Not Enough Hours

Borderline...

2011-09-06T19:53:00.002-04:00

Ah, it has been sooo long it's not even funny...but I write again. Still this time about those stinkin lbs that just won't come off...well, because I am lazy, don't like to eat right, did I mention lazy, oh and old too...to name a few reasons!

But today was a real slap in the ole faceroo! We had wellness testing at work and had to get blood work done. YIKES! Now I technically did not HAVE to do this, but I wanted to know what kind of numbers I was up against...and they are not good to say the least.

The words in the report that are real scary include obese, diabetes, cholesterol, LDL's...AUGH!!! So, clearly I knew I had a problem, a big one at that...but to see those numbers in writing and a professional telling me everything right now is borderline...is nuts!

How in tarnation did I get this bad!! I, of course, know exactly how I got this bad...I lack serious motivation and am hoping that this is my road to recovery if you will. I want to be healthy for my daughter and while she could care less what I look like...I want to be a role model...and lets face it, I am no model right now!!!

I know the plan of attack needs to be small steps that are attainable...so I will start by focusing on that.

Thanks for letting me rant! Stay tuned to see what shenanigans I can come up with! Hopefully they all include getting me healthier...show me the WILLPOWER!!!

So....I still exist!

2011-01-15T19:19:00.003-05:00

I am pretty sure anyway. So between starting a new job...which is going well...and the holidays and all that entails...I have been very very busy! So, not that all holidays are birthdays are over for a little bit, I hope to be on here a little more.

My plan for this year for this blog is to talk about my issues, trials and tribulations, or whatever you want to call it, with losing weight! I seem to gain no problemo and have been on a roll here lately. Really, it's out of control!

So, I have signed up for a food diary online that I have used in the past that is really good and I signed up for the gym near work to go in the morning...AND...I am getting a pass for the local gym here so I can do spinning on Saturdays! I am really really excited about this. I know it will be difficult but it is so necessary it's not even funny.

I have been so uncomfortable with myself and my body for a while now...and I want that to change. I want to be comfortable and happy with my body and I know to do that, I have to change some things. So that is the plan.

Chris is totally on board with me as he too wants to lose some weight and get healthy! So, some things we are going to do together to make this happen is:
1. Allow time for the other to work out each day...mine in the AM...his in the PM...whatever the activity is...something active for both of us each day.
2. We plan the weeks dinners on Sunday morning, we shop for the week on Sunday and then we are all set for the whole week...thus avoiding the need to eat out and get crap into our system.
3. We joined up with a few other family members for a little club, whoever loses the most percentage of weight, wins $250...which can buy me a few new things for my wardrobe when I win ;o)

So, that is my plan...AND I initiated a group of gals to run a marathon in May with me...and I WILL do this, and I WILL do it well...and I think it is a great goal.

Wish us luck...this is our year to get healthy! and any great advise will be welcome...and maybe, just maybe there will be progress pics...though I am not sure anyone wants to see that!

Take care and talk soon.

Work Gal...

2010-11-29T21:44:00.003-05:00

Well...as the title tells, I am now a working gal! YEAH...so naturally posting here will be even more sparse then usual! Especially with the holidays and activities and working...whew...so I leave you with the first of many decorating projects at our house. Happy Holidays to you and yours!

sorry about the crappy picture...taken with my phone ;o)

I Neeeeeeed....

2010-11-19T20:27:00.000-05:00

(in true Anya fashion)

I am totally digging this Vera Bradley purse...totally...I love it...

Need might be excessive...but still, gosh, it's KA-UTE!

Do Overs

2010-11-18T08:16:00.000-05:00

If I could have do overs on something...I would pick my tatoo(s) (well, not first and foremost, but for the purpose of this blog, that will have to do) and I would get this....

Picasso's Peace Dove...on my shoulder. Not that you care...but whatev! Pretty right!

Amazing Love...

2010-11-17T19:54:00.003-05:00

So, silly thing...tonight my daughter was listening to me and she followed through on instructions, simple really. And I thought to myself...she is getting SO BIG!! She is listening, following instructions...WHA!?!?!?

Then I thought, gosh, I sure do love her...love her so much that sometimes it hurts a little bit...

The good kind of hurt!

image found here

Do I Dare?!?!

2010-11-09T19:16:00.003-05:00

My mother is bringing her sewing machine to me from good ole Wisconsin on Thanksgiving (along with a 22 lb Butterball Turkey - Madness) and since she isn't using it, I imagine it will become mine by default. I did ask her to bring it to me...as I would like to try my hand in making some little things...new covers for my throw pillows....maybe a curtain or two...something!

It might be harder then I think...but I am hoping not. I will post up anything I finish creating...but I am pretty pumped give this project a whirl!

I envision something like this...probably not a pear...but an R...that would be awesome!

Pillows found here...along with some other really great ideas!

Check out Lemon Tree Creations!

Wish me luck!!

Shadows...

2010-11-08T10:26:00.000-05:00

Anya and I

Neato!

Unsupervised...

2010-11-05T10:20:00.000-04:00

A two year old who found some chocolate and dug in unbeknownst to me!

Found these pics on my 'little' camera a few weeks ago...and chuckle every time I spy them.

Thought I would share the goings on at the Richey house.

Thanks Drea!

2010-11-04T10:40:00.002-04:00

I went to the picnik.com and played for a few minutes...it is a lot of fun and I imagine I will waste a lot of time here.

The things we do!

2010-11-04T08:16:00.003-04:00

So, Chris and I were carving pumpkins the other night, something we have never done together...because it's the season and we feel that our child needs to experience the things we did. Well, she is two, so her attention span was nil and we ended up doing them pretty much solo and took photo's like she was really into it...Anywho...Chris says...she is never going to appreciate this until she had kids of her own. This is likely true...very true. But, we will keep doing the 'traditions' for her!

Next...cutting down our own Christmas Tree...that sounds so much fun...I just have to get Chris on board with the idea! i tell you...the things we do!

I dunno...

2010-11-03T08:13:00.000-04:00

but I have been having apron envy...and want a KA-ute one for myself!

Found this little number over at Anthropology.

Love it!!

One please!

2010-11-02T03:26:00.000-04:00

Anya didn't have a mobile above her crib because I couldn't find one that I liked that wasn't totally over priced...BUT...for these handmade little guys at 55.00 each, I would have splurged. For the next kiddo, there will be one of these hanging for sure! So CUTE...I can't decide! (no there isn't any pressure to decide, for those curious, no bun in this oven)

All of these mobiles brought to you by lollipopmoon store at Etsy!

For My Hubby...

2010-11-01T04:44:00.000-04:00

Who also loved the smell but keeps forgetting the name of the perfume and where to find it ;o)

psst...it's from Gap...only 35.00 for the bottle...and I love the smell!

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T05:50:00.000-04:00

image found here

Look At Me!!

2010-10-29T12:58:00.000-04:00

We have a Halloween Party tomorrow evening which includes taking the kiddo's trick or treating...Anya is going to be a Cheerleader! She is pumped...and she keeps telling me how "purdy" these little guys are! Can you believe this little homemaker here made these??

It was super easy and super fun...so I got these directions for the spider webs on another site...I don't recall, but all you need is to frost the cupcake...I did white...then take black gel icing (found in white tub by other cake deco in your grocery store)...place a pretty decent glob in the middle of the cupcake...then make two circles around the glob...then I used a toothpick and started from the glob in the middle and pulled a line through to the edge of the cake...repeat as much as you like...add plastic spider...and viola! The pumpkins are pretty self explanatory I think.

I am so proud!

Ray LaMontagne...

2010-10-29T04:35:00.000-04:00

I am loving all of his songs lately and need to hit him up on iTunes...thanks Kristin for the 'referral'! I can't get enough!

Check out Let It Be Me on youTube!

Have a great weekend everyone as well as a safe and happy Halloween!

image found here

Favorite Time of Year...

2010-10-28T09:29:00.000-04:00

Fall is my favorite time of year...you get to eat pumpkin items till you burst...make lots of different soups...and turn your air conditioner off and enjoy the smells of fall! Plus there are all the fun things to do outside and trick or treating...enjoy your Halloween!

Chair Love!

2010-10-27T09:20:00.000-04:00

I spied this chair/fabric originally at Value City Furniture...but was browsing Target.com one evening and found the same pattern and chair for a decent price. We are looking at getting a light green sofa and I think this chair would a perfect match!

The chair is called the Avington Slipper Chair - pattern is Whimsical!

Swoon!

Lovin' these...

2010-10-26T16:13:00.001-04:00

I want one!!! The red 'flamenco' one is my fav! I love scarf's and think the infinity scarf is genius...these gems found here.

Wowzers!

2010-10-25T16:04:00.004-04:00

I think these little numbers are totally cool...a little pricey, but very cool.

Check out the site Chocomize and you too will be floored. It never ceases to amaze me what is for sale out there!

What is wrong with this picture?

2010-09-22T23:12:00.000-04:00

Potty Trained!

2010-09-21T22:40:00.004-04:00

So, our little girl showed interest in the potty, actually has for some time. She's two years old and I did a little (obsessive, online) research...so while this may not work for everyone...it definitely worked for us. The this I am talking about is staying home for a week, going no where for more then 30 minutes to an hour and letting her run naked through the house. While this may not seem 'savory' to some...it worked very well for us. We had the potty in the living room/downstairs so she had access to it very easily whenever she needed it. She caught on quick...we have had a few accidents, of course. But after a week, she is potty trained. She doesn't potty in her pull up at night either...I know that we are blessed to have had this whole potty training issue be very easy on us. But I thought I would pass along a little advise as to what worked for us. And that is scheduling the week, or at least four days, and let them run about naked...telling you when they have to go potty, and then praising the SHIT out of the pee and poo-poo that comes out of that kid! Make it AWESOME...totally a big deal!

She has been using the potty for about a month now and she still rushes to us and gets thrilled she went potty on the potty! The hype you put with this activity is huge...BIG, BIG, BIG.

She also gets a thrill out of taking her poo-poo to the big potty and flushing it down. Also a big deal.

As with any new endeavour you go on with your little one there are bound to be funny stories. Here are a few of ours. So, the first poo-poo she had we were all in a tizzy, jumping and bringing the poo-poo to the potty that we missed the potty when we poured it in and it landed on the floor =o) Nice! There was the time she showed Daddy her poo-poo and he started to gag, and still does sometimes! Finally, the potty we are using has a pot that your can remove to take to the potty, well, I removed the pot and emptied, clean and set on the counter for a bit before I brought it back...I glanced over at Anya and she was going poo-poo, "Look, mommy, I go poo-poo" so naturally, I HAD to get excited...but during this exchange I realize I did not replace the 'pot' on the potty, so she SHIT directly onto the carpet! Fun to clean up.

I think the key is the child being ready and showing interest, just my own observation of course, but we had really good luck with potty training...so, good luck to those out there trying as well.

2010-09-21T22:29:00.001-04:00

I really like this idea

2010-09-09T10:38:00.002-04:00

Coffee Beans fill this vase to make an interesting Fall accent for your home...

I think I might try this in my next kitchen!

Found Here.

***I have never been one to really change the decorations for season in my house...but just may be now!

I Love...

2010-09-08T09:14:00.004-04:00

these boots from Ruche

What I like most, I think, is the roughed up, tumbled look.

**They were sold out in my size...Booooooo!

Ugh...

2010-09-02T18:11:00.004-04:00

no wonder this blog is called Not Enough Hours! I am not sure why, but while I am unemployed, you would think that I would get all these projects done that I want to get done...but here lately (all summer long) I have been totally lazy and been just pouring over other peoples blogs and their lives all morning and then going swimming with my daughter or whatever...in the afternoons.

Sometimes my husband even comes home from work and looks around the house with a look on his face like "What the 'F' has been going on here today?" It's sort of comical (to me anyway) and I usually don't have a good excuse...just been lazy.

So anyway...there a lot of things of my list...and I am hoping to someday soon get some sort motivation! I want to redo our bedroom furniture...black...I am a bit scared of this...because they are old pieces, nothing fancy or antique...but they consist of a double dresser, chest and two night stands...I think the end result will be great because I envision what our bedroom could be with this black/white color scheme and this bedroom fits the bill completely! I already have the photo's...the bedding...just need our very streamlined furniture to be black. Image found here!

Follow-Up

2010-08-27T08:56:00.003-04:00

The follow up on the cookies is that they are good...very good. BUT, I am not sure they are worth the extra effort of chopping the chocolate chips, chilling for 24 hours, ect...the recipe on the back of the Nestle bag are good, very good too if you use real butter and chill your dough for a bit. Also when baking roll them into balls and place on the cookie sheet.

JMO of course!

If only her name were Lucy!

2010-08-26T05:47:00.000-04:00

Which one...which one?

2010-08-25T23:41:00.001-04:00

Do you like tbe color shots or the black and whites?

I am in the process of trying

2010-08-25T16:56:00.002-04:00

to make these...I say process because it is kind of a process for what Brooke calls an afternoon snack...she is really the uber mom who does things like that for her children! So, they looked interesting and all that jazz, so I decided to give it a shot! They were just put in the fridge to chill till tomorrow...so check back to see what the result was! I will let you know if they truly are "THE only chocolate chip recipe you'll ever need" (IMO of course)

Playin'

2010-08-24T23:33:00.000-04:00

i have been messing around with my D60 lately...and just thought I would share some neat pics...well i think they are neat anyway.

Lighthouse in Algoma, WI

Birdhouse...Ault Park, Cincinnati

Butterfly, Ault Park, Cincinnati

Flag, Ault Park, Cincinnati

No words...

2010-08-23T23:25:00.006-04:00

I really love these little hands and feet!

(photos by me)

Greetings!

2010-08-11T09:19:00.000-04:00

Another Etsy find...don't be surprised if you find one of these little fella's in your mailbox...they are gorgeous! I think the Venice themed are my fav...but I can't fully decide! Check out GregsFineArt for yourself...I fell in love with it all and maybe just maybe someday I will be that talented?!?! But for now, I am envious!

I carry your heart...

2010-08-09T08:53:00.003-04:00

I was cruising Etsy today and found this when I did a photography search...along with the poem below. I heard this poem in a movie a while ago...In Her Shoes...and loved it then...and still love it now. Enjoy:

I carry your heart with me

I carry your heart with me(I carry it in my heart)

I am never without it

(anywhere I go you go, my dear; and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling)

I fear no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)

I want no world(for beautiful you are my world, my true)

and it's what you are whatever a moon has always meant

and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows

(here is the root of the root the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of the tree called life; which grows higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)

and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

I carry your heart(I carry it in my heart)

E.E. Cummings

Photograph courtesy of mingtaphotography; check him out..he's not a professional...or so he claims...just a world traveller who loves to take photo's to record life! He does a great job!

Nothing really...just some randoms!

2010-07-22T22:43:00.002-04:00

Boston Med is a GREAT show...watch it if you aren't already!
It's easier to just sleep with your 2 year old vs. hearing them scream...we are WEAK!
Potty training sucks
Our garden has more veggies then we know what to do with! Maybe I should learn to can or something!
County Fair's are awesome if you are 2...if not...they still suck
I want to go on a vacation...and I sometimes feel like my everyday life right now is a vacation...so does that mean a vacation from my vacation?
Fireside Inn in Enochsburg Indiana has the BEST hot wings EVER! Promise!
Anya is the funniest, smartest, sweetest, cutest kid there ever was! Promise! (think all moms say that?)
This blog makes me sad and happy all at the same time...Piper is too cute!
Phil is sooo cute!

Well all, have a wonderful weekend...we are heading to Green Bay for a week to see Gramma and Papa...and hang for a bit...Take care.

Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry

2010-07-21T12:19:00.000-04:00

It was an impromptu kind of dinner...served over white rice. It was flavored with Teriyaki and other assorted spices, ginger, lots and lots of ginger, because I love it. It turned out great.

More fun at the splash park

2010-07-20T13:32:00.000-04:00

Addictions...

2010-07-19T10:46:00.000-04:00

I think Anya needs help...maybe a 12 step program...or just maybe a mom who is more active in the AM to fight the good fight. Every single morning, the first words out of Anya's mouth are "Watch Dora downstairs" and she repeats this until we get downstairs and Dora is on. Sometimes I resist and don't turn it on...but most of the time, since I am interested in doing something else (cruising the Internet, cleaning the kitchen, or some other mundane chore), I give in...and then three episode later I want to hurt Dora.

It's not all bad, Anya is learning to speak some Spanish words from her. She can do various things like count to 5 in Spanish, and then various other words (Abre:open, Mas Abaho:lower, Azul:blue) you get the picture. So at least she is learning a little bit right, at least that is what I tell myself when I feel guilty.

I need to learn more creative things to do that are interactive at home. Since it's summer right now, we get out almost everyday to the pool, splash park, zoo, aquarium, or whatever...but when winter hits, I think we are both in for a surprise! We will either be very happy in our little adventures and fun stuff at home OR we will both be repeating Dora babble leaving Chris to wonder what the hell just happened here!

F-Dora...or maybe not...gosh, it's such a love/hate relationship!

He sure is good to her!

2010-07-15T13:10:00.000-04:00

And she is pretty decent to him...

most of the time.

Enjoying summer fun...

2010-07-11T09:56:00.000-04:00

as is everyone else I am sure. Anya is enjoying bubbles and the pool on our back deck. We have been galivanting around town enjoying all sorts of fun stuff. Playdates and the pool are her favorite. She get's so excited around little one's her size. She loves it! She is also enjoying running, running, running! She is sure a lot of fun. Next week we have a few fun playdates on the schedule, so hopefully I can capture so of that fun. Till next time!

Enjoying the Cincinnati Zoo

2010-07-10T13:38:00.000-04:00

For Christmas last year, my mom bought us a family pass to the Cincinnati Zoo. Let me tell you, Anya and I are tearing it up out there. We go about once a week and stroll around the zoo. We never see the whole thing at once, friends recently went and it took them 7 hours. So, we go for about 3 hours, see a portion of the zoo. So far each time we have gone, there is something new we haven't experienced. I love that we have that pass and can go when we want. I highly reccomend this to anyone with small children! Here are some Anya at the Zoo.

Garden Follow-up

2010-07-07T13:29:00.003-04:00

Our garden is going well...and it's actually producing a lot of stuff. We have had two helpings of lettuce of various kinds, LOT's of pepper...really hot peppers that we don't know what to do with them, broccoli, onions, and most recently potato's...soon there will be an abundance of tomato's...Chris is really enjoying his garden and he loves to go out there and weed and tend to it, me not so much. I enjoy eating from it though. So, here is photo from the latest harvest:

Big Girl Room

2010-06-14T00:00:00.005-04:00

Our little one, our little two year old Anya, is turning into a little lady! Well, little sassy lady, but a little lady. She had taken to needing someone in her room at night, laying on her floor sleeping, for her to go to sleep. So, that has been what Daddy has been doing.

Not this week however, not this week! So tonight she did it again, she started the fussing...and got out of her crib again...she does this and turns on her light. So, I have doing a mad search for a way to convert her little girl room into bigger girl room, but not too big =o) So, we have a queen mattress and box spring and frame. I think I am going to try an make a platform bed and go from there, hoping that I won' t have to buy bedrails as she will be so close to the ground already.

Anyway, here is a bed I have in mind...and bedding (above) to match her room already!

Herb "Garden"

2010-06-10T02:29:00.002-04:00

Isn't she lovely? I sure think so. Here is my first attempt at a potted herb garden...it has been going well. I planted a couple types of basil, parsley, mint, oregano and I think that is it. So the Basil is coming in like hotcakes and it's been fun to use! You should try it, its really easy and makes a wonderful decoration of our patio or deck.

Here is a simple lunch I made for me and my gal. she LOVES black olives, which is why there are so many. But this is a deep dish pizza with cherry tomatoes, black olives, lots of cheeses, and fresh basil. The crust is simply, it was from a package where you 'just add hot water'. We both enjoyed the pizza very much, but next time I will make thin crust. Can't wait to try out a Pizza Margarita soon.

The final product!

PS - Not sure how to get rid of the intial underlining in this post...so I am leaving it there...sorry.

Alone Time!

2010-06-01T16:27:00.002-04:00

I find that alone time is essential...as well as girlfriend time....and dates...and other things to renew yourself so you can be the best mom ever. So, we decided that Anya was old enough for an extended stay at Grandma and Grandpa's house...she was there from a Thursday to a Monday morning where we met in the afternoon at the midpoint between the houses and made the swap.

It was great...well we missed our little girl a LOT LOT LOT...but Grandma and Grandpa had a great time and treated her to the best, spoiled her...but she came back to Mom and Dad saying more pleases...and her new work, favorite. Today she was telling me that balloons are her favorite. Too cute.

Before I left our precious cargo for the four nights, a friend asked me, how I felt about it. And while I had some general fears being so far away for so long, I know that we all need a little alone time now and again. So, I was okay with it.

We will do it again and enjoy our alone time. So, for those Mom's or Dad's out there who hesitate to let their little one's spend some time away, I say go for it. You get your little ones back rested, relaxed and with a renewed fascination with your little one.

Deep Dish and Delish Brownies

2010-05-18T11:00:00.004-04:00

So, I have had this recipe for a LONG time and could kick myself for just now trying it. It is very good and quite easy too. So I had to whip up something quick to bring to a friends for dinner and I thought I would give this recipe a shot. They are good, soft, chewy and perfect!

Deep Dish and Delish Brownies

3/4 C. Butter, Melted

1 1/2 C. Sugar

1 1/2 tsp. Vanilla

3 Eggs

3/4 C. Flour

1/2 C. Cocoa Powder

1/2 tsp. Baking Powder

1/2 tsp. Salt

Blend melted butter, sugar and vanilla in large mixing bowl. Add eggs, beat well with a spoon. In a small bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt and mix well. Gradually add the dry mixture to the egg mixture until well blended. Spread into a greased 8" square pan. Bake @ 350 for 40-45 minutes or until the brownies being to pull away from the edges of the pan. Cool and cut into squares.

Variations: Add 1 C. peanut butter chips, chocolate chips or nuts to batter before baking.

Each time I have made these, I added the cup of chocolate chips and they are excellent. (but don't add more then one cup...disaster!)

Give them a try! Enjoy.

Mother's Day Present!

2010-05-16T23:02:00.005-04:00

I have been wanting to get a nice jogging stroller for some time now, I had one, not a decent one and it pulled a lot to the left...not good...so after some talking and talking and looking, I got my jogging stroller. I want the stroller not so much for jogging, but more for roller blading...it's a great exercise and I still love it after all these years. I can take my little girl and she can jam to her tunes, eat her snack and take in the views while Rudy, our Jack Russell, and I strut our stuff. I would like to start running again, after some training for a half marathon 5 years ago and a slight injury that put me on hiatus...for a LONG TIME...too long, but I want to try to get back into it. So my thought is if I write it down, I have to do it right...maybe I wills start with a 10K...yeah, I will start there.

Strawberry picking

2010-05-13T11:55:00.003-04:00

Can't you just kiss her!!!???

Time sure flies...

2010-05-07T15:46:00.003-04:00

Lounging around eating grapes, drinking milk and watching Dora!
Soooooo, happy it's my birthday!

Celebrating with dinner at a Mexican Restaurant of course!

So savor every moment! Cause before you know it, your kids will be headed off to college, like this one is! Kidding of course, but it feels like that sometimes. We are having a ton of fun here this spring and looking very forward to summer!

My oh My, who knew...

2010-04-29T22:20:00.002-04:00

So, we did MORE gardening today, and some yesterday...this is a lot of work...BUT the radishes are coming up...wooo hooo! Hopefully this all works out...it's been a good time. Today, I wasn't so much into it, so I wandered around and took pictures. I will post a few here when I have a minute. They were some fly by the seat of my pants stuff, but a few turned out pretty neat.

Gardening photo's:

2010-04-25T22:25:00.003-04:00

Doing it the old fashioned way!

Doing it my way!

It's a family thing; it was fun.

Here - I do it!

This was the initial phase of planting, we all had a good time, and look forward to the work this summer. We will keep you posted!

Today...

2010-04-22T19:59:00.002-04:00

I tell you what, I am on a roll!!! Today was a good and busy day for me. We had 'school' pictures for my two year old...they turned out great! Then we had the store and then home to cook, cook, cook! I was a cooking fool, after a quick pizza for lunch. I made Beef Fajitas in a Mojito Lime marinade, so, so, so good! This is a package marinade from McCormick's...I highly recommend you try it, especially on beef, it is outstanding. I also put together some homemade salsa which is really easy, consists of tomato, green onion, black olives, and green chili's...all chopped and thrown together, and add vinegar, olive oil, garlic salt and hot sauce to taste. This is such a nice, refreshing salsa and very easy.

THEN, yep, there is is then, I prepared a lasagna for sometime this weekend, probably tomorrow.

I also did some spring cleaning and organizing, so productive.

It helps when you 2 year old takes a three hour nap. Those are the BEST.

P.S. Our gardening was fun, we did it as a family. We planted potato's (red and yukon), brussel sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, onions, variety of lettuces and spinach and finally radishes. It was fun for us all. I can't wait to get the pics so I can put some up.

I am having a GREAT spring and summer, really enjoying our time together.

Gardening...

2010-04-21T12:45:00.002-04:00

As of late, my hubby and I have been more and more interested in doing a garden of our own, however, we don't have the land to do that. So, his sister, who does, is letting us plant there, it is a short drive and we are both totally pumped!

We are going tonight to plant the first trappings of our garden...I can see it already! CORN, lots and lots of sweet corn! There will also be tomato's, peppers, lettuce, radishes, beans, etc. etc!

I have also started a mini herb garden at home, they are little tiny sprouts right now, but they are growing and I am so excited. I will post some photo's for ya'll to admire ;o)

So, here's to a good summer of great gardening and yummy eats too.

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Basil Shrimp with Feta and Orzo

2010-04-20T19:46:00.003-04:00

So, some of you may know, some may not...I am currently without employment. Last November I lost my job. It's taken awhile to digest, but I have. So now I have a little more time because I am still not employed and I am going back to school, nursing. So far it's going well. In the mean time I am enjoying my time at home with my daughter, she's two (almost). She is a delight and I am loving, (mostly), spending this time with her.

Now, to the reason for this post. I decided to try something different for dinner tonight and it was a delight. I made Basil Shrimp with Feta and Orzo, from Cooking Light. It was so good! A nice light citrus flavor with the compliments of the fresh basil and the strength of the feta, yummy. I didn't copy the recipe verbatim off Cooking Light, but it still turned out good. So, I wanted to share my version of this very good, and low fat recipe.

Basil Shrimp with Feta and Orzo
3/4 C. Orzo; boiled about 5 minutes, remove, drain, and place in large bowl.
ADD to the Orzo the following and stir.
1 tsp Olive Oil
1/4 tsp Black Pepper
1/4 tsp Salt
1 tsp Fresh Garlic, diced
1/2 C. White onion, chopped fine
1/2 C. Tomato, diced (would have used more, we were out)
1/2 C. Red Pepper, sliced
1 1/2 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 tsp Grated Lemon Rind
1/2 C. Sun Dried Tomato Feta Cheese
Mix this all well and place into a foil bag for the oven, spraying the bag well with PAM. (I didn't have a bag, so did impromptu bag with heavy duty tin foil, made into a bag.)
Mix 1 lbs (or so) Shrimp, peeled and devained
1/4 C. Fresh Basil, chopped.
Toss shrimp in basil and place into the orzo mixture.

Place the bag, or impromptu bag, into a shallow baking dish, and cook for 25 minutes @ 450. I baked our for 35 minutes, to ensure the shrimp was done all the way.

This was a really easy, light dinner that was low in fat. I encourage you to give it a try, making your own changes as you see fit. I served with a Greek salad, which was also very good.

Enjoy.

P.S. Sorry no pictures, devoured before I got the chance, but it was pretty!

teeheehee..

2010-03-03T20:59:00.003-05:00

We have a had fight's over wardrobe before in our house...

I can't take credit myself...but this is funny! I found here.

Where oh Where?

2010-01-21T21:05:00.002-05:00

Hey there...

Just a little note...nothing too exciting going on these days! It's cold, rainy and gray outside...we are spending too much time inside. All this time, made me think of this:

A few years ago, I guess, I was coming home from work. I decided to order dinner, being lazy and all. My hubby really likes Hooters wings, so I thought, that's easy. I place a call in order that goes something a little like this:

Me: I would like to place an order for pick-up.

Hooter's Girl: Great, what can I get you?

M: I would like 30 hot wings, drummies only.

HG: Um, I'm sorry, we only sell wings in orders of 10's and 20's.

M: (incredulous voice) oooookay, I guess then I will take an order of 10 AND an order of 20.

HG: Great, be ready in 15 minutes.

I promise this is a true story, the HG never caught on, and I am still dumbfounded as to the irony of it all. Really...did she not know how to count...I still don't know.

Well, folks, that is all for now, maybe I will be back shortly.

****On a side note, I have been extremely domestic lately, making home cakes, trying new recipes and whatever else there is to do domestic. Maybe I will share some of those stories with you!

For now...I miss this!

What have I been up to...

2009-11-04T13:17:00.001-05:00

Looking for things to inspire me and reading...I am reading every spare moment I get, creating extra moments where I should insert sleep to read...still working on this Twilght series but the end is in sight and I will be back to perusing the internet for musings and other things to write about...I hope...cause there is a lot out there, I am just a tid bit obesessed here lately!!! AUGH!

My Everyday Inspiration!

2009-10-25T20:47:00.002-04:00

and why not?

Anya's 18 month photo shoot!

First Hair Cut!

2009-10-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

Anya also got her first hair cut on 10/21/2009; almost 18 months old. Her hair was beginning to get really shaggy and her dad can not do much with it, so I decided a trim was in order to atleast make it look decent on days when Dad does her hair (which is most days) but wanted to keep it long enough to put up, ect...she did really well considered she had no nap and was tired as hell!

i.am.a.hot.mess

2009-10-22T13:58:00.001-04:00

over Edward Cullen!

P-O-T-T-Y!

2009-10-22T09:00:00.003-04:00

Anya went potty on the potty, not in her diaper, for the first time...there are so man firsts and so many more to come!

Oh My God...

2009-10-19T09:24:00.003-04:00

I am officially in love...with Edward (said in a breathless, hushed whisper)...this isn't exactly as I imagined him, but still, he is HOT!!

I was never the science fiction type of book lover, but after a lull in the reading department I decided to give this series a try, see what all the talk is about. I purchased Twilight and i.am.in.love. My husband is getting a little concerned! He said just last night that he didn't think he would ever have to worry about his wife 'cheating' on him with a book! I am not exactly sure what it is, but I assure you that the way Edward makes Bella feel when he simply touches her...you.will.love.this!

Give the book a shot, you won't be disappointed...I hope not anyway.

I am afraid to see the movie as it might disappoint...you know what I mean!

Have a great weekend!

2009-10-09T13:36:00.004-04:00

Chris and I have a wedding to go to tomorrow of some really great friends, more like family actually. That gets me thinking about my own glorious wedding day to the best man on earth February 23, 2007 in MEXICO! What a wonderful day filled with no worries or hassles! It was perfect...best wedding I have ever been to hands down. I hope Tracey and Donnie's wedding turns out the same...though not in Mexico, I am sure the bride and groom will be relaxed and have a great time...cause that is how they are.

Love you Chris! More today then on this day!

Letters

2009-10-09T08:32:00.004-04:00

photo edited to be appropriate

Anya, my 17 month old Anya, went potty on the big girl potty last night. While I am certian this was a 'fluke' of sorts, I was totally and completely jazzed for her! I went crazy...hopping about, saying what a good girl she is, and taking photos! I always take photos! So in my crazy behavior, I scared her! But she recovered and got an extra long bath that night, so I could call Daddy and Mamma and Papa and tell them too! Everyone was thrilled!

In this chaos and the moments after, I was getting her ready for bed and doing our routine. I got all sentimental. I decided that I would update her baby book and that update ended with a letter, a long letter, of the day's events and how proud of her I was and how lucky we are that she is in our lives.

In that writing, I found it to feel wonderful. I have always recorded Anya's moments, walking, talking, teeth, ect...but not of them were accompanied by a letter. So I have decided I will write her letters, letters about what she is doing, how she is doing, how we are all doing...and then when she is old enough, give those letters to her so she can see, when she 15 and a complete snot, that we have always supported her, loved her, been proud of her...even for the smallest things. I think that this decision is wonderful and can't wait to write her again.

So, what do you do for yours? Some do scrapbooking, I am just not good at that( I want to be I do!)! Is there a good idea out there that I could adopt and incorporate into these letters?

My Favorite Time of Year!

2009-10-08T08:50:00.000-04:00

and why not, you get to do fun stuff like go to pumpkin patches!

i want it now....

2009-10-07T08:57:00.000-04:00

I like brown the best, but they don't have my size...sniff, sniff.....

L.L. Bean; Bean's Skimmers, Tweed $64.00

PayDay...

2009-10-06T08:24:00.000-04:00

Are PayDay's considered a healthy snack choice because of all the peanuts?

And why did I hate these little buggers when I was little...

Man O Man they are good!

The Art of Cooking

2009-10-05T08:59:00.000-04:00

Anya's Favorite Place

2009-10-02T08:48:00.001-04:00

Is her Aunt Kim's and Uncle Ozzie's...

There are Chicken's to feed!

Fish to check out!

Fresh Strawberries!

Quad Rides!

Duck Rides!

and much more...

So, why not?

Anya got a Pony...

2009-09-28T15:05:00.005-04:00

Yep! You read that one right...she got a pony (miniature horse actually)...

Her Aunt Kim alleges that she got the horse for herself...but really got the horse for Anya...

Skittles is his name and he's really great...Anya took to him quite well...

I am certain that she doesn't even remotely understand the concept of the pony...

But what else I am certain of, is that this little girl is SPOILED!!!

Anya's Grandma's are wondering how they can compete with a pony?

GAME ON!

Henry & Amelia

2009-09-24T09:32:00.000-04:00

Aren't these two just adorable...
They are doing great and mom is too...
Congrats again Kristin and Wade!
Can't wait to meet these two.

ThirtyOne...

2009-09-23T08:27:00.000-04:00

I have been seeing these around lately...and am thinking about taking up selling them...

The collection is a variety of purses, totes, lunch totes, ect...I think they are super cute..

To do or not to do...

You can have items monogrammed, ect...I just love them...but would I be able to sell them?

My New Favorite Thing....

2009-09-22T09:22:00.002-04:00

How cute is this?

Find here

I adore just about everything at this shop.

I think Anya needs one stat!

or maybe I need some stationary?

or Christmast cards?

wait, I know, not NEED but def WANT!

Wish I was this cute

2009-09-16T12:37:00.001-04:00

when I am sleeping!

The Art of No...

2009-09-14T12:37:00.003-04:00

Anya just had her 15 month check up at 16 months...yep a little late, but no biggy...she did GREAT! She is growing like weed, really! She weighs 22.4 lbs...only a one lb gain in the last 4 months, she is 31.25" tall...which is a FOUR INCH gain over the last 4 months! CRAZY...her head circumference is around 18.5"...normal and don't recall the last measurement.

Anyway, I didn't get to be there for the appointment or the three shots, to which she only cried for the last one.

Or to hear Chris ask the questions...he always has a lot of questions, cause he is an eternal worrier...is this okay, is that normal, how should we do this, etc etc.

So, Chris's asks this time about Anya's hitting...mainly me, sometimes her father...when we tell her no or take something away...and the Dr's response is we are hitting the 'terrible' two's early. Because Anya is an early developer...she it hitting those milestones quicker (the forethought made me feel good, the after, no so much)

So, she hits...and she hits at the appropriate time...and when I say no....we don't hit...and PUNCH her back (KIDDING)....and try to sit her in her 'timeout', she laughs or smiles and hits more?!?!!

This girl is SASSY! and sometimes it's funny! Chris has to remind me not to laugh at her shenanigans.

Anyway, can someone please tell me how I can 'hit' back! (you know what I mean)

Deceiving isn't it!

Shout Out

2009-09-12T22:07:00.004-04:00

Good Day!

I would like to give a shout out to two very special babies who were born yesterday!

Happy Birthday Amelia and Henry!

Can't wait to meet you!

Take care Kristin and hope to touch base soon!

but I am sure you are busy...

Potty....any tips for training?

2009-09-11T13:08:00.003-04:00

Anya is getting interested but not getting it...I know it's early...but she is interested...just not sure how to get her to 'get' it.

Cause right after this....she stands up and pee's on the floor ;o)

Random playtime

2009-09-09T15:10:00.002-04:00

Silly smile ;o)
Her new house...it has a stove, sink, dishwasher, bassinet and changing table!
Thanks Trues!

Rudy being an ever so good sport...see the look like

SERIOUSLY! HELP!

He is so good with her thankfully!!!

Zoo...

2009-09-08T15:47:00.000-04:00

Remember when I said we went to the zoo...

We did...the zoo fountain and Anya watching the Sea Lions!

Not feeling it...

2009-09-04T10:38:00.005-04:00

Just not feeling it lately kids...maybe I will get some inspiration over the long weekend...

Have a great Labor Day weekend and enjoy the end of the summer...

I will!

the vintage pearl

2009-09-01T08:07:00.000-04:00

has amazingly beautiful jewlery...I want the one in the middle =o)

But her blog is awesome too

as is her photography!

This blogging stuff is addictive!

Kind Act...

2009-08-31T09:25:00.002-04:00

I live in a nice neighborhood...with nice people....who do nice things for each other...I really enjoy it.

So, this morning, I was being the nice neighbor and go tell another neighbor that her old dog Spike is out galivanting the neighborhood. Spike should not be, Spike has an electronic fence to keep him contained.

The neighbor is not in...but her nurse who is there taking care of her daughter is...I tell her, big dog, out of fence...just so you know....

She's all I am the nurse, which I know, and I am taking care of the daughter, and I can't leave...Spike's really nice, can you just 'shoo' him back over here....Really? Really? It's 7:15...I am dressed for work...and I gotta go...but can I just 'shoo' him back over here.

I am annoyed, she can leave....I have seen her do it before, and to her defense MAYBE she was in the middle of something...but when she was DONE, she could have gone to get Spike...did I mention she has left the house before, with the child, in the stroller...they CAN go outside.

I drive back over to Spike...had a stern talking to with him...where he side glances at me...and SLOWLY...very very SLOWLY...struts off in the direction of his home...I slowly follow in the my car..."Spike, Go Home!" ect. ect...

I get Spike near his home....and decide I have done enough...I am already late for work now and I still need to get gas!

So, Spike is in front on his house....not wanting to go back, he's gonna get shocked probably....

But, I no longer had the time to care.

Sometimes, people annoy me. I get she was the nurse, the child's nurse, and she can't leave her...but load her up and take her with you. CAUSE SHE HAS BEEN SEEN OUTSIDE OF THE HOUSE BEFORE!

Ugh...some people...POOR SPIKE...poor, poor Spike...he' s the one who suffered here!

Happy Monday...I am tired...and I think getting sick...Have a good day!

2009-08-27T08:48:00.005-04:00

I am constantly amazed at the love I can have for my little girl...sometimes it's a love that hurts. Not a bad hurt...but you can FEEL it...it's crazy.

She is always surprising me with the new things she is learning everyday...words, activities, ways to express anger or happiness...it just seems like it's all so new all the time.

Last week, Chris was out of town for the week, so I had the task of getting Anya up and off to 'school' everyday....and picking her up...and doing all the 'chores' that go with that. It was fine, we had a good week...I got a small break when she went to stay with her Grandparents. Anyway, when Chris got to pick her up on Friday at 'school' I talked to him shortly after, he was a little emotional. He was astounded by how much she changed in a week...her hair was longer, her vocabulary bigger, her attitude even bigger and she ran over to him, so thrilled to see him, tripped on something along the way...back up, back to running and gave him a big squeeze! Oh, how he missed his girl...and I get that.

What is the point of all this, I am not really sure...just some ramblings for the day...somethings I have been thinking about. I never, in a million years, thought I would be in this kind of love with a little person.

Yesterday, her and Chris called me and left me a message...and SHE said Morning Mommy, Uv (love) You and then kissed the phone! I have listened to that at least 20 times now.

Weekend was great...

2009-08-24T09:07:00.001-04:00

but today...

Tomorrow will be better ;o)

Meet me here?

2009-08-21T08:39:00.002-04:00

Would love to see you...this is where we will be on Saturday afternoon...

Can't wait...have a great week...check back for photos!

NO!

2009-08-21T08:26:00.002-04:00

Caffeine Free, Contains No Juice
Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 cup (240 mL)

Amount Per Serving

1 cup

Calories 130

Total Fat 0g

Sodium 50mg

Total Carb. 35g

Sugars 34g

Protein 0g

Not a significant source of other nutrients.

Ingredients:

CARBONATED WATER, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM BENZOATE (PRESERVATIVE), ACACIA GUM, NATURAL FLAVORS, ESTER GUM, YELLOW 6, SALT, BROMINATED SOYBEAN OIL, RED 40.

Delightful!

2009-08-19T15:04:00.002-04:00

These... PLUS this...

Equals - DELIGHTFUL!

Munching on some right now to get through this afternoon LULL!

Gotta have it...

2009-08-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

This teaset is adorable....

Anya would love it!

Find it here

Thanks Kristin for guiding me there!

You Are Beautiful!

2009-08-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

if only I was this creative...

I snagged this off mackin ink's blog...a LONG time ago..

No idea who did it originally.

Cutest baby contest?

Be Thankful...

2009-08-17T08:21:00.003-04:00

People like her and her sister are amazing to me...their faith abounds and their spirits never broke...

A year ago a tragic accident happened...

Leaving this beautiful women...in this beautiful shell.

I can't help feel so grateful for everything that I have. Who knows...hug your babies and loved ones extra...cause the next time it might be too late.

Sorry, to be so heavy on a Monday....but this entire story of nienie's struggles through the last year moves me and this is the first picture she has published since the accident.

She is so brave and strong. I envy that a little bit.

Favorite places....N.E.W. Zoo

2009-08-13T08:20:00.000-04:00

When ever we visit Green Bay Anya's Grandma and her dad want to take her to the N.E.W. Zoo; it's affordable, usually not crowded, very clean and just the right size. I encourage you take your babes on a visit..feeding the giraffe's is the best part.

ROAR!

Soooo, sweet!

I Love Her...

2009-08-12T08:39:00.001-04:00

Her = Heather Armstrong...she is hysterical....go here to check her out! Not only does she has a sense of humor like no other, she's inspiring, but most of all she makes mother's (or me) feel a little bit 'normal' when the chaos of a child is brought into their lives...and for a second...or longer...most likely longer but of course not too long, you wonder

WTF? What did we do? Holy Shit!

Dooce understands!

D-RAMA QUEEN!

2009-08-11T15:28:00.003-04:00

So, I know a picture is worth a thousand words, but I don't always have my camera ready and poised! Maybe video of the whole thing would be better....maybe not.

Let me just tell you a quick story...a little glimpse into our life here with a 15 month old daughter who is getting more and more of a personality by the day.

Scene: 8:30 pm, PJ's on, little girl fed, daily Backyardigan's fill taken care of, blanket in her hand, pacifier in her mouth.

Me: "Anya, ready for night-night?"

Anya: "Nigh-Nigh" and she walks to the steps.

I pick her up, trot her upstairs, and lay her down.

Me: "Good Night, I love you."

Exit stage left.

The bedroom door clicks shut.

Anya must think at this moment in time, it is agony to be in her bed and starts screaming.

Anya: " AHHHHHHHH....MUMMA....AHHHHHH.....MUMMA...."
The mumma's are killing me!

I am wrestling with myself, to go in, to not go in...but ultimately it's bed time, she has to get this down, I am not going in there....

tick, tock, tick, tock - 25 minutes go by...Anya still screaming....

I decide to go clean the kitchen, make a cup of milk for her...

10 more minutes, still screaming....Click.

Enter Mom stage left.

Anya: "MUMMA" Reaching hands to me, pacifier in mouth, blanket in hand.

Me: "Night, Night" Pick her up, give cup...

Rock and sing, rock and sing, rock and sing...15 minutes.

Anya back in her bed...start walking away...screaming, again.

Me: "Anya, it's night night time"

Rub, rub, rub her back...silence.

Stop rubbing, screaming...

Rub, rub, rub and finally, another 15 minutes later...

Quiet?

I tip toe away....almost to the door...reaching for the handle...

Anya: "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH....MUMMMA.....cough, cough, gag! and PUKE"

(did you catch that, my little drama queen got so worked up about bedtime that she puked)

Now keep in mind this isn't a new routine, she has been going to bed virtually the same for the past YEAR!

So, lights go on, take Anya out of bed...she has (clean) blanket in hand, pacifier in mouth. She stands and watches me.

I TEAR the sheets off her bed...not on purpose of course, but they tear...then the matress pad comes off...on goes a soft, snuggly sheet from Pottery Barn. ( I urge every new mother to purchase these, they have to be like heaven to sleep on)

Pick Anya up, rock her again for a bit, back in bed and WHAM...out like a light til 8 AM.

What is wrong here?!?! Some would call it Karma!

Tips for this madness?

(No she wasn't/isn't sick...she was hot from screaming, I say screaming cause there were no tears, and she slammed milk...and seconds later, the milk came back)

PIG TAILS!!!

2009-08-10T09:59:00.004-04:00

is it two words or one?

Anya Jo sporting her first pig tails!

CUTE!

Um, why do they grow so fast!

2009-08-07T07:16:00.000-04:00

She Makes It Look So Easy!

2009-08-06T07:14:00.000-04:00

Today I feel like this....

2009-08-05T12:39:00.002-04:00

And I don't like it one bit....ECK!

Or maybe even here....

2009-07-30T08:18:00.000-04:00

Syracusa, Sicily

Venice, Italy

Florence, Italy

Capri, Italy

This last one definately! Capri is so gorgeous! Magical!

(Photo's taken by me on my Italy trip in 2006)

I'm here the rest of the week...

2009-07-29T08:04:00.003-04:00

Cleveland, Ohio

But would much rather be here....

Cornado, California....at The Hotel Del Cornado...again.

These photos of Cornado taken by me in November 2008.