The Real Life RD

helping you find peace with food and your natural body size

  • the RD & NP
  • Online Courses
  • Women’s Wellness
  • Speaking
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
Life, NYC, Stress

Life is Messy

April 3, 2017 By Robyn 38 Comments

Last Thursday I turned 28. Twenty eight.

That feels ridiculously old. Ridiculous because I know that’s not old, but old not because of the number, but because life moves fast. When did I become 28? Last week apparently.

It was a very low key birthday and I was so thankful. Internally, I was hoping nobody remembered. We have celebrated so much with the wedding and the thought of more attention and celebrating was overwhelming to me. Although thank you to everyone for all the sweet birthday wishes and love.

Life is messy. That's okay. | The Real Life RD

Nick predicted I’d be overwhelmed, so a month before my birthday he made reservations to celebrate with dinner at Gramercy Tavern with just the two of us. I didn’t take any pictures except this one as I walked in and it was the most perfect, fully present birthday. Quiet, intimate, special and at a place we’ve both been really wanting to go for years. The service was unreal and the best food of the night was the wine (of course) the lobster spaghetti and the coconut meringue cake for dessert. Ohhhhh, that CAKE.

That was Thursday, I worked 10am to 11pm Friday, and then Saturday we stayed around the apartment, built a bar cart, finally moved in some furniture and then I hung out with a couple girlfriends (because we now live in the same building!) while Nick headed back to his apartment to watch the UNC game with some guys. I’m now a Tar Heel because Nick is and I love watching the games, but it didn’t start till 9pm and I needed some good gf time. So we ordered Mexican and drank wine instead.

It feels so good to have furniture to sit on! You guys, Craigslist is a total gold mine in New York. We got this coffee table, couch and chair all off Craiglist and paid like 25% of what they cost from places like West Elm, Room & Board and ABC Carpet and Home — so I’m a Craigslist super fan.

Sleeping in a king bed feels so dreamy, although I can’t wait for Nick to get here too. This Restoration Hardware dresser we also nabbed off Craigslist for what feels like pennies.

And although I’m eating off tupperware lids currently because we don’t have plates, the kitchen is my favorite place. It’s only spacious by New York standards, but to us it feels exciting since we both can be in the kitchen at the same time and not be walking all over each other.

I feel like I need to paint a realistic picture because although yes, this is such a magical season of life and it feels like we’re playing house at times and we’re so stupid grateful, I always want people to know that life is not rainbows and butterflies. Saturday, before the bar cart building and wine and Mexican, Nick and I had a bumpy afternoon. I was in tears, Nick was frustrated, and there we were sitting on the couch for over an hour trying to solve problems and grow to understand one another better. I say all that because I never, ever, want my life or our life to not show both the lows with the highs. Life’s messy and that’s okay.

Twenty seven was the most roller coaster year of my life. I experienced the sharpest tragedy of death, yet the fiercest joy of engagement all within a 3 month timespan. Mingled with the best moments of of Nick and I’s lives full of pure excitement and love has been moments of deep insecurity, shame, disagreement and lots of growing pains…all that on the other side is good and refining, but in the moment it’s….woof.

This world is a mess of imperfection and I’m right smack in the middle, reaching for gratitude at every turn. I’m so thankful for you guys and there’s so much to be freaking grateful for.

Since this whole post is a bit of a mishmash, some eats from the weekend included breakfast yesterday of 2 fried eggs, toast with butter + jam and banana + PB.

Post workout green smoothies made with almond milk, frozen banana, a scoop of peanut butter chocolate Amazing Grass, frozen spinach and ice.

And dinner last night after church was Bare Burger…before church I told Nick I was craving a burger so we needed to find a burger spot instead of our usual Thai.

I ordered the Southern Caviar in a steamed collard green wrap. Nick got the same thing on a bun. I went with the greens not because buns or bread are “bad” (see breakfast above) but because I wanted room in my stomach for lots of SP fries since that’s what I was craving and buns aren’t that exciting for me…the beef and cheese and toppings are. It’s all about the motivation for a food choice – are you eating something because you want to or because you think you should?

Prior to the burgers we started with their crispy brussel sprouts…think brussels fried in olive oil and topped with parmesan and lemon. So dreamy.

Have the best week no matter how messy it gets.

SaveSave


YOU MAY ALSO LIKE...

  • Weekly Eats From Momma Coale’s KitchenWeekly Eats From Momma Coale’s Kitchen
  • The Best Thing I AteThe Best Thing I Ate
  • Marathon Weekend In The CityMarathon Weekend In The City
  • Achieving A Better Work-Life BalanceAchieving A Better Work-Life Balance

Filed Under: Life, NYC, Stress Tagged With: breakfast, dinner, eggs, green smoothie, healthy balance, life, nyc, weekend

« The Healthiest Way to Eat
5 Minute Black Bean Wraps »

Comments

  1. Heather @ Polyglot Jot says

    April 3, 2017 at 11:50 am

    Yay so happy you got some furniture in…it looks really great! I just moved last weekend too so I know the feeling of trying to get settled! The tenant prior to us left behind a couch, a set of drawers, dining room chairs, and a lamp that we took for free! Life does indeed get messy–thanks for the reminder that it’s okay 😀

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      April 4, 2017 at 9:59 am

      That’s so awesome they left all that stuff for you! good luck settling and embracing the mess 🙂

      Reply
  2. mallory says

    April 3, 2017 at 11:57 am

    Love that you show that life/relationships are not always butterflies! Sorry to hear about the death, I had no idea. As always, I love the “real-ness” your blog portrays! I always look forward to reading.

    Mallory

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      April 4, 2017 at 10:23 am

      like is a journey of highs and lows – we have to learn to embrace it. have a great week! xo

      Reply
  3. Kate says

    April 3, 2017 at 12:12 pm

    Life is messy! After almost 3 years of marriage I can confirm that sometimes I am obsessed with my obsessed and want to do everything with him and other times I need to take a day to myself. We both try to cultivate our own individual lives so that we can have that balance! Marriage is beautiful.
    Also I’m not much of a bun person either but yesterday I had the most delicious bun for a pulled pork sandwich. I guess I’m just picky about my buns! 🙂

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      April 4, 2017 at 10:25 am

      I think having your own individual lives is so so important – it’s cultivates a non co-dependent relationship.
      Oh that sandwich sounds FAB !

      Reply
  4. Michelle says

    April 3, 2017 at 12:41 pm

    I love your openness and honesty and realness! the best 🙂
    p.s. YESSS go heels!!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      April 4, 2017 at 10:25 am

      WIN!!!!

      Reply
  5. Margaret says

    April 3, 2017 at 1:03 pm

    Cheers to the new place and getting ready for life with Nick! I was in a similar boat a couple weeks ago moving into a new place. My fiance and I were trying to reassemble furniture which always has a long middle of me in tears and him frustrated. The end result was usable furniture and gratitude for the grace that gets us through. Definitely not the most glamorous part of the relationship but always makes me grateful to have met such a patient man! Happy Monday!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      April 4, 2017 at 10:26 am

      oh girl how we can relate to every sentence you wrote – praise God for patient men 🙂

      Reply
  6. Grace says

    April 3, 2017 at 2:31 pm

    I agree- Life IS messy and Eating IS messy. but sometimes its more fun that way. Thanks for the look into your life… I love it!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      April 4, 2017 at 10:26 am

      SO MUCH more fun 🙂

      Reply
  7. Christina @ montessoriishmom.com says

    April 3, 2017 at 3:03 pm

    Moving in together is such a sweet and exciting time, but can definitely be really challenging too. I think is especially true these days when people are often very established in their individual routines and lives by the time they make that step. Thanks for your honesty!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      April 4, 2017 at 10:27 am

      yes! I say all the time that when people use to get married (and still do) at 22 or something, maybe it’s easier because you’re less “established” in your way of life…just a theory 🙂

      Reply
  8. Megan says

    April 3, 2017 at 3:26 pm

    Thank you Robyn for your honest and real post yet again. Love getting your blog posts when I wake in the moment. It gives me hope in my own recovery from AN- normalizing eating and enjoying what comes with it. Thank you xx

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      April 4, 2017 at 10:28 am

      Keep forward thinking! You have purpose beyond AN and you were created to live FREE. praying for you megan xo

      Reply
  9. Miss Polkadot says

    April 3, 2017 at 3:51 pm

    Goodness yes is life messy! I appreciate you never sugarcoating anything because whom are the people who do that fooing? Admitting that our lives aren’t all glam and glitz isn’t shameful or unappreciative. It’s making us real. So you literally are the -real- life RD (didn’t intend to go there 🙂 ).
    Your apartment looks awesome already and those are great furniture deals! Destiny meant well with you there. I’m not from the US but have heard about the struggle of finding a nice and affordable apartment in New York so I’m happy you and Nick did in time for the wedding!
    Oh and belated happy birthday!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      April 4, 2017 at 10:29 am

      thank you miss polkadot 🙂
      an apt in NYC is no easy task but we are grateful it is over!

      Reply
  10. Megan says

    April 3, 2017 at 4:28 pm

    I love this. My fiance and I are also going to be apartment hunting in NYC soon and are preparing to move into together… so I relate. It’s messy and wonderful at the same time. I am curious about these Craiglist deals though! How are you moving all of this furniture in the city?

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      April 4, 2017 at 10:30 am

      oh I am praying for you guys and a smooth search! we have a friend with a car, but then Nick rented a Uhaul for the couch, chair, dresser and we did it all in one swoop – oh the adventures of the city 🙂

      Reply
  11. Sam @ G & G Nutrition Co. says

    April 3, 2017 at 8:46 pm

    So happy that you have some good furniture finds! And thanks for the reminder that life can be crazy and messy <3

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      April 4, 2017 at 10:30 am

      I’m in it with you!

      Reply
  12. Sarah @ BucketListTummy says

    April 4, 2017 at 8:25 am

    Your apartment looks beautiful and I love the set up so far! Also, awesome that Nick is a Tar Heel too! Does he have family in NC?

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      April 4, 2017 at 10:31 am

      He SURE IS – and today is a good day 🙂
      He went to UNC, but all our family is in Indiana and Illinois

      Reply
  13. Chelsea @ Chelsea's Healthy Kitchen says

    April 4, 2017 at 10:17 am

    Happy belated birthday! I’m turning 28 soon too and it’s crazy to think that I’m nearing 30! Really gets you thinking about life. It IS messy and I can’t say I’ve figured out how to accept that yet. Maybe that’s what my 30s are for haha.

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      April 4, 2017 at 10:31 am

      we aren’t 30 yet though! 🙂

      Reply
  14. Hillary says

    April 4, 2017 at 3:06 pm

    Think you would appreciate this one!!

    http://www.street-smartnutrition.com/dont-judge-my-food/

    Reply
  15. Stephanje says

    April 4, 2017 at 3:27 pm

    Why do your posts always seem to come at the time when I need some reassuring words the most! Thanks for that little reminder as I’m in a messy/bumpy place myself! Happy belated bday!

    Reply
  16. Katie says

    April 4, 2017 at 3:27 pm

    I LOVE how you highlight the LOWS & HIGHS..! As always, I love reading! <3

    Reply
  17. Jill @ RunEatSnap says

    April 4, 2017 at 6:42 pm

    Happy belated birthday! I know what you mean – I turned 30 last year and I don’t feel old (other than my non-existent desire to stay up past 10pm) but I’m like where did the time go?! Wasn’t I just 23? LOL

    Reply
  18. suzanne says

    April 4, 2017 at 8:16 pm

    Thanks for another real post Robyn…I LOVE your apartment – very bright and spacious! And I can totally relate to the messiness of relationships and how we can go from 0 to 10 in a heartbeat. With kids it heightens that even more I think (the more personalities and responsibilities to get messy with!)…we can feel like we have it all going smoothly and then in an instant, I can feel like we have totally screwed the kids up and our family is falling apart! Thankfully we have been able to heal and transform from those moments to feel some grace and beauty…..until the next mess comes! I try to remember that the minutia of the day to day will not be that significant in a few years – that the relationships and love are what matters. Sometimes tough to remember in the moment though!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      April 5, 2017 at 3:01 pm

      Thanks so much Suzanne! I can only imagine the grace that comes with having kids and trying to maintain a healthy marriage – so much love to you and your fam!

      Reply
  19. suzanne says

    April 4, 2017 at 8:17 pm

    oh and…. – HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

    Reply
  20. Emily says

    April 5, 2017 at 10:08 am

    What a tremendous year of realizing God’s grace more in the midst of life’s messiness. I’m thankful that you and Nick are so good for each other; that you’ve been working through things, learning, and growing in big ways. And I hope you had a really sweet birthday dinner with just the two of you.

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      April 5, 2017 at 3:03 pm

      Thank you so much Emily! HE IS SO GOOD. xo

      Reply
  21. Lindsey says

    April 5, 2017 at 1:57 pm

    Are you and Nick waiting to move in together for religious (I dont even know if I want to say religious because that puts it in such a box… maybe I mean more “personal”) reasons? I find that to be really interesting and noble especially since its so rare these days. Would love to hear a little bit more about your reasoning behind it, if you feel comfortable of course!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      April 5, 2017 at 3:06 pm

      Yes 🙂 And for lack of a better word “religious” is okay ha but I love the world FAITH instead – Religion to me means rules and faith is a gift that comes with abundant grace 🙂 It is so rare these days and we have gotten asked about it sooo many times but I love talking to people about it! As Christians, we believe that living together and sleeping together should be saved for inside of marriage as God designed it – now I didn’t come to Christ till I was 24 so I certainly have done my college and young 20s thing 🙂 – but waiting until after marriage to live together, sleep together etc etc is super important to us and something we want to be obedient to. Hope that helps! xo

      Reply
      • Lindsey says

        April 6, 2017 at 4:25 pm

        Thanks for the thoughtful response. I am very respectful of that! It’s nice to hear a little about it, too, since you’re right, its rare! I just moved to NYC and I’m loving looking back at all of your posts. Can’t wait to try some of your faves!

        Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

A non-diet dietitian and nurse practitioner helping women find peace with food, accept their natural body size and heal from hormonal issues and period problems.

More On Lady Hormones

How Birth Control Methods Affect Your Hormones, Period and Fertility

What Your Cervical Fluid Can Tell You About Your Reproductive Health

women's reproductive health

Women’s Reproductive Health 101

I have yet to experience postpartum myself, but I've had many clients and readers that have been through that season of life. Or perhaps you are currently living through the postpartum period. Every woman's body is different, therefore every woman's experience after giving birth will be different. What works for one woman, might not work for the next. While one woman might go through postpartum and adjust to newborn life quiet seamlessly, another woman might find it much more difficult. She might need the support of medication, therapy, extra help and many other things. One way is not better than the other - they are simply two different ways of navigating the postpartum period. I hope this post helps you better care for yourself, whatever that means for you. There's no right or wrong way to care for yourself as a mom or your new baby.

Postpartum Hormones: what’s happening in your body and how to care for yourself

* indicates required

Categories

Get in Touch!

Follow Me!

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

I talk a lot about moving, eating, and living intuitively so you can be well hormonally and live a fulfilling life in line with your values

The Real Life RD on Pinterest

  • Instagram Find: Viktoria's Awe-Inspiring Kids Rooms Filled With Pretty Design - NordicDesign
  • 10 X DE MOOISTE KINDERKAMERS VAN INSTAGRAM OKTOBER
  • Wooden Rainbow Lamp Wooden night light Kids room decoration | Etsy
  • This cute little walk-in wardrobe for kids is too cute of an idea! Loving the white tones with a pop of teal drawers
Follow Me on Pinterest
We veered from our usual Friday night homemade piz We veered from our usual Friday night homemade pizza (minus the dough, we leave that to @albemarlebakingco) because we are eating pizza tomorrow with some friends - instead I called my mom and asked her how she makes her chicken fingers and we fried up a big ole batch of chicken nugs 🙌🏻🤤 along with a sheet pan full of sweet potato fries and a simple arugula salad dressed with parmesean, olive oil and s&p. Oh and my moms honey mustard recipe for dipping. It’s SO DANG GOOD.  Over the past 6ish months we’ve been practicing (and practicing and practicing bc it doesn’t come naturally) unplugging from technology and slowing down and resting and just being for one day a week. Some call it Shabbat. Some call it Sabbath. Maybe you call it something different. All I know is IT IS SO GOOD FOR MY WEARY SOUL and the day I look forward to ALL WEEK. Sundown on Friday to sundown Saturday. Nothing but rest. For us that means hiking (or something outside) and napping and reading and being with friends and eating really good food. And drinking some really good wine or craft beer. Sometimes whiskey. 😛  And because I know I’ll get asked about the chicken finger recipe and also because it’s too good not to share and Momma Coale said I could, here ya go:  Cut chicken breast into thin strips or small pieces (I prefer nug size bc the breading to chicken ratio is perfection). Salt and pepper those babies really well. Then dredge them in all purpose flour, then egg, then panko - just like you would bread anything else. Then fry them up in a light oil - I use avocado oil because that’s our everyday oil. You could also use canola or peanut oil. Just fill a pan with an inch or so of oil on medium high heat. They only take 2-3 minutes per side. You can always temp them to make sure they are at least 165 degrees F to really make sure they are done. Dunk in all the sauces and enjoy!  Happy weekend!
I am not a craft mom. My version of crafts is baki I am not a craft mom. My version of crafts is baking because 1) my toddler actually engages with it and 2) we have tasty things to eat in the end.  Wanna know how long crafts last in our house? Approximately 23 seconds. Maybe 51 on a good day. So we just stopped crafting a long time ago and instead started baking.  And when I need my toddler to stay in one place, I turn on the faucet. I am still utterly amazed at how long water can entertain a small human. And it’s FREE. 🙌🏻 well, mostly..  Send me all your favorite baking recipes because we are on a roll over here 👩🏻‍🍳
Just left my mom vacation. 💆🏻‍♀️ I do Just left my mom vacation. 💆🏻‍♀️  I don’t know what this says about me. Anybody else find the dentist weirdly relaxing? For the most part, I love being with my two tiny humans all day, but BLESS does it feel good to lay in a chair for 60 minutes with my eyes closed and do nothing except hold my mouth open.
🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻 two babies are asleep at the same time in their beds (and not on me) for the FIRST TIME IN 7657 DAYS and dear lord I could cry tears of relief straight into this latte and bowl of chocolate chips bc I woke up this morning exhausted and weary and told Nick I didn’t want to parent today 🤣 Not even calling this self care. It’s sanity right now. And even if it lasts 5 minutes it will be 5 minutes of freaking glory. p.s. yes that brick is crooked bc v uneven floors are part of the charmed package of this old house
Learning over and over again in this season that f Learning over and over again in this season that feels unsettled and chaotic and longgggggg that sometimes, you just need the viewpoint of a toddler to remind you that the seemingly insignificant things & moments really are....straight up magical. And that yes, these mundane days are packed full of goodness & beauty if I keep my eyes fixed on what actually matters.
Spent two hours at Lowe’s this morning and wow, Spent two hours at Lowe’s this morning and wow, wowww 🤯 Asked at least six people where to find something and their opinion on all the options bc holy decision fatigue. Nursed my newborn on the floor of the paint aisle. And BLESS my new contractor friend Matt I found in the lumber section that pushed my cart around and helped me avoid the mistake of buying exterior wood for some DIY bathroom shelves.
.
I’m giving all our bathrooms a DIY makeover and I couldn’t be more of a rookie. So shoutout to all my Lowe’s buddies and YouTube 😜 You’re making this happen.
We are now officially homeowners. WUT? We didn’t We are now officially homeowners. WUT? We didn’t plan to close on a house 10 weeks after having a baby, but here we are. And we are so, so grateful.  And I’m also terrified. We’ve moved three times and lived in three different states since we got married three years ago. After six years spent living in New York City and Boston, moving back to Charlottesville was really, really hard for me. I cried a lot those first six months because my heart ached for the northeast and for city life. I wanted to pack up and go back to Boston ASAP. It felt so different and so quiet here and at times, very lonely. Even though it felt like the next right step, I second guessed our decision A LOT.
.
But here we are 10 months later ready to continue investing in this neighborhood we’ve come to love. And this community of people that have become so dear. Ten months later and it feels so, so right. And although committing to settling down here for a good bit feels really scary to me, it also brings so much peace to know we aren’t moving again anytime soon. We are here to plant and grow. And raise our babies in this house as we make it a home. It’s also really fun to have one of your best friends be your realtor. We love you @kelli.teter.nesting 🤗
.
Now, to see if we make it out of this kitchen renovation all in one piece 🤪
my go-to breakfast these days is two fried eggs in my go-to breakfast these days is two fried eggs in ghee with sautéed spinach (also in ghee) and an english muffin with more ghee + some sort of jam on half for that sweet & savory combo. we discovered these local english muffins (from The Bread Basket) and they are doughy and delicious and we are obsessed.
.
I’ve found that I need a solid source of protein and lots of fat for breakfast to keep me full while breastfeeding this time around vs with Cal, I was so into big bowls of pb & chocolate chip banana oatmeal. just goes to show our bodies know what they need and change cravings accordingly. also, just a psa: go pick up the maple butter from @traderjoes bc it is bonkers 🤤 and lastly, shout out to my husband bc a lot of mornings he is making this bfast for me while I nurse & try to pull myself out of bed - don’t for a moment think I’ve got it together 🤪
I’ve had many thoughts rolling around in my brai I’ve had many thoughts rolling around in my brain of if/how to use this platform in a way that aligns with how I want to live my life. I’m finding it tricky to discern that when 90% of my use on this app is for professional purposes. But I’m not sure if even professionally, it makes sense for me. Because I feel more aligned with what matters to me when I’m not regularly present here.  I’m not really sure what things will look like moving forward, but for right now I’m here to share with you that I somehow found some spare minutes between newborn & toddler life to write a post with some semi-coherent thoughts on life lately. 🤪 You can head there by clicking the link in my profile.
I’ve been completely disconnected from social me I’ve been completely disconnected from social media and that’s been vital for me during this tender postpartum period of transitioning from a mama of 1 to 2. But today, I’m bopping on briefly to share how Teddy entered this wild world with you - if you’re into a lengthy, detailed birth story, the link in my profile will lead you to the blog post 💙
Theodore “Teddy” Lars Nohling joined our famil Theodore “Teddy” Lars Nohling joined our family at 12:48am on Wednesday after a quick and swift labor & birth at home 💙 Thank you Father for another healthy baby boy & your abundant, tender love for us. What an undeserved gift.
Very grateful to be carrying another baby past his Very grateful to be carrying another baby past his due date, but also....LET’S GO DUDE. Still over here eating dates (check out the @ebbirth article on the research showing dates can help ripen (aka soften) your cervix, reduce the need for medical intervention in labor and can overall, improve birth outcomes) drinking red raspberry leaf tea and sleeping as much as possible with a 19 month old running around. And also trying to survive July in VA without public pools or splash pads bc it is BLAZIN HERE (and I’m a wuss with the heat 🤪)

Copyright © 2021 · The Real RD· Blog Design by Little Blue Deer


Terms and Conditions | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy