The Bests Ever (So Far)

Life Changing Moment.

There is no tie with this one.  It's easy, the birth of Mr. Christian Scott Smith.  The moment that little guy entered this world, I had no idea how my life would change.  He has brought so much joy to my life.  Without even knowing or trying, he brought a family together.  Our family became closer and stronger, almost instantly.

He has taught me so much about life and myself. I have learned to be more patient, more understanding, and less selfish - it's not so hard. He has taught me that it is the little things in life that matter.  Love is enough. Love is simply enough. Never did I think I would love someone so much. And never did I think hearing the words, "I love you so much Sissy" could make any bad day, better! I wish he could stay this way, so sweet and sometimes innocent! :) However, I know he will grow up and I just hope he will still call me Sissy. I hope he will still proudly say how much he loves me and misses me. I hope he will still consider me his best friend and his favorite! And, I hope he never forgets how much he is loved.

The Bests Ever (So Far)

With my birthday coming up (10/12 just to remind all of you gift givers - lol), I have reflected on the past 26 years. Yes, I am a woman. And YES, I just admitted my age. The past 26 years have had it's fair shares of ups and downs, but I have been beyond blessed. I started thinking about the best ever's that I have experienced. So I compiled a list and am going to do a blog on each one.

First, none other than Sporting Event: WE HAVE A TIE! 

Detroit Pistons vs. Charlotte Bobcats

I know most of you would say, how is that exciting? The Bobcats? The Pistons? But, if you know me,  I am a huge sports fan and a HUGE Chauncey Billups fan. The tickets to the game were a birthday gift from my mom. Thanks MOM!

We sat four rows behind The Pistons' bench. Before the game, I got so close to SHEEEED that if I had a normal person's arms, I would have been able to touch him. The best part of the night, the split second that Chauncey himself looked at me (probably thinking who is that crazy girl giggling and taking a million pictures of me). The moment was captured, to forever be remembered. I tell the story of him looking at me, often, with much pride! The picture is framed and in my apartment for all my guests to see.

LOS ANGELES LAKERS vs. New York Knicks

Many of you probably have heard about my trip to New York about a year ago. This trip was a surprise and an amazing gift from my boss, Zach! I normally do not like surprises but this kind of surprise, I welcome anytime.  Okay, back to the trip.

My mom and I got to go to New York for 3 days and enjoy the city for the first time together. And the best part of it all, I got to see MY LAKERS take on the Knicks in Madison Square Garden. I was in the same building as KOBE BEAN BRYANT aka The Black Mamba, The Baaad Man that is Stephen A. Smith, Spike Lee, Patrick Ewing, John Legend, Chuck, and so many more. Poke me because I still can't believe that I went. I mean, how many people get to say that they have seen The Lakers play The Knicks in Madison Square Garden?! Not many, but I CAN! :) It was such an amazing experience!  I even got a re-tweet from Spike! Hehehehe 

Fall Must Haves

With Fall approaching (for those not in Florida) I thought I would compile a list of fall items I am obsessed with.

My Must Haves:

Mora Cutout Booties (HauteLook)

Colorful Infinity Scarf (Nordstrom)

Cute Arrow Studs (The Limited)

Sweater with Elbow Patches (The Limited)

Jouer Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Parfait

Leather Strap Watch (Marc Jacobs)

Dark Skinny Jeans (The Limited)

Two-Toned Handbag (Kate Spade)

Blueberry Boost!

One of my favorite things to have as an afternoon snack is my Blueberry Boost Smoothie!

Ingredients:

- 1 Cup of Ice

- 1 Cup of Almond Milk

- 1/2 Cup of Blueberries

- 1/2 Cup of Peanut Butter

- 3 Tablespoons of Honey

- 1 Tablespoon of Cinnamon

- 1 Cup of Rolled Oats


Sometimes I add bananas, today I didn't have any.  You could also use cocoa powder or protein powder instead of cinnamon.

This recipe makes two smoothies for me, so the other half goes into the fridge for tomorrow!

Healthy Life, Happy Life.

You know we all hate working out.  We all have to dig down deep to find the motivation to get out of bed and go to the gym.  That's all true until you realize that living a healthy life leads to a happier life.

Recently, I made a promise to myself to get in better shape and live a healthier life.  Since that promise, I have become a stronger runner.  I have been working out 4-5 times a week.  I have maintained my relatively healthy diet.  I believe in eating whatever you want, IN MODERATION! As a result, I just mentally feel better.  Physically, my entire body hates me (I have been so sore)! We all know that after a good run or workout we feel so energized! So why not do it more often!?

Some things that I feel have made the change easier:

- Following folks on Instagram & Pinterest that are also active.  Seeing their results is very motivating!

- Gradually increasing the workout times and days.  Slow and steady is the key to building endurance.

- Do not buy junk food.  If it's not in your house, you can't eat it!

- Drink tons of water.  Anyone who knows me,  knows I drink water religiously!

- Buy a new workout outfit.  I know it sounds silly but I get so excited to wear new running shorts!

- Change it up.  Don't do the same thing every day, that's boring! Kickball, Running, Circuit, Yoga, etc.


Here are a few people that are great to follow for motivation:

Tone It Up - Great Workouts and Recipes!

Lauren Conrad - Great Recipes!

Here's to living a healthier, happier life! 

GoConnect!

One of the things I loved about working at Go Realty is the fact that we were always coming up with something new. Something fun. Something that would help our agents to succeed...both in business and in life.  

Well, I have been cheering from afar at their latest venture.  Jim and Zach are developing a new app for real estate agents called GoConnect.  And I’d like to think I played a role in the inspiration for this project.  That’s right, I said it.  Me!

You see, when I first joined Zach he was experiencing a huge increase in the amount of clients he was working with (that’s why he hired me). But one of the things holding him back was a really good system for handling this new growth.  We used google docs for most of our transaction checklists which worked okay, but we were constantly searching for an alternative to top producer, one of the longstanding CRM tools for real estate agents. And searching for a way for us to handle these items on the go...we were busy!  

By helping to develop a new system, we were able to double the number of clients he could handle...twice!  Once in my first year, and then again during my second year.  As the real estate market heats up again, I think a lot of agents will LOVE using this new app, especially clients who have struggled with what is available.  Most systems are either really cumbersome, really ugly or crazy expensive!  Their app is FREE!  Call me crazy but I think they should be charging for it. :)

Either way, I think you will hear a lot more about this new venture. Probably on every “best apps for real estate agents” list on the internet.

Stay Tuned for more...