My driver's license weight is TRUE!

Listen up all baby mamas and mamas-to-be. No need to lie about our weight at the DMV anymore. I once and for all have conquered the dreaded fear of never losing baby weight. The best part: the weight has managed to keep falling off & my driver's license weight is accurate again!! Woohoo! Keep reading to see how it's done. :)

8 Ways to Lose the Weight!
1. Breastfeed, breastfeed, breastfeed. Especially after you've eaten one too many cookies, BREASTFEED! ;) It burns at least 500 calories per day. The top major contributor to my weight loss, I think.
2. Drink lots of water. Seems like a no-brainer, but it's true. We often times feel hungry when we're actually thirsty.
3. Drink one dark beer per night, if you can. Prescribed by our pediatrician (LOVE HIM - but more on Dr. Ramos later), it helps with production of #1!

I won't name names, but a good friend brought me a Fat Tire in the hospital.  HEAVEN.

4. Eat at home most meals. That way, you know what ingredients you're puttin' in it. I'll pass on the extra sugar & fat from most restaurants. Work in dark leafy veggies, nuts, & fruit. Fish & poultry. Go easy on the red meat. Side note: Chicfila is ok 1-2 times per month ;) but then make sure to repeat #1!

the darker, the better!

5. Eat small meals. With a baby, it's hard to remember to eat most meals!
6. Exercise/keep moving. I recommend Yoga Booty Ballet these days. It keeps me laughing throughout work-outs & who doesn't love that? Get outside! Just being outdoors will get you moving.

seriously a lot of fun

7. Carry your baby. Now I don't tote Omi around just everywhere, but I am not one of those moms who's afraid to hold her baby. She enjoys it, and it's a good workout for my arms too! Baby carriers, like the Ergo, carry the weight on the hips & make it easier for longer hikes. You still get a good workout too!

the best thing about this carrier: front, side, and back positions for baby

8. Be positive. Positivity boosts your mood & your metabolism should follow. 

There you have it. 8 simple steps, but since I am not a licensed dietitian, I can not guarantee results! ;) This is just my fun way of sharing my experience thus far. I will admit though - at this point I think that I will NEVER show my stomach again. Not enough crunches could fix this. Ha. It's a total mom stomach, and I'm ok with that!

21st Century Stay At Home Mama!

Most of these days are filled to the max, and it's a great thing! Helping out with wholesale, making gifts, raising a baby, and keeping house are just some of the things keeping me very active. I've never been one to just sit around (drives me crazy), so lucky for me, it's go go go! I feel so very fortunate to be able to stay at home with Omi, but lately I have been feeling the need and urge to serve others & to find little ways to bring in more income for our family.

It is more than difficult living on one salary in today's world. I read last week that only 17% of American families were traditional (father works & mother stays home) in 2010. We have been exploring different options that will provide more income for our family while allowing me to stay home at the same time. It's exciting and keeping us on our toes! :)

Two wise women in my family have said, "I can live on whatever you make," and "you have the rest of your life to work." The first quote is from my Geemama when she decided to stay home and the second from sweet Aunt Robin. The thoughts behind these words have now become my motto, and I have put these thoughts into action.

I am queen of the coupons and pinch pennies where I can. Cloth diapering, breastfeeding, and making most meals at home have really helped to cut back on expenses. It's amazing to think how much money is saved by not going out to eat. Drinks and tips alone will cost around $10, and you haven't even ordered yet! :) We really are able to make it work just by cutting back, but more on money-saving tips later!

Creativity has been flowing lately (shocking because I've never been too crafty), so I am going with it! I am using this outlet as a way to do for others while also providing a small income for our family. I have been making headbands for baby girls, cutesy candle votives for friends & family, & we have been selling old books and gently-used clothes online. Every little bit helps!



Take a look at the goodies I've created and let me know what you think! It's been a lot of fun making the headbands, and I am hoping to sell a few and give a few away to local safe houses for mothers and children. To make any difference in someone's life - even so little as to making someone smile with a new headband - is serving others, and we are all here to fill that need! Now get out and live a little - shoot someone that beautiful smile! :)

Small Indulgences

Philosophy's Amazing Grace Bath, Shampoo, & Shower Gel

Every Christmas, this lovely scented soap is at the top of my want list for a reason. It leaves your skin extra soft and smooth, & the fresh scent (my fave) lingers all day. The best part: it is a body wash, shampoo, and bubble bath combined! Now how great is that?

I make the stuff last all year because it is pretty pricey ($22 for 16oz), but it's totally worth every cent (no pun intended)! heh. It makes for great gifts too.



Once in a while, like this evening, sweet Naomi gets to suds up with Amazing Grace. It just smells too good to not share! Indulgences for a girl so small, but she smells sooo good that every hug lasts a little longer! Tiny painted toenails and bathing with Mama's favorite soap - what's next? Frilly cupcake bloomers for her first birthday? You betcha! ;) I hope Deddy's ready for this!

Bloomers found on etsy. The gal who made these is one of my favorite sellers on etsy, and she works at home! Love everything about it! http://www.etsy.com/people/sugarandspicekid