3rd Trimester and Pregnancy Thoughts

This is getting real y'all!  I am 2 months out and feel totally pregnant!!  

I have said it before and I will say it again I just do not enjoy being pregnant.  I wish I did but I have really struggled the past couple of months.  Being sick for a month didn't help while having to keep up with the boys' shenanigans, a household, etc.  

As I entered my 3rd Trimester I have slowed down a bit.  At the gym I'm completely frustrated.  It hit me last week that I can no longer do some of the classes and activities that I normally do.  My body literally won't let me or to the extent that I want to.  I am still teaching Pump but dropped a little weight off the past week and I have to modify a bit.  I have taken to walking when I get the chance.  I tried taking a Combat class last week and it was horrible.  Not the class...me!  I just didn't have it and decided I may need to take it easy from here on out.  Not that I haven't been.  I really haven't been working out as much as I would like but average 3-4 times of some sort of activity a week.  I plan to continue teaching Pump and Low Impact for the next month, walk as much as I can, and  get as much rest as possible.  As far as diet, well what diet basically?  It's pretty much whatever I can grab and eat.  I don't have the time or energy to worry about eating healthy right now.  Terrible I know!  I try to eat healthy when I can but these days we are doing good if we get a chance to eat an actual meal.  Plus this is my last pregnancy so I have the excuse to enjoy and eat what I want, right?!  I am tired a lot and as most of you with little ones know, rest is not happening very often.  Especially when they aren't napping like they should.  : (

I know I am totally complaining but I just need to vent for a minute.  Bottom line I just want to feel like myself again and enjoy the things that make me "me"...like a good heart pounding workout, energy, sleeping good at night, a couple of glasses of wine (or a whole bottle ; )), foods that I enjoy that I can't have right now, being able to fit into my skinny jeans, not having a constant back ache, etc.  I also need to be rid of these wonderful hormones.  My poor family takes the brunt of my mood swings.  Right now my boys wear me out and I am totally exhausted most days.  The past couple of months have been the hardest since they've been born.  I thought it's supposed to be getting easier, right?  We digressed somewhere along the way.  If we can just make it through the potty training and terrible 2's phase.  Please Lord!  

30 Weeks with my hump my hump my lovely enormous lumps ; )

Y'all I know this wasn't the most uplifting post, but I am being totally real and honest with my feelings.  Maybe some of y'all feel or felt the same way during pregnancy.  Also any advice with twin 2 year old boys would be welcomed!  I do know how precious this little life growing inside of me is and I am very grateful God entrusted another little one to me.  I am truly blessed for all that I have in my wonderful family.  I am super excited to meet this little guy and start the next chapter in our crazy lives.

Blondie Thoughts: My Makeup Routine or Lack Thereof

It is rare that I put on a full face of makeup, but I do rely on a few essentials daily.  It really depends on what's going on for the day as to how much makeup I put on.   If I'm going to the gym in the morning and am home for the rest of the day, I'm pretty low maintenance.    For those days I use...

1) A BB cream.  I am loving Garnier B.B. Cream  right now.
2) Under eye concealer.  Covergirl Simply Ageless Concealer  (Unfortunately they discontinued this, so I'm in the market for a new one.)
3) I may or may not put on a little waterproof mascara Maybelline Falsies Waterproof Mascara 
 4) I ALWAYS use Lancome Cils Booster XL under my mascara.  I discovered this a year or so ago and coming from someone with short, stubby lashes, it makes a HUGE difference!

If I am going to be out running errands or lunching:

1) I add a little Clinique Pressed Powder Bronzer on top of the BB cream.   2) Dust a little Coty Loose Powder on my face.
3) Maybe add a touch of Clinique Blush
4) I line my eyes with Clinique Quickliner for Eyes in Slate or Chocolate.  I've been wearing this for years.  Hands down best eyeliner ever!
5) Of course I put on my my Lancome Cils Booster XL before I add mascara.
6) 2 coats of Clinique Mascara or whatever mascara I'm currently trying.  I try a lot of different ones but I really like this one...mainly because I got it in a gift for free.  I also like Maybelline mascaras.  
7) I sweep a neutral eye shadow over my lids.  I normally use Clinique because I use the samples you get in their free gifts.  I am not an eye shadow person, so I don't get too crazy with eye shadow.  I have never known how to apply it.  
8) For lips I apply Clinique lipstick in Pink Beach (for a neutral) or Raspberry Glace (for a darker lip) and top it off with lip gloss.  I currently use Clinique lip gloss samples from their gifts or Lancome Juicy Tubes.  I am continually on the search for the best lip gloss so if y'all know of one, let me know!
There you have it! This is pretty much my everyday (or every few days in my case) makeup routine but if I'm heading out for a night on the town I amp it up a little bit.  :)

 Wow!  I just realized I'm kind of partial to Clinique.   I've used Clinique since I was in high school when I started wearing makeup.  I always wait to buy until they run a Bonus gift so I get a bunch of freebies.


Shop all the above products:

Blondie Thoughts: Being a Boy Mom

As a very girly girl and growing up with predominately girls, I was obviously quite clueless about boys and their antics when I had 2.  As a mom of soon to be 3 boys, I have definitely learned a lot and continue to learn every day.  Here are a few things I've learned about boys in the 2 1/2 years I've been a Mommy.

• Total destruction is eminent no matter how much you "baby" proof.  They will always find something else to destroy whether it be pulling their diapers off and smearing poop everywhere (see below), trying to pull the blinds down, or shaking the locked closet doors so they can open them and pull everything out.  Everything that used to be in their room that now has to be stored in the closet because they can't handle having anything except their bed stuff, a few toys and books in their room.  Standing on top of their already turned over bookcase to try to swing off the hooks on the back of the door, or using their beds as slides against the dresser and crawling up via the drawers and sliding down is also a fun way to pass the time and NOT sleep.  No matter what you do or what you remove, there is always a way to try to kill themselves or destroy something.

• Poop is a fun toy that can be smeared all over anything and everything.  Taking diapers off and playing with it is a really fun game!  Now I'm not sure this is a thing for all boys but it definitely is for mine.  I will spare you graphic details but let's just say it has been smeared in every corner and crevice of their room including the ceiling?!  We finally wised up and put them in zip up pj's again and snap bottoms before bed or naps.  Tell me this is a phase that will pass quickly!

• Penis obsession.  This one is a little hard for me.  No pun intended, well maybe a little ;)  Boys have an obsession with them from birth.  They get erections pretty much from Day 1 and once they discover this wondrous body part, they are forever best friends.  Case in point: We are just in the introductory stages of potty training, and I was sitting with Van while he was trying to go the other day.  He looked up at me and as serious as could be grabbed his "pee pee" and said "Pink" and I said, "Yes."  Then with a little more enthusiasm he looks me squarely in the face and excitedly says, "BIG!"  I lost it.  I bust out laughing!  I mean what do you say to that?  I again said, "Yes Van it's big."  So it starts...

• Energy energy energy!  They have plenty of it.  There is rarely a still moment.  They are curious about everything and love to be active.  I'm not saying this is a bad thing by any means but it can wear me out!  I try to get us out of the house every morning so the boys can expend their energy elsewhere besides wreaking havoc on the house.  Preschool is the answer.  On the days they aren't in school (if I'm not dead tired), I try to do a fun activity with them whether it be a hike, going to a playground, lunch out, errands, or going to the gym to play.  They love going to the gym thank goodness, so I don't have to feel guilty about that one.  

I can guarantee you I will be able to add to this list in the next few weeks, months, and years.  Boy moms I would love to hear any stories or advice you have.  Because I stay at home, I sometimes feel like I'm alone in this crazy journey so I love to hear other people's stories and ideas.

Blondie Thoughts: It's Football Time in Tennessee

As we approach the end of August there is an excitement that starts building throughout the South.  No, not for that last beach trip, pool party, or grill out.  I'm talking college football people!  Now I live in Greenville, SC so there's a different orange here that people get excited about, but I'm a born and raised Tennessee Volunteer and my blood will always bleed TN Orange.  It's this time of year I miss Knoxville the most.  The excitement, the anticipation, the tradition, the camaraderie...you TN fans know what I'm talking about.  I mean you can't beat it.  Blame it on the pregnancy hormones but I am feeling a little nostalgic so I thought I'd share a few pics of my TN Football experiences through the years...
I was a Vol fan at a very young age.

This is where my love of TN came from...my Dad.

I met my hubby at TN.
We sit in freezing cold rain to support the Vols.

 Fun times!

There's quite a rivalry going in our family.  We have a few Gators in our midst...Sorry Hannah and Kelly y'all weren't there to represent.  Looks like the Gators are outnumbered here.  ;)
James is really outnumbered here!

My 2 lil Vol fans

Neyland Stadium.  There really are no words to describe being in this stadium.  It's definitely something everyone should experience.

If these pics leave you wanting a lil more football, check out this blog for some great tailgating recipes, tips, and stories. Tailgating Through the South

Now who's ready for some football?! Here's to a wonderful 2014 Football season!   V-O-L-S, go Vols go!     

Blondie Thoughts: Confessions

For Blondie Thoughts today I thought I'd share a few several confessions.
I let my boys watch way too much TV.  I put on their favorite movie almost daily just so I have some time to sit down for a minute or do chores.
I sometimes don't brush my teeth before bed.  I honestly am just too tired some nights to make it to the bathroom to do it.
I have a shopping addiction.  I am a sucker for a sale.  I am working on this one.
I am a gym junkie.  If I don't get my workouts in , I'm not a pleasant person to be around.  I just love breaking a sweat and getting my heart rate up.
I have the appetite of a large man.  No seriously I can put down some food.  Ask my hubby.
I love change!  I get bored easily.  I think this is why being a Stay at Home Mommy is so hard for me.  Everyday is the same for the most part.  I struggle with this.

Going along with the above, I hate being stuck in the house.  
I am in bed most nights by 9, asleep by 10, and wake up between 6-6:30.  I have to have a lot sleep in order to function!  I am scared to death of having a newborn again and being sleep deprived.  Not to sound dramatic but I literally thought I was going to die from lack of sleep when the boys were babies.
I have a Publix chocolate chip cookie addiction.  I try to stay away because if I bring home a box, I put away a dozen no problem in one sitting.  : / 

Around the house I wear "comfy" clothes.   Most days I wear workout clothes whether I go to the gym or not.  

I put on makeup maybe once, twice, or three times at the most a week.  
I wash my hair every 2-3 days even if I've worked out.   Gross I know but my hair is very dry and it's better for it that way.

I have to have toenail polish on at all times.  I don't think anyone has seen my bare toes since I was a young teen.
The boys don't get baths every night.  Sometimes it's more like every 2 days. I am border line OCD about organization, planning, and tidiness.  I can't go to bed with a messy house unless I am sick.  Speaking of bed, mine has to be made up every morning.  No exceptions!  I can't stand messes.  This is another reason why having boys is rocking my world.
I spend way too much time on the computer, iPad, iPhone, etc.  I need to "unplug" more often.
I am totally freaked out about having a 3rd little boy.  I don't know how I'm going to balance my two 3 year-olds and a baby.  It makes my blood pressure go up thinking about it.  
I have a hard time being in the moment.  I struggle a little with stress and anxiety and am always thinking about what's next, (part of my Type A personality) so it makes it hard for me to stop my mind racing and enjoy precious moments with my family.  In other words I need to stop and smell the roses more often.  Slow down and enjoy!
Even though the days are long and monotonous, I want these days my boys are at home with me to last forever.  These are truly the most precious moments.

Blondie Thoughts: My Tunes

Today I thought I'd share a fact about myself that most of y'all probably don't know.  I LOVE rap!  My love of a good rap beat goes back to middle school, and I still haven't outgrown a good beat bumping in my car or on my iPod.  
Back in high school some of my faves to drive around and listen to were 2Pac, Juvenile, Ying Yang, Bone Thugs (ah love me some Bone), Usher (always Usher).

When I finally got a car in high school, "Usher My Way" was the first album I played, 

and yes it was on repeat for quite some time. I can still sing every word to every song.  

Now when I hear any songs off this album I am immediately transported 

back to high school driving around in the Camry.  

I thought I was so cool!

  In college the top "CD's" I listened to were Usher (I have every one of his albums), Justin Timberlake (not rap I know but have to mention my boy), Nelly, Outkast, Ludacris, Jay-Z, 50 Cent, and as much as I hate to admit it Kanye (can't stand him now).  

This one NEVER gets old!

These days I'm not so much into hard core rap as I am a good R&B tune.  Miguel is my absolute fave right now.  Or course my #1 RnB love is and always will be U-S-H-E-R-R-A-Y-M-O-N-D!  Every once in a while a good new rap song will emerge but for me it's all old school and r&b these days.  


Some of y'all are shocked, right?!  There's just something about the beat I love.  I must say I get the best workouts in when I have my iPod turned way up with a good bumping rap song playing.  There's something very motivating about it.  Of course back in the day it was all CD's and my Disc-man, then it was iPod, and now I've recently discovered using the Pandora App on my phone.  I also recently subscribed to SiriusXM on my iPhone.  Now you can use it even if you don't have a receiver...yay!  I just love the variety and switch a lot between stations during my workout or in the car.  
What's currently on my playlist?
On my iPod: These days my iPod is all about Les Mills.  Instructors you know what I'm talking about.   The only time I use my iPod is when I'm teaching classes at the gym.

SiriusXM Channels I Love: Hits 1 The Heat Fly 80s on 8 90s on 9 The Highway Y2Kountry 90s/2K Pop
And the reason I subscribe to SiriusXM...
Stars which has my absolute favorite morning show...

Wake Up with Taylor  If y'all have ever listened to this show, you know what I'm talking about.  It's kind of addictive.  Taylor and Kenny make me laugh out loud almost every day.
Pandora App Stations:
Rap Strength Training Today's Hip Hop and Pop Today's Hits Today's R&B and Hip Hop Miguel Radio Usher Radio Justin Timberlake Radio Hall & Oates Radio Kenny Chesney Radio
I've created some old favorite stations too: 2 Pac Radio  Bone Thugs N Harmony Radio Ying Yang Twins Radio 2000s Hip Hop Radio 90s Alternative Radio   Now don't get me wrong.  I am a lover of most types of music except that hard core metal punk rock.  I don't even know what you call it...I call it slit my throat music.  Anyway, it definitely depends on my mood as to what I listen to.  In the gym and when I'm in my car alone...RAP turned all the way up baby!  Yup, I'm that mom with 2 3 car seats in the back bumping down the road.  Crazy I know but that's me.  :)

Blondie Thoughts: My Nose (Part I)

I am all about some good scents!  I guess since my nose is extra sensitive right now I have scents on the brain so for today's "Blondie Thoughts" I thought I'd share about one of my little obesssions...
I have a very sensitive nose even not pregnant.  I credit my obsession with things that smell good to my sensitive nose.  My house, my car, me, etc have to smell good at all times.  You get the picture.  Nothing makes me happier than smelling a yummy scent.  I have to divide this post up into 2 parts because I can't fit all my "smells" into one post. Let's start with my home.  Every home has its own smell.  I guess you get used to your home's smell, and I try my best to keep mine smelling good!  Since I spend a lot of time at home these days, it lifts my spirits to smell a yummy scent...   ~Candles~  Let's just say I have several.  I use them by season and burn them almost every day.
My favorite brands are:
Yankee Candle

Some of my favorite Yankee Candle scents:

Summertime: Black Coconut, Pineapple Cilantro, Coconut Bay, Island Spa Fall Scents: Harvest, and Apple Pumpkin Christmas Scents: Gingerbread and Christmas Cookie Everyday: Buttercream

Bath and Body Works  I have been enjoying Bath and Body Works candles the past year or so.  They have some really yummy smelling scents and they give off a good fragrance.

Circle E Candles  I recently discovered these through a blog I follow, Mix and Match Family. I have only scratched the surface with this brand but have a feeling we are going to get real close.  I have ordered a few and they are absolutely amazing!! 

My faves so far... Country Morning Apple Strudel Hawaiian Pineapple

Anthropologie Pretty much any candle from Anthropologie is delicious, but my fave fave fave is the Capri Blue Jar Candle  in Volcano.

~Plug Ins~ The jury is still out on whether or not these are the best to be breathing in all the time, but I still use them every now and then.  I just try not to have them plugged in all the time.  My favorite plug-ins are the Bath and Body Works Wallflowers.  I also enjoy the seasonal Glade scents.

~Hand Soap~ Guess what?!  Bath and Body Works wins again on this one.  I promise I'm not getting paid by them to plug their products.  I'm just a Bath and Body Works hoarder I guess.  I stock up on these whenever they go on sale.

~Kitchen~ I love my kitchen scents!  I recently discovered these at Target and am obsessed! 1) J.R. Watkins Lemon Hand Soap 2) J.R. Watkins Lemon All Purpose Cleaner  3)  Mrs. Meyers Lemon Verbena Dish Soap 4) Mrs. Meyers Lemon Verbena Countertop Spray
As you can see, I'm pretty serious about my household scents.  Just one of the ways I try to make our home a little homier and appeal to my sensitive nose.