Days of Play--Indoor rafting

What to help build your child's imagination and understanding of cause/effect relationships?  Try this!

All you need is a laundry basket.

Put your child in the laundry basket.  Push them around the floor, rock them back and forth, go fast and slow, smooth and rough, and make 'em crash.  Pretend they are white water rafting or pirates at sea on a windy day.

Exercise for you. Fun for them!

Date Night In--Movie Night Marathon (for 2)

What's better than snuggling and watching a show?  Snuggling and watching 3 shows, of course!

You'll need:

• an air mattress
• pillows
• blankets
• snacks
• drinks
• dim lighting
• 3 movies

What to do:

1. Get the kids in bed.
2. Get in your (sexy) jammies
3. Pop some popcorn
4. Dim the lights
5. Turn on the shows
6. Snuggle and enjoy!

Here are movie series you might want to try:

Silly Trio:

• Dumb and Dumber
• Austin Powers
• Spaceballs

RomCom Trio:

• Notting Hill
• When Harry Met Sally
• 10 Things I Hate About You

Old School Trio

• Pretty in Pink
• Say Anything
• Better Off Dead

Action Trio:

• Italian Job
• True Lies
• Entrapment 

Sports Trio:

• Rudy
• Field of Dreams
• Hoosiers

Of course you could go with a "series" theme and watch:

• Oceans 11, 12, and 13
• Star Wars (old or new)
• Twilight series (BTW, if you can pull this one off your hubby must REALLY love you)
• James Bond series

Things I Love: P90X

Matt and I started P90X in June.

For those of you who don't know, P90X is a 90 diet and exercise program that utilizes a series of home work outs to pump you up!

Check out the before/afters of these "ordinary" folks!

Matt and I are in our second week of phase two and we are loving it.  Don't get me wrong, it totally sucks.  We don't get to eat cheesecake or ice cream and our abs are burning and sometimes my arms are so tired I can barely wash my hair, but we love it.

I hope I have the courage to post my "before" and "after" photos when it's all said and done but no promises :)

Even without the photos, I can tell you that by the end of phase 1 (28 days), I was down 7.5 pounds, down 2.5% body fat, down 1.5 inches around my chest, down 2 inches at my waist, and down 1.25 inches around my hips.  Even though the measurements were down, down, down, I was not.  In fact, I feel amazing!

Even though I don't necessarily look forward to Tony Horton's constant babbling or the intensity of the program (7 days a week, 1-2 hours a day), I do love that it is a different routine every night (so I don't get bored and neither do my muscles).  And I love, love, love the way I'm lookin' and feelin'.

Inevitably someone is going to e-mail me asking if we are doing the diet portion.  Yes, we are because if I'm gonna bring it, I'm not gonna bring it half way!

If you are ready to bring it, and I mean, REALLY WORK and bring it, I highly recommend this program!

(P.S.  I suggest getting weights.  If you buy BeachBody bands you'll be okay but Target brand bands don't have enough tension and you won't get the results you want).

What I Think About--The Life of Pi

In February my sweet friend Beth loaned me The Life of Pi by Yann Martel.

I'm going to digress here.  You know how Anne of Anne of Green Gables always talks about "kindred spirits"?  Beth is one of my kindred spirits.  We are stay-at-home, politics following, history nerd moms.  And she has great taste when it comes to books (and food and clothing).  I've loved every books she's loaned me.  Our books are our dear friends.  She is my dear friend. 

Back to The Life of Pi.  This book came into my life at an odd time.  A fellow in our life group suggested I read it a day before Beth gave it to me.  Random?  Coincidence?  Who knows?  Anyhow, I had the book on my shelf since February.  I started it and longed to finish it but my semester of school was particularly grueling and I never got around to reading it ...until this week.

I finished The Life of Pi on Monday.  Never before have I experienced a crisis of faith that was brought on by a piece of fiction.

Early in the book it is said, "I have a story that will make you believe in God."  This book is not necessarily about religion (though the main character is a practicing Hindu/Muslim/Christian) but is more about the faith it takes to believe beyond what is seen.  In fact near the end of the book, the main character says, "I know what you want.  You want a story that won't surprise you.  That will confirm what you already know.  That won't make you see higher or further or differently."

Herein lies the problem.  The book is one long story but near the end, another story is told and the reader is left to decide for herself which story is real.  One is a story of confirmation. The other is a story of faith and when the pages ran out, I wasn't sure I had the faith to believe.

Of course I know this is a work of fiction but a huge part of me just needed "the answer."  I didn't want to be left wondering.  I wanted to know.  And that want has gone unfulfilled--in fiction and in life.

In some ways I've really just cast my frustrations onto the book.  In real life, my real life, there are questions I want answered--"Why is MY mom sick?"  "Why now?"  "Why does everyone insist that I make this petty relationship side issue THE issue of my life?"  These questions, these supplications, these frustrations, these prayers have gone unanswered.  And sometimes, I feel like I don't have the faith to believe that I'll ever know or understand or that I have the strength to keep moving in such turmoil.

Though the book brought out serious, deep emotions of fear and doubt, it also served as a reminder that the very things that challenge us ironically keep us alive.  Sometimes it takes being alone, and afraid, and in the dark, and out of control for me to step out on a limb and say, "Even if you are all I have, it's still more than enough for me."

Not having the answers I want keeps me dependent on the God who I trust. 

In many ways, The Life of Pi served as a great reminder of truths that have been obscured by my reality.

I can't recommend it enough.

Do you have a great read to share? Please do!

Blog got content (To the tune of Baby Got Back)

Here are some fun link love to blogs I follow.  Read my goofy poem and click on the links to find some good reads. You can thank me when you stop laughing. And no judging the rhymes!

Oh my gosh, girlfried.
Look at that blog.
It's so colorful and cute.
It doesn't look like one of those professional bloggers.
But you know, who understands those bloggers anyway?
They only write because, you know, they get paid.
But I mean this blog is so good.
I can't believe it's just so content-full.
It's like out there.
I mean wow--look.
It's just so awesome!

I like random blogs and I cannot lie,
You other readers can't deny
when a blog pops up that's just your taste
it puts a big smile on your face
You come undone--wanna follow that stuff
'cuz they ain't reviewin' no fluff.
Deep into the archives you're tearing,
You're hooked and you can't stop staring.

Hey blogger wish I could meet 'cha
but till then I'll stalk your blogger picture
My alarm goes off to warn me
to get up and read your posts to make my morning

O blogger witticism 
your words are gettin' under my skin.
Well write to me, inspire me
Cuz I'm a followin' groupie!

I've seen other blogs reveiwin'
the sweet giveaways they're doin'
They are hot and fab
but the content can be a little drab.

I'm tired of blog awards
trying to get readers on board.
Take the average reader and ask her style
The contents gotta be deep a mile

So bloggers (ya?) blogger (ya?)
Does your blog got content (hell ya!)
Write it up, post it out
all your followers gonna shout
Blogger got content!

Hope you find some good reads here!

Have a blog and wanna borrow my poem to spread your own linky love?  That's cool.  Just give credit where credit is due and grab my button!

What's Cookin'--7/26-8/1

Apparently I forgot to post our menu last week.  We were camping and filthy and rugged and blissfully away from all forms of electronics! 

Here's what we'll be eating this week (we are in phase 2 of P90X so we get more carbs!):

Monday--Orange Honey Teriyaki chicken with brown rice and steamed veggies
Tuesday--Lean beef roast with potatoes and carrots
Wednesday--Garlic Parmesan Chicken salad
Thursday--Fajitas on whole wheat tortillas
Friday--Spinach pesto over grilled halibut
Saturday--Cheesy Chicken breasts with rice and swiss chard
Sunday--Spinach lasagna with salad

Days of Play--Play Ball!

Play with balls increases hand-eye coordination, attentions span, and gross motor skills (that's what she said).



Take some time today to play ball with your child.

For a baby:
Roll a ball back and forth between baby's legs and yours.

For a toddler:
Sit at the bottom of some stairs.  Throw a soft bouncy ball up the stairs and let it bounce down to you.

For Pre-schoolers:
Time for T-Ball!  Get out a T-ball stand, ball and soft bat.  Let your child practice hitting the ball or catching while you hit it.

For school aged children:
Play a game of catch, soccer, kickball, or basketball.

For tweens and older:
Challenge your children to a game of pool, golf, volleyball, or bocce ball.

Your children will thank you for this!

Date Night In--Puzzle Mania

I don't want to get all "Ross Gellar" on you but doing a good puzzle can be big fun!  Plus,

one puzzle

+

good food

+

candlelight

+
good company

_______________

Simple and romantic date night in

Here's what you'll need:

• Some finger foods (click here for some quick and simple tapas ideas).  Don't forget a few sweets.
• Something to drink--red wine, sweet tea--your call
• A good puzzle--try a 3D puzzle or something with a beach scene (that way you can dream about a beach vacation while you work)
• candlelight
• soft background music
• a flat surface

What to do:

1. Get the kids in bed (If your kids are too old to go to bed early, set them up with a movie and popcorn in their room or arrange for them to stay at a friend's house).
2. Put a spread of food and drinks on the edges of the table.
3. Get the puzzle out.
4. Get to work!
5. Visit while you work about anything but the kids :)

 

 

Things I Love--Robert Downey Jr.

When my sister and I were kids we would "call" things and that would make them "ours."  For example, "I call I get to be Punky Bruster," "I call the pink flying dog in The Never Ending Story," or "I call Rick Schroder."  Did you do this?

I've loved Robert Downey, Jr.  since the first time I saw the movie Heart and Souls (ya, I didn't see Johnny B. Good until I was older). Trust me, you need to watch this clip. It's a life changer.


The celeb crush continued when he showed up as a new resident in my fave quirky show Ally McBeal.

Of course now he's uber famous for Sherlock Holmes and Tony Stark (aka Iron Man).

I admire that Robert Downey Jr. has overcome a life of trouble and addiction.  I think he's a pretty darn good actor (considering the pool, anyhow), an amazing singer (check out his CD "The Futurist"), and so much better looking than that "other" Robert.

Yes, him

Anyhow, for some gals, it's Pattinson or Lautner.  For others it's Pitt or Clooney.  You can have 'em ladies because I call Robert Downey, Jr.  

And I just thought you should know.

**FYI--"love" is a strong word here.  I love Downey Jr. like I love my pots and pans.  I really only LOVE--in a romantic sense--My Matthew!**

And you're welcome for the eye candy (I thought you could use it following yesterday's heavy post).

Who do you "call"?

What I Think About--Losing My Mom

If I believed in nirvana, hot showers would be my nirvana.  I take a long, hot shower every night after P90X (if it helps, I generally feel guilty about the length when I remember that 1.1 billion people have no access to adequate water supplies).  Showers are my "me" time.  My prayer time. My "wash away the day" time.  Tonight I was standing in the hot water stream when a memory hit me.

It was July 7, 1993.  My maternal grandmother died three days before and I was now standing next to my dad in the Catholic church where services were being held.  He was crying.  My dad--a gun toting, Rush Limbaugh listening, pro-hunter, blue collar, rough-n-tumble, manly man was crying.  It was an unnerving sight.  Later that day he told me he'd cried because he had never realized how alone he would feel after losing his parents.  Despite his wife, and children, and brothers--he felt alone.

I burst into tears at the memory.  Standing there in the hot water, I just cried because now I know exactly what he means.  And to be honest, I feel like I've gotten ripped off.  He was forty-six when his mom died.  I'm 31.  His mom was upbeat and as healthy as can be expected (and watching Young and the Restless) up until three days before her death. I've been slowly losing my mom for a couple of years.

My mom is not dead.  She is dying.  S  l   o  w  l  y.  And it is heart breaking.

You see, when I envisioned my grown-up life it always included her.  I imaged her giving me parenting advice and waking up super early on Saturday morning to watch cartoons with my kids.  I envisioned family vacations to Alaska and Griswold-like Christmases (but with an awesome turkey because the woman can cook).  What is hard to come to grips with is that these visions will only be visions.  The nature of her disease makes her paranoid so I can't really ask her advice on relationship issues without upsetting her.  Her lack of memory function has denied me the ability to ask her parenting advice.  Her medicine makes her very tired so getting up early is really not an option.  Holidays are spent somewhat joyfully but somewhat sadly as we all wonder if this one is the last one with mom.

Do you see where I'm going here?  I feel like I've already lost my mom.  I know that might sound selfish given that she is still physically on earth but everything that encompasses "mom-ness"--those precious memories, and inside jokes, and mother/daughter dynamics have changed.  I wasn't ready for it.  I'm not ready for it.

Realistically I know I'm not alone. I know some of my dear readers have lost a parent.  My sister is losing mom.  My kids may never have a firm memory of "Grammy."  My dad is losing his best friend of 41 years (and this is NOT how they planned on spending their retirement). I'm not alone but I feel alone.
Right now Jan Arden lyrics are running through my head.

Nobody knows me, no one will ever see
The distance between what is and what will never be
A bird will break his wings
Like a heart will cut her strings
And there isn't anything to comfort me

What I think is that losing my mom before I've lost her is nearly unbearable.  I'd appreciate your prayers.

To Do Tuesday--Be A Time Management Junkie #4

So it has been a while since I've visited my time management junkie tips.  Previously I've discussed priority lists, decluttering, and my personal favorite--organizing.

Time Management Junkie skill #4 is Meal Planning.

Meal planning can be pretty daunting at first but relax; it's not that bad!  I generally do Once a Month Cooking (OAMC) for dinner meals BUT I still use a meal plan so I know what food to defrost, etc.  In addition, I meal plan breakfast and lunch so there is never any food time guess work or last minute trips to the store for a "must" have ingredient at my house.

First, let me discuss some benefits of meal planning.  Meal plans mean you'll be:

• Eating out less often and eating pre-packed meals less (this means you'll be eating healthier!)
• taking fewer trips to the grocery store and ALWAYS having the groceries you need (no frustration or $50 "impulse" buys)
• throwing away less produce (you'll use the broccoli you buy if it's on the list--this is a HUGE money saver!)
• enjoying meal variety (no reverting to college quick food days of tacos, sloppy joes, and spaghetti)
• Less stressed.  You will never have to freak out at 5:00 because you have NO IDEA what's for dinner.

Sounds pretty good, eh?

So how do you meal plan?  Follow these steps.

Step #1--Planning

• Start with just one mealtime a week (dinner) and gradually work up to planning breakfast/lunch/dinner.  If you over plan at first you'll go crazy!
• Plan a 6 meal week (which leaves wiggle room for left overs or eating out).  
• Find 6 dinner recipes you'll want to use for your dinners.
• Get out a calendar and write down the tentative order of what you'll be eating (as a reminder to you and to stave off the annoying "what's for dinner?" questions).

Step #2 --Shopping list

• Look through each recipe one at a time and compare ingredients to your pantry to see what ingredients you have and which you'll need to purchase. 
• ONLY write down ingredients you need (and the general necessities like milk, bread, and eggs).

Step #3--Shopping

• Grab your coupons and go shopping.
• Only buy what is on your list.  No impulse shopping (unless there is an amazing sale like chicken breasts on sale for 1.50 a pound, etc.)

Step #4--Cookin' it up

• This is the best part!  When it's time for dinner, gather the ingredients (you know, the ones that you definitely have on hand), whip up a delicious and healthy meal, and sit down for a quality meal that cost less!

And really, that's it!  As you get more advanced you can start planning for breakfast and lunch too.  If this still sounds like too much work there are TONS of blogs (including mine) that offer meal plans.  Some more advanced blogs come complete with meal plans that have recipes and photos.  This is one of my favorites!

Happy meal planning!

If you want to catch up on some of my little time management tricks, please click the links below.

How to Become a Time Management Junkie
TMJ #1--Priority List
TMJ #2--Declutter
TMJ #3--Organize

My Outfit-Your Words--It's a Scarf Thing!

Okay.  So here's the deal.  I have a bit of a scarf thing.  

I like them long and short (that's what she said).  I love woven and knit.  I love color and neutrals, prints and solids, fringe and no fringe.  What can I say? Scarfs are a practical and versatile accessory.  

Anyhow, I've been crushing on a particular scarf from Gap (you can see it in a post by clicking here).  Last weekend my hubby and I had a romantic getaway to Estes Park and on the way meandered through a Gap.  Guess what?  My scarf was there and on sale for $8!  Needless to say I bought it.

Anyhow, it was a chilly sort of evening in Estes so when Matt and I went to the river walk I paired my scarf with a pair of cuffed skinny jeans, a long sleeved T, and a pair of sandals (dressing up a long sleeved T is one of my fave looks).  Cool, comfy, and casual.  

The next day I rocked my orange scarf (you've seen it here).  I wore it with a navy, deep V neck t-shrit, some cuffed boyfriend shorts and a linen coat.

Two scarves in two days? I know-- I'm obsessive.

Here's where it gets REALLY bad.  Last Wednesday this is the outfit my little girl put together. 

Ruffled dress with a brown and gold scarf.  I gotta tell ya, as a mom I was pretty stoked about this outfit.  I mean the shimmery gold in the scarf just brought out the coral dress.  *Sigh*  M.E.'s living proof that you can have a sweet and compassionate heart AND be a fashionista!

She even double wrapped it and tied it--just like momma!

Oh man, she's the sweetest thing ever!

YOUR WORDS!
What's the closet staple you can't live without?

Days of Play--Tie-Dye Paintings

What you'll need:

• watercolor paper
• water color paints
• water
• salt
• cookie sheet
• newspaper

What to do:

1. Line a table with newspapers.
2. Take the cookie sheet and put water in it.
3. Dip the watercolor paper into the water.
4. Lay the wet paper on the newspaper covered table.
5. Apply paint with paint brushes.
6. Watch the colors run and blur together in a tie-dye effect.
7. Add a dash of salt here and there and see how it "soaks up" the paint.
8. Let dry.
9. When the pictures are dry, use a felt tipped marker and add detail.  

30 Things I Love About You: A Tribute

Welcome to the Dirty Thirties!

 

Today my smokin' hot husband turns thirty.  Yes, that means I'm older than him.  What can I say?  This cougar, cradle-robbin' thing is really working for me ;)

To celebrate Matt's special day we're having a yard-game party tonight with our friends and tomorrow we are going camping with a pair of our favorite people in the world!

Anyhow, for a little "Dirty Thirty" birthday fun, please read 30 random things I love about Matt.  And when you get to the bottom, leave a comment of birthday love for him (since he was my first follower on the blog and facebook and he is a loyal reader)!

30.  I love that you leave shoes everywhere.  Okay, it drives me nuts but I love that you can drive me nuts and I find it endearing (whereas other people drive me nuts and it makes me want to commit justifiable homicide).

29.  I love our inside jokes (like knowing what I mean and to the 2004 event to which I'm referring to above with the whole "justifiable homicide" thing).

28.  I love that you love chick flicks.  

27.  I love that you don't love anything Twilight related.  Now you know how dumbfounded I am during football playoffs.

26.  I love that you prefer to read non-fiction.  I mean really, who prefers non-fiction?  Just my hot guy!

25.  I love that you are convinced that you can read a map and drive at the same time.  You can't but I love that you think you can.

24.  I love that you love yard work.  It's all yours!

23.  I love that you care about what you wear.  And how your hair looks. And I really love that you get the distinction between something "matching" and something "going."

22.  I love that you aren't a pack-rat.

21.  I love that you've allowed me to "train" you to keep all the light switches going the same direction.

20.  I love that you love me in spite of my eccentric, OCD behaviors (like needing all the light switches going the same direction before I can go to bed).

19.  I love that I've know you since you were 19!

18.  I love that you bring out the adventurous Bond Girl in me!

17.  I love that you do all the car maintenance.  If it wasn't for you my car would never be clean or have oil.

16.  I love that you support me in all things--being a SAHM, being a doctoral student, being a blogger.  It's nice to know you are always my fan.

15.  I love that you help me decorate the house.  You have such great taste!

14.  I love working out with you.  Bring it!

13.  I love that you don't "see" the little smiley face icons in e-mails and texts.  I <3 U! :o)

12.  I love that you are so good to my family.

11.  I love that you play with our children (and other people's children).

10.  I love that you taught a room of my 8th and 9th graders how to do legal research for their Lincoln/Douglas debates. 

9.  I love that you can be totally metro but on the other hand, you aren't afraid to get down and dirty (I'm referring to brandings.  Get your head out of the gutter!).

8.  I love that you are obsessed with watches.

7.  I love that you think garlic bread and chocolate milk go with every meal.

6.  I love that you know when to laugh with me, when to laugh at me, and when to not laugh. (I may or may not be referring to the "it's another f****** mile away" incident).

5.  I love that you will eat whatever food I put in front of you (so long as it isn't an oyster or snail).

4.  I love that when we go on vacation, you just want to lay around.  You make me relax and that's a good thing.

3.  I love that you take care of all things linked to finances.  *Sigh of relief!*

2.  I love that you pray for me.  And the kids.  And my family  And your family.  And the president, the economy, our future, the dandelions, the Cowboys to win some sort of championship ...

1.  I love that the longer I know you, the more I love you!

Happy 30th, Babe! 

How about a little comment love for the sexy thirty year old?

Things I Love--My CSA

Last year Matt and I got together with some friends and joined a Colorado-based community supported agriculture (CSA) group.  A CSA is a way to buy local produce directly from the farm that grows it.  Basically, a farmer sells "shares" to his farm and you reap the benefits in the form of ultra-healthy, vitamin rich, produce!  CSAs may or may not be certified organic. Ours is.

Hear me now.  I LOVE OUR CSA!

When we broke down the amount of food received and compared it to what we would have paid if we would have purchased organic produce from the supermarket, we realized we were saving a bundle for quality food we loved.  You can't beat that!

Something the CSA has really challenged me on was eating what is locally produced.  Wyoming doesn't exactly produce a ton of citrus fruits and "out there" veggies.  But I'm learning to love what I can get from the people I trust to grow it!

Anyhow, common staples in our CSA share include lettuce, spinach, swiss chard, kohlrabi, kale, and scapes.  Let me share some of my favorite recipes!

Spinach

 

Spinach Pesto

You will need:

• spinach
• parmesan
• garlic--minced
• kosher salt 
• black pepper
• lemon zest
• olive oil

Okay, my pesto is nut free because I can't have nuts!  
Here's what you do:

1. Wash your spinach leaves and tear into smaller pieces.
2. Put 2-3 T. of oil in a food processor.
3. Add the lemon zest, a dash of kosher salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add minced garlic.  Start with one clove and add to taste.
5. Put spinach in (1-2 cups of torn leaves).  PULSE that processor!
6. Add Parmesan and more oil/seasoning as needed.
7. Put this over pasta for a quick, cool dinner.  Dine al fresco!

Kale

First of all, Kale grows everywhere here.  Our university decorates with it.  Now that's practical--pretty landscaping you can eat :)  Kale is a leafy green with a slight cabbagey taste.  You can rip leaves and put them in stir-fry.  Our friend Bryant has a Kale Smoothie he swear by.  At our house, however, we love kale chips.  M.E. prefers them to potato chips (did I mention that kale is a super food?)

Kale Chips

You'll need:

• a bunch of kale washed, ribs removed, and torn in to potato chip sized pieces
• cookie sheet
• apple cider vinegar
• olive oil
• kosher salt
• seasonings to taste

To make kale chips:

1. Pre-heat your oven to 350.
2. In a bowl, combine 1 T of apple cider vinegar and 3 T. of olive oil.
3. Add in 1/2 T. of kosher salt (and other seasonings as desired--garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and red pepper flakes are all great!).
4. Put the kale leaves in the bowl and mix with your hands until every leaf is coated.
5. Put leaves on cookie sheet making sure that no leaves are doubled up or on top of one another (bake in 2 batches if needed).
6. Bake 10-15 minutes but watch them closely.  When kale starts to look crispy and brown the chips are done.  Don't over-do it because Kale burns fast (and smells awful).
7. Let kale chips cool and then eat.  

Garlic Scapes

Garlic scapes are the long, green tendril tops to a garlic bulb that must be removed in order for the bulb to grow correctly.  They have a mild garlic taste and are a garlic lover's nirvana!  You can put scapes in any recipe that calls for garlic or you can slice it thin and add scapes to eggs, marinades, etc.  Scapes can be grilled and eaten like asparagus or sliced and put into stir-fries.  I prefer the following recipe! (BTW, if you see scapes at your farmer's market, grab a bunch ... or ten.  You won't be sorry!).

Scape Hummus

You'll need:

• 2 15.5-oz cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 6 garlic scapes, thinly sliced
• Juice and zest of 1- 1 and a 1/2 lemons 
• 1/4 cup water
• 6 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 6 Tablespoons canola oil
• 1 1/2 kosher teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika

To make:

1. Put oils and lemon juice in the bottom of your food processor.
2. Add all other ingredients.
3. Pulse until smooth.
4. Eat with these pita chips.  Mmmmmmmmmm!

See, it is possible to eat good food that tastes good and is good for you!  Any of you a part of a CSA?  Do you love it or hate it?


A special shout out to the hard working' men and women at Grant Farms who grow the produce my family loves!

What I Think About--Skinny Jeans

I highlighted skinny jeans in some previous posts--one on how to make your bum look smaller and one getting Jessica Alba's look for less.

Both times I've gotten comments and e-mails from gals stating:

1. They want to know how to wear skinny jeans.
2. Skinny jeans are for tall, thin people.

Today I will address both.

Skinny jeans are for tall, thin people
I agree that skinny jeans tend to flatter those with eating disorders.  That being said, I have a hard time thinking of many trends that are geared toward "short, muffin top, ample bottomed" women.  Okay, I guess there are mumus but I'm not jumping on that trend!  Think about your average model and celebrity--they are tall and thin.  Our society values the way clothes look on tall, slender men and women.

So what are we short, curvy women to wear?  Nothing?  Hardly.  Even if you don't have a model body, you can still wear trendy garb.

How to wear skinny jeans

Okay, now that we've cleared up the misconception that only tall and thin women can look pulled together and sexy, let's address the issue that makes some women's stomachs tighten into a knot of anxiety--SKINNY JEANS.

Find the type of skinny jean that works for you. 

Skinnies come in SuperSkinny (the painted on look), Skinny (stretchy jeans that taper at the ankle), and Straight Skinny (a cigarette-shaped, straight leg skinny that doesn't cling too tightly.  These are great for the skinny-shy).

Buy a pair of skinny jeans in a dark color (black or dark denim) with a slight stretch. 

Consider buying one size bigger if you need the extra hip room.  You can always wear a skinny belt and a tunic to cover it!

Play with skinny jean length.

Role up your skinny jeans (a la 1980s) for a casual, sexy look.  

Get skinny jeans at ankle or capri length if you are short 

Notice the varying length of skinny jeans.  The ones on the far left are well suited for shorter gals.  Don't they look fab with heels!

 Wear your skinny jeans with the right top.

Balance out the skinny jeans with volume on top.  Bell sleeve tops or tunics are great.  A tunic with a belt helps hide large hips.  Empire waist tops are great for hiding wide hips and ample bottoms.  Long, lean tops that hit at hip level are fabulous.

This long, flowy top looks awesome--not to mention those hot, peep toe heels!

Perfect shoe pairings with skinny jeans

• If you have larger hips and bum, tuck skinny jeans into high heeled boots to balance out proportions.
• Wear skinny jeans with high heels.  Pointy toe heels will give the illusion of longer legs.  Peep toe sandals and wedges make you look taller, leaner, and sexier!
• If you are tall and slender, wear your skinny jeans with ballet flats **warning** this does make you look fuller around the hip area!
• DO NOT wear skinny jeans with Converse All-Stars unless you want to look like a high school student.  It's a cute style--if you are 17.

 Tunics, belts, and boots--Easy ways to wear skinnies if you AREN'T the model type!

Want more information?  Watch this two minute video!


How to Wear Skinny Jeans -- powered by eHow.com

What I think is that YOU, yes YOU, can wear skinny jeans.  Work it girl!

My skinnies--dark color, rolled, paired with a thin, long tee, scarf (for balance), and gladiator sandals.

"These Genes Make My Butt Look Phat!"

In January I made a resolution to go from frumpy to fab!  I wanted to be a mom without necessarily looking like the stereotypical one (see the post on mom butt).  It's not that I fear aging but rather, that I didn't want to look back in fifteen years and think, "Man I really let myself go."  FYI, this effort is paying off.  Recently Matt said, "You are dressing so hot lately!"   

Anyhow, Melissa from Nouns and Violets is on a similar mission.  Enjoy her sassy guest blog.  

Melissa

I'm one of those girls you hate. I eat what I want. I never exercise. After birthing two kids I weigh the same as I did in my 20s: 110 pounds. My mother weighs a whopping 115 pounds. What can I say? These genes make my butt look phat.

DON'T STOP READING! There's a downside to this, I promise.

Other than the matronly muumuus I wore while pregnant, weight gain hasn't forced me to buy new clothes. My ancient wardrobe is a little youngish. Okay, it's juvenile and people often misjudge my age... by a decade. Once while dropping off my young daughter for Sunday School the teacher wanted to know what class I belonged in. “Are you 16 or under?” she asked. I was 25.

How can you tell if your wardrobe is too juvenile? When it's laundry day and your clothes get mingled with your 13 year-old's stuff. Together you sort the pile and say things like, “Is this yours? No, wait. It's mine. Right? The one you have is blue.” If her friends are calling you a cool mom, telling you they love your top and want to know where you got it, that's probably another sign that you're dressing too immature. It's worse if you have to sheepishly admit “Forever 21” and then you find out your nineteen year-old niece also shops there. The ultimate worst is going to dinner with an older male friend and having the waitress assume he is your father. Trust me, that kind of blunder is uncomfortable for everyone involved.

Sure, most women want to look younger. Billions of dollars a year are spent on cosmetic surgery and women account for more than ninety percent of the patients. But there's something to be said for dressing in a way that makes people take you seriously. A few years ago while shopping in Target I noticed people staring and snickering. I whipped out a mirror and checked my face. All clear. No toilet paper stuck to my shoe either. In the checkout line the clerk burst out laughing and said, “That's a great shirt.” Oooohhh, so that was it. I was wearing a bright pink tee that said: “Jerks Love Me.”

I'm secretly hoping someone will nominate me for What Not to Wear. I can only imagine the humbling fashion crimes that would be caught on camera during Stacy and Clinton's stakeout of me. Vibrant red Elmo slippers in the grocery store. Pajama bottoms in Circle K. More message tee shirts that embarrass my daughter (“Geeks are Hot”). I think the five thousand bucks in New York fashion hanging in my closet would be enough to repair any damage to my ego.

Until Stacy and Clinton ambush me, I'm updating my wardrobe one garment at a time. All new apparel at once means it wears out – and you will tire of it – at the same time. A another style truism I've learned: Every girl should own a pair of stellar black heels that make her feel feminine and confident. Emergency shoe shopping is emotionally exhausting, not to mention expensive. A few years ago I got invited to attend a ritzy soirée. Instead of pleased I was panic stricken. With little time to shop, I bought the first dress that fit and a matching pair of shoes with a price tag even greater than the cost of the dress.

That kind of expense is also part of what has kept me browsing instead of buying the latest trends. As a mother, I'd rather spend my cash on my kids than myself but I've recently realized you can be posh and a parent. A little research will uncover some great bargains. I've already scored some fabulous finds on my newly started fashion journey. You can follow along at www.nounsandviolets.com. I'll show you the new stuff I buy and the old stuff I banish from my closet.

All I ask in return is that if you bump into Stacy and Clinton, you send them my way.

Thank you Melissa for contributing to Where is the ME in Mommy? but as far as Stacy and Clinton are concerned, get in line! Ha ha!

Your Words--An Ad

LOST

My sanity has been missing since Thursday June 24, 2010.  It was last seen at the corner of Teething Baby and Testing Boundaries Pre-schooler.  Sanity may or may not be in the presence of a package of pepperoni that is so old the mold has gone grey.  For the sake of my husband, please return if found.  Quilted toaster cover and rubber band ball reward offered.

Your turn.  What would your ad say?

What section would I find it under?  LOST, FOUND, FOR SALE, FOR RENT, SEEKING EMPLOYMENT, WANTED ...

What's Cookin'--7/12-7/18

The continuing saga of P90X diet meals.

Monday--Cranberry Chicken and wild rice
Tuesday--grilled flank steak and creamy Greek potatoes
Wednesday--grilled chicken and spinach
Thursday--shredded beef wraps
Friday--Asian chicken salad (Happy Birthday, Matt!)
Saturday--Halibut with spinach pesto
Sunday--grilled baby back ribs and raw veggies

Photo from Frontier Kitchen

Days of Play--Go Fly a Kite

Literally.

Thank you for the pirate ship rainbow kite, Holly!  You are the best!