My Inner Shakti

finding strength in everyday things

Friday Stuff [#5]

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I’m starting to think of our weeks in terms of Vishnu’s schedule. So for example, this week was his first week with call and this weekend is his first on call weekend. From now on, we will have call heavy weeks and more free weeks. I hate that I even think of that way (#independentwoman), but we’re living in Covid times, and call weeks are as exciting as life gets right now! Hopefully that changes soon because it’s not really that exciting. Ha!

Anyways, let’s jump right in…

Instagram LIVE

My good friend Aartee and I are doing an Instagram LIVE next week, and we’re so excited. We’ve been wanting to do this for a while now, but the timing never felt right. We both love engaging with people on the platform and have had so many insightful conversations offline that we thought, why not bring it all together! Hope you’ll join us!

Shorts

Kaiden refuses to wear shorts when he’s at home. It could be 100 degrees outside, and the boy will only wear pants. Some days, I’ll convince him to put on shorts, but then he’ll say, “No, I want to wear pants!” The only way he wears shorts is if he has an accident at school and the teachers change him into shorts. That’s ok, but mama asking him to wear shorts is not. Sounds about right!

Walks

Y’all know I like to work out during my lunch hour when I can. Sometimes that’s an intense HIIT/strength workout and sometimes it’s a…walk! The other day, I set everything up to work out at home with the Peloton app, and then at the very last minute, I changed my mind and went out for a walk. Best decision ever! It’s super hot here in Chicago right now, but for some reason, that 30-40 minute walk (whenever I opt for that) does wonders for my soul. It feels so freeing after sitting at my desk for four hours. Bottom line – if you can’t do anything else, try and go for a walk!

Coach training program

If you follow me on Instagram, you may recall a post about the iPEC coaching program I signed up for to become a professional coach. Long story short, my first module was supposed to be in March, but because of Covid, it got pushed back. I actually declined going to the first virtual workshop because I (naively) thought that by June we’d be back to business as usual. Meaning I could attend a face-to-face session. Turns out I was wrong, so I signed up for the next virtual option. AND THAT IS NEXT WEEKEND! I’m so excited!

I can’t wait to share all that I learn!

Kaiden in action (at school)

And that concludes this week’s Friday Stuff post. A little short but always sweet!

Have a great Friday and weekend!

Friday Stuff

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Actually got around to sharing a Friday post today! Woo hoo! It’s the little things.

I hope y’all had a good week. It’s been a good one around here…just super tiring, but I’ll get into that below.

With that, let’s get started with some Friday stuff (liking this format the most out of all the ones I’ve tried, so going to try and stick with it…feels more organized)…

Book stuff

You guys, The Silent Patient is such an engrossing book. I can’t put it down. The only issue is that I always start reading at like 9 pm when I’m already super tired. I want to keep going but literally can’t. Hopefully, I can find a good chunk of time this weekend to get through this. It’s a good one (and my IG peeps agree – got so many messages about how great of a book this is).

Speaking of books…Kaiden picked out a new to him book from his school library the other day – a Dr. Seuss book nonetheless. It looked cute, and so I started reading it. We got to the end and it took a turn for the dark side. There were hunters and guns and stuffing of animals. I stopped reading aloud at this point and silently finished the book. WHAT THE HECK!? Vishnu saw the look on my face and asked what was wrong. I told him and he confirmed that Dr. Seuss is known for dark undertones. I get that or whatever, but this was a bit much. Linking the book…just so y’all know which one to possibly avoid.

TV stuff

So after Vishnu and I finished The Americans, I didn’t pick up any new shows because I wanted to make more room for reading. However, I’m still watching This is Us and A Million Little Pieces. SO SO SO GOOD! This is Us has some off weeks, but AMLP is super on point right now. If you’re looking for shows to watch (although you’ll have to play a bit of catch-up), these are two very good ones.

Food stuff

Do you guys follow Skinnytaste? I’ve been following her for years but have only made a handful of her recipes. I decided to change that this week when I made her Kung Pao Tofu. It was so super easy to pull together (literally under 40 minutes) and delicious! I can’t say it was toddler approved because my guy only ate a couple of pieces of tofu and all the rice, but I think he’d give it another change. Me on the other hand? I sprinkled some peanuts on top and went to town! SO GOOD! Definitely a must try.

Coronavirus stuff

Ok, so I’ll admit that I was in camp ‘this will fizzle out quickly’ with everything related to the Coronavirus. Well, it turns out I was likely wrong. Listening to/reading the news this week has been a bit stress. But on the other hand, you can’t do anything but prepare. It’s not like we can live in isolation now.

BUT…this virus has made us rethink some travel we had planned this summer. Instead of going international, we’ll likely stay domestic. Sucks but beats getting quarantined and not getting home to K.

Also, on a work front, our company is relooking at ALL of the global travel on the calendar for this year. It’s all still up in the air, but some of my work travel may get impacted. We shall see!

Birthday stuff

I booked K’s birthday party a couple of weeks ago. His birthday’s at the end of June! We wanted to hold it at the place he goes for soccer and they do birthday packages. I knew if I waited, they would be booked for the weekend we want. So I went for it…5 months in advance! Craziness. But I’m so happy because I know K’s going to have a blast! Can’t wait.

Also, how is it that we’re going to have a THREE year old in a few months!?!? Again…craziness!

Skincare stuff

Ok, so y’all know I’m a HUGGGGEEE Drunk Elephant fan. Like every product I use is by them.

I still very much love them, BUT I will say that the Vitamin C serum isn’t doing anything for me anymore. I confirmed my feelings with my friend Thea (the person who got me hooked), and she agreed that with the formulation change, the effects have changed.

With that being said, I’m on the market for a new (clean) vitamin C serum. I have a few that I’m eyeing but need to get samples at Sephora first.

If you have any recs, send them my way!

Costco stuff

You need these joggers in your life! They are so comfy and soft and cute!

The best part is they ONLY $9.99 at Costco!!! A STEAL, PEOPLE!

If you’re a member, get on their website and buy now. If you’re not a member, find someone who is and get them to buy for you!

Ok, that’s it.

Getting older stuff

Old is a relative term (I’m 36) and I get that, but I’ve been noticing that physically things are just different now than they were just a few years ago.

For example, around that time of the month, I’m just so super tired. Everything is sore (even if I don’t work out too hard) and I’m just so tired I could fall asleep at like 7 pm every day.

This was never the case before. Anyone else?

Instagram stuff

This week on Instagram, I shared…

Well, that’s all from me! I hope you have a great weekend.

No portion of this post is sponsored.  However, affiliate links are included. There is no extra cost to you, but I do receive a small commission on anything you buy through my links.  Thank you for reading and supporting My Inner Shakti!

Friday Randomness

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Welcome to another addition of my Friday randomness! Also, Happy Valentine’s Day!

You guys, we are almost one week of Vishnu’s night float rotation (out of 2), and I’m ready for it to be over.  This may be our last time ever experiencing nights (FINGERS CROSSED!), but man, when his entire schedule flip flops, it feels like ours does too!  Also, I just miss my partner-in-crime!

Because Vishnu sleeps during the day, I need to figure out how to keep Kaiden out of our room on Saturday and Sunday.  He loves to ‘go see’ dada, which never ends quietly.  I’m thinking a museum date and maybe even lunch out on one or both days may be in order!

Anyways, I still have approximately 20 hours to figure all that out.  Let’s get on with my Friday favs…

ONE

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I challenged myself to read 20 books in 2020.  You guys, I’m already on #6!  Getting a library card definitely helped push me a long because a lot of the books I put on hold are popular, so essentially, I need to read fast! 

Take book #6 for example – You Were There Too.  I got a notification on Wednesday telling me I have to return this book Friday.  I was only 60% of the way through at the time, so that forced me to read my little heart out on Wednesday and Thursday nights!

TWO

Speaking of challenges, my sister and I decided to take on a ‘no dessert February’ challenge.  And dare I say, it’s going really well so far.  If we do end up eating something sweet (as in a dessert and not ketchup), we owe the other person $5. 

I plan to share more about why I’m doing this, the results, my new plan regarding desserts, etc. very soon.

Wish me luck for the second half of the month!  If I make it, this will be the longest I’ve EVER gone without eating dessert.

THREE

Speaking of sweets, did guys know there’s a Food Network show called ‘Chopped Sweets’ now?  It’s essentially like Chopped but all about making dessert like creations.  The episode I happened to catch had ingredients like lamb vindaloo, which some chefs turned into chocolate mousse.  I LOVE FOOD NETWORK!

FOUR

There’s no way to transition from that to what I want to share next, so…#sorrynotsorry!

I wanted to share a quick potty training update because I think I figured out the key to making this transition a success…CONSISTENCY!  No matter what you do, you have to stay consistent.  It doesn’t matter if your kid has accidents or is regressing.  Stay consistent!

Trust me, it’ll be easy to just put them in pull ups during the weekend and kind of half-ass the whole thing…but don’t!  You’re only prolonging something that can actually be accomplished in a relatively short amount of time. 

In terms of Kaiden, he’s doing well.  His issue is getting to the potty in time, especially at school.  We’re working on it!  He’s also gotten to a point where he doesn’t like to get his pull up wet/dirty, so that’s a move in the right direction!

I hope that by April we can have him trained so that he doesn’t need a pull up at naptime.  Wish us luck!

FIVE

Ok, so no transition again…just a cool new gadget!

I love cooking don’t love the prep (i.e. chopping vegetables).  I always say that I wish I could just magically have my veggies chopped by someone/something else.  That would make so much more fun and a lot quicker too.

Well when my IG friend Aartee shared this chopper in her stories, I knew I needed it!  She’s a busy mom who could also use all the shortcuts she can get, so I thought, if she likes it so will I!

And guess what…I love it!  This thing is perfect to chop up onions, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, etc.  I still have to cut the veggies into smaller chunks, but it’s not as labor intensive as having to chop up everything by hand. 

If you cook a lot at home and hate chopping as much as I do, get this!  It will change your kitchen game!

No portion of this post is sponsored.  However, affiliate links are included. There is no extra cost to you, but I do receive a small commission on anything you buy through my links.  Thank you for reading and supporting My Inner Shakti!

The Post That Was Supposed to Go Out on Friday…

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If the title of this post doesn’t speak to the state of my mind right now, I don’t know what does. Edited to be in the right tense!

You guys, the past few months have been so go-go-go.  And while we’ve had some downtime, I still feel like I’m constantly playing catch up.  But that’s how this season of life goes I suppose.  Anyone else with me?

Anyways, I could go on and on about how fast this year flew by, but I’ll spare you.  Let’s get to my five things for today…

ONE – We’re headed to Atlanta this Friday, and I can’t wait!  This year will be extra special because Vishnu will actually be joining us.  K and I will still fly down a little earlier, but that’s just a minor detail!  In addition to squeezing in some quality family time, I have plans to see some of my good girl friends too!  Like I said, I CAN’T WAIT!!

TWO – So that brings me to NYE. While K is still far too young to stay up until midnight, we found a solution to our ‘how do we celebrate this holiday in a fun way with a toddler in tow.’  A group of us (four couples) are renting a big house in Chicago.  All of us have two-year-old boys, so this is going to be a total blast!  The boys all go to sleep at the same time, so once they’re down, the adults can do their thing.  A win for everyone!

THREE – My work’s Chicago holiday party was last Thursday, and I co-organized it with another colleague of mine.  Let me start off my saying that I’m not an events person.  I can’t even organize a proper four person get together, never mind a 30 person one.  BUT, with that being said, it turned out beautifully.  The food was delicious, the overall mood was festive and fun, and most importantly, everyone had a great time.  Phew!

FOUR – I need to do a full review of this thing, but the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer Hot Air Brush (that’s a mouthful) is my favorite hair tool of all time.  It took me like a month of using it to finally figure out how to dry my hair smooth, but it works!  If you’re looking to put something on your Christmas list, this should be it.  You won’t regret it…and it’s currently on sale on Amazon!

FIVE – Kaiden had his first school performance last Friday, and I was stoked!  I loved seeing my little guy sing Jingle Bells and dance. This was the best holiday party to date that we’ve had at his school. Probably because he’s older now and has more fun himself!

HAPPY FRIDAY AND WEEKEND!

No portion of this post is sponsored.  However, affiliate links are included. There is no extra cost to you, but I do receive a small commission on anything you buy through my links.  Thank you for reading and supporting My Inner Shakti!

Random Rambles

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Ok, first thing’s first. How is it mid-November!? This year seriously flew by (as I say about time in general!).

This picture has nothing to do with this post! It’s just a fun one of my baby, so I’m sharing it.

Anyways, we’re leaving for the Bahamas tomorrows (for our friend’s wedding), so I thought I’d check in and say hi before disconnecting for a bit.

Oh the Bahamas. I’m so excited to be in warmer weather and reunited with some good friends, but we have no idea how Kaiden is going to adapt. I’m 110% sure he’s going to have a blast, as so many people are bringing their kids. But the thing that concerns me is sleep. We’re sharing a room with him, so I just hope he sleeps. The last wedding we attended back in April ended up being a disaster in terms of his sleep (and mine…and everyone else’s). FINGERS AND TOES CROSSED!

Speaking of sleep, if you follow me on Instagram, you know that we’re dealing with some stuff in that area with K. Tuesday night was really good (no crying…more sleeping), so I’m hoping we’re on a positive trajectory. Also hoping our upcoming travel doesn’t mess things up again! FINGERS AND TOES CROSSED!

I’ve been doing a lot of 2019 reflecting this week. There were some absolutely amazing and joy filled moments, and some down times as well. One of the things I want to work on is not taking on needless stress. I need to think about how to do this a little more, but I tend to internalize a lot of things that can be easily delegated or just let go. I want more joy and less stress in 2020. I already have my word of the year…so be on the lookout for that!

I’m also working on planning for 2020 because I have a few work trips already on the calendar, we have at least three weddings lined up, Vishnu and I want to take a couple of trips, etc. And this is just the travel component. We also signed K up for soccer. I’m sure lots of other things will get squeezed in as well.

Speaking of 2020, I can’t believe we’re here. I’ve been thinking about this year for a long time. I think it’s because of the show 20/20. I know it’s not the same thing (year vs. vision), but in my brain, the two are connected. I remember being 16 in year 2000 thinking about how in 2020 I’ll turn 36. “How old!” was the exact thought. Annnnd just like that, we’re almost there!

What else?

Vishnu and I are still trying to make healthy choices on a daily basis. So far so good! For us, it’s mainly about cutting out post-dinner snacks (Vishnu -savory stuff, me – sweet stuff). We’re also back to regular workouts, which help tremendously. Here’s to an even healthier 2020!

To switch gears completely, I have to share that I finally purchased a Live Tinted Hue Stick in the shade Found. My mom was actually the one who convinced me. She asked me what I knew about these sticks, and I told her that I wanted to get the newest shade. She said the same, so we ordered them together! Not sure when I would’ve gotten around to that if she hadn’t asked me. Thanks, ma!

Speaking of my mom, it’s HER BIRTHDAY TODAY!!! Happy happy birthday to my fun, funny, amazing, compassionate, powerful, and beautiful momma! Love you forever in circles and circles!

That’s all I have for today. Nothing too exciting…pretty damn tired…looking forward to the end of the year…hoping to blog at least 2x a week in 2020 (so expect more random rambles type updates!)…

Happy Thursday!

Sharing a Little ‘ING’

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Something I want to get back to (and I’ve shared this before) is old school blogging.  Blogging about life, current happenings, random stuff.  I still LOVE the blogs that keep it informal and real.  More of that in 2020 for sure!

With that being said, the ‘ing’ type posts were super popular when I first started blogging, so I thought I’d bring it back today. 

Without further adu – here’s what I’m feeling, travelling, sweating, seeing…and on and on!

FEELING – To be honest, I’m feeling a little bit of everything right.  Thankful, calm, and overwhelmed at times.  Part of this, I know, has to do with DST.  I hate that it gets so dark so early, and I know that it impacts my mood for sure.  As I’ve alluded to in the past, I’m trying my best to implement strategies to keep the negative emotions at bay – scheduling me time, fun activities for K, date nights, etc.; making sure I have one thing to look forward to every week; picking good books that I don’t want to stop reading; going to the office 1-2x a week; not skipping workouts.  Just a few things I’m doing to combat the ‘winter blahs!’

TRAVELLING – We/I have three trips from now until the end of December – Bahamas (all of us…for a good friend’s wedding), London (just me…for work), and Atlanta (all of us!).  I think all this travel all around the same time is adding to my overwhelm, but I’m trying to focus on the fun aspects versus the stressful ones.  Even though it doesn’t feel like it all the time, we’re giving Kaiden a gift by taking these trips and creating memories.

SWEATING – I was on such a good workout streak, and then all of the aforementioned travel started.  I’m still trying to get in 3-5 really solid workouts in every week, including classes at my gym, treadmill runs/walks, Barre3 online, YouTube workout videos.  I can use all the endorphins I can get!

SEEING – Kaiden grow up in front of our eyes!  It’s crazy but I feel like he’s a different kid every day.  He has recently started talking to Alexa…more like bossing her around…but it’s the cutest!  He’s also asking at ton of questions like, “Mama, what are you doing?  Where did dada go? Why?”  And then when I answer he either says, “otay” or asks the question again!

WATCHING – We’re still watching The Americans (even though it’s been a minute).  And I’m still watching This is Us and A Million Little Pieces.  I like that I don’t have a ton of shows on my lineup but that I love each one that I do.  It’s a good feeling!

LISTENING TO – You guys know me…I’m all about that podcast life.  Currently, I’m really loving The Happiness Lab, Mommy Group, The Time-In Talks Podcast.  Highly recommend checking them out!

READING – I’m currently reading The Tattooist of Auschwitz.  I’m only on chapter 6, but it’s a heartbreakingly beautiful book so far.  I’m a little obsessed with World War II books.  I can’t imagine living through that, so I want to immerse myself in the lives of the people who did.  Anyways, will post a review to my IG page once I’m done.

WRITING – I’m writing a lot for my IG page and less for the blog itself.  Something I want to change going forward.  I have lots of ideas and plans for 2020, and I’m hoping I can use my December ‘break’ to figure that stuff out!

LOVING – It’s hard to pick one thing.  As cheesy as it sounds, I’m really loving my husband right now.  I mean, I love him always and forever, but over the past few weeks, I’ve taken the time to really appreciate him and our relationship.  He’s my #1 supporter, the best dad, and just someone who genuinely wants to see me happy.  LOVE MY, BOO!

EATING – More salads, that’s for sure!  On this week’s meal plan I have, Cookie and Kate’s Chilaquiles, Pinch of Yums Kale, Butternut Squash, and Lentil Soup, and Piping Pot Curry’s Lemon Parmesan Orzo.  Can’t wait!

WEARING – You guys, it’s officially winter here in Chicago.  Whoomp, whoomp!  And this means I’m wearing my legit North Face winter jacket, Uggs earmuffs, and North Face Gloves…plus a scarf, boots, etc.  Basically, the whole nine yards.  It’s going to a long few months!

PLANNING – I’m planning to start planning at the end of December!  I got a new 2020 planner and it’s very different from what I’ve used in the past.  Don’t worry, I’m going to be sharing more about this very soon!  I’m so freaking excited…it’s a little stupid!

Ok, so that’s what’s been going on in my life!  I hope you have an awesome weekend!

Tell me – what do you think of old school blogging?  So, more about the blogger’s life versus what the blogger thinks about specific topics.  Of course, you can incorporate the latter into the former and vice versa, but the back in the day blogging had a different feel. Would love to hear your thoughts!

No portion of this post is sponsored.  However, affiliate links are included. There is no extra cost to you, but I do receive a small commission on anything you buy through my links.  Thank you for reading and supporting My Inner Shakti!

High 5 on a Friday!

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Oh man, what a week!  There’s a reason why I haven’t blogged in a while.

While things were pretty up and down for the past 10 days or so, I’m happy to report that everything is fine now.

So with that, let’s get to my five things for this week…

ONE – I’ll begin with the one that didn’t start out on a high note.  I mentioned in this IG post that I was experiencing a rash/hives of some sort.  I experienced something similar last April, so I knew what this could lead to which forced me to go to doctor sooner than later.  To make a long story short, I ended up having to go on steroids for this random episode of hives because none of the over the counter stuff was helping…at all.  After lots of itchiness and two major ‘attacks,’ I’m happy to report that it looks like this gross (you should’ve seen my skin!) episode is over.  I’m not thrilled about having to take steroids but am thankful to have found something that works for me.  I’m very well aware of the side effects and am definitely monitoring my state of mind, emotional responses to things, and my hunger levels.

You’re probably what the heck caused this.  Well, the short answer is we don’t know.  We couldn’t pinpoint an exact cause last April, and I don’t think we’ll know with certainty what brought on this episode either.  Vishnu and I think it’s our detergent, but again, that’s just an educated guess.  I’ve done the full panel allergy testing, and nothing out of the ordinary showed up.  My doctor thinks I may be one of those people who randomly breaks out in hives every so often. Yay.  I’m going to take the extra step and do a little more follow-up with my doctor before the end of the year because there’s a slim chance this could be more serious.  Here’s the hopefully getting some concrete answers!

Also, I should mention that while all of this was annoying to deal with, I feel very lucky that it was something we could deal with. #silverlinings

TWO – Moving on to happier things.  My in laws visited us this past weekend, and it was a blast!  Kaiden really enjoyed getting in person one-on-one time with his Achacha (grandpa) and Ammama (grandma).  The minute we opened the door and let them into the apartment, he was standing there swaying and smiling!  My FIL attended a conference Thursday-Sunday, which meant his time at home was a little more limited, but overall we got to squeeze in a few fun things and are really looking forward to getting some time together over the holidays when we’re in Atlanta!

THREE – You guys!  I think Kaiden’s going through a major development/growth spurt.  For one, he’s been a little moodier than usual, which usually means something.  But more importantly, he’s talking in full sentences now (for the most part!).  It’s insane.  Every time he puts a subject and verb together with the words a or the, my mind is blown! How is my baby old enough to be doing this already!?

K will also be moving on to the older two’s classroom at the end of the month, and that means he’ll be with older kids (2.5-3 yo).  I’m hoping this continues to help him grow, learn, and develop!

FOUR – The most exciting update I have today is that we leave for Cabo tomorrow!  YAY!  I can’t wait to spend 5 whole days with my family relaxing and reconnecting!  I’ll be sure to do a full recap post for anyone who’s interested (and so I can selfishly relive this vacation for years to come).  Kaiden is super excited about going on an airplane again and going to the beach (his first time!).  Now if I could just get a magic packing fairy to come pack for me!  😊

FIVE – A few days after we get back from Cabo, I leave for London (for another 5 nights).  But before I go, we are getting together with a few of my Chicago friends, their hubbies, and their babies to celebrate Diwali!  More than anything, I’m so thankful for the good friends I have in my life right now.  The friends that just get it and don’t judge.  These ‘normal’ friendships are everything right now, and I’m so thankful that Kaiden and Vishnu also get their own little crews as well. 

Well, you guys, that’s all I have for this week!  Be sure to follow along on Instagram for more behind the scenes type stuff over the next few weeks.  I’ll probably be more active on there. 

Have a wonderful weekend!

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