Guess Who's Back...Back Again...Amanda's Back...Tell A Friend.

I wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry when I realized how long it had been since I had updated my website. Total failure over here! Like many of you, I think I have been in a constant state of fight or flight since 2020 when the big C-word turned us from normal people to crazed moms who wiped down our grocery boxes before bringing them into the house (with masks and gloves on!) Don't pretend like you guys didn't do that too! ;) If you didn't...please feel free to laugh at me now.

When schools and the rest of the world shut down, I went from "normal busy mom stress" to "must keep all of my people safe and alive and in control of everything stress"! Here we are...two years later and I still don't feel like I am back to "normal" or as normal as can be. I went from a happy, bubbly person with very little anxiety to a happy, stressed person whose anxiety is through the roof. I ended up letting so many things I enjoyed in life (like this little website of mine) fall to the wayside because I didn't have the energy or time (so I thought) to keep up with them. But here I am...at midnight...exactly one week before my kids return to school from Summer Break and through my thoughts of depression from missing spending all this time with them...I am thinking and focusing on things I can do for myself. So I plan to re-organize my site (and life - haha) and get back to my old self! Thanks to all of you that have stuck with me over the years through my consistency and lack thereof. You are so appreciated by me and really make my heart full of love. xoxo - Amanda

NEW YEAR...NEW YOU! (Just Kidding...I'm eating M&M's!)

I have to admit...I'm a sucker for a NEW YEAR...NEW YOU post! I read it...I think how awesome, inspiring and strong the creator is...I look down at my much chubbier bod...then I go back to eating my m&m's. Yes, it's now 2021 but it really just feels like 2020 Part II. 2020 has been a hard year for us all. It hasn't all been tough...there have definitely been some positive moments. My husband has been working from home since March. A week before quarantine started, he accepted a promotion which meant his commute would increase to 2 hours to his new office. That's 4 hours a day in the car...time away from his family, missing sports games and practices. Having him home has meant more time with his family and the ability to see the kids on his lunch breaks. We have all loved it! (Don't get me wrong...my husband and I play the daily game of "Let Me Tell You How You Are Doing That Wrong" with each other...but I do love seeing him more!)

We normally live a pretty busy life with three kids in sports full time...but we were really able to slow down and focus on enjoying time together. Some of that time together has been the kids new love of baking. Which means on a weekly basis...we have brownies, cookies, cupcakes and muffins galore in this house. Of course I wouldn't be a good Mom if I didn't eat all the things they make...I have to! (haha!) This has caused my jeans to no longer be able to button.

For my family, 2020 also brought some scary news. My Mom was diagnosed with an aggressive breast cancer in October. Those that know us, know how close we are with my Mom. (Like built a house to live next door to her close.) She is truly the heart of our family and the strongest woman I know. As she dove headfirst into reading and researching, eating healthy and walking daily to keep herself strong...I dove headfirst into my pantry and my Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes. I tend to eat my worries away.

So 2020 was not kind to

my health, body, blood sugar or waistline. Having PCOS and Insulin Resistance already means losing weight is close to impossible for me. In my mind...I have a mental image of what I think I look like. I think I can still see the athlete I use to be...plus a few wrinkles, scars and twin belly. But then I walk past a mirror and do a shockingly double take...WHO IS THAT??!! I've decided to focus not so much or losing my "Quarantine Weight"...but more on feeling healthy. Not even for myself...but for my kids.

So, the whole point of this long blog post is to share a deal I found! I decided to try out the Spinning craze! I spent a few weeks doing research and really wanted to splurge on a

Peloton! Full Disclosure...I don't have the best track record with sticking to workouts so I didn't love spending that much money on something I may not use more than a few times. After reading a thousand reviews...I decided to go with this Echelon Sport Bike. It’s currently on SALE for $497! You can Shop It Here—> https://shopstyle.it/l/bqr8V

Here is why I picked this one: -The reviews are amazing! It is closely compared to the Peloton without the price tag. (Google DIY Peloton) -This one does not have the screen attached but I couldn’t justify spending another $500-$1000 just for a screen. We have a TV in our gym and I can cast the app from my phone or iPad to the TV. A few reasons I read to not worry about getting the screen...you can’t watch Netflix on the screen but you can with an iPad or tablet attached. We have extra tablets laying around...so for me...this was an easy decision. -It comes with a 6 month Echelon subscription FREE! Peloton is also offering a FREE 2 month subscription through January so you can join to try out both!

-If you want to have the screen...check out Costco...they did have one available last week that is out of stock now... or Dick’s has it available! Shop It Here—> https://shopstyle.it/l/bqscu

-I did read recommendations for newbies to spinning to get a softer seat. This one came highly recommended and I ordered it as well—> https://amzn.to/35cQCBC

-The Echelon Sport doesn't come with weight holders but several people in the Echelon Facebook Group I joined recommended this Stroller Caddy you can get from Amazon Shop It Here-->http://amzn.to/3rYuncr

So that’s what I’ve found and wanted to share on my new journey into spinning and trying to get a little bit healthier in the New Year! Don't get me wrong...I'm still going to eat my m&m's and I decided long ago to accept that I love chocolate and will never be skinny. I'd rather eat the cake, live in leggings (hello stretchy waist bands) and be happy! But my New You could definitely be a bit healthier. Good luck to all of you who have decided to begin your own journey this New Year! I hope you take the chance to pause for a minute and look back at where you've been...but also look forward to all the possibilities ahead.

#newyearnewyou #diypeloton #echelon #pcos #momlife #insulinresistance #spinning #eatthecake #spinbike #walmart #amazon #dickssportinggoods #newyear #weightloss #leggingsforlife

KITCHEN FINDS

Who else is organizing their house and shopping online like crazy during quarantine??!! Hopefully not just me! :) I'm working on my kitchen and wanted to share some #kitchenfinds that I added to my cart.

FARMHOUSE DINING CHAIRS - This set of Farmhouse Dining Chairs can be used Indoors or Outdoors! This set of 4 is a great deal! ✔️https://amzn.to/3cuEQno

BREAD BOX - I'm obsessed with this!✔️https://amzn.to/2KnavuV

BAMBOO CUTTING BOARDS - This set of 3 is priced great and has a coupon attached!✔️https://amzn.to/2x21Pam

COCA COLA HOTDOG STEAMER AND BUN WARMER- I need this for all the summer parties we have!! This looks fun and super useful!✔️https://amzn.to/3gJZKlm

AVOCADO SLICER - If you love #quac like we do...this is a must!✔️https://amzn.to/36StN5R

SET OF 6 REFRIGERATOR ORGANIZING BINS - This set of 6 bins is perfect to get you started on a clean, organized fridge! I need all the help I can get with #organizing ✔️https://amzn.to/3gGtcZn

SET OF 2 ADHESIVE MOUNTED ORGANIZER - This set of 2 clear organizers is perfect for inside cabinet doors. I'm thinking of using them for cleaning products under my sink and to organize the mess under my bathroom sink!✔️https://amzn.to/3gK0Z40

PACK OF 2 REFRIGERATOR ORGANIZERS - These are stackable and priced great!✔️https://amzn.to/2XqrB2t