10 things to do besides social media!

Social media can just take over your life. It has a way of sucking you in to scrolling and scrolling...wait...there went an hour or more. Instagram stories can be a time suck for me. 

I have actually unfollowed people because some bloggers are always telling us what we need to buy. I would think oh I neeeeeed that shirt or shoes. I felt I HAD to have it. I have a closet full of stuff that and I honestly don't need anything...well I honestly could use a new navy and white striped tee because mine is worn out. lol

Here is my list of things you can do besides spending it on social media.

1. Write in a gratitude journal

I really try to write in a journal each morning. I write down 10 things I am grateful for and 10 things I will make happen. My grateful things can be as simple as no one woke up last night, coffee, our home, snuggling with my boys, tacos. I just write down simple things that I am grateful for in that moment. 

I have a ongoing list of things I write that I will make happen. I try not to put a time limit on these things. As the past year has gone on some of those things have happened and they have been removed from the list. I write down each day I am a good mom. I feel it's important to start off the day thinking I am a good mom. It helps keep my intention good to take time to be a good mom. Work on my keeping my cool when I am frustrated. 

I love looking back over the past year of things I have wrote down. 

2. Read a book or listen to an audio book

I got on a roll after I finished watching all 16 seasons of Grey's Anatomy of listening to audio books. I listened to like 15 books in a few months. Our local library has an app called OverDrive where you can borrow audio books for FREE! A lot of popular books you have to go on a waiting list for, but if you have to wait a few weeks who cares again they are FREE! 

3. Go on a walk 

I have started walking again. When I worked in San Francisco I walked almost every single day on my lunch break. I would walk to AT&T Park and back to the office. It was close to a 2 mile round trip walk. I looked forward to that walk every day. I even went when it was raining. 

I like to listen to an audio book or a podcast while I walk. I always find if I am enjoying to what I am listening to it helps the walk go by so much faster. Walking is so much easier on my body than doing cardio. My fatigue gets much worse when I do a very strenuous exercise. 

4. Do a brain dump!

Have you ever tried doing a brain dump in a journal or notebook? When Covid first started I was so anxious. My brain was going 100 MPH. One day I just started writing in a notebook everything that was on my mind. Getting it put on paper helped me relax and be able to sort out my thoughts. It's a great way to make lists of things you want to do, goals, get things off your chest. 

5. Do Yoga or stretching

Chris Freytag has some 10 minute yoga and stretching exercises on her website www.gethealthyutv.com that are FREE! I love Chris! I just find her to be a very motivation trainer. I also like that she does the workouts with you. It drives me up the wall when trainers are always working on showing you how to do moves and don't do the workout. How about you show us how to do the workouts by DOING THEM!!!! 

Yoga or stretching will not only help your body, but it will help your brain too! If you want to try some of the 10 minute workouts you can find them HERE. 

6. Go play with your kids or dog 

My kids absolutely LOVE it when I play with them. If I take 10 minutes to wrestle with them they are ecstatic. I spent some time with Cash wrestling around and he was giggling the whole time. He likes to punch people in the face while you wrestle. This was a good time to teach him to punch me in the arm not my face. lol

G loves to play games. Taking the time to play a game with him completely changes his mood. My boys are the ones who will remember when I have taken time to play with them not the influencers on social media posting crap. Those people won't care that I watched their stories 5 years from now, but my boys will sure remember! 

7. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee

Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee! Even if your kids are running around, your at work, or whatever is going on take a few minutes to just enjoy the moment with a cup of tea. I have been enjoying a cup of tea at night after the boys are in bed. I will sit in bed drinking the tea and relax. 

8. Go declutter that cabinet or drawer

Take the 15-20 minutes to go organize that cabinet or drawer that has been driving you crazy! Organizing a space will help you feel so much better each time you see it!

9. Plan our your outfits for the next week

Wear stuff you that has been hanging in your closet unworn for ages. If you put the item on and don't like it then add it to your donate pile. This is a great way to wear stuff you forgot about, get rid of stuff because you don't like the fit of it and shop your own closet! 

Do you really need that new shirt you found at Target? What accessories could you add to the outfit to make it pop?

10. Put on a charcoal mask and listen to some of your favorite music

Does music ever take you back to a place when you use to listen to that song? The other day a song came on the radio and I remembered instantly where I was driving and how I was feeling when I heard it for the first time. 

I have been listening to the old The Chick's music. Man that first Chick's cd brings back so many memories. I loved it and I still do. I have so many great memories listening to their music. I went to their concert so many times with friends too. 

What are some things you enjoy doing to avoid getting sucked into social media?

OOTD - Traveling & Winter

Winter has arrived in California! It has been around the 60's, so that means we can pull out sweaters. I am sure any of you Midwesterners reading this are rolling your eyes. I plan to wear some of these outfits when I go to my parents. I need some warm, comfy clothes while I am traveling. If I think I am cold at 50 degrees in California I am going to die with the 10-30 degrees in North Dakota.  

Some of these items are new and some are oldies. I will try to link up to what I can find. 

Tee: Nordstrom

Cardigan: Nordstrom

Jeans: American Eagle similar

Booties: Nordstrom Rack

Button up: Gap

Vest: Old Navy similar

Jeans: Old Navy

Flats: Lucky

Tee: Nordstrom

Vest: Old Navy 

Leggings: Old Navy

Scarf: Express (old)

Booties: Nordstrom Rack

I am struggling to find a utility vest right now at Old Navy or Gap. I guess it isn't the season for them. They do carry them very often! I think everyone has more holiday things out right now. Watch Old Navy for the fur vests. Last year I bought mine for 50% off during Thanksgiving time. I recently started a Pinterest board just for fur vest inspiration. I don't wear it other than the holiday season. I am going to try to wear it more this winter. I really love it! 

The outfit above is really comfortable! It would be really good for traveling. There are plenty of pockets to put things especially when you are traveling with a toddler. I always need pockets when I am getting on and off planes. I need like 4 arms for getting on a plane. I really have a good system down, but still any mother could use a few more arms. 

OOTD - Toddler Review

I have been trying to wear clothes that I haven't worn in a long time. I am a jeans and tshirt girl. Those are what I grab almost every day. They are toddler friendly, comfy and easy. I have gotten rid of a lot of my "office" clothing. There are just so many dressier items you can wear when your a SAHM. I dress up for church, date night, but I don't really have a need to dress up anymore than that. 

I pulled out some of these items the other week to wear. I figured I could still wear them to run errands and for appointments. Apparently my toddler now is so use to me wearing jeans & tshirts with flat shoes he feels the need to question my fashion choices. G asked me what kind of shoes are those? He was referring to the black booties. I told him they were boots. He gave me a side eye and said oh. 

A couple days later I wore the chambray shirt with the outfit above. G told me momma I don't like that shirt you need a new one. Well thanks! This is my fav chambray that I have had for years. I love this shirt. 

I have a red plaid shirt that I wear once in awhile. Every single time I wear it G tells me he doesn't like it. One day he started to have a tantrum that I needed to change. I have NO idea why he doesn't like it or why it causes so much drama. I can't think of a time I wore it where he got upset. Craziness!!! I have informed him I will pick out my clothing myself to wear. I am just waiting for this to back fire on me and he will inform me of the same things. Thankfully he could careless what he wears 99% of the time. Once in awhile he will have an opinion on a shirt or socks. 

Have your kids given their opinion on your outfit choices lately?

OOTD June 30

Happy Friday! I hope you have some fun plans for the weekend!

I really love the Carly Lularoe dresses! They are so comfy. My cousin Mary Kate sells Lularoe and carries the Carly dress. I linked her Facebook group. This dress looks like it hits below my knee but it is the angle of the picture. This dress hits right at the knee. I am wearing a size small for reference. 

I bought these Tory Burch Miller Sandals last year in a camel color. They are so very comfortable and versatile. They go with everything! They were a splurge, but I feel I will have these for a very long time. I would rather pay a little more for an item when it will last me for years then to spend $20-40 each year on sandals. I might as well have spent a little more on something instead of replacing it every year. 

Lularoe Carly Dress

Tory Burch Sandals 

These leopard Tory Burch Miller's are on my wish list! They are amazing and I could get so much use out of them. I love leopard!!!! 

The Nordstrom Anniversary sale is coming in about 2 weeks! I can't wait! I bought the sweater in the picture below last year. I got so much use out if it! It is the perfect length! It is very cozy too! I am hoping they have something similar to this in another color! I will be scooping up another one. 

My top is a Lularoe Classic Tee. Again you can shop with my cousin Mary Kate to find great Lularoe items! I really love this mauve colored tee! It is perfect to wear with gray. 

I am wearing my favorite American Eagle jeans. I linked a similar pair below. I wear these things so much! I have 3 pairs of jeans I wear lately. One pair is from AE and the other 2 from Gap. 

  

Gray Cardigan: Nordstroms
Tee: Lularoe
Jeans: American Eagle
Flats: Lucky Leopard 

This is my other pair of jeans that I wear Gap boyfriend jeans. I bought these a really long time ago. Maybe 4-5 years ago. They have held up amazing. They don't get a saggy butt after you wear them. They have a little distressing, but it's very minimal. I think I paid about $30 for them. Well worth the money! 

The white tee I bought for $3.50 at Old Navy on clearance. It's really a great tee! The cardigan is old from Old Navy. I think I have had it 3-4 years. These items are staple pieces in my closet. I get a lot of wear out of them since they are so versatile with the items in my closet. 

Tee & Cardigan: Old Navy 

Jeans: Gap

Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are my own. The post OOTD appeared first on Because Chocolate Can't Get You Pregnant.

OOTD

This is such a mix of outfits because our weather has been insane lately. One day it is shorts weather and a couple days later we need a sweater. It's been kind of nice in some ways because you get to wear a variety of clothes. 

The top in my picture below is kind of a pink tie dye. I just bought it from Gap. I really like Gap tshirts, but I hate how they lose their shape after a few washings. My Havaian flip flops are on their last leg. I love them! I go through a pair every year. I wear them around the house all summer long. I will have to keep my eyes out at Nordstrom Rack for a new pair. Amazon carries them too. I buy them from both places. 

Tshirt: Gap

Shorts: Old Navy

Flip Flops: Havaians
Sunnies: Old Navy (last year)

I link Gap white jeans below. Gap jeans fit me really nice. I also don't feel they lose their shape. The butts don't start sagging on them by 10am. This is my second pair of Lucky leopard flats. My cousin bought me a pair of them when I had one of my MS attacks. I wore those suckers out until they had holes in the bottom of them. I had to buy another pair to replace them. They are my go to shoes to wear with almost every single outfit I own. They are worth the price and super comfy! I usually size up 1 size in Lucky shoes. 

Sweater: Nordstrom Rack

White Jeans: Gap

Shoes: Amazon Lucky's

I have been loving my Gap boyfriend distressed jeans again lately. They have been stuck in the closet for the past few months. These just fit me nice and are comfy. I bought the top I am wearing from Target in black and white. This is super comfy! Goes great with jeans and skirts. I like the little cap sleeve too. My sandals are very old from Target. I bought them on clearance for like $3. I am wearing a pair of Nickel & Suede earrings I bought ages ago. They are a lime green color. I think I bought these earrings back when Nickel & Suede was still on Etsy. They now have their own website and such cute stuff! These earrings look huge, but they super light weight! You don't even feel them on! 

Top: Target

Jeans: Gap

Shoes: Target

Earrings: Nickel & Suede

Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are my own. The post OOTD appeared first on Because Chocolate Can't Get You Pregnant.

Spring OOTD

I recently bought this tshirt on Etsy. I think the eyelash and lip shirts are really cute. I went out with a friend for drinks one night and wore this. I haven't worn a blazer in ages. I use to wear them all the time for work. I tried to find some similar booties like the ones I am wearing. I bought mine at Nordstrom Rack on a great deal! I found a couple pairs that are similar I linked below. 

Tshirt: Etsy

Blazer: Old from Target (similar)

Jeans: American Eagle

Booties: Nordstroms Rack (similar) (similar) 

I love these jeans! I wear them at least 3 times a week. Sometimes I have to force myself to wear something different. I have 2 pairs. I bought a pair at Gap and American Eagle. The pair from Gap I got for like $10. It was the only pair they had or I would have bought a second pair. I just love them because they are so comfy, cropped and they don't sag. I really like cropped jeans because I can wear them with booties, sandals or my converse. I don't have to roll them up at all. They are just perfect! 

I bought the sweater from Nordstrom Rack a few years back. It's a staple. Just a simple crewneck black comfy cardigan. I can't find anything on their website currently that is similar. You can find this type of sweater anywhere. Target even sells them. 

Sweater: Nordstrom Rack

Jeans: American Eagle 

Booties: Nordstroms Rack (similar) (similar) 

I recently bought this dress from Old Navy. I have been on the fence about this dress over the past year. I LOVE it, but I wasn't sure if I wanted to wear a form fitting dress. I decided that I needed to stop being over self conscious. This dress is the perfect dress for summer! It is comfy, cool and covers enough while chasing a toddler. I wore it recently when it was 89 degrees! We were dying from the heat. We went from the 60's to almost 90. I suggest you add it to your wardrobe! 

Dress: Old Navy

Sandals: Target (similar)

Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are my own. The post Spring OOTD appeared first on Because Chocolate Can't Get You Pregnant.  

OOTD

Here are some outfits that I wore a couple weeks ago. I feel I have been weeding things out of my closet lately. There is stuff I just don't wear anymore. I want something comfy, stylish and play ground functional these days. I've linked to items below. You can click on the name of the store and it will take you to the item if I was able to still find it. 

Shirt: Old Navy

Jeans: American Eagle

Shoes: Lucky

Red Cardigan: Old Navy
Tank: Old Navy

Necklace: Amazon

Jacket: Target

Tee: Target 

Jeans: American Eagle

Shoes: Lucky

Jacket: Gap Outlet 

Tee: Target

Jeans: Gap Outlet

Shoes: Lucky

Cardigan: NY & CO

Tank: Old Navy

Skirt: Old Navy

Shoes: Converse

Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are my own. The post Never Miss a Monday appeared first on Because Chocolate Can't Get You Pregnant. 

OOTD

I recently started taking OOTD pictures again. I need to start wearing all the clothes in my closet. I get in a rut where I just wear jeans and tshirts or sweaters. Our weather has been so beautiful lately too. This winter we had a TON of rain. I wore lots of cardigans with tees with jeans. Now that the weather has been in the high 60's or low 70's I have pulled out some skirts and dresses. This summer I want to wear more skirts. Sometimes it is hard to wear a skirt with a toddler. 

I spent a good portion of my summer at my parents last year taking care of my dad. I had a limited amount of clothes with me. This year I would like to wear more of the stuff I have in my closet. It also helps I have lost more weight, so all my clothes fit me again. I have actually had to get some newer things in smaller sizes. Skirts and dresses don't change sizes for me much if I go up or down 20 pounds. Pants on the other hand I have to change sizes. 

Tshirt: Target 

Shorts: Old Navy

Sandals: Birkenstock 

I recently got the tshirt at Target for $5. I really love their tshirts on the tables. They are reasonable and comfy. I don't feel bad if I ruin them because I get them for such a good deal.  The shorts didn't even fit me last summer. I couldn't zip them at all. I haven't lost that much weight since then, but I have lost a lot of inches. I bought the Birkenstocks last summer during Amazon deals. I had been looking at a pair on Ebay, but I found brand new ones on Amazon for the same price. 

Tshirt: Target

Jacket & Jeans: Gap Outlet

Sandals: Amazon

Tshirt: Gap

Vest: Old Navy

Skirt: Lularoe

Sandals: Target

Jacket, Tshirt & Shoes: Target

Jeans: Old Navy

Jacket & Shoes: Target

Top: Lularoe
Pants: Old Navy

Top: Kohls
Cardigan: American Eagle

Pants: Old Navy

Slippers: Amazon

I love this cardigan sooooo much! It is so incredibly soft. I recently discovered American Eagle clothing. I really love their jeans. They fit amazing. They also don't stretch out. I bought jeans, cardigan and a tee recently from them. They are my most worn items. 

OOTD

A couple weeks ago I put together 5 different outfits for the week. I took about 10 minutes to put these outfits together. It really helped me wear clothes that have been sitting in my closet for months unworn. It was nice to have outfits to grab in the morning without standing in my closet trying to figure out what in the world to wear. 

I really love the striped shirt below with a white button up shirt under it. I think I only wore it without a shirt under it once time. I bought the striped shirt on clearance at Gap years ago. I am sad to report it has bit the dust. I got something on it, the stain didn't come out and I found more stains on it. Yikes! 

The jeans I am wearing I distressed myself. I really love these jeans. I think I am going to look for another pair of jeans that fit me well and distress them myself. I had 2-3 pairs of skinny leg jeans. I wasn't worried about ruining them because I felt I had enough jeans at the time, so if they got wrecked it would be ok. These jeans are starting to fade and a size too big. I will have to replace them soon. 

I really love my Lularoe leggings. The leggings below are from 2016. I also love the Sarah cardigans. They are super comfy to wear around. One thing that I find is hard with them is when I need to wear a coat. I don't feel I can wear it with a coat. I don't like long things hanging out from coats. Luckily I don't need a coat too often around here. This outfit is like wearing pjs all day long. It is perfect for rainy days when you are staying home. 

OOTD

I am all about comfort these days! Lularoe leggings are some of my favorite things to wear. They are just so soft and comfortable. It is like wearing pjs all day long, but I can leave the house. It is really dangerous when you have about 5 friends and 2 cousins who sell Lularoe. I think there is a Facebook party daily going on by one of the reps. I left all the groups at some point last year. I have slowly been added back to the groups, but I unfollowed them. Since I can't see all the posts it helps me not shop. Yeah right who I am kidding? I still end up buying stuff.  I have been trying to stick to a budget with my spending. My budget is about out for the month.....eeeks. I might be staying at home, with my internet turned off just so I stay on track. lol

Tee & Leggings: Lularoe

Cardigan: Old Navy

Cardigan & Shirt: Old Navy

Skirt: Lularoe

Boots: So old I can't remember

Tee & Cardigan: Nordstroms

Jeans: Old Navy

Sandals: Target

OOTD

Long Cardigan: Old Navy

Tee: Gap

Skirt: Lularoe

Necklace & Booties: Gift

George thinks this hat is hilarious! He laughed at me all day while I wore it. If I asked what was so funny he would point and say "Hat". I am not sure if I should adventure out in it again. 

Hat & Denim Jacket: Target

Shirt: Target, but vinyl from my bestie

Jeans: Old Navy

Shoes: Converse 

I love these Converse! I wear them so much! I never imagined I would wear them as much as I do. They are great to throw on with leggings and jeans. They are my go to shoes. You can find them on sale at Converse or Nordstrom Rack on occasion. 

Long Cardigan & Leggings: Lularoe

Shirt: Old Navy

Shoes: Converse

These leggings were my unicorn for Christmas. I wanted them soooo bad. I was able to buy another pair of Christmas leggings, but they just weren't the ones I wanted. Imagine my surprise when I found my unicorns! I was hesitant if I should spend the money on them. They were haunting me as I put George down for a nap. I was able to snag them! I will be wearing these comfy things for many Christmas to come! 

Jacket: Gap

Shirt: Target

Jeans: Old Navy

Booties: Gifted

I destroyed these jeans myself. I wanted a pair of destroyed jeans really bad, but was having a hard time finding a pair I loved. I decided to try it myself. It took me a couple nap times to get them how I wanted them to look. 

OOTD

It's a rare thing when we go out in the evening. One of my friends had a birthday party, so I went to the party while Art stayed with G. Sometimes you have to take turns who gets to go out to make sure the toddler stays on schedule! 

I recently bought the leopard clutch at Old Navy for like $6. I had to grab it. I have been wanting a leopard clutch and at that price I almost bought 2. 

Shirt & Jeans: Old Navy

Shoes: Nordstorms

Necklace: Etsy

Top: Lularoe

Jacket & Jeans: Gap

Shoes: Gift

My father-in-law asked me what kind of shoes I was wear? He said those look like bandage on your feet. Oh my LOL! 

Blessings during Stormy Times!

When I was in ND two of my cousins had these adorable peep toe booties. They wore them with shorts and jeans. They were just adorable! I really wanted a pair. Problem was they were sold out in the stores. I told Amy and Lisa I was going to steal them if they wore them around me. I found them on Amazon and added them to my wish list. Once I came back home I didn't really think much about them except when I would look at my wish list.

I had been having a rough week when I got a package from my cousin. I opened the card and it was from my aunt and cousins in ND. Inside the box were the shoes! I stood in the kitchen crying. Even thinking about it now makes me all teary. They wrote me a sweet card. It was just what I needed at that time. 

The week before I had been at a thyroid cancer conference. The conference was AMAZING! We learned so much! BUT it was REALLY hard dealing with all the death. The first day of the conference I think I spent half the day crying. I just couldn't say much without a shaky voice. It was overwhelming seeing what this horrible disease has done to people. 

These shoes came just at the right time. Instead of having a rough day I spent the rest of my day thinking about the blessings in my life and playing with my little miracle boy.