Fun, Fabulous, and what being Fifty means to me!

What the “F” means to me!!!

For those of you who know me, you know I don’t have a “potty mouth” so when I say What the “F” means to me, you know that no profanity will be used! LOL!

Here are a few (not really🤪) F words to describe what the F means to me: Fit, Funny (I may be my biggest fan but who cares 😁), Fasted, Faithful, Friendly, Fabulous, Fantastic, Fun-Loving, Ferocious (the Scorpion/red head in me!), Flirty, Flourishing, Forgiving, Fortunate, Fulfilled.

I thought a few years ago that turning the big 5..0.. was going to be tough for me; turning 40 was, so I figured turning 50 would be even worse. Well, the past 10 years I have been through many changes and I have become a very different person in many ways. The last 2 years especially have been very eye-opening and I have really learned to love life and appreciate those people and things that mean the most to me. I have really figured a lot of things out about who my friends are, who I love, and who loves me, and most importantly how to love myself.

Life is what you make it! A truer statement there never was! Life is all about choices and attitude. Stuff happens and it is up to us how it affects us.

Entering into this new decade of life brings excitement and joy to me. I find myself reflecting on life lately and realizing that my 50 years on this earth have been nothing short of FABULOUS. Sure, life has had its ups and downs, but choosing to see those as growth moments has helped me to live my best life.

I smiled this morning thinking about what I have accomplished in my 50 years, and I am feeling nothing short of blessed and grateful. I have THE BEST husband in the world! Yes, I am biased, but meeting, marrying him, and creating the life we have together was by far the best decision I have made in my life; HANDS DOWN! I know I tend to go on about how he is the best human being in the world for me and how life with him is how my life needs to be lived, but it’s true! Thank you ,❤️Shawn❤️ for being, well, YOU!

So, besides having Shawn, I have THE BEST children. (& Dog Finley🐶) a mom could ever ask for! I love my girls more and more each day and I know they are who they are in large part because of the life we have given them, but I could not be more proud and thankful for the adults they have become. I feel so blessed to be their Mom every moment of every day. Thank you Megan and Amy for being who you are!

I live in THE BEST HOUSE in THE BEST neighbourhood! Seriously, I do! I love our house! I love the size, the design, the yard, the proximity to the lake, the neighbours, and everything that comes with it! Now, for those who know me well, you all know that, funnily enough, I live on the same street that I grew up on!!!!!!! Funny eh?!?!/Well, Shawn and I moved our family back to the street I grew up on 14 years ago and I am so, so, so, very happy that we made that decision and we will be here for the remainder of our days or as far as I can tell into the future! In other words, we aren’t going anywhere as who could ask for more than living on a street where we are surrounded by incredible neighbours, lots of old, big trees, and live .5 of a km away from a beautifully kept waterfront path where I spend a great deal of time running, walking, and biking! Thank you neighbours, and lake for all that you give us!

I truly love my good friends who are always there for me to listen, talk, and help in any way they can. True friends are hard to find and I definitely have some gems in my life thankfully❤️Thank you to those friends who know to check in on me when I’m quiet, who send a quick text to say “Hi!” and who not only tolerate (lol), but enjoy spending time with me💛☀️🥰

I love my job and work environment at JSOD! Who could have predicted that I would do 5 years of Post-Graduate Studies, work 15 years as a Communicative Disorders Assistant (Speech and Language Therapist) at a clinic with an amazing, caring boss, then move into this current life working part-time as a Receptionist/Office Organizer/Front Desk Manager for the past 6 or so years?!?!? I couldn’t be happier for the choices I’ve made to land me where I am today! I am so happy and feel so blessed to have had all the opportunities to bring me to this happy life at 50! My work at the dance studio fulfills me in a way I didn’t realize I needed until I embraced it and fell in love with the children, the families, and the fellow employees I surround myself with 5 days a week. I love how loved and appreciated I am by the kids, families, and people I work with! Thank you to those of you at JSOD who support, love, appreciate me for who I am and what I bring to the Dance studio life!

I have THE BEST family and extended family a girl could ask for! My parents raised a happy, content girl, who became a thankful, fun-loving happy adult, and they did a great job I believe! I have terrific brothers (including in- laws), sisters (including in- laws) and parents (including in-laws) and I am grateful for being surrounded by such a supportive, caring group of people every day! I have an incredible sister in law that I have always been super close with who I am very thankful for and who deserves a big shout out for being an incredible friend, and the hands-down best aunt to our girls that ever did live! Seriously Emma! You rock!!!

Seriously friends, loyal supporters, and family who reads my blogs, I am so thankful, blessed, happy and tickled pink by the love I feel every day!

I must also mention here that my dream of owning a Yellow VW Beetle came true last year as well! I had always hoped it would happen, and it DID!!! I smile EVERY time I’m in it and TRULY love it more than you can even imagine💛❤️😍🥰

I love life sincerely appreciate the slow-living, non-busy, way that I have chosen to embrace it! Nothing pressing that leads me to rush anymore! I used to feel that I was defined by what I accomplished, by showing how busy I was, and how many things I could multi-task into a day/week/month/year, but not anymore! Now I live life slowly, appreciating my loved ones, loving moments the way I never have before. I have chosen to surround myself with people who I care about, who care about me, and who make me feel good. I concentrate on being happy, content, and taking time for myself. Does this mean I don’t have less than stellar moments/days/weeks?? Absolutely not! I just don’t dwell and expect things to be perfect anymore. Perfection does not exist and I don’t believe in it!

I started this blog saying it, so I will end it the same way:

Life is a series of choices; you can chose to dance in the rain or wallow in your own self pity when things aren’t perfect!

Me? I choose to dance in the rain and run in the snow!

Living my best life at 50!

Your Simply Susan Fabulous, facts about turning Fifty!!!!💛🥰

🍂”Fall”ing for change🍁

September was a much anticipated month of transition for my family. A lot of changes were coming our way and I was worried about what the shifts were going to look like for me, and for all of us!

In the 2nd half of the Covid 19 Pandemic my mental health was not good. I was having more “lows” than “highs” in my moods and was really struggling. I couldn’t seem to get out of the “funk” that enveloped me for quite some time. Thankfully I have a fantastic support network of family and good friends so I received the support I needed, and was determined to feel better.

To skip ahead from a very challenging, sad, 1st 6 months of this year, through numerous changes I was able to get myself “leveled” off with respect to my moods. Phew! It was a long, tough haul but it could have been worse I know.

First of all I was going to be returning to my job that I had sadly been not able to do because of the Pandemic. Now, first off, I LOVE my job! I work in a dance studio and I love the people I work with, the kids there, and their families! I wasn’t so much “worried” about going back, but change, and getting back into a routine that I been away from for a while is just challenging for me. I was looking forward to it, but things were going to be very different for me again.

So, as the summer was winding down I started to wonder how I was going to cope with the coming months of major change!

• 

  1st daughter moving to University

Now that was one of my worries, the next was that my youngest daughter was moving away to go to University! I had never been away from her for more than a full week her entire life! She was excited to go, and I was thrilled that she wanted to; so proud that we had raised a daughter that wanted to learn to be independent, and learn to live on her own!❤️

That being said, I couldn’t imagine the house without her lol! She and I have always been really close and I was worried about how things would be without her around. I mostly worried that she would cope ok with her academics (a perfectionist) and make friends as she was very worried about those aspects the most! I just wanted to know she would be ok.

• 

2nd daughter moving away.

Alright, now to add another layer, my oldest daughter was ALSO leaving again after being home for 4 months to go back to her University!!!

So, within 1 week my darling husband and I went from being a family of 4 who spent tons of time together, to me going back to work, and both girls moving away!!😲🤪

I need to say one thing here of utmost importance…….my husband Shawn is my absolute best friend and the best dad and loving husband I could have ever dreamed of!❤️ I’m not kidding❤️ I am thankful for having him every single day!

The good thing about Shawn and I is that we have a lot of common interests and hobbies that we do together; we run, bike, walk, visit craft breweries, hike, watch movies to name a few. I have realized over the years how valuable these common interests can be when you are facing living with just each other for the rest of your lives, potentially….I am not oblivious to the fact that kids move back lol🤣.

So, with that what has happened since September began?????

I am feeling FANTASTIC and am loving life!❤️

Our youngest daughter has adjusted very well to living away and has found “her people” ( her words lol!) She has made some really good friends who are proving to be excellent companions and she is very happy. I couldn’t be more relieved!

My older daughter moved into her new townhouse with 5 other girls and is super happy! She has always done well on her own so I was not so much worried for her as I was going to truly miss her!❤️!❤️

Shawn and I have really adjusted well to living alone. We spend less on groceries (but more on schooling lol etc), do less laundry, and have more time with just the 2 of us….oh and my bro who is a big part of our family❤️

Fear of the unknown can be so scary, but being in a good place mentally before I took on the biggest challenges was a huge win for me!

I will be forever thankful to my excellent support system, my self intuition, and my incredible doctor!

That’s is for now! Comments and questions are always welcome!

Happy fall y’all!!🍂🍁😋

Your Simply Susan blog of the day💛🌞

SQ All-Natural Product Line

Thank you for your interest in my SQ All-Natural product Line. I have put many products and recipes to the test, and have decided on the below items to sell! I have a Facebook page SQ all natural beauty and cleaning products as well as an Instagram account @sq_allnaturalproducts.

My goal with this product line is to create products for use in our homes for cleaning and for use on our bodies that are good for us, all natural, and good for the environment. I also collect jars and containers that were on their way to the recycle bin and re-use these. I thoroughly clean out and reuse jars, plastic containers, fabric, and anything else I can find to sell my products in. For our family I have started making most items that I use to buy in plastic containers: dish soap, cleaning solution, dishwasher detergent,and this is in addition to what I make and sell in my product line!

I have learned that what we put ON our body is absorbed INTO our bodies and therefore since I take the time to make sure I am eating whole, good foods I realized I should also be treating my skin the same.

This goes for cleaning products as well. I believe in helping keep our homes clean using products that are safe, environmentally friendly, and can be used safely around children and pets. My products are non-toxic and eco-friendly.

If you are interested in learning more about my products send me an email at fit2borganized.wordpress@gmail.com

Here are my products❤️❤️

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

There you have it! I am very proud of all my products and have recieved a ton of positive feedback from my customers.

Please comment below if you have tried my SQ Products and what you think of them!

Also If anyone has any ideas or suggestions of new items I’m open to hear them😊

Thank you for your support my loyal followers! ❤️❤️

This is Suzy Sunshine 🌞 SQ Product Line Post Update 🌼🤗

Life Lessons

Well, if 2020 taught us anything it taught me how to slow down and how to appreciate the little things in life. I used to think that multi-tasking was the very best use of my time and that I could get “so much more” done if I could master this skill. Well, I was wrong! Multi-tasking is just a way of doing things that makes you do a half-hearted job at many things rather than a good/great job at one thing!

Why do we think the busier we are the more important we are? Who ever put this idea in our heads?

I have really learned to appreciate life and learned that “multi-tasking” is NOT more efficient and not always the solution to today’s busy lives. Multi-tasking just means you are putting in a “partial” effort to more than one thing. We need to STOP thinking that this is better! I was like everyone else and thought that while I talked on the phone to my mom I should be cleaning the bathroom, walking the dog, making dinner, or doing SOMETHING else! But do you know what? I only ever gave her “partial” attention and she deserves my full attention. Same thing with multi-tasking chores and jobs; everything is only “partially” done!

What I am trying to wrap my head around is just why everyone is so busy all the time! I live a fantastic life and don’t feel like I am missing out on anything, yet I don’t feel overwhelmed in any way and have plenty of down-time. Am I just different? Is this a choice I have made? Am I lazy?

It seems as though we think we are viewed as “Lazy” if we are not always running around doing 20,000 things, for 20,000 people!

Taking time to yourself and SLOWING DOWN is something we, as a society, need to embrace. Honestly, the lockdown and isolation of 2020 taught me that I need to take care of myself. I am that important! If I want to be a better human being/mom/wife/daughter/friend/employee than I NEED to take care of myself.

What does this mean you might ask?? It means prioritizing what makes me feel good, what I enjoy doing, what will make me feel fulfilled, and what I need to be happy. If we put ourselves first, we become better at being there for everyone else!

When my children were very young I realized that I needed exercise in order to feel complete, and to maintain my mental health. So, I carved out time in my day to do this.

There is this completely INSANE belief that to exercise you need to A) have at least an hour, B) join a gym, and/or C) own exercise equipment. This is 100% not true. There are a ton of workout videos on Youtube, (and a ton here on my blog!!) that are short, efficient, and totally worth your time. HIIT (High intensity interval training) is an intense 10-15 min workout that gets your heart pumping and gets you sweating and that’s all you need to do!

So please, tell me who doesn’t have 10 minutes to give yourself????? I GUARANTEE you spend quadruple this time scrolling through your social media feeds! Take the time right now to schedule in 15 min on 4 days this week where you do a Pilates, Yoga, HIIT, Booty Band, or Weights workout! Seriously………schedule it in right now! If we write things down we are more likely to commit to doing it.

To sum up, 2020 taught me to SLOW down, do one thing at a time, and that I am important! I have had a lot of time to think about life, contemplate my purpose, really realize who my friends are, realize how important connecting to people is and how to be the best wife/mom/friend/daughter/human being I can possibly be. You know what??? It is taking the time to appreciate each and every thing I do, and appreciating each and every conversation I have with someone I care about.

What do you think?

Are you willing to slow down?

I will never forget this year for so many reasons, but I also would never take away the lessons I’ve learned and am grateful for those every single day.

Your Simply Susan advice of the day💛🙃🥰

What’s new with “SQ”? (pronounced “esskew”)

Last year was a year of growth for me. I learned so much about myself, and took the opportunity to learn about sustainability and minimalism which led me off on a journey that I am so happy that I have made. I decided to ignore that voice in my head that said “what difference can one person make?” and chose to make our families lives more minimal (less “stuff”) and more environmentally friendly.

One major change was that I started listening to Podcasts and became completely addicted to them! Wow, why did it take me so long to find these! I have spent a huge amount of time listening to a variety of podcasts from Intermittent Fasting, to Fitness, Minimalism, Environmental Sustainability, to Daily pep talks, and this was only the beginning! They became an integral part of my daily living and my walks with Finley became even longer, and much slower…..finally really allowing him to do what he loves best; sniff and pee! The longer I was out in the fresh air learning all I could, the better it was for me, and who’s kidding who, when Mom’s happy, the family is happy lol!!🤣.

The one GIGANTIC change I made was that I changed when I eat (not what I eat…NOT a diet) by following an Intermittent Fasting lifestyle! Best…. thing…… ever…. honestly!!!!! I have not felt this energetic, focused, and felt this good about my body since before I had children! More on IF (intermittent fasting) in another blog to come as I have SO MUCH to say about why I will never go back to the way I ate before. So, with this incredible focus and feeling so physically great, I set off to reinvent myself.

One very important point I learned is that what I put ON my body was just as important as what I put IN my body! So, with that bit of information, I started my search for recipes for creams, lotions, deodorants, balms, butters, etc. Then…..…I learned that I could also make all my own house cleaning products that are not only cheaper, but are better for the environment and cleaner for our indoor air which we all know can become quite polluted with sprays, stale air, dander, and that is not even taking into account all those chemicals we use in our cleaning products😤.

So, that is the inspiration behind this post and to showcase what and how my life has changed for the better this past year!!!❤️. With that, I have created my own product line called SQ (pronounced “skew”) which is short for my nickname Suzy Q! I make MANY products for our family, but I am making 4 currently available to purchase if any of my faithful blog readers are interested! I will be writing a separate post listing these products: their prices, ingredients, and directions for use so please check it out and feel free to share this blog site!

Life is good! Hope you enjoyed my first post in a while, and please stay tuned for my new posts as they have been inspired by my new improved Minimal, Sustainable, and Fasted Lifestyle!❤️.

Your 2021 Suzy Q aka “SQ” post of the day! My new motto: Fit Body, Calm Mind, Happy Home.💪🦵🧠🥰🏡

Hot dog blog!🐕❤

Okay, so I had to laugh this morning when I realized I missed posting a blog this week.  Let me update my loyal blog followers on my recent life changes…..We are now the very proud owners of an 11 week old American Cocker Spaniel puppy!  Yay!  We are loving him and our new puppydome, but it has brought back all the memories of when my girls were babies and toddlers!

I have realized that having a puppy is very similar to having a baby. They sleep and play, and poop and pee a lot, but they are also like those toddlers who get into EVERYTHING and ANYTHING they can.  They love to explore and are so curious about new things.  The one change is the chewing and teething behaviours.  Unlike human babies, puppies seem to think that any part of you, your clothing, the house, the yard, etc., etc., is their personal teething toy!  Man and are their teeth sharp! Yowzers!  They are like needles!  So, that being said, we have quite an array of “redirection toys” kicking around everywhere to distract him with. These do work, but persistence, perseverance and patience are key.

Spring into Action

What does spring mean to you?  To me, three things come to mind, a new start, and green!  Green grass, leaves on trees, flowers and plants budding in the gardens! It’s that time of year where all of a sudden neighbours are reunited and you see people walking around outside (more) happily. ….rather than quickly getting to their car, house, or work as fast as they can without freezing! This is the time to try something new and why not enlist a friend? Many people would be interested and motivated because they wouldn’t want to let you down! 😆

I love all of our seasons in Canada,  but I am always excited about the change from one to another. Personally I just get sick of one wardrobe and get excited about the prospect of bringing out my next season’s wardrobe!  Why not use this excitement while bringing in the new wardrobe by sorting through, organizing, and donating clothing items?

With the change of season upon us, why not take this opportunity to create a new healthy habit! Try parking further from work so you are forced to walk longer to get there? Try going for a walk on your lunch break 1-3 times a week? Why not introduce a new vegetable every week into your household? Register for a new class? Commit with a friend to exercise?  When you are at a dance competition  (which is where my family spends spring weekends! !) take the stairs whenever you can? Getting up and racing to get your child changed and ready for the next number is also good exercise!

This spring try “springing ” into action and create a new, positive habit that will help you be an even better you! If that’s even possible! 😆

Your Simply Susan tip of the day! 😆

 

Positive attitude, Open mind, Moving forward

Getting off to a new start this year can be both inspiring and challenging.   The thought of change for some people is too much and they stop right there and never get going on their new ideas simply because  they are overwhelmed with the idea of change.  Before they even really try, many people just give up.

This year, try tackling tasks with a new and improved attitude.  A positive attitude can be the one thing you change that will make things work this time!  Trust me, it’s never too late to try something new.  Whether it’s a new exercise program or an organization project in your home.  This new attitude could impact your life in such a way you’ll wonder why it took you so long to try it in the first place!

Let’s first think about areas in your life that need to change for the well-being of everyone!  Your hoarding, your inactivity or lack of exercise,  your time spent online, t.v. watching, shopping or eating? These are problems I hear about every day and things people seem to have difficulty changing.   Your first step is to identify it as a problem.   If you can’t do this you’re not ready to move past this step.  However, if this isn’t an issue for you,  you’re ready to get help and ideas of how to tackle this issue.

From here you need to figure out if it is an issue you can handle on your own, or if you need to confide in someone in order to help yourself. If you need to seek help, now is the time. Make a call, go online, find the help you need today. Putting it off will not help you! Dealing with it today will get the ball rolling and you’ll be glad you made the effort to change in a way you have not been able to in the past.

I am a great believer in seeking out new, more efficient,  better ways to do things and believe we should all keep an open mind and realize and accept when things aren’t being done right.  Change is change, but it doesn’t have to be negative.  You truly can teach an old dog new tricks!!😄😄

Be open, be positive,  and let’s start this new year with a new inspired attitude.

Your first Simply Susan tip for 2016!  Smile on my friends😆

3 more sleeps`til Christmas!!!!!!

Christmas can be such a fun, happy, loving, relaxing time, that can also be stressful and tiring.  I think it is important to reduce that stress by trying to relax, be as organized as you can, and keeping somewhat active.

There can be a lot going on over the holidays, but keep it all in perspective,  and remind yourself that you are surrounded by those you love and take time to enjoy being together.

If you want to make yourself feel better about all the wonderful food you are going to indulge in, try to squeeze in a few exercise sessions, even if it is just a walk after dinner.  I definitely indulge over the Christmas season, and love every minute of it!  But, I make sure (just like I do during Halloween) that I also up the ante on my workouts!  There are so many great offerings at Christmas time and surely you don`t want to miss out!  If you don`t think you can fit in more workouts, just make the ones you do more intense.

Another thing I always tell people is to indulge if you really want to, but just don`t overdo it!  Or, if you have a tendency to overdo it, indulge in the treats and dishes, just do so in moderation.

To all of my friends, family, and followers, please enjoy a very Merry Christmas, and may it be filled with love and happiness!!!!!!  

 

Happy Halloween!!!!!……now, the aftermath

Well, as many of you know, I am a bit of a junk food lover (which is one of the reasons why am also an exercise fanatic!!)  I love Halloween and all the junk food that comes along with it.  But, this is one of those occasions where, after you allow the indulgence, you have to offset this with burning those calories.  On Halloween night I eat all the candy I want, then I step up my cardio for the next few days to a week to feel better! Who’s kidding who, I eat candy every day, but just not quite as much as the first night!! It’s all about allowing yourself the yummy things without depriving, but understanding that with one (indulging) comes the other (exercise!)

The next point about Halloween is that if you have kids, strongly encourage them to pool their candy.  I understand that this may be tough, but at least try to.  Either way, still insist that they keep their candy in a common area and definitely not their bedroom!  You can control their intake this way.  Also, if you’re anything like me, this is also a good way to make sure they are “sharing” with you 🙂  I also like to (this is a BIG secret, so don’t let your kids know) take a few (only) candies out each day and add them to a bag in the freezer!  They don’t even know they are missing them when you do it gradually. The way I look at it is this…you are actually helping them, and it  is really exciting to find out you have Halloween candy in February!!! Or you could just throw a few out each day, but that’s no fun!!!

Lastly, decorations, take them down as soon after the day as possible.  No one wants to look at Halloween decorations in November.  Get a large plastic bin and store them all together and label it.  This includes costumes, make-up,wigs etc.  Don’t just throw out everything and start again next year, that is a waste of money and bad for the environment.  Even that cobweb stuff can be used again each year.  I have had mine now for 5 years and I just re-stretch it out every year and add the plastic spiders!

Hope all these Halloween tips help to make the day go smoothly and that all of you have fun!!!

Hope it was a fun night….now I’m going to pig out!!!!!

Your Simply Susan tip of the season!