New England Through Yummy Mom's Eyes

The Bad and the Ugly.

2012-02-02T17:34:00.004-05:00

Whoops, forgot all about this... I bet you were waiting with baited breath to find out the bad and the UGLY about my hubby, huh? First off, the bad...

See that moustache... pretty bad, eh? Ok, that's not really the 'bad' (I mean it is bad in all possibly ways, but he only had it for Movember and it is now gone... thank my lucky stars!)

Now the real 'bad'...

Colb sat down one evening in front of the television, "Where is the remote?"

"I have no idea."

"How did you change the channels?"

"I walked over to the TV and pressed the 'Channel' buttons."

"Uggghhhh."

"Seriously, Colb? The tv is 5 feet away."

"But I have to go through ALL the channels to pick what I want."

"Really, all SIX of them?" (No cable literally gives us about 6 channels on our tv)

I watched him quietly as he moved his head from one side to the other... he was not willing to actually move his body to search for this remote any more than he was willing to stand and press a button on the tv.

I went to up to bed where he uncharacteristically quickly joined me, obviously devasted by this whole remote debacle.

As I descended the stairs the next morning, I discovered the tv WAS STILL ON! He could not even turn it off as he walked right by it when he exited the living room!

True story.

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And the ugly:

I crossed Colby's path one morning as he was leaving for work. I looked curiously at each of the girls as I sniffed near them... "What is THAT smell?"

"What smell?" Colb asked.

"It smells like...." I walked closer to Colb... "Oh my God. You are not wearing..."

"What?"

"My SENSUAL lotion!"

It is my favorite lotion... and it is quite sensual. I do not wear it to work or to basketball practice... "Inspires heightened sensuality..."

"My skin was super dry. I needed moisturizer."

"Sooo, do you plan on going to work smelling like that?"

"Well, I can't very well wash it off now."

"Bwhahhahahha!"

Imagine when Colby walks up to some poor unsuspected coworker who smells my lotion that "puts love in the air" only to turn around and see... my HUSBAND!

Now that will be ugly.

The good, the bad and the ugly...

2012-01-30T19:01:00.005-05:00

My husband does not get nearly enough air time here. I have great stories I could share about him, but somehow... with my 3 crazy kids, he always seems to fall to the drafts folder.

I thought I would tell ya a few tidbits about him... the good, the bad and the ugly.

First off: why he is the very best husband ever- one that many women would kill for. A couple of weeks ago was the Patriots NFL playoff game. (We are in New England, so this is HUGE for us!) Colb was lucky enough to score a ticket with his uncle and cousin. It was a late game, 8pm and the stadium is a couple of hours from us.

When Colb is out late, I can't help but lay awake and wait for him... which was the case that night. I usually lay in bed and look out my little window to see the front light shut off, I then know he is home and can fall off to sleep.

This particular night, I expected him at 2am. I started watching the window... and waiting... and watching... it was soon 3am... then nearly 4am. I looked around and realized that my cell phone and house phone were downstairs... I ran down to grab them... only to see A LOT of missed calls and messages. Basically they said, "You locked me out. I don't have keys. Please let me in." Over. And over.

Oh, and it was about zero degrees outside that night. Whoops.

Thankfully, my neighbor was kind enough to let him in and give him a place to sleep... for half an hour until I had to call and wake him up, "Uh, can you come home? I have to get ready for work."

"Is the door unlocked?"

"Yes"

After work, I came home with 2 Pepsi cans and a bag of potato chips. "Is this your peace offering for locking me out in below zero weather?"

"Ummm.... yes."

"Cool."

Which makes him the best husband ever. Lord knows if he EVER did that to me.... I would NEVER get over it. There would be evil eyes, silence treatments, cold shoulders and a very angry Michele. But, he is not me... thank our lucky stars. Because that would suck... and we would have divorced long ago.

Ok, that story went long, lets save the bad and the ugly for tomorrow.

Rainy Day Recipe: Energy Balls

2012-01-24T10:43:00.004-05:00

I have pinned quite a few energy ball recipes recently as I had some granola with pomegranate that my kids simply would not eat and a tropical trail mix that they kept pushing to the back of the pantry. I figured if I mixed it all into a quasi-healthy, ooey-gooey treat, we'd all win if they ate it.

And so here is the basic recipe I came up with (be sure to read on for the very many variations you can do with this recipe...)

1 cup granola
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup honey
1 1/2 cup trail mix (mine was dried fruits and sunflower seeds)
2 tsp vanilla

Here, I melted me honey in the microwave enough to make it pourable... it's a bit cold in my house so it was a brick. Mix everything above until thoroughly mixed. Let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour. Once chilled, roll into balls! You might want plastic gloves or baggies on your hands, but mine really did not stick to my hands at all. Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week. I found they taste better after they have stored for a day and gotten nice and chewy.

Now, this recipe is SO very versatile, you can switch out the ingredients so may different ways...

Switch the granola for oatmeal (steel cut, old fashioned or quick cook will all work).

Switch the peanut butter for Nutella, almond butter, any nut butter, really.

Switch the 1 1/2 cups trail mix for... anything really:

Coconut
Chocolate chips (mini work well)
broken up cereal bits
raisins
I used 1/2 cup ground flax seed once plus 1 cup of my trail mix
dried berries
chopped nuts
use a portion of protein powder as part of your 1 1/2 cups and make them "protein bars"

You can also switch the honey for agave nectar

They can be a challenge to form in balls if your ingredients are too big (such as full sized chocolate chips) so I had cut some of my trail mix dried fruit down a bit. They may not seem to form perfectly, but if you really squish the balls together and then refrigerate, they will hold perfectly. And after the ingredients are incorporated, they have a sort of cookie dough consistency...

...which my kids LOVED! This is one thing (aside from chocolate chip cookies) that I have created in my house that all 5 people LOVE. Seriously. The kids have been begging for them and my husband said, "These are really good."

Enjoy, but be careful... they are addictive!

Menu Monday

2012-01-23T10:26:00.004-05:00

I am trying desperately to find food that fits within my detox for the month and that my children and husband will eat... it's hard, very hard. But, I have found some compromises that hopefully all will like...

Monday: Brown rice sushi (California rolls)

Tuesday: Baked fish and roasted Brussels sprouts with pears

Wednesday: Cauliflower penne puttanesca

Thursday: Tuscan bean soup with shrimp

Friday: Leftovers

Wish me luck!

A Motley Thursday

2012-01-19T12:33:00.002-05:00

Today I have a mish-mash for ya. First off, I am a few days into my detox and all is well. I am glad I did a pre-detox because I did not experience the headaches and whatnot that come from caffeine withdrawals. I have been coffee free since Monday (as well as dairy, soy, meat... yada yada) All is well.

I did want to share my favorite treat that I have discovered. It's quick, simply, yummy, full of nutrition... but healthy!

Grab your mixer, 1 cup vanilla almond milk, 1/2 cup organic pumpkin pie puree... mix... and in about 15 seconds you have a delicious smoothie. If you like all things pumpkin like I do, it's a home run.

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I am super excited to be taking Annika to Disney on Ice tonight along with 2 of her friends and their moms... she is going to have a blast! Expect LOTS of photos on my new iPhone! (YAY- new iPhone)

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Annika had her annual checkup with her doctor this week. As the doc was asking her about the vegetables she eats, how much screen time she gets... etc. I could not help but wonder, do you think parents lie about these things to their doctor... I mean who would say, "Yes, she sits in front of the tv 14 hours per day." And if you did say that, does that doctor have some sort of intervention that they'd run, or would they just note it in their laptop and move on?

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Blogger has finally come up with a fix to reply to peoples comments right inline! The instructions are here. I have not gotten it to successfully work for me yet, but I have seen it on other blogs.

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If you are planning on going to a Superbowl party, this is the yummiest collection of dips I have ever come across.

That's all folk. Happy motley Thursday.

Sunday Citar: A Magical Event

2012-01-15T17:32:00.002-05:00

"The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event. You go to bed in one kind of world and wake up in another quite different, and if this is not enchantment then where is it to be found?"
- J. B. Priestly

We finally experienced our first true snowfall of the winter... enough to make snowballs and snowforts and to surf on the sled down the hill on our lawn. We got into our snow pants and hats, mittens, scarves, boots, wooly socks... The first snow fall of every year has never failed to be enchanting for me over the last 10 years.

As an adult, you see snow shoveling and icy windshield wipers. But when you have children, you can see it through their eyes, the wonder of each falling snowflake, the anticipation and enjoyment of sledding down the hill, making a snow angel, running inside for hot chocolate to warm a chilled body.

My children never cease to amuse me with their excitement when they look out the window for the first time, "LOOK, Mom! Snowflakes!"

Soon, I will be praying for the first blossom and sandals on my feet and the warm sunshine on my face. But for today, at least, I will enjoy the winter through my daughters' eyes as I am hanging my snowpants up to dry.

From 4 years ago when Annika was 2 and saw her first snow...

Go visit Tabitha for more inspiration and Sunday Citar.

Calling child protective services....

2012-01-11T11:27:00.000-05:00

I was sooo taken back by this video... I honestly did not think it was real. But, really, who could make this up??? It is yet another reason that I am glad to not have cable television. I am so embarrassed for this little girl, the family... the toddler and tiara industry.

TV Shows - Full Episode Video - Reality TV Shows

This baby girl said, "A dollar makes me holler." Out loud. Televised for the world to see... am I the only person who finds it repulsive? Oh, and speaking of repulsive... don't even get me started on these "parents" of hers. Lord knows you don't need a background check to have a child.Ok, I will get off my soapbox and go hug my daughters and thank my lucky stars they have me as a mother.

Skinny Girl: The Adventure Begins

2012-01-11T11:09:00.000-05:00

{source}

Ok, I talked about my new found beer belly and my need to get rid of it. Let's be clear, I really do not need to lose weight, ideally it could be redistributed from my belly upwards to other areas. But, until I find a way to do that, I do need to work on getting back in shape and being healthy and keeping my family healthy.

And it all starts Monday. I have the opportunity to try a pretty regimented detox with a bunch of motivated ladies. The detox products come from Arbonne, which is a company I really trust and by joining some other women to do it as I group, I will be more motivated to continue.

Basically, this detox will be one month of vegan (no meat or DAIRY), no gluten, no alcohol, no caffeine... basically nothing yummy. I am choosing to do this because I know that it takes a month to make a new habit and I really wanted to cut back on my high sugar, high caloric beer and my coffee (with lots of yummy creamers) addictions.

I started 2 weeks ago on a 'soft' detox to prepare myself as I know that when I cut out caffeine and sugars, etc. instantly, I get headaches and nausea. So, I slowly cut back to only a couple of yummy beers over the past 2 weekends, only 1 cup of coffee a day, no meat and very limited dairy and eggs.

What I have learned over the past 2 weeks of my soft detox? I could never be vegan. I LOVE my eggs... butter, cheese, yogurt, milk... did I mention butter... and cheese. I will go right back to these things after my detox. BUT, I can learn new ways to prepare foods so that I am eating more veggies, whole grains and healthful foods and craving less fatty butter, cheese and sugary foods.

I will not be sharing my step-by-step detox, but I will share some healthy recipes that I come across along with any other great tips I learn.

So, wish me luck... this is going to be a LONNNGGGG month.

Evolution of a former skinny girl...

2012-01-09T13:11:00.000-05:00

I have always been a very thin person. When I met my husband at age 23, I was 115 pounds at 5'9" tall. And that was heavy for me. Throughout high school and my early 20's, I stayed from 105-110 pounds. My weight was never a concern... aside from doctors trying to make me gain weight, that is. I could eat what I wanted, when I wanted and never have a concern. As we graduated high school, my friends were worried about the freshman 15. Not me. I made it through unscathed. People quipped, "Just wait until you get pregnant. THEN you will gain weight." While I did reach upwards of 140 pounds during my first pregnancy, I was still at 125 pounds after Ariana, which was well within a healthy range for my height. And then came my second pregnancy. I actually gained less weight with Annika and quickly came back to size after her. I went on a girls' trip to Mexico 7 months after delivering her and was back in my bikini:

I was still eating what I wanted and exercising moderately.

At pregnancy #3, my friends were convinced that this was the end... there was no way anyone could bounce back after having 3 babies to a bikini body again.

But my third pregnancy was much the same as the first two...

{at 22 weeks}

{at 31 weeks}

{at 39 weeks}

I gained the least amount of weight with Acadia and had no issues losing it. In a few months, I was able to get back in my bikini:

Now, I wish that is where the story ended... sadly, no. I had made it 33 years, 3 pregnancies... through all manners of eating and exercising with close to the same figure.

And then it happened... my 35th year. That is where it all went down hill. Suddenly, seemingly overnight, my metabolism changed. It was as if I could look at a cookie and gain a pound. I could pinpoint the exact time frame- over the holidays of last year (2010) I gained 10 pounds... within 2 months! I did not even know that was possible!

I did not think too much of it. I went back to my Wii Fit and cut back on the cake... but the weight did not really move. Now I was getting scared. Ten pounds was not a whole lot for me... but I certainly could not keep gaining 5 pounds a month! I did ok keeping my weight stable through the summer with moderate activity and a healthy diet throughout the summer. I did not, however get back in my bikinis last summer. The 10 pounds was not the issue, the issue was that the 10 pounds fell directly on my tummy and thighs. Now I was starting to look like a big ol' pear.

And we all know that along with that big ol' pear shape comes many health issues. Studies show that people with wide girths are more likely to have large amounts of deep-hidden belly fat around their organs. It might be the most dangerous kind of fat and could increase a person's risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke and some types of cancer.

I have three amazing children, a wonderful husband along with great friends and family that I need to live for. And considering the fact that I gained another 5 pounds over these past holidays, I am not going in the right direction. (If you are keeping track, those 5 pounds brings me to more weight than the 31 weeks photo above, and looking very similar to said photo!)

BUT, this is not a poor, fat-ass me post... I am making a change... errr... changes. But since I have carried on far too long and I do not like long posts, you will have to come back tomorrow to see what my changes are. (I know, cliffhanger... can you even wait???)

A handmade, homemade, locally purchased Christmas.

2012-01-02T19:06:00.001-05:00

Our Christmas gift giving went exactly as I had wanted it: mostly handmade, homemade, locally purchased or experience gifts.

Our experience gifts ranged from comedy show tickets to movie theater passes to season passes for the local water park (thanks, Grammy!). We also got rock climbing lessons, a night of sushi and passes to Storyland.

I was able to purchase a lot of items handmade right from Etsy... and they loved everything. From Acadia's Supergirl cape:

{purchased here}

To Annika's large array of Barbie clothes:

{purchased here}

These Barbie clothes were so nicely made, and for $4 per outfit, way better than any crappy polyester Barbie clothes from a box store. This lady also makes Lalaloopsy clothes, which I will definitely be getting for Acadia's new doll.

Annika's has also been asking for jewelry recently, but I am reticent to pay any real money for something she will absolutely lose in days... so I did get her some cute jewelry inexpensive and handmade on Etsy:

{purchased here}

I also stocked up on quite a few items for Acadia's busy bag (I also made a busy bag for my twin niece and nephew) First was a great chalk mat that rolls up to fit nicely in the busy bag:

{purchased here}

and some great finger puppets:

{purchased here}

My mother was also thoughtful and got me some great handmade items. She got me soaps handmade in Maine from Holy Farms and a great soy candle from the Primitive Keeper:

Don't you love the jar??? So fun and fits well in my old schoolhouse. The cinnamon bun scent that I got smells sooo yummy!

So, did you get anything wonderful that you'd like to share???

Yummy Mommy's Year in Review.

2011-12-31T09:26:00.000-05:00

Ok, my hectic holidays have passed, and now I have time for you, my dear blog friends. Let's start with a quick recap of this past year....

Some inspiration.
Always crafty.
Always offer fun for the kids.
Restored faith in humanity.
I repeat, you do NOT need this stuff.
A tribute to my father, who passed away this year.
I fell in love with Pinterest.
Travel well.
My fave five blogging tips.
I always have the best taste in music, if I do say so myself.
An attempt at fashion.
Life lessons for my little ladies.
I fell in love.

Handmade Ryan Gosling

2011-12-30T17:37:00.003-05:00

Are you crafty? (Chances are that if you are at all interested in my blog, you have a touch of crafty...) Do you love Ryan Gosling? (Come on now, who doesn't? Blue Valentine anyone?) If you answered 'Yes' to a and/or b- you have to follow this Tumbler blog.

A New Hampshire Christmas Experience: The Gift of Lights

2011-12-06T08:57:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago, our whole family was able to go view a new New Hampshire attraction: The Gift of Lights at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

It is quite a spectacle: more than one million LED Christmas lights creating hundreds of displays that you can drive right through!

It was such a great way for us to kick off our holiday season... I mean who doesn't love going out for a ride to take in Christmas lights. And, here, you get to see a million all at once. (One thing I did miss was snow... I love the look of Christmas lights glistening off the white snow. And here we are on December 6, in New Hampshire, with NO snow!)

All three of my girls loved it. We drove up in our new minivan (woohoo- new minivan mom coming through!) and took a leisurely drive around the speedway. The girls were excitedly looking from one window to the next, pointing out each scene that they saw. "Look! Dolphins! Look! A flag! Look! The Statue of Liberty!"

I think it took about 15 minutes to drive through. To add to the experience, they have a radio station you can tune to that is playing Christmas music. At the end, you can park and go into "Santa's Village" where there is hot cocoa and you can get your photo taken with Santa.

(Excuse the cell phone pic... I brought THREE cameras on our outing. One did not have a memory card, one had a dead battery, and one inexplicably had a macro lens on it!)

I think the cost of $15 per car is such a great deal for a family outing. For us, that breaks down to $3 per person and there is nothing we can do as a family that is that inexpensive. You can also save $2 off your ticket by bringing 3 canned goods to donate to the NH Food bank. (Do make sure to bring cash, if you do not buy tickets online, they only accept cash at the gate.)

The Gift of lights will be at the speedway until January 1st. Like them on Facebook to see what other people are saying and maybe win a ticket.

Do you have any other great Christmas activities you know of around the granite state?

Christmas Gifts on a Budget: Under $10 in the Kitchen

2011-11-29T09:44:00.001-05:00

One of my go-to gifts now is baked goods. I like to gather a basket of yummy treats for friends, family, teachers, neighbors... everyone enjoys a good chocolate chip cookie and Oreo truffle.

If you want to dress up your treat basket, you can definitely do it cute and on a budget. There are a ton of gifts on Etsy for under $10 that you can add that will give your basket that personalized, homey touch.

Aprons are always a great choice. Etsy has a plethora of handmade and vintage aprons for under $10. (I already gave my mother-in-law one at Thanksgiving wrapped around a bottle of champagne- an easy, but thoughtful gift.)

I like the fun and funky aprons myself... but you can find many traditional and vintage to choose from as well.

Another fun gift is recipe cards. I like to fill one out with the recipe I am giving my gift recipient... you can then wrap the ribbon around the remainder of the recipe cards and add those to the basket.

Again, the cards on Etsy range from retro to modern. Choose a style to fit the gift receiver.

A gift I would love are these handmade dish clothes. I have found that crocheted dish cloth are the best at scrubbing dishes... and they look super cute on your sink. This shop has the best range of colors in her yarns:

3 for $10 is a steal when these clothes will last much longer than cheap-o, thin Wallyworld dish cloths.

If your gift recipient is a bit funky, a bit fun, go outside the box when you add a gift to their basket. Add a light switch plate:

...or a cool print:

(There are a gazillion fun kitchen prints for any style and under $10.) Just roll then up, tie with a pretty ribbon and add to your basket.

Everyone needs pot holders... I have to replace mine at least once a year after I burn my current pair! I love the pinch pot holders, they are smaller than the bulky oven mitts and this shop has such gorgeous prints...

$6 for a gorgeous pot holder that I wouldn't mind sitting on my counter! I would buy a few to add to a few of my treat baskets at this price.

There you have it... inexpensive, thoughtful and fun additions for your kitchen gift-giving baskets.

While you are at it, check out my $10 children's gifts.

Veterans' Day and beyond.

2011-11-18T18:50:00.001-05:00

{my father}

I did not post on Veterans Day. I always feel guilty thanking a Veteran or making a big deal on Veterans Day. It seems so contrived. I do not say thank you enough for the rest of the year and I should not just spout out because the calendar tells me to.

But I did want to share something that Ariana wrote. She summed it up so beautifully... out of the mouths of babes.

"Veterans Day means a lot to me. It means a lot to me because I am related to some Veterans. For example, my grandfather was a Veteran. He passed away now, but I will still always remember him. Another Veteran I am relayed to is my uncle. His name is Anthony, but I call him Ant. Even though he never went into battle, he is still an honored Veteran. I am related to a lot more, but those are just the two I know best.I hope that every Veteran gets respected like my Uncle and Grandfather do. Also, I hope that Veterans Day always remains a holiday so that the Veterans can continue being remembered forever. In all, Veterans Day means we should respect the people who fought for us."

I also want to beg everyone to watch a new documentary: Where Soldiers Come From. It is a great movie that follows the four-year journey of childhood friends who join the National Guard after graduating from high school. As it chronicles the young men's transformation from restless teenagers to soldiers looking for roadside bombs to 23-year-old combat veterans trying to start their lives again. It was one of the most enlightening movies I have seen in awhile. It just made my heart ache even more for the young men and women who travel that path in their life.It is available online and I really think every American should watch it. Really.

{my memorial tattoo depicting Air Force wings and a propeller}

Christmas Gifts on a Budget: Under $10 for Kids

2011-11-16T05:33:00.000-05:00

For today's post on Christmas on a budget, I want to concentrate on children's gifts. More importantly vintage or handmade, which can be done inexpensively and will also save alotta Mother Earth's resources.

I am a HUGE fan of vintage gifts for the kids. They toys of yesteryear were made better, last longer and do not need 8000 batteries to work.

When I saw a friend had given her daughter her old collection of Care Bear figurines, it inspired me. The little girl brings the collection to dance class and the 3 year olds clamor to play with them while the older girls are dancing.

You can get large lots of figurines on Etsy vintage or Ebay for next to nothing. Everything from Star Wars figures to Cabbage Patch.

Have fun with an advanced search on Etsy for vintage toys from $0-$10. You will be thrilled with the things you can find. (Of course these toys also do not fall under today's more stringent safety guideline, so please be aware of that when you are shopping vintage.)

Another fun toy that travels well are finger puppets. You can buy these or very easily make them from felt of old gloves for cheap cheap.

These are great to have in a car to keep kids amused for even a few minutes. Personally, I splurged on the 2 bucks a piece for this lady's creations because she is way craftier with felt than I will ever be. (and seriously, after reading her tutorial on how she makes them, I am entirely unsure how she can charge only $2 per puppet.)

And my 3 year old is going to love the adorable assortment of animals I chose. I will whip together a quick bag for her to carry them in and, voila, an adorable $10 gift!

You will find a large selection of amazing wood artisans on Etsy. I am a big proponent of wooden toys. They are durable, quiet, and tend to foster a child imagination. And there are a many fantastic, inexpensive hand made choices.

Play food is always a great option. Either wood or felt are way nicer than their plastic counterparts. You can always make felt food for pennies... but take it from someone who spent 5 hours making 1 strawberry, 2 eggs and an orange slice.... $5 invested for a plate full off food is a great deal:

And I could never create the wooden wonders this lady does, but they are absolutely worth the money with many food items under $10:

If your house is anything like mine... you have 30 naked Barbies hanging around. This year, I will be outfitting them handmade. I have found that Barbie clothes on Etsy only run $3-$7 and you can get the most gorgeous outfits (and not all trampy belly shirts like you tend to get from big retailers)

I spent $20 on a plethora of Barbie clothes for Annika. She loves her Barbies and I like gifts that add to collections rather than add new clutter that will not be used.

Last, is actually a toy that I have featured before on a post about traveling with kids. But they are such great toys, they deserve another mention. It is the I Spy bags. They have been popular from the 3 to 11 year olds and it is something they can actually all play together.

These are also created by little girls... so they have the whole heart strings thing going for them... but it is absolutely still a great $8 investment.

A giveaway courtesy of the wonderful Party Palace.

2011-11-14T19:29:00.001-05:00

It has been over month since Annika's birthday party and she is already planning next years princess party! It was really such a fun time for her (AND all of her friends) and for me to see how much she was enjoying herself.

Anyhow, enough gushing. What I wanted to share was a quick giveaway from Greta at Party Palace. She was so sweet to leave me with a few treats that any little princess would love. I have a beautiful set of costume wings, a pretty in pink tutu, a pink bow hair clip...

and I am also adding the felt flowered hair band that I gave for favors at our party.

All you have to do is 'like' her Facebook page and then come back here to tell me that you did. This contest is open to New England readers. I really want to get the word out there about Greta and her business. I love that she is a fellow mompreneur, she sustains this fantastic business while working full time, raising her children, volunteering as a Girl Scout leader, etc, etc.... Women like her inspire me and I hope to get her many more fans to help support and grow her business.

I will choose a random winner via Random.org on November 21st and ship you this cute package just in time for Christmas!

*Side note, you can see a couple of the Party Palace princesses at a great fundraiser for Girls on the Run NH this Saturday, November 19th. There will be a Princess Tea Party at the Red River Theater in Concord. A fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon with your little one.*

Christmas Gifts on a Budget: Under $10!

2011-11-08T10:27:00.001-05:00

I am sure many, many people are in the same boat as we are… just over a month until Christmas and we just had to buy a new dish washer, a new washing machine and 2 new cars. Needless to say, there will not be a lot of cash to spread around for gifts. So I am going to have to get creative and thrifty.In light of that, I am going to start a featured post on here for gifts that I find during my Christmas shopping that are $10 or less and handmade… or at the very least, locally made.

The first gift I will be featuring will be aimed at children and can be purchased from… me!I have seen these wooden peg dolls all over the internet and knew my girls would love to make them and play with them.

It is a fairly simple craft project requiring only a few supplies and some great creativity.

Supplies needed:
wooden pegs
wooden candle cups
craft paint in various colors (make sure non-toxic)*
very small paint brushes
fine tip permanent markers
craft varnish (make sure non-toxic)

This is a gift you can either give in the raw version, so that the recipient can create their own dolls, or you can create a nice family with your own hands and give the finished dolls as the gift. I gave my girls the wooden parts as the gift and then we created the babies together, which was most of the fun of the gift.

It is simple really, you just want to paint some clothes on the peg doll. We also chose to paint the candle cups (which the dolls will sit in) in a matching color (and don’t try to put the wrong baby in the wrong cup or Acadia will have a fit!). Be creative with your clothing- the more colorful, the better.

Next, paint on a cute hairstyle and any hair accessories you like. At this point I varnished the entire doll before I drew the face on with Sharpies. I found that if I drew with the Sharpies on the raw wood, it tended to bleed. It worked much better if I drew the face over the dried varnish. I used a thin coat of varnish so that I only had to wait 15 minutes for it to dry.

Voila, these babies are ready to be played with. They are great because they are small and we can fit 5 sets easily into a small bag to carry to dance class or to the doctors office… wherever the girls may need to be entertained for a few minutes.

There you are. A great gift for children aged 2-8 and for only $7.50 for five sets!

Do you have any ideas for me for great gifts under $10 (or less!)??? I need all the help I can get.

(* I discovered a new line of craft paint and varnish at Joanns last night. It os from Delta and it is all SOY! Great for the environment and at a great price.)

What a difference a week makes (in photos)

2011-10-31T11:32:00.000-04:00

{photos taken within the last couple of weeks- quickly moving from leaf-peeping and fun leaf pile jumping, to snow covered pumpkins and winter-geared little girls}

Wow, October has been crazy here in New England, to say the least.

We had Annika's birthday party on October 9. It was sunny and 80+ degrees... nearly setting records for October temperatures.

Cut to 3 weeks later and NH set all new records.... with snowfall! We had 22 inches at our house! TWENTY-TWO INCHES people! That is a crap load of snow, even here in NH. We still have a baby pool on the back deck filled with water from the earlier high temperatures.

Gahhh, as if my winter is not long enough. Now, my girls have to wear full on snow gear just to trick or treat tonight. Are you kidding me, weather Gods? What have I ever done to you?

Goodwill Fall Wardrobe Update in Mustard

2011-10-25T17:43:00.000-04:00

My trip to Goodwill was a success. I actually had no trouble finding a variety of mustard items.My first, and most versatile item was a pair of mustard tights:

{dress: Goodwill, belt: American Eagle, boots: Target, tights: Goodwill}

I love the pop of color that it adds. As I was carrying around these tights, I noticed this dress and thought the two would look great together... if I dared wear that much color. Well, I did! I wore this outfit yesterday (under a cream cardigan) and I think it was adorable. The dress was a great find for $5 with some gorgeous embroidered detail around it that you can't really make out in my photo.

If I was not bold enough, I could use the tights to add a pop of color to my standard mom-wardrobe:

{dress: Goodwill, belt: American Eagle, boots: Target, tights: Goodwill}

This a chambray dress that I bought at Goodwill last year for the sole purpose of it being my fall/ winter momdrobe main stay. It is easy to add accessories to and I can wear it to the park or the hardware store very easily.

I can also use the tights to jazz up one of my other favorite navy momfits:

{shirt: American Eagle, skirt: Goodwill, boots: Target, tights: Goodwill}

This skirt is actually a Goodwill find that was a dress from American Eagle. This top was a tad too revealing for this Momma, but the navy with white polka dots (which you can really make out in this photo) was too cute to pass up. So I bought it, chopped the top off and added an elastic waist to make it a skirt.

I did find a cute top that had mustard in it:

{shirt: Goodwill, skirt: Goodwill, boots: Target, tights: Goodwill}

This top fits great, has a really fun pattern and has my mustard in it! It also looks great with jeans:

{shirt: Goodwill, jeans: American Eagle, boots: Target}

I also strayed from my mission a teeny bit... I could not resist this top:

{shirt: Goodwill, jeans: American Eagle, boots: Target}

It is the sweetest buttery yellow with the most beautiful embroidery on it. I had to get it.

All in all, it was a very successful trip and I love everything that I got. All I really want now is a great mustard scarf. Goodwill saves the day again.

OUTTAKES: What it looks like when you try to take photos of yourself with a 3-year-old around:

Mmmm, mustard.

2011-10-24T08:29:00.000-04:00

As I have been skimming over my Pinterest boards, I have decided I am in love... with mustard. Not the edible kind (although I love me some sun-dried tomato mustard... YUM!) But I am referring to the color. More specifically in my wardrobe.

I just happen to have a gift card for Goodwill. And when I go tonight, I am going to do something I never do: try to find something specific. That is a task that can be overwhelming at Goodwill because there is SO much to look through, but if I can find a great piece of clothing or accessory for a dollar or two, it is totally worth it. And something in a mustard color seems to be just what I need for fall. A neutral color that can go with a lot of my clothing, yet bright enough to perk me up on a gloomy, cool day.

Perhaps I can find a sweater similar to this:

or a jacket like this:

Even a pair of tights to brighten up some of my dresses:

I have a few dark jackets and sweaters, so a scarf would be the perfect accessory:

Even a cute pair of ballet flats to peep out from under my many pairs of jeans:

At the very very least, I will find something, anything in a mustard fabric that I can deconstruct to make one of these:

Have you ever gone to a thrift shop will a specific item in mind? How did it go?

Wish me luck! I will let you know how it goes.

Life Lessons For My Little Ladies

2011-10-21T06:25:00.000-04:00

{photo courtesy rachel halsey}

There are so many life lessons I need to share with my babies. Ideally, they are watching and learning. Ideally I am a role model and I won't need to tell them these things... they will just... know. But, just in case, I keep a running list of the important things in life... just for them...

• a book is always a perfect gift, from babies to adults

• don't be afraid to admit your wrong and say you're sorry

• go barefoot whenever possible

• wear fun colored socks or tights when it's not

• kiss your children at every opportunity you can- at one point they won't let you

• go to the park when the opportunity arises

• go to a farm and pick fresh fruit or vegetables at every season

• dance- alone, with your family, at an event... just dance

• keep my recipes (and both grandmothers') and pass them on and add your own

• volunteer... a lot

• get to know your neighbors, bring a pie or cookies

• your 'first love' will not be your only love

• watch a christmas story and the wizard of oz at least once a year

• accept compliments

• create something every day

• listen when others speak, you will learn something every time

• do not waste precious time fostering useless relationships because you feel obligated

• iron clothes that need it

• return your shopping cart- the exercise will do you good

• always be early

• jump in the leaf pile

• patronize the library... often

• don't ever ride in a car with someone who has been drinking

• learn how to drive standard, it will get you out of a bind someday

• practice random acts of kindness

• live alone at some point in your life

• nurture plants (either inside or outside)

• use a great vocabulary and know what the words mean

• never carry a credit card balance, ever

• live simply

• always practice outdoor activities: hike, ski, etc

• you don't need to know everything, but you need to know how to find the answers

• don't smoke cigarettes

• keep original artwork in your home, even if it created by friends or family

• write thank you notes

• keep snack food on hand to whip up for surprise guests

• keep a fire extinguisher on all levels of your house

• find a hair dresser you love and spend the money on a hair cut you love, you'll feel great

• always RSVP and do it in a timely manner

• read something every single day- newspaper, magazine, especially a book

• create a good sleep schedule and stick to it

• a hand crafted gift is always best

• decorate for holidays- all of them

• marry later in life, enjoy your youth

• always listen to music: in the car, house, headphones, to sleep

• try to find a home with a porch

• never ever wear nail polish unless you can guarantee it will be chip free. nothing looks worse than chipped nail polish

• you have limited time to clean. worry less about 'picking up' and more about 'clean'

• take care of your teeth

• when it comes to cheese, you get what you pay for, splurge once in awhile

• learn some sports stuff to talk to men about

• hug whenever possible

• always wear facial moisturizer and sunscreen

• keep some written history/journal/blog for your children

• sit down to a meal as often as possible

•call your mom- she will always be happy to hear your voice.

This list was originally posted as a guest post on a friends blog. She has since shut down her blog but I wanted to make sure my list lived on, so I am reprinting here.

I never...

2011-10-20T13:24:00.005-04:00

{source}

Just for fun, I am linking to Mama Kat's blog and filling you in on 19 things I have never done by the age of 29 (ish)

• gotten a name tattoo (thank God!)

• gone to a blog conference (will change for BlogHer 2012! Thanks to my Momma and a great Christmas gift.)

• skydived (This will forever be on my 'never' list. I have no urge to ever purposely throw myself from an airplane... EVER!)

• been arrested

• been outside of the america

• hiked everest (guess that's obvious if I never left the America's... duh...)

• sang even one note in tune (no matter how hard I try!)

• had a big ol' wedding

• seen the movie Titanic

• had a baby boy

• done a proper split

• had a piercing not above the neck

• owned designer purse (again, this will forever be on the 'never' list.
I find designer purses utterly useless and self indulgent.)

• got a college degree

• been to vegas

• exercised more than 30 days steadily

• run in a marathon (I guess this will be pretty hard if I can never
train long enough to get in shape.)

• crocheted or knitted (really really want to learn though)

• been on ice skates or skis (have been on snowboards, snowshoes and sleds though...
can't live in NH and forgo all snow activities.)

Open letter to the Avett Brothers.

2011-10-19T07:00:00.000-04:00

I love you. I really do. And you can read that singularly or collectively.

A wonderful friend took me to finally see you live a few weeks ago and I have not gotten you out of my mind every since. I mean your music is infectious and wonderful and happy and amazing. You both have a talent that sends shovers up a girls spine.

And then you have Seth's eyes...

and Scott's smile...

You gentlemen are specimens of pure beauty. Bounding around the stage playing everything from banjos to keyboards, singing, dancing.

I have listened to you every single day in these past few weeks. Your music makes me happy, makes me dance, gets my groove back. I know I will see you again... although, not soon enough.

Until then... kisses and hugs.

Love, Michele

P.S. If you are looking for a cute Momma to sneak onto the bus for an illicit tour rendevous (ala Michaele Salahi) I know a girl. Just sayin'.

I have strayed.

2011-10-18T07:00:00.000-04:00

I am sorry my wonderful blog. After 724 posts and nearly four years... I have strayed.

I cheated on you. It was with someone I have been enamored with for years. One of my biggest crushes in life: Goodwill.

So far I have written a fashion (I use that term quite loosely!) post. I revealed how I spent $12 to update my fall wardrobe. Yeah, I am sort of addicted to shopping there.

And then it happened again last week... I did it again. I wrote a post about our Goodwill Halloween costumes.

And the thing is... I don't think I can stop. I am sorry, but you might have to share me.

But, hey, I am worth it.

Love, Michele

Outtakes... when my girls are not all rainbows and butterflies.

2011-10-13T22:25:00.000-04:00

I was uploading my photos from Annika's birthday party and I came across these gems... which I had completely forgotten about. I had the camera on a tripod trying to set up some quas- photobooth for the party. I simply asked Acadia if she would sit for a couple of photos so I could test the lighting. She obliged until I finished, "with your sisters." The conversation that ensued:

Me: "Sweetie... just a few pics with your sisters."
Acadia: "I DON'T WANT THEM IN THE PICTURES!"
Me: "Aww, let's not be mean spirited."
Acadia: "I DON'T WANT THEM IN THE PICTURES!"
Me: "Cady...."
Acadia: "HMPPPPPPHHH!" (Now her her distinct, audible 'hmmppphh's comes when she crosses her arms in a very animated, overly dramatic manner, as witnessed in photos 2-6.)
Me: "Ok, girls, leave her alone. She wants her own space. Come on, Annika, get off the bench."

Me: "Ok, baby girl... can we get a picture of you now?"
Acadia: "Sure, Mommy!"

I would not let her get her way and treat her sisters like that... if THEY did not teach her that behavior! And now, payback is a bitch ladies.

Party Palace: A Princess Party for a Princess

2011-10-11T10:12:00.000-04:00

Annika had her 6th birthday party on Sunday... and it was wonderful! We did something we have never done before: we utilized a real party planner/ party host.

Party Palace is a mom-run business right here in New Hampshire. Greta started Party Palace in 2001 after being told multiple times that the parties she threw for her own son were so amazing that she should make a business of it. And I, for one, am certainly glad that she did. Annika's party was a dream for a little girl and it went off without a hitch.

Greta arrived with Belle a bit before the party and set up a tattoo/ nail polish station and also a light make-up and glitter station:

The guests started to arrive shortly thereafter:

And Belle created necklaces with them all.

She then applied a touch of glitter to their hair:

After all of the princess were properly fancied, Belle danced with them:

Played a bit of limbo:

And then Princess Annika was coronated Princess of the Day:

And, even after all that excitement, Princess Belle was kind enough to sit for photos with all of the girls:

If you have never used a party host or planner before, PLEASE do! Party Palace made creating and hosting Annika's birthday party easy! I actually was able to enjoy some conversation with some of my friends while Greta and Belle amused the girls. They were both fantastic with the kids, making sure they were all at ease and having an absolute blast.You can simply have a character come visit for 1/2 hour or an hour or have her host a full on tea-party! How much fun would that be for your little one???

Party Palace also offers many other themes: Spa Parties (Ariana is leaning towards this for her next birthday), Diva Parties, Egyptian Adventures and so much more.

Greta also offers parties you can rent and host yourself. For $12 per person, you can host your own Asian Tea Party, Princess Party and many more. It's such a great deal and saves many resources by not going out to purchase all these items... reuse, reuse reuse!

Find her on Facebook to see all that she has to offer. She just might be letting me give a little something away really soon.... *hint*hint*!

Sunday Citar: Childhood

2011-10-09T18:53:00.001-04:00

"Childhood is the most beautiful of all life's seasons." ~Author Unknown

Today was Annika's 6th birthday party. It was beautiful. It was complete with Princess Belle and all of Annika's closest friends. There were yards and yards of pink tulle, cupcakes, tattoos, dancing at the ball, Annika's coronation as princess of the day, twinkle lights, crafts... and did I mention... friends.

Annika was such a happy little girl. The sun was shining. The foliage was glowing. Spirits were high. And she was surrounded by so many that she loves.

Her childhood was extra beautiful today.

Visit Tabitha for more Sunday Citar.

I beg, in honor of my father.

2011-10-04T16:34:00.000-04:00

It is not often that I beg... but for this cause, I will.

You may remember that early this summer, my father passed away. He had been suffering from lung cancer, which happens to be the top cancer killer in the US (regardless of gender or ethnicity). Lung cancer kills almost twice as many women as breast cancer, and more than twice as many men as prostate cancer... and I know from first hand experience that it is a painful, horrible death.

November 5th, I am walking for the Lungevity Foundation whose mission is to have a meaningful and immediate impact on improving lung cancer survival rates, ensure a higher quality of life for lung cancer patients, and provide a community for those impacted by lung cancer. In order to accomplish their mission, LUNGevity funds the most promising research into the early detection and successful treatment of lung cancer. You can support me in one of three ways.

• Simply donate cash money on my event page. (Click the yellow 'Donate' button under my fathers photo.)

• If you want a little more bang for your buck- I will donate 10% of all of my Etsy photo block sales to my walk as long as you enter the code "LUNGEVITY" at the Etsy checkout. That code will also give you 10% off your entire order.

• Also, I have designed a set of blocks specifically for the Lungevity walk:

$10 from each set of these blocks will go directly to my walk as well. (And they only cost you $15!) I can design these blocks with your own photos and you can gift them to a friend or family member in need of hope...

"Hope is not a dream but a way of making dreams become reality."

What I hope is that all of my friends, family, blog readers and subscribers will help me honor my father and donate even $1 to this great cause. I know that times are tough. I have over 700 blog readers and subscribers, and if they could all donate $1, I would reach my $1000 goal.

Thank you very much for any help you may provide... karma is smiling at you.

Ringling Brother Circus is coming to town... and I have a coupon!

2011-09-28T11:21:00.000-04:00

Annika is a lucky girl. Annika enjoys the circus and it just happens to come to town around her birthday every year. This year is no different. The Ringling Brothers circus will be here this weekend and I will be taking her along with a friend and her mom. I love to be able to surprise my girls with these experiences. When she walks up to the arena and sees that marquis... she is going to be so excited and happy. Excited and happy little girls make me an excited and happy Momma.

If you would care to join in the fun, Ringling is offering a coupon for a family four pack for only $60 (plus some rediculous taxes) for the Saturday evening show in Manchester. Go to the website, go to the Advance or Promotion Ticket Selection, change the quantity to 4 and then put BAILEY15 in the coupon box and you will receive this deal.

They are going to be in Manchester from Sept. 30- October 3. After that you can look for them in Worchester and then Boston.

Mommy and Me Monday: 3 Generations

2011-09-27T10:06:00.000-04:00

This is my Momma, Ariana and myself at the American Idol concert. This was one of those experience gifts that I always speak of: I got tickets for my mother for Mother's Day and for Ariana for her birthday... and it was worth every penny and more!

We had such a great time. Living hours from my mother, we don't often get to go out together and spend quality time. Life gets away from me and before I know it, it has been months since we have seen eachother... and it sucks.

So this outing was a real treat. My mother watches Idol and Ariana and I watch it together every season. We all gossip about who we like and we vote for our favorites... and Ariana occasionally sheds a tear when her favorites are voted off.

So, it was a great show that we could all enjoy together. We sang along, danced... and whenever James Durbin came out screeching Guns & Roses, Sweet Child O' Mine... and my mom and Ariana were dancing around... it was a moment none of us will ever forget. I don't think it is often you could get a grandmother, mother and daughter to have something in common that they all love and can enjoy together. But we did. And it makes me smile.

Thank you Ariana and Mom... you ladies gave me a wonderful night and I love you both to pieces.

(My mom asked a friend to take this picture with my cell phone (we both forgot our cameras... argggg) and I heard her say, "She is going to need this for her blog." She knows me too well!)

Please visit Krystyn for her baby bump pic and other Mommy and Me posts.

5 Of My Favorite Blogging Tips.

2011-09-22T12:26:00.000-04:00

I love to reply when people comment on my blog. Love it. Love to connect with the people that take the time to connect with me. So, why oh why do you torture me so by not having your email address linked to your blogger profile??? This means I can not easily respond to you when I get that nifty email telling me that you have left me a comment.

But, as I was reading Me As A Mother's blog this morning it occurred to me... you don't know how to link your email! And Heidi was so kind as to offer you a tutorial on how exactly you can do it and make me a happy lady while you are at it.

On top of that, a contact or About page would be wonderful as well. Unless you are blogging about your extramarital exploits or your serial killing spree, there is no need to stay anonymous. (See #3 here.) I like to get to know the people I am investing my time reading about. No need for last names or addresses... but please let me know a bit about who you are and why I should spend time with you every day. (With that said, I just realized that during my last blog makeover, I somehow removed my About tab... time to fix that!)

Please have your blog topics organized in some way. A search bar is great... tabs across the top with your key topics... something... anything where I can find my fave posts. (Acckkk! Again- I removed my own topic tabs from the top of my blog during makeover. Whoops.) Crafterminds has a great post here.

Please, for the love of all that is holy... turn off the music! I have seen this tip for years... yet I am continually shocked to open a blog and to be bombarded with their auto-play music. Don't get me wrong, I am interested in your likes in music and love to learn about new artists, but you can simply show me a great YouTube video or tell me about a great artist instead of forcing me to listen to the same song repeatedly every time I visit your blog.

Please don't make me go through that damn Captcha process to leave a comment. I mean, I despise the spam comments as much as the next Momma, but I can not tell you how many times I have written a well thought out comment, only to move on to my next blog after forgetting to complete the whole Captcha rigmarole. You don't know the prose you are missing from this brilliant head when you stop me from commenting. And really, Blogger does a wonderful job of weeding out Spam... I never have any actually show up on my blog before Blogger has auto deleted.

Ok... boring. I know. But I did want to share some tips with my fellow fantastic bloggers.

Homemade Lip Balm: Cheap and Yummy

2011-09-16T16:19:00.000-04:00

I finally made the leap. It has been awhile, but this post is Going Green: Quick Tip #4. (See #1, #2, #3) And it was quick... and so much easier than I expected.

I actually bought the ingredients to make my own lip balm a while back, but I was reticent to actually try it. I had it in my mind that it would be complicated... well, it was not at all. I used 3 ingredients bought from Mountain Rose Herbs, but they can easily be grabbed from your local co-op or natural market.

I used sweet almond oil, beeswax and flavored with a few drops of spearmint essential oil. (The jojoba oil was there because I thought I might use it, but I did not.) I figured the cost to produce each tube was around 75¢, wayyyyy cheaper than the $4 a tube I pay for Burts Bees. (And that even accounts for the 28¢ I had to pay for each plastic tube, which I can now reuse.

I am not really going to put a recipe here as you can Google about a million of them on your own... and I really did not use a recipe as it done kind of like I cook... no real measurements.

I simple added 1 ounce of the beeswax (that little bar in the photo) to my double boiler. As it was melting I added 6 tablespoons of the almond oil. I heated it on a very low heat and stirred it constantly.

When it was all melted I added about 10 drops of my spearmint and stirred. I used a funnel to pour some into one of my tubes. It hardened pretty quickly so Ariana and myself tried the finished product. It was too hard for our liking so we added 2 more tablespoons of the oil to the double boiler.

After that addition, the balm had a nice soft, smooth texture which Ariana and I both liked. We then continued on and poured the mixture into the 10 tubes that I had. I had made some pretty generic labels on my printer to put on the tubes. I only wanted labels in case these made it outside my house, anyone using it would be aware of the ingredients.

I would absolutely call this project a success. Now that I know my own recipes, I can make 10 tubes in under 10 minutes. I can add some different flavors if I want and maybe even make a few as Christmas gifts. The only thing I will do different is add vitamin E oil to the next batch. Vitamin E will help to keep the balm so it will not go rancid. Although I am not too concerned about my balm going bad as I go through it so quickly.

You would also want to be careful in the heat as natural lip balm does not have the stabilizers to keep it from melting, so it may melt in your pocket or a warm car quicker than your Chapstick.

I am a convert... homemade lip balm all the way. Cheap, easy and I can name all 3 ingredients with ease. (Oh, and a BTW... it can also be used on cuticles or other rough patches of skin. I even rubbed some on my healing tattoo as I had a bit left in the double boiler... and it left my skin so smooth.)

Handmade Gift Idea: Sematay Jewelry

2011-09-14T10:22:00.002-04:00

I know it seems far off, but I have my eye on Christmas gift ideas already. Next to my most favorite gift idea, experience gifts, I think handmade gifts are the way to go. In the next few weeks, I will be featuring some great Etsy shops that offer some fantastic handmade items.

First up is Sematay Handmade Jewelry. She makes some adorable personalized necklaces that Ariana and Annika are just in love with.

Annika and Ariana are quite the opposite little girls.

Annika is as princessy, frilly and girly as they come.

She needs to accessorize before kindergarten every day: headband, socks, belt, scarves... whatever she can find. And so, for her, this fun necklace with her name on it could not be any more perfect. Of course, it had to be in pink, her signature color.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is Ariana, who wears jeans, t-shirt and sneakers every single day, without fail.

She wanted the teal necklace because she is "soooo over the pink and purple". I was not sure she would wear it since her glasses are pretty much her only accessory. However, she has not taken it off since she put it on 2 weeks ago. I think the simplicity of the piece works well for her... I also think every little girl feels special to have their name on their jewelry.

These necklaces were a hit with both girls... and BONUS.... they are only $14.95! Check out Sematay and follow her on Twitter too.

Living our life simply... and loving it.

2011-09-12T20:56:00.002-04:00

This is a sort of photo illustration of my recent post on affordable family fun... and a cell phone memory dump.

This is my last couple of weeks and all the fun that has ensued.

We have taken the girls to the movies thanks to a gift card from Grammie (so what if Acadia fell asleep 15 minutes into Winnie the Pooh. In her defense, it was not very enthralling.)

We have enjoyed some gorgeous days in the park. For the entry fee of... well free... what makes a little girl happier than being pushed on the swing.

I went to an American Idol concert with my mother and Ariana... which was an experience gift for Ariana's birthday and Mother's Day. And what an experience it was. Rockin' out with my mom and Ariana to Sweet Child O' Mine will be a memory we all cherish forever.

We enjoyed some free local events, one being a great Family Game Day put on by CenterPoint Church here in Concord. They offer a great family day to the whole community complete with yummy treats, games, bouncy houses and even that great rock wall/ bungy structure you see Ariana flying on. Thanks to CenterPoint for being a generous member of our community.

We were also blessed with a fantastic weekend with my in-laws as we celebrated the twins (my niece and nephew) birthday up in Northern New Hampshire. There was a long, mellow morning with breakfast on the grill, fishing on the dock, and some boat rides. It was the epitome of relaxation and living simply.

We are ending our summer on a perfect note. Enjoying every moment, relishing every ray of sunshine.

In remembrance of those who lost their lives 10 years ago.

2011-09-11T04:46:00.000-04:00

(Today's post is a rerun of a post I do every year on 9/11, so we do not forget those who gave their lives on 9/11)

My post today is part of an endeavor called Project 2,996, which is an effort by bloggers around the country to remember the victims of 9/11.

Today I am proud to honor the life of Thomas E. Pedicini.

Thomas was 30 years old and he was from Hicksville, NY. Thomas worked in the institutional equities department at Cantor Fitzgerald. Thomas is survived by his parents Nancy and Albert Pedicini of Hicksville; and sisters June Coaio, Pam Morace and Anne Pedicini of Hicksville.

Thomas Pedicini never strayed too far from a guitar. His brother-in- law Raymond Morace's earliest recollection of him is as "a skinny 13- year-old kid jumping around his room playing air guitar" to Van Halen. In his mother's last memory of him, he is teaching his 11-year-old cousin how to play, a few days before his death.

In between, Mr. Pedicini, 30, an easygoing sort and seemingly effortless golfer, studied business and had been working as a trader at Cantor Fitzgerald since 1998, a job he got through another brother-in-law, Mark Colaio, who died with him.

After Sept. 11, in Mr. Pedicini's apartment in Woodside, Queens, one of his roommates found a tape of him strumming and singing his way through some of his favorite tunes. "He was too shy even to show it to me, but I could hear him in there singing and playing so I knew he was up to doing something," said the roommate, Jordan Zed. He gave the tape to Mr. Pedicini's parents. More musical memories.

But Mr. Zed remembers Mr. Pedicini mostly as a decent human being whose life was going somewhere. "You'd sit around and talk about where you see yourself in five years," he said. "He had dreams and goals. He wanted to eventually find the right girl and settle down and have a family and work his way up in the firm. It seems so sad."
-Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on February 3, 2002.

In reading many of the memorials dedicated to Thomas- you can see a picture of what a kind, fun, talented man he was...

I knew Tom back in 94-97. He was so full of life! He was always active: golf, tennis, singing. He was the kind of person who made his own way. I am glad that we crossed paths for a brief time. His energy and passion for living are what I will remember and miss most about him.
-Scott Rustad,Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaTo The Pedicini Family, I was his soccer coach 29 yrs ago in Hicksville, he will always be in mine and my families hearts forever. His smile was something I will never forget.
-Anthony Luongo My thoughts and prayers have been with all of you over the years. I always remember Tommy as the cousin that will sing with us! Keep singing, Tommy!
-Martina Lee

Hey Cuz!! I too think of you often...Not a day goes by that I dont wish you were not taken away from us. You were soo talented and a lot of fun!! I will miss you forever Tommy!! "The sun will come out tomorrow"!
-Michele Abut

It's amazing how one forgets, yet only to remember you with a smile.
-Allyssa Schmitt

Just thinking of you on this day....you were a kind man, quiet neighbor, with a lovely singing voice...my thoughts are with your family....
-Layla Dowlatshahi

I will always cherish the sweet memory of teaching Tommy to sing "Tomorrow" and "You Light Up My Life" when I was his 2nd grade teacher at Old Country Road School, Hicksville, NY. Nobody knew, at the time, that Tommy had a Broadway quality voice at age 7, so we practiced everyday, to surprise his family at the school talent show. When he belted out his beautiful rendition of "Tomorrow", it brought tears to everyone's eyes.
I am proud to have touched Tommy's life in such a meaningful way, as he continued singing into adulthood and our duet, from years before, was included in his memorial cd. I feel blessed to have had such an endearing child in my class and to know that he grew up to be the responsible, respectful and talented adult I had envisioned.
Tommy was brought to heaven in God's loving arms. He is our guardian angel!
-Adele Damian

And from his mother...

Dear Tommy,

Your family, (Mom,Dad,Pam, Ray, June and Anne) are coping as best we can during this difficult time and find the following poem very comforting. We want to share it with others who visit this website
as it truly reflects our feelings for you and our deep loss.
We miss you so, so much. We try not to think that we will never see you again on this earth as it breaks our hearts. We do find comfort, however, that you were greeted by Gammie, Nana, MomMom, Father Verrall and Grandpa Joe at Heaven's door and are with them now. God Bless you sweetheart. We love you, Mom and Dad

Here is the poem:
We little knew that morning, God was going to call your name; In life we loved you dearly, In death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you, You did not go alone; For part of us went with you, The day God called you home.

You left us beautiful memories. Your love is still our guide; And though we cannot see you, You are always by our side.

Our family chain is broken, And nothing seems the same; But as God calls us one by one, The chain will link again.
-Nancy Pedicini

Please take a moment to think of Thomas and every other innocent human life lost on 9/11. Visit the Project 2,996 website and see some of the other tributes. It is very important that we never forget.

3 Simple Steps for Affordable Family Fun

2011-09-08T13:03:00.003-04:00

I recently had a friend ask, "How do you find all those cool activities you do with your kids AND how can you afford them?"

It simply breaks down to social media. I find everything via social media in one way or another. Let's look at it in 3 easy steps to find fun activities for your family and to afford said activities.

STEP #1: 'Like' every possible community organization that you can find on Facebook. Some specific to Concord, New Hampshire are:

Frugal Concord
Concord Got Cool When You Weren't Looking
Concord Happenings with Jessica Fogg
Concord Rec Departmen t
Main Street Concord

You can start by 'liking' your local Chamber of Commerce or Main Street Association and then check out their 'Likes' and you should be able to get a variety of community advocating pages. Many communities offer a wide variety of free or really inexpensive activities throughout the year. We have been to a great National Night Out, free mini food fairs at the local co-op, animal festivals at a local school and so much more this year. There is a plethora of family events out there if you just find them. And I have found that Facebook and Twitter are the easiest way for me to find these events all in one place.

STEP #2: Subscribe to all of your local coupon sites (ala Groupon.) In my area alone, there are at least 5 great sites dedicated to offering deals for at least 50% off local attractions. I started by subscribing to Groupon... and not just in my area but the Portland, Maine and Boston, Mass Groupons as well. I have found that NH businesses will often offer deals in the surrounding states to entice tourists. Other options in NH:

Couptopia
Living Social (also have nationwide deals)
New England Perks
Viva Manchvegas Deals
NH Daily Deals

Those are just a few in my area. A little Google search should turn up a few good choices for you.

STEP #3: Make sure to heed my advice and ask for or give experience gifts. Experience gifts for your family from grandparents or other relatives makes family outings all year way more affordable (while cutting down the clutter of useless trinkets throughout your house.)

This year my family has gone to an indoor waterpark and had a wonderful stay in the attached hotel. We have enjoyed many visits to out local water park. We have enjoyed endless rainy days in the Children's Museum. Each girl has adored their movie theater dates with Mommy and Daddy afforded through gift cards from Grammie. I can not extol the virtues of these experience gifts enough.

Couple the experience gifts with the great deals from the coupon sites and then check your Facebook a couple of times a week, and you can certainly afford some wonderful adventures with your family all year long.

Operation No-Bake Nutella Cookies: SUCCESS!

2011-09-07T18:45:00.000-04:00

If you follow my FB or Twitter, you know that I was considering trying a no-bake Nutella cookie... and I tried... and I succeeded. They came out simply yummy. All I did was revise my momma's standard no-bake peanut butter cookies a bit, and it was easy peasy.

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1.5 cups white sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup butter
3 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 cup Nutella
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Heat cocoa, sugar, milk and butter over medium heat. Boil these slowly (they will turn out better) when they reach the boiling point boil them for about 2 minutes.Remove from heat and add Vanilla. Add Nutella. Roll in oats and mix well. I refrigerated for a few minutes as it seemed a bit runny to form cookies. If you do this, be careful as you don't want the dough too hard so you cannot form the cookies. I then used my cookie dough baller to form a ball, placed it on wax paper and squished it slightly with my thumb to get a cookie shape. These are small cookies, but they are so incredibly rich, you will appreciate the small size.I think you can sub Nutella in your fave no-bake cookie recipe and it will work fine. I just cut my sugar back, as the Nutella is already so sweet.

I think adding actual hazelnuts would have been great (or any nut, for that fact.) Also, make sure you use real butter and real vanilla extract... not imitation. Those ingredients in their true form make all the difference in baking.

If anyone is curious, I did not win the State Cookie Challenge with my my White Mountain Chocolate Chip Maple Snickerdoodles. I came in around 8th... but I scored a sweet baking sheet out of the deal, so it's all good.

I won’t let another moment slip away

2011-09-06T09:54:00.002-04:00

Do you use music to affect your mood? After the mood caused by my last post, I felt compelled to overcome the sadness with some happy tunes.

I remember in my younger years using music in a much different way. Whenever I was down (you know, when my boyfriend broke up with me for the 12th time when I was 15) I had a cassette of very downtrodden music that I would listen to. I guess I wanted to wallow in my agony? Why do people do that? Now, if I am feeling down, I pull out my most uplifting, upbeat music and crank it up. This week, Michael Franti was my savior:

My favorite lyrics from the song remind me to live in the moment... not to dwell:
Singing hey, hey, hey
No matter how life is today
There’s just one thing that I got to say
I won’t let another moment slip away

The post where I reveal more than rainbows and butterflies.

2011-09-02T20:30:00.000-04:00

This post may get wordy. I usually try to keep my postsshort and attractive to the attention span of a busy blog reader. I also keepmy post pretty rainbows and butterflies… not this one. If you care to readfurther, you may gain some insight on me that you I have never revealed. I ampretty sure that most people who visit this blog view me as an optimistic,crafty, tattoo loving,block-making, treat-baking Momma. All of which is true. All of which I wouldnot trade for a million dollars (for real). But my life has not always beenthis way and sometimes I bury a lot inside myself and try to forget things inmy life that have brought me here.

But the last couple of days gave been hard for me on the‘forgetting’ front. It started with my newest tattoo:

My tattoo artist and I came up with this design as amemorial for my father. He was in the Air Force, so the propeller and eaglewings represent that part of his life. The ‘Forgiven’ was the message I wouldwant him to see if he had the opportunity.

As I mentioned, I bury a lot. I am a master of not thinkingabout things that really bother/ have bothered me. I was in for a rude awakeningimmediately after I got my tattoo, jumped into my truck and looked down at it.I have not thought too much about my father since I left Maine after hisfuneral. The hours I was with him as he passed and then his funeral were thehardest thing I have experienced so far in my life. It was one of the times inmy life where I cried often and freely… I let my emotions show. I was mourningfor him. What he had lost in leaving this life. What he had suffered through during his life.

As I looked at my tattoo, it hit me: I had not mourned forme. For what I had lost. For what I never had. I had engraved the “Forgiven’ on my foot with the sentimentthat I had forgiven him. But, as the tears were rolling down my face, I realizedthat I had not.

I only met my father when I turned 18 and my mother revealedwho he was and where he lived. My only memory of anything about him before thatpoint was a test when I was a little girl to determine if he was my father.(For the record, my mother knew he was, it was just the first instance of manywhere he tested my understanding of what a bond between father and daughter should be.)

Our first meeting went so horribly wrong that I was pulledover by a police officer for swerving because I was crying sohysterically as I left his house. My father was analcoholic for 40 years of his life and I think that not only damages your body,but your mind and your ability to feel or be sympathetic of others feelings.

I am not sure why, after that meeting, I continued to try todevelop our relationship… but I did. I never really tried to confront him aboutabandoning me or the effects that it had on me. In all honesty, when we met, thelife he had lived had ravaged him so that I really thought any conflict wouldbe a severe detriment to his health. Anyhow, I don’t think I would have gottenthe answers I was looking for even if I tried.

I told my father, on his death bed, that I had forgiven him.I thought that was important for him to hear. And now, as I really took time to let myself think about it,like I had not yet done, I knew I had lied.

I am not good at forgiving. I can forget (or at leastsuppress, at best) but I never forgive well. I think people with a religiousbackground can forgive because they need to for some greater power. But I don’thold those beliefs, so I can carry anger, sadness and bitterness with meindefinitely.

I am sad that I never knew the man that literally created mylife. I don’t necessarily think that we have to like everyone in our family. Imean, it’s not like we get to choose them. But, I think that there is somethinginnate where you just love them. No matter what they do or who they are. And I am sad that he never loved me. Hedid not know me- even in all the time we did spend together, he never got toknow me... the real me. The person I had grown to to.

I am angry that I will forever struggle with anyrelationships with men. I am angry at every man I know that deserts hisdaughter without any regard for her future well being and how deeply he is destroyingher self esteem, her self worth. I am angry at my own husband the second hedoes not give our daughters every speck of attention they ask from him. I amangry when he does not overcompensate for my own loss.

I am bitter that I can not change, reconcile, or heal thesefeelings. That I feel as though I will forever carry this ache in my heart andthis craving for the love of my father. Bitter that I might not be able toforgive and that these unresolved feeling are somehow affecting my life or my owndaughters lives.

Ariana looked at my tattoo. “The propeller and wings are forold Grampy (forever deemed ‘old’ grampy because his life had aged him decadesbeyond his years, decade over their ‘real’ grampy: my step-father.)“But,” she asked “what does ‘Forgiven’ mean?”

My eyes were still swollen from the hours of crying. I wasnot positive what way to answer. Ariana has no idea about my background with myfather. I had never wanted to give my children any preconceived (read:negative) ideas about my father. But I also did not want to lie. I said, "It means I want to forgive him for not being my father when I was a little girl."

I left it at that. Later, Colb asked, "Did it help? Do you feel better now that you have that tattoo for him?"

No. It really doesn't. Not yet. It has helped me realize I have not dealt with anything near what I need to... but it is a painful reminder of that fact at this point.

And that is me with a little less rainbows and flowery tattoos.

Photobombing in the Horne family album.

2011-09-02T11:18:00.001-04:00

I think it is safe to say in any family... there is a partner who is the primary photo capturer... and then the the other partner who appears in all of the photos. In my family, I am the photog and my husband is included in any and all family photos... vacations, birthday parties, kindergarten graduations... etc., etc.And lord forbid I ask him to include me in any photos. He has the most uncanny ability to unfocus an auto focus camera.

But he did get one focused photo of me on our trip to Acadia National Park this summer...

Unfortunately, his finger slipped in front of the camera, so this one can't go on the mantle.

He did want to make sure he got a nice photo of himself (as if we don't have a million and one already)...

but I decided I should be in at least one photo looking cute. Of course his eyes were closed, so this one is not mantle worthy either.Oh well. Halloween is coming up, maybe I can sneak into one of those photos.

Sunday Citar:A good snapshot stops a moment...

2011-08-20T20:27:00.005-04:00

A good snapshot stops a moment from running away. ~Eudora Welty

In this age of ever-present cameras, it seems as though every moment of our lives can be caught and held on to. Many purists hate the cell phone photos... poorly lit, ill focused, overly processed by the many apps available... just not the beauty captured by a true photographer...

But I personally love my oodles of cell phone pics. I take hundreds per month. From the mundane to the funny to the remarkable... I can catch most of the moments of my life instantaneously.

It may be my legs tangled in my daughters as we cuddle on the couch, or a glimpse of Acadia peddling by me just after she has perfected riding her bike, or me delighting in my lobster at a quick beach jaunt with a girlfriend...

The camera is there and it stops a good moment from running away. I can stop every so often, flip through my pictures and remind myself: no matter how banal my moments have seemed, they still contained smiles, color, laughter, comfort... and most of all, pure & simple joy.

Please go visit Tabitha at Fresh Mommy to see some more Sunday Citar and many more moments.

Unofficial end of Summer

2011-08-18T08:36:00.005-04:00

I am officially in Back to School mode. This means the unofficial end of summer (*sniff*sniff*).

For me, this means running around to doctors, town office, etc... grabbing various paperwork for Annika's entry into kindergarten (*sniff*sniff*).

Also, I went grocery shopping... for reals. Shopping for meals outside of hot dogs, hamburgers and corn on the cob. Getting back on a meal plan with food... cook inside my house... eaten with silverware.

Shopping for food for lunches and snack time.

This year, I am attempting the Bento box for Ariana... which means researching recipes... er ideas... and buying the box, the accessories... (yes, you do sense a blog post coming.)

I have started organizing the girls' clothes, putting away some of the summer, pulling out the autumn, having fashion shows to create suitable outfits that are then hung together on hangers (a feat of organization saved for only the first month of school every year).

I am also slowly cleaning my disaster of a house which has fallen to the wayside in exchange for days in the park, trips to the ocean, afternoons in the pool, jaunts to the waterpark (no regrets there!)

Goodbye, wonderful summer. You have been so good to me... but I am ready to get these kids back to school!

I am a Versatile Blogger

2011-08-11T19:55:00.006-04:00

I seemed to have received a very prestigious award from Jennifer of What's Mine is Yours. It is the Versatile Blogger Award. Unfortunately, there are strings attached if I accept this award... which I will happily abide by.

Here are said strings:

-Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them in your post.
-Share 7 things about yourself.
-Pass this award along to 15 recently discovered blogs.

So, first: Thank you, Jennifer! Love the new hair cut and you are totally young enough to pull off the nose piercing. I did not get mine the last time until my late twenties.

And now, 7 things about myself...
1. My top 3 played songs in my iTunes are all by Ray Lamontagne. I heart him.

2. The person who stood up with me at my wedding was my best friend... and it was a BOY... (GASP!) I heart him too.

3. My toenails are painted 100% of the time, my fingernails... never...ever.

4. I have 2 blue dots on my wrist where I started to give myself a tattoo... and then quickly decided it was a horrible idea. Thank God. (I was 14... give me a break, ok?)

5. I have never been a cigarette smoker (try growing up in a small trailer where everyone smoked INSIDE... in like, 700 square feet... freaking turned me off from smoking real quick.) But, I did love to sneak a taste of a clove cigarette... before I became the responsible Momma of 3.

6. I have worked for Staples for 13 years of my life. I mean, if you call 10 hours a week working at this point. But I love them for letting me step down and work 6-8am so that I can be home with my children the rest of the day. Because, really, who could afford daycare for 3 kids even if I wanted to work full time.

7. When Colby finishes college, I want to go to school to be a masseuse. I LOVE getting massages and think there are some definite healing qualities there... and I would love to be able to bring these qualities to other people.

And, finally, my 15 recently discovered blogs that I love:

Elle's New England Kitchen (Yum!)

FYeahTattoos (Great inspiration if your gonna get one.)

Soule Mama (She's from Maine and is crafty, what's not to love?)

Creative Bubbles (She also has 3 little girls, so she holds a special place in my blog-heart.)

Frugal Family Fun Blog (Great, great ideas to amuse my kids.)

Honey Scrap (Inspires me with her crafts.)

Oh Dear Drea (is supercute, super sweet and is navigating life as a single mom.)

A Beautiful Mess (let's just say she is a very pretty blog.)

Ok, I am done. Is that 15 blogs? No? Well, I guess I have only discovered 8 recently... so that's what ya get.

You know you are an old married couple when....

2011-08-06T21:28:00.003-04:00

...you speak through the voice of your sewing machine!

Translation of note left after my sewing machine was moved from it's table for the fiftieth time:

"Please leave me here so Michele can sew. Thank you!"
"But sometimes I get cold from blocking the air conditioner all day... so I move."

(And, yes, Colby and I both have atrocious handwriting... that happens when you get as old as we are.)

New England Premier Photographer: Rachel Halsey

2011-08-04T17:05:00.000-04:00

As if you have not figured it out yet by my recent slew of family photo-heavy posts, we had our family photos done the day before we left on our vacation... and I am in love with them... every single one. Rachel was such a joy to work with... and so good to roll with the punches... in true Horne family style, we made every moment of the shoot an adventure... it started with Acadia's naked bum. Somewhere between me dressing her and us arriving at the shoot, she had removed her undies. Which wouldn't be so bad if my children did not have a penchant for mooning people at every chance. So Rachel had the pleasure of trying to take shots from angles not showing a naked 2 year-old tushy.

And then, to really challenge her, I requested shots with our hula hoops- which she captured wonderfully: She was able to capture us in all sorts of fun moves while still keeping a picturesque background in mind.

Next up, we walked down to the ocean where Acadia promptly fell into a huge pit of sticky, gray, thick mud. I instinctively scooped her up which then covered me in said sticky, gray, thick mud. (See her little feet and legs and my bum... all covered in mud for the rest of the shoot.)

And then poor Rachel had to deal with 3 sisters in which: 'A' does not want to sit next to 'B', 'B' does not want to sit next to 'C', 'C' does not like 'A' or 'B', 'B' does not want 'A' to look at her face, 'A' does not want 'B' within 10 feet of Mommy... etc., etc., etc. I know from years of trying to get photos of 3 kids... it is nearly impossible, but Rachel has a way with people... and they loved her. She was able to catch great shots of Daddy and his girls:
Absolutely PERFECT pictures of my with my girls:

A few great ones of Colby and I:

And, simply put... she took some plain old kick ass photos:

If you are in northern New England, I would highly recommend Rachel. I am honestly thinking of doing a 10 year vow renewal so that she will do my wedding photos! You spend 1-2 hours with her... get a CD with over 75 full resolution images. Do you know what that means??? You can upload your photos to your fave photo site (Shutterfly, Snapfish... whatever you use) and then send that link out and let people buy their own images! (Right, Mom???) Saving you a ton of money. She gives you full rights so you can get your Christmas cards made or a cool canvas print... or whatever your itty bitty heart desires instead of being locked into whatever she wants you to buy from her. i LOVE full rights to my own photos!

Plus, she's cute and sweet and funny and huggable (I know this because Annika would not let her leave without a hug!) And generous... she said if you mention my name when booking with her, she will give you $50 off!

And, because I love her so much and want to sweeten the pot a bit more, if you all go like her Facebook page and get her to 600 fans, I will give one of my readers any product from my Etsy site! (Just leave a comment here to let me know you stopped by to see her and I will choose a winner as soon as she reaches 600 fans.)

So, what do you think? How'd she do????

Sunday Citar: Summer Afternoon

2011-07-30T21:29:00.003-04:00

{source: Rachel Halsey photography}

Summer afternoon - summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language. ~Henry James

This might just be the best summer I have ever had. I made a promise to myself to enjoy every bit of sunshine this year. Every moment of extra daylight. Every minute of Annika's last summer before she starts kindergarten... and we have succeeded thus far.

Between ocean days, hiking in Acadia, swimming in the lakes, playdates in the park... we have been outside every day of this beautiful summer. Our healthy eating plans have suffered, our house is in a shambles, yardwork has barely been touched... but it is all worth it.

Please go see Tabitha for more Sunday Citar.

Tattoo Envy on Pinterest

2011-07-29T18:16:00.004-04:00

So... I am loving Pinterest. It is a great site for me to get some great visions for our bathroom redo and Ariana's new bedroom.

My favorite board so far is my tattoo envy board. Seeing all of those wonderful tattoos together has really inspired me to get a new tattoo designed.

Are you on Pinterest? Let me know so that I can steal your ideas... er... follow you...

Mommy and Me Monday: With a Little Help From The Pros Part II

2011-07-25T20:44:00.007-04:00

{source: Rachel Halsey Photography}

I love this photo of me and the two little ones: Acadia and Annika. It reflects that craziness and love that is our family... if you'll notice, Acadia's legs are covered in a gray mud. She fell in an ocean-shore quick sand of sorts smack-dab in the middle of our photo shoot. Which then covered her (and myself) in a thick, gray mud. But we rolled with the punches and Annika tried to help pick the mud off.

Visit Krystyn at Really, Are You Serious? for more great Mommy and Me photos.

Sunday Citar: Moments of the Present

2011-07-24T16:15:00.005-04:00

{source: Rachel Halsey Photography}

A daughter is the happy memories of the past, the joyful moments of the present, and the hope and promise of the future. ~Author Unknown

My baby baby will be 3 in a few, short days. My last baby. I watch her mature with anticipation and sadness. We are making leaps and bounds towards her being a big girl... she is at the end of diapers at bedtime; slowly moving towards spending nap time and bedtime in a big girl bed; dressing herself and putting on her own shoes with a fierce independence.

I know I have so very much to look forward to... but I wish I could pause these cuddly, snuggly, cute baby bum-pinching moments for a tiny bit longer.

Go visit Tabitha for more Sunday Citar.

I am kind of a big deal.

2011-07-19T12:21:00.001-04:00

{source}

Successful Road Trip Tips for a Family: Part 1

2011-07-13T19:03:00.009-04:00

As I mentioned, I am doing this little how-to series to help parents navigate a successful road trip. First up would be keeping the kids entertained during those hours of driving. For us, this includes two integral parts: snacks and activities. That's basically it. After that, you need to cross your fingers and pray for no major mood swings or bouts of irritable bowel syndrome.

Let's explore activities:
My mainstay for kids activities on the go is a bag like this: This bag fits conveniently on the floor below Acadia's seat and can carry many different distractions for the kids. Typically I pack plain paper, coloring books, a set of new crayons for each girl (Yes, we have 8 billion crayons, but a new set seems to appease them that much more and it is worth the $3 investment!), and whatever other activities suit that particular trip. I will usually print a bunch of free printables from the internet. Minivan Mom offers a great selection, everything from Car Bingo to Travel Scavenger Hunts.

I also enjoy the Melissa and Doug travel games, like travel memory: For around $10, you get a great game that will not lose pieces and includes 14 different boards.

Another recent discovery is a sort of travel I Spy: You can make your own version of these bags, but for $8 from a fellow Etsy shop, it is totally worth getting each kid one. My girls are very competitive, so it works out well. I just use the little card provided to call out an object for them to find, and it keeps them amused for an extended time.

Along with the coloring pages, printables and crayons, I strongly suggest a lap desk for each child. It makes artwork easier and neater. Mine look like this: and it has lasted about 8 years through 3 kids. It is a godsend to keep paper and books in their lap. It is quite small and fits right in the aforementioned travel totebag.

Along with that tote bag, I also like a back of the seat organizer like this: It keeps things like sippy's and other small items close at hand. (Just don't forget a sippy in there when the trip is complete... EWWWW!)

Next in the series: snack for the trip.

Road Trip, 3 Kids, 2 Parents... Easy AND Fun????

2011-07-13T18:44:00.005-04:00

{atop Cadillac Mountain}

In light of a broken oven, dryer and washing machine, we decided to take a budget vacation this year. Which actually suits us just fine. Hubby and I both love the outdoors, hiking, swimming... everything that is free and cheap on a vacation.

Out vacation was 9 days, approximately 600 miles driven, camping in a tent, swimming in 55 degree ocean water, exploring Maine's rocky shore, eating food cooked on a campfire, going to zoo's and amusement parks, stopping by various beaches... and sooo much more.

I bet you are wondering, "Really, fun with 3 kids on a 9 day road trip?" But it worked. It really did. All it took was a bit of planning and sometimes some deep breathing on the adults' part.

So, I am going to dedicate a few posts on how to have a successful road trip with 3 kids where you all come back alive with sanity intact. No, really, it IS possible... barely.

First up, tomorrow... how to pack for a successful trip in the car (and we don't even own a minivan!) wherein your children stay quasi-amused and refrain from beating the snot out of eachother.

Mommy and Me Monday: With a Little Help From The Pros

2011-07-11T21:16:00.006-04:00

{thank you, rachel halsey photography}

I can not stop staring at this photo. It is a simply amazing capture of a moment with me and my 2 older daughters. They have picked up my love of hula hooping and all I keep imagining is them sitting with their own children, looking fondly, recounting how they used to like to hula hoop with Grandma...

What? Is that weird? I imagine what my grandkids will think when they look at my photos?

Again, I can not beg you enough to get your photos done by a professional... now... while you can play like this and save these memories with your babies so that they can share them with the next generation... and the next.

Look at the memory I (and my babies) get to look back on... giggle at... embrace for so many years to come... and if that is not enough... I also have this... {thank you, rachel halsey photography}

Can you get enough of those eyes????

Thank you, Krystyn, for encouraging me to keep up my Mommy and Me photos! Visit her for more adorable inspiration.

Summer Links

2011-07-07T12:23:00.000-04:00

...and while I am on vacation, please enjoy some of my favorite summer links...

Great homemade popsicle ideas.

Great summer eats.

And more summer eats.

A hidden gem.

Lunch Fairy Land: great idea to liven up your summer lunch doldrums.

Yes, it IS possible to still eat healthy while traveling with my family this week.

I am still on vacation... hope you are enjoying your summer so far!

Summer reruns...

2011-07-05T12:17:00.002-04:00

I am on vacation... HOPEFULLY enjoying some sun, sand, friends, family and very unhealthy food! So you are stuck here with my old summer reruns... (i.e. regurgitated posts.)

Check out Tougas Farm in Massachusetts... my girls loved it and we got some of the sweetest strawberries ever!

My favorite salad to use my 8 pounds of fresh picked strawberries.

Ten sustainable, environmentally friendly products... some even produced in New England.

Did you ever wonder if it was worth your time and effort to keep up that veggie garden?

With a graphic design background, I am a font snob, and surely nobody will find this hilarious but me.

See this adorable bird feeder? Can I tell you that when I saw that exact tea cup at Goodwill, I knew it was fate and that I was meant to make it for my garden. (Photos when I complete it).

Oh, and don't forget to vote for MY COOKIES!!! (1 vote per day!)

Hot Fun in the Summertime

2011-07-04T08:00:00.000-04:00

"Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time." ~John Lubbock

This is our summer so far... and we have yet to be disappointed. We are soaking up every ray, relishing every drop of water... and wiggling our toes in every blade of grass we come across... as it should be.

NH State Cookie (according to ME!): White Mountain Chocolate Chip Maple Snickerdoodle

2011-06-29T19:50:00.002-04:00

(Don't these look sooo yummy!?!?!)

Better Homes and Gardens contacted me and said, "Hey, we will give you a free cookie sheet if you make a cookie to represent NH in a national contest."

Ummm, ok. Considering I own 2 cookie sheets (and I use the term "own" loosely since 1 was left here by a friend 2 years ago when she so kindly made me a meal when Acadia was born.) And the other is really not a cookie sheet per se... but a pizza pan.

So, yeah, I took the bait of said cookie sheet and polled my Facebook friends for recipe ideas and came up with this sweet concoction:

White Mountain Chocolate Chip Maple Snickerdoodles

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
5 tablespoons real maple syrup
1 egg
1/2 cup white chocolate chips

1/2 cup white sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon.

Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and 1 cup of white sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and maple syrup. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until just mixed. Slowly mix in chocolate chips.

In a small dish, mix together the remaining 1/2 cup white sugar and the cinnamon.

Use cookie dough baller to make 1 inch balls and drop them into the sugar/cinnamon mixture.

Place 2" apart on cookie sheet.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven.

ENJOY!

ANd now. the most important part... I am a very competitive person and I REALLY want to win this competition... so please, PLEASE vote for ME!!!! (Even if you are not from NH- mine is still the best cookie, hands down!)

VOTE HERE via FACEBOOK!

Say hello to my little friend... summer.

2011-06-23T09:44:00.004-04:00

Today begins our summer. Yesterday was Ariana's last day of school... so today I have 3 children to entertain all day... every day! Yikes.

What are we going to do?

• First off, I signed Ariana up for Borders Double Dog Dare Challenge to keep her reading all summer.
• We have vacation starting with a trip to Acadia... 4th of July fireworks from the top of Cadillac Mountain will be AMAZING!
• We have to make it over to Hampton before June 29 to see the sand castle competition.
• There will be festivals, parades, free bowling, concerts... and more.

What are we not doing?

• Cooking inside the house. If you have been wondering where my "What's on The Menu" posts are... they are on hiatus until fall since the menu would read, 'Hamburgers, hot dogs, salad, corn on the cob... etc' every day of the week. I stocked my freezer with the summer essentials and we will pretty much grill every day from here until September.

Sorry, sort of a rambling post... my mind is all a mess with all of these kids running around.

AMAZING, Unique New Hampshire Photographer

2011-06-22T17:27:00.007-04:00

If you all remember, I actually packed up my whole family and traveled from NH to Rhode Island last year to have our family photos done. Why the heck did I travel to Rhode Island to have a family photo shoot? Well, I have looked in NH for YEARS for a photographer to fit my family's style to no avail. And the amazing Lisa (who is actually a Canadian photog) was exactly what I wanted, so I would absolutely travel to see her while she happened to be in New England. (And I am so glad I did because her shots were simply perfect.)

Sadly, when her schedule brings her back to New England again this year, it is just not in the stars for us to meet up with her (we will be on vacation far, far away.)

As very sad as I was to miss Lisa... I think karma looked upon me and sent me Rachel. Rachel (of Rachel Halsey Photography) contacted me to see if we could work out a way for her to advertise on my blog. But, as my readers know, I am not a fan of advertising (except for my own Etsy shop, of course!) as it just feels tacky for me to push stuff on the people are are kind enough to visit me every day. Kind of like if you walked into my house and I pushed a pair of shoes at your face and said, "HERE. BUY THESE."

But....

I opened her website and immediately fell in love when I saw her photos of this gorgeous couple.... Ahhhh! She has exactly the tone and style of photography that I adore. How have I missed her until now??? I mean, a truly talented photographer right on the seacoast of NH??? {This is not her, but a photo of some other gorgeous photographer she captured.}

And she captures children exactly how I like it... naturally:
Can you tell I am just slightly excited to get our photos done with her???

Although, her and I have not worked out any advertising agreements yet, I did see that she has a giveaway going on for a free photo shoot and I just had to share it with you. If you live in southern Maine, northern Mass. or New Hampshire, I would seriously suggest entering her giveaway and then bookmarking her site because she is clearly going to be the go-to photographer for young families in our area.

{All photos contained in this post are courtesy of Rachel and belong to her (and by that I mean I stole them off her blog without her permission... I hope she doesn't mind!)}

Best Droid Photo App Yet!

2011-06-16T20:29:00.008-04:00

Since getting my Droid, I have been jealous of the cool photo apps for the iPhone. None of the Droid apps seem to measure up to the funky post processing effects of the Instagram or Hipstamatic (and the like.). I have tried FX Camera, picplz, PicSay Pro, Retro Camera, Vignette... to name a few. All of them had a few features that I liked... but I could not find the whole package...

...until now!

MagicHour is my new favorite app. After I took my first picture and I fell in love. (No idea what the water drops are for... but LOVE the tone of the photo.)

There is a free version... but I sprang for the full $1.99 so I could get the 1024 px resolution. It comes with 40 base filters and you can download countless more from the free market. You can also create your own filter... although I have not gotten that far yet.

MagicHour has a really simple interface, it saves at a better resolution than most photo apps, it has seemingly endless possibilities for editing and I love that you can take photos right from the app or import photos from your gallery taken directly from the phone camera.

Here is a sampling of some of the filters applied to a simple photo of Annika in the leaves: {click to enlarge}

...and another set with a cute couple of kids... {click to enlarge}

Expect lots of camera phone pics now!!!

9 Baby Items They Say You Need (But You Don't!)

2011-06-13T10:01:00.007-04:00

{source}

My wonderful friend, Isolde, is having her first baby! And with that comes... shopping! Lots of shopping to outfit your house for a new human. Isolde lives in a small abode like I do, so I thought I might do her a favor and tell her what NOT to waste her money and space on. If you have any additional suggestions for her, she'd love to hear them...

1. Changing Table
Especially in a small space. You can take a changing pad that comes with every diaper bag and... voila, a portable changing table. You can change a baby on any floor available, get amazing exercise every time you have to get up and down and cut out a whole ridiculous piece of furniture. I did have one 10 years ago with Ariana (because she was our first baby and we just HAD to have everything) but we never once used it, so we smartened up with the next 2 babies.

2. High chair (the full-sized type, at least)
Again, we had one with Ariana and all I remember is constantly moving it around as it always seemed to be in the way. A better bet is a portable high chair that attaches right to the table or to a chair. (We used the same portable chair booster with both Annika and Acadia. It was so convenient in a small house, plus we could pack it up to go to friends houses or the grandparents.)

3. If you a using disposable diapers- a diaper pail.
Gross. Just gross. If you are like most American families, you take your trash out once or twice a day... which is much preferred over a can of human waste that gathers over days and, no matter what they say, it still smells.

4. Baby wipes warmer.
'Nuff said.

5. Shoes.
I know those itty bitty Converse are adorable, but... useless. If you have a winter baby, they will be in all footed clothing which you don't need shoes for. And, if you have a summer baby, they will be content hanging out in onesies and not much else. Until they are at least ready to crawl, there is absolutely no use in shoes on a baby. Stock up on extra cute socks (which they will promptly take off anyhow) and call it good.

6. Any of the current (yet ridiculous) trends.
Such as the pee pee tee pee or the Thudguard. Silly. Just silly.

7. Multiple items that serve same purpose.
For instance, you do not need a huge baby swing and a bouncy seat. We opted for just the bouncy seat for Acadia. Again, I remember 10 years ago with Ariana, constantly having this baby swing in our way and having to move it around our living room all the time. Additionally, some babies hate swings and it will be a complete waste of money and space. I find a bouncy seat sufficient for the first few weeks, it's easy to move around (as in you can grab it with one hand, baby in the other and put it in the bathroom so you can sneak in a quick shower.)

Look for other multipurpose items as well. We had a Kelty hiking pack that converted into a stroller, which was just perfect. It did not have all the bells and whistles of the fancy strollers, but since I carried Acadia in a sling most times, we rarely used it as a stroller. But, if you are a walker/hiker- the hiking pack is a necessity.

8. Diaper bags.
Yet again, we got a specialized diaper bag with Ariana... but Colby hated to take her out carrying a 'purse' and it was just another extraneous item that went from our house to a landfill (well, maybe Goodwill first.) Just use an existing backpack that you have for goodness sake. It makes way more sense. If I was going for a walk downtown with Acadia strapped to my front and needed 2 hands to hold the other 2 girls' hands... I would not have a free hand to be toting a baby bag. A back pack works perfectly and dad won't mind carrying it as well. And, when baby is grown, you are not left with a useless Winnie the Pooh themed piece of trash.

9. Specialized items.
Those towels with the built-in hood (which does not actually fit babies head.) 'Swaddling' blankets. (Seriously, any blanket wrapped correctly on the baby is a swaddling blanket.) Burp clothes/ recieving blankets/cloth diapers (when used as burp clothes.) Pick one of these items. I had a stack of small receiving blankets which covered all bases for this. I did not get seperate burp clothes as you just grab a receiving blanket that is sitting around and throw it over your shoulder. Or the same thing if you are cloth diapering... just throw a clean diaper over your shoulder- no need for 'burp' cloths.

There are probably a ton more useless baby items I am forgetting, but these are the ones that jumped out at me from my ten years of motherhood thus far.

Mommy and Me Monday: Cuddle Time

2011-06-13T08:30:00.006-04:00

Thank goodness for friends with cameras... or I may not exist in my own photo albums.

This was at our Memorial Day cookout when Acadia needed a bit of cuddling after she got out of the pool. I have been really absorbing every moment of cuddling I can get from each daughter recently. The second one of them proposes, "Can you cuddle me, Mommy?" I immediately drop what I am doing and say, "Absolutely"... I just never know when they will tire of me or it simply won't be cool to snuggle with Mommy anymore.

"Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure." -Oprah Winfrey

Hosted by Krystyn at Really, Are You Serious?

Sunday Citar: Coloring outside the lines.

2011-06-12T09:14:00.005-04:00

"My childhood smells like a box of Crayola crayons." ~Jessi Lane Adams

When you first open a fresh box of crayons... does it flood you with memories?

Coloring... crayons... what a definition of childhood. No matter how dirt poor we were, we always had crayons. Even if you don't have a coloring book, you can always find a scrap of paper to draw a rainbow on. You can color inside the lines... you can let your abstract emotions fly... you can create a masterpiece from a box of 8... or relish in the magnificence of a box of 120... with names like Purple Mountain's Majesty or Wild Blue Yonder.

"Poured a cup of hot sepia coffee in a wisteria flowered mug, dandelion sunshine spilling through the periwinkle sky." ~Terri Guillemets

Please visit Tabitha at Fresh Mommy for more wonderful citar.

My Father: Gary Gilpatrick, Rest in Peace

2011-06-07T17:54:00.011-04:00

I said goodbye to my biological father last Wednesday morning as I sat next to him and watched him take his last breath. It was absolutely the hardest thing I have ever done.

My relationship with my father was emotionally distant, to say the least. I only met him when I was 18 as my mother sheltered me from him for my entire youth. In the last 17 years, I have made an effort to form a bond with him and let him get close to my children. My favorite memory of him is when he sat with Annika in his lap and read her books.
It was such a tender moment with him, one that I had never experienced myself. I have not yet decided if the distant relationship is making this easier or harder with the 'what-ifs' and regrets.

My father led a life with a cigarette in one hand and a beer in the other... which is ultimately what killed him. It is what it is and it is what seemed to make him happy.

My father had an intriguing stint in the Air Force which took him from Spain to Paris He was a very handsome airman and his years in the military seem to be portrayed in his photos as his happiest.

He treasured his time with his 3 daughters and six grandchildren... but that time was just too short.

Please, please do not procrastinate. Do not say, "I will call/go see/ write to... mom/dad/sister/auntie/grampy... tomorrow/next week/ next month..."

I know that your dishes/lawn/hair/computer... really need tending to... But the moments you put off spending with the ones you love can never be relived. We all have limited time on this earth. And, in the end, all that really matters are the ones that you love. Be that friends or family or lovers, you need to make time for them. Time every day.

I had taken this weekend off to go celebrate an early Father's Day with my father (which would have been the first time I has seen him in months) and now I know it is too late. I hope he forgives me and is at peace wherever he may be.

A Recipe: Summer Bruschetta

2011-05-25T09:13:00.004-04:00

Strawberry season is upon us and with it, the hunt for recipes to utilize the harvest. In my hunt, I found this oh-so-yummy recipe that I just had to try immediately.

Amazingly, it mixes 2 of my other favorite recipes from last year: Insalata Caprese Bruschetta and my favorite summer salad, Strawberry Spinach.

Here is the recipe I adapted from Shutterbean:

Strawberries, hulled & sliced
Goat cheese
Aged balsamic vinegar
Basil leaves, shredded
Crostini, sliced
olive oil

Slice your strawberries and set them aside in a dish with a tablespoon or 2 of balsamic vinegar. (A full quart of strawberries would be about 2 tablespoons of vinegar.)

I simply brushed the bread with olive oil on both sides and threw it on the grill on medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side (until lightly brown).

After it is browned, spread on some goat cheese, a few sliced strawberries and a bit of shredded basil. (I also dribbled a bit of the reserve vinegar from the strawberries for a bit of added zip.)

This will be added to my summer recipe repertoire for our cookouts and gatherings. My girls even loved this bruschetta (although Annika would not eat the basil as she was convinced it was spinach!)

Check Shutterbean out for some other delicious recipes. If she is not in your blog reader, she should be.

Hope

2011-05-23T08:52:00.005-04:00

I got a small tattoo last night, but behind it are many larger meanings.

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.” -Albert Einstein

“To love is to risk not being loved in return. To hope is to risk pain. To try is to risk failure, but risk must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.”

“May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human enough hope to make you happy.”

“Hope is the dream of a soul awake.” -French Proverb

“Hope is not a dream but a way of making dreams become reality.”

Words are just words, but if you believe in your words, they become a tangible reality.

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Thank you very much to Stina, an amazing artist on the seacoast of NH. She does a-may-zing, feminine art in a calm, relaxing environment. (If you have any tattoo experience, you know some shops can be a bit... overwhelming, loud... not my thing.)

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

A bit of tattoo inspirations from my archives:
FYeah
Tattoo Tuesday: by Sweet Danielle
Tattoo Snob

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Rest of my sleeve, thus far, thanks to Doug, Bonafide Tattoo. Apparently, if you are looking for some nice script (as my 'Down Home Girl') he is the guy in NH. I have actually had other tat artists recognize his script on me and compliment it.

Top ten people who send me stalkers.

2011-05-18T09:30:00.004-04:00

I have never done this, but I think it would be nice to recognize the top ten sites that refer people to my blog. I mean how would I be one of the most popular blogs in ~~the world~~ ~~the US~~ ~~New Hampshire~~ my house without people spreading the love???

Without further adieu:

10. Tip Junkie- pretty much the go to site for the crafty Momma.
9. Musings of a Twin Mama: Ever since my sister-in-law became pregnant with my niece and nephew a couple of years ago, I have been very intrigued by the life of families with multiples. (Do you read Girls Gone Child???) How the hell do people do it???
8. Gone West, Love Isolde: One of my oldest friends... er... our friendship is old, she's not... or that would make me old... anyhow... she has made a wonderful new life on the opposite coast, becoming a stepmother of a teen, traveling here, there and everywhere, all while navigating the ups and downs of her first pregnancy.
7. Pinterest: I was shocked to see all of the things from my blog that people have pinned. (Thank you, LZ, for the pin!)
6. Decorating Your Way
5. Peek Into My Noggin'- Danielle is one of my most favorite women in the world. She balances work, being a fantastic mother, keeping a beautiful home, cooking delicious food, having fun in all the moments of her life... I adore her.
4. Crafty Nest: Cool home design ideas on the cheap.
3. A Wrinkle in Time- I have the pleasure of knowing Kam in real life and she is smart, funny, talented and a real sweetheart.
2. Curbly- One of my most favorite design sites.
1. Gluegun Crafts

Thank every single one of you! I really do appreciate the love.

Darwin's Theory

2011-05-17T09:28:00.002-04:00

Is this sign necessary? I mean if you are going to pick up a hitchhiker across from the county jail... wearing a jumpsuit....

Hula Hooping Momma Getting Fit

2011-05-04T12:26:00.006-04:00

{source}

On St. Patrick's Day my friend, C., and I stopped by a local consignment store. We spied some fun hula hoops and C. challenged me to play a bit. I was surprised at my ability to hoop with a real life hoop (not the itty bitty kind you find at Walmart) and at how quickly I felt the workout throughout my body...

...and that is where my hooping journey began. I went out the next day and bought all the necessary supplies to make my very own hoops:

That's it. Irrigation tubing, connectors and a hack saw. (I used some pretty tape to decorate. Unfortunately, I later discovered that duct tape gets pretty beat up when the hoop hits the pavement.)

Next, I just started practicing. I search videos on YouTube and joined HoopCity for more detailed instruction. All 3 of my daughters have since joined me and Ariana & Annika can actually hoop pretty darn well. What a fun way for us to play together, get exercise and have fun.

Just yesterday, I started my first hooping class through my local rec. (Our Racquet Club also offers classes with the same instructor.) It was a gorgeous day to put my toes in the grass and spend an uninterrupted hour getting some much needed exercise.

I think I have discovered an exercise routine that I will actually stick with. I can envision myself on my deck in the sunshine spending an hour here and there getting my heart pumping while the girls either join me or I can keep an eye on them as they run around the yard.

Sunday Citar: Family Tree

2011-05-01T18:59:00.004-04:00

“A tree is known by its fruit.” -Proverb

We spent a fantastic weekend with my in-laws last weekend celebrating Easter, my mother-in-laws birthday, and the coming of spring. It is always fun for our family, especially the kids, when we get to spend time at the in-laws since they have cousins all around the same age.

I grew up with around 30 cousins- so I am fond of that familial bond. And I am reminded of that joy from my own childhood as I see my girls playing with, cuddling, laughing with and thoroughly enjoying their cousins.

The overall feeling of peace and contentment felt reminds me that a tree is known by it's fruit and I am happy to have created new branches on this particular tree.

Do go see Tabitha for more Sunday Citar.

Finally, spring has arrived...

2011-04-27T22:01:00.002-04:00

Without ice cream, there would be darkness and chaos. ~Don Kardong

New England Museums for Children – Fun and Educational!

2011-04-26T18:03:00.005-04:00

{my acadia at the children's museum of nh- on an archaeological dig}

Eeek, I am a bit late! I usually do some great posts on activities for spring break... and here we are 2 days in and... nothing! Thankfully, Travel New England contacted me and asked if they may guest post. Ummmm.... yeah! They are recommending every attraction I already recommend to you every year, yet saving me time writing myself. Score! So here are some ideas for this spring break:

New England Museums for Children – Fun and Educational!
By Travel New England
You’re planning a trip to New England with the kids. Wouldn’t it be great if you could include activities that are both educational and fun for the entire family? Many of New England’s museums offer great activities and experiences that never disappoint and are, for sure, enjoyed by all! Below are some attractions we recommend for you and your children:

1. Children’s Museum of New Hampshire – If you find yourself in New Hampshire, “The Granite State,” head over to the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, located in Dover. The Museum offers a wide variety of interactive, fun, and educational exhibits, as well as enriching programs that include Museum Overnights, Scout Programs, Summer Camps, and so much more. Does your little one have a birthday coming up? With their diverse birthday party options, the Museum makes it easy for the entire family to share in a very special celebration. The options are endless – just go!

2. Boston Children’s Museum – With over 100 activities for kids, a visit to the Boston Children’s Museum is a sure bet. The Museum was founded by teachers and is focused on children and their families or caregivers. So, you can be sure there is something for everyone, with exhibits ranging from science to culture to health and fitness, to the environment to the arts. Before you go, be sure to check out the tips for grown-ups when preparing for your visit.

3. Museum of Science, Boston – There is no such thing as spending a couple of hours at the Museum of Science, Boston. With over 500 interactive exhibits, live daily presentations, and special shows in the Charles Hayden Planetarium and Mugar Omni iMAX theater – New England’s only domed iMAX screen, a one-time visit isn’t enough. The fun doesn’t stop there. Your children will be truly fascinated by what they see and learn in the Museum’s Theater of Electricity that houses the world’s largest Van de Graaff generator. And, don’t forget to visit the Current Science & Technology Center and the scale community solar system model. Too many things to list here. Just go!

4. Providence Children’s Museum – If your kids are between the ages of 1 and 11, and your plans take you to southern New England, be sure to visit the Providence Children’s Museum in Providence, RI. With many hands-on, play-filled exhibits and special programs, your entire family is bound to have a great time together as you explore the wonders of culture, history, science, and the arts. When planning your visit, be sure to check out the visiting tips offered by the Museum.

5. Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine – If you’re plans take you to New England’s North Shore, be sure to stop by the Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine in Portland. This Museum combines exhibits focused on arts education with productions that include cast and crews ranging in ages from 7 to 16, delighting audiences of all kinds, as well as museum exhibits focused on science, multi-cultural, and early childhood education, providing much enjoyment and enrichment to children ranging in ages from 6 months to 10 years, as well as their families or caregivers. Be sure to check out the visitor tips when planning your trip!

6. Higgins Armory Museum – A treat for the entire family! If you’re fascinated by the history behind Medieval times, tales of knights in shining armor, and the mystery behind ancient Greek soldiers, be sure to visit the Higgins Armory Museum in Worcester, MA. Here is where you and the kids will marvel at the spectacular collection of arms and armor (including more than 35 suits of armor) and delight in the entertaining and educational demonstrations and programs that “bring to life arms and armor from around the world and across centuries!”

7. The Butterfly Place – Located in Westford, MA is an incredible indoor garden with hundreds of beautifully colored butterflies from around the world flying free. The Butterfly Place garden includes winding walkways where you and the kids can observe beautiful butterflies, as well as fish and birds, up close in the natural environment in which they live. Kids can even take home a Butterfly Hatching Kit so they can hatch and release their own butterfly or moth.

These are but a few of the many wonderful museums for children and their families in the New England area. Get ready for great fun…and education!

About the Author
This article was written exclusively for New England through Yummy Mommy’s Eyes by the editorial staff of Travel New England, a website about all of the wonderful things to see and do in the six New England states. Check out their site, blog, and photo gallery for more New England vacation ideas.

I just wanted to also add that, with the exception of the Museum of Science, all of these museums are part of the Association of Children's Museums reciprocal program. Which means if you have a Family Membership with ACM Reciprocal Program privileges at your own museum (which I DO) you can get your family into all of the rest of these museums FREE! Check the site for details, but it is a fantastic deal if you travel around New England like we do.

I can honestly say that, with the exception of Higgins and the Providence Museum, I have been to all of these destinations, and I would recommend every single one for some simple family fun.

Happy Spring Break!

This Ain't Yo' Momma's Grilled Cheese: Mexican Pepper Jack

2011-04-22T09:06:00.009-04:00

This was one of my favorite so far:

Artisan Bread (I used a Rye loaf)
Cabot Pepper Jack (we also tried the Cabot Chipotle, which was great as well.)
Sundried Tomatoes
REAL butter
Tortilla chips
Guacamole

The first thing to do is make a paste from the tortillas and butter. Put a few tortilla chips in a Magic Bullet or food processor and grind them to a powder. Then mix them with a couple of tablespoons of butter. (Make sure the paste is more butter and less tortilla or it will not spread on bread well.) Spread your butter mixture on a piece of bread and place butter down in your cast iron skillet. Spread on some guac and a few pieces of sundried tomato. Add of few pieces of cheese and the second piece of bread, tortilla butter face up.

Toast to perfection, turning every few minutes. And voila:

It is soooo yummy.

See my previous grilled cheese recipes:
Chicken Pesto Smoked Bacon Delight
Sundried Tomato and Pesto

...aaaand, I was featured here along with some other fabulous grilled cheese recipes!

Kids Say (and do) The Darndest Things

2011-04-21T09:02:00.004-04:00

I have taken up hula hooping. I have found it is a fun way to exercise and the girls in this house have developed a bit of competitive spirit when it comes to learning new hula hoop tricks. It is something Ariana, Annika and myself can spend hours doing in our living room or (where are the sweet sun Gods) out on the deck or lawn.

Cut to the chase... I wanted to video myself doing a few tricks so I could see if I looked as spectacular as I think I do ~~or more like a flailing hyenea~~.

As I turned the camera in my computer on... this is a small clip of the next few minutes of me trying to capture my grand hula skills...

If you do not have (or have not had) a 2-year-old... they are the BEST! Seriously, what a freakin' fun age. Pure, unadulterated, care free little bugs.

Restored faith in humanity...

2011-04-20T09:08:00.005-04:00

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Wow. My post on being attacked for my tattoos on Facebook received so many kind comments. This tells me 2 things:

1. I need to write way more poor-me, self-pity posts.
2. This blog attracts some very kind, open-minded people. (Just as I had always suspected.)

Please rest assured that I am love with my tattoos. No matter what words others sling at me, I will never regret them. I am very proud of the artwork myself and my tattoo artist have achieved.

The hurt really stemmed more from the fear that people like this exist and have no qualms showing themselves and their ignorance. I think I am a bit sheltered because I choose to surround myself with like-minded people who avoid drama in their lives. I just dread my children's yet-to-be-realized experiences in the real world and all that may entail.

All of your comments were so thoughtful and insightful, I wanted to reply to everyone.

Dwayne: It is a personal choice and I wish more people could learn to let others make their own choices.

Sarah: Your comment, "we're all losing a little bit of our humanity" puts into words exactly what I am feeling. Thank you so much for your comment.

Nap Mom: If I had a dime for every time I tell my girls, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all..." It seems so simple... yet it is foreign to some people. Those people that commented were 'friends' of friends, which I previously had open to see my photos- so it was my own fault that they could see and comment.

Connie: A fellow mom of three girls??? How have I not found you before now? Thank you so much for all of your kind words. (And you now have a new follower.:-)

Nikki: I have often wondered what it would be like to go into those peoples' heads for just a moment... do they know happiness? Do they ever feel content deep down?

Rhyah: Sadly, it is often the adults (and specifically women) who are cruelest. (Breast/bottle, WAH/SAH, etc...) I noticed that at least one of the meanies that commented was a mom. Can you imagine what messages she is sending her children???

Kell: You know how much I love drama.

Jennifer: Aww, thank you... I can always count on you for a smile.

Draft Queen: Thanks for the compliments. My artist is here.

Carolyn: The photo was open to friends of friends.

Isolde: I actually used it to open a conversation with Ariana. I showed it to her and let her know how it made me feel. None of my kids are online for cyber-bullying yet, so it was a good eye opener for her.

Ah, Lora, I have nothing if not strength in the face of assholes.

Jocelyn, your MOM has tattoos like mine??? Ackkk- thanks for making me feel so old!!! :-)

Kam- Thank you for being one of those people who has come out from behind the screen and proven that there are fantastic people all over social media.

Sara- Thank you so very much for YOUR inspiring comments. Your boys are very lucky to have such a kind Momma.

NattyJ- In response to commenters, "waking up and opening their minds a little wider!" I have come to the realization that some people are just who they are. I can not change them as I do not want them to change me, but I can choose to not have them be a part of my life.

That is one of the things I love best about being a grown-up. When we are younger, we are forced into friendships either by relationship (your mom's best friends' kids) or geography (who else are you gonna hang out with except a neighbor when you're 8 years old?) or other forces beyond your control. Now, I get to choose who I associate with. I can whine about the mean comments on Facebook... or simply block jackasses (which I have been known to do.) I can bitch and moan about the behaviors of friends or acquaintances... or simply distance myself from those people and foster real, meaningful friendships with people I truly respect, love and who make me a better person.

I want people to bring their own sunshine as I try to bring mine.

A Mommy Daughter Date with the Big Apple Circus in Boston

2011-04-18T10:18:00.006-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, I was lucky enough to be given tickets to the Big Apple Circus in Boston to go with Annika and our great friends, Carolyn and Amelia. It was a pretty amazing time to be able to take 2 five-year-olds to see acrobats, horses, clowns, and oodles of other entertainers. Really, the pictures are worth a thousand words... just look at those little girls' faces: It was so nice to have a mommy daughter date. We stopped at a great little soup and bagel shop across the street for lunch and then the girls frolicked in the City Hall square for a bit before we went in. It was pretty fun that the circus is an actual Big Top tent in the center of the city. It made the experience even more enjoyable for me, since the venue is so small, there really are not any 'bad' seats... the performers seemed so close. The girls just wanted to reach out and pet the horses... I think the animals were both girls favorite part. I think Carolyn and I were most enamoured with watching our little angels beaming and laughing and squealing in delight. Carolyn and I both agreed that the 3-8 year-old age range is pretty much perfect for the circus. They just find it so magical and it makes it so great to watch... kind of like when you experience Christmas all over again once you become a parent.

The circus will be in town until May 15th. If you have not gone, you really should consider it. The price is reasonable if you use this link to get a discount. (You save up to $15 per ticket!)

Go here to order online and the code is already applied or you can call CALL 888-541-3750 and mention code POP11. When I checked online this morning, I noticed that shows are already selling out for weekends and prime times, so you my want to order soon.*

*Offer good on select seat locations and performances. Performance schedule subject to change. Offer is subject to availability; not valid on prior purchases; cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions. This offer can be revoked at any time. Discount amount varies. Limit 8 tickets per order. No refunds or exchanges. Telephone and Internet orders are subject to standard service fees.

Attacked for my tattoos on Facebook.

2011-04-14T09:16:00.008-04:00

I knew it would happen. I knew my tattoos would bring about some sideways looks and maybe a snarky comment or two.

But it still hurt my feelings.

I posted a photo on my personal Facebook page as my tattoo artist was scribbling some ideas on my arm: And then... the barrage...

I simply posted a photo on my own wall... and, unbeknownst to me, other random people somehow found it. I am not sure how or why they came across it, but they felt the need to make comments like, "Gross." "I hate tattoos." "Walking billboards."

I was completely taken aback. I know that people have negative opinions on tattoos, but how do they find it appropriate to personally attack me and my body. Obviously they are a permanent part of me and something I can no longer change. It would be like me walking up to someone and saying, "Brown eyes... Gross!"

If I were part of a conversation wherein people were discussing their aversion to tattoos and voicing an opinion... that would be one thing. But to simply spout off mean-spirited things at a photo on my personal FB page... well, it's just mean. It's sad that social media gives people this ease to just bully and attack. I mean, I don't think these same people would walk up to me in person and say, "Gross." At least, I hope they wouldn't... would they???? Are people that cruel?

What made me the saddest were the thoughts that quickly rushed to my daughters. I can handle the ignorant attacks. I can reason within my head that these people are callous and close-minded. But what happens when a 10 or 11 or 12-year-old is attacked with such unkind words? Will they have the strength to look beyond the words, to dismiss the ignorance? It scares me to even consider it....

And, as a side note, after all the sketches, all I added to my tattoo was a pretty new butterfly surrounded by some greenery:

*You will notice a comment from 'Claudia' in the FB convo is a different font. As I was screen capturing, she erased her comments... so I pasted back in from my email notification. She seemed to have a change of heart... maybe she will think twice before attacking other strangers with no just cause.

This Ain't Yo' Momma's Grilled Cheese: Sundried Tomato & Pesto

2011-04-13T12:02:00.005-04:00

I can't believe I missed posting yesterday... it was actually National Grilled Cheese Day (how much tax-payer money was spent on declaring that???) But we did try a yummy new combination here.

A lot of the best grilled cheese sandwich recipes include tomatoes. Unfortunately, in our house, 5 out of 5 people do not like tomatoes. So I decided to come up with a recipe of my own to still utilize the yummy combo of cheese and tomato flavor (aside from just dipping the sandwich in the traditional tomato soup.)
Use a good artisan bread (I used a simple wheat here.) Butter the bread (with REAL butter, of course!) Add a bit of pesto to the inside of the sandwich. Chop up some of your favorite sundried tomatoes and slice your Cabot Tomato Basil cheddar cheese. Add those ingredients to your own taste.

(Direction on actually making the grilled cheese can be found on my previous post.)

Happy National Grilled Cheese Month (and Day!)

See my previous grilled cheese recipes:
Chicken Pesto Smoked Bacon Delight

Unconditional love of a child.

2011-04-06T12:15:00.009-04:00

I have had a long couple of days. I have been pretty ill and, as we all know, Momma's don't get sick days. So I crawled into bed last night pretty defeated and feeling like pure crap. As I pulled back my covers, I discovered these: Unsolicited love notes from my girls could not have come at a better time. Just when I need a little pick me up and a smile, they came through. Honestly, it choked me up a little to see their beautiful pictures and words:

And Ariana made me giggle... On the front: Somewhere over the rainbow... Inside: You're tickling me while I kick your butt at hula hooping. And somewhere under the rainbow there is a pot of gold for me!

What a great way to go off to sleep.

And then this morning, as I sat down with my coffee for the Today show... my gratitude grew even further. There was a segment on a young mother and father who had both been diagnosed with cancer within days of eachother. You can just never tell what each day will bring and how short life can be. I spent a little extra time cuddling each baby this morning.

Youth Gone Wild

2011-04-05T09:00:00.003-04:00

As Colby and I were watching the news the other night, we were both shocked and dismayed by what we saw:

"North Andover Junior Prom Shut Down After Pot Brownies Incident"

Apparently kids have discovered... MARIJUANA! Right here in New England! I do not know what this world is coming to. Thank goodness the school had the foresight to shut down the whole prom shenanigans before any more kids were exposed to this marijuana drug.

And then, the very next morning, more devastating news:

"Plainville underage drinking party busted."

Drinking? At a PARTY? And they were underage? What is this world coming to??? Where are these kids learning this stuff?

Well, as we put on PBS to get away from all the bad news, I found out where:
Seriously PBS? Teaching this stuff to our children through the guise of an innocent SuperWhy! episode???

I am so glad I was never involved in any of this raucous behavior that the mislead youth of today seem to be falling into... (although I am not sure these escapades were quite newsworthy back in my day.)

Some easy tips for preparing for spring.

2011-04-04T10:00:00.004-04:00

It seems every April I blog about the same old stuff... spring cleaning, Earth Day, yummy foods, getting out and gardening... Instead of regurgitating everything, here are a few of my links from years past in case you'd like to peruse at your own pace:

No better time than during spring cleaning to start an all natural cleaning supply routine.
Celebrate Earth Day on April 22 with these 7 tips to live simply.
The spring thaw is he perfect time to start composting.
18 ways to get your New England yard ready for spring.
Time to get some new sunscreen for the year. Make sure you are getting it right.
Buy your ice pop maker now, you'll will be making oodles of popsicles for hot, sweaty kids any day.
Carve yourself out a little corner in your yard, so that you can start sipping tea and watching the trees bud and flowers blossom.
I am not sure if I ever mentioned it... but my square foot gardens were a huge success.
I am sooo excited to get back on the grill... and to eat summer salads... lots and lots of salads!
Start your summer bucket list now so that you can start planning/budgeting/daydreaming for your summer.

And now, if we could just get the weather to cooperate so that we could have some real spring weather.

2011-04-04T09:19:00.004-04:00

More snow here. Awesome. Not enough for snow shoes or ice skates or sledding. Too much to go to the park or play in the garden. It's April... go away snow!

Which leaves me finding more crafty indoor activities for the kids. This one is easy. Take an egg carton, pip cleaners, paint and a 2 inch tall photo of your child's face.

Simply cut the egg carton into worm-like segments (we used 3 parts per wormy for us). Let the kids paint (or use markers, crayons, etc.) the body of the worm/insect. While they do that, you can print out a picture 2" tall of your child's face. I sealed mine with a clear contact paper to make them a bit sturdier.

I then punched holes in the top of the head so that the girls could insert antennae. Ariana also added legs and arms to hers. We then attached their face to the front... and there you have it.
That gave us about half an hour reprieve and then... "I'm borrrred. There's nothing to dooooo." Eh, it was a good half hour.

Come onnnn sunshine.

This Ain't Yo' Momma's Grilled Cheese: Chicken Pesto Smoked Bacon Delight

2011-04-01T19:00:00.006-04:00

Like my title? It IS a delight. I am so happy with our first grilled cheese recipe in celebration of National Grilled Cheese Month that I am posting twice in one day! When I handed Colby his sandwich, he said (and I quote), "This is a friggin' great sandwich." So, there you have it, straight from the horses mouth.

Ingredients:

Cabot Creamery Smoked Bacon Cheddar
Pesto
REAL Butter
Shredded Chicken
A really yummy artisan bread

You really have to have a great bread as the base for a great grilled cheese. My local grocer carries La Brea bread, which is delicious. This time around I chose their roasted garlic loaf... and it went perfectly with this sandwich.

What are the other tricks for a great grilled cheese? A cast iron skillet is a must for a perfectly browned, perfectly melted grilled cheese. You have to cook on as not to burn the bread yet still melt the cheese. You also have to use real butter... the fake butter substances just won't do here.

Also, make sure you grate the cheese or slice it very thin so that it will melt well.

Simply butter one side of the bread and add a bit of pesto to the other side, place it butter side down on the pan. Add some shredded chicken, your cheese and then another pesto and buttered slice of bread. I like to cover the pan so keep the heat in and melt the cheese. Flip when it's browned to your taste... brown the second side... and voila!

Really, it's delish! Happy National Grilled Cheese Month and thanks to Cabot Creamery for the cheese!

Feel free to share any grilled cheese recipes you may have, I need a lot of inspiration this month.

I am here to share cheap ideas... and some yummy ideas.

2011-04-01T08:57:00.006-04:00

And now... some random crap....

We just saw a commercial for the Big Apple Circus in Boston April 2nd-May 15th and the resounding squeals reminded me that we are going to the circus in 2 days!!! Annika is literally making me count the hours. The circus was one of those great childhood memories that I carry with me and now it's so fun to take my kids and watch their excitement. I, of course, will be posting about our trip to Boston (with oodles of photos, I'm sure) but until then, I can offer you a great coupon code to order your own tickets. Go here to order online and the code is already applied or you can call CALL 888-541-3750 and mention code POP11. When I checked online this morning, I noticed that shows are already selling out for weekends and prime times, so you my want to order soon.*

If you are a parent in New Hampshire- you need to subscribe to Couptopia. It's another one of those coupon sites, but they have been offering great deals on NH kids attractions. Today they are offering 1/2 off tickets for the SEE Science Center in Manchester. We have also gotten Discover Stop passes at 1/2 off, Childrens Museum at 1/2 off... they are usually very little restrictions and are valid all year.

Do you like peanut butter? Maple syrup? You can NOT miss out on this: Be aware though, it is dangerous. I can eat half a jar in a sitting with my apple slices!

Did you know that National Grilled Cheese Month started today? Cabot Creamery, one of my favorite New England staples, sent me a LOT of cheese to celebrate. So, starting tonight, I will be cooking up some new and interesting grilled cheese recipes. Seriously, these ain't yo' momma's grilled cheese. I have some great gourmet ideas in mind. Ingredients may include: pesto, chicken, sun dried tomatoes, horseradish cheddar, maple syrup, Nutella (NOT all on the same sandwich, silly!)... are you intrigued yet??? Stay tuned all month as I put my family through a smorgasbord of crazy grilled cheese recipes!

Happy Friday, and if you are anything like me, you can go back to cursing Mother Nature for her jackass April Fools Day joke.

*Offer good on select seat locations and performances. Performance schedule subject to change. Offer is subject to availability; not valid on prior purchases; cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions. This offer can be revoked at any time. Discount amount varies. Limit 8 tickets per order. No refunds or exchanges. Telephone and Internet orders are subject to standard service fees.

Simply make your own taco seasoning.

2011-03-28T10:42:00.006-04:00

I can be such a culinary moron sometimes.

We eat a lot of Mexican food here. It is so simple and everybody in this house will eat it. Yet, it took me 35 years to figure out I could make taco seasoning myself. I think I thought it was some exotic mixture filled with secret 'Mexican' ingredients.

Not so much.

Here is my recipe which I used so that I could have a full jar on hand at all times...

4 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoon paprika
6 teaspoons ground cumin
4 teaspoon sea salt
4 teaspoon black pepper

Simply mix them all up in a pretty jar and store in a cool dry place, like all other spices. Keep some shredded chicken in your freezer. And then when you are pressed for a quick meal- throw some of your chicken in a fry pan with a couple tablespoons of your taco mix and a bit of water and heat it up.

You can then throw it on a whole wheat tortilla wrap with some black beans, corn, bit of shredded cheese, black olives... whatever your family likes in their quesadillas, throw another tortilla on top and heat in a nice hot cast iron skillet for a minute and you have a quick snack for hungry mouths.

Serve up with salsa, sour cream or Greek yogurt with a pinch of your taco seasoning mixed in... I think I know whats for dinner!

(Like my sweet antique Ball jar with chalk board sticker??? Me too! Those stickers are so freakin' fun!)

Going Green: Quick Tip #3

2011-03-24T16:19:00.004-04:00

My husband fell in love with foaming soap when we used at a vacation cottage we had. Soon after we came home I went to buy some and discovered they make foaming dish soap, foaming hand soap, foaming body wash...

However, I have a had a bit of trouble finding foaming soaps in any of my usual greener brands. So I made my own.

It's quite simple really. Get a foaming pump dispenser (at $10-$15 dollars each, I decided to just reuse the ones I already had.) Simply fill it one quarter of the way with your choice of soap. And then, very slowly, fill the rest of the bottle with water. (I say slowly, because if you fill it too quickly, you will end up with an overflowing, bubbly mess.)

You can use castille soap for either dish foam or hand washing foam. I like to add a few drops of sweet orange essential oil to my dish soap for a nice scent.

You can also add a couple of drops of tea tree oil to hand soap for the disinfecting properties or some lavender for calming effects... or, really, whatever essential oil you prefer. 5-10 drops should do.

There are so many benefits of making this soap yourself. You can control what ingredients you use. You save a ton of money. If you have bubbly-happy toddlers like I do, you save a ton of soap. (Since it is a pump action, they can only disperse a small amount at a time.) You are also taking another step towards simplifying your home: one bottle of castille to refill all the dispensers in the house. Yay for less plastic and less clutter under your sinks.

(* Side note: These pumps tend to clog after awhile. You can soak the pump in hot water and pump some hot water through it a couple of times and it will clear up with no problem.)

Kids Say: What's with all the questions???

2011-03-22T08:20:00.000-04:00

Annika is five.

Five-year-olds ask a lot of questions.

This is one part of parenting you are never told about. Your child may ask you... WILL ask you questions.

Some you are more than happy to answer.
Some you will try to answer.
Some you can't answer.
Some you don't want to answer.
Some you don't know how to answer.

We were on our way to a play date with my wonderful friend, Bob and his 2 fabulous daughters, Mary and Jane. In a uncommon lull in conversation, Annika asks, "Mommy, why do Mary and Jane have dark skin and Bob has white skin?" (*Bob may or may not have a complexion similar to that of Conan O'Brien.)

"Uhhh... Mary and Jane are adopted."

"What does adopted mean?"

"Well.... their mommy did not think she were the best mommy and she loved them so much that she thought that Bob and Joe would be the best parents for them."

"Oh. Why is it 'Bob and Joe' and not 'Bob and a mommy'?"

"Uhhhh... Oh. Look. We are here. Let's go play and eats lots of cookies!"

Whats on the Menu?

2011-03-21T10:53:00.005-04:00

Monday: Leftovers (Colby was away for the weekend so, without his belly, we ended up with a lot of extra food!)
Tuesday: Spinach Feta Quiche (This recipe calls for frozen spinach and canned mushrooms, but I use fresh.)
Wednesday: Burrito Pie (already in my freezer, thanks to an epic cook and freeze session with my friend Carolyn last week. Yay for freezer dinners on busy nights!)
Thursday: Chicken, Brown Rice, kids veggie of choice
Friday: Leftovers/Pizza/Brinner

I have been pretty good about keeping up on my menu planning, and it is a time saver and a stress saver. I do not need to spend the morning or afternoon pouring over recipes and making trips to the grocery store. If you have not tried menu planning, you really should. Especially with jobs and children and countless activities... it just simplifies your routine and most likely will lead to healthier eating with less fast food and grab and go options.

(P.S. Check out my new link on my sidebar for Elle's New England Kitchen, she is one of my fave go-to's for recipes... and I especially like that she's local.)

Sunday Citar: One of those March days.

2011-03-20T12:49:00.005-04:00

"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade." ~Charles Dickens

On our maiden voyage to the park yesterday, I could not help but think that Dickens was clearly speaking of New England in this quote.

At the first sign of weather above freezing, we open our windows to air out the 5 months of living in a stagnant house. We go play in the park even with a foot of snow and ice still covering the ground. We watch the birds make their way to their bird baths and feeders still filled with ice. We scrape the frost off our windows in the morning only to smile at the emerging crocuses later in the day. We walk down the street in our t-shirts yet still have a scarf around our neck. We are giddy about pulling out our summer skirts, tank tops and flip flops, only to realize that we can not yet put away the bulky sweaters and sweatshirts.

But as the suns afternoon rays are pouring through my window, I can not help but simply smile. Spring is here.

Go see Tabitha for more Sunday Citar.

Menu Monday with bonus recipe.

2011-03-14T18:04:00.005-04:00

This weeks menu:
Monday: Tuna noodle casserole
Tuesday: Leftovers
Wednesday: Sweet potato soup
Thursday: Corned beef with cabbage (of course!)
Friday: Breakfast for dinner (easy peasy since Colby is away!)

For the weekend, we usually go pretty junk food-ish since the girls are really good about eating whatever quinoa/vegetable/fish/tofu concoction I prepare all week. Colby and I both grew up with a Friday night pizza routine, so it just feels right to continue it with our kids. Although, I am really not a pizza fan, so sometimes I try to come up with a comfort food that is yummy for the kids but somewhat healthy.

This week I came across a biscuit filled with a ground beef and bbq sauce recipe that fit the bill. It also proved that you can make a kid friendly food quasi-healthy.

This is my altered version:

1 pound ground 93/7 ground turkey (original recipe is beef, but this is where the healthy starts!)
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 1/2 cups bbq sauce
Approx enough biscuit dough for 12 biscuits
1/2 cup shredded carrots
2 cups Cabot 50% Fat free shredded cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease 12 muffin cups.In a large skillet or frying pan, cook turky with onion, carrot and garlic powder until evenly brown, (since it is turkey, you should not need to drain any grease off at this point.) Stir in the barbeque sauce and simmer for another 3 minutes.

Roll out each biscuit on a floured surface so that each biscuit is 6 inches across. Put the biscuit in the muffin tin and fold up sides to create a cup shape. Fill each biscuit fill almost to the top with the meat mixture; top with cheddar cheese.

Bake in preheated oven until biscuits are baked, cheese is melted and tops are golden brown, about 15 minutes.

A few notes on my recipe: The biscuit recipe I provided is a nice healthy one but, if you are in a hurry, you can use a canned biscuit.

Try to stick with an all natural bbq sauce. This will avoid the HFCS. The only common brand I saw that did not have HFCS was Bull's Eye, they seemed to have a pretty natural recipe with very few ingredients.

Although most brands of low fat cheese will not melt well, the Cabot does very well (see the upper left photo above.) And you will be support a local Vermont business to boot!

The original recipe did not have the shredded carrots, I added that for a little additional nutrition. But the 1/2 cup reduced to almost nothing, so I will increase that to at least 3/4 of a cup next try. (Of course the kids did not even notice the carrots.)

In the photo above, you will notice that the top biscuit has carrots and celery and peas... that was actually just filled with some pot pie stuffing I had hanging out in the freezer. Colby preferred those biscuits, although the biscuit dough did not seem to cook as well, perhaps the pot pie filling was too moist.

I also did not note it in the recipe, but I added 1/2 cup of a creamy soup I had in the fridge. I typically have at least one box of this type of soup in the fridge since it is my go-to lunch. I added about 1/2 cup to the mixture again, to add some nutrients. I will do this with a lot of my recipes and nobody ever notices.

And it was a hit! Yummy, semi-healthy and quick and easy for me.

*Check out Mangia Monday for more great recipe ideas!*

Simple Rainy Day Fun: FAIL!

2011-03-11T17:05:00.013-05:00

Remember when I said that I would be coming up with some fun stuff to entertain my little ones during the rainy season? Well, when we woke up to this today.... I figured it was time to brain storm... and I thought bowling was a good bet. Inside, out of the rain, and fun for a two and five year old. WRONG. WRONG. WRONG.

This would turn out to be one of my worst parenting ideas in quite a while. It all started out nice enough. We got our cool shoes: Took the stance: aaaannnddd, that is where the fun ended... about 5 minutes into our adventure.

There would be timeouts: Acadia deciding she'd rather play Legos than bowl:

Me holding her in a choke hold to keep her from running down the lane as the owner yelled, "You can't go past the red line!!!" (No shit, Sherlock, try explaining that to my 2-year-old.) Thank all-that-is-holy we went at 9am so we were all alone. Lest someone be stuck in a lane next to us to hear my constant yelling, "Annika, STOP! Acadia, DON'T! Annika, I SAID NO!..."

Actually outtakes from today's trip...

Take your head out of that ball return.
Stop wiping boogers on things.
Don't lick that ball!
Get down off there.
Acadia Skye! We can't run after the ball... let it go down the lane alone!

So, 45 minutes and $32 later, (apparently, it costs approximately $20 for them to push the button to put the bumpers down) we bailed. 32 freakin' dollars for 45 minutes of an anxiety-ridden, parenting fail, epically crappy outing.

To conclude: do NOT take a 2 year old and a five year old bowling. This little experiment is hereby shelved for the next 3-5 years.

Rainy Day Random Roundup

2011-03-10T14:41:00.005-05:00

• We all know high fructose corn syrup sucks. And I have been trying vigilantly to cook healthy but it is so freaking hard! I made a simple grilled cheese and tomato soup for the girls lunch and, as I looked at that familiar red can that I have been eating ALL of my life, I noticed it contains HFCS! Really??? Grrrr.

• Not only do I hate the shoveling, frozen snot, falling icicles and icy driving that comes with living in the Northeast... I swear we never get the coolest concert tours!

• If you are my age (you know, 25ish), check out this trip down memory lane. Fun!

• Ummm, gross! Fecal matter on 72% of them????

• What can you get for a dollar?

• Two wonderful ladies shared two wonderful recipes this week. We all know my love of sweet potatoes and chocolate!

• I love Facebook, I am recently discovering there are cool thrift stores and consignment shops right here in Concord... now, if only I can find the time to go visit them!

• AND speaking of thrift store... did you know that Goodwill Northern NE offers a discount card that gives you 10% off??? AND 25% off on your birthday? Why did I not know about this program... oh... 8 days ago?!?! And they offer gift cards too. (Hint, hint to the gift buyers in my family.)

Sorry for a completely random, meandering post. But we all gotta clear our heads sometime.