosie at the Grammy's. I think they are possibly two of the cutest girls ever! I just saw a clip of them singing one of Niki Minaj's songs and couldn't resist sharing. Sophie is the one singing and she is only 8 or 9 years old and sings the entire song from memory!! That is so impressive!! If this doesn't make your hump day brighter, I don't know what will.



I hope you all have a fantastic Wednesday. Don't forget to breathe, sweat, and laugh. Everything else will work itself out! :)

How did you get our sweat on this week?

In health,

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Hello everyone!

How are you today??

Today's sweat sessions included teaching a kickboxing & barre class, a spin class and a core class, then running 3.5 miles on the treadmill. Sweaty and glorious!

Today was one of those days at work that can make you frazzled pretty quickly. I had back to back meetings and classes and an ever growing to-do list. I love my job, but even the best job can get stressful from time to time.

At one point today I as trying to shovel down lunch, listen to a voicemail, and type an e-mail all at the same time. I could feel my shoulders starting to tense up as I sat there multitasking to the max! Not good! It's times like these you just need to take five to relax. What better way to reduce stress and relieve tension than having a good laugh!! Next time you are feeling a little overwhelmed, pull up one of these videos and let the stress just melt away!

This baby has the cutest laugh! You seriously won't be able to resist laughing along with him!



You might want to close your office door so your boss doesn't hear you cracking up at this one!



This little guy can't get much cuter!




I hope one of these made you laugh or at least smile! Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Q's and A's
What do you do to destress when life gets overwhelming?

In health,

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