It's NOT About the Numbers

I have been fearing my blog lately.

My real world has been over run with real world issues and I have had a bout of writer's block. I decided I didn't want to post just to "post," but also acknowledged that I can't just walk away because I feel I have nothing to offer. I need to give myself credit, we all have something to offer.

My goal of this blog is not to gain a mass following or increase stats exponentially. My goal is to gain an intimate readership and receive productive feedback for life's daily moments. As humans, we crave a feeling of being connected to something, to be part of a larger experience. We all have a longing to belong somewhere and my blog is longing to find its place in this vast online world.

I've realized my process is still in its infancy. Like a new child, this blog needs room to grow, cry, and have some meltdowns. My writing and the subjects of my writing will have kinks to be ironed. Some things will work, some things will not work and it will take some time to establish myself through this journey.

I always want to be the most authentic form of myself and to be honest about that is the most unburdening thing I could do for my blog.

If you have any kind words of encouragement or support, I welcome them!

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Operation Closet Clean Out

We have a "shoe" closet next to our front door. There's a shoe rack inside and plenty of hangers to hang coats and jackets.

They must be invisible to the male eye.

Around the house I find sweaters. and jackets draped over chairs and shoes scattered on the floor. Sometimes they make it into the actual closet but hardly ever in their proper places. Of course, I do have a toddler so he's sort of off the hook (although he knows how to put his shoes away), but the other two kids need gentle reminders (which is okay albeit sometimes frustrating).

Our closet is overflowing. The first day of spring arrived and went and I still hadn't cleaned out the snow bibs, boots, hats, and mittens. So a few days ago, I spent an hour sorting and organizing.

I honestly did not realize just how many pairs of shoes were in that closet, many of which the kids had outgrown.

We also have a rack hanging over the door where I usually store aprons, scarves, seasonal wreaths, and bags.  It needed a good weeding as well.

First I pulled everything out of the closet. I don't have a picture of this because I'm slightly embarrassed about just how much stuff we crammed in there. Then I started thinking, if the shoe closet looks like this I don't even want to see inside our bedroom closets.

In the midst of this purge, Mr Sunshine initiated a game of Peek A Boo.

Next I sorted items into piles: shoes, hats, scarves, mittens, coats, winter gear, reusable shopping bags, etc etc etc. I fibbed and told the boys I had a fun game for them to play, "Let's see how many pairs of shoes you can match up!" They all fell for it and proceeded to "race" to see who could match the most pairs. But then they fought over who won. For a second I expected those cartoon dust clouds to appear.

After everything was out, I swept the floor and began to put it all back in. Hats and gloves went into a Trader Joe's bag for storage, while winter gear and boots went into our designated "seasonal" tub. Items that were now too small but still in awesome condition went into a plastic bag for this fall's Just Between Friends Sale. Because there is a 3 or 4 size difference between Bear and Mr Sunshine, I've stopped hanging on to the hand me downs, unless of course there's a great pair of Bogs boots or some other item I've shelled out the dough for. I'm running out of storage space so it's not making sense for me to pack away some of these things for three or four years.

In the pink box, I replaced the winter hats with summer hats and a couple pairs of light mittens (for rainy/windy days). The mitten box was refilled with jump ropes, a kids umbrella, and baseball mitts. Next to those boxes are a couple pairs of Mr Sunshine's rain pants, kids lunch boxes, and Mr Sunshine's helmet (the other boys' helmets are stored with their bikes).

Out went the heavy coats and in came the lighter jackets, hooded zip up sweaters, and rain coats. I also removed the excess hangers because I can't stand seeing them all on the floor at the end of the week!

On the shoe rack we replaced snow boots and outgrown shoes with sandals, shoes, and tennis shoes.

The hanging rack now holds one apron, the felted story time apron, the seasonal wreaths (except Christmas, it's packed away with the ornaments), a few scarves, and a couple bags. I am storing all of my reusable bags inside an old Thomas the Train backpack hanging in the back of the closet. Also, in the space you can't see in the closet I have Mr Sunshine's umbrella stroller and the headrest to his car seat.


MUCH MUCH better.

Now, to tackle the REST OF THE HOUSE.

Do you have a storage closet? Mud room? Entry way? What are your secrets for keeping it neat?

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20 Perfect Easter Treat and Dessert Recipes - From Other Blogs

This year, Easter is April 20th, which means it's not too early to begin planning your Easter dinner. However, my focus in the kitchen has usually been dessert. I really enjoy baking. I have a collection of Easter desserts that I have been hoarding and I would like to share them with you, in hopes you'll make one of these delicious dishes for your family. These are my Easter faves from other blogs!

Lemon Pull Apart Bread from Barbara Bakes

Rainbow Cake Mix Cookies from The 36th Avenue

Super Moist Carrot Cake from Sally's Baking Addiction

The Perfect Lemon Bars from I Heart Naptime

Double Chocolate Banana Bread from Smitten Kitchen

Blueberry Cheesecake Pie from Brown Eyed Baker

The Best Pineapple Upside Down Cake from Averie Cooks

Cream Cheese Pound Cake from My Baking Addiction

Chocolate Marshmallow Cupcakes from Love From the Oven

Paleo Chocolate Pie & Raw Graham Cracker Crust by Kelly Brozyna feat at Nom Nom Paleo

Salted Caramel Banana Cream Pie by Tidy Mom

Maple Oat Nut Scones from The Pioneer Woman

Cinnamon Sugar Pull Apart Bread from Joy the Baker

Paleo Salted Chocolate Coconut Pistachio Clusters from PaleOMG

Mini Funfetti Cupcakes with Sprinkles from Kevin & Amanda

Meyer Lemon and Thyme Icebox Cake from She Wears Many Hats

Coconut Key Lime Macaroons from Dessert Now Dinner Later

White Chocolate Raspberry Tarts in Mason Jar Lids from Dessert for Two

Mini Pineapple Coconut Angel Food Cakes at The Tasty Kitchen

Grapefruit Yogurt Cake from the Smitten Kitchen

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Week 3: The Master Cleanse

Every day last week I was slipping. Not alot, just here and there. I was beating myself up about it. I was craving Frappuccinos. I was tired of water. I was SOO hungry in the evening. I just wanted to GIVE UP. At least for the week.

But low and behold God or the Universe or the PICK YOUR SELF UP AND QUIT WALLOWING FAIRY sent me a gift curse gift. 

The Master Cleanse. 

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo folks, not the lemonade and maple syrup kind of cleanse. No No No No No.

The ULTIMATE master cleanse. 

The-103-degree-fever-can't-stop-vomiting-where's-the-Immodium kind of cleanse. For two days.

At first I looked at it as a curse. Actually the whole damn time I felt cursed as I clutched the pasta cook pot and waited for the fever to break. But now, as it's passing, I feel blessed. Not because of the weight I still lost, but because I was given my pity party and I realized MAN this illness would have been alot easier if all the food I was puking wasn't so unhealthy. I also swore to myself I was never eating again but hey, that's not cool. So instead, I guess I will stick to what I SHOULD be eating which is fuel for my body. Being sick was just what I needed to get my rear into gear and stay the course.

It's been said it takes 3 weeks to break a habit and usually those 3 weeks are hell. I am hoping this next week proves a little easier.

As far as changes I've noticed, I can now wear my current jeans comfortably. I am no longer fearing/dreading having to buy a size larger. In fact I wore them all day today before realizing I never once complained they were hurting my waist when sitting down and I didn't say "I just have to take these pants off!" - Score!

Mini goals: Except for the days of Pukepalooza, I did meet my water goals so I am counting it this week :) I did NOT get my exercise of 3 hours so that goal is going to carry over for this next week.

Weight lost this week: 4 lbs

Total weight lost: 14 lbs. (See previous weeks' losses here)

Next week's goals: Three hours of exercise by the end of the week and continue with the 48 oz of water a day. I also want to add that I didn't take my Greens at all this past week so I have a goal this week to drink them every day.

And because my kids are just the best, I must share this lovely photo of E-Man with you. He is such a doll. :)

Have a good week!

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Crochet Nesting Bowls - (Link to Free Pattern Included)

Last year, I discovered my love for yarn.

I had initially tried knitting, and while soothing, my patience runs a little thin especially since I am not yet adept to knowing how to fix a dropped stitch. When I was six years old, my grandmother taught me how to crochet, a skill that was lost on me as I got older. Now, twenty five years later, I've taught myself how to crochet using books and YouTube videos. For the last six months or so I've been hoarding yarn and using free patterns to "make things," as Bear calls it. I am currently in the midst of a few projects but I carve out time for some quick in-betweens.

Mr Sunshine, waiting patiently for me to finish

Yesterday I whipped up some nesting bowls. In my case it might be a Pinterest fail because my middle bowl ended up being very close in size to my small bowl. Who knows, I might have been distracted (I have three kids!) and missed a couple double crochets. I still love this set and Mr Sunshine has been filling them with his button collection.

I found the pattern at The Purple Chair Crochet and the instructions were very easy to read. I will most likely crochet another set to see if I can correct my sizing error on the middle bowl. I love the scalloped edge of the larger bowl and the design made by the treble crochet on the small bowl.

If you want to make your own set, head over to Jessica's site at The Purple Chair Crochet, or check out my Fiber Arts Pinterest board for more inspiration.

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The Best TV Series to Watch on Netflix

Hubs and I had a brilliant idea last year to give up cable and move to a Roku. We were hoping to save $100+ a month. And you know what? We did. A year later I am preaching the Gospel of Roku.

Our cable bill was about $200/mo (which included internet, DVR, HD channels, Showtime and HBO). We are a one income family and we just couldn't bring ourselves to give the almighty cable company more money than we needed to. Since ditching the cable box, we knocked our internet bill back to $60 a month. We do pay $9 a month for Hulu Plus and $9 a month to stream Netflix but it's a great trade off compared to what we were paying. So sadly, I kissed goodbye True Blood, Shameless, and the Newsroom (as well as American Horror Story and The Americans since we are unable to watch FX as well), but since I have discovered some great Netflix series that I probably wouldn't have found otherwise.


In the Middle of Watching....

Malcolm in the Middle - I missed this 7 season series during my very early twenties. Being a parent of three boys now, I am super glad I am watching this show for the first time. My hubs says he sees many likenesses between me and Lois. I take it as a compliment. Plus, it's Bryan Cranston before his Breaking Bad days.

Damages - This Glenn Close drama keeps you guessing. Just when you think you know what's what, the writers of this show throw in another wrench. Close plays a morally corrupt lawyer who dominates the city of New York.

'Til Death - This Brad Garret comedy makes me laugh. He plays half of a 20+ years married couple living next door to newlyweds. I always loved his character on Everybody Loves Raymond so it's neat to see him in a starring role. Sure there's some hokey jokes and canned laughter but this brings me back to the sitcoms from my childhood.

Sister Wives - I'm not one for reality shows but this family is interesting. I also do not judge others or their lifestyles and I could totally see myself being friends with Mary, Janelle, Christine, and Robin.

Recently Finished Watching....

Orange is the New Black - How can you NOT watch OITNB? It's based on a best selling true story book by Piper Kerman and the show was created by Weed's showrunner Jenji Kohan. I also love Jason Biggs' character, Larry Bloom. He and Piper do not seem like a couple but I cannot imagine anyone else playing Larry. The second season airs this summer so start binge watching the first!

House of Cards - I have a crush on Kevin Spacey so I'll see pretty much anything he's in. I LOVE him as Frank Underwood. Sure the show is ruthless and highlights the very dirty arena of politics, but Spacey's acting alone is worth viewing.

The Killing - I personally think they stretched the first story line out too long (over 2 seasons?) but the content was good. I liked the third season the best. It all takes place in Seattle where two detectives search for a crafty killer.


Past Seasons of Series Currently on TV - Go Catch Up, Now!
The Walking Dead - 4 seasons
Sons of Anarchy - 5 seasons
American Horror Story - 2 seasons
Scandal - 2 season
Revolution - 1 season
Parenthood - 4 seasons
The Following - 1 season
Mad Men - 5 seasons

On My "to Watch" list:
The West Wing
Brothers and Sisters

Older/Cancelled Series for you to Discover
Lie to Me - LOVE Tim Roth in this crime drama
Crossing Jordan - Crime drama from the view of the medical examiner (who thinks she's a cop half the time)
United States of Tara - Toni Collette gives an amazing performance as a woman with multiple identities
Weeds - recently widowed suburban mom peddles pot to earn a living. It gets crazy after season 4
Rules of Engagement - 7 seasons of laughter among couples and a bachelor in different relationship stages
Breaking Bad - Series just ended, see Bryan Cranston as a science teacher turned meth maker.

So which TV shows did I miss?

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Week 2: The Snot Monster

Mr Sunshine, full of sickies and ready to share

Last Saturday I felt the tickle in the back of my throat.

Oh no. This can't be happening.

I should have seen it coming though since E-Man and Bear were just getting over a cold.

But I was so careful, I washed my hands, I washed THEIR hands...

E-Man and Hubs at the hockey game

Alas, it was unavoidable. The sickies were coming. I tried to ignore them. We took the boys to their first hockey game that night and Bear and I shoveled cough drops into our mouths the entire evening.

Sunday morning it all started going downhill for me. By Tuesday I had a full blown cold. I sent my husband out for Sudafed (you know the kind, they keep it behind the pharmacy counter because it's made with special components).

Kids will be kids, even when Mom has a cold

I also fell off track with my food. For a couple days, all my body wanted was fluids and the next couple days it wanted comfort food. I gave in. While I didn't over indulge or go crazy with calories or anything, I also didn't eat much of the good-for-you food that I should have. Exercise was non existent unless you count the three hours on Saturday I helped my sister move her belongings into her new place (countless trips with heavy furniture up three flights of stairs). Okay, you pulled my arm, I'll count it.

In finality, I took the week off from focusing on getting healthy so I could get healthy. Yes, that made sense when I wrote it, not so much when I say it outloud. But you know what I mean. As I type this blog, I am sitting in bed, still have a box of Puffs plus with Lotion at my side, and pretending I don't have mom guilt for the unfulfilled requests of playtime from my kiddos the last two days.

Weight loss this week:

This brings the total weight loss to 10 pounds.

Did I meet my week two mini goals? Not entirely. I didn't even calculate my water intake this week but I am going to have to say I probably didn't get 48oz everyday. At least I got my exercise in last weekend. Would that count as cardio or weight lifting? ;)

Mini goals this week: Still sticking with the original water goal. I am bound to get it down this week. I am adding 30 min of exercise to a total of 3 hours this week.

Next week's post will surely have more to report. This week is in the books.

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