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*This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #TryALittleGoodness *#CollectiveBias

I have now been running for nine months and although running has become my favorite way to exercise, I know it’s time to diversify my workout. I can tell my body needs a break from the strain running puts on my muscles and joints. As hard as it is to admit it – I’m not a spring chicken anymore! I have a full-time job and three kids so time is short. I’m just plain worn out after the day is over! But there will always be excuses, am I right?

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BeHealthyForEveryPartofLife #CollectiveBias

Sometimes we get it into our heads that a date night has to be expensive dinners and romantic escapades. When in reality those just can’t happen very often – especially when you’re parents!

Something like that might stretch your budget, having to pay for a night out not to mention having to pay for a babysitter.

I’m not sure exactly when it happened – but I changed. I changed for the better.

I’ve worked so hard the past two months to think positive thoughts instead of the negativity that often filled my mind.

I’ve gone to doctor’s appointments. I’ve practiced self-care. I’ve focused on my family. I’ve even taken a vacation with my husband to an amazingly beautiful island, which allowed us to relax and roboot after a couple hard years. It allowed us time to look each other in the eye and say, yes, I love you. Oh man, do I ever love you.

“I’m going to clean our shower,” I said. “It’s been too long and it’s really dirty.”

I grabbed the strong cleaners, rubber gloves, opened the windows and turned on the fan. I knew this would be a big job for me. Especially since I hate to clean anything at all.

Naaman took care of the kids downstairs while I started spraying down every inch of the space.

The room filled with clorox and chemicals but I didn’t care. The “natural” stuff just wasn’t gonna cut it this time.

Summer is such a busy time. The weather is fine so we fill up our calendar with fun things to do. Is it just me or is there a rush to fit it all in before school starts in August?

We are good to go on quick breakfast and lunch choices but dinner is always my downfall. We get home and I’m like, uh oh, what are we going to fix quickly because these kiddos are hungry!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #Back2SchoolReady #CollectiveBias

We’re nearing the end of summer break and there comes a time when you’re more than ready to get back to a routine. Not just for your kids but for you too! We have less than a month until school starts and I’m already stocking up on things that will help make the back-to-school transition easier.

I set a goal for myself in March to run my first 5K in the summer and I’m happy to say – I did it! I really did it!

::throws hat and does Mary Tyler Moore jump::

As I mentioned in my post on running last week – I used the 5K Runner app, a version of Couch to 5K, to whip myself back into shape after years of not doing much physical exercise due to pain from a car accident. It’s safe to say that this little phone app has changed my life.

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SunsOutSpoonsOut #CollectiveBias

It’s no secret that summer is, by far, my favorite season. I love everything about it. Yes, even the heat. I love the way it feels on my skin. I love sundresses and tank tops and flip flops. I love the smell of sunscreen, freshly cut grass and burgers on the grill. I love 9:00 p.m. sunsets, running through the sprinkler and picnics in the park. I love catching lightening bugs with my kids and flying kites.

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #HydrationToGo #CollectiveBias

In March I began a running training called Couch to 5K. This basically means you go from not being able to run AT ALL to being ready to run a 5K in as little as eight weeks. Although I had a couple weeks in there where I wasn’t able to run, I’m finally finishing my training at 13 weeks.

I’ve mentioned I drive a minivan before, yes? But have I mentioned I drive a 2005 Toyota minivan with 120,000 miles on it? Probably not. Because I’m not into details. At least, not when it comes to cars.

But there’s one thing I do know about cars – you have to get the oil changed. Not just once. But like, lots of times while you own it. If you choose not to, you will eventually wind up stalled out, smoke billowing out of the hood of your car while blocking rush hour traffic on a speedramp. I speak from experience here, people. That was not a fun day.

Having an organized pantry is one thing – but having a pretty pantry? Well, that’s a whole ‘nother story! If you are one of the lucky ones to have a pantry you probably stuff your food staples onto the shelves and don’t think about it again.

Or maybe you’re like me – a girl who wants to organize AND prettify her pantry.

I’ve seen some great ideas out there on the internet. I’ve also snooped in others’ pantries to find out how people manage their menu items. I have found that aside from organizing – DECORATING your pantry helps to make an even bigger change. I’ve partnered with The Maids to share my favorite ideas to do just that!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of DairyPure Milk. All opinions are 100% mine.

I’ve always loved milk. From the time I was a little girl I drank it like crazy! I still have fond memories of my grandma fixing me some warm milk on the stove to help me fall asleep after having a bad dream.

I think I went through at least a gallon of milk every few days when I was pregnant with the boys. I was the crazy pregnant lady standing in the kitchen at midnight scarfing down a bowl of cereal because the cold milk just tasted soooo good! And don’t even get me started on how many milkshakes and bowls of ice cream I had. We’ll just not talk about it, mmmkay? But yes, milk and me, we’re buddies. Always have been. Always will be.