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.

Do you TV?

When my husband and I got married and moved in together there was one sticky point that we hadn't worked out. It was a little tiff about having a TV in the bedroom.  I was vehemently against it and he was pro-TV all the way. I caved and became pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed having a TV in our room. There's nothing better than a lazy Sunday afternoon spent in your cozy bed watching a movie or the TV lulling you to that drowsy place. Well it's been awhile and lately I haven't been quite as enamored with it. I'll give you a little back story, I have insomnia from time to time and I've found that any extra light in our room wakes me up. So add in the light from the cable box and the DVD player our room is like a regular Las Vegas. 

So I decided to do a little experiment, last week my husband had to take a short trip and I decided that for the few nights he was gone I was going to do no TV. Just reading in bed just like I had always done practically my whole life. Guess what? No problems sleeping or settling down at all. I clued my husband into this little experiment and he said that he's down to try it. I'll keep you posted on how it goes. Do you keep a TV in the bedroom and if so has the love waned?

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Dreaming of Sweaters

Ahh, I'm wishing for it.

I could probably wear a sweater until 9 am, then it's all downhill. Still in 100 degree mode here in Phoenix. They say it's supposed to cool down this week. I'll believe it when I see it. 

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Operation Gratitude Candy Buyback

I haven't mentioned it here but I'm the sister of a deployed soldier. My brother who is deployed is 14 years younger than me, so unfortunately for him I've often thought of myself as second -in-command #2 Mom Figure rather than a sister to him. So when he decided to enlist it was very bittersweet for me. Be happy for the man who makes his own decisions while I still think of him as the sweet, crazy toddler with the kissing spot cowlick on the back of his head. 

Can't you tell, this kid wants CANDY!!

Halloween will be here before you know it and our kids will have oodles of candy to spare. Since I know first hand that my brother and his fellow soldiers LOVE sweet treats mailed to them please think about donating some of your extra candy to Operation Gratitude Candy Buyback. Here's a link to find a participating dentist near you. 

Buy it :: For the Hair

When buying hair products for the kids I don't fork out the dough for stuff from the salon. Normally I just grab the Fructis Surf Hair and I'm out. Since I like the Surf Hair stuff so much I thought I would try the Fructis Style Sleek & Shine Blow Dry Straightening Balm. What's the harm for $5? 

Totally love it! If you have longish hair it's good people. Just thought I'd pass it along.

Bowling Party

You know it's bad when your own brother mentions, "What's up with the blog? August 21st?" Oy. Has it been that long? When you have had a blog for several years unless it's your livelihood  it's easy to forget that you might want to post something. When I started this blog the kids were 4 and almost 2, now they're 8 and 6 and I can't believe I've been doing it this long. Back then I was home a lot more, Little was still taking naps and it made much easier to fit it all in. These days I'm back working during their school day and then after school is a flurry of homework, sports and dinner. Not that I don't still love my ole' blog but I probably don't tend to her nearly as much as I should.

So I'll do my best to give it a little tlc. Doesn't this look like the makings of a perfect Fall party? Pizza, beer and bowling? Fun, fun my friends.

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Let's toast!

I love days that end up with a good laugh. Sometimes I feel like the luckiest girl  because I have friends that don't think it's weird when I text to chat about raw apple cider vinegar, completely get my lame sense of humor, make up silly acronyms (#pwlu) and understand the black hole that is You Tube. 

Thanks friends for always being so awesome! So I think a cheers to friends are in order what do you think? Let's make a drink.

The Frenchy

• 1 1/2 oz Pear Vodka
• 3 oz Pineapple Juice
• 1 oz Cranberry Juice

In a chilled rocks glass filled with ice, add your vodka and pineapple juice. Top with a splash of cranberry juice.

Back to School

Just a few things on my mind:

• Does anyone else have a love/hate relationship with themselves for watching the Kardashians? It's like crack, I can't help myself.
• Loving these mini herb pots found at TJ's. Thanks Jaim!
• The race is on! School starts tomorrow, lunches, homework, lunches, PTO, sports, lunches. Deep breath.
• Do any of you ever really make any of the recipes on Pinterest? I have it on good authority that the Fresh Cherry Margs and the Honey Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas are good, I must try.

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Home Stretch

This is the last week of summer before the boys head back to school. I won't lie I'm ready for them to go back and for us all to be on a regular schedule. It's been extra long this year because they changed the school year on us and school now begins two weeks later than it used to. So fun for them the kids had a long summer and a little nutty for me.

So one more week and I will be out of the loony bin (and probably complaining about making those damn lunches).

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