You know it’s pretty cliché but I am going to say it anyways: time goes by way too fast. Here I am writing my first Fab Five Friday post of the year. THE YEAR! It’s so funny because I had so many big ideas and goals for my blog this year, I just didn’t get far enough to write it down. January is always a time that I embrace as a fresh start and document everything. Usually, I’m looking for something different or new—a hobby, a goal, an achievement, a fitness routine, a date with friends, and so on. But this year, I’ll be honest with you, it just didn’t happen.
I’ll tell you that this year was a huge milestone birthday for me (I turned 40, shhhh!) It’s actually fine, I am fully embracing it. I just realized that I am so happy. Why change something that is perfectly where I need to be right now?
I’m not searching for my people, trying to fit in—I’m surrounded by the best friends and family I could ever imagine. We say it all the time that building these friendships through the growth of our kids has been so wonderful and we couldn’t imagine doing this thing called parenting without each other.
I’m not looking for a way to revamp my fitness routine—I’m loving what I have going on right now with getting workouts in first thing in the am (listening to my body and when I can) and using the Ladder app to build my routines. I don’t have to think about what I’m going to do at the gym and it’s been working for me. I’ve never felt stronger as I enter my 40s.
The kids are keeping us busier than ever—soccer tournaments, dance competitions, football championships, school events and everything in between. And I cannot complain about it at all. I know this is only a season in our lives and if they love it, I’m down for all the things. When I think about the time I have left with Rylee before she graduates high school, it blows my mind. So I’ll be enjoying every single moment—from band concerts to honor roll ceremonies to solo dance rehearsals and beyond.
I’ve got a lot on my plate with work and PTO duties, and so adding more goals and hobbies to my plate just doesn’t make sense. I’m enjoying what I can do now and doing a kick ass job at it, so I’m not going to add more to my plate. So, long story short, I say all of this because the blog is still a huge passion of mine, and I’m still working through what that looks like for me this year. How I am going to put content out that I am proud of, help people where I can, and simply brighten someone’s day. Just know that I am still here, and still planning on doing big things, I’m just letting life do it’s thing and time is definitely not in my favor. But I am super excited to be back and sharing my Fab Five Friday! So let’s get to it!
1. The New Couple in 5b
Starting off with the first book I read this year, The New Couple in 5b. You know when you just grab something off the shelf at the library and cross your fingers its a good one? (Do people still go to the library?) Well that’s exactly what I did and I was so happy with the choice. It kick started this year of reading off with a page-turner and I am feeling really, really good about books this year. Definitely recommend this for an easy read!
2. Seasonal Events
Since this is my first Fab Five of the year, I do have to catch you up on some amazing seasonal events. We participated in our annual Chili Cookoff in January and got second place People’s Choice! We’ve put so much seasoning, love, and dedication into this event over the years and loved being able to bring back a trophy.
And in February, Reece’s soccer team won their tournament. Reece was the captain that weekend and he was able to take home the trophy!
Rylee had her first dance competition of the season where she performed her solo routine. We are so proud of her in every sense! You know I had the biggest mama nerves, but she crushed it!
3. Strawberry picking
We have had this on our ists to do for so long and finally found a free weekend in February to fit it in. It was such a beautiful day and the strawberries were absolutely divine. I was worried that we got too many, but between me and the kids we finished our entire batch within the week! I hghly recommend heading out to Southern Hill Farms and pick some berries before it gets too hot, it’s such a great family activity!
4. Orgain Protein Pancakes
I have to shout out these delicious protein pancakes. Made with mashed bananas, Orgain Protein Powder, egg whites and a splash of almond milk. They are so delicious and a great way to get a protein packed breaky in that’s easy and delicious. Top it with berries and a bit of pure maple syrup and wala! I have a discount code for Orgain Proten Powder, 20% at this link. This is definitely one of my go-tos when I want to switch things up!
Use code JANE-BDF at checkout.
5. Chicken Shredder
Have you guys seen this?! I was debating getting one of these for the longest time and I finally did. It’s a serious game changer. No more splashing the sauce around to shred with two forks. It took less than 2 seconds to shred chicken for some tacos I was making and zero effort at all. This thing is a must have for anyone who shreds chicken or pork or anything like that. Check it out!
Thank you so much for stopping by. Have a wonderful Friday and fantastic weekend!
