Fitness Friday: 9 tips to stick to a schedule of regular exercise

These nine tips are taken from The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.

1. Always exercise on Mondays
2. Never skip exercise for two days in a row
3. Don't link exercise to weight loss- exercise fro sanity not vanity
4. Give yourself credit for the smallest efforts
5. Think about context-do you hate the loud music at your gym? rethink your choices.
6. Exercise frequently- If you think you are staying in shape by playing pick-up basketball, you should be playing four or five times a week
7. If you don't have time to both exercise and take a shower, find exercise where you don't need to shower afterwards.
8. Spend money to make exercise more pleasant. Exercise is a high life priority, so that is the place to splurge a bit if that helps.
9. Remember: belonging to a gym doesn't mean you go to the gym, and just because you were in shape in college doesn't mean you're in shape now.

Think About it Thursday: What kind of plate are you carrying?

I was fortunate to attend a mini retreat hosted by the Power of Moms the other week. The topics included peace, purpose, order and joy. One of the things we discussed that can keep us from filling peace and joy and even purpose in our lives is the nasty thing of comparison. We discussed how we often look at Suzy down the street and wonder how she does it all and then feel bad about ourselves. We think about all the things she has on her plate and feel bad that we are not doing as much. Not only do we often compare others strengths to our weaknesses, we need to realize that sometimes our plates are full and that is okay. It was mentioned that we all have different size plates. Some of us have saucers, some have salad plates and others can hold a lot more with a dinner plate. Our plates may change from time to time, but it is important not to compare and realize that sometimes are plates are full and that is okay!

Sometimes I try and carry too much on my plate and feel overwhelmed. This concept of having different size plates has been so enlightening to me and has helped to take a step back and ask myself what size plate am i carrying and consider what type of activities and things I do and do not have time for at this season in my life with my current plate. What kind of plate are you carrying?

What's cookin' Wednesday: Buttermilk Syrup

We went to a pajama & pancake birthday party the other day and they had the most delicious syrup. I just had to get the recipe and have made it a couple times since. It would selfish not to share, so here it is! It is from Allrecipes.com

1 1/2 cups white sugar

3/4 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup butter

2 tablespoon corn syrup

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

In a saucepan, stir together the sugar, buttermilk, butter, corn syrup, and baking soda. Bring to a boil, and cook for 7 minutes. Remove from the heat, and stir in the vanilla.

* As a side not be careful not to let it boil over... 

Tuesday's tips and tricks: Sparkler!

Try using a sparkler instead of a candle! We just celebrated my baby's first birthday. She couldn't blow out the candle so we used a sparkler instead. Not only did it just make more sense but it was so fun and pretty.

Product Review: Truly Erasable Pens- No more crossing out!

My planner and calendar will never be the same again! I do not like writing in pencil, but I can't tell you how many times I have had to cross something off my planner or calendar leaving it look a mess because I write with pen. Can you relate? Well, my husband discovered the most amazing erasable pens that truly do erase without leaving a smudge. They are seriously amazing! I know they carry them at Target. They come in a 3 pack of red, black, blue for $5.99. Give them a try! They won't disappoint! 

Giveaway: Mind Organization for Moms

Do you ever feel no matter how hard you try to keep things organized that things sometimes slip through the cracks? Do you often feel frustrated because you cannot find what you are looking for? Regardless of your best efforts and desire to overcome clutter, does nothing seem to work? Do you feel overwhelmed? 

Power of Moms, which is an online gathering place for deliberate mothers, has an amazing program called Mind Organization for Moms (M.O.M) I had heard great reviews on the product, but was a little skeptical because any one who knows me, knows that I am pretty organized. I already have a system for most every thing and feel pretty on top of it. A friend of mine, promised me that I would benefit from the program. So after some hesitation I decided to jump right in and give it a try and boy am I grateful that I did! 

M.O.M is a mom-specific adaptation of David Allen’s best-seller, Getting Things Done®, designed to help you accomplish your most important tasks so you can fully enjoy your family.

In the simple online program, you will learn how to clear your counter of “the pile,” organize projects without the stress, set up an effective Weekly Review system, and keep up with the never-ending stream of emails, phone calls, and papers (yes, it’s possible!).

M.O.M is the key to less stress and more joy! Although I have always considered myself an organized person I was always seeking after more organization and a better system. I am sure I am not the only one who has a "House of Order" board on Pinterest or something similar. I feel like Mind Organization for Moms is all encompassing. Nothing falls through the cracks or is overlooked! The program has been liberating and motivating. Every.mom.NEEDS.this program. Read more about the program here.

I am thrilled to be giving away the program to one lucky follower of Motherhood in the Major Leagues! 

GIVEAWAY DETAILS: One lucky follower will receive a free Mind Organization for Moms program, which retails at $75. Giveaway begins Tuesday February 11th and closes at 2pm on Monday, February 17th. A winner will be randomly selected and posted by 2:30 pm on Monday, February 17th.

HOW TO ENTER: In order to enter you must
1. "Like" Motherhood in the Major Leagues facebook page  and
2. Comment below on this blog post with why you need to get organized or what is most difficult about organization. 

Product Review: Tommee Tippee Bibs

These bibs actually work! Easy to take with you or store in diaper bag as well as use at home. Easy to clean. Doesn't stain. Difficult for child to remove. Flexible and comfortable. Add this to your must have list! $7.29 for a pack of 2 at Target!

Live Well Utah Event details and GIVEAWAY!

Okay Utah friends, this is just for you! Utah State Extension is putting on a an event called "Live Well Utah." It will be a fun night out with entertaining presenters, food and door prizes.  Choose from four hands-on workshops about food, finances, gardening and family. It is being held two nights at two different venues. 

Feb. 19 | Conservation Garden Park | West Jordan, UT | 7 to 9 PM

Feb. 20 | Thanksgiving Point | Lehi, UT | 7 to 9 PM  

Tickets are $10 per person (pre registration is recommended) 

Follow this link to find out more about the presenters and the topics and to register! 

I am really excited about this event! Lucky for you I have 2 tickets to give away! One lucky winner will win 2 tickets for Feb. 20 at Thanksgiving Point. Comment below on this post and tell me what workshop you are most interested in as your entry! A winner will be selected Friday, Feb 7th at 2 p.m! Good luck! Share with your friends and family! Maybe they'll win and take you! 

Valentine's Breakfast

Valentine's Day is coming up! Here are a few cute breakfast ideas! 

Make easy heart shaped pancakes by putting the batter into a squeeze bottle. Add some chocolate chips for a little extra love! 

Last year we made berry smoothies to go with our breakfast. My little one loved helping. To make it more festive we decorated mason jars with heart stickers to drink from. Let's not even talk about how little my girl was! 

Heart Shaped Cinnamon Rolls are a must in my book! I go the easy route and buy pillsburry rolls to bake. Last year however I bought the wrong kind that didn't open to shape! Don't make my mistake!

Heart ka bobs? So cute! 

heart shape bacon? Why not! My hubby would love this!

And heart shaped eggs are sure to be a hit! 

Don't forget some cute Valentine's plates and napkins! You can find those even at your local dollar store, but it would make things even more festive!