Eat it :: Rhubarb

Thank you Pinterest for coming to my rescue with summer recipes in my favorite flavor. RHUBARB!

Rhubarb Strawberry Meringue Pie

Rhubarb Macarons (with helpful macaron baking tips here)

Rhubarb Bars

Rhubarb Liqueur

Rhubarb Bitters

Looks like I'll be enjoying cocktails and treats only. Totally fine by me!

Knock it off :: Sandals

You can almost get these same sandals at Tarjay.

I snagged them in black.

Do it :: Pilates

As most of you know my job is teaching Pilates. I teach private clients, group classes and this year have also started doing teacher training. Even though most of they day my mind is either in Pilates mode or mom mode I don't really ever talk about it much on the blog but I thought that maybe I should change that. I get lots of questions about Pilates so I thought I would answer some of the common ones.

{Joseph Pilates working on the Trapeze Table}

What is Pilates?

The long and short of it is that it is a form of exercise developed by a man named Joseph Pilates. He was a genius and pretty hardcore. He developed series of exercises on lots of different equipment and had several apprentices throughout his life. These apprentices are now called the Pilates Elders and it's through these Elders that most current Pilates teachers have done their apprenticeships, learning in their style. All teachers have a lineage which is distinct because of when and how Joe worked with the Elders.  Pretty cool if you ask me. 

How is Pilates different that Yoga?

Well now this is a tricky one...all you yoga lovers please don't throw tomatoes my way at my answer. Both are mind body exercise but they are quite different. In my opinion I think that Pilates is different because we're not focusing on an intention, we are focusing on the work. Many of the exercises have several parts or components that make it possible to focus inward while completing the work in the most efficient, precise way. Focusing on the work leaves your mind clear because if the exercises are done correctly you've left your cares at the door, no meditation needed. If you're like me and yoga makes you want to run away then try Pilates you might like it. 

The machines look intimidating, I'm scared.

Nothing to be scared of because the machines are ahhh-some. Mr. Genius Joe Pilates developed those machines for those that couldn't do the Mat exercises, so they can sort of help you along. They can also make it a little more challenging but not to worry they're lots of fun. Every time I work with a new to Pilates client I always make sure they get on a machine because I know they're dying to try. The teachers are there to help you, make modifications as necessary and teach you the ins and outs of the equipment. We want you to leave feeling better than when you came in.

I'll be honest these are tiny, snippets of an answer but hopefully should give you a little insight into the mystique of Pilates. Really it's not all that mysterious, great workouts that leave you feeling energized as opposed to exhausted. Shoot me some questions if you have them via email and when I get enough I'll answer them here on the blog. 

Almost here!

School's almost out, are you as happy as I am? No more rushed packed lunches in the morning. Woo hoo!

So now I'm in the midst of planning camps, etc. for the kids this summer. Not that I like to jam pack their days but it is nice to have a few things in the hopper for some of the weeks. Can't wait!!

Color :: Orange/Pink

I think I need some orange and pink in my life.

Yep, just what I need, especially the orange denim.

{1,2,3,4,5}

Roller Skate

This week the kids have been on Spring Break so a friend and I are taking the kids to roller skate. If you're around my age (ahem) late 30's you'll totally remember Skateland. Were they always called that?  I still remember my first official slumber/skating party that I attended, I was in 2nd grade. I still remember that they played Joan Jett's "I Love Rock n Roll" and I thought I was totally hot sh*t skating around with my friends feeling so free. 

{This is the actual sign from the scene of the 2nd grade hot stuff skate}

I haven't skated since that last elementary school skating party in 6th grade where I most likely was too chicken to do the skating limbo. Hopefully today my kids will like that first foray into the roller rink and not be too frightened by the old weird people that are probably still there skating from the time I was a kid. (Remember those peeps? As an adult I find them really, really strange.) Maybe to help everyone prepare for today's skate I'll download some Joan Jett and make sure I have a comb for my back pocket.

Hey there!

Really it's me, I'm here! Sorry about the unintentional blog break. Have I told how I've been busy working? All of the sudden (yay me!) I've gotten lots of pilates clients and still have to do the kid thing drive/cook/laundry/etc which of course puts a huge cramp in my blog's style. Not to mention the weather here has been too fabulous to stay away from. Here in AZ we have to get it while the getting is good. When it gets too hot no one is happy. It's like a hot, desert ghost town. Little is playing soccer, Big is playing baseball, the Mr. is still recovering from his knee surgery and I'm busy working people out. Thankfully it's been busy in a good way. Since it's been awhile here are a few things that totally have me excited lately.

Raw Revolution Chocolate Coconut bars, they're so good! I'm not really a big bar eater, but when I'm teaching with no break this is an easy thing to snack on in between clients. Latest obsession, seriously.

Thinking about summer cocktails. I love hanging out outside with friends so check out the Drink Me board that I share with The Invitation Lady on Pinterest. Lots of good stuff for spring and summer. Elderflower Champagne Cocktail? Yes please.

Italy. We're headed there this summer. I haven't been there yet so I'm feeling a little anxious that I don't know what to expect with the kids in tow. This adds a whole new element of freak out to international travel. So any sage advice on travelling with school age kids would be so appreciated.

{1,2,3}

Springy

For some reason with this lovely weather that we're having I think that we need one more dose of green.

Random side note: Are you all glad that Mad Men has finally returned? I love that show and I looovve Don Draper, he's such a fox. My husband thinks that means that I also like John Hamm, which it doesn't. That totally makes sense doesn't it? I'm not sure guys get that...

 {1, 2, 3, 4, 5}

Green Spaces

I've decided not to bore you with recipes for Stout Floats or green dresses instead my ode to St. Patrick's Day this year will be green spaces that are calling my name.

Happy {early}St. Patrick's Day!

{all links can be found here}

Smell Good Solution

When you have sick people in your house you have lots of icky germs. When you have icky germs in your house you have to use icky, chemically smelly cleaners. One thing I really, really can't stand are strong, artificial or chemical scents, so using these products en masse is hard for me. Thankfully Pinterest came to my rescue with this delicious smelling solution (along with some open windows and fresh air). All you need is water, lemon, vanilla and rosemary. I'll let you in on a little secret too, there was no fresh to be found at my normal source (my parents) or the groc so I was desperate and used dried and it still did the trick. I can only imagine how good it smells with fresh rosemary.

You must try! Thanks Morgan for sharing this gem!

Magazines

I have a slight magazine hoarding problem. Glad to see I'm not the only one.

{via The Glitter Guide}

Play Outside

The weather in Arizona right now is heavenly. Warm sunny days filled with the scent of orange blossoms, nothing beats it.

Things are turning around here thank goodness. Yesterday the kids had the day off so we went to a spring training game. Talk about relaxing, I could get used to that.

GAP + DVF

The cutest collab evah!! Diane, you're brills for hitting us with your adorable looks for kids. Get them while they're young, good thinking. 

While we all reminisce about our Garanimals our kids will be chatting with their friends about their baby DVF gear. For the record I would like the first look in my size please.

Undertow

Sorry for the absence but it's been a crazy time and my head is finally starting to feel like it's not going to explode. What started as a busy week turned into a nightmarish stint with my husband in the hospital. There isn't much to say except I'm thankful for all I have and that my husband is home. 

So if posting is light for the next little bit please bear with me because I'm just doing all I can to keep my head above water. Thanks friends.

::artwork (appropriately titled) Undertow by Clare Elsaesser::

Tripping

The Mr. and I just returned from a little weekend trip to Kansas City. Even though I don't really love winter (the really cold kind) I do like breaking out the sweaters and coats for one more round of layered dressing. 

The clothes aside it's really nice to get away and recharge with the husband from time to time. Sometimes with the everyday stuff going on it's easy to forget why you like each other in the first place. Speaking of husbands and wives, have you all read A Blog About Love? I met Mara at Alt and she was so nice and stylish and when I had the opportunity to check out her blog I was floored. Such good stuff.

{1,2,3,4,5}

Eat it :: Justin's Chocolate Hazelnut Butter

I'll let you in a little secret, this is what I've been eating every day for breakfast. This stuff is serious.

Eat your heart out Nutella.

Make me up :: New Faves

When I purchase cosmetics I'm that annoying girl that says things like, "I need a new lipstick" they show me ten they think I will like and I immediately choose something completely different. Or sometimes I sound like this, "Show me something new.", pretty vague but you can find some real gems this way. I like hearing about the products that the counter gals think are perfection and then I like to get dishy with them. They'll almost always steer you to their favorites at other counters too. I'm fickle like that, I like my makeup from lots of counters.

Approach #1: The one where I end up picking what I like instead of what they show me. One of my latest favorites in my lipstick rotation. Mac Rebel, I have dark hair and olive skin so it looks more pink on me rather than plum and whenever I wear it I get lots of compliments. Great for when you want a strong lip that isn't red.

Approach #2: The counter fave

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow in Shore as eye shadow base or on it's own. It's life changing.

Little

Little often asks me, "Where's my brother?" and it always fills my heart with good stuff. When I hear him call Big my brother, I can hear it in his voice that he thinks of him as that protector, friend, confidante. Seriously there is nothing better for a mom.

It makes up for the other brotherly ribbing and bickering doesn't it? We'll save those discussions for another day shall we? 

PS - I know the poster has nothing to do with my littles but I think they would love it and I think it's pretty cool.  May the force be with you.

I'd like a dutch baby

I've been waking up too early for my taste. Sometimes I can fall back asleep and other times no. These 4 am wake up calls are beginning to get to me!

This is one of my all time favorite pins. Love it for my early mornings, ha!

The other night the kids spent the night at my moms and she made these for them in the morning. They were so pretty and more importantly really yummy. Just something you might want to try when you want to be a little more fancy than regular old pancakes. I wish I would have snapped a picture because they were insanely cute in their individual gratin dishes. Leave it to my mom to have the pretty table setting for my little messies.  

Sunday Pancakes by sarahsfabday on polyvore.com

Here's a little sample of something similar to what I would expect from my mom. Simple shapes with lots of bright cheery color, great way to start a Sunday morning. Click through for shopping details.

{1, 2}

Reminder :: New Year's Goals

Aaah! It's already been a week since I last posted. Sorry about that. Last month I posted an anonymous survey in which you could share your new year's goals/resolutions/hopes/dreams/etc. I realized that I haven't shared them with you yet and I think it would be a good time to revisit it now that we've got one month down.

{Organization seems to be the #1}

• Get organized.
• Eat healthier, work out more, keep my emotions more in check, take care of me before I worry about everybody else (because when I don't I've realized that NOBODY benefits), be more organized
• To become more of a DIY mom and put my artistic ability to crafty work.
• Stick to exercise routine
• Turn the negative to a positive - instead of reacting negatively I will try to turn my thinking toward a positive reaction
• NONE.
• Lose the excess baggage: body and home.
• Not resolutions. Goals. And not until February.Trying to make good decisions and plans right after the holiday craziness? The pressure for Jan 1 is dumb. I have more motivation if I wait.
• Be more astute with my spending.
• Smile more!
• Find a job.
• To organize and simplify my life.

Easy, ordinary stuff enough right? Well sort of . Think a little more deeply for a minute because I think it's the ordinary that affects us everyday. Those kinds of small changes are the ones that make life easier and happier it's just so tough sometimes to remember the little things during the buzz of the day to day. So for those of you that shared thanks for the reminder of  those little things that will add up for us this year. Tell me, how's it going?

{image via Emerson Made}