Fresh Tea

I made iced tea yesterday and am enjoying my first refreshing glass while Ava naps. A combination of English Teatime and Mint Medley steeping for most of the day... delicious.

I have been feeling rather refreshed this week since returning from my mom's; even though it was tiring I think it gave me the boost I was needing. It's amazing how much a change of scenery can give you energy when sleep won't. I'm still struggling with feeling tired all the time but it's manageable and good to know I'm sharing the company of most mom's out there.

I wanted to share the list I came up with while I was away last weekend, my ideas for ways to energize myself during the day. Here are my thoughts:

1) Wake up before Ava and do yoga, even if just for a few minutes.

2) Sit outside during her naps when it's nice out.

3) Find things to do WITH Ava that are good for me like developing an exercise routine that she can be part of in the afternoon.

4) Plan ahead for healthy and "put together" (not thrown together) lunches and snacks that I can look forward to and will give me energy for the day. Do prep at night or during naps. Ideas: Chicken salad with grapes on lettuce and veggies, Tuna with fruit & veggies, Grilled sandwiches and soup, Chili with cornbread muffins, Taco salad with chicken and veggies.

5) Use Ava's AM nap (while Blair is still home) to go out-- go to Starbucks, go for a walk, or have a quiet time.

6) Set specific days for cleaning and laundry so it's not always on the to-do list.

7) Cook/bake more. Try new mini recipes for desserts, snacks and breakfasts. Ideas: banana bread, cinnamon rolls, homemade fruit leather or granola.

8) Make a comprehensive list of meal ideas for different occasions, sides, snacks, etc for easy and quick planning. Weed out the recipes that I never use to simplify my recipe book.

9) Take the time to get more at Sam's Club so I have less to get at the grocery store when a quick trip is in order.

These are my thoughts, we'll see how it pans out. So far the lunch thing has been wonderful, I've had chicken salad and veggies everyday this week and it's been summery and delicious. Today I had leftover pizza and pepsi and I'm definitely feeling the difference in my energy and my attitude! Food really can lift your spirits when you're eating something that's well balanced, looks pretty and tastes great (especially when it involves just slicing a few veggies and scooping something out of a tupperware). I am far from a health-food fanatic but as I get older and energy isn't as abundant as it once was, I'm learning the worth of good nutrition and doing whatever it takes to feel my best.