I'm a BAG Lady

I don't care much for purses,,, not enough room for all my kiddos' stuff. However, I LOVE a good Bag. These are two of my favorites, and I have worn them to shreds. I love them because of the structure and SHAPE of the bag. I love that I can just toss crap into them. SOooooOOOooo I decided to recreate them1 I am so pleased with the way they turned out. THE ORIGINALS

THE NEW ONES!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE This Fabric!

A little bright for my taste, but my 3 1/2 yr old thinks it's Fantastic!

Week 2 - Weigh In

It's WEIGH in DAY! I am not looking forward to this moment in time. This past week has been extremely busy and filled with EASTER CANDY! I haven't had much time for exercise or balanced nutrition. So here I go, I'm hoping I didn't blow my whole diet.

And the RESULTS are In! .5 POUNDS LOST! (I totally expected to have gained weight) My Stats: 4/13/2008 Height: 5'6" Weight: 135 pounds Goal: 128 Percentage Lost: 2.17% Weeks Remaining: 6

Summer Sneak Peek

Summer Sneak Peek! The ULTIMATE Bandanna dress! With Matching Adjustable Headbands Personally designed and handmade by ME! These adorable little dresses will be available in three sizes, S, M, L. Fitting most children between sizes 2t - 5t. Unique, Trendy, Whimsical Perfect for a warm summer day!

Week 1 - Weigh in

It's Weigh in DAY!

I have been fairly disciplined this week. Last weekend was rough, but the possibility of winning some money has gotten my attention. I have tried to keep my eye on the prize and when I'm exercising, I fantasize about all the lovely things I will buy,,,, and how they will all be so tiny! So here we are, it's 7:30am and it's time to get the results. I have emptied my bladder, blown my nose, and nursed my son, and now I'm ready to get on the scale. . . (silently praying for good results) . . (man this bathroom is cold) . . (if I hold my breath will that help?) . . And the RESULTS are In! 2.5 POUNDS LOST! My Stats: 4/6/2008 Height: 5'6" Weight: 135.5 pounds Goal: 128 Percentage Lost: 1.81% Weeks Remaining: 7 ************************************************************ Weight Loss Percentage Formula Instructions Step1: Divide number of pounds lost by the starting weight. Step2: Multiply the answer to step 1 by 100 Step3: Example: 40 /330 x 100 = 12.12% *********************************************************************

We got a first timmer over here!

Emma had her first trip to the DENTIST yesterday! She did great! She was in charge of holding the "silly straw" and boy was she helpful!

"Helping" Miss Ashley clean her teeth by jamming the straw in whenever she could

(Lovin' that silly straw!) She wouldn't let go of her toothpaste

(Just another day at the dentist relaxing with the silly straw)

All Shiny and Clean!

Evolution of a Shiner

Evolution of a Shiner!

Emma age 3, Shiner age 30 minutes Emma ran straight into her dresser tonight. Lucky for us her eye is the exact height of the dresser corner. (this last sentence is dripping with sarcasm) I can't wait to see what it looks like tomorrow,,,,, and most importantly all the stares I'm going to get tomorrow at the grocery store!

Spicy White Chicken Chili

Spicy White Chicken ChiliSpicy Chicken Chili is one of my favorite winter meals. My whole family enjoys it and it is so easy to make. I love to make it in the morning and just let is simmer all day until we are ready to eat, it makes my whole house smell yummy!

1 1/2 pounds Cooked Chicken Breasts 1 Lg Yellow Onion, chopped 4 Ribs of celery, diced 6 Cans (15.5oz each) Great Northern Bean, drained 4 C Chicken Stalk 2 C Water Chopped Jalapenos to taste 2 t Chili Powder 1/2 t Cumin 2 Garlic Cloves, minced 1/2 t salt 1 pkg dry Ranch Dressing mix Place all ingredients in a slow cooker and let simmer at least 1 hour. Chicken will shred as the chili simmers.

The Race is ON!

Today is THE Day!

The Spring Fitness Challenge STARTS!

I joined this challenge hoping to get a little extra motivation to lose those final 10 pounds my son has blessed me with. So far,,,,,,,,,I'm off to a really lousy start. I am certain once the competition kicks into high gear, I will get motivated. Wow I think I just discovered a pro for being super competitive!

My Stats: Height: 5'6" Weight: 138 pounds Goal: 128 Weeks Remaining: 8 The Ups: I am planning of going to the gym.......key word being PLANNING! The Downs: I have had two cans of pop today. Darn that caffeine addiction.

Napkin Challenge

Go Green! I dare ya! The Napkin Challenge

With Earth Day just 4 weeks a way, I thought I would share some of my favorite tips for making the environment a better place. Starting with the Napkin Challenge! I dare you for 4 weeks to go GREEN and use reusable cloth napkins. Hide those icky paper napkins and stock your napkin holders with cloth napkins!

If after 4 short weeks your are going through withdraws, just switch back. Give it a try,,,, you might surprise yourself and save a few trees along the way.

Italian Potato Fries

Italian Potato Fries

Slice potato into 8ths, rinse and thoroughly dry Drizzle with Oil (I prefer Avocado Oil because of the light flavor) Sprinkle with Garlic Salt and Italian Seasoning and Toss together Bake at 400 for approx 30 minutes, turning occasionally Garnish with Parmesan Cheese Serve with Pesto or Marinara Sauce Try it Ole' Style Sprinkle potato with taco Seasoning Serve with your favorite Salsa

Don't lie to your momma

Having Mom over for Dinner-good one You don't even have to be a mother to enjoy this one... Brian invited his mother over for dinner. During the course of the meal, Brian 's mother couldn't help but notice how beautiful Brian 's roommate, Jennifer, was. Brian 's Mom had long been suspicious of the platonic relationship between Brian and Jennifer, and this had only made her more curious. Over the course of the evening, while watching the two interact, she started to wonder if there was more between Brian and Jennifer than met the eye. Reading his mom's thoughts, Brian volunteered, 'I know what you must be thinking, but I assure you Jennifer and I are just roommates.' About a week later, Jennifer came to Brian saying, 'Ever since your mother came to dinner, I've been unable to find the beautiful silver gravy ladle. You don't suppose she took it, do you?' Brian said, 'Well, I doubt it, but I'll send her an e-mail just to be sure. So he sat down and wrote: Dear Mom, I'm not saying that you 'did' take the gravy ladle from the house, I'm not saying that you 'did not' take the gravy ladle. But the fact remains that one has been missing ever since you were here for dinner. Love, Brian Several days later, Brian received an email back from his mother that read: Dear Son, I'm not saying that you 'do' sleep with Jennifer, I'm not saying that you 'do not' sleep with Jennifer. But the fact remains that if Jennifer is sleeping in her own bed, she would have found the gravy ladle by now. Love, Mom LESSON OF THE DAY - NEVER LIE TO YOUR MOTHER

Up From The Ground Detox - Day 3

Mood: Thought about quitting today but I didn't, I'm excited for the next step New foods Emma has tried: Grapes, Broccoli What I Crave: Pop, Naan, Hummus Advantages: Emma thinks when I make a fruit smoothie that I am making Ice Cream. She gobbles it down. FANTASTIC! I can't wait until I allow myself to add some yogurt. Disadvantages: I realized today, that I reward myself with food. Realizing this has not been my most flatering moment. One of my favorite things to do is, if my kiddos are both sleeping I love to sit down with a nice glass of Dr. Pepper and read or watch tv. Eeekkk I really need to think of some other way to unwind, destress, and reward myself.

Black Bean Pancakes

Happy Birthday Black Bean Pancakes!

On my Detox adventure, I have been forced to be creative in the kitchen. I love guacamole and really wanted some as a treat,,, but how do you eat guacamole without chips or tortillas? I couldn't stand the thought of eating it plain, and didn't want to turn into a salad sooooo Black Bean Pancakes were born. Happy Birthday Black Bean Pancakes! Black Bean Pancakes 1 Can drained Black beans (I like the seasoned kind) 1 t lime juice 1 t cumin 1 T Dry ranch mix Jalapenos to taste 1/4 c whole wheat flour 1 egg Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Heat and Cook on stove top or griddle as you would pancakes. Delicious hot or warm. Serve with GUACAMOLE or salsa and ENJOY!

Up From The Ground Detox - Day 2

Mood: Sleepy (I think this has more to do with the 8 Month old and not the Detox) New foods Emma has tried: Blueberries, Potatoes What I Crave: Pop, Cheese, Rice Advantages: Emma is at the stage in her life where she wants to "share with you mommy" I am using this to my full advantage and getting her to eat everything I have. I was also very thrilled to find out that OTB salsa that is sold in stores is free of all perservites/additives, IT"S PURE! Disadvantages: I could really use a pick me up on this rainy day. A pot of coffee would be divine!

Up From The Ground Detox - Day 1

Up From The Ground Detox - Day 1 Starting Weight: 138 Mood: Excited New foods Emma has tried: Apple, Avocados, and Peaches What I Crave: Cheese, Tortillas Advantages: I am allowing myself to eat any of the "unlimited foods" at any time. Which means I get to eat all day. Woo Hoo! Plus if I have something in my mouth I'm less likely to be drawn to the snack cabinet. Disadvantages: The hardest part of today was when my husband ate pizza for lunch and my daughter at some cheese and crackers. Man, I love both of those foods.

Up From The Ground Detox

I have been feeling so sluggish and I think the source of conflict is my diet. Our family has been very busy and stressed lately,,,, thus leading to poor eating habits. We are skipping meals, eating out, and buying lots of junk food. I even let my daughter have Cheetos last week. With summer coming, I want to be in tip-top shape to take my kiddos to the pool and not feel gross. Hence this Detox. With Michael finding full time work, I am hoping to get our family back into our usual healthy habits of working out and making good choices with our food. To kick start this resurgence of heath, I have decided to rid my body of all the unhealthy toxins, additives, and perservitives I know are lurking around. Up From The Ground Detox Unlimited: If it grows up from the ground(or down in the ground), I'm eating it! Fruit Veggies Nuts (raw only) Water Limited Foods: 2 Eggs per day 2 Cups of Green tea (no added sugar) Off Limit Foods: EVERYTHING ELSE! No Carbs, grains, breads.... No Dairy No Alcohol, Pop, Coffee ....

Flax Seed Pizza

Oh so yummy Flax Seed Pizza

This was a recipe given to me by one of my dearest friends! I love this pizza because the dough is ready in a flash and it taste so great! I hope your family enjoys it as much as ours! Flax Seed Pizza 1 1/2 C Whole Wheat Flour ( you may not need all of this flour) 1 1/2 C. All Purpose Flour ( you may not need all of this flour) 1/4 C. Flax Seed 2 T Sugar 1 T Fast Rising Yeast 1 C Water 1 T Butter Directions Mix 1 Cup of each flour, flax, sugar and yeast Heat water and butter in microwave until steaming. Pour over dry ingredients and mix Then add the rest of the flour about a 1/2 C at a time. (you may not need all of it) Knead for 4 minutes Roll out on floured surface. Transfer to baking stone or cookie sheet, making the pizza about 2 inches bigger all around. Top with sauce and preferred toppings, then bring the extra dough up around the edge and pinch it to make a stuffed crust style pizza. Bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Turkey Reuben Loaf Horseradish brown mustard (or Thousand Island dressing) natural sliced turkey, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese. Mediterranean Pesto sauce, grilled chicken, mixed olives, red peppers, feta and mozzarella cheese White Pizza Loaf Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Mozzarella cheese. Tostada Loaf Refried beans, salsa, cream cheese, cheddar cheese. Cheeseburger Hamburger sauteed with yellow onioin, chopped pickles, bbq sauce, american and cheddar cheese Ham & Cheese Ham, Sautéed chopped onion, Cheddar

*********************************************************************************** I ended up having to cut my dough in two because my 3 year old insisted: "Chicken no go to pizza" I also made traditional red sauce because I knew she wouldn't eat Pesto. At our house Traditional red sauce is half pureed carrots. Shhhh don't tell my kids!

Easy Chocolate Cookies

1 C All-purpose Flour
1/4 C. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1t Baking Powder
1 C. Granulated Sugar
1/2 C Unsalted Butter, softened
1 Lg Egg
1/4 t salt
1 t Vanilla extract

Cream sugar and butter on medium until light and fluffy.
Beat in egg and vanilla.
On low, mix in flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes, cool on a rack.
EAT AND ENJOY!

Mulberry Bush

Mulberry Bush 2009 Spring Sale March 19-21 Maize Recreation Commission (37th St. N. & Maize Rd) Thursday, March 19: 9:00am - 6:00pm Friday, March 20: 9:00am - 6:00pm Saturday, March 21: 8:00am - 12:00pm

Featuring: RIBBON CANDY by Shelly Stout

Adorable Belts and Matching Hair Bows!

This is just a sneak preview of what I will have available. Be sure to come to the sale to find all sorts of great deal!

I think in TWEET!

This morning as I was showering alone with my thoughts. (I usually have to shower with an 8 month old who thinks shower time = nursing time, or a 3 year old who tells me I'm lumpy) I realized I think in TWEET. As a mother I often only have conversations with my kids which means I have a severe deficit when it comes to knowing how to communicate with adults. This however is starting to change,,,, well sort of. Thanks to technology, all the thoughts that run through my head are now in the form of TWEETS. If I have a small thought, it's a Tweet on Twitter. If I have a complete sentence thought, it's a status update on Facebook. If I have a paragraph thought, It's a blog on here. So my big question is: Am I alone in this predicament, or do you "think in TWEET" too?

You've Got Mail

Today was a cold day and we had to think of something to do inside. This activity entertained both Emma and I. I love any excuse to get out my markers and paint pens, and Emma loved delivering mail. She had a great time sorting it and figuring out who it belonged to. She was so proud of herself and so was I!

3 miles and 1/2 a Cracker

It's 2:30 in the afternoon and at this point in my day I find that "her cracker" = "my sanity". My daughter can inhale them like a hoover vacuum. As I put on her shoes I see her eyes staring wide eyed at the whole cracker, which I am about to give her. She has no idea that for the next hour and 1/2 I will be dragging her in and out of the car running errands. I have a full arsenal of crackers in my Diaper bag. Okay it's go time, I have approx 3 miles to our first destination. I watch in the rear view mirror as the cracker disappears into oblivion. Red Light, green Light, Red light, green light, GO! As I weave in and out of traffic like a Nascar Pro. I think to myself, I'm not racing against time or traffic, I'm racing against a cracker!