It's Daria

I remember watching MTV over at my neighbor Shannon's house after school. She was cool, she had cable back before everyone had it. I'm fairly positive I was in on the very beginning of it. MTV my darling constant companion for many years. I think the last thing that I actually watched was The City. I mean who wouldn't want to watch the goings on at DVF, Kelly Cutrone's and the uber-b Olivia's outfits? Even though I'm still obsessed with Olivia's outfits I'm not so much by MTV, however I saw this and wished it were real. 

CollegeHumor's Favorite Funny Videos

Daria. My favorite all-time MTV show. I would love to see this in real life.

Clean and Graphic

Today I'm doing it backwards, I usually write a post and then find pictures that seem to match the mood. Today it seems that I'm just posting some pretty and while I'm getting the images together I might find something interesting to say. 

These pictures are kind of how I hope my summer goes, clean and simple. It's been nice so far but it's only been a week. Am I too crazy to hope it keeps up? Yes I know I'm freaking bonkers. It's OK, please let me keep on with my illusion that I will have the perfect summer.

I do post more of my day to day on Instagram so follow me there too my handle is @sarahsfabday. 

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Fix-it

There must have been something in the water yesterday because in my neighborhood every street was filled with fix-it people. I saw air conditioning repair, water heater replacement, solar panel people (I want!) and for us refrigerator fixers. Ugh. We had a fun pool day planned at a friends (they must have totally seen my earlier post) and when I opened the freezer to grab some nuts for a salad and it was a frosty mess in there. Sh*t!!! Anyhow my girl took my kids anyway while I wasted to the day waiting for the fridge fixer. So thank heaven for friends that will take your kids and for speedy repair people. The only sucky thing is that the repair ate up my pin money that I was saving up for the painter. I know, painting isn't that hard, but it isn't that easy either. I don't like to redo things because of my DIY incompetence so I usually just pay someone to do it right the first time. So while we're on the subject of repairs, home maintenance, etc. here is one I need to try from Pinterest. This window cleaning project might have to happen this morning.

Magic Window Cleaner 

It looks as though it got a positive review and I have a huge window with no treatments on it right now so it looks skeevy. My kids are 9 and 7 how do they still manage to get hand prints all over everything? The dog is off the hook because she jumps up to see in sometimes, I get it I'll let it slide.

Update: I just cleaned the windows and the no squeegee thing, not so hot. I ended up redoing the window with the squeegee but the good news is that the Jet Dry addition to window cleaning solution makes things really easy. So even though I had to work a little harder I still give the recipe the thumbs up.

Sidenote: Do you watch Girls? Sometimes I love it and sometimes I hate it but I always find myself watching it, I adore that silly Shoshanna. Have you seen the parody? Ha!! So funny. If you like the show you have to watch but if not know it's NSFW. Just giving you fair warning.

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I'm bribing, any takers?

We don't have a pool because  I didn't want one when the kids were little. I was too scared of what could happen when they weren't good swimmers but now I long for a pool. No pool means we're at the mercy of our kind hearted friends and family. I will be calling begging for the brood to come over. I certainly don't want to wear out my welcome so we'll be the family bearing treats. Here are a few of the things that might be coming up this summer for pool bribery.

Any icy cocktail always works right? A libation will loosen anyone up even for my little crazies. I'll take on that challenge, I'l be the one who brings the good drinks! Mango Jalapeno Margs, Strawberry Rhubarb Sangria? Umm, hells yes.

Wanna keep things lively? Play Uno. I'm telling you to bring the cards! It fool proof.

Bocce works too but cards are more my style. The dudes seem to like it though.

If all else fails sweet treats! Homemade ice cream if possible. There is NOTHING better. I'm partial to Summer Peach but Mexican Chocolate (with Almonds OMG) also sounds amaze.

Summer motto : Be Prepared. 

Summer Syndromes

Most of the people where we live are already out of school. My kids are still slogging away at these last few days. There's been lots of end of the year activities so I don't know why they're just, "soooo tir-ed." in the morning. I guess its just the I'm ready for a break syndrome but then I need to prepare myself for the I'm bored syndrome that will probably follow. Normally I have a few camps lined up to keep them occupied but this year I haven't done it. I just can't bring myself to sign them up until we're all ready to go crazy in this house. Hopefully it's more than just a week or two. You know how you can tell that your kids are just ready for a break? Usually the first two weeks of summer are great for us and since we ended school later this year, we're headed on vacation shortly after our 2 week grace period hence the no plans. This is an experiment my friends, please don't kill me when I'm ready to go crazy in a few weeks.

How do you spend your summers? Is each week thoughtfully planned out or are you the more spontaneous type? 

White Sneaks

For some reason this summer all I can think about is clean white tennies. I get oh so tired of Havianas and sandals. 

What are you craving this summer?

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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! 

House of Bumble

Again I got sucked into the land of You Tube. It's my biggest time waster ever. This time however I think you might be thanking me. Simple, sweet and pretty styling tutorials for your locks at House of Bumble.

{via Adorn Style Lounge}

Love It :: Union

If you're free today go check out Union. A super hip place at The Biltmore Fashion Park filled with lots of little storefronts filled with some of Phoenix's best local boutiques and shops.  Here is a little sneak peek of what I got to see at the soiree last night. They have oodles of stuff going on all weekend so go and check it out. 

Here are a few snaps from the evening. They have a few of my perennial favorites such as The Willows Home & Garden, Paris Envy and Frances not to mention a few very cool new places like The British Bicycle Company and Bonafide Goods. With the holidays headed our way it's a great place to pick up gifts. In fact that little pumpkin might just make an appearance on Thanksgiving.

Voting Day!!

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Just a quote

Today I'm feeling a little melancholy, maybe it's because I'm on the waaay downside of my 30's, maybe it's the weather change who really knows. But for some reason this quote has resonated with me so much since I saw it on Pinterest. Actually I shouldn't say for some reason, it's a wonderful reason and I love that someone said this out loud. As we get older we drag lots of memories and emotional baggage along with us and letting it go is so freeing. 

So hopefully it will help you feel as good as it did me.