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Thursday, February 28, 2013

I AM a foodie (CaitPlusAte responds)

I’m a foodie.

I say that with total, complete confidence. The statement is 100% truthful.

Now ask me WHY I call myself a foodie. Well now, I’m happy you asked!

I’m a foodie because the perfect dish awakens a passion inside of me. The first smell of a long-loved favorite meal’s aroma induces hours’ worth of memories. A mind-blowing bite, chewed and swallowed in seconds, sparks minutes upon minutes of enthusiastic conversation and reflection. I experiment throughout consumption of my plate, creating unique flavor combinations by picking out different components to spear with my fork and make up each taste. I eat, appreciate, and repeat.

Sometimes, I spear with chopsticks. Sometimes, I spear with chopsticks.

A special restaurant can make me feel as if the world outside does not exist. Seeing a unique ingredient combo or preparation method on a menu elicits a squeal of excitement. I believe each dish’s designer puts a part of him or herself into the food, and that food is ordered and devoured by a foodie as a professor devours books, as an artist takes in paintings at a museum. A foodie is in awe of the creations of other foodies, and lives to experience them.

A foodie and her dad. A foodie and her dad.

Food is so much more than something to shove in one’s mouth on the go just to get hunger out of the way. We are fortunate as humans to need to consume food to nourish our bodies and be at our best. The joy that can come of food is a gift that is not to be taken for granted. It is a special and essential part of life that, as it nourishes the body, feeds the soul. Food is our common ground. We all need it. We can all share this passion. It can be a great divider, but is an even greater unifier.

A foodie and her mom. A foodie and her mom.

A foodie understands all of this, whether he or she has always understood or has had to learn. Foodies are open-minded and respectful of others. They will give any pairing, any use of an ingredient, any cuisine a chance. If they do not like what they taste, they will move on, but also be willing to taste again in time. They will continue to seek out new and exciting ways to stimulate the palate, and the best part is, they will never run out of the ways to do so.

That is because of the existence of other foodies. So long as humans exist, we will need food, and so foodies will exist and create. Foodies long to turn their loved ones into foodies because they want to share the passion they feel with each meal, each snack. Foodies understand that every meal CAN be made special and unique, but does not HAVE to be, so long as each bite is savored and enjoyed and appreciated for what it is – nourishment, memories, emotions, a great equalizer.

Nourishment from salad, happiness from wine, and memories from a friend. Nourishment from salad, happiness from wine, and memories from a friend.

I love bacon. I love broccoli. I love ice cream, and I love seafood. I love wine, and I love coffee. Foodies know no boundaries. A foodie does not limit him or herself to one food group just because he or she enjoys another. For foodies, balance can always exist because of the great variety of food consumed. Moderation can exist because of the acceptance of a vast amount of different forms of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. But foodies don’t have to like everything. I don’t like watermelon, grapes, or beef jerky. But I don’t discount the happiness those foods bring my loved ones and ones I will never meet. I accept and respect their tastes, and ask for the same respect in return.

Salad and wine - balance. Salad and wine – balance.

After reading this if you still don’t consider yourself a foodie, that’s fine. But my hope is that more often than not, you will read this and realize you ARE a foodie. You may not enjoy the finest of wines or chicken pate, but if you moan in delight at the first bite of your favorite chocolate cake or can go on forever about a great meal you had at a restaurant, then you my friend are a foodie.


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Cascadian Farms Cereal Whoredom: Cinnamon Crunch and Multi Grain Squares

cascadian Cascadian Farms Cereal Whoredom: Cinnamon Crunch and Multi Grain Squares

When the reality of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s) started to sink deep down into my cranium, I thought it meant RIP to my cereal whoredom forever. Admittedly, right now I still buy cereals like Apple Jacks & Froot Loops for the family, but it’s in a weaning-off, dwindling down kind of way.

I haven’t forced them to go cold turkey, yet the purchases of the crap cereal are happening less and less. There will indeed come a time when that stuff won’t be in my house at all.

But alas! Cascadian Farm is cereal whoredom approved.

I’ve been on the lookout for healthy knockoffs of mainstream cereal for the family to stuff into their hungry jaws. In the past it hasn’t gone well. It led to rogue cereals of pure nastiness. But organic companies are finally starting to step up their tasty game.

Cascadian Farm Cinnamon Crunch is an excellent alternative to Cinnamon Toast Crunch. It’s got a light kiss of cinnamon, a nice crunch and less sugar, but still totally satisfying. The amazing thing is, you can taste that it’s organic’y. The absence of artificial crap really shines through and makes it taste that much better.

Cascadian Farm Multi Grain squares is comparable to Multi-Bran Chex, but Cascadian’s flavor is waaaay better and comes with all the tasty perks of organic and non-GMO, along with all their other products (according to their website).

See that! I’m making progress. My family is transitioning away from crap cereal and my own personal cereal whoredom is no longer in jeopardy. It shall remain intact.

Cascadian has some other stuff out, too, like Fruitful O’s and their new Chocolate O’s. But I can’t speak on the taste. I haven’t tried those just yet.

But hold on there! There’s two drawbacks you gotta know about: Cascadian comes in smaller packages and can be pretty dang expensive for the size — close to $4 per box, if not more. But it’s still worth you picking up at least one box if you haven’t already. Give it a try and allow your taste buds to experience the healthy, fanciful flavor. If cereal isn’t your thing, just keep any kids in mind that cling to you frequently. Young children are skilled at cereal hoovering, so you may as well make it better for them.


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One-Arm Push Ups Demo for Beginners

thumbnail2 One Arm Push Ups Demo for Beginners

Hollerluuuyahhhh!! Consistent work on my push ups has rewarded me with awesome gains in strength and power. Now I’m moving on to the one-arm thang. But it’s gonna take time to fully get there.

This video demo shows my modified (beginner’s) one-arm push. I’m doing this move about 2X’s per week in addition to my normal strength training.  You might think it’s all about the arms, but the amount of core work this move requires is ab-solutely bananas! Enjoy the demo. icon smile One Arm Push Ups Demo for Beginners

I may seem to be in an awkward body position as I perform the move. The key here is to set yourself in a position that’s most comfortable for YOU.

Please subscribe to my YouTube channel. More workouts are on the way!

Stay strong and keep pushing HARD. XO!


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14 Yogurt Topping Ideas to Inspire Your Next Snack!

2 weeks ago I started a fun hashtag on Instagram called #DailyYogurt. It’s my way to get creative with snacking while (hopefully) inspiring you to think outside the typical yogurt box.

As I said in my post, Tubs of Greek Yogurt and Bags of Kale Don’t Lie, my journey to eating plain greek yogurt instead of artificially sweetened pre-made cups was a long one, but now, I’m hooked!

I love using creamy yogurt as basis for fun flavor combinations. It gets me eating other healthy things like fruits, nuts and seeds, and really, you can never get bored! I’m NOT saying I’ll never eat another flavored yogurt cup again, but when I’m home and have my pantry at my disposal, I’m a topped plain greek yogurt girl all the way!

Here are 14 of my latest creations starting with a special one for today, Valentine’s Day. :)

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A swirl of low sugar strawberry preserves, banana, mini chocolate chips and a small drizzle of chocolate syrup.

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My version of honey nut cheerios: cheerios, cinnamon almonds, and honey

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Topped with pistachios, dried cranberries and honey.

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Topped with ground flax, walnuts, maple syrup, and cinnamon.

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Mixed with pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice then topping with pepitas and honey. Click here for more details and nutritional info on GreenLiteBites.

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Topped with pear, grated fresh (frozen) ginger and honey.

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Topped with cubed apple, a sprinkle of nutmeg, cinnamon, walnuts and honey. It’s like creamy apple pie!

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Mixed with a mashed ripe banana and cocoa powder and then topped with frozen blueberries.

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Topped with cocoa almonds, graham crackers, banana and honey. So good!

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Topped with kiwi, grated frozen strawberry, pine nuts and the tiniest bit of honey

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Topped with mandarin oranges and sunflower seeds. No honey needed!

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Topped with blackberries, cashews and honey!

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Mixed with peanut butter and topped with peanuts and chocolate syrup. Click here for nutritional info and more details on GreenLiteBites.

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Topped with banana, cinnamon roasted almonds, cinnamon and honey. :)

As you can see, the possibilities are endless! I’m seriously thinking of starting dailyYogurt.com just for fun. Then I remember how many blogs I have. Doh! Maybe, just maybe someone will sponsor me to do it. *wink* *wink*

Until then (like it will ever happen,) follow along on instagram. I hope to share an idea most days I’m home (i.e. not traveling.) You can also see how much of each ingredient I use if you follow me on MyFitnessPal. Most fall in the 130-200 calories range. Yes, even the chocolate ones! It’s actually pretty easy to do. 1/4 oz of nuts adds just the right crunch when chopped up and drizzling 1/2 tbsp or less of honey ads just the right sweetness.

Have a favorite yogurt topping? Please share! I love getting new ideas.

Happy Yogurt Eating!  :)


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Sweat droplets of lust filled her senses…

Her eyes met the gaze of the seductive Mr. Kat. Sweat droplets of lust filled her senses.

She hadn’t done anything like this in a very long time. Could she really bring him home? How naughty. Would she dare do such a thing?

Yes… she could. And she did.

How provocative.

What a tantalizing decision.

His very presence invoked images of a sweet caress. He called out to her many times with whispers of promised pleasure. She embraced his package repeatedly in response to his beckoning, yet she did not allow his advances to go any further.

Slowly, but not effortlessly, she released her grip and let him go.

Mr. Kat had been left wanting.

For her, this was an exercise in self control. Although this encounter was mere chance and mostly accidental, she used it as an opportunity grow in strength when propositioned by those like Mr. Kat. This was not the first time and it most definitely would not be the last.

Even still, she imagined the two of them becoming one. Into her mouth he would go, sending her taste buds all a-flutter.

But Mr. Kat would not have her today. She would not allow him to put her into a compromising position. Their encounter would indeed take place sometime soon, but it would be on her  terms.

She’s the one calling the shots.

So until then, and even right now, Mr. Kat sits waiting atop the work desk of the Yum Yucky. With his 210 calories and 21 grams of sugar, he’s been sitting there…waiting…for over a week.

Mr. Kat longs for her to devour every last one of his crisp, milk chocolatey wafers. Mr. Kat would like that very much. And indeed, she will oblige. But not today, my friend. Not today.

kitkat Sweat droplets of lust filled her senses...


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Im a TOUGH GIRL…

skirt sports skirt lover.

Once upon a time I was a misfit living in the LOVERLY HOTHOT CLIMES OF Austin.

austin willie nelson sculpture sleeveless in february.

I adored it — but there were stuffs I coveted which were simply too hot to wear in the ATX.

As in this:

Skirt + boot cut = HEAVEN Skirt + boot cut = HEAVEN

Id hear friends rave about the Tough Girl Skirt.

I knew in order to ever wear one in TX Id have to turn the A/C down down down & romp around the house.

And then we moved. And then I RE-FOUND my LOVE of all things long pants and tights.  

And then it was finally time for me to experience the wonders of the SKIRT/PANTS COMBO which is the Tough Girl.

skirt sports tough girl skirt Excited the moment I RIPPED open the package!

Being the misfit I am, I immediately donned the skirt and got to work.

(you’ll notice there’s no “ing out” in the sentence above.  Im soft of core.  I need my exercise-apparel to be comfy for WRITING and WORKING OUT.  It’s a non-negotiable.)

working at my new office my california office

They were comfyheaven. 

Fitted, flattering, AND I was able to go from word-weaving to working out without changing apparel.My Tough Girl skirt & I worked all morning—hit the weights—went back to work and never grew too hot/uncomfortable or sweatysticky.

I wore them again the next morning to walk the Tornado to school (washed, hung dry, perfect by morning).

Loving in the cold... Loving in the cold…

I again challenged them to handle my day (writing, grocery shopping, straight to a YOGA DVD, writing, and then back to school for pickup) and they did without bagging, sagging or getting stinky.

yes the same day :-) yes the same day :-)

Bottom line?

I loved the TOUGH GIRL.  It is perfect for the COOL TEMPS of the mornings and yet not too hot for the slightly warmer afternoons.I worked out in my Tough Girl (yoga, weights, foam rolling, workout DVDs–NO CHAFING!) but did not wear them while doing cardio.  I. SWEAT.  Id need capris for that.

(Sixteen seconds of) My BOTTOM in the Tough Girl:

And you?

Are you as SMITTEN with the SKIRT/PANTS combo right now as am I? Is this entirely a MISFIT-obsession?! (perhaps not? check out FitKnitChick‘s review of the Tough Girl…)

FTC:  The Tough Girl was furnished to me for free.  This is not a compensated post. The love and CAPRI COVETING is all my own.


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Wednesday, February 27, 2013

The Tough Mudder Madness Voting is Now Open

Tough Mudder Start Line

Two weeks ago, I issued a challenge for folks to seriously consider running a Tough Mudder. I’m putting up one entry fee in exchange to for someone to step out of their comfort zone get muddy with me.

Well, the entries are in and I’m gonna be honest, I can’t pick a winner! I want to run with everyone! Unfortunately, I can’t afford to pay for it.

So I’m leaving the hard work up to you. Please read through the stories below and vote for your favorites. Who do you relate to? Who inspires you? You can assign up to 5 stars per story. All I ask is that if you vote you agree to read ALL of the stories. We don’t want the folks on the bottom to get the short end of the voting stick.

Wow, Roni! What an opportunity this is.

I want to run a Tough Mudder with you in order to find myself. Sure, it sounds cliche but it is entirely true. In late 2007 I was a married woman who had no children. As such, I signed to work with a trainer and was successful in losing 60 pounds. I felt amazing. I was strong. I was dedicated. I was successful.

Towards the end of 2008 I found out that I was pregnant with our first child and I used this as an excuse to stop training, start eating and get lazy. Nine months later our daughter was born and had to spend a week in the NICU. This is where I lost myself. During her stay I started having panic attacks and problems with anxiety. She came home healthy. :)

Four months later I found out that I was pregnant with our second child. He was born healthy with no problems. Unfortunately for me, I have struggled with anxiety and depression since that moment in the NICU when I had my first panic attack.

I am working on my anxiety with medication and therapy and I must say that I feel the best that I have in three years. Now, my life has changed and all the things that I did the first time around aren’t necessairly working anymore. I am stuck in this place where I have no confidence in my ability to lose the weight again. To get strong again. To be susscessful again. At the time in my life where I should be confident in my abilities as a mother and as a wife, I am the least confident I have ever been. I am tired of being afraid of failure. I’m not looking to be a size 0. I want to be strong and confident. I want to show my children what they are capable of by showing myself what I am capable of.

Is twelve miles and obstacles even possible for a girl that weighs 240 pounds and doesn’t currently run? I don’t know but I am sure as heck willing to look my fear in the face and try! :)

Lets do Kentucky in October!

For the past 2-3 years i felt like I was stuck. Stuck at a higher weight than I would like. Stuck in a dead end job and stuck in a rut at home. Just before my birthday last fall (Oct 2012) I started running and completed my first 5K. It was the first domino that led to a lot of other healthy changes. My life still isn’t perfect (whose is?) but I’ve lost weight, am much happier and feel like I am on the road to bigger and better things. If chosen, I feel like this challenge would be like metaphorically getting myself unstuck from the mud. Plus I really loved playing in the mud when I was a kid and the Charlotte, NC Tough Mudder is the weekend after my birthday.

Roni, I’d love to do the Buffalo Tough Mudder(July 27) with you! I am a 31-year-old mother of two girls, ages 3 and 4, and social work graduate student. Growing up, I was always the cliche chunky kid; accident-prone (have broken 7 bones), asthmatic bookworm. I married an athletic, outdoor-loving guy and always felt somewhat ashamed to be seen with him because of how obviously fit he was, and how obviously unfit I was! One year after my youngest daughter was born (spring 2011), I decided to start running with C25K. It was slow going at first, but by July I was logging 5-6 miles at a time and had lost about 15 pounds. I decided on a whim to run a half-marathon that fall and by October 2011 I had lost about 30 pounds due both to running and feeding my body whole, nutrient-rich foods. For the first time, eating food was about fuel and pleasure, not guilt and regret. I have run two other half marathons and ran my first marathon in September 2012.

For me, exercise has been about claiming my body for the first time in my life. Being able to run, hike, chase my children and be active with my husband are secondary, though, to the peace and joy that I have found from treating my body with respect and taking time for myself every day. My kids and my husband would tell you that I’m a completely different person on the INSIDE than I was three years ago.

I’ve been flirting with the idea of doing a Tough Mudder, but have shied away as it would be a huge challenge for me. In school, the annual event I dreaded much more than exams was the obstacle course in gym class. I needed special help to get over the elements and was completely mortified by the experience. Even now that I’ve achieved a certain level of fitness, the idea of doing obstacles like that fills me with butterflies. But part of why I’d even consider it is due to the community-focus that those events embody; you’re not just in it to finish yourself, its about something bigger. I love that its about NOT taking yourself too seriously – its about having fun, letting your inner kid shine through, and getting dirty all while giving your body and mind a legit challenge!

Props to you for taking on so many of them. Thank you for showing the rest of us how to have fun again!

I’m scared to death at the prospect that I could actually be the one picked, but you describe me so well that I am compelled to write and force myself to take the chance anyway. I am a lurker…a commenter, a reader, an “I wish I could do that, but I can’t because I’m so darn fat” whiner, an “avid believer that everyone is amazing and should post pictures of themselves whether or not they look good in them, but for heaven’s sake, don’t do it yourself” hypocrite, the girl who can’t wear a tank top in pubic, the girl who doesn’t go out with her friends as much as she wants because there might be a camera and a picture MIGHT end up on facebook for everyone in all the land to see, and someone who so DESPERATELY wants to change all of that but doesn’t know how. So here’s for taking that first step…all the while hoping that something happens between now and that dreaded click on the “post” icon…

Why do I want to run a Tough Mudder? Well – I actually don’t. Well, that’s not true. I don’t know what I want…. what I do know is I am petrafied to do anything out of my comfort zone. I try to find all the reasons NOT to succeed at overcoming my heath and fitness hurdles in life. Why? Probably because if I move past the first hurdle, I won’t have any more excuses to hide behind.

I always feel more secure when I do things with others…. especially when I go walking or exercising… for some reason I won’t let others down and will always show up to be a workout buddy – but I am willing to let myself down daily if I am left to myself.
I have never pushed past that point of doing it just for me.

Commiting to training for something this crazy would be insane – and completely out of my comfort zone. But I wouldn’t want to let you down – so it would be the perfect push…. KNOWING I was going to run it with you – but having to prep for it by myself… holy crap – this sounds nuts….

If you pick me – a 45 year old 215 pound woman who would start training immediately if she knew she was picked…. because today, Feb 5 – I can’t walk up two flights of stairs without getting winded – and by September in St Louis MO – It would be a miracle to run 12 miles and face my fears by doing the obstacles.

I have followed your site for years – and regardless of the outcome – I like many am grateful for the chance to hang out with you!
So whatta ya say? St. Louis in September? :O)

I’m fighting with myself about whether I should actually type this… The Tough Mudder scares the crap out of me! I have lost about 40 pounds in the past three years and run several half marathons. But I haven’t done much to develop my upper body or core strength until the last month or so. I’ve been taking strength training classes at my gym and now I can do two full push ups! haha (I couldn’t even do one before so I’m kinda proud of that!) Still terrified of THE WALL… but the Tough Mudder in WA State isn’t until October. So, I think I have time to train for it. I’d love to do this race with you, Roni! (I think!!) EEEEEEE!

This is awesome! After attending my 25 high school reunion a few years ago, I hated all the pictures of myself. I took charge of my health and changed my lifestyle to loose almost 50 pounds. I have kept it over for over 3 years now. I have since run 7 half marathons and my first FULL this past October!!! Not bad for a 46 year old mom of 4 and grandmother!! I so want to do a Tough Mudder but I can’t find anyone that wants to do one with me!!!! I live in MD so the closet event to me is WVA at the end of April. Be my Buddy Roni!!

I hope I am not too late! I have gone back and forth with myself over this for..well a week now. I am finally ready to write this….

I have been following you online for the past 6 years now and you have been an amazing inspiration to me. I always felt like I “got” what you were saying about breaking the cycle of yo-yo dieting but yet I continued to struggle with it myself. I lost 35 lbs only to gain 70, I lost 60 lbs only to gain 90. Each time I thought I had set myself up for lifelong success, only to backslide and gain more than ever before. Six months ago I found myself at my highest weight ever, miserable in my own skin, unable to participate in activities I used to enjoy. I decided once again that something had to change, and that something was me. I have lost 70 lbs in the last 6 months (doctor supervised, but not surgical) and have radically changed my entire thought process around food and fitness. While I felt like I “got” what you were talking about before….now I know that I get it. Food is fuel. Yes, it tastes great and can be really enjoyable but the most important part of what you put in your body is what you get back out of it. My self esteem is no longer tied to how my body looks, but what my body can do now that it is fitter and stronger than ever. I am not at my lowest weight ever, actually I’m about 35 lbs from it, but I am at my strongest both physically and emotionally

So, why do I want to run a Tough Mudder with you? Well, for one I would love to say thank you in person, for all the tough love and brutal honesty you have put out there for all of us over the years. Secondly, I’m ready to take my fitness journey to the next level, break out of my comfort zone. I can see no better way to do that than with the woman who has helped push me in that direction all these years!

How about it? Kentucky in October? I sure hope so!

Whoever receives the most stars by 11:59 PM EST February 24 “wins” the Tough Mudder Madness contest and the entry fee. HOWEVER, I will still run with any runners-up who are willing to pay for their own ticket. All we need to do is register and figure out the logistics.

Ohhh, I’m SO excited! Let’s the madness begin!

Update: I had a typo up there. Voting closes THIS SUNDAY! I want to give the most training time to the winner and runners up who choose to register!


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Sweet Relish 2 (AKA what Miz wants for Valentines Day).

Im SMITTEN!

Yes.

Yep.

Im still smitten with the secret sauce.

Sure this is a sponsored post (hiya FTC.  the opinions here are all my own!) but the true indication of a sponsored post being a great fit?

I cannot stop yammering about the RELISH.

At the playground hanging with the other mamas? I yammer.Finished praying at synagogue & hanging at the mix&mingle time? Im talking about the RELISH.Book club over? TALK TIME commencing? Im chiming in about my new find.I RELISHED. Now it be mine. I RELISHED. Now it be mine.

 This post, however, is about a couple of YOUR Sweet Relish lists.

Initially I was ALL ABOUT my own Relishes—  but Ive spent lottsa time on the site over the past week checking out YOUR stuff.

(to my delight & the bank account’s chagrin.  you’ll have that.)

Right now Im totally coveting my friend Joyce’s BE ACTIVE TOYS  list (you know Joyce yes? we love us some Joyce around here.)

Id thought Id cornered the market on all cool active toys with my PLAYout list! but Joyce showed me there’s a thing or THREE I missed.

Here’s where I also confess Im addicted to shoes.

Today is Valentines Day.

A day which holds absolutely ZERO candy allure for this misfit (yes. I still be pretty much unprocessed) yet the FEET CANDY? I *crave*.

LISTED! LISTED!

As a result, Im obsessing over Tamara’s FEET CANDY LIST on Sweet Relish (<—-HINT REN MAN. HINT!!)

I knew Tamera was my fitness soul sister— I HAD NO IDEA till I stalked her on Sweet Relish she was my SOLE Sister, too.

Ive enjoyed this brand partnership for myriad reasons—-and not necessarily the ones I’d anticipated!

BOTTOM LINE:

For me SWEET RELISH is about organization.  It really is what Id been missing from my gift buying (from family to teacher gifts) life.For me SWEET RELISH has helped tremendously as a to-do list for my move.  Private lists have aided me in deciding what’s a NEED NOW purchase, whats a THIS CAN WAIT, and whats an IF I HAD A MILLION DOLLARS (…I’d get for the house) pipe dream.For me SWEET RELISH has been a peek into your collective heads!  It has been a way to get to know friends and family in a completely new way and has provided surprising insights into (what they desire and) who they are.

Sure I made a list for Valentines Days Treats Id ADORE but Ive been happy to discover the site, for me, is about a whole lot more than merely spending money online.

Really.

Truly.

Seriously.

(looks around)

What are you waiting for?

Join me there?

Share your Valentines Day DESIRES?

I await your lists…

FTC this is a sponsored post.  My love of the SWEET RELISH and coveting of the necklace pictured below is all my own.

it's on my list... it’s on my list…


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Just a Laid Back Sunday

I woke up a little late this morning (almost 8 a.m.!) after a fabulous date night with the husband. We went out to dinner with friends and saw a comedy show. It was a great way to end a very productive Saturday.

We had a soccer game, went grocery shopping and cleaned the house. Nothing beats waking up on a Sunday morning to this…

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I sat next to Ryan on the couch and we just hung out for a bit talking and playing with my camera. I was telling him about shutter speed and showing him the difference between no flash…

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and flash.

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I’m not a photography expert, but I know enough to be dangerous and I love that he’s interested at such a young age.

Soon we were joined by the toddler and made a quick breakfast.

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A little playing…

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…and then I was off for my run.

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Photo courtesy of Ryan. :)

My friend Carrie and I ran about 4 miles in the FREEZING cold. Actually it’s not the cold that bugs me, it’s the darn wind, but we did it and I felt great afterwards!

When I got back I made The Husband a big breakfast ’cause I’m the best wife in the world.;)

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We spend the rest of the morning finishing the laundry.

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And then it was off to the mall! I don’t know when it happened but sometime over the past year, the kids have become exhausting! Having a chatty, energetic 7-year-old on one side and a non-talking, wandering toddler on the other is maddening when you are actually trying to accomplish something. This photo pretty much sums up the husband’s thoughts…

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I’m overexaggerating a little. We had a great time picking up lacrosse supplies for Little Guy and having a late lunch at Red Robin.

We finished the rest of our errands and headed home. The Husband was off to tennis practice while the boys and I did puzzles.

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Dinner was quick PB&Js for the kids (requested,)

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And a fun quesadilla idea for me.

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I wanted to try a simple idea I had with avocado and ham. It was delicious. I think I may make it again tomorrow for GreenLiteBites.

We chilled the rest of the night…

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…until bedtime.

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Then it was Walking Dead time for Mommy and Daddy. :)

Now it’s time to wrap this up and get to bed. Early morning and a busy week ahead!

Hope you had a great weekend!


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