A Journey, A Lifestyle

Have you ever wanted something so bad and cant seem to figure out why you are not getting the results you want? When you really sit and think about it you are only dedicated to working maybe 33% of you time for that goal? I think we have all been there. Its always something... "Im too busy, I have too many kids, I am tired.". You know its true!!!

The reason I ask today is because I am not were I want to be nor have I ever been happy about were I am. I feel like I try and try but yet I am still stuck... I know that I have been gone for a while on blogging and I definitely needed to be. I have had a few things that have been happening in my life and now that I understand what to do I am ready but, that is for another blog....

I want to help you get to a place of new beginnings. First things first you need to have a mindset for change... That is the key to being successful in your journey. That is what this is "A JOURNEY, A LIFESTYLE."

Right before you begin this journey I strongly suggest that you go to your primary doctor and make sure that your health is okay. Now remember what works for one might not work for you (I have learned this). Now you can start easing your way into this journey before your doctors appointment, but remember to start out slow.

Some people like to go cold turkey and then they wonder why they end up falling off around week 2 or 3. Slow and steady is the best way to begin.  Now here are the steps.

1. Meditation (This is all about your mindset)
2. Changing bad habits (Drinking everyday, smoking, etc.)
3. Clean eating (fruit instead of candy)
4. Working out (Fuels energy)
5. Dedication/ Perseverance (Sticking with it and pushing forward)
6. Food journal (What am I eating?) 
7. Accountability group (People that are in your corner)

It is a start that everyone needs to take, lets do this together. Who is with me? If your ready to change your life today let me know. I am here to help you in this journey. I am still in mine and would love some great company.

Book, books and more books.

Who loves doing things with your kids? I know I do. How about doing things that they will love that cost you absolutely nothing? Even better right? Yes!!! So, I am pretty sure that I have mentioned this once or twice, but me and my girls love going to the library. Especially during school time., but since I spend probably way too much money on books and right now is saving time to buy our house, I figured why not head out for a morning trip and explore our new library (its not new to the city, but since we are new, it is new).

Let me tell you ladies and gentlemen (if any men read this). When I tell you that this library blew me away from the moment that I walked in. Honey I didn't want to leave, 38 books later.

I am going to tell you exactly why I am in love. Over the last 25 years of my life I have been to numerous amounts of library's, and have never found one that has baby (0-18 months) books. I mean a full section dedicated to them. Okay! The icing on top of the cake: During the week activities for free just for them.

How exciting? I know, I am probably a little to geeked up, but when I tell you that one of our family favorite things to do is read. I am not joking. If I have $10.00 left to my name and my kids want a book, I would buy it. That is how crazy we are about books.

This library had the sections, sectioned out into easy reading to full on chapter teen reading. I mean beginner sections, baby sections, first grade, second grade and so on and so forth. They offer homework tutoring for all grades. How great is that? They also do story time during the week for different ages. Also are hosting healthy cooking for children with the college.

I am so excited to go back next time and get more books. Moms and dads if spending money on books is not something you can afford (because let me be honest they are expensive) check your local libraries. I am sure they have activities as well. Just ask the clerk for a calendar, and ask about activities for the kids.

If you have a busy schedule and cant go during the week they usually will have 1 on the weekend.

Its crazy because thinking back on my baby showers, I wish that I would have got books. They are so sentimental. You can use the inside cover as a card with a message to the little blessing (the baby) that will one day be old enough to read and cherish. Whenever I buy a special book for my girls, I write a personal message to them about the reasoning behind the book. Its just a little something that can go along way. (Leah, I hope you will enjoy this one, love you).

Love you for reading!!!

A fun place.

Fun activities are a must with the kiddos. No matter where we live we always have fun... Guess what

Los Angeles isn't the only place to have fun with them either.

I don't think kids should be trapped in the house, so find fun things in your area. Some places are free in your local areas and some cost a little bit of money. If the kids really enjoy the places you can always apply the ticket to the season pass. It just has to be purchased that day.

My girls are very into science, animals and the earth. So we go a lot of museums. Which low key, I love too. Today we decided to try out the Nevada Spring Preserve. http://www.springspreserve.org/coming_soon/coming_soon.html

We totally had fun. They have indoor miniature golf, outside animals, fossils. You name it they probably had it. It did cost to get it, but not a lot. We paid $24.95 for all of us. It opens at 10am -6pm.
Which is great for the kids. On site is a dining area, gift shop and library. Winning.

It was very fun. Inside they do a live animal show. Two different hours in the day. So if you miss the first one you can go to the next. They ask for participation too, so that is a plus. Although my kids cried because they didn't get picked. LOL.

My favorite part (hey parents can have fun too) was the flash flood the do. Mimi was so scared, but not Riri or Logey Bear.

All in all it was fun I am glad that we went.

Now I know that for the most part you that most stay in the greater Los Angeles are, so here are a few fun places my girls loved.
In no particular order:

1. Los Angeles Zoo (it was cheaper to buy a pass for my whole family)
2. California Science center ( The Endeavor exhibit is a must see)
3. Brea tar pit (I loved going her when I was a kid)
4. Aquarium of the pacific (not my favorite thing)
5. Long beach library (my girls are simple)
6. Santa Ana Zoo (The park is amazing)

Now there is so much more to do and see, but these are just a few. Hope you enjoy taking your
kiddos out. Let the fun times begin.