There are 10 different compartments in this desk organizer and they work perfect for all of my morning necessities!  I have placed my brushes and mascara in the pencil compartments, my flat iron in the middle (although it needs to be cool before putting it in there), my eye shadows and other make up goes in the other sections.  This is making my counter look great (since I have no drawers in my bathroom vanity) and is SO much easier for me to put everything on and find everything in the morning too.  Who else uses something like this to keep organized?  Who else is going to go get one today?!  I'd love to hear in the comment section below.  

Nichole

My why

I want to get my "pre-baby body" back to keep up with my boys, as well as be a good role model for them to help combat childhood obesity.  I want my boys to be brought up healthy and active whether they have my hubby's genes or not!

Last week I was lucky enough to have a maternity photo shoot.  I didn't do this with my first pregnancy and can honestly say it was so much fun.  I really recommend it to anyone who is expecting.  It made me feel so beautiful (when that is sometimes rare during pregnancy) and just bond as a family.  I loved getting my son involved and helping him to be part of all of it!  Here is a "sneak peak" of our beautiful photographs!

The Expecting Siecks.

I'm not really sure where the last few months have gone, but somehow I have found myself at 36 weeks pregnant and counting!  I had really good intentions of keeping up my blog as I progressed in my pregnancy, but I guess it was easier said than done.  I have for sure been WAY more tired this pregnancy and just busier overall.  Having a preschool age child and expecting #2 has kept us busy as a family.  Lately, we have been trying to get everything "ready" for our newest little man to join us.  The nursery is almost done and all of the baby clothes are washed and in the dresser.  I still need to pack a hospital bag and hope to tackle that in the next day or two.  Honestly though, the last month or so I have been a bit miserable.  I have had a terrible cough and congestion.  I have tried EVERYTHING and it still didn't take it away!  I am just hoping I am healthy before baby gets here!  This week I experienced a "new" issue.  I was literally walking in my classroom when I felt something in my back "go".  It turns out I somehow threw out my back.  Yep, just walking.  I'm sure the constant coughing and just pregnancy overall helped this happen.  I can honestly say I have NEVER had this kind of back pain before.  Luckily, my brother is a chiropractor!  So, I have been to see him 4 times in the last 3 days for treatment.  I am slowly, but surely, feeling better.  I have a feeling it won't improve over night, but it is getting better.  That is all I can ask.  I am just hoping I am completely healed before little man wants to "arrive".  I can't imagine bearing down and pushing with the kind of back pain I have been having!  Other than just getting ready for our new bundle of joy, life has just been busy trying to spend time together as a family and preparing our 3 year old for being a big brother.  I'm sure there will be a HUGE learning curve ahead of us.  I'd be open to suggestions or ideas from other momma's and papa's out there for how to make a smooth transition with a new baby.  

As you can see from the picture, they even LOOK tasty!  I would HIGHLY recommend them (and NO I'm not in any way getting paid for this post or work for the company.  I'm just sharing my opinion.)  You can also see in the picture there is a lot more to love than just the flavors!  This company is going above and beyond by making sure the ingredients are actually GOOD for you!  I don't think you can ask for much more than that!  If I were you I would head to Target tonight and pick up your own to try!  Your welcome.

Have you tried any products by Immaculate Baking Company?  What did you have?  Share in the comment section below! 

Image from freedigitalphotos.net

While searching Pinterest the other night (a current obsession of mine) I came across this picture. It was a real eye opener for me.  In the past I have logged my meals in a journal or with an app on my phone, but what I think we (or maybe it is just me) often fail to realize is that all calories are not created equal.  Although yes, gaining weight or losing weight comes down to more or less 3,500 calories (per pound), I know I would much rather eat the amount of food pictured below for the same 1,360 calories in the top picture.  It is no wonder so many people are overweight.  I honestly would not have imagined that the top meal would be worth almost an entire days worth of calories!  The bottom picture clearly shows meals and snacks!  Now that I am pregnant, it is SO easy for me to make excuses and eat quick meals, but obviously the food below is a much more balanced diet for both me and the baby.  I also FEEL so much better when I'm not eating the quick meals pictured on top.  I'm not going to claim I eat perfectly.  That isn't who I am.  I love chocolate.  I love cheesburgers and I really love french fries.  That doesn't mean I should kick those things out of my diet forever.  It just means I need to be much smarter about how and when I allow myself to have them.  How about you?  Did you realize how many calories would be in a fast food meal such as the one here?  Do you track your calories/ meals each day?  Let's hear it in the comment section below!

As you may know if you follow my blog, I am currently 22 weeks pregnant (and counting) with baby #2.  Being pregnant the second time around has proven to be a little different than it was the first time.  Maybe it has something to do with chasing around a 3 year old at the same time as dealing with extra pregnancy sleepiness, nausea and weight gain?  Whatever the case may be, I know my hubby and I are lucky to be blessed enough to have another nugget on the way.  I will admit though there are several things going through my mind as we anticipate our bundle of joy in November.  So, I thought I'd blog about it here to see if anyone else has had these feelings or is going through them now.  Here goes…

1)  I am nervous about helping my current son transition from being an only child to a big brother.  I know it will be challenging and even though he is excited right now he may get over that quickly when baby is here.

2)  I am nervous about losing the baby weight for a second time.  Even though I have the tools in my arsenal to drop the pounds, I have not been perfect so far during this pregnancy (and I've heard it is harder to lose the weight the more pregnancies you have).  I struggle with cravings for pizza, cheeseburgers and sweets giving in too frequently.  I also struggle with the heat and being able to exercise outside and even just having the energy to use the programs I do have like Turbo Fire or Turbo Jam to exercise inside.  I let excuses get in the way too often as well.  I don't want to let myself make excuses during the second half of this pregnancy or once baby is here. 

3)  I am nervous about working full time with a very demanding job as a teacher, making time for my business,  and having a new born joining our current family.  Last time my little guy was 4 months old before I had to return to work (because of summer break) and this time I will be lucky if I get 8 weeks due to the time of year he will be born.  I know my little guy won't be sleeping through the night and I worry about keeping up with everything.  I didn't have to deal with that last time around.

4)  I am nervous about having one on one time with my hubby.  It can be hard enough balancing everything now (work, toddler, exercise, business etc.) as it is.  Add another newborn in to the mix and our "schedule" will be blown out of the water! 

5)  I am nervous about my son thinking I don't love him anymore because I will be busy with the baby.  He has been in a BIG daddy phase for awhile now and I know he will probably want me WAY more once the baby comes.  I know there will be times I won't be able to give him what he wants and that breaks my heart.

So, do any other moms or moms to be have these fears?  I'd love to hear in the comment section below. 

*photo provided by freedigitalphotos.net

"Things are going great.  I had a few tough days in the middle of the first week, but other than that feeling great.  Starting day 8 today and Ive lost 13lbs.  Loving it.  I cannot wait to slowly start working out.  My fiance and I are going to Cuba in September for our 5 years together so these lbs off are going to be great.  Thanks again!"

YAY MANDY!  I am SO excited for her and proud of her for making this awesome change.  In case you'd like to learn a few more details and hear more success stories here's a quick video to give you the overview:

Think you have what it takes?

CLICK HERE to get started with the Ultimate Reset yourself and be my next success story!

1.  I can create different "calendars" which work more or less like categories or folders.

2.  I can set multiple alarms for one task (and I need multiple reminders believe me).

3.  I can create to do lists, checklists or projects.

4.  I can categorize priority (low, medium, high and even starred).

5.  I can set recurring tasks (and the options are fabulous for recurring tasks)!

6.  I can list an action (such as email, text, call, google etc.) for the to do task.

7.  I can add a note on the task (LOVE this!)

8.  I can add a picture, category tag and even url to the task!

Here are a few screen shots so you know what I'm talking about…

On the left you can see my different "calendars".  You can label them however you like and change the colors too!

This is what the screen looks like when creating a task.  I love the many options you have to really make each task for specific.  I also love the ability to add more than one reminder since I am kind of forgetful! (You can email the reminder or have it make noise.  Email is a nice option for when I am at work.)

The only downfall at all with this app is that it isn't free.  I know that is kind of a bummer.  BUT, I will say I have tried SEVERAL free apps along the way and I have not liked any of them as much as I am liking this app so far.  Let's just see if I can keep my family life, fit life and work life all running smoothly because of this app!  I'd love to hear what to do list apps other people are using.  Don't use your phone?  How do you stay organized?  Be sure to share in the comment section below!  

Here's the finished product!