12/30/2011

Fitness Friday

My intent this year was to get walking.  Wanted to walk 1000 miles.  Well guess what?  I did it.  I was pretty good about charting my progress until I began my second job in September.  Although I kept up my walking, my blogging about it fell short.  So for this last post I wanted to give you the major view from the last few months.




Last blog 9/2: 694 miles
Remainder of Sept:85 miles.  Total:779
October: 90 miles Total: 869
November: 96 miles Total 965
December:70 miles 
Total for the year of 2011 1024!!!


One of the main reasons I set out to do this was to grow more fond of walking.  Mission accomplished.  I have found ways to work walking into everything.  Throughout the year I tried to trade between one and five trips I'd usually take in a car for a walk. Even though the trip would take longer because I was walking, it was worth it because I snuck in a workout.  The main thing I learned this year was by taking a stroll I seriously cleared my head.  The time to think, the time to enjoy fresh air, the time to focus on me was the perk I didn't see coming.  2011 was such a great year, can't wait for 2012!

11/14/2011

Meal Plan Monday

Monday: Taco and Burrito...yes I make the fillings (ground beef, homemade refried beans, southwest vegetables) and everyone does their own thing.  Usually the kids make mini tacos, Chris makes a pile and dips and I make a burrito. 

Tuesday: Pasta and Meatballs...may have some frozen vegan ravioli to try.  I am heading out with friends, so I will make this before I leave.

Wednesday: We have a date night.  So the kids will be having some leftovers...we have sliced roast beef, chips and hummus with fruit and veg.

Thursday: Roast Chicken Dinner.  Nothing better than cooking a great chicken dinner.

Friday: We'll do some fun pizza with leftover toppings for family fun night.  Our tradition is to have a relaxing dinner then watch a great flick.  This week it's snow buddies!

Saturday:Date night In: Chris and I try to have date night in every so often.  This weekend we will set aside Saturday.  The kids will eat leftovers at dinner time and i will create a delish dish after they are in bed.  It's a TBD based on what we have and what we are in the mood for!

9/02/2011

Fitness Friday

This Week
Saturday 3miles
Sunday  0 miles
Monday 4 miles
Tuesday 3 miles
Wednesday 4 miles
Thursday 4 miles 
Friday  3 miles

Previous few weeks total: 68 miles
This week 22 miles
Total in 2011: 694

So I am going strong.  I am becoming slightly addicted to walking.  Each time I go out for a jaunt, I get an amazing feeling.  It's a peaceful, yet excited feeling.  It's a healthy, yet indulgent feeling.  Doing something for yourself can be all that and more!  I highly recommend doing something for yourself!

8/30/2011

Wordless Wednesday At the park!



Whats for lunch bento

Bento Lunch


Clementines, cucumbers, strawberries, juice box, 
individual hummus (sold now in costco...whoot!) and a fruit snack stick.
Not pictured: pita chips for the dip!

Took these photos over the weekend, but didn't take a photo of what was in their bento.  We have had not trouble bringing these to restaurants.  The kids color and chat for a bit, then get down to the business at hand...eating.  It is a welcome break for me from cooking and a welcome break for my tastebuds (that crave cheese).   Could these kids get any cuter?


Top Ten Tuesday

Clothing addition...top ten pieces I can't live without. I am not a fashion diva.  I enjoy feeling cute, but it has to be simple!


1. Levi Jeans:: Have them in light and dark.  Dark dresses up, light is casual.  They fit me great so this is why I love them!





2.White Camis:: I wear these under everything from a thin shirt to a heavy sweater.

3. Keens shoes


4. Land's End Cardigans:: They come in a range of colors. At certain times of the year they are a steal.  Thinking of changing up some of the buttons to give some zing to the looks.  But for now they are fine.

5. Colorful necklaces:: When in doubt add a colorful necklace to make an outfit feel complete.



6.Casual Fun cotton dresses:: Doesn't matter the season I have one or two solid colored cotton dresses.  These can be worn alone or worn with lots of accessories.






7. My flats::  I have cute flats in plain black, shiny reptile red, coral and patent leather blue with buckles.  These can be worn with dresses, jeans, pants and skirts.  They are a must have from fall to spring.


8. PJs:: yes I did say pjs.  Once dinner is over and I know we are in for the night, I love changing into my cute, comfy pajamas.  I have a range of cute sets and adorable nightgowns.  Getting dressed down for be puts me in a relaxed mood.


9.  Workout gear::  I love to walk.  I also like really playing with my kids at the playground or on outings.  So I need a few cute looks that can go from working out to the grocery store.

10. A sweatsuit::  A must, every year I buy my kids one adorable sweatsuit for those lazy days in the house when it's raining or we have colds.  I have two sweatsuits of my own that go with these days.  It's almost like eating comfort food when I'm in them.  This year I'm thinking of buying myself a new sweatsuit to go with the kids.

Two Little Birds

Yesterday my little Gavin decided he wanted to pretend he was a bird.  His sister is more than happy to get in on any sort of make believe.  So the two built a nest with all the down twigs from Hurricane Irene. 
They took turns flying around the yard to feed each other.  Thankfully the menu wasn't for worms, but pine cones.
When it came time for dinner, they asked if they could eat outside.  When I set up their table, they flew over for their meal.  I'll give them this...they stay in character pretty well.

8/29/2011

Singing in the Rain

  Every time we pass even the tiniest puddle while crossing the street, Gavin almost pulls off my arm to jump in it.  So today as the sky opened up, both my kids were glued to the front window.  They eagerly watched as the streets swelled.  We heard rumbling thunder and saw lightening flash.  My little ones wanted to go for a walk in rain.  I explained that it would have to be later.  Fast forward about two hours and the kids are geared up with their boots and raincoats ready to go!




We made our loop, spotting puddles along the way.  The kids noticed the water flowing into the storm sewers in our neighborhood.  So we had a little lesson and followed them all the way to our creek.  The creek was churned up and as brown as chocolate silk.  It was swollen (not as much as after the hurricane) and reaching up the banks further than on our last visit.  The best part is we were able to spot the drain pipe where the storm sewer water meets the creek.  Sort of fascinating.



My husband doesn't like when he sees people washing off their car, or discharging any sort of liquid into the street.  So I took the lesson one step further and showed them the grates and how they should be kept clean and free of debris.  Conveniently, our storm sewers are labeled with a cute fish logo that says...water only, drains to stream


Menu Plan Monday

Monday:: Hurricane leftovers.  Like the rest of the east coasters, I believed we'd be without electricity, water and basic home conveniences.  So I cooked ahead burgers, tomato pie, pasta, tomato soup and chicken nuggets.  I diced up watermelon, cantelope and various veggies. I even sliced up some salami.  So dinner and many lunches this week will be leftovers.

Tuesday::  I have a dinner date with a friend.  We're using coupons for free meals from chik fila, then off for pedicures.  Leaving the kids and Chris with leftover pasta, sauce and salad.

Wednesday::  Grilled Herbed Chicken.  Drying out some of the herbs from my garden.  I'll then put it through my food processor for the perfect consistency.  Then we'll use some to coat chicken now, freeze some for later and olive oil to others for an amazing herb oil.  We'll through some asparagus, squash and eggplant on the grill too.  Making some honey wheat breadsticks in my breadmaker as a side.  The kids love those.

Uh oh...getting hungry now.

Thursday:: Quesadillas without cheese are super yummy.  I will defrost some leftover taco meat, make refried beans and add in the extra tomato, peppers, cilantro.  This is my new favorite meal.

Weekend:  I will be traveling to a wedding in Chicago.  Once I find out what the family wants I'll prep ahead some of it to make it an easier weekend on my sweet husband. 

8/15/2011

Meal Plan Monday

Monday: Hummus and a variety of dippers

Tuesday: Grilled Chicken and veggies.  2 farmers market and a country junction store...we're bursting with veggies.  Asparagus, corn, eggplant and squash are on the agenda.  Best part, with the leftovers I can dice them small and make a fabulous pasta salad or panzanella!

Wednesday: Sloppy Joes

Thursday: Mini pigs in a blanket.  Can you believe I found kosher (meaning allergy safe) mini hot dogs.  Thinking of making my own dough and wrapping these bad boys up.  We'll have a salad as well!

Friday: Heading out on a trip, we'll probably have some leftovers revisited on the road.

Saturday:  We'll have friends for the weekend.  Hoping to serve my easy, breezy pulled chicken.  Seriously, organic chicken + favorite bbq sauce (store or homemade) + crockpot= yum.my!  Last time I made this my kids tried it and were hooked.

Sunday: Winding down the weekend, we'll probably bring leftovers on the way home for the kids.


7/28/2011

Fitness Friday

Heel Spurs.  Yes, heel spurs kept me from walking for exercise for a few weeks.  Doc said to give it a rest, stretch and ice.  I did that for a few weeks and then began back at walking.  No difference if I walk or don't walk...so I say WALK!  I cut my walks a bit and/or divide them into two times a day instead of one long one.  But I am back at it and ready to report.


This Week
Saturday 3 miles
Sunday 3 miles
Monday 3 miles
Tuesday 2 miles
Wednesday 4 miles
Thursday 2 miles 
Friday  4 miles

Previous 5 weeks total: about 50 miles
This week 21 miles
Total in 2011: 634

7/25/2011

Meal Plan Monday

Our lives have been uber hectic between work and trips...meal planning was usually done that day.  This week have a bit of a breather (sort of) so I've made up some plans.

Monday:: Homemade pizza dough for flat breads.  The kids usually pick just to put tomato sauce on theirs, but I'm putting veggies too.  We'll grill these to save from heating up the kitchen.

Tuesday:: Quesadillas  Going to try this for the first time, going to use homemade refried beans to stick the tortillas together instead of cheese.  We'll put in some some taco meat and veggies.

Wednesday::Sandwich and salad night.  Nice and cool, plus super easy.

Thursday:: Something from the freezer.  Again easy!!!!

Friday:: Grill out fun...TBD from one of my cookbooks and what is on sale when we hit the grocery store.

Saturday:: Going to a friends for an outdoor dinner.  Will bring bentos for the kids and I haven't decided what I'll bring to the party...again cookbooks and sale items!

7/06/2011

What's for lunch


My Leftover Bentos::  Bentos are so perfect for carting a whole leftover meal with you.  This was from soft taco night.  There is brown rice, homemade refried beans, taco seasoned grilled chicken with corn on top and a few tortillas.  YUM!

6/28/2011

 Look::  Tired of seeing pics of my kids at the Please Touch Museum?  Too Bad!  We love it there.  It is the perfect morning.  First we cruise through the cars and buses.  Then we head downstairs for some serious play time in the grocery store, hospital, house and Alice's world.  We do the carousel and lunch before ending our day with the water table.  It's a perfect set up for a stress free day with my two.

 Learn::  Each time we are there I see new things.  Yesterday I noticed a whole section of blocks in the train area.  My kids are hard core into legos and large building blocks, but we have nothing like these.  So they got into stacking and building right away.

 Love::  Sometimes I am not up for the ride down to PTM.  But I should be every time, because this morning is filled with laughs, memories and well behaved kids.  What else could I ask for?

Top Ten Time Savers

Are you wondering why I try to save time?  It's so I can do what I want (which is not housework).  Some of these strategies are to keep me less overwhelmed with the day to day stuff.  Others really help so I can do things I enjoy (like cook) and entertain the kids.  Then the remaining ones are just to help me shave off time from my to do list so I can enjoy other things....like a Bravo show, a good book or playing with the kids.
1. Keep toys nearby.  These are the baskets for the kids under the living room coffee table.  It is just steps from the kitchen.  When I need to prep dinner or empty the dishwasher, I just begin the kids playing and slip away.
2. After meals, I put a pile of clean dishes for the next meal on the table.  This is the dinner pile.  It's ready and waiting for the kids or my dear hubby to set the table.    I do this often as I clear the table.  Since I am walking from table to sink and cabinets, I save steps.  Then it's on someone else to set it, which leaves me to prepare meals more easily.
3. Laundry System:  When a basket upstairs gets full, my husband brings it down.  He puts it right next to the washer and replaces the hamper with an empty one (yes I own 4 total dirty hampers...2 for us, 2 for kids).  This way I peak into the laundry room and begin a load if needed.  Another great tip is to start a load in the washer before bed.  Then in the morning move it to the dryer. Then before lunch or dinner I move the laundry into the room it belongs. I can do this while the kids are getting their shoes on to go out or on a commercial break.   Before bed I put away the laundry.   This system helps me stay on top of laundry easily without feeling it's a hassle.
4. Another laundry tip....similar to #1.  We have kid stuff in the laundry room.  I use that room as the messy room for crafts.  When I have work to do cleaning or laundry, the kids play and I work.
5. Art supplies within reach.  We keep two plastic trays and container for markers, crayons and pencil along with paper or coloring books at the end of the table.  It's such a time saver because I can set the kids working on a page or story and use the time to finish cooking or cleaning.
6. Schedule.  The paper attachment is a suggested schedule for our day.  It helps me not feel overwhelmed when there are hours to the day and my preschoolers are full of energy.  The topics are vague and leave room for creativity and being spontaneous.  Like: p.m. activity, computers, books, craft.  

7. Also in the picture is our Menu Plan for the week.  Seriously if there is one thing to do it's to plan out in advance a week or two of meals.  I write it up and never feel the angst of what is for dinner.  It also means very few times have I ever needed to hit the store unplanned.

8. Cleaning:  To the left of the menu is our cleaning schedule.  It shows that I clean one thing a day...such as floors, bathrooms, vacuum.  It means my house is never squeaky clean at all once, but it also means I never spend more than 20 minutes cleaning at a time (unless it's a special occasion or seasonal cleaning).
 9. I usually have 3 complete outfits (for the general weather and general day) pulled and at the front of my closet.  This helps on those mornings I don't want to think about it.  Also my closet is in color order...though it's hard to tell from that picture.  So I don't have to search long for a shirt at all. Quicker and effective!

10.  New one we just began.  Nothing is in my sink.  All things go right into the dishwasher, it takes a few extra seconds at various times of the day, but I haven't been getting that overwhelmed feeling of seeing a pile of dishes.  My husband and I are only ones following the rule now, but I think if we stick with it, the kids will too when they are old enough to load the dishwasher.

6/27/2011

Menu Plan Monday

Monday:: Dry rub chicken on the grill with spiced veggies and margaritas
Tuesday:: Date night!!!  Leaving pizza dough and sauce for the kids to make with my niece
Wednesday:: Gavin's Birthday Dinner   We'll be grilling up some burgers, chicken and hot dogs.  Also serving Pasta salad, fruit salad and a green salad.  Frog inspired cake too!
Thursday:: Movies!  Taking the family out to the movies, we may pack sandwich bentos.
Friday:: Party time!  Bring fun 4th of July bentos for the kids to a party we're attending.

6/23/2011

Walking in the woods

Look:: On almost every trip we make to the mountains, we do a walk in the woods.  It is such fun!  The kids always expect to see some animals.  I am hoping we discover something other than butterflies and birds soon, so they don't lose their zeal for going.  Lots of the trails in Pa can be called breathtaking.  On this we went to a nearby nature trail and it is my favorite.  After a short walk in the woods with a beautiful wide stream rapidly flowing to the left, you reach some amazing rock and fall formations that are not to be missed.
Learn:: Each time we go I sort of learn something new.  On this day, I learned many of the sticks on the ground are shaped like the letter Y.  Seriously, walk through a wooded area and there you will find the fabulous letter Y.  Gavin is learning his letters and finding the sticks cemented this letter in his brain.
Love::  I love the time we spend as a family at the mountains and lake.  But the walks are close to my favorite.  There is no urgency, no televisions, no worries...just us alone in a quiet surrounding enjoying the beauty  of nature, our kids and each other.