How to Get Healthy After Hitting Rock Bottom with a Bonus: Get Fit & Healthy Shopping List

At the start of 2013, I had visions of great things that I planned to accomplish for the year. Ahem...those things flew out the window, as well as blogging, as I proceeded to get sick, terribly sick, just about every two weeks until the end of April. Being pregnant, I knew that my immune system was weaken but this was out of hand crazy. It wasn't until the end of April that I ended up with my second case of stomach flu this year, and the second time ever in my life. My husband managed to get me to our family doctor, by some miracle, and then she saw me had an ambulance arrive immediately to whisk me off to the hospital. Once there, I was rushed to the maternity ward and put on an IV Gravol drip to help curb things. Thank God it worked and everything was still awesome with the baby growing inside me. 

The larger question still loomed: What the hell had happened to my health in only six short months? I couldn't blame this all on just being pregnant. My health hit rock bottom, and it was sitting there, feeling lifeless and awful, that I realized I had to find a way to fight my way out of this mess. Sometimes when you make a wish, the universe listens and finds a way to deliver exactly what you need.

Sincerely, Just Do It: How to Make Time for You in a Hectic World

What would you do with your life if you had time and space?

Yesterday, I made time to print out photos of our family for my toddler to flip through in a photo album. She loves to look at pictures taken of herself doing things that she loves. Who doesn't? As I went through my iPhoto catalog from last year, I was struck that I had not only document my daughter's life, but my own.  I could see the ebb and flow of my own creative energy, most of it food related. Most new mothers tend to pass on stories of sleep deprivation, exhaustion, and stress. I won't say that isn't true, but the key to balancing a healthy life is to make time to connect to your passion. I have three tips on how I have found time to write a non-fiction book, two children stories, rewrite a novel (that I've been working on fa-ever, I know), time to sew, and make lots of good food for the family. 

Three Ways to Find Balance Today

I'm one month shy of surviving the first year of motherhood. Surviving isn't the word I should pick. I should be writing about all the beautiful blessing of motherhood, but honestly running the NYC marathon was easier than the constant whirlwind of meeting all the needs of a family, nevermind me. But this isn't going to be a rant. I want to highlight 3 ways that I have found balance over the last year.

Home Renovation Teaches the Soul to Grow

I wish I was could tell you that I was a happy camper like the sweet little girl above, but living in a condo suite for two and half weeks wasn't easy. I didn't have any books, art supplies, sewing projects, time to write, or space to relax. It was just me, my working husband, and my darling ten-month old baby who did remarkably well-no surprise there! The odd thing that I learned after being deprived of all my things, knick-knacks, and projects was that I really don't need all the stuff. That isn't a big surprise. Every guru on the planet tells people to simplify their lives to be happier. Countless magazines, newspapers, and blogs are always offering the same advice packaged in new ways. Real Simple created a hugely successful niche on living without the clutter. Live simply. The idea is almost too simple to understand. But, I got finally it. My life changed after two and half weeks of not being at home. 

Sweet Dreams

My daughter has taught me so much about sleep. Sometimes the lesson is that I can function without it, but mostly I respect sleep more than ever. Sleep is the time that our bodies nurture growth, fight off potential colds, and rejuvenate for a new day. If you're already back into the new year grind, can I make a suggestion? Go to bed early tonight. Your body, mind, and soul will thank you!

Finding the Life in Winter: A Trip to a Toronto Conservatory

{The Gardeners rake in the Western Wing}

It was a trip to look at flowers and no boys allowed! Lol! Okay, daddy was busy but that didn't stop us from having an amazing time. My favorite little girl slept for the first jaunt around the conservatory.

There were so many beautiful colors and textures in nature it was hard to pick a favorite.

There were so many amazing shapes, too. Have you ever seen a plant with tips like these? They look like E.T. fingers!

A Dance Called Twilight

"Twilight" Choreographed by Kate Jablonski
Recipient of the Gold Award for Leos Competitive Event at Jazz Dance World Congress 2009