TEN!
Ten years. A decade. Double digits. They say it goes by fast but they couldn't have prepared me enough.
To everyone else, today is just another day. It's the second week of Summer. The third day of the week. Half way to the weekend.
For us, it's a BIG day. HUGE!
Today, our baby turns 10! TEN! The big 1-0!
To say the last ten years have been the biggest blessing would be an understatement. I truly didn't know how much I needed Konner until I had him. Hell...I swore I didn't want kids.
BOY WAS I WRONG!
I needed him. Probably more than he needed me. God knew just what he was doing and I thank him every single day for gifting me the most perfect human.
And by perfect, I mean...as perfect as he can be. The hormones are kicking in. The attitude shows up daily. The girls are giving winks. And he will be taller than me by years end. We now have a pre teen. A cute, sweet, loving, kind pre teen. But a pre teen none the less. Life is about to get a lot more interesting.
For now, I will focus on these past few years. The best years of my life. Being Konner's Mom is my greatest achievement. I am a PROUD Mom! Parenthood is the hardest job that ever existed but damn...it sure is rewarding!
Did I mention that he is the perfect model? That seals the deal right there! PERFECT CHILD!
Easy Poke Bowl Recipe
Poke (said POH-kay) means “to slice or cut” in Hawaiian and refers to chunks of raw, marinated fish — usually tuna — which is then tossed over rice and topped with vegetables and umami-packed sauces. It's basically a giant sushi roll...in a bowl. Easier to eat and loaded with the same delicious flavor!
Poke is a staple in Hawaii but it has recently made its way to the mainland and I couldn't be more excited! Poke restaurants are popping up everywhere lately, and for good reason! It's healthy, delicious and totally unique. I had my first Poke Bowl experience in New Orleans a few years back at Poke Loa and I've been hooked since! I'm also a huge fan of making quick and easy bowls at home!
Although tuna is my preferred fish of choice for Poke (and sushi), sushi grade tuna isn't widely available on a whim in my area. When I need a quick and healthy meal I have no issues with a simple steamed shrimp and crab salad bowl. Our local Whole Foods has both options fresh and readily available. I grab all of my ingredients at the grocery store and I've got an easy meal ready in minutes! Bonus points that it's filling and healthy!
DIY POKE BOWL RECIPE
Poke restaurants are popping up everywhere lately, and for good reason! It's healthy, delicious and totally unique. Now, you can make your own DIY Poke Bowls right at home
Prep time: 20 min | Total time: 20 min
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups Protein of choice (sashimi-grade tuna, salmon, shrimp) towel-dried and cubed
- 1 cup shredded crab meat
- 1 small cucumber, seeded and sliced
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and cubed
- 1 semi-ripe avocado, cubed
- 1/2 cup shelled Edamame
- 1/2 cup corn
- 1 TBSP sesame seeds
- 3 cups sushi rice
SRIRACHA MAYO
- 3 TB regular mayo
- 1 TB Sriracha hot sauce
SESAME SOY SAUCE
- 3 TBSP Tamari soy sauce
- 1 tsp Asian rice wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Asian toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp ginger powder (or 1 drop of Young Living Ginger Vitality essential oil)
DIRECTIONS:
- Cook rice according to package directions and let cool
- Dice and dry protein
- Shred crabmeat
- Seed and slice cucumber
- Prepare toppings of choice accordingly
Prepare Srirachaya mayo sauce as follows...
- Stir together the mayo and Sriracha in a small bowl.
- Cover and chill until ready to use.
Prepare Sesame Soy Sauce as follows...
- In a bowl, hand-whisk together all Sauce ingredients.
- Stir diced protein into the sauce, coating well.
- Cover and keep chilled until ready to assemble bowls.
To assemble bowls...
- Divide cooked rice into 2 bowls.
- Distribute ingredients according to preference. I prefer to section mine off. You can mix everything together and then set on rice. Totally up to you!
- Sprinkle with garnishes as desired
- Drizzle with Sriracha Mayo.
- Serve immediately.
The options really are endless when it comes to this. I am always crunched for time so simple works best most days, but when I have the extra time, I would definitely search for more protein options and fun toppings!
ENJOY!
A Fresh Start + Val Marie Paper
I'm not a morning person. When I wake in the morning I walk around in a zombie like coma and go through the motions quietly and contently. Konner is the same. It's nice because we "get" each other. As we drive to school we jam a few jams, check out the scenery, and start our day with a smile. And coffee. I need my coffee.
But today...today as we were listening to the radio trying to get our jam on, we were silent. Silent because we caught wind of the terrible news coming out of Las Vegas. I listened to the basics, answered a couple of Konner's questions and then changed stations. The next station was listing out the details of a local police officer that was fatally shot last night. Moving on to another station that was thankfully playing one of our favs, "Clocks" by Coldplay.
When I arrived to work I pulled up the news on my computer. As I read more information about this tragedy, I got sad. And then angry. And then confused. What is going on?! What is happening to our world?! I looked to October for a fresh start. August and September brought on so much tragedy and heartache that I NEEDED a fresh start. I was couting on October. And then BAM. First day of the month...tragedy.
But then...as I logged into my email I was reminded of what we need. What this world needs. What I need. Prayer.
I struggle with this. I struggle with seeing the good when there is so much bad. I struggle with the why's. And the how's. I struggle with keeping the faith when evil is lurking so close. Too close.
Every year I purchase a new prayer journal from Val Marie Paper. I absolutely love her journals. Do I still struggle with prayer? Yes! But I'm learning. I'm learning to be a prayer warrior. I'm learning to keep my Faith strong. I'm learning to set aside those 10-15 minutes a day even when the world is full of distractions and evil. I'm learning thanks to Val's amazing and simple journals. I want to use it daily. I need to use it daily. It gives me a safe place to write down my thoughts so that they don't overload my mind.
In my email this morning was a reminder. A reminder that it's ok to be stuck. It's ok to struggle. It's ok to feel discouraged or confused. It's ok to feel a little disappointed in that lost connection. The connection between you and Him. It's ok to need a fresh start. But you have to START! Start now. Turn off the podcast. Close the book. Shut off the TV. Grab the closest paper to you and your favorite pen and begin. Begin with a prayer.
If you need a little nudge or simple direction to get started, I highly recommend scooping up a Fresh Start Journal. This 31-day devotional on prayer was created to help you know more why to pray and help you create a consistent habit of it in your life. It's a great way to get started and a great way to get a feel for how Val's journals work. And friends! Fresh Start is $5 off for OCTOBER! Use code FRESHSTARTOCT. Holla!
Another favorite of mine is the Kids Prayer Journal. I purchased one of these for Konner last year and it was a hit! Not only does it teach kids the beginning steps to becoming a prayer warrior, but it gives you a chance to sit with them and guide them through their Faith. What a special time!
The Family Creed guide is another great addition that I can't wait to start. This guide helps us become more intentional about motherhood. This is something I need and want to do. Something I have to do. I'm tired of going through the motions. I'm ready to set goals for myself and my family to help us thrive and grow as a family.
There's so many great options with a little something for everyone over at Val Marie Paper. I hope you find something that tugs at your heart. Take time to free your soul and focus on YOU! You deserve it!
**Contents of this post may contain affiliate links. I buy it, I love it, I share it, you buy it, you love it, we all win.**
Grace, not perfection : Chronicles of a bad Mom
Parenting is hard. So hard! I mean let's be real. Kids poop in their pants, cry when they're hungry, throw crap in your face, and vomit on your new Free People dress. And then...they need to learn how to read, ride a bike, and tie their own shoes. Not to mention...they want to attend birthday parties on Saturdays when you are just so.dang.tired.
Then...you have to feed them organic free range breast fed sweater wearing chickens. I mean...what.in.the.world?! Crazy right?
It's hard! The decisions. The responsibilities. THE OPINIONS!!! #somanyopinions
In this day and age we are expected to do it all with a smile on our face and a crown on our head while wearing red bottom heels. (What's up with those anyway?!) Make a mistake and you are doomed. Doomed by the stranger in the grocery store, doomed by the lady glaring at you in the ice cream shop, doomed by the gentleman playing on FB in Starbucks (You didn't think he was actually working on that computer did you?), doomed by the social media keyboard nazis. They're real y'all! And they're brutal!
Picture it...
You're in Target with your precious, sweet angel of a child. He sees the $3 Star Wars Lego set sitting in the "shit you don't need but usually buy anyway" section. You know what I'm talking about. It's the same spot in the checkout lane holding the Reese's and Funyuns that you grab while waiting for the woman in front of you to sort through her coupons.
So...your kid sees this toy that he doesn't need. But he insists on having it. You tell him no. He whines. You tell him no again. He yells. You give him "the look" and threaten his life in the softest whisper. He SCREAMS. You ignore him. He's still yelling. You lose your shit. Fun times!
Then you look over your shoulder and the stranger behind you is glaring at you. They are giving you the look of death. Because you know...their kid is a perfect angel. Always.
You get nervous. You forget to scan the cartwheel app. You can't find your red card. Disaster!
So you scurry out the door and your child is still screaming. You try to load the groceries into your car as fast as possible (so you can get home and lock yourself in the bathroom) all the while...another stranger is walking by you staring at you. The shame!
So much judgment.
Why...why are we so quick to judge? Why do we assume perfection? What happened to grace?
Parenting is hard. I suck at it on a regular basis. Sometimes I feel like a bad Mom. But...I have to give myself grace. I have to realize that I am human. I have to realize that my child is not perfect.
We, as parents, need to realize that we are doing the best we can. We all deserve a pat on the back. Go ahead. Do it. You deserve it!
Even if you:
• Bought that Lego set after saying “no” 5 times
• Let your child eat a bag of chips for breakfast
• Skip bath time because he went swimming earlier that day
• Let your son pee next to the car in the parking lot because you didn't feel like walking inside
• Throw away toys while your child is at a sleepover
• Tell your child the ice cream man plays music when he’s out of ice cream
• Put super glue on a cut that might have needed stitches
• Told your child his friends birthday party was cancelled because you were too tired to bring him
• Sent your child to school in unwashed uniforms
• Tell them to go watch tv when they wake up before you on Saturday morning
• Play bumper carts in Target (TRY IT! SO FUN!)
We, as a society, need to realize that we have two choices when it comes to people, to see the good or see the bad. When you choose to see the good, you will live a life of compassion. People will see the good in you. This is how you live a peaceful life.
So next time you see that Mom holding back all.the.cuss.words when her son throws a fit for an overpriced Lego set, give her a little grace. Lend her a hand, unload her groceries for her, and flash her a smile. She's doing the best she can!
Inkwell Press Planner : Review + Coupon Code
I love planning, and "to do" lists, and schedules, and feeling like I have my life together, and getting ish done. You know...adult things. As a Mom, wife, business owner, and all around #bossbabe, it's important for me to keep my ducks in a row at all times.
Ok...so I don't always get things done, and I rarely have my shit together, but I like to pretend I'm a full functioning adult by owning a decent planner. Over the years I've tried so many planners that I even found a couple of brand new, unused 2015 planners hanging out in my home office the other day. The shame y'all! SHAME! Maybe I'm a planner addict? Or maybe I struggled to find a decent planner to help me take control of the chaos. Or maybe it's a combination of the two. That's a good possibility!
Really though...I've tried everything from the fancy Day Designer, to a personalized Erin Condren, to the new and seemingly popular (but way too time consuming) Passion Planner and even a simple Target planner this past year. Honestly, out of all of my previous options, the Target one was the best option for me. It was simple and to the point. Not too fancy and didn't require a ton of work on my end. I never really understood those planners that required you to do work before you can actually do work. You know...the ones that you have to fill in the dates, use fancy colored pens, and doodle your clients family in curved stick figure form next to their appointment date. Zero time for that. None. I like simplicity.
Last year my friend Amy posted about her new inkWELL Press planner and I was intrigued. Unfortunately I had already committed to the simple Target planner and was determined to make it work for me. You know...that whole unopened planner thing that we talked about earlier?! I was determined not to let that happen again. So I stayed strong and waited until the 2017 release and snagged one for myself!
One of my woe's about the planners I've used in the past is that there was too much going on. The Day Designer has hourly breakdowns for each day and while that seems like it would be beneficial to someone like me, it actually stressed me out. (Yes...I'm weird.) As a photographer and business owner, I also felt that so much was missing for badasses like myself. Let's be real...I work 7 days a week. I need a full planner day for weekends too. That's one of the things I love about the inkWELL Press planner! Not only does it have a full day for every day of the week (No divided weekends!) but it also has two different layout options, the Classic and the Flex. I chose the Flex so that I can divide each day by personal and business and have them side by side to compare. Total personal preference! Either option is great!
The most important thing though...is the quality. Y'all! This planner is amazing! The quality is top notch with so many amazing details!
The paper quality is the best I've laid my hands on. It's thick, soft, and very durable. This is super important to me having been a victim of pen bleed. Ugh! The worst!
I'm also very impressed with the gold coil binding. Again...very durable. This is super important for someone like me who literally throws her planner in the car, on the floor, on the desk, and well...everywhere. Like I said...I'm not good at adulting.
Quality aside, the layout and features on the inside are so perfect! Not only do I need organization to try and stay sane, but I also need a good kick in the pants from time to time. I am in love with the monthly and weekly "top priorities" sections as well as the yearly and monthly goal tracking sheets. This will help me tremendously with my Young Living team and business. #goalsongoalsongoals I especially love the daily habit tracker. Most people will probably use this for water intake, exercise, etc. but I'm thinking this would be a good place for me to track my coffee and chocolate intake. It's all about balance right?!
I especially love the extra "notes" pages at the end of each month. Maybe this will alleviate all of the sticky notes that I have covering my desk. And life. Let's be real. They're everywhere! Can we talk about that pocket in the back? You know what it's for? It's to hold extra goodies like...the planner sticker sets! Stickers! That match my planner! This is Heaven! Ok...back to adulting.
This thing's a beauty guys! And it's super efficient. I definitely see myself ordering an Inkwell Planner every year. I mean...it matches all of my other super cute "let me try to be an adult" stationary and accessories from the Target dollar spot. So perfect! Can I get an AMEN?!?
I was so antsy to use it and now it's officially a part of the family. I penciled in my first newborn session for the new year! So fun!
If you're thinking about getting your own fancy schmancy inkWELL Press planner, you can use my affiliate link to get yourself $10 off! It's good for any purchase over $50, which means your new planner will only be $44! Say wha?!? Enter your email here and the coupon code will be sent straight to your inbox. And don't forget to grab your matching stickers. Because...we all need a little fun in our life!