Take It From Tina

I never understood No Shave November. Why does it only apply to men? What's the appeal of looking like a lumberjack for a month and carousing one's face.... or legs? Just asking for a friend. No, seriously though. Beyond extraordinarily hairy faces, November is a great month! It's socially acceptable to start playing Christmas music, bake a little more, stay home diffusing oils (okay, I do this 365 days a year), and cozying up with a good book near the fire. Can I get an amen? This month, our family seems to be all over the place. I work out of town five days a week, I am a small business owner , my husband is transitioning in his role at work, he started a band , and our son is talking. You read that right: Ezra is using big boy words! I can't. I just can't. That and potty training a 19 month old just about does it for me. To make the most of this moment, we decided to take a trip to a local pumpkin patch. A dear friend of ours captured the most wonderful s...

Some days I just want nachos. And not just any nachos, but I prefer the super version with tons of cheese smothered in chicken and sour cream. Gahhh.....! My body can't handle dairy and I know I would be up all night doing God knows what. But gosh, some days I want them bad! Can you relate? Do you have a cheat meal you love, but struggle to plan your meals so you can stay on target with your wellness goals? If so, you're in good company. Most people talk about meal prepping likes its some sort of college biology course. But I am here to tell you it doesn't have to be that confusing! When I don't meal plan, I am more susceptible to those giant plates of nachos I was talking about. I am a huge proponent of planning ahead so I know EXACTLY what to expect and how to control my hunger pains (and mood swings too!). Can you see my Type A personality now? The good news is, it's not difficult to plan. In fact, it can be really simple and affordable. People ask me all the...

Last month, my parents took our family to Disneyland . We had the most magical time soaking up the sun together and dreaming of more dole whip in the happiest place on earth. Since this was Ezra's first flight and Mickey experience, I wanted to make sure I was schooled up on what to bring and expect. Let me tell you - there are hidden tips and tricks to give you an even bigger bang for your buck, a smoother ride and happier experience while visiting Disneyland with kids and babies. We have already experienced those let-down moments where we forgot something important, didn't check the crucial website, or spent time waiting in the wrong line. From our favorite places to eat to our packing must-haves, I am sharing my best kept secrets so you can enjoy the same. 1. Pack a folding stroller . The park has their own strollers you can rent, but nothing compares to your babies own stroller with plenty storage beneath. Most areas in both Disneyland and California Adventure have stro...

I knew the moment I held my son for the first time in my arms I would be "that mom." The kind that thought his coos and farts were precious, his squishy legs and wrists were yummy, and nothing in the world mattered when late night nursing sessions were at play. While I adore those moments still, they are quickly passing. We nurse less. We want dad more. We babble. We are cruising from couch to table, and try to even stand on our own. We have three "toofers" as Daddy and I call then. Three! Please stop growing little one. Everything we had prayed for had been compiled into one perfect eight-pound-six-ounce bundle of joy. Ezra's a boy with his own personality and quirks that make him who he is. People ask me all the time 'who is he most like?' and while he is equal parts of his Dad and I, he is entirely his own person. He gets upset when I cover the electrical outlets or don't let him eat the dog's food. He loves his bath time and snuggling...

This post is dedicated to my incredible husband, my best friend and partner for life. Thanks for always pointing me to Jesus and being the one who actually remembers to take the garbage out on Wednesdays. I love you.  Most people get married expecting the best. The promise of forever with their vows in hand can make the anticipated wedding day altogether a dream. And while marriage is full of excitement and optimism, the overwhelming amount of expectations we had for each other when we were first married five years ago (and still do, if I am totally honest) aren't always true. The unspoken assumptions of love, security and affection overshadowed the somewhat harsher realities of "marriage." And when the fairy tale promises we tell ourselves don't happen, we are met with confusion and anger.  Wait, this wasn't what you pictured? You're right it's harder, but so much better. Keep reading. You are in good company.  I am not here to tell you my...

There are plenty of nights where I just don't feel like cooking. Nada. Please tell me I am not in this alone? So many nights LIFE HAPPENS and well, it doesn't get cooked and plated. Can you relate? At the beginning of the new year, I made some serious dietary modifications and went vegan. My husband has been having a hard time parting with as much meat as we used to consume, so I find myself making paleo dishes and leaving protein options on the side. The best meals I find are the ones you can whip up without working much and still follow your diet. The key to meal prep is think basics. It doesn't have to be fancy or super elaborate! Do what works for you. You may find success by having one day of the week devoted to meal prep and using that option to "heat and eat" on the go. Prepare ahead of time, store them in clearly labeled containers in the fridge and enjoy! I do most of my meal prep on Sundays, but it could be a day of the week that you are most likely ...

I made the most amazing spread for New Years Eve this year. Like one that made me want to create #1 MOM stickers and put them on myself and my husband too. Well, maybe. Spinach artichoke dip, sweet and sour turkey meatballs, a variety of smoked meats and cheeses and a delightful champagne cocktail with fresh mint and berries. Needless to say I was extra proud of my accomplishment. However, after cooking and cleaning a majority of the day, it finally was time to serve up the dishes. The tunes were playing, the sparkly glasses were on and Ryan Seacrest and Jenny McCarthy were hosting live as America anxiously awaited the ball to drop. We relished in New Years Eve this year: cozied up at home, relaxing by the fire and enjoying each other's company with our sweet baby. These are the moments I live for. The times had quickly passed where we hung out with friends until the wee hours of the morning, laughing and playing board games. How boring had we become?! As my husband...

New year, new me, right? You have no idea how much I abhor cheesy subject lines like the one above. My coworkers can attest to my equal distain for email campaigns with the worst, I mean best, subject lines possible. I subscribe to several major retailers partially because I am a mother so that means online shopping for the win!  But also because they have some of the best content writers in the game and I like to stay on top of mine. Their one liners keep me sane and laughing through any work day, so why not? But jokes aside, do they catch your eye? Do creative ways to grasp your attention, your desire to transform, your disgust for how much cheese and chocolate you consumed over the past two weeks make you want to seriously evaluate your approach to overall wellness? If it doesn't, please keep reading. For me, the answer is a big fat no. I don't believe in resolutions. In fact, I haven't made any in at least five years. They are a complete and u...