"You don't do Facebook?"

The question above is one I feel like I've gotten a lot the past 6+ months. No, I don't do Facebook. I was a member of the social network for about 10 years, but earlier this year we parted ways for multiple reasons.

image source
I came across this on Pinterest and thought it was a perfect fit for this post!

#1 DRAMA. There IS way too much drama on Facebook. And too many people use FB for the wrong reasons. Some use it solely for drama IMO. You know, the person who posts their whole life story on your newsfeed about how their cheating spouse did this now, or how she's done with that no good for nothing baby daddy... Blah! That isn't what Facebook is for, or what anyone wants to see blowing up their newsfeed. Facebook also brought way too much drama to my life. I don't do drama well, and I really don't do it well when others create it with me. Especially because of a social network. It's those people that like to live in constant drama, they're part of the reason I broke off my 10 year relationship with FB.

#2 CONTROL. It was getting to the point that Facebook was controlling me. You might chuckle, or roll your eyes but ask yourself is it controlling you? FB was the first thing I check when I woke up in the mornings, and the last thing I looked at before going to bed. It's an obsession that way too many people have now days. I was tired of being controlled by some stupid ap on my iPhone that's a social network. Some of you probably need to stop letting it control you too. Just sayin.

#3 PROOF. I needed to be able to prove to myself that I could live without Facebook. It sounds so silly and almost stupid to say that, but it's the truth. It was an obsession and I needed to break away. When I first deactivated my account, I didn't know what to do with the extra time on my hands. There are many people out there that think the world wouldn't function without FB, but I'm here to tell you that life still goes on.

#4 TIME. When I broke it off with Facebook, it was days before my baby boy was born. I want to be able to give him all my attention and time when he needs it, and not be too interested in my newsfeed for him. I've often seen parents plugged way too deep in their phones instead of spending quality time with their children. (I'm not judging, only observing.) Remember your children are only little once. Don't miss out on things you should be present for.

#5 TOO MUCH. Facebook is not today what it was 10 years ago. It now can be so overwhelming. When I first joined I was a senior about to graduate high school and had just gotten my new college email address. You had to have a college email address to get a profile. It was a tool to connect with people at college. It was simple. Yes, I do realize it's now a public company and is a great tool for businesses and all the other great mumbo jumbo... but like I said, it's different now which is to be expected.

LIFE DOES GO ON WITHOUT FACEBOOK! Actually, my life has been grand without it.

Maybe you've been contemplating getting offline, but you're nervous about it...I know that feeling all too well. Always go with your gut! If something's telling you that you need a break then do it. Life will go on, and your true friends will still be there for you. It's important to remember that you might have 1,200 friends on Facebook but you're extremely blessed if you have 5 true friends in reality. The people who really care will be there with or without Facebook.

I've actually sit down to write this post multiple times in the past 6 months, but for some reason it hasn't felt right until now. I feel like it's so important to be real with you all, so this is one of those "real talk" posts. I am not anti-Facebook. Let me get that clear. I'm just telling why I felt like it was time for me to part ways. I've actually contemplated getting back on a few different times, but for some reason it hasn't felt right. I'm not saying I'll never be back on, I'm just sharing because I feel like there are so many people that are "trapped" by Facebook (social media) and might need to hear this. I do encourage everyone to take a break every once in a while just to refresh yourself. It's good to take some time to rest, even from social media.

Tasty Tuesday | Clean Turkey Tacos

The best thing about Tuesday is that it's no longer Monday, and that it's Tasty Tuesday here on the blog!  I've got a yummy clean recipe to share today! 

These clean turkey tacos have become a new favorite at our house. We love Mexican food! 8 times out of 10 if we're going out for dinner, we're going out for Mexican. This recipe is an easy week night dinner, and perfect clean alternative for taco night.  

ingredients

1 lb lean ground turkey

1 packet reduced sodium taco seasoning

1 cup salsa

6- 8 slices iceberg lettuce

1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt

1/2 cup avocado

1/2 cup reduced fat cheese

instructions

1. Brown ground turkey with taco seasoning.

2. Once cooked, drain and let cool.

3. Mix in salsa with cooked turkey.

4. Lay lettuce out of plates.

5. Fill lettuce with turkey mixture then top 

with avocado, Greek yogurt, and cheese.

6. Serve and enjoy!

Fall Outfit Inspiration + Friday Favorites Link Up

It's officially my favorite season of the year, fall! It's the season of cooler temperatures, football, soup, leggings, boots, light sweaters, thanksgiving, and pumpkin spice everything. These are just some of the many reasons I love this time of the year. 

I do not consider myself a fashion expert by any means, but I do like to think I have a good sense of style. I try to stay "savvy" on what's in and always make a few purchases to keep my wardrobe updated. Fall is not only my favorite season, but fall clothes are my favorite too! I love pulling out my boots, light sweaters, and jackets. Recently, I've purchased some pieces similar to the ones below that I love for this coming fall. 

 

necklace | kimono | booties | skinny jeans

• Fringe Necklace. Every time I look at fashion inspiration in Pinterest , I am seeing fringe jewelry. It's cute, simple and totally in! Every girl needs a piece or two of fringe jewelry for fall. 
• Kimono. I have been loving these since the spring, and finally just bought one for fall. It's a very versatile piece of clothing to have in your closet. You can dress them up, or simply put it on over a tshirt for a more casual look. 
• Booties. I am seeing booties everywhere! I bought these TOMS booties last year in two different colors and I love them. You can find cute booties in all different kinds of styles, and they're a MUST HAVE this fall!
• Skinny jeans. Every girl needs a pair of good skinny jeans. You can find a pair at any retailer that carries jeans. My personal favorites are GAP and LOFT, but that's a personal preference for me. I bought this pair a few weeks ago and I love them! I am waiting out for another good sale to snatch up another pair or two!

<a border="0" href="http://alittlejoyblog.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s372/lyndigriffith1/Blog%20Design/Link-Up-button-200_zpsb0a76f6c.png" /></a>

It's Friday, and that means it's time for the Friday Favorites link up party! I'm teaming up with my friend Shannon from One Stylish Mom, and we hope you'll join us here on Fridays for our weekly link up- all the details are below! 

An InLinkz Link-up

October Goals

Last Friday while working at my desk, some goals for the new month that was quickly approaching came to mind. I actually jotted them down on a lime green post-it, and put it in my purse. I've since thought about the goals several times and I wanted to share them here on the blog. I feel like there could be someone else out there that might need to hear these things. 

• Pray more, worry less. And spend more time in devotion. This is something I feel like I struggle with, especially lately. I am a woman of faith, but I am also a worrier. It's gotten even worse since I've become a mother. I know I need to spend more time in prayer, and in the word. If you have any good devotions, I would love for you to share them with me. 

• Take better care of ME. eat healthy + exercise regularly. My 24 day challenge in September turned out to be a complete bust. I'm actually starting over again tomorrow, and this time I must stay on track. I'm tired of what I see when I look in the mirror, and in reality I'm the only one who can actually change that. I need to focus on making healthier choices, and stay in the gym on a regular basis.  

•  Blog regularly. I love to write! That's one of the main reasons why I blog. I feel like it's an easy way for me to express myself. If there's something you're wanting to read, please let me know. I sometimes need inspiration for new posts.

Today started a new month. It's kind of like a new, fresh, clean slate. Cheers! to making this October the best days yet!

So, let's chat... What are your goals?

Tasty Tuesday | Over-night Oats

If you're an oatmeal fan, you've got to try these oats! This recipe idea I got from my personal trainer, Misty. She shared this with our fitness class, and I'm now hooked! It's easy, clean, and is very filling. If you're in a breakfast rut or just looking for something new, you've got to try this recipe!

ingredients 

1/2 cup old fashion oats

1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

1 small banana

1 tbls natural peanut butter

instructions

1. Combine oats and almond milk in a container with lid. 

Seal and place in refrigerator over night.

2. The following morning, warm in microwave if desired.

3. Slice banana and top with peanut butter.

4. Stir and enjoy!

Baby Must Haves

I've now been a mommy for almost 6 months. How in the world has half of a year already gone by?When people tell you it flies by, they're not kidding! It FLIES BY. It goes way too fast, but you'll never truly understand what I'm saying until you experience it yourself. One minute you're running on little to no sleep, changing diapers and feeding every 2 hours, then the next he's got his own little personality and is trying to crawl. Being a mommy has been the best gift I've ever been given! There are lots of trying times and second guessing yourself, but even when it's hard it puts any day job to shame. :)

With all that being said, there are some things I don't think we could not have survived these first 6 months without. All of these items have come in very handy for us. I'm call this my "Top 10 Baby Must Haves". These are all things that I think every new mom & dad should have in their house.

aden + anais swaddle blankets | layette gowns | nose frida | baby swing: similar | sleep 'n play footed pjs 

boppy lounger | diaper genie | aden + anais burpy bibs | boon grass counter top drying rack | bouncer: similar

1. aden + anais swaddle blankets THE BEST blankets ever! You cannot have too many of these. They're super soft, light weight, and big! We use at least one of these every day. I always have one in the diaper bag, and these are what we swaddle with every night. 
2. layette gowns These are great for those first days/weeks at home. They keep baby warm and covered, but also make it easy to change diapers because those first few weeks you change A LOT of diapers! :)
3. nose frida I know, it's gross. Let's be completely honest, it's disgusting but this thing works wonders! It's way better than any bulb you will get, even the hospital one. Just close your eyes and suck, that's what I have to do so I don't gag. 
4. baby swing This was one of the best hand me downs we were given. Yes, it's a complete eye sore for the living room but it was a lifesaver for us! Mac took naps in his swing, and at times it was the only thing that would sooth him and let mommy get things done. 
5. sleep 'n play footed pjs These are the best baby pjs! Mac still is sleeping in one of these every night. Babies sleep best when they're warm and these help keep them that way. I recommend the zip up ones because it's easier to get back in tact during those middle of the night diaper changes. It can be difficult to snap 10 buttons when you're half asleep yourself. They run great sales on these at Carter's and Target. I don't think you can have too many! Mac lived in these and gowns the first few weeks of his life. 
6. boppy lounger In my opinion, this was the BEST GIFT WE RECEIVED. Hands down. We could not have lived without this, especially that first week at home. It's different than a regular boppy. It's kind of like a newborn "chair." Mac spent A LOT of time in this. (awake and asleep) The dog loves it too, and now that Mac has outgrown it, it now belongs to her. 
7. diaper genie This thing is really magical! It traps the smell of stinky diapers, fits nicely in a corner, and isn't an sore in baby's room.
8. aden + anais burpy bibs These are my favorite burp clothes. They're super soft and absorbent. They also make into a bib for when baby gets bigger and starts eating food.
9. boon grass counter top drying rack This fits lots of bottles and doesn't take up too much counter space. It will hold breast pump parts very well too! It also catches the water in the bottom, so it prevents a wet mess. I also bought a couple of the flowers and twigs that fit in it to hang nipples and bottle tops on.
10. bouncer Mac didn't like this until he was about 6 or 7 weeks old, but then it became our best friend. We referred to it as our at home babysitter. I suggest one that vibrates and plays music. Ours does and it was very soothing for him. It was also fun to watch him grow in it because once he figured out he could kick and make it bounce, it then became a game for him. 

All of these items can be found at major baby retailers: Buy Buy Baby, Babies R Us, Target, or Walmart. If you've got something to add to this list I'd love to hear it! I am still discovering new things every day when it comes to mommy stuff. Just leave a comment below. I hope you'll share with all your mommy to-be friends! 

Tasty Tuesday | Meatloaf Muffins

If you're like me, you are constantly looking for easy week night dinner recipes. I prefer something I can prep ahead of time, and then just pop it in the oven when it's dinner time. After all, who wants to slave in the kitchen all evening after being at the office all day? Not me!

These meatloaf muffins are an easy week night dinner, and are a favorite at our house. You can pair them with a your favorite veggies, and you've got a complete dinner on the table in under an hour!

ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
1 yellow or white onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup old fashion oats
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 egg
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons garlic salt

instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350.

2. Combine all ingredients into a large mixing bowl, mix well.

3. Scoop mixture into cupcake pan, dividing evenly.

4. Bake 25-30 minutes.

5. Serve and enjoy!