I’ve been struggling with something lately that has kept me from my regular routine. I’ve been thinking about ignoring it and posting about healthy recipes and how to be motivated to workout but honestly, right now, I’d feel like a hypocrite if I did any of those things. I think it’s easy to think I have it all figured out. I rarely do let my walls down as I believe in positivity and sharing all that is good and bright with the world. The dark things, well I keep those to myself, as I do not think they will benefit anyone or make anyone’s day better, and really that’s part of the reason I share so much of me. I want to help, I want others to be well, I want to make you think about something mundane in a new light. It’s something that fills my heart.

When I struggle, and I fall, and I have trouble following my own advice I just go silent. I stop posting for a few days and barely look at social media. And it happens. I often go through waves and I’m working constantly on balance. I like to try things. Everyone knows that one thing about me. They may also know I tend to try hard, and intensely and sometimes I wear myself out in the midst of it all. I need a break I retreat from everything and cocoon myself until I feel recharged and ready to go again. It’s something I’ve done most of my adult life and it has got to stop.

I love how lost I get in the excitement of something new. I love how much of myself I give to people and situations and things I’m interested in. I love all of it. I don’t love the moments I feel down, depressed, crippled with an inability to get up and do anything productive. When focusing on simple tasks at work seem like they will use up all of my remaining gasps of energy and when the idea of making food is so tiring I’d rather sleep for hours on end. Therefore, change has to happen. I write this, still unsure if I will publish it but I’m a writer, and this is how I heal, this is my therapy, this is how I make sense of things and see them for the first time very clearly. It’s like speaking with myself in an uncluttered environment because the page is blank when I start speaking and you can only write one word at a time. The countless things in my mind have to get in line and only one thought can come out at a time. A peaceful reflexion when the haze of everything threatens to take over. I love writing.

Unable to write anything else, I think this will do. I’ve sat down to blog about countless other things this last month, but nothing would come. Sitting here minutes after pouring this out I am sure this is what I needed to do in order to break the wall of my creativity and motivation.

I am doing well and I have an amazing support system in my family and friends. I hope if you’ve been struggling with motivation, getting started on your plans or projects, or simply struggling with getting through the day and still smiling, then know it happens to all of us. We’re always switching from one end of the spectrum to the other. Sometimes you’re up while other times you’re down. No matter the reason, know you’re not alone. And sometimes this cloud leaves as quickly as it came while other times some work has to be done in order to keep it moving right along.

Yay to breaking the wall. Up next, a recap of all the great things June brought with it.

Much love always,

Mariangelica


Photo by Dean Johns on Unsplash

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Best nine memories in June

June was such a whirlwind. It’s my month. The month that signifies love, and commitment. We got married in June, we started dating in June. So many wonderful things happened in June!

One

How wonderful is it to see people in love? This month we celebrated with a wonderful couple that hold a dear place in our hearts, Danielle and Sean! These two are undoubtedly made for each other and weddings just make me happy all over! I was actually incredibly sick the day of their wedding (and a few days before and after) My mind, being the strongest part of me, was too happy about the idea of seeing them walk down the aisle and party and dance that I pushed my sickness away, held it off and danced the night away with the hottest groomsmen in sight (my hubby) and then went home and felt the sickness return with a vengeance haha. Honestly, so much love for those two. I wish them the greatest fun and the best experiences in their life as a married couple, because I think marriage is da bomb.

Two

So, I’m not entirely sure when this obsession with pineapples began, but as I thought about a theme for a house party I wanted to throw for my work friends it seemed to be what kept popping in my brain! I achieved a huge milestone in my career this month and I wanted to thank some of the people that have been most important in my work life with a house party full of tropical goodness. I went slightly overboard. But really, it wouldn’t be my party if I hadn’t. Helium balloons filled the ceiling, hand cut pineapple print outs were everywhere in my house and a ridiculous amount of tropical decorations adorned the place. Including a ginormous pineapple balloon. It was such a wonderful time and a great reminder how important it is to have friends where you work. People you like and people that like you! Others you can have a laugh with or share in intelligent conversations! Tropical Party was a success!

Three

This month, my beautiful niece Sofia had her very first Dance Recital. I’d never attended a dance recital of any kind, and at first thought I’d have to endure 20 other classes of 4 year olds shy-ly dancing the macarena. But to my great surprise, this was quite the production!! Dancers all the way up to the highschool level performed some insanely beautiful and stunning performances that broke up the classes of the youngest students, making them actually really adorable to watch and see how each kid performed their 30 second dance. Other performances were award winning dances previously performed at the national level! The theatre, the lights, the costumes, it was breathtaking. Needless to say when my niece walked out in her costume and did her teapot dance i could barely watch through the tears that filled my eyes. This munchkin is one of a kind.

Four

One morning while getting ready to go to work I thought I’d check my calendar, just something told me to check it, and lo and behold, I had booked a day off for that very same day and had completely forgotten about it!! What a wonderful surprise! Days off are amazing, and only a little better when they get you by surprise. I actually didn’t do anything productive which is a hard thing for me to do! I played video games, watched tv, bummed around in my comfy clothes, played some guitar, played with Congo and enjoyed just being home.

Five

Christian and I treated our family to a Blue Jays game! Sadly the blue jays lost, but the experience was really great! We love being able to be there and be a part of some of their first experiences in Canada. And this, was their first baseball game here! They cheered loudly and actually enjoyed the game regardless of our final score. Loved our time together.

Six

Cam and CJ are some very wonderful human beings and I met them in my early years in highschool, online in some writing forums. Who knew you could make long lasting friendships through forums? But we managed to, and through the years of social media have kept in touch through skype video chats, myspace, facebook and instagram! They took a long train to see us a couple years ago when we visited New York on our long roadtrip, but we only had a few hours back then (And we spent them at a sex museum, haha) This time, they stayed with us as we explored Niagara Falls, brewery tours in KW and learned a few new board games, our mutual love and interest! They also bought their future baby’s first outfit while they were here! It was a super special experience and a memory I’m grateful we now have. They are just as adorable in person as they are online and we can’t wait for the next time our real lives cross paths.

Seven

We had another house guest stay with us for a whole week, Bailey, my furry nephew. This little ball of fluff came to stay with us while my sister and brother in law went camping and at first we were nervous to how Congo would handle having another male dog in the house. Well, let me tell you, they became the best of buds. Short of sleeping together they played like I’ve never seen Congo play and they went on a bajillion walks together. Walking together like totals pros. I think it was a great experience and it actually encouraged us to walk Congo more than we used to (since he’s potty trained to go in his indoor bathroom, he used to get less walks!) Now we’re well balanced with taking him outside or inside and it’s been a positive shift!

Eight

Christian and I got ourselves these little gadgets this month. It has been quite fun to compete with each other and many of our friends in step challenges throughout the weeks. Quite often we do things just because we know it will get us many steps and we’ve gone on more walks than we have in a long time! Now there’s no excuse to be bored! You can always be walking!

Nine

June 29th is our special day. This year we celebrated 4 years since the day we said ‘I do’. We have so many fond memories of our wedding day and all the years before and after. It’s becoming difficult to remember which year we did what but what’s important is that we have grown to love each other more and more as the days go by. There’s no one else I could ever dream of sharing forever with. It’s such an incredible feeling to be so raw and open and vulnerable with another person and feel safe and challenged and pushed to be your very best. We’re each other’s cheerleaders and coaches and although we have grown as a couple and in our marriage we have individually grown too. In our careers, in our personal development, in our beliefs and in what we will accept and refuse. It’s been incredible to discover who we have become. We will continue to dream and create and aspire to be, but also to thank, be grateful for and keep each other grounded in what really matters, family. We celebrated in the way that best suits what makes us happy which is the sun and the water. Lots of beach and sushi.

In June I was grateful for…

 

  • People getting married and love being in the air.
  • A thrifted dress for $14 to wear to said wedding. Score!
  • Christian getting to have some fun as a groomsman.
  • Dancing the night away with Christian, because no flu was going to get me down.
  • Mom, taking care of me when I was sick.
  • Playing softball and consistently playing in the outfield.
  • Homemade sorbets of mango and berries.
  • DIY decor fun times for an awesome tropical party we planned.
  • My friends crushing their goals in out wellness group.
  • Finding a foil pineapple balloon!!
  • Having so many awesome co workers over at our place.
  • Potluck foods and eating Christian’s heaven sent paella!
  • Seeing babies that were just too cute for words.
  • Crying with pride and emotion at seeing Sofia step on the stage during her first dance recital.
  • Being surprised with a day off!
  • Getting my workouts IN.
  • Taking the family to a baseball game for the first time in Canada and having them cheer for our Jays.
  • Being able to take Congo to work.
  • Receiving Cam and CJ from New York and showing them around our side of the world.
  • Exploring Niagra Falls like a tourist.
  • Winning some $$ at the casino.
  • Playing so many new and sweeeeeet board games.
  • Christian’s company hosting us for a brewery tour!
  • Reminders that kids will be kids.
  • Getting a fitbit and being inspired to step up my game because of the competition
  • Seeign Congo interact with Bailey and having two dogs for a week.
  • Realizing two dogs is a lot of work.
  • Homemade cashew butter. What else do I need to say.
  • Massages.
  • Mom getting to visit Meli in Montreal.
  • Christian getting news there’s a way to fix his restless sleep!
  • Watching an awesome asian drama. My guilty pleasure.
  • Celebrating our 4TH wedding anniversary. HOW. HOW?
  • Enjoying our week off to the max and spending so much time together.
  • The beach and the sun.
  • The water and the waves.
  • Sushi.

Look out for another Best Nine to hear all about July!

Mariangelica

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NEW MOM MONDAYS CHASING LITTLES
This post is part of the New Mom Monday series! A series about moms and their advice to new moms! Books and videos can only teach us so much, but there’s something special about hearing from real life moms. Honest, true, and always beautifully inspiring!!
♥ What’s your Name?

Holly

♥ Tell us a little about yourself!
Most importantly, I am a wife to a wonderful husband and a mom to a beautiful baby girl and our sweet dog Lucy. I am also a 4th grade teacher by day and by night (while the baby sleeps) I have fun keeping a blog all about natural living, baking, making and motherhood.
♥ How many kids do you have? What are their names and ages?
My baby girl Easton is almost 5 months old.
♥ How do you find your “me time”?
I find “me time” while the baby is napping and on my 30-minute drive to and from work!
♥ What is the best baby related book you’ve ever read?
The Mindful Mom to Be
♥ What’s the most useful baby product you have? Why do you love it?

My ring sling!  I have used it since my baby girl was just a few days old to keep her close while I get things done around the house!  She loves to be carried around and I am able to be productive!

♥ If you could say something to yourself when you first brought home your first baby, what would you say?
 Just enjoy your time with the baby and your new little family.  Limit visiting time by other family members and make anyone that does visit bring a meal, because making food will be the last thing on your mind.
♥ How much planning did you do before your baby was born, and how do you think that it helped or didn’t help?
I did A LOT of planning because I am just a planner by nature.  In some ways it was very helpful, but in other ways, there is no way to prepare for a new baby because each baby is different and will like or need different things.  I’m just glad we had an Amazon Prime membership with 2-day shipping!
♥ What do you believe are the top three pieces of advice a new mom or someone trying to conceive should know?
1. RELAX.  Everything will find a way to work itself out.
2. Enjoy your time with your partner or significant other before the baby is here.  Seriously. This is SO important!  Even if you have wonderful babysitters who are available to help out and watch the baby from time to time, you won’t be able to completely relax because you will be worrying about the baby in the back of your mind. It just won’t be the same!  So go on as many date nights as you can now!
3. Every baby is different so do not have any expectations about what your newborn will be like.  For instance, some newborns will sleep all the time, no matter where you are and some newborns will not sleep, like ever *cough* my baby *cough*!  Just know that everything is a phase and it’s ok if your baby isn’t a “typical” baby!
♥ What is your best memory so far of being a mom?

Other than seeing my baby girl for the first time, hearing her first real giggle was pretty amazing!  I’ll never get sick of it!

♥ Give us the short form version of your birth story.

I gave birth in a hospital with a midwife.  After almost exactly 48 hours of labor, many spent at home, 3 of them where I was pushing, I had the natural birth I had been hoping for, thanks in large part to a supportive husband and an amazing midwife.  I did not expect labor to be nearly as long or hard as it was, but after going through it, I can say it was not only the hardest, but most rewarding accomplishment of my life!  I seriously felt like superwoman afterward and know that if I could make it through a 48 hour labor and an unmedicated birth, I can do anything!

♥ Lastly, for fun, define motherhood!

The most wonderful, hardest thing you will ever experience!!

To hear more from Holly be sure to visit her blog Hollybbaking.

If you would like to participate in New Mom Mondays please feel free to message me by using my contact form! I would love to not only feature you on my blog but learn from your answers, as I’m sure many readers would too! 
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NEW MOM MONDAYS CHASING LITTLES
This post is part of the New Mom Monday series! A series about moms and their advice to new moms! Books and videos can only teach us so much, but there’s something special about hearing from real life moms. Honest, true, and always beautifully inspiring!!
♥ What’s your Name?

Rochella Neely

♥ Tell us a little about yourself!
I have been married for 9 years. I work as a Branch Manager for a Financial Institution. I’m also a blogger. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, fine dining, laughing, traveling and writing.
♥ How many kids do you have? What are their names and ages?
I have two kids. Rain is 6 years old and Sunshine is 1 year old.
♥ How do you find your “me time”?
I have to make it! I schedule time during the week to do something for me. If I don’t put it on my schedule I won’t do it.
♥ What is the best baby related book you’ve ever read?
What to expect when you are expecting
♥ What’s the most useful baby product you have? Why do you love it?

The Diaper Pail is the most useful product. I love it. When you have a baby it is the most convenient way to dispose of dirty diapers.

♥ If you could say something to yourself when you first brought home your first baby, what would you say?
Get as much sleep as you can when the baby is sleeping. Don’t worry so much and stress less.
♥ How much planning did you do before your baby was born, and how do you think that it helped or didn’t help?
I planned from the moment I found out I was pregnant. So for about 7 months I planned. I needed the entire 7 months as my children were not planned. It was definitely helpful although I still didn’t feel ready I don’t think you ever feel ready to be responsible for a new person!
♥ What do you believe are the top three pieces of advice a new mom or someone trying to conceive should know?
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times. Ask for help those first couple of weeks home. Don’t expect to get back into our regular routine for awhile.
♥ What is your best memory so far of being a mom?

When I held both my children in my arms after giving birth.

♥ Give us the short form version of your birth story.
My last birth was completely different than my first birth. It was just my husband and me in the room. I had already experienced a difficult birth with my first child. I was expecting the worst. I had a normal 12-hour delivery. Everything went smoothly. I was induced I did have an epidural and was managing my pain well. I did not push for long and when my sunshine was born, it was a relief, she was here. Healthy and beautiful. She was crying as the doctors and nurses check her out. .As soon as she laid on my chest, I rubbed her on her back and said “don’t cry” at that moment the crying stopped. The nurses and doctors in the room paused in a brief moment of amazement. I’m sure they have witnessed these moments many times before but something still makes it special no matter how many times a person witnesses it.
♥ Lastly, for fun, define motherhood!

Love in its purest form. I believe our creator allows us to experience motherhood as a way to show us how much he loves us. Motherhood teaches mom and baby, builds character and is my biggest blessing.

To hear more from Rochella be sure to visit her blog Career and Family Life .

If you would like to participate in New Mom Mondays please feel free to message me by using my contact form! I would love to not only feature you on my blog but learn from your answers, as I’m sure many readers would too! 
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NEW MOM MONDAYS CHASING LITTLES
This post is part of the New Mom Monday series! A series about moms and their advice to new moms! Books and videos can only teach us so much, but there’s something special about hearing from real life moms. Honest, true, and always beautifully inspiring!!
♥ What’s your Name?

Kelly

♥ Tell us a little about yourself!
I am a photographer, designer, illustrator and food blogger living and working in Chicago.
♥ How many kids do you have? What are their names and ages?
Parker, age 2
♥ How do you find your “me time”?
One of my favorite rituals is on Friday afternoons when leaving work, I stop by this fancy wine and cheese shop on my way to the train. I pick the wine first; whatever looks appealing and then have them suggest a fancy cheese to go with. Once bed time rolls around, about 7:00 pm, I go hide from everyone with wine and cheese platter. I use that time to work on my website, watch tv or work on a craft project.
♥ What is the best baby related book you’ve ever read?
I didn’t ready any baby books, but I was constantly reading blogs while pregnant. Everything from mommy blogs with personal experiences to more scientific articles about development to birthing coach and doula blogs. It was very calming to arm myself with all the information and perspectives I could, it made me feel very prepared. As far as best blog? I love http://dashandbella.blogspot.com. It’s part food blog, part mom-blog, written by Phyllis Grant. She offers really beautiful and emotional glimpses into her experience of motherhood and I have teared up more than once reading her blog. She is currently writing a book and I am very much looking forward to that.
♥ What’s the most useful baby product you have? Why do you love it?

I love baby wearing! It makes things SO much easier, from walking around the house to shopping in the store, grocery shopping specifically. I had an infant one that lasted until my son was a year, and then I bought a stronger, bigger one that served until he was almost two. They do take some getting used to, as far as learning, tie them comfortably. The first couple time I left the house with one, I would watch a youtube video (they make tutorials on all the styles) in the parking lot to jog my memory.

♥ If you could say something to yourself when you first brought home your first baby, what would you say?
Take it easy! my birth was a c-section, and I felt good when I got home so I was up and moving and going with no issues on the first day. I started to relax on the pain killers that I was prescribed too. Day two, I felt like I had been hit by a bus! I hadn’t been overlapping my pain killers, so that pain set back in and my whole body was just exhausted. I ended up taking most of the next couple days to rest, either in bed or the couch and just hold my baby. 
♥ How much planning did you do before your baby was born, and how do you think that it helped or didn’t help?
I read everything I could, all the blogs and was constantly googling my questions. My doctor assigned a nurse to me who I saw regularly to answer questions and walk me through each stage. I took the birthing classes, which in hindsight were costly (my insurance did not cover them) and ate up a whole weekend, without teaching me anything I didn’t already know. However, it was nice to bring my partner, because then he got the information and perspective on how to assist me, what to do and look for and how to prepare. So, not a total loss. I did feel very well prepared.
♥ What do you believe are the top three pieces of advice a new mom or someone trying to conceive should know?
1. “You’re going to crash, and that is ok, just be ready for it.” My mom told me this a few days before my delivery. What she meant was between the emotions and hormones, you’re going to crash emotionally. You’ll come down off this new baby high at a certain point and it’s like the wind just get’s sucked out of your sails. It could be your new found sense of responsibility, body issues, breastfeeding, — I mean there are a million variables. Just be prepared and know it’s normal and it’s totally ok. Give yourself some time and breathing room, and TALK TO SOMEONE. For me, it came on day two after we came home. I was on the couch with my sleeping son on my chest, breathing him in. All of a sudden, a thought came to me. “He is never going to be this small again. He’s growing every day. He is changing every day. Absorb all of this, lock this into your memory, you won’t get this back.” It was crushing to me! I handed the baby off to me mom (my parents were staying with us) and stood in the hot shower and cried. I think I took three cry-showers that day! That night, I laid in bed and told my partner everything, and cried it out some more. That was my “crash”. The next day, I felt much better and more stable emotionally. I told my mom about this and she again assured me that it was normal, your hormones are all over the place! But, if that kind of sadness continues, then it’s time to seek help from your doctor because that can easily become a much more serious problem.
2. “They grow up so fast” EVERYONE will tell you this, all the time. And it is completely true. This is where my first point ties in because I head this from everyone throughout my pregnancy. And you won’t know how true this is until you watch it happen. So the advice here it, enjoy each stage, even the tough ones because they won’t last very long. And take lots of pictures.
3. Have a plan, but be prepared to let it go. You can plan all you want, but things happen, life happens. Everyone has very strict, specific visions of themselves and their children, but be prepared to go with the flow and let life change you a little.
♥ What is your best memory so far of being a mom?

Hearing my son say “momma” for the first time and every time. It still melts my heart.

♥ Give us the short form version of your birth story.
My plan was to have a natural birth. That did not pan out. I was HUGE when I was pregnant, and I am a small person. I was a whole week past my due date and my doctor sent me for an ultrasound. It was determined that my child was estimated at 9-13 pounds and that could be dangerous to deliver. I had gestational diabetes, so I was high risk. My doctor suggested I do a c-section. I was not thrilled, but after discussing it (his concern was that I would labor and labor and it would stress the baby and turn into an emergency c-section situation) I agreed and scheduled it. Not at all what I had planned, I was terrified.
While I was extremely nervous, my doctor, the nurses and the anesthesiologist that worked with me were all wonderful. They talked me through the entire process. A cold operating room was made worse with the epidural and made my whole body turn icy and shiver; the nurse wrapped me in heated blankets to make me comfortable. I had horrible waves of nausea during the procedure, mostly from anxiety, that the anesthesiologist talked me through. Once my baby was out, they showed him to me and I immediately burst into tears. They wrapped him and handed him off to his father, who was there with me to hold while they finished my procedure.
I had a lot of concerns not having a natural birth but it turned into a good experience and was the right decision. I was 2 weeks overdue with no signs of dilation, dropping or labor. When the doctor delivered my son, he found that his umbilical cord was wrapped around his leg and he was unable to move into position. He was, however, not 9-13 pounds, he was a more reasonable 8 3/4 pounds. So again, no matter how much you prepare (Think about that final ultrasound! They got his weight wrong and couldn’t see his umbilical cord!) you’re going to get some curveballs.
♥ Lastly, for fun, define motherhood!

The most wonderful, hardest thing you will ever experience!!

To hear more from Kelly be sure to visit her blog City Supper Club and follow her on Facebook.

If you would like to participate in New Mom Mondays please feel free to message me by using my contact form! I would love to not only feature you on my blog but learn from your answers, as I’m sure many readers would too! 
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