photo banner7.png

Sometimes Mom Just Needs 5 Minutes to Herself

How I've come to miss a little privacy in the bathroom.

Crochet Rose Chain Bracelet

A simple yet beautiful crochet bracelet - free instructions.

Kiwi Crate Review

Check out our review of "Around the World" and get $10 toward your first Kiwi Crate.

Come hang out with me on Pinterest

Follow me on Pinterest and never miss a Pin or new Board

Friday, February 28, 2014

Week 1: The Detox. Please Send Cookies.



Last Friday, I shared with you my first post in this journey to become a healthier version of myself. Want to know how I feel?

LIKE CRAP.

But it's a means that will justify the end. My body is hating this detox. I would LOVE to tell you how awesome I feel and how much healthier I am and yadda yadda yadda but really folks, it's only been a week. GIVE ME COOKIES. The first two days weren't so bad because I was all  RAH RAH RAH I'm eating better, I'm making changes. Then day three and four were a kick in the stomach. I was SOOOO HUNGRY. I combated that hunger with more water but I also relented a smidge and had one of my child's chicken nuggets and some whole grain crackers. This food thing is a battle. It's something to work on and sometimes those consolation crackers are what you have to do to make it to the next day and start over. I've been an emotional eater half my life. Food was a friend, a comfort. It wasn't energy or fuel for my body, my body wasn't my temple, it was simply a drug to calm the anxiousness, the nervousness, the stress. Previously, when trying to change my ways, I never acknowledged the reasons I craved chocolate or carbs. I never before admitted how the euphoria of a milkshake helped me justify my eating habits. Part of changing and growing means to admit those things, even if others judge you for them. It's your war, your inner fight, not theirs.

In order to get behind the wheel and be in control, I returned to a plan that had worked for me in the past. This time with a changed mindset and clearly defined goals. So for the first thirty days, in order to get a jump start on changing how I eat and to learn portion control, I ordered Nutrisystem. The food is getting better, Nutriystem is constantly changing their menu, and most of the selections are tasty. I've learned from prior years experience to avoid any of the meals with red sauce (spaghetti, lasagna, red soups, meats in sauce, etc) because they have too much of a "Spaghetti-Os" or Chef Boyardee taste. Ick. Now, I know Nutrisystem isn't the answer to really changing what I eat but for me, it's a transitional program.



This past week, I've eaten more fresh vegetables than I have in a long time and rediscovered my love of steamed cauliflower. I also like how the Nutrisytem food is filling. A couple nights ago, I subbed out one of the dinners and ate a Lean Cuisine instead and it was a huge mistake. Lean Cuisines are not filling, I completely wasted my calories on that meal and was hungry a couple hours later.




So what am I doing to curb the milkshake cravings? I have a secret. I used to make fun of those Yoplait commercials where the woman would brag about having Strawberry Shortcake or Boston Cream Pie flavored yogurt as a dessert or snack. I would LAUGH at that woman and think, "How sad, she's eating YOGURT for dessert!" as I gobbled spoonfuls of Ben & Jerry's.  Guess what I ate for dessert or snack this week? Yoplait Light Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crumbs at 170 calories. And you know what? IT WAS DELICIOUS.  I never thought I'd be a convert but whaddya know?



Something else I changed this week was starting a new product called It Works! Greens. Every morning with breakfast, I pour eight ounces of filtered water, add two scoops of Greens, and mix. It cannot be easier. It also cannot be cold water or there is no way I can chug it down, but with room temp water it's quite palatable. (Although I wish I'd bought the berry flavor instead of the orange). I do however feel much better in the morning and definitely feel more energy. I will be taking the Greens for at least the first month and will update again next week :)

If you remember, I had two small goals this week; drinking at least six glasses (48oz) of water a day and getting at least two hours of exercise this week. Did I make it? Everyday I drank at least 36 oz of water and there were some days I drank 64oz. If it were averaged, I would say I made the goal but if being literal, then no. I did an hour and a half of yoga this week and over two hours moving furniture up three flights of stairs and around rooms of the house. I am going to count the exercise goal as met. It's a win since I am usually a couch potato.

And even though my primary concern is my health, a benefit of getting healthier is weight loss. My total weight loss this week:


Yes, a shocking 8 pounds which means I don't expect much for next week.

This week's water and exercise goals:

1) Continue to drink 48oz of water a day (gotta get this one accomplished before I increase it!)

2) Get at least 2.5 hours of exercise this week

Share with me your tips and tricks to staying on track! I'd love to hear what you have to say.

*note - I am not an It Works Distributor, nor was I compensated in any way by It Works or Nutrisystem for this blog post. I am just a regular gal trying to get healthy and I'm blogging about it.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

5 Handmade Must Haves



I'm a daydreamer. I think of all the things that would make my life easier, awesomer, or just more indulgent. I'm a chronic window shopper who doesn't usually buy things impulsively, therefore, I am accumulating a large amount of pins on my "Product Wishlist" board on Pinterest as well as a huge list on Etsy. Hubs should be thankful there's no EASY button on the computer and that I get buyer's remorse when they ask for my credit card number at checkout. But maybe you're the type of person who enjoys happy mail and buying rad, cool, totally awesome things online. If so, this list is for you. If you end up buying any of these items, send me an email and let me know how much you like (or hate?) them. Maybe I can use your review to convince my hubs I need ALL THE THINGS.


1) I think my kids need this block set. E-Man is getting really interested in Presidents and Mr Sunshine loves blocks. It could make for a fun afternoon. Plus they're handmade, which I love.


2) Hubs and I love to grill. I like to do it eat it year round, hubs not so much fond of grilling in the rain or snow. I think these BBQ bags would make a perfect addition to our cooking repertoire. I also love that the creator of these bags gets the wood from his own orchards! The available flavors are Texas Pecan, Texas Mesquite, and Texas Hickory.



3) This family LOVES cheese. Cheese on everything, baby. I have had my eye on this fab cheese making kit from Urban Cheesecraft in Portland, Oregon. It comes with cheese molds, a thermometer, and other ingredients to make 30 batches of cheese. Oh my word. The products are so great that Etsy even made a video about Urban Cheesecraft. Birthday present? Christmas? Hubs? Anyone?
4) A couple weeks after I had Mr Sunshine I lost my diamond wedding ring. It had been slipping off my finger and in my sleep deprived state I believe I accidentally threw it away with a diaper change. By the time I knew it was missing it had been over twenty four hours and hubs and I tore our house apart. No luck. We have since moved from that home and I no longer have hopes of ever finding it. I have been on the look out for a replacement ring. Something unique, simple, and fitting to my personality. This wooden ring speaks to me. I'm not quite sure if I'll purchase it but so far it's my number one pick. I told hubs he can buy me another diamond after the kids are grown and gone :)


5) Handmade goods make me happy. I love supporting someone's passion and talent. These tea towels from Kate Zaremba give me the warm fuzzies. Kate is a talented illustrator and designs some beautiful textiles and prints. She even has wallpaper and gift wrap. My eye rests with these darling elephants (however it did drift to the fox printed wallpaper, but the towels are more practical for my situation). 


This post will be a series. Keep an eye out for the next installment soon or follow on Facebook/Twitter to never miss a post!

What's on your wishlist?


Monday, February 24, 2014

Top 10 Workout Songs - What's On Your Playlist?



I can't work out without music. It just won't happen.

Unless I'm attempting yoga. Except then, let's be real, I'm pretty much just sleeping. #YesThatsMeSnoringDuringChildsPose.

I could be driving to the gym, all dressed and raring to go, and realize I forgot my earbuds. A not-so-rare oh (BEEP) moment. That means the treadmill isn't going to get any love from me that day. If I brought my suit then I'll hit the pool but otherwise, I am not kidding you, I will turn around and go home.



For tunes, I use Spotify to satisfy my rotation of mood music. My current workout playlist has about 8 hours on it but this following list contains my top 10 tracks, the ones that motivate me no matter what.

#10 - Can't Hold Us by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

# 9 - Second Chance by Peter Bjorn and John

#8 - Calabria 2008 by Enur

#7 -  Dog Days Are Over by Florence + The Machine

#6 - Feel So Close by Calvin Harris

#5 - Work B*tch by Britney Spears

#4 - Tonight is the Night by Outasight

#3 - 1901 by Phoenix

#2 -  I Feel it All by Feist

#1 - Anna Sun by Walk the Moon

So what did I miss? What songs do you run/jog/walk/cycle work out to?

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Two Million+ Tiny Treasures Hidden Around the World

I have a confession.

I LOVE geocaching.

What's that?

You've NEVER HEARD OF GEOCACHING?

Well, don't worry, you're most likely not alone as it's been a pretty well kept secret from muggles

Hubs and I stumbled across geocaching about four years ago when looking for new apps for our new iPhones. In a nutshell, you use a GPS device to find well hidden containers in the outdoors. Inside these containers is usually a log book and sometimes trackable devices you can move to other containers. The beauty is that you can participate in geocaching in just about every country in the world. There are over two million of caches hidden WORLDWIDE. (Yes, even in Antarctica).
map of caches hidden all over the world, screenshot from Geocaching.com

We went geocaching in our city recently. E-Man and Bear helped the Hubs with the seeking.

Once they narrowed down where it might be hiding they raced to see who could find it first.


E-Man had the find this time. 


Anyone with a geocaching account and a GPS device can seek and/or hide a geocache. Hubs and I have hidden about 10 since we started and we've found just over 400.

Caches can be in tiny containers or even in large ammo cans. The trick is in the disguise. Ian found this one behind the guardrail. We signed the paper log with our geocaching name and then replaced the cache for others to find.


If you're interested in becoming a "cacher." The first thing you should do is watch this video called, "Geocaching in Two Minutes." The Lackeys at Groundspeak have done an excellent job of putting together "how to" videos. 

If you're sold, sign up for a geocaching account and choose your GPS device. Groundspeak has apps for iPhone ($9.99), Android ($9.99), and Windows Phone (Free as of posting time), or if you have a handheld GPS, you're ready to go!

After you find a cache and sign the paper log, you will need to sign into your geocaching account online as well and "log" the find. You can do this directly from the geocaching app on your phone or you can wait until you have access to the internet from a computer.

If you have any questions, leave me a comment and I will do my best to try to answer them. If you're already a geocacher, tell us your user name or leave a link to your favorite find!

Happy Caching!




Friday, February 21, 2014

New Post, New Day, New Me

This being my first post on this blog, I thought it only fitting to start with my first day of the new me. I am starting a journey to lose the weight and lead a healthier lifestyle. Now, I've been here before, on and off the last six years or so, but this time something is different. THIS TIME I MEAN BUSINESS.

My weight has fluctuated since high school. My junior year I was a slim 125 lbs and a size six. When I graduated, I was a size 13. During the next five years, between depo-provera shots, depressing relationships, and eating my feelings, I shot up to 220 lbs. I was 22 years old and needed to do something. I started getting more exercise into my day and eating less fast food. My youthfulness allowed me to drop forty pounds over the course of the year without really even trying. How lucky.

Hubs and me on our first trip to the Oregon coast, 2006

 At 23 I married my husband and later that year we had our first son, E-man. Pre-pregnancy, I was 212 lbs and only gained 32 lbs during those nine months.
six months pregnant with E-Man

Three days after having E-man (10 lbs 0 oz), 30 lbs had melted off. I went home from the hospital in pre-pregnancy jeans. However, I kept eating for two and gained back some of the weight over the following year. 

A few months after E-man turned one, I was 25 and pregnant with our second son. I started that pregnancy at 220 lbs. I suffered through hyperemesis (severe morning sickness) until the fourth month. I lost 20 lbs but then gained those 20 lbs back the last five months.

40 weeks pregnant with Bear

My total weight gain on the doctor charts ended up being zero. 10 days after having Bear (9 lbs 9 oz), I  was down to 200 lbs.

Over the next couple years, I stayed about the same, gaining 10+ lbs, dropping 10+ lbs.
about 20 lbs lighter after a go round on Nutrisystem, approx weight 200 lbs

At 26, I suffered from a severe nerve disorder called Trigeminal Neuralgia (more about that at a later time) that left me bedridden for a year. When I was 28, I was pregnant with son #3. I started that pregnancy at 216 lbs and ended it at 252 lbs, gaining 36 lbs.

about 40 weeks pregnant with Mr Sunshine (10 lbs 2 oz)

This time, the baby weight did NOT melt off. I was 29 and my body was no longer performing magical fetes. I hadn't taken the greatest care of myself through my twenties so my body wasn't repaying me with the gift of bouncing back. I also suffered from post partum depression (which I did seek help for). I cycled through all the diets but at the time, my heart just wasn't in them. My motivation would fizzle after falling off the wagon and I returned to my old ways of sedentary behavior and emotional eating.  I am now at my highest weight EVER. Yes, I just admitted it. HIGHEST EVER. I am also at my unhealthiest and I feel the worst I have ever felt.



My boys are now ages seven, five, and two. I want them to have a healthy mother. I already see how much I am missing out because I can't keep up. I just can't. I have to stop to catch my breath when chasing them at the park. My back starts to hurt after hiking too long. My butt can't handle the seat of a bicycle. Colds last longer than they should. And probably the most embarrassing for me right now is how my shirts start to hike up and my three-time c-section stomach tries to peek out the bottom. I hate the way I feel. I have to change now or I never will.



I would love to lose weight but my major goal is a healthier me. I owe it to my body, to myself, and to my family. I have a plan and I hope you'll read along and offer encouraging support. I don't know where this journey will take me but I do know that I can't let myself fail again. 

So how am I starting this journey? First, I am heading back to an old friend, Nutrisystem. I tried Nutrisystem twice before and I DID lose weight, but I wasn't serious then. At least not as serious as I am now. I gave up after I was doing so well and thought I could keep going on my own. Later I realized I wasn't ready to go alone, I didn't have the right support system or the right goals or motivation. 

As of today, I am taking a daily dose of Greens from It Works! I have tried samples before and I love the way Greens make me feel. (note: I am not a distributor of It Works!, my lovely friend Kat is guiding me through the It Works products). I am also putting my ever-so tired husband on them as well. Our progress will be reported.  

My mini goals this week?
1) Drink at least six glasses of water a day. We have a Brita filter and I bought some lemons. I tend to drink more water when it's easily accessible and I love "spa" water, (water infused with citrus or cucumber). 
2) Get at least two hours of exercise this week. I know that sounds like a lame goal (only two hours?) but honestly, I am such a couch potato I am hoping that a small goal will make it easier for me to get off my you know what. 

So that's the beginning. I will definitely post before, during, and after photos as I progress. As of this morning I've already had my Greens, a glass of water, and my Nutrisystem breakfast. I feel like blasting some music and dancing around the house while I do my stay at home mom chores (which other parents know is NEVER ENDING). Keep checking back for updates or subscribe to my newsletter so you don't miss a post.