Ok. I am serious about getting serious!! Summer is going to be here any minute (seriously, tomorrow it may be 90 degrees even though it's 50 today...). Not that I will be donning a bikini much, since most of my swimming trips will be with 2 little kids at the city pool (not exactly a fashion-scene), but I am not loving how my clothes fit, specifically around my mid-section. This has always been my problem area, as is most people's. And let me tell you how I could care less about the numbers on the scale... I will still weigh-in to track progress, but keep in mind that muscle weighs more than fat! I am weighing less than I did before my first pregnancy, but don't feel as fit. One of my fav apps to use for tracking is http://www.myfitnesspal.com/ which you can use on your phone, and iPhones allow you to scan barcodes which makes inputting food even easier. It's kind of annoying in the beginning, but gets easier since you tend to eat a lot of the same stuff and you can copy from previous days rather than input from scratch every time. If you have never recorded what you are eating, you will be AMAzed at how it helps you decide what's "not worth it" because you know you will have to write it down, or when you learn how many calories something is that you didn't think was that bad and decide to cut it out! These simple adjustments can make a big difference.
I started this morning off with an oatmeal creation from The Abs Diet, which focuses on "superfoods" and conveniently utilizes the microwave for most breakfast options. I made one with ginger this am, which I did NOT love, but it's a lot of food and I was unable to finish it, so I'm hoping it will keep me full longer than my usual cereal. I remember making some using frozen berries (fresh are always better but frozen don't go bad), cinnamon and vanilla yogurt that I liked, so I will try that tomorrow.
www.theabsdiet.com This site doesn't seem to post the recipes (probably because they want you to buy the book), but this was something my husband had from before we got together and I still use recipes from it pretty regularly, even when I'm not "dieting." An $8 book, easy read and full of great recipes!
Wait- today is Cinco de Mayo? Maybe I should start again tomorrow... I <3 margaritas.
Monday, May 5, 2014
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Fix It!
So my washer stopped working the other day... just to add the fun of our dishwasher also being out. Serious first world problems over here.
After troubleshooting (aka Google) we figured out it was the lid switch, which is the most common issue when your washer won't spin or drain (but it will fill). It's actually a fairly easy fix.. especially if you use a quick-fix method rather than replacing the whole piece, which is also not supposed to be that hard but seems to require taking the machine apart, which was not our first choice.
Anyway- if you have a washer issue, play with that switch that is supposed to be depressed when the lid is shut, because it may be a quick fix! Below is the youtube video "we" used (my husband did this one).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqeEf2IveSQ
Hopefully we can figure out something for this dishwasher soon... washing everything by hand is getting old fast!
After troubleshooting (aka Google) we figured out it was the lid switch, which is the most common issue when your washer won't spin or drain (but it will fill). It's actually a fairly easy fix.. especially if you use a quick-fix method rather than replacing the whole piece, which is also not supposed to be that hard but seems to require taking the machine apart, which was not our first choice.
Anyway- if you have a washer issue, play with that switch that is supposed to be depressed when the lid is shut, because it may be a quick fix! Below is the youtube video "we" used (my husband did this one).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqeEf2IveSQ
Hopefully we can figure out something for this dishwasher soon... washing everything by hand is getting old fast!
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Kid Corner
Fun kids lunch/dinner: Pita pizzas!
I know I am not the inventor of these, but when G asked me for pizza I searched the fridge and this has been a favorite all week! I will need to remember to buy more pitas...
I pour on some sauce and let her spread it, and then she likes to sprinkle the cheese (her favorite job of any meal). Last night I encouraged her add some broccoli and cauliflower that was pre-steamed in the microwave before her cheese and she loved it! Great way to sneak in some veggies. Another tip I saw on skinnytaste.com was grinding up the cauliflower to add in with baked potatoes, which could work in this case as well... what a clever idea since you can barely taste it and the kids won't know to complain since they can't see green!
I was talking with another mom about how funny it is that eating is such an issue with kids: they either eat non-stop all day, or hate eating and mealtime is a fight. You just think, "I'll put them in a high chair and feed them," no big deal, right? But truth is, "eating" is one of the biggest deals from the minute you have that baby, and when your kid finishes their plate (including veggies), you feel like you have superpowers!
I know I am not the inventor of these, but when G asked me for pizza I searched the fridge and this has been a favorite all week! I will need to remember to buy more pitas...
I pour on some sauce and let her spread it, and then she likes to sprinkle the cheese (her favorite job of any meal). Last night I encouraged her add some broccoli and cauliflower that was pre-steamed in the microwave before her cheese and she loved it! Great way to sneak in some veggies. Another tip I saw on skinnytaste.com was grinding up the cauliflower to add in with baked potatoes, which could work in this case as well... what a clever idea since you can barely taste it and the kids won't know to complain since they can't see green!
I was talking with another mom about how funny it is that eating is such an issue with kids: they either eat non-stop all day, or hate eating and mealtime is a fight. You just think, "I'll put them in a high chair and feed them," no big deal, right? But truth is, "eating" is one of the biggest deals from the minute you have that baby, and when your kid finishes their plate (including veggies), you feel like you have superpowers!
MY hair
I have never been good at doing my hair. In high school, I didn't even realize I had curly hair, which is why I brushed it out wet and ended up with a frizzball. The first time I decided I wanted to dye my hair, I opted for an at-home "highlight" kit and enlisted my mom to help. BIG mistake. We were both clueless and decided (of course) that it would be easier to just do my whole head... which resulted in senior portraits where my hair is half orange and a poofy frizz. Cute.
Fast forward 10+ years, I am still opting for that at-home dye job (mostly because I am "thrifty," and try to think of myself as a handy-woman, haha), but I am much improved, and do not try to highlight. I also (mostly) don't cut my own bangs (but in a pinch...). To be honest, the last time I had a haircut was on my birthday last August, which is frowned upon, and may be the reason I do not have a regular stylist who would remind me of this... So obviously my hair is still not very healthy.
I am pretty basic with my maintenance, although some of my friends like to frown at my (in)frequency of washing, but since I have very dry hair, I do not feel it needs to be washed as often as some people feel the need. I also believe that everyone's hair is different, and you (should) eventually know what your hair needs (hopefully, I swear I'm getting closer everyday!). I have friends who say they cannot wash their hair at night because it would be too greasy when they woke up on it in the morning - I am thankful I do not have this problem since I am NOT a morning person and certainly do not have any time to be washing my hair before I leave the house! I like to go as long as possible without re-washing because a) showering is so much quicker when you don't have to do your hair, and b) I figure the natural greases are good for (dry) hair. This is usually 3-4 days, especially if I straighten it. I am trying to get away from this since heat is bad for your hair, and I have a daughter who wants to copy all my beauty habits and I am trying to encourage to love her natural curls. It is also hot in the summer, and when you swim, get it wet, or sweat a lot and it curls back up, that time you invested is just a waste.
In my journey to love MY "curls" (they are more like waves I suppose), I have been searching for simple ways to let it dry that will leave a desirable end result. The first solution I found for solving the wet hair overnight/simple curl solution involved a twisted bun on the top of my head. (couldn't find the link) I tried this several times, and told a couple friends about it, but we never got the results we desired. But just the other day I found a new solution which so far I like! Tried it for the the first time two nights ago and am pleased with how my curls look today! It was from this chick's blog:
http://www.ducklingsinarow.com/p/hair-di.html
but for some reason the exact tutorial I did is not opening up. It was called "Have I Ever Told You I Can Curl My Hair While Drinking a Pina Colada?" My kind of girl. And my kind of hair care. Homegirl does not enjoy washing her hair very often either, and has tricks to hide your unwashed hair look (although I don't think anyone ever notices mine, I only feel I need to when I can tell it's greasy).
Basically I twist two pigtails up and around a scarf, which I then fasten on my forehead heidi-style and sleep! I had to heat a couple odd curls, but other than that- love!
Hope this helps someone... still working on my blogging efficiency and making sure credit is given! Photo-proof is another goal...
Fast forward 10+ years, I am still opting for that at-home dye job (mostly because I am "thrifty," and try to think of myself as a handy-woman, haha), but I am much improved, and do not try to highlight. I also (mostly) don't cut my own bangs (but in a pinch...). To be honest, the last time I had a haircut was on my birthday last August, which is frowned upon, and may be the reason I do not have a regular stylist who would remind me of this... So obviously my hair is still not very healthy.
I am pretty basic with my maintenance, although some of my friends like to frown at my (in)frequency of washing, but since I have very dry hair, I do not feel it needs to be washed as often as some people feel the need. I also believe that everyone's hair is different, and you (should) eventually know what your hair needs (hopefully, I swear I'm getting closer everyday!). I have friends who say they cannot wash their hair at night because it would be too greasy when they woke up on it in the morning - I am thankful I do not have this problem since I am NOT a morning person and certainly do not have any time to be washing my hair before I leave the house! I like to go as long as possible without re-washing because a) showering is so much quicker when you don't have to do your hair, and b) I figure the natural greases are good for (dry) hair. This is usually 3-4 days, especially if I straighten it. I am trying to get away from this since heat is bad for your hair, and I have a daughter who wants to copy all my beauty habits and I am trying to encourage to love her natural curls. It is also hot in the summer, and when you swim, get it wet, or sweat a lot and it curls back up, that time you invested is just a waste.
In my journey to love MY "curls" (they are more like waves I suppose), I have been searching for simple ways to let it dry that will leave a desirable end result. The first solution I found for solving the wet hair overnight/simple curl solution involved a twisted bun on the top of my head. (couldn't find the link) I tried this several times, and told a couple friends about it, but we never got the results we desired. But just the other day I found a new solution which so far I like! Tried it for the the first time two nights ago and am pleased with how my curls look today! It was from this chick's blog:
http://www.ducklingsinarow.com/p/hair-di.html
but for some reason the exact tutorial I did is not opening up. It was called "Have I Ever Told You I Can Curl My Hair While Drinking a Pina Colada?" My kind of girl. And my kind of hair care. Homegirl does not enjoy washing her hair very often either, and has tricks to hide your unwashed hair look (although I don't think anyone ever notices mine, I only feel I need to when I can tell it's greasy).
Basically I twist two pigtails up and around a scarf, which I then fasten on my forehead heidi-style and sleep! I had to heat a couple odd curls, but other than that- love!
Hope this helps someone... still working on my blogging efficiency and making sure credit is given! Photo-proof is another goal...
Monday, April 21, 2014
Rant
Who, in this day and age, does not have access to a smart phone/tablet? As I was driving home today, I was stalled by a car who was asking a security guard for directions (it was a narrow, winding backroad on a college campus, so I was unable to pass). There were 2 people that I could see in the car, and neither one of them had a smartphone?? My first thought, as I heard the security guard telling them that she didn't know how to get to 95 from there, was of my parents, who are still semi-anti-cellphones, and certainly do not have smartphones, and I thought maybe I should offer to lead them up the road and start them in the right direction.
Then I started thinking some more about how I know there are still some people out there who do not carry one for whatever reason, my parents included; and my cousin also downgraded her phone as one of the ways to save for her wedding, which I think she is finding technologically refreshing. I know that my parents carry their iPad with them, which can be used for GPS, and before I had a phone with those capabilities I had an actual GPS device. Even before that we were able to get around by pre-printing MapQuest directions or <gasp> using a map! If you are, in fact, traveling without a GPS device, wouldn't you have a map in your car? Sidenote: I (not-so-secretly) LOVE maps, and pull mine up on my phone just to see where we are in relation to other places<3. Worst case scenario (because you knew at some point you were going to miss a MapQuest turn between driving and trying to read the next direction), you called up a friend or Dad who you knew would be sitting at the computer and had them look up the new route for you! (or is that just me? Thanks guys!)
So in the end I decided I did not need to brandish the 'S' on my chest today and these people would be ok. Besides, we were late getting home for nap time and I have no desire to stay up until 1:30am again because G is wide awake due to her extremely late nap schedule.
Then I started thinking some more about how I know there are still some people out there who do not carry one for whatever reason, my parents included; and my cousin also downgraded her phone as one of the ways to save for her wedding, which I think she is finding technologically refreshing. I know that my parents carry their iPad with them, which can be used for GPS, and before I had a phone with those capabilities I had an actual GPS device. Even before that we were able to get around by pre-printing MapQuest directions or <gasp> using a map! If you are, in fact, traveling without a GPS device, wouldn't you have a map in your car? Sidenote: I (not-so-secretly) LOVE maps, and pull mine up on my phone just to see where we are in relation to other places<3. Worst case scenario (because you knew at some point you were going to miss a MapQuest turn between driving and trying to read the next direction), you called up a friend or Dad who you knew would be sitting at the computer and had them look up the new route for you! (or is that just me? Thanks guys!)
So in the end I decided I did not need to brandish the 'S' on my chest today and these people would be ok. Besides, we were late getting home for nap time and I have no desire to stay up until 1:30am again because G is wide awake due to her extremely late nap schedule.
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Little Milestones
I promise that all most posts will NOT be about my children, although to be honest with myself and you, a lot of my life revolves around these little guys, which means I do have a lot to share about them on a daily basis.
Today was a milestone, kind of. I converted the double stroller into the sit-n-stand, by removing the back seat and letting G choose her ride and hop off when she wanted to. I know that this could have happened a long time ago, and she is more than capable of walking along next to me, but I have been liking the fact that I can put her in the seat and go. No stopping to pick up rocks and smell the flowers... Plus we do live in the city and have to cross some busy streets to get to the "good" walking neighborhoods (ours NOT included). Usually my purpose of these walks are a) to get fresh air (turn the tv off), b) walk the dog (who I tie to the side of the stroller since it's a small Cadillac and I need two hands to steer), and c) get some cardio in. While some days this IS the activity, usually it is a filler between activities, or before lunch and naptime and I am trying to tire the dog out and I need to keep it moving! So today I relaxed a little and when we went a slightly different route and ended up by a small reservoir on top of a hill, I let EVerybody out! Crawling, running around, rolling down the hill and picking flowers. It was a beautiful day- finally- and even though I maybe didn't get the workout I would have, it felt good. And I was still sweaty by the end of it. This is of course how I qualify that I got a workout, which I need, because tonight is wine night!
Speaking of milestones, Cruz has started walking around the house a lot more. He started yesterday where he leaves the support of the couch, puts his hands in the air, and screams all the way through the house til he gets to the bathroom in the back. He wants to be heard! And he better get loud around here to compete with G and I! They say boys take more time to learn things than girls, and with walking this has been the case. G started at 10.5 months and never looked back, while Cruz seems to still enjoy crawling a lot of the time. Another difference is that he seems to get into EVerything! I thought G did, but we never needed toilet safety locks or drawer locks in the kitchen (just the cabinets), but I think with the combo of him seeing G get into these things and his height (95th percentile last visit), has made these things an issue! I saw yesterday that he had figured out how to open and close the toilet, and threw his toothbrush in. This morning I caught him "wet-handed." GROSS. I suppose I should move the scissors from that handy kitchen drawer...
Today was a milestone, kind of. I converted the double stroller into the sit-n-stand, by removing the back seat and letting G choose her ride and hop off when she wanted to. I know that this could have happened a long time ago, and she is more than capable of walking along next to me, but I have been liking the fact that I can put her in the seat and go. No stopping to pick up rocks and smell the flowers... Plus we do live in the city and have to cross some busy streets to get to the "good" walking neighborhoods (ours NOT included). Usually my purpose of these walks are a) to get fresh air (turn the tv off), b) walk the dog (who I tie to the side of the stroller since it's a small Cadillac and I need two hands to steer), and c) get some cardio in. While some days this IS the activity, usually it is a filler between activities, or before lunch and naptime and I am trying to tire the dog out and I need to keep it moving! So today I relaxed a little and when we went a slightly different route and ended up by a small reservoir on top of a hill, I let EVerybody out! Crawling, running around, rolling down the hill and picking flowers. It was a beautiful day- finally- and even though I maybe didn't get the workout I would have, it felt good. And I was still sweaty by the end of it. This is of course how I qualify that I got a workout, which I need, because tonight is wine night!
Speaking of milestones, Cruz has started walking around the house a lot more. He started yesterday where he leaves the support of the couch, puts his hands in the air, and screams all the way through the house til he gets to the bathroom in the back. He wants to be heard! And he better get loud around here to compete with G and I! They say boys take more time to learn things than girls, and with walking this has been the case. G started at 10.5 months and never looked back, while Cruz seems to still enjoy crawling a lot of the time. Another difference is that he seems to get into EVerything! I thought G did, but we never needed toilet safety locks or drawer locks in the kitchen (just the cabinets), but I think with the combo of him seeing G get into these things and his height (95th percentile last visit), has made these things an issue! I saw yesterday that he had figured out how to open and close the toilet, and threw his toothbrush in. This morning I caught him "wet-handed." GROSS. I suppose I should move the scissors from that handy kitchen drawer...
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Why Blog
My name is Lia, welcome to my blog! Right now my life consists of: library storytimes, playgrounds and naptime; diapers, snacks, dirty knees and tutus. Football (yes, year round), cornrows and Frozen; grocery trips, Chick-Fil-A and playdates. In-house cardio, squats and yoga pants; lunchtime, dinnertime and laundry. Yes, it all sounds so glamorous. Oh, wait, I forgot a few: On-Demand, Netflix and Scandel. Date nights, margaritas and wine/beer. That's better!
A little more about me and my family: I am VT born and raised! People I meet are usually surprised by that... guess I'm not your typical farmer/hippie-type that they expect (but I have my moments). Earned my degree in CT but educated in the mean streets of Bmore. I got laid off from my job at a non-profit almost a year ago, which has been a blessing in disguise, even though I miss my work. I now get to try my skills at being a "Trophy Wife" who also doubles as a nanny... aka I am currently a SAHM to two beautiful little monsters (but I like the reactions I get out of the other title instead :P) I have gained so much respect for SAHM's, and feel like I have even less downtime and "off" time than I did when I worked FT. While some days I want to scream, cry and/or pull my hair out, the thought of going back to work makes me feel thankful for all this kiddie time I've been soaking up. We have a daughter who will be 3 in May, and our son just turned 1.
I am lucky to have an amazing and caring husband who works really hard all day with SpecEd kids in school and then helps run an after school program. We've been making it work by saving on daycare while I'm home, even though this was never in the plans. He is also a HS football coach, so I've been learning to accept that is a daily way of life and deal with his greater absence in the fall.
While I've been busy running a personal daycare for my kids (and perfecting whatever skills Trophy Wives must possess), I've also decided to try and work on some personal goals I have neglected over the years (most likely since I've had kids). YouTube is seriously magic, and I have developed a great appreciation for blogs. I have been perfecting my various skills one video/blog at a time!! From at-home workouts and fitness dances to photography, fashion and hairstyle tips, I am feeling more confident each day.
My reason for starting my own blog is to share my journey as a growing individual, wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend. I feel like I have a lot to share, and can be an inspiration to any women out there who may feel like I do sometimes, "a Jack of all trades but a master of none." This is my story of turning an interest into a passion that I can master and share with the world. Learn along with me, as I'm sure there will be many bumps along the road!
A little more about me and my family: I am VT born and raised! People I meet are usually surprised by that... guess I'm not your typical farmer/hippie-type that they expect (but I have my moments). Earned my degree in CT but educated in the mean streets of Bmore. I got laid off from my job at a non-profit almost a year ago, which has been a blessing in disguise, even though I miss my work. I now get to try my skills at being a "Trophy Wife" who also doubles as a nanny... aka I am currently a SAHM to two beautiful little monsters (but I like the reactions I get out of the other title instead :P) I have gained so much respect for SAHM's, and feel like I have even less downtime and "off" time than I did when I worked FT. While some days I want to scream, cry and/or pull my hair out, the thought of going back to work makes me feel thankful for all this kiddie time I've been soaking up. We have a daughter who will be 3 in May, and our son just turned 1.
I am lucky to have an amazing and caring husband who works really hard all day with SpecEd kids in school and then helps run an after school program. We've been making it work by saving on daycare while I'm home, even though this was never in the plans. He is also a HS football coach, so I've been learning to accept that is a daily way of life and deal with his greater absence in the fall.
While I've been busy running a personal daycare for my kids (and perfecting whatever skills Trophy Wives must possess), I've also decided to try and work on some personal goals I have neglected over the years (most likely since I've had kids). YouTube is seriously magic, and I have developed a great appreciation for blogs. I have been perfecting my various skills one video/blog at a time!! From at-home workouts and fitness dances to photography, fashion and hairstyle tips, I am feeling more confident each day.
My reason for starting my own blog is to share my journey as a growing individual, wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend. I feel like I have a lot to share, and can be an inspiration to any women out there who may feel like I do sometimes, "a Jack of all trades but a master of none." This is my story of turning an interest into a passion that I can master and share with the world. Learn along with me, as I'm sure there will be many bumps along the road!
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