Letting Go Mini-Van Style

I am getting a minivan.

Insert several F-bombs here as I slowly watch my self-esteem plummet.

Let me start my saying that I rarely say "never," but I have always said NEVER to a stupid mini-van.  Not just for the obvious reasons, but because riding in them makes me car sick because they sit so damn low, so owning one would resign me to permanent chauffeur status, even with Josh in the car.

But, alas, I am getting one.

Let me be clear: I am not getting one anytime soon, but I am trying to come to terms with the fact that it is going to happen.  Sort of like pooping on the table, peeing on yourself during working out, boobs sagging, and stretch marks, mini-vans are one of the inevitable facts of motherhood.

Insert a few more f-bombs.

Even this guy knows it.

Back in October 2010, we bought a brand spankin' new Maroon Honda Pilot.  It is an awesome car.  We bought it with the intention of starting and growing our family in it.  With that in mind, we upgraded to the built in DVD player with a Bose sound system and headphones.  That's how we roll.  Unfortunately Moose does not use the headphones, but having the DVD player has proven to be priceless on long car trips.

Here is the thing though.  We travel a lot.  Our car is 3 years old and has 67,000 miles on it.  Crazy, right?  That is what happens when you live far away from family.  We travel all of the time and our shortest trip is 5.5 hours.

When we pack the Pilot, especially for the holidays or to spend a few weeks with family in the summer, it is like stuffing a sausage.  We end up packing the backseat to the point where poor Scooter only has about 2 square feet to rest his weary body.  When we open the trunk, we have to stand underneath the hatch with our hands out to catch falling luggage.

I know, I know, you are probably thinking, pack less!  And you are halfway right.  I could probably do a little bit of a better job cutting down on Moose's wardrobe.  BUT, even if I did that, it only eliminates one little...okay, one giant...bag.  We still have the suitcases, the toys, the pack 'n play, the BOB stroller, the DVDs, books, us, the dog, a giant cooler, etc, etc, etc.  It just can't fit.

And as we think of adding child #2 to the equation, there is no way in hell that we are going to fit into our Pilot.  In comes the damn mini-van.

More f-bombs.

I know, I know, all of you have mini vans and you love them.  You wear your soccer Mom badge and Mom jeans proudly.  You rock out in style every single day in the preschool pick up line.  You glow every time that you hit your little button to open all of the doors because apparently opening doors is too much for Moms.  I get it.  It's the path that my life is taking.

Admit it though: Even though you are walking billboard for mini-vans now, you had to come to terms with it at one point.  You might love it now, but there was one point, before you had your first (or second) kid, where you declared, "I will NEVER drive a mini-van."

And it makes sense.  It is a hard one to swallow.  It is like kissing the last part of the "old me" goodbye.  Two years and 10 months ago, I gave up by body being mine, first through pregnancy and then through having a barnacle toddler.  I kissed my flat non stretch-marked stomach and nice boobs goodbye.  I sent my free time on a way one trip.  I gave up not peeing during exercise.  I traded in my stylish clothes for yoga pants and hoodies even though I don't have time to even think about yoga, let alone do it.  I stopped listening to normal music so that we can listen to Elmo in the car.  I moved my nice furniture out of the family room to make space for colorful, loud plastic toys.  I no longer stay up, let alone out, late.  I traded in my entire life when I had a baby.

And that is okay.  I would do it again in a heartbeat.  I love being a Mom.  I just want to keep my damn car.  Is that too much to ask for?!

Apparently the answer to that is yes.

Insert more f-bombs.

As a side note, when I Googled "someecards mini van," there were some hysterical cards!  I would highly recommend doing it if you are bored sometime.  :)

2014 Fitness & Wellness Journey!

Okay, how inspirational is that poster?!  Seriously amazing, right?

The ladies pictured above are all of the girls on my team for T25.  We are all real women with real jobs, real kids, real husbands, real budget concerns, real time constraints, real problems that everyone faces.  BUT, what we all have in common is that we have committed 25 minutes per day in order to achieve our health and wellness goals.  

That's it.  25 minutes.  In our own homes.  We all have 25 minutes.

So what's your excuse?

I am asking you to join me on this journey in 2014.  I promise that you won't be disappointed.  

I waited months to try this program.  First, I used the money excuse, then the time excuse, then the "is this for real or is it a scam?" excuse.  But then I ran out of excuses and gave it a try and have never been happier OR healthier.

AND..here is the SUPER EXCITING part!  There is a sale on T25 and Shakeology this month!!!  And come on, who among us is not a sucker for a good sale?!

T25 normally costs $119.85 plus shipping and tax (ends up being around $135 / $140) and Shakeology runs $129 per month and are $205 if you order them together.

This month though, you get T25 and a 30 day supply of Shakeology for only $180!!!  

That is a savings of over $85!!  Unreal.  I am so jealous that they didn't have this deal when I signed up.

Whatever your health and wellness goals are for 2014, the Challenge Pack is the perfect way to kick start them.  It is how I started and look at my results in only 4 weeks (with no other diet changes)!

The shakes are delicious and can be used as a meal replacement (I eat mine for breakfast).  They have NO GMOs or artificial sweeteners and are loaded with super foods Chocolate Shakeology Ingredients & Nutritional info).  And T25?  Let me repeat.  25 minutes.  I KNOW that you have 25 minutes. 

So, please, come join me on this wellness journey.  Check out the website: Start Getting Healthy Now! (go to "Shop" and "Challenge Packs") or message me.  Once you join, you will get coaching and motivation from both me and the rest of my team!

I can't wait to have you with me in 2014! Cheers!

Never Will I Ever...

Never will I ever.  The term that no one planning on becoming a parent should EVER say.

I really do try to "never say never," but there are a few things that I had very strong views on prior to becoming a parent.

One of these things was licensed character apparel.  Not kidding.  I have no idea why, but I was totally opposed to anything that had a Disney or Sesame Street or whatever character on it.  I was so opposed to it that I vowed my child would NEVER wear anything of the sorts.

Don't get me wrong.  I have always loved both Sesame Street and Disney, just not the apparel.  No idea why...just one of those things.

Ha!  Fast forward 2 years to my life with a Sesame Street obsessed two year old daughter.  Yup, you can guess what has happened.

My first experience with licensed character apparel was with her Halloween costume (as you might remember: Letting Go: Halloween Costume).  I seriously struggled with that, but it turned out really well.  When I look back at her costume, I can't get over: 1. how freakin' adorable she looks and 2. how happy she looks.

I think that is what started to chip away at my steadfast opposition to character apparel.

After Halloween, it continued with me buying a Cookie Monster shirt in Old Navy one day.  It was on clearance and I figured that she could wear it for playing.  One shirt, no biggie.

Checking out her book from Sesame Street Live while wearing her Cookie Monster shirt.  Life is good.

The past few days though, the licensed apparel has really taken on a life of itself.  And you know what?  I am okay with it.

We went to Kohl's yesterday and Myra saw a pair of Elmo slippers.  Of course, she immediately reached for them, exclaiming, "Elmo shoes on!"  We put them on her and, of course, she loved them, and my Mom, who has the firm belief that Myra should get whatever she wants (which is what makes Grandparents awesome), decided that they had to be bought.

And that was that.  My sweet Moose is now the proud owner of Elmo slippers.  And look at her, how stinkin' adorable is she?!  She ever wears them to sleep because she loves them so much.  I think the funniest thing about them is that she actually shuffles around the house in them.  She is totally digging this "retired in Florida thing."

Sleeping with the slippers on!

No pants, veggie chips, Sesame Street, and slippers.  Ready for retirement!  ;)

Today, it continued.  We went to the Stride Rite outlet to look for sandals (since we are in Florida).  Myra spotted a pair of Abby Cadabby shoes and was immediately sold.  We put them on her, she exclaimed, "Myra Abby Shoes!" and then followed up by sitting down, looking at us, and saying, "buy it."

And we were sold.

Abby Shoes!

As a side note, when I told this to my husband, he said, "I am glad that she already has an undeserved sense of entitlement."  Lol!  Guess that is why it is better to shop with your Mommy and Grandparents.

So, Moosey is now the proud owner of not one, but two pairs of Sesame Street footwear.  And I, her mother, think that she could not look any cuter.

Never will I ever...say never.

Exercise Results...drumroll please

This post was written pre-Christmas, but man is the timing of it perfect now.  I have totally indulged in cookies, candy, ice cream, appetizers, wine, you name it over the last week.  While it tasted delicious, I am pretty sure that my waistline has suffered a bit.  Time to get back on track!

For me, this fitness journey has been as much or more about my mental health as my physical health and appearance.  I feel better about myself when I workout that makes me better in all other aspects of my life.

I don't use a scale because I don't want to be discouraged.  If I am working out everyday, eating healthier, feel stronger, and feel mentally healthier, does the number on the scale really matter??  No.  It doesn't matter at all.

That being said though, I did do the before and after picture thing and found out that I have lost some weight / toned up.  Total bonus!

Clearly I am better at working out than I am at taking selfies because the pictures are taken from different sides, with different clothes, and the one on the left is blurry.  BUT STILL, you can definitely see a difference.  How exciting!

Those results took only one month and literally all that I did was starting working out 25 minutes per day and, for the last two weeks, replaced one meal a day with Shakeology (which tastes like dessert). I made no other dietary changes because I am lazy didn't want to take on too much at one.

So, there it is.  I am telling you people, T25 and Shakeology are freakin' amazing!  

Why T25 is the bomb-dot-com (does anyone say that anymore??)

*It is ONLY 25 minutes per day.  25 minutes, people.  You can do that!

*It can be done from the comfort of your home.  Or mine.  Come on over!

*Shaun T takes his shirt off in Beta.  'Nuff said.

And what makes Shakeology amazing:

*No GMOs

*No artificial sweeteners (those are poison and most other protein shakes contain them)

*Loaded with super foods

*They taste like a chocolate milkshake and everyone loves milkshakes.

*They keep me full until lunch and that is amazing because this girl loves to eat!

As I mentioned before, I have had such success with T25 and Shakeology that I am now coaching!  I would LOVE for you to be on my team.  We can be motivation buddies, and, let's face it, EVERYONE needs someone to motivate them.  

Please message me (bridebryson@yahoo.com) if you want more details on how to try out T25 and / or Shakeology.  In the meantime, I will continue to torture you with my selfies.  ;)

Christmas Tag!

Man oh man, do I love Christmas!  I seriously love everything about it: Santa, Christmas trees, giving presents, the songs, the food, the snow, the jingle bells, the movies, the decorating...every single thing.

And now I have one more thing to love: Blog Christmas Tag!  It is a fun game where you get "tagged" and have to answer questions about yourself that are related to Christmas.  I love stuff like this because I enjoy reading random things about other people.

This year, my first year, I was tagged by the lovely Leslie over at Violet Imperfection and the awesome Sandy over at Mother of Imperfection.  Be sure to check out their awesome blogs!  I am a regular reader of both.

And without further ado...

1 // What do you love the most about Christmas time?

Crap.  I just answered this one above.  Forgive me...it has been a week or so since I read the original one.  I will repeat though, I love it all!  If I had to choose 3 things, I would say Santa, Christmas trees, and buying gifts for people.  Oh, and hearing Myra sing Christmas Carols.  That was 4, but toddlers singing can't be excluded from anything.

Our Christmas Tree!

2 // Do you celebrate the holiday in style or is bah-humbug for you?

Total style.  I go all out and celebrate in every single way possible.  Now that I have a toddler, I, myself am not too stylish (I do have a few red shirts), but Moosey has 4 Christmas outfits, so we are literally a stylish family.

The bow, the boots, the necklace...this child is infinitely more stylish than I will ever be.

3 // Are you leaving anything out for Santa Claus this year so he remembers to leave your presents?

Undecided.  If we do, I think that Myra will be pissed that she can't eat the cookies.  Maybe we will leave him something like broccoli and see if it will actually entice Myra into eating vegetables.  Ha!  Wouldn't that be a Christmas miracle?!

4 // What is the one gift you are most looking forward to GIVING? {It can be to your kids, another family member, etc ~ remember to be discreet if they read your blog!}

Santa is bringing Myra a bike and she has been talking about it for months!  When you ask her what Santa is bringing, she immediately says, "bike!"  She is going to light up when she sees it under the tree on Christmas morning.  Can't wait! :)

I suspect that Santa will be leaving this under our tree on Christmas morning.  

If so, we are going to have one excited little Moose on our hands.  :)

5 // What is your all-time favorite Christmas movie?

Christmas Vacation because it has been a family tradition for a long time and it never gets old.  Plus, it is not only hilarious, but also highly quotable.  Before you write me off as totally un-sentimental, I also enjoy Frosty, the Grinch, Elf, and Miracle on 34th Street.

How can you not laugh at this part?!

6 // What is your all-time favorite Christmas song?

Why not just ask me to choose my favorite child?  Good thing I only have one.  I seriously can't choose.  I love all Christmas carols.  Except "Christmas Shoes."  I hate that one.

7 // If given the opportunity would you participate in an "Ugly Sweater" party and what sweater would you wear? Peruse one on the Internet or even in your own closet and show us!

Is that rhetorical?  Of course I would!  Here is the thing though, I remember when "ugly" Christmas sweaters were in style, so I actually kind of get nostalgic instead of appalled when I see them.  Unless, of course, they are just ridiculous or don't make any sense like this one:

Or if they have tinsel...

Both of these amazing sweaters were found on Google Images.

8 // Have you started any Christmas traditions this year that you plan on carrying forward?

We have been reading Twas The Night Before Christmas every day 4 times a day.  This was my tradition as a child and we started it with the Moose this year.  I can't believe how much she loves "Santa Book!"

9 // It's Christmas morning...what does it look like outside where you live?

Cold and brown, BUT on December 26th, I will look outside and see the sun, water, and palm trees.  :)

10 // You just found yourself standing under the mistletoe...who comes up to give you a kiss first?

Probably no one.  Lol!  If Myra was bored, she would come first.  If Josh was paying attention, it would be him, and if I had just walked in the door, it would be Scooter.

Because I waited until Christmas Eve to write this, I am pretty sure that it is too late to tag anyone.  Next year!

Happy Christmas to all and to all a Goodnight!