Summer Wants

This past weekend was the first weekend that the sun seemed brighter and my skin felt that certain glimmer of heat, a reminder of what's to come. I usually feel some sadness at the long, hot days waiting for me but this year I don't.  I'm feeling free and happy, what an upcoming summer should feel like. I can't wait. I wanted to do a post of my summer wants but these days I'm not feeling so fabulous and even though a new bauble or cover up might brighten my day for a moment my needs as of late are of a much more simple variety.  My summer wants are easy, how about a couple months of uneventful? 

Let's just say lazy, slower paced, with lots of friends, new recipes and maybe an easy trip or two.

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It's been a little cray

I'm home today. Tuesday is usually a busy work day for me but I have a kid who took a baseball to the noggin yesterday so we're staying home. He's currently alternating ice and Wii and I'm enjoying a moment to myself with the gazillions of posts filling up my reader (which is now Feedly, I love it.)

We've been busy with parties, weddings and such. Big had his first communion and confirmation complete with aunts and a sweet cousin from out of town, my sister in law got married and then the very next day was a fundraiser I'm involved with. I'm wiped. So today's little lie-in is a total lifesaver. I think since I'm home I need to organize my scattered life. I lost my keys in my house a week ago and still can't find them. Eek! My husband is sure I'm completely loco and I can't say that I blame him. Check in with me next week I might be the picture of tranquility and zen. There's always hoping right?

Cutting out the crazy

Since we've started this new way of eating I've had lots of questions about it. Here are a few with some simple answers:

1. Why are you all eating no dyes, artificial flavors or preservatives?

One day when I let my son eat Doritos and a few Twizzlers I noticed a 180 change. His behavior was nuts and he seemed emotionally overwhelmed. This had been happening and I'd started cutting out red dye before the holidays but then they rolled around and a candy cane here and there and all of the colorful food that goes with it my son was a whirling dervish of drama from October through December. I know the holidays had a lot to do dramz with that but let's just say the food additives were the icing on the cake, oy. So my husband and I decided to try it to see how it worked and thankfully it has helped, a lot. Even my son has started to get on board because he has noticed a difference in how he feels eating really cleanly. 

2. So you always let your kids eat junk?

No, not at all. Every now and then I would buy a bag of chips they asked for or allow the blue icees at the movies as a treat. I didn't want to be a total freak about food so I allowed it. Now though I've changed my tune, I've figured it out it's not the sugar it's all the extra crap! They hide that stuff in everything even food you wouldn't think would have it. Believe me in order to make this work I bought plenty of approved junk just so the kids wouldn't feel like they were missing out to begin with. In fact when we started the new way of eating I had more processed food in my pantry than I ever had. We've now figured out our favorites and I've whittled the processed factor way down.

3. Is there something specific that you did?

Yes, we started doing the Feingold Diet. It's pretty strict at first but there are a lot of materials and support out there for it. For a membership fee you have access to all the approved food lists and message boards. I've learned  a ton about new brands, etc. I know I may make some waves with Feingold purists but we started doing it at Stage 2. You're supposed to go super clean for 6 - 8 weeks cutting out certain salicylic fruits and veggies too but in order to make it successful I had to do what worked for our family. Doing something like this with my nine year old had to be a little more gentle. I figured the worst thing that could come out of it is that we would be eating healthier and wouldn't work. I could always start cutting out some of those things too as we went.

Honestly I'm super happy we did it and even though we ate pretty healthy I didn't realize all of the junk that was sneaking in under the radar. Big is happy he feels better, Little still moans and groans that he can't have Goldfish but at some point he'll stop. So for now all is well with our little food challenge, I'll keep you posted.

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What's going on

Hola! Thought I'd pop in and see if there is still actually anyone out there. Maybe, maybe not. That's ok it still feels good to write things out into the void of the internet. My sister-in-law is getting married so we've been busy with pretty showers, parties and plans.

My sweet babies are getting after it in sports.

My husband is busy working, a lot.

As a family we've been doing no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Challenging at first but now it seems pretty old hat. Not to worry though there is still plenty of crappy food and sweets to be eaten  if needed! 

I'm still obsessed with Instagram and Pinterest. You can find more of me there these days, come find me!

Pool anyone?

Every January the blogs are filled with resolutions and goals, mine included. But I think for me that this year is the year of the house. This blog is going on five years which totally blows me away but I think that it's time for a little less inspiration and a lot more action. I have this large front room that has served as the play room since the boys were babies. I have a dining room table, buffet and a sofa and the rest has always been kidland. It served it's purpose and still does. The boys still have mean balltag games but I'm thinking it's time to add to our room.

So here's my thought, move the family room into the large front room and make the family room more of a game room. I know some of you might gasp at why I would think to put a pool table, TV, video games system but with two boys getting older every day I want them to want to be here. I want them to be able to bring their friends over to hang out, I want to be the fun house...or should I say the-in-the know/fun house. This is all in the planning stages and probably won't happen in the next few months but I think this is where I'm headed. Seen any totally awesome not too manly game rooms? 

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I'm feeling refreshed

So how is 2013 treating you so far? Me, good. I love that my new year started out with some studio meetings and that this weekend will finish with Pilates workshops. Ironing out details for the upcoming year and getting invigorated by the other teachers is really what the doctor ordered. Mama needs this.

So last year the family motto was, "can do". What should this year's be? Got any suggestions?

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It's almost here

I can't say that I'm sorry to see 2012 go. There were lots of very wonderful moments including a trip of a lifetime but for me personally 2012 was a toughie. I like to think I'm a glass half full so I'm betting that 2013 has to be good. 

Wishing you all the best in the coming year!

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Shoulders away from your ears

Not the best title of a post but I say this day in and day out. As a Pilates teacher almost everybody comes into the studio thinking of stresses of their job, their day and family life and naturally their shoulders creep up around their ears. A lot of this is also from the hunched over "I'm on the computer all day" posture but it's also just the worries and anxiety that keep us from feeling our best. Not only do I say this to others but to myself all the time. 

With the sadness and tragedy in Newtown and the stress of the season please take my advice and take a deep breath. Breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth, close your eyes and fill the front, sides and backs of your lungs with air. Appreciate today and be grateful for tomorrow.

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Holiday Traditions

Every family has it's own traditions and things that they do to make the holiday season special. Holiday memories are always favorites so I try to do a few things that I remember as a kid and of course every family makes up new things as they go. 

• I make hot cocoa anytime it's requested.
• I waited it out as long as I could, but Jolly our Elf on the Shelf finally made an appearance last year.
• I use my Spode Christmas dishes the whole month of December.
• We do Zoo Lights every year.
• I always spend a lot of time wrapping gifts so they seem even more exciting to open.
• We do the Advent Wreath every Sunday night during Advent.
• Watch lots of Christmas movies.

This is us, I'm curious about other families holiday traditions. There might be something that we need to add!

{all images from Sarah's Fab Day Christmas Pinterest Board}

Least favorite Xmas Tradition

The holidays are approaching and I'm the freak that put their Christmas tree up this weekend. I just love having the four day weekend free so I try to get the jump on it. I won't lie though, I'm also the person that is permanently glued to whatever radio station is playing Christmas music. No, I don't have trees in every room and collection of Studio 56, I just enjoy Christmas tunes. One of my weird little idiosyncrasies. 

Music is a holiday tradition that I enjoy but there are plenty of things about the holidays that drive me nuts. I don't love the business of the season, it sometimes defeats the whole hang with family part of it. But honestly the one thing that makes me really nuts are cookie exchanges. I loathe making cookies! And for cookie exchanges they have to be all fancy and annoying. Don't get me wrong I enjoy a cookie just like everyone else but it seems like a lot of work for tons of calories that let's be honest we don't need around the holidays (don't judge I save my calories for my holiday wine). So tell me what is it about the holidays that makes you crazy? 

PS - If you know me and are having a cookie exchange I will totally come if I'm on the guest list, make pretty tasty cookies with a smile!