Sunday, December 28, 2014

Organization Amidst Chaos: eMeals meal planning for 2015

If you are anything like me, and if your holidays have been anything like mine, your home is pretty much the epitome of "hot mess" right now. Except it's super cold outside.
Organization Amidst Chaos: eMeals meal planning for 2015

I am desperate to get this clutter taken care of. Are you kidding me with all the presents? And a huge problem in my personal space is that I get tunnel vision while working on sewing and craft projects, and the whole house suffers. I've started chipping away at the giant mess, but it's nice not to have to worry about what's for dinner; you know?

You know I've been a blogger for eMeals for quite a while now. In exchange for sharing my (hugely positive) opinion on their services, I receive a subscription of my own. In the time since I first began with eMeals (nearly two years ago!!!), they've added a lot more options and choices. I'm still sticking with the slow-cooker plan at the moment, because - it's cold and I have limited time.

If you're strapped for time as well, but not so much interested in slow cooker meals, you can try the 30 Minute Family Plan!
eMeals 30 Minute Family Plan

For those of you out there who are like my father-in-law or my own my mom, there's a Diabetic Dinner Plan, which I think is exciting news.

eMeals has been around for 10 years now, so it's no wonder the plans have so much variety now! 16 dinner options, a breakfast plan, a lunch plan, and even a plan for desserts!
eMeals meal planning
just a sampling of the dinner plan options eMeals offers
If you're still on the fence, or just not sure if this is worth the cost (despite the glowing endorsement from Dave Ramsey!), you're in luck! eMeals has just rolled out a two week FREE trial program for new members. So now is the perfect time

Do you have any tips or tricks for keeping up with meal planning? I definitely feel that it makes the whole week go smoother when I know what I'll be making for dinner ahead of time. 

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Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Undercover

It feels like I've been hiding out from my blog. In truth, I have been. At first, it was because I was just too tired - with the pregnancy, with the kids, with helping my sister-in-law get her social media accounts more active, and just with life in general.

After E was born (and I do promise I'm still planning to publish the birth story, for those who are interested), I was tired from getting up during the night, then sending the older two to school. There's always something.

There's always something, especially with PPD.

I'm one of the lucky ones that has gotten it after each birth. I've even had the joy of antenatal depression. It's really not much fun, to be honest.

And while we're being honest here, I was having trouble functioning well enough to be bothered with a blog, or twitter, or Facebook. But now I'm in the mood to unload again, if that makes sense. 

Watch out World, I'm blogging again. Or something like that. The past few nights I haven't gotten to bed before midnight, and not for lack of trying. Between the three kids, my candle's being burned from all sides. So let's see what this sleep deprived mama can come up with.

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Sunday, September 28, 2014

Emme & Macy's: Fall Fashion Show

I am a member of the Everywhere Society and Everywhere has provided me with compensation for this post about Macy's and Emme. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own.

Were you starting to wonder if I'd ever get back to this blog? Trust me, I have been working on my latest birth story for the past three months. Adjusting to three kids has been far more daunting than I'd expected, but I'll share more details on that another time. Right now, I want to share with you a fun event taking place this week that I will be attending. Don't worry - it's totally free for anyone interested!

Through my weight loss experience this past year, I definitely learned a lot about myself and my personal struggle with body image. I still struggle with it. If you've somehow never heard of Emme, she is considered to be the first plus size super-model. In an industry that is focused almost entirely on physical appearance, Emme has done some amazing work to promote positive self-image in people of all shapes and sizes.
Macy's and Emme Fall Fashion Show

This Thursday evening, October 2 at 6pm, the Clackamas Town Center Macy's will be hosting Emme and a fun fall fashion event. After the runway show, Emme will hang out to talk to the audience about the fashion industry, as well as her work in promoting positive self-image.

After personally experiencing a series of significantly life-changing events, Emme Nation was created - an amazing community and forum providing women with a positive environment to share, learn, grow, and support one another in whatever challenges they may be facing. I love the message she has, and find her outlook incredibly inspiring.

If you're interested in learning more you can check out the link HERE or simply reserve your ticket now at macysemmeportland.eventbrite.com. While the event is free, seating IS limited, so you'll want to RSVP in order to guarantee yourself a seat for the event.


I hope to see you there!

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Saturday, June 21, 2014

Pregnancy vs. Growing Old

This post is probably not what you might think it's about. You're probably thinking that I'm going to talk about the difference between this pregnancy and my first pregnancy - when I was much younger. That might be an interesting topic, but that's not what I'm going on about today.

Today I want to say, I do not apologize for that stupid thing I may have said. I'm past my due date. And even when I wasn't full-term quite yet, I'd already lost my filter. Because that is what happens when I am pregnant. I become like that 80+ year old woman who just doesn't care anymore what people think. And I'm sure people think plenty. There is a reason my mother-in-law tried to convince my husband to attend Father's Day at her house this year without me.
pregnancy v growing old - not just the aches and pains via @lilmondu A Cloth Life

I do not hide my irritation. I no longer care how people at the midwives clinic perceive me when I complain at the front desk for the Nth time that they are running more than 20 minutes late again. I've lost my filter, and I've lost all empathy for those I've already lost any compassion for. It might be someone I love, it might be someone I am ambivalent about. It doesn't matter - the gloves are off when the hormones are this high. I may not be able to remember where I put my keys from one minute to the next, but I will remember that stupid thing you said in a futile attempt to make a joke that I didn't think was funny. At least through the end of the day. I'm harsh. I'm hyper-emotional. I am tired, and uncomfortable. I am at my worst.

I am, admittedly, a little bit ashamed when it comes down to it. And if I'm lucky (if we're ALL lucky), and if this time follows suit with my previous two experiences, then about two weeks after this little girl is finally born, I will return to a much more amicable person. Wish me luck.

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Friday, June 20, 2014

My Baby Girls

A few weeks ago, I took N (and G) to visit her new preschool for the first time. Up to this point, Early Intervention has been sending someone to our home to work with N. Next month, N will turn 3 and age out of the program. On her birthday, she will be enrolled in Early Childhood Special Education - part of the public school system.

Overall, she absolutely loved it. She loves the idea of school, and having her own school to go to (just like her big brother). A few things really struck me with this visit.

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

My Experience at BabyFest NW: Portland

It's been well over a week since I went to BabyFest NW: Portland. If you were following #NWBabyShower on Twitter or the KidFest Facebook page, you're probably aware there's been some controversy over the event. Because I so adamantly promoted the event, I feel it's important for me to be completely open and honest on my opinions and experience. So I'm taking a page out of the DG recruitment handbook (that's a figure of speech), and going positive, negative, positive. It's always best to end on a positive note, right?
BabyFest NW: Portland Pros & Cons #NWBabyShower via @lilmondu
In the interest of full disclosure, I want to make it known that I was invited to be a VIP blogger for the event. This was well after I had already purchased my ticket and posted about it here on the blog. I declined the offer since I 1. already had a ticket that I'd happily purchased with my own money, and 2. I'm actively trying to scale back on obligations the closer I get to my due date.

Side note: I'm full term! This baby could come any time now - and I am so ready! Physically, at least.

Anyway, the reason I bring up the whole "VIP blogger" thing is because my name was left on the list for whatever reason. I want to be clear that I didn't get in earlier, I didn't get free tickets, I didn't get anything I didn't pay for out of my own pocket. This review/overview is entirely from my view as a paying attendee.

Also, this is a really long post, so consider yourself warned.

So here goes - POSITIVE
BabyFest NW: Portland Pros & Cons #NWBabyShower via @lilmondu

The vendors were amazing. There were more than a few that I was surprised NOT to see, but I honestly don't know where they would have put them. I loved seeing all the different products and talking with exhibitors. They were all extremely friendly, happy to answer question, and just great to visit with overall.

Just a FEW of my favorite booths that I spent time at were:
ErgoBaby
joovy 
OnyaBaby 
Rock-a-Bums
Mamalates
Northwest Mother's Milk Bank

There were so many more, but that could take an entire post on its own. Truly, though, the people representing these brands (named or otherwise) were fabulous.

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Operation Kind Kids

I love OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry). I even included it in my holiday gift guide. I can take my kids there, spend hours doing tons of educational activities, and still be upset when I say it's time to leave.
OMSI: Operation Kind Kids

If you've never been, or if you haven't been in a while, there's a really great event happening THIS weekend.

Monday, May 19, 2014

Whole Foods Market: Greenway

Whole Foods Market: Greenway
A new Whole Foods Market is opening up just 45 minutes from where I live. I know - still too far away for convenience, but oh my goodness - this is a nice one! As if any of them aren't, but this one takes the cake. It's located off Scholls Ferry Rd. in Tigard (Oregon) at the Greenway Town Center, and I was invited on a tour last week.
Whole Foods Market: Greenway local
As with all Whole Foods Markets, as much as possible is fresh, local, and organic. Whole Foods Market in general carries the largest selection of organic produce of ANY OTHER GROCERY. Also, things marked as "made right here" are literally made fresh IN STORE each morning. They're even rolling out a new fresh squeezed orange juice program at this store. Who does that? People who care about taste and quality of the products they provide.

There will be over 500 local vendors with 90 new local products offered. And when they say LOCAL, that's exactly what they mean. If it says local, it isn't even brought in from California. Even the full service florist is whole trade and as locally sourced. And, I mentioned this in my Mother's Day post, all items available at all Whole Foods Market locations are free from artificial flavors, artificial colors, artificial sweeteners and preservatives.

Friday, May 9, 2014

Mother's Day Scramble

So... Mother's Day is this Sunday. Are you ready? I'm not. Okay, I'm ready for someone to cook for me and give me extra love and may a gift or two, but I'm certainly not ready for the giving end of Mother's Day. My poor mom. So here's a few great ideas courtesy of Whole Foods Market and Imperial Sugar (not in conjunction with each other, and not sponsored, I just figure I'm not the only one out here without a clue what I'm doing, so I'm sharing.)
Imperial Sugar Mother's Day Recipes {A Cloth Life}
I haven't used Imperial Sugar since I lived in Athens, GA (approximately one lifetime ago, or so it seems). I just want to be completely transparent here. Nothing against Imperial (obviously), except it's just not available in Oregon. Like, the whole state. But they do have some pretty amazing recipes on their site, not the least of which being this Bananas Foster French Toast Bake. Their Caramel Apple Cheesecake also looks AMAZING. So click over to their Mother's Day recipes collection and try something fun. For Mom. Or just for you.

Monday, May 5, 2014

Cinco de Mayo: What's for Dinner?

It's Cinco de Mayo! What fun plans do you have for tonight? Being that it's a Monday night, I don't imagine you have anything too crazy planned out. (Or maybe you have a far more exciting life than mine.) If you would like to spice things up a bit just for fun, though, eMeals has put together a menu just for the occasion! 

Cinco de Mayo full menu from @eMeals

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Fogo de Chão: PDX Grand Opening

Fogo de Chão kicked off the month of May by opening their very first Pacific Northwest Location. They held an exclusive grand opening event on the first that I was somehow lucky enough to be invited to. The official opening for the public was on May 2. Fogo de Chão (pronounced fo-go dèe shoun) is an authentic Brazillian steakhouse (Churrascaria) which means all you can eat amazing Brazillian meats served table side by the most charming Brazillian trained gaucho chefs. It was founded in Brazil in 1979, but expanded to the US in 1997.
Fogo de Chão: PDX Grand Opening {authentic Brazilian steakhouse} #fogoPDX

The event kicked off with a ribbon cutting ceremony, which included a generous donation to Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon.
Fogo de Chão: PDX Grand Opening {authentic Brazilian steakhouse} #fogoPDX

All evening long, they were serving Caipirinha - the national drink of Brazil. I didn't try it, but it looked beautiful, and fun. I found out way too late about the (non-alcoholic) Brazilian Lemonade, otherwise I totally would have been all over it. Instead, I focused on keeping my pregnant self hydrated with lots of water. Besides - water helps with digestion, which is awesome when you know you're going to be downing a TON of amazing food. And as soon as we walked in, the place looked and smelled phenomenal.
Fogo de Chão: PDX Grand Opening {authentic Brazilian steakhouse} #fogoPDX

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Legend of Zelda/Link Birthday Party Recap

Last week I shared with you the M&M cookies I made for G's birthday. Today, I'm finally getting around to the rest of the birthday extravaganza recap. I'm warning you - this may be my most picture heavy post in MONTHS. Lots of months. Which is possibly part of the reason it took me so long to finally get this post up.
Legend of Zelda/ Link themed birthday party Hylian Shield Cake

You might remember from my Halloween post this past fall that my son absolutely loves Link and all the Legend of Zelda games. We're actually still working our way through earning all the upgrades, etc. in The Legend of Zelda: a Link Between Worlds (a favorite gift he got for Christmas). So it was no big surprise when he started asking for a Link themed birthday party. I was lucky when he relented on having me make a Windwaker cake (ie. a cake that looks like a giant ship with a Dragon head and a sail) and settled on this shield instead. It's a vanilla cake (which is what he always requests) with buttercream frosting, and some marshmallow fondant for the details. I've never worked with fondant before, so it got a little messy for me, but the recipe was simple enough, and I'm sure it would seem simpler if I ever do it again.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Birthday M&M Cookies {recipe}

My son turned 6 way back in February, so I figured a few posts may be a bit overdue. First, I wanted to share these M&M Birthday cookies I made especially for G.
birthday M&M cookies recipe {A Cloth Life}

If you ask G, he'll tell you his favorite cookie is chocolate chip. If we get a bag of plain M&M's in the house, he'll tell you his favorite cookie is M&M's. So it only seemed fitting I should put together a batch for his birthday.

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Happy Easter!

I know not everyone celebrates this holiday, but I do, so I thought I'd share a quick greeting card style post. Plus, I wanted to share the egg ornaments I painted with my kids. They got a little more of a marbled effect with their mixing of colors, but I like how it turned out. I painted our initials on some of the eggs and put the year on the back (for my increasingly poor memory).

We had a lot of fun, and plan on doing a lot more of these types of projects. N made a HUGE mess on the table... and her body, but it was worth it. And as the weather gets nicer, we might move our paint parties outdoors for everyone's sanity.

You can find the tutorial for this project HERE

What are you doing today? Easter egg hunts? Special Sunday brunch? Any fun family traditions sort of "out of the norm"? I'd love to hear about it!

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Friday, April 18, 2014

2014 DDL Flats and Handwashing Challenge

Two years ago, I participated in the Flats and Handwashing Challenge organized by Kim of Dirty Diaper Laundry. I didn't do it last year because I wasn't sure how well things would go over using flats and my camp wash bucket here at my mom and dad's house. Stupid, I know. I could have just done it. This year, I won't be able to participate because I don't have any little ones in diapers - Baby is due just a month too late for all the festivities. Maybe YOU could give it a try in my place? 

Dirty Diaper Laundry's 4th Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge #flatschallenge

I promise, it's not nearly as daunting as it may at first seem. You can read all about my experience in these posts:


Then, go to Dirty Diaper Laundry to read about THIS year's challenge and sign up for yourself. Keep in mind this event is about education and spreading awareness, but it's also a fundraiser for an amazing organization - Giving Diapers, Giving Hope. Donations can be anything from used cloth diapers and accessories to monetary contributions.

The Flats and Handwashing Challenge was an educational and empowering experience for me, and I would love for you to have that same experience if you haven't already. Please let me know if you do sign up - I would love to hear your thoughts, and I'm happy to share any tips or suggestions along the way! 

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Wednesday, April 16, 2014

DIY Easter Ornaments

I teach a Sunday school class at church with 3 and 4 year old kids. This week, I taught the Easter lesson since we'll spend Easter Sunday busy with our church Easter program. I thought it would be fun to make the kids a little something to take home that wasn't a picture they had to color themselves.

I came across this old post from Design Mom, and decided it might be a fun activity to do with my kids too.

DIY salt dough Easter Ornaments {A Cloth Life}

Monday, April 14, 2014

Mom's Night Out - movie inspired recipe and giveaway

I will be the first to raise my hand in agreement that every mom needs a night out sometime. I'm about a couple years overdue, myself. I honestly even remember the FIRST night out I had after having G. He was probably 2-1/2 years old. Ladies, that is FAR too long to wait. As I'm writing this, I'm thinking it's probably time for me to be planning a night out...

Anyway, there's a movie coming out called Moms' Night Out. I was invited to a screening last month, but it fell on my birthday, and I honestly just wanted to spend my birthday with my family - kids included, so that's what I did. I've heard great things about the movie, though - and who doesn't love Sean Astin, right?




Sunday, April 13, 2014

Rio 2: movie review

Last weekend, our little family was invited to see an advanced screening of Rio 2.
Rio 2: movie review

This time, we left N at home. She woke up feeling crummy, and when she vomited, we decided it didn't seem like a great idea to take her to a crowded movie theater. Of course, she was fine before we even left the house, but that's another story.

Rio 2 follows up on the story of Blu and Jewel - two macaws believed to be the last of their species. The story takes place 3 years later - the birds are "married" with kids, and their people (Linda and Tulio) are also married.  It is quickly discovered that there are more blue macaws hiding somewhere in the Amazon. Blu and Jewel decide to investigate along with their human counterparts, and the story goes from there.

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

NW's Biggest Baby Shower!

To read about my experience at this event, click here.

I'm so excited! I just bought my ticket to the NW's Biggest Baby Shower. This is not a sponsored post, I totally spent my own money on this, and I'm promoting this because I AM JUST SO EXCITED! Seriously.
BabyFest NW: NW's Biggest Baby Shower #NWbabyshower

Monday, April 7, 2014

ReCollected Pieces Giveaway (closed)

Remember the review I posted recently about the custom jewelry I got from ReCollected Pieces? Well - now Tabitha has offered up a giveaway! One lucky reader will get one pendant of your choice!
Re:Collected Pieces custom jewelry - repurposed jewelry, photo or artwork pendants and ornaments: giveaway

Saturday, April 5, 2014

Amatuer iPhoneography: taking (my) mediocre photography to the next level

My photography has never been something to brag about, and my Instagram account is certainly as much a reflection of that as my blog is. Sad to say. Probably the thing working in my favor (or against me) is the fact that I do the majority of my photography (blogging) via mobile. ie. I have an iPhone 4. Not a 4S. You know they're about to come out with an iPhone 6, right? But it works. I was lucky enough to come across this article recently, and I'm hoping I've learned a little something.
amatuer iPhoneography tips

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Rainy Day Toddler Activity

It's spring break for us, and it's been raining almost the entire time. So what do you do with two kids when there's nothing fun you can do outside?

Last month, I got to start volunteering in G's classroom again. Last semester, I was helping as much as three times a week. With the return of the actual teacher from maternity leave, and with the addition of my own pregnancy progress. My time has been cut back to once a week. It's sad because I miss working with the kids and getting to spend that little extra time with G, but it's also been nice getting back a little one-on-one time with N.

I got to help out in the class on their 100 Day Celebration. One of the activities was counting out 100 fruit loops ten stringing them onto some yarn for a necklace. (Okay, they weren't name brand Fruit Loops, but the kids will never know or care). Anyways, N was in love with it at first sight, and G didn't have much of a chance to keep the necklace he'd spent so much time working on. Good thing fruit-flavored, circle-shaped cereal is cheap!
Rainy Day Toddler Activity: cereal necklace

Here's how we did it at home:
Rainy Day Toddler Activity: cereal necklace

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

ReCollected Custom Jewelry Review

Last month, I was given the opportunity to work with a local artist who made a custom piece of jewelry for me. Doesn't that just sound posh? I love it. And when I opened the package, I was not disappointed.
Re:Collected Pieces custom jewelry - repurposed jewelry, photo or artwork pendants and ornaments: review

Tabitha is the owner of ReCollected Pieces. She is based here in Portland, Oregon, but ships worldwide.

She used photos of my kids to make a double sided pendant in the shape and metal of my choice. I don't wear a lot of gold jewelry, but I thought it would go well with the sun washed effect in the pictures I chose. I'm so happy with how it turned out. N and I opened this together and we were both very excited about the finished product. I love showing off my kids anyway, and this is just one more option for me!
Re:Collected Pieces custom jewelry - repurposed jewelry, photo or artwork pendants and ornaments: review
Re:Collected Pieces custom jewelry - repurposed jewelry, photo or artwork pendants and ornaments: review

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Spray Pal #miniSPbdaybash Giveaway (closed)

Spray Pal #miniSPbdaybash Giveaway

The creators of Spray Pal are celebrating their son's second birthday this month with a GIGANTIC giveaway. Shortly after getting the Spray Pal on the market, their son (nicknamed "Mini Spray Pal 2.0") was born 3-1/2 months early. They were finally able to bring Mini SP 2.0 home after a seven month stay in the NICU.

There have been a lot of complications due to his early arrival, but he's been a fighter. He's undergone numerous surgeries, has become profoundly deaf in both ears, suffers visual impairment, and he's still having to be fed through a feeding tube - to give you an idea of what his life is like. And with serious lung issues requiring oxygen during flu season, big birthday parties have been out of the question. Having overcome so much, and looking forward to FINALLY receiving his cochlear implant in the very near future, we're all in agreement that some kind of celebration is in order. This kid is an inspiration in overcoming obstacles and remaining positive through adversity. And today is his birthday.

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

More Options from eMeals: plus garlic shrimp and linguine recipe

I am an eMeals blogger, and receive my subscription in exchange for promoting their services. I am also an affiliate - as such, I receive compensation if you choose to purchase a subscription of your own through one of my links. 

eMeals has been rolling out quite a few new programs in the past few months. I'm honestly most excited for their new Costco Family Plan. This is great for people (like me) who already have a Costco membership but have always felt like regular grocery shopping needs to be done at a traditional grocery store. The plan is super helpful in that it even gives tips on how to break up and store all the food you'll be buying - even better since the plan accounts for two weeks at a time instead of only one.
eMeals Costco sample plan
I don't mind grocery shopping (although, I admittedly get to go alone), but I know some people who absolutely dread it. Who wouldn't appreciate only having to go every other week? Think of the time it frees up to do more important things. Like read. Or nap. I could so go for a nap right about now...

Monday, March 10, 2014

DIY Maternity Jeans Makeover: no going back

So for some weird reason (maybe it's my new-found money management habits or the fear this truly is my last pregnancy), I've been ridiculously gunshy about buying maternity clothes this pregnancy. The only maternity clothes I started out with this time was a swimsuit - not helpful.

At first, I could get by wearing clothes I'd shrunk out of last year working with Shaklee. Realistically, I should have known that could only last so long. I was lucky at Christmas, and my sister-in-law gifted me a maxi dress, one long sleeved tshirt, and one short sleeved tshirt. Those pieces quickly became the center of my wardrobe when my belly hit a growth spurt in January. 

I finally "splurged" and bought 4 long sleeved tops on clearance from Old Navy, a set of 2 pairs of leggings and a pair of pajama bottoms on sale at Motherhood. Then, I bit the bullet and bought a pair of maternity jeans (on sale) from The Gap. 

Now it's March and those maternity pants are the only ones that fit, aside from a size large pair of yoga pants (thank you spandex). Something had to give, but I just wasn't bringing myself back to the maternity departments. Which brings us here: 
DIY Maternity Jeans Makeover: a cloth life {blog}

Friday, March 7, 2014

Mr. Peabody & Sherman: movie review

I was recently contacted to see if I'd be interested in attending an advanced screening of the latest animated release from DreamWorks, "Mr. Peabody & Sherman." In all honesty, I had no idea what the movie was about. Knowing it was aimed towards kids, I checked in with my 6 year old to gauge his interest and see if this was something we should follow up with. The kid knew EXACTLY what the movie was about. Well, as much as a 6 year old can glean from the trailer, at least. Based on his excitement, plans were made, and our little family of four was set to see a movie in the theater all together.

Mr. Peabody & Sherman: movie review

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

My Health Heroes

Who keeps you healthy? I think we all have different reasons for keeping healthy. Most people will tell you to do it for yourself. While that's great and all - when do you REALLY put yourself first for your own sake? Maybe it's just me, but I rarely (if ever) do.
My Health Heroes: Who Keeps You Healthy?

The fact that I feel better, that I look better, and that I can feel better about myself - it's all just bonuses. I love that I am 1. setting a good example for my kids, and 2. allowing myself to be a better mom for my kids. It's not about being skinnier. Skinnier moms do not better moms make, right? But a healthier mom? A mom who can run and keep up with her kids? Who can provide healthy snacks and activities and participate in her kids lives? Yeah, that's a better mom.

Friday, February 28, 2014

The Color Run: 2014 Kaleidoscope Tour


You may (or may not) remember when my husband and I did The Color Run in Portland this past fall. SO. MUCH. FUN. Seriously. Well this year, they're back - bigger and better than ever.

I told you before, I didn't know what to expect but we were pleasantly surprised by our experience. In fact, the thing I was MOST disappointed with was that I'd left my son at home. This is really a happy place, and a truly family friendly event. Don't feel like you'll be out of place if you don't have kids or if you leave your kids at home, just know (in my personal opinion) kids will actually love it. I think my 2 year old may or may not have appreciated the color being thrown at her throughout the course, but I can pretty much guarantee my (now) 6 year old will LOVE it.

In the interest of full disclosure, I'll tell you this - I'm being compensated with free registration for posting about this, but you already knew I love The Color Run and wrote about it before without being compensated. I wouldn't promote an event I don't believe in, folks.

Go to thecolorrun.com and search for the city nearest you. This event takes place all around the world, so definitely don't count yourself out before checking. You can even use the code COLOR5OFF to get $5 off a registration to any city.

Note: Code must be entered at time of registration, cannot be retro-applied. Also, please type the code in, do not copy/paste. Not for use with other promotions or sales. 


Go to thecolorrun.com/events/ to sign up and register. Then, once you've completed your runs (or even, WHILE you're running), be sure to share your pictures with me on Instagram and/or Twitter with the hashtag #Happiest5k. That way I can see you in all your colorful, kaleidoscope glory. 

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Thursday, February 27, 2014

Another Baby has a Birthday


My first baby is 6 years old today. It's amazing how much he's grown in just one year. We started kindergarten in the fall, and that has been a HUGE transition (mostly for me). This kid loves school. And he's smart. Seriously. I'm not just saying that because I'm his mom, either. In December, he was already working on subtraction and reading 3rd grade level sight words.

It's ridiculous how proud I am of him, and not just for the academics. He is sweet, and loyal, and caring. I love that even when we fight (which is fairly often - we call it a battle of the wills), we always know that at any given time, we will hug and tell each other how much we love each other. I love that he can tell me when I'm being mean (even though that sometimes is defined by me saying he has to do homework before playing video games, etc.). I love that he wants to comfort me when I'm sick or feeling sad. And he does.

This kid, my kid, is amazing. From the day he was born, he has been a complete blessing in my life. Even the trials he puts me through - when he refuses to listen, or talks back, or whatever - it's all been worth it. And it's only been 6 years.

Happy birthday, Stink Bum.
love,
Mom

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