WOWZA

For a few months now, Brian and I have been throwing around the idea of purchasing a cabin.  After we took our house off the market, we realized just how much money we would be losing to actually sell in this ridiculous market.  But the idea of lakeshore living still nagged at us.  It was something we didn't want to give up.  So the thought of a cabin began to surface on our radar.  It was an idea that was incredibly intriguing at the very least.

If you would have asked me 6 months ago if I wanted to own a cabin I would have laughed at you and come up with 100 different reasons as to why that was a really stupid idea.  For starters, first off all, we are really busy.  I mean, really busy, all of the time.  2nd of all, cabins are really far away!  I hate driving so far for just a weekend.  3rd, my business requires my time on the weekends.  4th cabins are a lot of work and money.  Those are just a few reasons.

With some time, the idea of a cabin really started to grow on me.  I have very fond memories from my time at our cabin as a child.  And by cabin, I mean a tiny trailer at a campground.  We didn't care it was tiny.  We spent all of our time by the lake, on the boat and having fires at night.  If it was rainy, we played cards as a family for hours.  It was awesome and I truly enjoyed it.  I really want those memories for our little family.  I want my kids to grow up going to the cabin, bringing friends up there, playing cards on rainy days and just being together as a family. 

At ECFE last week we discussed the best way we can foster great relationships among our children in adulthood.  It's a really deep question that has many facets and no number one right answer.  But research shows that creating fun times and great memories as a family is the number one factor in creating great adult relationship amongst siblings.  I really believe it's true.  I think the more fun and family oriented activities we can create for our kids today, will not only instill friendships and lifelong relationships with these munchkins, but will also help impart our morals and values in their core beings. 

I know this got very deep, especially for a Thursday evening but I'm so consumed with this process I needed to share with the world (or the 20 some readers I have here).  I am really excited about this and hope that our 2nd showing tomorrow goes well.  I am hoping we can put an offer in on this and be in before summertime.  I want these good times to start rolling as soon as possible.  If we make a purchase, look out for an Evite to an awesome housewarming party come this summer!  Everyone's invited to christen our lake home!

A big girl room

I have 2 redecorating projects on my mind right now, of course you already know about my living room redo, but I've been pondering Annika's room for quite some time now.  I think I've finally decided what I want to do.  I found my inspiration in this room:

You see, Annika loves gardening, flowers and bugs.  She is so curious about all living things and this room screamed Annika when I saw it.  For the most part, the bed is what I'm hoping to replicate.  I don't care much for the bird feeders but I love the picket fence headboard and footboard, and how easy would that be?  So, I'll be making that for her.  

Next up was the task of finding the perfect bedding set.  I searched and searched and nothing really did it for me, until I saw this:

I know some people may think I'm crazy, but I think this is just so darling.  Do you remember Sunbonnet Sue?  I do, I remember her from my childhood.  This is just so innocent and sweet and so totally Annika.  We both agreed on this set too so that was a bonus!  I bought a cute white ruffled eyelet bedskirt as well that will complete the set.  

Next up I have a really cute vintage bench that my grandma gave me.  I am going to recover the cushion on it in some sort of coordinating fabric and use that same fabric to make (or have my mother in law make) some girly roman shades with ties. 

She has a flower table in there already, but I think I am going to paint it to match.  Either red, or white, not sure yet.  Right now it's just kinda cheesy and ugly but will look cute when painted.  I also am going to paint a dresser that we already have and put up a mirror above it so that she can have a big girl type vanity to look into.

Currently she has a white toy chest to store all her toys and while it really doesn't fit with the theme in there, I think I need to find a way to keep it since she has so many polly pockets, barbies and littlest petshops that need to be stored there!  

Lastly I am going to paint the walls.  I would love your opinions on color, etc.  I would love to put up some wainscoting and then paint the upper portion a red, but not sure I want to tackle that at this time.  I like what a fellow blogger (Nicole) recently did in her son's room with a stripe up top of a different color so maybe I can do that.  Just not sure what colors to do!  Help me!  

So, what do you think?  Do you think my little girly girl Annika who loves bugs, dirt and flowers will love her new place?

Redeco...

Thanks for all your tips and ideas.  Here is what I have in mind for that space.  

First of all, the couch will be staying.  Everything else (and there's not much there) will most likely be going, besides the tv of course!  

Here is my inspiration.  

This is the layout I'm aiming for.  Of course I don't have the windows on the side of the fireplace but you get the picture.  I really LOVE the colors, of course my couch is a chocolate color, but I'm hoping to find some chairs in either an orange, or a light cream color (like the couch in the picture) to accent it.  I have a friend searching for chairs of this variety:

 

I want two of them.  I would like to find either a square coffee table in a chocolate colored wood, or a trunk that can double as a coffee table/storage space.  I will also need a small side table for in between the chairs.  

I am searching for some curtains but am waiting until I figure out what color chairs I will be getting.  What I'd really like is plantation shutters, but we'll see if that's an option right now.  The best part of this redo is that if I go with some deep oranges or a similar color, I won't have to repaint at all.  

I haven't decided yet if I should paint the mantel, we'll see.  If I do, I will be going with white built-ins of some variety.  I would really like a small storage bench on part of the built ins with a nice comfy pillow/pad in a coordinating color.  

I will add some fun pillows here and there in coordinating colors as well.  I am going to repaint an old frame I have and get a picture of the kids put in it for above the couch.  I love my Organic Bloom frame but sadly it's not quite large enough.  I'm sure I won't have any trouble finding another place for it! 

I know that most of this is in my head, but I hope it makes sense.

Re-decorating

Good evening folks, my name is Michelle and I'm hopeless in the decorating department.  I have so many "wants" for my home and everywhere I look nothing fits the bill around here.  Of course I don't hate every aspect of the design and decorating here, but for the most part, it's pretty sad.  I am asking you my dear, dear readers for some help.  I am scouring the web for ideas and inspiration but I thought of asking you, my wonderful readers for some ideas as well! 

I'm starting with my living room.  Right now it consists of a wall of windows with some pretty drab Ikea drapes, a leather reclining chair that is on its last leg, a large couch I'm not willing to give up (so comfy and fairly new, plus I like it), a flat screen t.v. above the mantel and 2 ugly ass bookshelves that were cheap and a quick fill in for now type of thing.   

Here are some pictures (quality sucks, oh well): 

This is the view from my kitchen.  We used to have a nice chocolate color in there but repainted to sell.  Boo.  As you can see, on the left is a full wall (with a door in the corner to our laundry/mudroom).  On the left is a full wall of windows. 

 Couch area, the wall is gigantic and so is the couch.  I don't care for the couch there, but I don't know where else to put it!  The frame will be staying.

 One corner, ugh.

 Other corner.  Ideally I want built-ins, and someday we will get them, just not sure when.  In my mind I want a nice little bench with some storage underneath it then some shelves up top for pictures/books/etc.  Now it just houses some ugly ass black shelves. 

 Fireplace.  The cords need to be hidden, hate them!  I kind of want to paint the mantel white, or ditch it altogether.  Then put up some fun stone or tile on that wall.  We'll see what the hubs agrees to!

 Wall of windows.  I am soooo not attached to those curtains.  Ewww.  It's just really hard to find curtains to fit that window.  I would really like some plantation shutters to keep the super duper hot sun out in the afternoon!

 And the chair.  The chair I rocked the babies in, the chair that the said babies have busted.  It isn't the prettiest chair, but it's super comfy and holds some good memories.

So, ideas?  I'll share mine once you do!  I'm completely open to color, furniture and placement, etc.  I have ideas in my head and I hope to bring them to reality very soon!  YAY!

Oatmeal Chocolate Sea Salt Cookies {Yum}

Can I just say that these are some of the best cookies I've ever had? I should preface this by saying that I have a slight obsession with sea salt. I just find it to be the most divine thing ever created in the cooking universe (that may be exaggerating a bit but so true). Not only is it a healthier alternative to table salt, it has such a better flavor and adds so much more to food than iodized table salt. Just my opinion of course!

So this recipe had me at sea salt for sure. Of course the fact that it involved oatmeal and chocolate chips helped a bit too. I love that this recipe is a somewhat healthier version of a chocolate chip cookie.  Even my picky, picky 5 year old enjoyed these and she's not a fan of oatmeal cookies!  

I got this recipe from Weelicious and might I say I love her?!?!  Instead of using just plain old semi-sweet chocolate chips, I had to go for the Ghiradelli 60% Cocao, and I really think it makes all the difference.  The combination of bitter chocolate and sea salt is divine.  I just know you will love them! 

I will be bringing this to my food and booze club meeting tomorrow night with some frozen yogurt to accompany it.  It will be a hit!

I'm baaaack!

I know, I know, it's been a while.  Life has gotten in the way of blogging, what can I say?  I have so many things I want to blog about too, I just can't find the time to sit down and write a well thought out post. 

We recently returned from a family vacation in Arizona.  It was a wonderful time spent with my beautiful family and we made some great memories.  We also spent a lot of time eating terribly.  I know most people do that on vacation, but it really got me thinking about my families eating habits.  I don't know what crawled up my butt this week, but I have been really focused and very aware of every little thing that goes in our mouths.  For some time I have been eating healthy on my own, but my family can not say the same. 

Yesterday, I made a grocery list, cleaned out or fridge and cupboards and went on a mission to a healthier "us".  I really made a solid effort at the store to buy more natural items for us to eat.  The kids eat a lot of processed snacks on a daily basis and while it is the easy alternative, I am no longer ok with it.  So I ditched the snack aisle almost completely (save for a few healthier options) and went fresh.  My new rule is this: only 2 snacks a day, the morning snack can be from the cupboard (I only have it stocked with less processed and baked snacks now) and the afternoon snack must be something fresh (cheese, yogurt, fruit, veggies).  I tried to make wiser decisions in the bread department looking for breads with low sodium and no added high fructose corn syrup.  I bought a "healthier" juice, but am really looking into making my own juice since your average apple juice out there has so much sugar and literally no nutritional value.  On that note, they only get 1 water bottle of juice a day (and that is only 1/2 juice too).  The rest is either milk or water. 

Man, I sound like a mean mom.  It's not that I want bully my kids into eating healthier, I want them to start thinking about how the food they eat effects their bodies.  I want them to grow up knowing the right way to eat.  I read a statistic yesterday that was incredibly disturbing.  1 in 3 children born after the year 2000 will develop type II diabetes by the time they are 50.  Based on that statistic alone, at least one of my kids will develop the disease.  I don't know about you, but that is enough to scare me into ditching all refined sugars and processed snacks.  As the mother, I am responsible for changing that statistic.  My kids are not old enough nor do they know enough to take action, so it is my job to do it for them and raise them to be healthy people. 

Here are a few sites I have stumbled upon that have been incredibly inspiring and helpful:

Weelicious : Tons and tons of awesome recipes.  This lady is superwoman!

This Lunch Rox: Can I just say amazing?!?!  Wow, talk about talent and dedication.

Maria's Food and Nutrition Journal: Great recipes that are easy and very family friendly. 

I can't wait to get menu planning.  Last night I got the kids involved in making fresh guacamole.  The kids had a blast smashing the avocados, adding the fresh ingredients and 2/3 of the clan taste tested it too.  I'm hoping the other 1/3 will come around soon!  We enjoyed our guac with our awesome chicken and veggie fajitas (on low carb tortillas of course) with baked tortilla chips.  Eating healthy and natural really can be tasty, it just involves a little more planning but in the end it's totally worth it.

Would you consider your family healthy?  If so, do you have any ideas or tips for me and the other readers?  I would love to hear from you!

Wine in a box, that's how I roll!

2 weeks ago I was forced to drink wine out of a box.  Sacrilege I know!  What would have been worse would have been to drink this out of a keg glass too!  No such offense was made, thank goodness but I have to say, I didn't hate the boxed wine.  I'm not sure what brand it was, nor what type but it wasn't bad.  So when I was hosting a rather large party last weekend I ran to the liquor store and not wanting to spend an arm and a leg on wine I asked the wine guy at our local store what his best boxed wine was and he pointed me in the direction of Big House Red.   At only $16.99 for the equivalent of 4 bottles of wine, I was hesitantly sold.  

I really wasn't expecting much more than alcoholic grape juice, but after the day I had I was ready and willing to drink whatever you were going to pour for me.  So, I gave it a go.  I was pleasantly surprised!  And by pleasantly surprised, I mean really, really surprised.  It wasn't bad, in fact dare I say it was pretty good?  It is very fruity and light so I think most people could drink it and appreciate wine.  No wine snobbiness here, so if that's your thing, back away from the box, NOW!  

I wouldn't pair this wine with your fabulous filet mignon but this would definitely be right for a nice burger on a warm evening, or a hearty spaghetti or even your darn Hamburger Helper.  Doesn't matter to me.  I actually think it's a great wine to just enjoy for a light happy hour in the evening.  And the best part?  This box of wine can last up to 6 weeks!  Amazing.  Especially at the rate SOME people enjoy their wine :)  

Needless to say, I broke out of my snobbiness for a moment and tasted something different and I actually didn't mind it :)  I dare ya, go buy a box of wine tonight!

Norwex-Improving the Quality of Life

You can talk to anyone who knows me and they will tell you I am no clean freak, I am far from it and nowhere near the status of "germophobe".  So when I was invited to a Norwex party I kind of laughed at the thought of going to a "cleaning party".  I decided I'd go because I really needed some adult conversation, I had no intention of buying anything, my intentions were to have a glass or 3 of wine and relax without kids screaming at me. 

The consultant basically had me at hello.  The products are amazing.  I will list just a few of the reasons why I feel these products are revolutionary to me:

1. While I've never had any real ambition to "go green" in my life, these products make the process so easy.  Since you only clean with water (there are some cleaning products, chemical free of course) and the cloths capture and kill bacteria, it completely eliminates the need of harsh chemicals.

2. No more harsh chemicals in my house that are known carcinogens and allergens.

3. Most of the products, including the Envirocloth, kitchen cloth, dusting mit and wet mop are all antibac, meaning they collect bacteria, yeasts and viruses (including e-coli, salmonella and MRSA!)  from your surfaces and kills it right in the cloth.  The best part is it doesn't cross contaminate surfaces so you aren't spreading these nasty things from one place to the next in your home.

4.  I am saving money by not buying cleaning supplies and I am saving time by using basically a couple of cloths to clean everything.  Time is money people, it's golden for me!

5. Lastly, I have the peace of mind that my house not only looks clean, but it's actually really clean.  For real!  That means a lot to me.

So what did I do the next day?  I called up the consultant and said "sign me up, I want to be a part of this".  Yep, I signed onto the company and am going to be an Independent Sales Consultant for Norwex.  I am so pumped about this and even more amped to be able to spread this awesome information and share this product with others who are looking for a time saving and environmentally friendly way of cleaning. 

If you are interested in learning more and purchasing this product, feel free to email at norwexcleanms@gmail.com.  I am more than happy to share any and all information.  If you are local and want to come to my kick off party this Friday, I would love to have you!  There are some awesome hostess benefits too for March if you want to have a party of your own. 

And lastly, check out my new FB page for Norwex and please become a fan!  There you will find out about product specials and all the news about Norwex.  I need some fans to get me going.  I don't want to beg, but I might do it if you make me!

Thanks for taking a chance on this new and amazing product!

Spicy Turkey Sausage and Spinach Stuffed Shells=YUM

Last night I made some amazingly delicious stuffed shells for dinner and they were a major hit.  I was given a stuffed shells recipe on a weight watchers board I belong to, but I adapted it quite a bit and since it was so yummy I thought I would share it here.  

Michelle's Awesomely Delicious Stuffed Shells

25 Jumbo Shells

1 cup of fresh or frozen spinach

1/2 cup low fat cottage cheese

1/2 cup of Part-Skim Ricotta

1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

4 ounces of low fat mozzarella cheese

2 Jennie-O Spicy Turkey Sausage links

1 Jar of Prego Heart Smart Traditional Italian Sauce

Remove casing from turkey sausage and brown in a pan.  Set aside.  

{My sister took these pictures because she thought it was funny}  

Cook shells according to package.  In a large mixing bowl, combine spinach, cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, ricotta and sausage.  In a 9x13 pan, add 1/2 cup of sauce to bottom of the pan.  Stuff shells with the cheese, spinach and sausage mixture.  

 

Top with the remaining sauce and cover with tinfoil.  Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.  

I served this with some baked ciabatta bread but this would also be great with a nice spinach salad as well.  I also think I will add another turkey sausage next time as it was a great addition.  

If you are following Weight Watchers then each shell is worth 3 points.  I ate 3 for a total of 9 points for dinner, which isn't too shabby.  Very filling and it feels like such an indulgence!  Enjoy!

CSN Stores

A while back I gave away a gift certificate to CSN Stores, well I was asked to do a review of one of their products now!  I am super excited about it!  CSN Stores carries so many things from tv tables to luggage.  You can get virtually anything through the stores over at CSN.

When I was browsing the stores, I was feeling overwhelmed about what I should review.  At first I thought some fun wine paraphernalia would be great but then I got practical.  We are in desperate need of a new omelet pan, so I'm going to snag myself a new Calphalon 10in Omelet pan!  When I get it and get a chance to use it I will do my full review, but who doesn't love a good Calphalon pan?

Bringing Sexy Back

3 weeks ago, I joined Weight Watchers Online.  3 weeks ago I weighed more than I was comfortable weighing (127) and I didn't feel good in my clothes.  3 weeks ago I totally slacked in the exercise department.  3 weeks ago, I took control.  In the past, I've done Atkins (very successfully) but I just can't sustain that lifestyle.  The thing about WW is that it teaches you how to eat.  It teaches portion control and helps you indulge smartly, rather than irrationally.  It's totally what I needed.  Now, instead of pigging out because it sounds good, I think twice about whether I really need that piece of chocolate cake or not?  I'm cooking healthier and using better products, yet still enjoying what I eat.  It is so easy and in 3 weeks I've lost 7 pounds.  7 whole pounds!  I'm working out, I started Pilates again and for the first time in a few months I feel great about myself.

Sometimes I hate that I have to try so hard to stay thin, I really have to watch what I eat and stay active.  But, when you think about it, what's wrong with that?  It makes me healthier than if I didn't have to do that, right?  Plus I am a good example to the kiddos.  They are more aware of what they put in their mouths too.  They often ask if something is healthy and I'll answer yes or no and offer an alternative.

Now, if only winter would end and I could really get outside and enjoy this new body!  That would make things complete!

Project Life

There's been a lot of hype going around about Becky Higgins Project Life.  In my opinion, it is a great way to easily document your family's life.  I take a million pictures and yet never really print them or scrapbook them anymore.  I'm so far behind on this that I am completely overwhelmed with the task.  So, I jumped on the bandwagon and purchased my very own kit!  It should be here tomorrow and I am sooooo excited to get started! 

You may know that I have started a project 365 over here,  and so far I am doing fabulously for 2011!  Well, now I have a place to put my pictures.  I am so excited to have this to remember the little things about our wonderful life. 

Becky Higgins makes this so simple.  She includes the album, the page protectors, the inserts for journaling, the monthly dividers, paper, etc.  It's fabulous.  All I have to do is fill in the blanks!  No cutting, no gluing, no embelleshing!  It's wonderful. 

Becky Higgins is helping me with one of my resolutions and for that, I thank her!

Mother's Little Helper

Mother's Little Helper
(Jagger/Richards)

What a drag it is getting old
"Kids are different today"
I hear ev'ry mother say
Mother needs something today to calm her down
And though she's not really ill
There's a little yellow pill
She goes running for the shelter of a mother's little helper
And it helps her on her way, gets her through her busy day

"Things are different today"
I hear ev'ry mother say
Cooking fresh food for a husband's just a drag
So she buys an instant cake and she burns her frozen steak
And goes running for the shelter of a mother's little helper
And two help her on her way, get her through her busy day

Doctor please, some more of these
Outside the door, she took four more
What a drag it is getting old

"Men just aren't the same today"
I hear ev'ry mother say
They just don't appreciate that you get tired
They're so hard to satisfy, You can tranquilize your mind
So go running for the shelter of a mother's little helper
And four help you through the night, help to minimize your plight

Doctor please, some more of these
Outside the door, she took four more
What a drag it is getting old

"Life's just much too hard today,"
I hear ev'ry mother say
The pursuit of happiness just seems a bore
And if you take more of those, you will get an overdose
No more running for the shelter of a mother's little helper
They just helped you on your way, through your busy dying day

Recently I took the gigantic step of asking for help in the sanity department.  I've been putting it off for months and even attempted to do some Yoga and take some B Stress Complex to help combat my anxiety and it just wasn't cutting it.   On New Year's Eve, we were all sitting down for dinner and I had a panic attack.  You see, this panic attack was completely unwarranted and I knew of no trigger at that moment of time.  It scared me and I took it as a sign that I needed some professional help. 

I've had anxiety my entire life, I am a worrier and I've come to accept that.  However, my worries have escalated to ridiculous heights and I just can't live like that.  My fears over silly things haunt me each night and while I'm embarrassed to admit it, it's true and I need to accept it. 

The first thing I tackled this new year was calling the doctor.  The nice man on the phone administered the anxiety quiz, with a 4 or 5 being normal and anything above that (up to 21) was considered to be an anxiety disorder.  I scored a 19.  Yep, I almost had a perfect score!  Nothing to be proud of I know, but at that moment I knew I took the right step.  I kept my appointment and the Dr. was certain I needed some chemical help so he prescribed Zoloft.  I was told to give it 2 weeks but boy, do I feel better already.  My patience level is normalized, I no longer have horrible thoughts late at night about bad things happening, I smile more, I'm calmer and overall I'm a happier person. 

My aunt told me about the Rolling Stones Song, Mother's Little Helper and I immediately knew that song was meant for me.  No more hiding behind a fake smile and no more pretending that I'm ok.  This is something that I can't help, it's a chemical imbalance in my brain and I need the medication to stabilize those chemicals and that is ok.  I'm not ashamed and I'm here today to share my story with you so that you know that it's ok to ask for help. 

Being a woman is tough work.  We already have to deal with hormones, but the pressures that exist in society of how to act, how to look, how to raise our children make it that much more difficult.  Add on top of that the stress that comes along with having a job, children, family commitments can just become too much.  If this isn't you, don't judge, just offer a kind word.  If this is you, know you aren't alone. 

Offer a hug to someone today!

Connections

One of my resolutions for the year is to rekindle connections in my 'real' life.  The internet has afforded us so many options to make connections; blogs, Facebook, message boards and so many more but how often do we actually connect with the actual person on the other end of that social network?  My bet is that it's not all that frequent.  This day and age, life is so rushed and hectic.  We've got a million places to be and only 24 hours/day to get there.  Sometimes the people we truly care about get left behind, even if only for the moment.  And then there is the coordinating of schedules.  It's a task in and of itself to actually pick a date to meet up.  It's next to impossible when there are more than 2 people involved.

This year I resolve to make an effort with my family and friends.  I want to spend more time alone with Brian.  We have a wonderful relationship, we get along so well and laugh a lot but we rarely get time alone, away from the house.  I want date nights, dinners, time to be together without kids screaming in the background.

I also want to see my girlfriends more.  We need to re-establish our book club, aka food and booze club.  We have so much fun together and all we really need is great food, some beer and wine and each other.  I'm very lucky to have a close knit group of ladies that really understand me and accept me for who I am.

Lastly, I want to make new connections.  I want to put myself out there and make new friends.  It seems to be a foreign concept to us grown ups.  Why not actually "be friends" with some of my Facebook friends?  Why not make a playdate with some moms from preschool or ECFE?  Why not get to know my neighbors better?  There is no reason not to and I resolve to change that.

What are your resolutions this year?  Do you feel a lack of connections in your real life?  How can you make time for the loved ones in your life? 

And on a totally unrelated note (although another resolution), go check out my Project 365: Oh Snap.  I'd love to hear your comments and feedback.  And link up if you are doing one too!  I love checking out all the wonderful pictures!

My word(s) of the year

If you haven't read Nicole's post about her word of the year, go check it out.  It's totally worth reading.  And if you haven't coined your word for the year, what are you waiting for? 

This task really takes some deep thought and I have a lot on my mind about what I would like to accomplish this year, so it was close to impossible for me to narrow it down to just one word, and I think I'm ok with that.  I have 5 specific words I want to focus on this year:

1. Sanity
2. Connections
3. Patience
4. Creativity
5. Health

I know, that's a lot to take on but I've taken stock of my life and while I am pretty blessed and a very lucky lady with all that I have, I know that I have a lot I need to work on.

Number one being my sanity.  By nature, I carry a high amount of anxiety in my life.  I worry about everything despite how irrational it may be. I am in a constant state of worry and almost always have that knot in the pit of my stomach.  As of late, I've been working hard on de-stressing through natural means, however after a recent and extremely random panic attack, I will be seeking professional help.  I know when it's time to ask for help and now is the time.

Number 2 is connections.  Connections meaning the people in my life.  I want to make it a point to see the people I care about more often, rather than just through electronic means.  I also want to make it a point to go out with Brian more.  We have a wonderful relationship and enjoy each other, it's just that we don't really make enough time for just the 2 of us.  Not anymore, this changes this month.

Number 3 is patience.  I'm hoping that by working on number 1, this will come a little easier for me.  Besides being anxious and a worry wart, I am also very impatient.  I have to try very hard to remain patient with my kids and I really need to make patience a priority in my life.

Number 4 is creativity.  This is simple, I want to take some time this year to expand my photography vision.  I want to dig deeper, challenge myself and take my photos to a whole new level.  I would like to take some workshops or find a mentor that can help me achieve this.  I am also attempting a 365 on a separate blog.  I want to try and document our lives, the little things and not just the pretty pictures I am known for.  While I cherish those portraits, I think I love even more the shots of our everyday lives. 

Number 5 is health.  I want to get back on the workout train and eat healthier.  I want to learn to relax and de-stress.  I want to start taking pilates classes again and start yoga to regain some flexibilty.  I would love to remember to take my vitamins daily.  Lastly, I would really love to train for another race. 

I have lofty goals for the year and I think I can really make these happen with just a little determination.  I know I can accomplish a lot with a positive attitude and a supportive community.  What are your goals?  What is your word or words of the year?  

The Word Of The Year

If you have spent any time on Facebook this week, you may have seen reminders to choose your 'word' for 2011; the one word that you will embody in the coming year and that you will allow, in turn, to embody you.  Given that I am not one who goes for the unrealistically high bar that making resolutions* sets, choosing a word before the stroke of midnight tonight has become my goal this week (along with sorting, cleaning, purging, organizing, and digging out from under the holidays in general and counting down the minutes until Monday morning and the return to sanity and schedule.)

I have to admit that choosing my word has been much harder than I expected, and I may or may not have turned to a dictionary at one point to help my quest (and should you need to do the same, I would advise that you steer clear of the Children's Dictionary . . . lots of nouns and pictures, but not a lot of ideas.)  One word for 365 days . . .

And then it hit me.

For a good portion of my adult life I have felt overwhelmed.  While various jobs, marriage, children, home ownership and all of the things that come with being a grown-up have been rewarding and fantastic in their own way, they have also often been a lot to take in, and more often than not, I have felt like a passive observer rather than in control of the things going on around me.  In 2010 I worked hard to take back my life, making decisions and changes that I hoped would lead to personal growth and development.  While many of these decisions and changes did foster growth and change (in both expected and very unexpected ways), as I reflect on the year as a whole, I know that I still spent much of it overwhelmed by everything going on around me.  Therefore, my word for 2011 is EMBRACE.

I had initially settled on the word ACCEPT (which means to receive willingly or to give admittance to or approval to), but just couldn't get over the passivity that it implies - I wanted something that involves taking action.  To EMBRACE something means to take up especially readily or gladly (according to Merriam-Webster, anyway), and while I already know I won't always ACCEPT things readily or gladly in the new year, there is no reason that I can't EMBRACE them for what they war - challenges, blessings in disguise, eye openers, or gifts.  There is a physicality and intended acceptance in the word EMBRACE that I need and that I can apply with purpose.

In 2011, I will EMBRACE that which is placed before me - the things that I love, the things that I don't love, the things that I can change, and the things that I can't.  I will EMBRACE life.

Now you tell me . . . what will your 'word' for 2011 be?

*I have amended my no resolutions policy this year and am resolving that on January 1st, 2011 I will stop hijacking Michelle's blog and will write in my own little corner of the Internet - though I am sure I will still contribute at Mom's Sippy Cup . . . I've just got too much to say!  Check my profile tomorrow for a live link!

On The 6th Day Of Christmas . . .

My kiddos are very lucky for a vast number of reasons, but as it relates to the holidays, they are very lucky to have two sets of grandparents who like to shop.  While this takes the burden of trolling the aisles at Toys R Us off of me, it also means that I can either indulge them with more toys or go the more practical route.  So far I have managed to avoid wrapping up socks and underwear by instead getting the things that they can use almost everyday and will continue to use for at least the next few years.

Being in kindergarten and preschool, both of my older kids already have backpacks, but my toddler is still without, so the L.L. Bean Original Junior Backpack is at the top of her list.  I am not even remotely exaggerating when I tell you that backpacks from L.L. Bean live forever - if you were to go over to my parent's house right now you would find the backpack I used throughout middle school, high school, college, and my time on the ambulance . . . and it is still in awesome shape.  She is still a couple of years from starting preschool, but the bag is perfect for packing for overnight trips to grandma's house or for afternoon outings.

Knowing how well their backpacks hold up, I also looked to L.L. Bean for lunchboxes for the kids - my oldest will start the afternoon kindergarten enrichment program after his winter break, and will need to bring his lunch.  This arrived on my front step the other day, and it will be perfect for him (and the girls as well since we often take our own lunches and snacks when we go places.)  The best part about these lunchboxes?  They hold these Bento-style reusable containers from Ziploc.  The incomparable Danifred posted about these a few months ago, and knowing how my kids enjoy a little-of-this and a little-of-that when it comes to eating, I knew they would be perfect!  (If the aforementioned doesn't quite do it for you, be sure to peruse this site as well for a similar product!)

In addition to buying for my own children, I also purchase a small gift for their two bestest friends - the little girls nextdoor who are the exact same age (and the reason I know my son will one day marry a girl with red hair.)  These little girls also have birthdays immediately before and immediately after Christmas, and while I hate being the one that combines their Christmas gift with their birthday present, doing so justifies spending a little bit more for a single item.  This year, I got them (and my own kids as well because I know they will use the every-living-crap out of them) personalized pencil cases that I plan to fill with pencils, erasers, stickers, and a couple hair ties.

My need to be considered a fun parent will undoubtedly will undoubtedly show through before Christmas and I will most likely track down a few things that I know my kids will love, but I will do so knowing that I have also been pragmatic and that they will be using their gifts long after Barbie's head has been ripped off and the Legos have been sucked up by the vacuum.

Tell me this:  what is your gift giving style when it comes to your children?  One-more-toy-can't-hurt or they-are-going-to-need-a-new-pair-of-shoes-to-get-through-winter?

On The 5th Day Of Christmas . . .

Michelle hit the nail on the head yesterday when she wrote about the joy that is shopping on Etsy.  The Etsy site features some of the most talented and creative vendors out there, all of whom hand make their goods.  Having spent way more time than I care to admit to perusing their site, I think I can safely say that there is something for everyone!  Despite the fact that I am not a big jewelry wearer, some of my favorite vendors to check-out are those who custom make various types of jewelry, including rings, bracelets, and necklaces.  A few worth checking out:

Birth Designs:  After my last child was born my husband gifted me with this store's Branches Of My Family necklace.  Finding custom jewelry that accommodates the names of each of my children is sometimes hard, and I love the fact that this piece not only held their 4 names, but my husband's name and my name as well.

Lavender Cottage:  I adore dragonflies, and if you have a similar love, this shop is for you, carrying beautiful earrings, rings, and cuff bracelets featuring the bug.

Birdz and Beez:  I love the ties to nature and the beautiful and intricate work on these pieces, which also carry a bit of whimsy and the feel that they belong in a fairytale.

Alaiyna B. Designs:  Despite the fact that I rarely even wear my wedding ring, I can't help but drool over the rings in this shop!  Do you think if I make it the homepage on our computer my husband will take note?!  (Don't answer that.  I will keep it bookmarked for me and a rainy day.)

Say Anything Jewelry:  Stephanie has a great selection of pieces ranging from dog tags to guitar picks, and uses copper in addition to the common silver.  My bestest friend in the world gifted me with this beautiful necklace last spring, and I love it so much that I got my sister a necklace for her "something blue" when she got married this past summer.

I know there are lots of other stores that deserve to be mentioned and I am betting that it is only a matter of time before I add them to my list of bookmarked sites!  While some of these vendors are able to accommodate orders placed now in time for Christmas, some are looking at delivery dates in January - if you don't want to put an I.O.U. under the tree, why not get a jump on shopping for Valentine's Day?!

**Please note that this is an unsponsored post and that none of the vendors listed above have provided any compensation for being featured here today - I just like their products, and I hope you do to!

On the 4th day of Christmas...

Gift giving the Etsy edition!  If you remember from this post, you already know that I love trying to find unique and original gifts that the receiver will cherish and love and what better place to find unique AND handmade gifts for your loved ones than Etsy (holy run on sentence!)!.  If you've never been to Etsy, then you must head over there right now.  No joke, NOW!  Etsy is THE place to find amazing handmade and vintage goods to cater to just about any of the wonderful people in your life.  In fact, I've already purchased some amazing gifts for the ladies in my life (I'd share but I don't want to spoil it!).  The shop owners are kind and quick and always willing to please and that's what I love about this group of craftspeople.  So here you go, great ideas for all the people in your life.

For the mama's in your life.  This could be your mom, or could be a great girlfriend who just had a baby, or your amazing wife, hint... hint...

So this first gift is best given to a young mom and while it's a bit pricey, it is amazingly beautiful and will carry a tremendous amount of meaning to a mama with little kiddos.  Be prepared, she will probably weep like a child when she opens this.

And any grandma would truly enjoy these with your kiddos faces on them!  What a unique way to display your photos.

For the papa's in your life.

Ok, so when I found this one I just about fell off the couch as I absolutely fell in love.  Seriously, could this gift get anymore perfect for your babies daddy?

A keychain with your child's artwork on it?!?!  I love it.  I would take this gift in a heartbeat too! 

For the reader in your life!  

This gift would go over well with a father in law who loves to read, or a friend that has a great sense of humor, or just anyone who loves bacon! 

For the photographer in your life.

This...

My favorites are these:

And I totally would love one of these:

And we can't forget those special little kiddos in your life.  They are the reason Christmas is fun, right?

What little girl wouldn't love this gift?  They can be just like mommy!  I know my girls would adore it!

And I just know that my son would love this gift.

And lastly, but certainly not least, for the amazing Teachers in your life.  We all know how much work and effort it takes to teach the young ones in the world.  They have a great responsibility on their hands and they certainly deal with a lot on a day to day basis, so please don't leave this group of amazing people out on your gift giving this year.  They deserve something special, even if it's small.  

This gift is so unique and interesting and you better believe that the teacher you hand this over to will be thinking about your child every day she/he opens one of the wonderful stars.

And these adorable notepads could accompany a gift certificate to Target or to Starbucks.

There are some manly ones too that would work great for that male teacher!

And these candles would make an awesome gift for that special teacher too!

And that concludes today's edition of the 12 Days of Christmas!  I hope that you enjoyed reading and it got your gears a-turnin'.  Now go shopping!

P.S. All the vendors featured here today have no idea who we are here at Mom's Sippy Cup.  I selected these items because I loved them and thought they would truly make great gifts.  In no way has anyone sponsored this post :)

On The 3rd Day Of Christmas . . .

Welcome to the fitness fanatic edition of our gift giving countdown!  Last spring, after taking a very long hiatus from exercising, I finally decided it was time to get rid of the last of the baby weight and to really work on my physical well being.  Clearly high on chocolate, I decided that I was going to accomplish this by doing the P90X program.  Someday I will write a post which I have already titled "P90-What-The-H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks-Was-I-Thinking?!" to tell you how much I seriously LOVE the program, how well it has worked for me, and how worth the cost it is (though truth-be-told, I bought it off of Craigslist for a fraction of the retail price, thank-you-overweight-man-who-lacked-the-motivation-to-open-the-package), but for today let's just focus on the 'tools' that go with exercising.

The Clothes:  Even the smallest chested woman needs a good sports bra before she hits the ground (or the treadmill or the aerobics floor or her living room floor), and while I have a few and a few different brands, my hands-down favorite is the one made by UnderArmour.  I sweat a ridiculous amount when I am working out, and I love the fact that this bra absorbs and then wicks away the moisture, keeping me from feeling like I am wearing a wet bathing suit top.  I also have a couple of their tanks and a couple months ago scored a sweet deal on a fleece jacket at their outlet store.  (This is one product where it pays to shop around . . . the prices on the website are steep, but most sporting goods stores carry their products for far less.)  I am also a big fan of Champion, which is carried by Target (among others.)  I love their shorts and their short-sleeved shirts, and they are very reasonably priced.

The Gear:  Cardiovascular training is important for losing weight, but did you know that there is just as much benefit in weight and resistance training?  Simply put, muscle cells burn more calories than fat cells do.  (And I mean VERY simply put . . . I tried to find a good link to explain all of it but ran out of time.  It seems there are small people in my house who MUST.HAVE.DINNER.NOW.)  Anyway . . . I always figured that hand weights were the way to go until my chiropractor mentioned using resistance bands instead.  At his recommendation, I ordered a set from Bodylastics.  Worth EVERY PENNY.  I can do all the same exercises that I would do with the hand weights, and I have every combination of weight possible - individual bands starting at 3 pounds and going up to 30 pounds that can be combined to provide even greater resistance.

Something For Safety:  My parents are both exercise fanatics - my Dad is a huge runner and my Mom is one of those crazy women who is out walking at 6:30 every morning.  I love that they are so active, but the daughter and former-paramedic in me worries about their safety and about what would happen if they got injured and were unable to tell the police or fire department who they were or who they should notify.  Enter RoadID!  Each of my parents is getting a RoadID for Christmas - a bracelet for my Mom and a shoe band for my Dad.  (Be sure to enter pcFB152 as a promotional code when you check-out to get 10% off your purchase!)

It may seem a bit, ummm . . . suggestive to give the ones you love things that they could use when they workout, so these gifts may be best for people who already have an exercise routine or who need a little push to get off the couch.  Unless, of course, you want to spend the next year being chastised for indirectly calling your sister-in-law fat.