Very Thankful - Part 1

Well life has just consumed me and I have not had a chance to write a blog in MONTHS.  I always do a blog every year in November on what I am thankful for. 

Here is part 1:

1. My kids - As crazy as life is with 2 little kids, I could not image life without them.  
2. My husband - Things get crazy and he keeps me grounded.  He also puts up with his CRAZY wife :)  Plus he does so much around our house.
3. Family and friends - This is what life is all about!  
4. Coffee - As a working mom of 2 little kids, which do not always sleep well, coffee is a MUST!
5. My upcoming vacation days - between maternity leave and a crazy work schedule, I have a ton of vacation in November.  I am looking forward to these next few weeks.
6. My job - Although it is crazy, stressful and sometimes long hours, I am thankful I have a job that allows us to live comfortable.
7. The beach - I grew up at the beach and I love that my in-laws and my parents both have beach houses.
8. My mom - I don't know how she puts up with us!  All the trips she drives to the beach with me and the kids, the Sunday dinners, the support, and so much more!
9. Disney Jr - I always said I would not let my kids watch TV.  That went down the tubes when I had Chris.  TV is the ONLY reason we sometimes have remotely good dinners.
10. iPad mount for the car - all the trips to the beach would be a lot more stressful.  It is bad enough Chris hates the car, so at least I can rely on Emily to be quiet.
11. Cody - he was our 9 yr old dog who we had to put don recently.  Before dating my husband, it was just him and I and he was my baby.  He moved to Tennessee with us and was a great dog.  He is why my kids love animals, especially dogs.
12. A night out - All I wanted for my bday was a night away.  Not just dinner but a WHOLE night.  This way I can have a relaxing night and let loose.  Watch out Philly!!
13. Michelle - I never thought having Michelle be our nanny would be such a great experience.  She not only is great with the kids but she is like family to us.  
14. Laughter - Without a good laugh here and there, life would be boring.  I am lucky to be surrounded by funny people. 

Nine Years

I have blogged about this before but when my sister was born, I was already 8 1/2.  All that I cared about was that I was going to have to share my room with a baby!! UGH!!! When we watch home videos and look at pictures when L was little, I knew I was always very close to her. I was always holding her and singing.  But eventually when she became older we actually became best friends.  Who would have thought an 18 year old entering college would be able to be friends with their 9 year old sister.  When I was starting to drink, she was still in grade school.  We never had the same friends or hung out at the same places but were still close. 

Nowadays, I cannot imagine a day without her.  We have not lived in the same house for years.  I have moved to Tennessee and back and now she lives in Maryland.  But we still talk everyday.  I mean who would I send Snapchat selfies to if it wasn't for her?!?  Her friends are actually my friends as well.  I look at my Facebook and Instagram and 50% are her friends.  

We still live very different lives.  She is in her early 20's and I am in my early 30's.  I live with my husband, dog and two kids.  She lived with two roommates.  

I miss seeing her so much now that she lives a few hours away.  I cherish every second she is home.

So when people say they want to have kids close together so they will be good friends, I always think that L and I are almost 9 years a part and could not be closer.  Age is just a number but true friendship lies within your heart.

Back to reality soon

After being off work for almost 3 months so far, I have to come to grips that I am going back to work in a few weeks.  I have truly enjoyed my time home!!!!

What I will miss:

• Seeing my little man all day
• Bi-weekly breakfasts with my grandmom
• Playdates
• Running and working out during the day
• Going to Target during the week
• Walks with my little man

I have been trying to mentally preparing to return to work and how I will juggle two kids, dinners, late nights at work and keep my sanity.  Also, they always says moms have a special bond with their sons and over these last few months, I can truly say I have that special bond with C.  I will miss seeing his smiles and him babbling to me all day.

BUT the truth is, he is in good hands and I need to work, so I choose to make the best of the situation.

I vow to:

• Enjoy every second of these next few weeks
• Not stress about every little thing when I go back to work
• Prioritize what is important
• Worry only about my own life and my family
• Have some "me" time

Wish me luck :)

If I knew then...

That a desk job where you work long hours would be my job, I would have thought more about my major in college.

That eating 1-2 crushers (like a blizzard) from Sweet Lucy's once a week during my first pregnancy would mean it would take me extra long to lose the weight, I would have cut a few out.

That going away on spring break in college were good memories, I may have spent less on "going out clothes" (aka blank pants hahaha) and captain and cokes and saved my money.

That wearing high heels in Old City Philly where there are cobble stone sidewalks, I would have worn wedges or flats.  (Then I would look even shorter though).

That everything people told me about lack of sleep once you have kids was true and definitely real, I would have taken more naps prior to that occurring.

That having a credit card in college while working a part time job was not a good idea, I would never have signed up for one.  In my defense, cc companies should not be soliciting college kids to sign up for cards, even though they make out most of the time.

That when I met my now husband, it was going to be a long term and lifetime thing, I would not have mad him chase me for months (sorry P).

That sleep training a baby is worth it in the long run, I would have done it and suffered through those bad first few weeks.

All these things may have made my life easier, but who ever said life is easy.  You live and learn :)

Life's a journey

Last weekend was St. Patty's weekend and I was thinking about how that was one of the biggest days/nights to go out...well like 5 years ago. 

This year we were thinking about many other things...

Is it going to rain if my parents take E to the parade?

Should we buy a 3 row car when we trade in the hubby's matchbox size WRX?

How do we work our new computer?

Why does our house look like a bomb went off in it?

No where in the mix was "where are we going to drink some green beer" or " what do I have that is green to wear to the bars".

BUT with that being said, I would choose babies, family and domestic stuff over green beer any day. 

Life changes before we know it but cherish every day, even if it is different!! 

Country Fashion

I think we can all agree that all 12 of Carrie Underwood's outfits were AMAZING!!!  I am not sure I can pick a favorite. 

Random thoughts:

• Does Hillary Scott ever NOT wear black?  We all know black is flattering but it is nice to change it up every once in a while.
• Jennifer Nettles is so cute...even 9m preg!!
• Kellie Pickler's bizz cut to support her friend was amazing!!
• Faith Hill is too skinny!!
• Luke Bryan is hot!

I'll end on that note :)

YAH FOR ME

Sometimes we (even us moms) need to take a step back and think about ourselves.  Today I have proven to myself and the world that us working moms and women in general can do it all.  Not only do I have a 15 month at home, another one on the way in February, but I also just got promoted at work.  I truly never thought this would happen.  In such a coporate field, sometimes us women fall short of truly being appreciated.  Today that is NOT that case (well at least not for me). 

I am lucky enough to work for a team that my hard work pays off.  All those late nights my husband had to put Emily to sleep, logging in from home, checking emails, etc...all seems worth it in the end.  I can multi-task!!  I can be a good mom and also work!!!  "I CAN" is the key word!!  Us women doubt ourselves too much.  We "HOPE" rather than "DO".

Now with that being said, I never want to miss out on my kids lives.  It is all about balance and support.  I am constantly working to better myself, which will be a continuous cycle.

BUT today is about me!  My accomplishments!  My happy little life :)

~Adrienne xoxo

Fabulous Friday - Fall Fun

Fall is quickly approaching and I am loving some of the new trends!!!

PATTERNS

Splendid London Stripe Jacket

Marc by Marc Jacobs Onyx Silk Top

Kate Spade New York Carnegie Hall Carlyle Satchel

GRAPHICS

Kate Spade New York Abstract Signature Bow Wool Scarf

LOW/ANKLE BOOTS

Rachel Roy Echo Boot

DV Dolce Vita Wedge Booties - Phillipa

TRENCHES

Burberry London Buckingham Trench

Sam Edelman Double Brested Trench

Happy soon to be fall :)

Adrienne

Fabulous Friday - Accessory Love

A pop of color in an accessory can make an outfit.  Think about it...an all black outfit with a chunky red bracelet or an all tan outfit with a chunky turquoise necklace.  If you did not have that pop of color, your outfit could still be chic but it will lack pizzaz!

Here are some of my favorite accessories:

A good piece of jewelry

Hot Rocks Vermeil Earrings Green Onyx



Kendra Scott Harlow Necklace in Turquoise

Kirra Tate Green & Pink Chandelier Earrings

*all jewelry can be found on laylagrace.com

Handbang or clutch

MARC BY MARC JACOBS 'Preppy Nylon - Sasha' Crossbody Bag

kate spade new york 'gold coast - lilou' satchel

Tory Burch 'Robinson' Envelope Wristlet

Happy Friday!!  xoxo

Would you rather...

I always have the argument about sweets vs. other "bad" food, so I thought we could play a game of "would you rather"...

eat ice cream or french fries (not fast food ones)

Me: Def french fries although I love cookies and cream ice cream

gym or run

Me: definitely run...rather run 5 miles than go to the gym

beach or adventure vacation

Me: Pre kids I would say adventure (i.e. Europe) but now I would like a relaxing beach vaca

cook or clean

Me: def clean

buy shoes or a purse

Me: Def buy a purse but I do love shoes

coffee or tea

Me: Coffee even though I should drink more tea

watch tv or read

Me: Depends - reading 50 shades now and the Olympics are over so I would say read

Let me know what you would rather do!!!



Working out...not so much

My workout regime has gone from 5 times a week to maybe one or two. Prior to being pregnant, the ONLY reason I would not workout is if I had to work late or was going to happy hour. Then I got pregnant...

I did pretty well for the first 6 months. As my belly got bigger, my runs got slower and less frequent. Then I was on bedrest the last month of my pregnancy. Then little E arrived...

Late nights, early mornings, little sleep and my obsession with my new bundle of joy put working out on the BOTTOM of my list. Once I realized I needed to go back to work soon and NO clothes fit, I snapped back into reality.

I went on Weight Watchers and made an effort to workout more, even if it was running with he jogger stroller. Luckily the weight came off ... Give or take those last 5-8 lbs.

Now little E is almost 1 and I am back in a rut. She is going through a mama's girl phase and there is no time once I get home from work, make dinner, put E to bed, etc. I know all you mom's know exactly what I mean.

However, I vow to do my best to workout when I can BUT first and foremost is my family. Sitting down for a nice family dinner, pushing E in her wagon or just playing around the house is my #1 priority. Working out will happen... at least that is what I tell myself :)

 Adrienne xoxo

Fabulous Friday - NEON

I am starting a new weekly blog post called Fabulous Friday.  I will be picking a new topic each week that I think is absolutely FABULOUS!!!!!!! 

Today is all about neon neon neon.  Shoes, dresses, sunglasses, nail polish, etc. 

Here are some of my favs!

OPI, Marc by Marc Jacobs Sunglasses, Matiko Tee Sandals, BCBG Cielo, Marc by Marc Jacobs Dreamy,  Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC

TGIF!

Adrienne xoxox

Addiction to sad songs

I don't know why but I love listening to sad songs, since I normally have a tear in my eye at the end.  I LOVE country music too, which is FILLED with sad songs.

So...I was just listening to Pandora and Kenny Chesney's "There Goes My Life" came on and I found myself repeating the song.  Not sure why since it is about two high school kids that end up having a baby.  The whole premise of the song is summed up in this line...

 "that mistake he thought he made, covers up the refrigerator...he loves that little girl"

It made me start to think that no matter what happens in life, the good and bad, we can get through it.  Sometimes it is not until you are faced with a hard situation that you realize how strong of a person you really are.  And sometimes that sitaution makes you a better person!!

Sorry for such a powerful post on this sweltering hot hump day!  I promise to write a lighter one next :)

Adrienne

Father's Day

I am lucky enough to be blessed with such an amazing father.  Now that I have a daughter of my own, I realize how important it is to be surrounded by people you love (yes a tear is flowing down my check). 

My dad not only worked his butt off when we were little to provide for us but he also was involved in our lives, especially when it came to sporting events.  He would work all day then come home and do side jobs, not even taking a shower until 11pm.  Back then I did not appreciate his hard work and dedication but I now see how that molded the person I am today.  I try to possess his work ethic and dedication but also find time to laugh.

The good come with the bad.  My dad and I are also two very stubborn and hard-headed people.  We like things our way.  We like to argue.  Most importanly we like to be right (ALL THE TIME)!

I just want to take the time now to say thank you to my dad for everything. 

Not only did I grow up with an amazing dad but also an amazing Pop Pop and godfather!!  YES I am one lucky girl.

Happy Father's Day weekend to all dads out there!!!

~Adrienne xoxo

Fashion: Pre and Post Mommyhood

I am no fashionista, but I certainly tried harder to look fashionable prior to being a mom, mainly cause I had the time.   Also, I only had to really think about myself. 

To sum it up...

Ah one day maybe I will get back to my somewhat "fashionista" ways!

Adrienne xoxo

Now I truly feel like P and I are a pretty powerful couple.  We both manage to work full-time jobs, which are both pretty time-consuming, spend time with family and friends, raise our 9 month old and still have fun!  BUT we aren't Beyonce and Jay-Z.  I have always loved each of them separately but as a couple they are so powerful and dreamy (I know I am cheesy!!!!).

POWER, SUCCESS, INDEPENDENT CAREERS, BEAUTY, FAME.... I COULD GO ON AND ON!!

Blue Ivy is a lucky little lady :)

Random post I know! haha

So thankful

Recently, I have just started to realize more and more how lucky I am for everything I have.  I saw on facebook on Sunday this blog called "Avery Can" and it was about a little baby who had SMA, which is an incurable genetic disease and she would not live long.  She ended up passing away yesterday, earlier than expected.  I cannot even imagine!!!  .


Instead of dwelling on the bad, they started a bucket list for her, like go to a ballgame.  As I read the blog, tears poured out of my eyes and I suddenly realize how lucky I am that I have a healthy baby girl.  All those horrible nights of her not sleeping, teething, etc...don't seem so bad.  I actually realize that it is moments like those that I should feel happy about (ironically).  The way I look at it is that if she is teething and trying to crawl, she is progressing FORWARD in the various stages of life. 

As a new mom, I tend to get wrapped up in life and sometimes do not stop and appreciate what I have.  I started to think today, it is not the end of the world that my house is not clean, that I had a bad day at work or that I didn't lose all the baby weight I wanted to. All that matters is I have an amazing family, friends, husband and daughter. 

The family hopes they can raise awareness and eventually a cure so other families and children do not have to go through what they did!  Please check out this blog and share to help raise awareness!

http://averycan.blogspot.com/


I vow to love more and to live life to the fullest!!!! 

Adrienne xoxo

Equal Pay Day

Is money more important for men??  April 17th is Equal Pay Day.  "This day symbolically marks how far into the year a woman has to work to make what a man made during the prior calendar year" (Soraya Chemaly).  It is crazy that this thought and day is even in people's minds.

Stastics from huffingtonpost.com:

• The median annual earnings for working (full-time) white women is 77 cents to a man's dollar.
• For women of color, the gap and its effects are even greater: African-American women earn 61 cents to the male dollar and Latina women earn 53 cents.
• Controlling for factors like education, experience, job type and more reveals that fully one-quarter to one-half of the gap is attributable to unexplained causes.
• Women now make up more than half of the U.S. workforce -- this gap affects hundreds of millions of people and families.

I don't get why in this day and age people still cannot understand that a woman and man can both work equally as hard and efficient and deserve equal pay!  UGH  I better get working :)

~Adrienne

Stop and smell the roses

Last night we celebrated our 2 year anniversary by going to this wine bar & restuarant.  Even though things have been crazy recently, I try really hard to slow down and enjoy life and be happy for everything I have, including an AMAZING husband.  Within the two years we have been married, we have travelled a TON and had an amazing baby girl!  As you can imagine, there are fewer and fewer romantic dinners with busy work schedules and a 7 month old.  Thanks to my mom, we were able to get away for a few hours to enjoy some peace and quiet...oh and I most AMAZING cosmos!!  haha  I don't get out much anymore.

By the time we got home, chatted with my mom, gave little E a bath, put her to bed and FINALLY sat down, I was asleep (what a boring person I am).  I have to say, my husband has always been a night owl.  I mean who goes for a run at 9pm.  At that time, I have my pj's on and am getting ready for bed.

I did start to think though how easy it is to get wrapped up in a busy, crazy life and stop appreciating every second.  I need to STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES MORE.  This is my new goal. 

~Adrienne xoxo

Why Successful Women Terrify Us

Why are women judged negatively, even by other women, for being successful? There always is a stereotype that people in general need to be a certain way (some would say ruthless) in order to climb the corporate ladder. When a man successfully makes it to the top, we slap him five, but when a woman does, people ask themselves how that happened. Did she wear low cut shirts? Did she act ruthless? Now I know some women may get to the top for the wrong reasons, but I am talking about the genuinely smart women who truly make good leaders.

Forbes.com named the 10 most hated and pervasive stereotypes about powerful women:

• Ice Queen - Think Devil Wears Prada



• Single and Lonely - Chose career over family



• Tough - Ruthless and not caring



• Weak - "Stems from women's greater desire to build a consensus" (Laura Chinchilla)



• Masculine - Must look like a businessman to play the part right



• Conniving - Must have done something to get to the top



• Emotional - Prone to emotional outbursts



• Angry - Sign of "status" for men



• A Token - looked at as a token of diversity instead of balancing out the numbers



• A Cheerleader - Condoscending and not looked at as stong leaders

First of all, these stereotypes all contradict each other. Second, maybe some women possess those traits but that does not make them unsuccessful. Plus, let's be honest...men possess them too!!!

More and more women are proving all these stereotypes wrong but it has been a long road to the point we are at now!!! I am on a committee at my work called WIN (Women Initiatives) so I am hoping that more and more women keep stepping over men as they climb the coporate ladder and prove all stereotypes wrong!

~Adrienne