For {that} Which Matters

Wordless Wednesday : Oh How I've Missed You!

2011-02-23T09:18:00.000-06:00

Enjoy other WW posts over at 5 Minutes for Mom!

Chocolate Chunk Fudge Brownies {Giveaway}

2010-08-02T15:20:00.000-05:00

School started today for my oldest. He's in kindergarten. It wasn't until this past weekend that it really hit me that with him being in 'regular' school means our lives are gonna change a bit and I need to be as ready as possible and able to roll with the punches.

He's so excited to be going to the 'big kid's school'.

Prince Charming ready for the big K!

As I was getting hit with what it means to have a child in regular school, I immediately started thinking about the Soccer Mom decal I should be putting on the van's back window. And I further started thinking about all of the last minute possibilities, like...

It's 7pm when your child informs you that they need baked goods to share with the whole class tomorrow.

Sound familiar? My son isn't even old enough for that to start and I can already see it coming. Or what about that potluck at work you may have forgot about? I've dropped that ball a few times.

Last minute baking or cooking of any kind for any size gathering is not fun and quite frankly I would be tempted to say "Oh well" and go empty handed.

Here's where Pillsbury Chocolate Chunk Fudge Brownies come to the rescue! Found exclusively at Sam's Club!

With a taste as delicious and authentic as if you baked them at home, Pillsbury Chocolate Chunk Fudge Brownies are a blend of 3 types of cocoas with real chocolate syrup and milk chocolate chunks to make a delicious fudgy brownie! They are the perfect solution when your're pressed for time. Add personal flair to these already baked brownies with your own decorations, frosting, caramel or powdered sugar! With a straight-out-of-the-oven flavor with the time OR clean-up.

Now having baked brownies from scratch for years and also using Pillsbury's out of the box short cut from time to time, these are sure to be a hit where ever you take them and coming in at a whopping 4 pounds, and you just might have left-overs. ;)

Ok, so here's the fun part! The Giveaway! And if you been around for any of my giveaways, you know I don't ask for much.

Here's what you'll be getting:
$25 Sam's Gift Card to purchase the Chocolate Chunk Fudge Brownies
1 tub of Chocolate Frosting
1 tub of Cream Cheese Frosting
Brownie Carrier
Decorating Kit

Limitations
Open to US residents.

This is an exclusive giveaway for Sam's Club. Meaning, the $25 Gift Card is for Sam's Club as that is where you can get the brownies. You won't be able to get them unless you are a Sam's Club member, even if you have the Gift Card. Some location have open to the public days, but you'll have to check with your local store.

You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.

How to Gain Entries
Like the Pillsbury Facebook Fan Page and let us know what you like most about it. I'm a sucker for recipes. ;) You MUST do this to be eligible for this contest. Leave a comment that have done so.

Extra Entries

Leave a comment here and share a situation in which the new Pillsbury Chocolate Chunk Fudge Brownies would be a perfect treat.

Share this giveaway on any or all of your social media connections. Facebook, Twitter, Ning Networks, myspace, etc...

Connect with me on Facebook or Twitter.

Be sure to leave a separate comment with links of where you share to validate your entry and comments when you Fan, Connect or Follow

Tell your friends and followers to comment that you sent 'em here, yep, you guessed it, you'll get another entry!

This giveaway will end Thursday, August 5th and the random winner announced on Friday, August 6th!

Disclosure: I'm honored to be part of the MyBlogSpark Network to be able to bring this giveaway to you. I received a gift pack as noted above in what the random winner will receive in conjunction with my affiliation with MyBlogSpark and their affiliation with Pillsbury. Good luck and best wishes to all entrants.

Sex and the City 2 Soundtrack : {a Music Review}

2010-06-13T13:06:00.001-05:00

Enter to win a call from Sara Jessica Parker!

I was so excited when I learned that I was "IN" to participate in the Sex and the City 2 soundtrack project from the One2One Network. I couldn't wait to get my copy, tear into it, wear out my CD player and share my giddy praises.

The soundtrack features a brand-new duet "Love is Your Color" by Grammy and Academy Award® winner Jennifer Hudson, along with global superstar, multi-platinum recording artist and three-time Grammy Award nominee Leona Lewis.

A new song by platinum-selling CeeLo and International superstar Dido also contributes an exclusive new track.

Grammy, Emmy, Golden Globe, Tony and Academy Award® winner Liza Minnelli covers Beyonce’s chart-topper “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)”

12-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys performs her own extraordinary new version of the Blondie classic “Rapture”.

Featuring the stars of Sex and the City 2, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon, perform the Helen Reddy classic “I Am Woman.”

First impressions are important and so is reputation. My first impression was so-so, however, the Sex and the City reputation kept me intrigued and the soundtrack grew on me; of course, I have settled on my favorites. While I could do without the Sex and the City Men's Choir selections or the Liza Minnelli cover of Beyonce's 'Single Ladies', all in all I love it cause it has some of my fave entertainers in one spot.

If you haven't seen the movie yet, here is one of my fave reviews from a new friend. A refreshing point of view I bet you won't read anywhere else. Thank you Mirella.

Go to the soundtrack website to listen to snippets of select songs.

What I love most about Sex and the City is the diversity and fierce loyalty these ladies have to each other. We should all have friends like this, I am eternally grateful for mine.

If you haven't already, you can join other SATC2 fans on Facebook.

As a member of the One2One Network, I had the opportunity to sign up and receive a complimentary copy of the Sex and the City 2 movie soundtrack to review and post my thoughts on my personal blog. I was not further compensated for my time or comments on this product. However, by submitting my review by June 13, 2010, I will be eligible to win one of six gift cards (1x$75, 2x$50 & 3x$25). Winners will be chosen at random.

One eskimO : {a Music Review}

2010-05-30T21:58:00.000-05:00

It's my pleasure to introduce to you One eskimO, lead singer-songwriter Kristian Leontiou with band mates Pete Rinaldi {guitar}, Jamie Sefton {bass, horns} and Adam Falkner {drums}.

Currently, 'Kandi' is the #1 adult alternative, most played song on adult radio. Take a minute (actually four) to check out the video here or their live performance on Ellen to see what the talk is all about.

Fans of Massive Attack, Snow Patrol, Gomez or Damien Rice will find it hard not to tune into to sounds of One eskimO and hang out and chill.

"...catchy, ambient pop." is what Billboard Magazine calls the sound of One eskimO's self-titled debut album and the LA Times magazine hails the song 'Kandi' "a beautiful, aspirational track."

The album is available in stores now or you can check out the deluxe version available on iTunes right here! This features a bonus track and pair the album with The Adventures of One eskimO, an animated story set to the music of the entire album. How cool is that?

Here's the track listing and an opportunity to get a free download of "Astronauts" via Twitter.

Track List

Hometime

Astronauts

Kandi

Slip

Simple Day

Givin Up

Chocolate

All Balloons

Chosen One

UFO

Amazing

I love the overall low key and chill out sounds of this band. My favorite song, while not necessarily the acclaimed hit 'Kandi', of all the songs, I'm totally loving 'Chosen One'. The whole album is pretty mellow and has a pretty good chill out factor.

Now, you may have caught One eskimO opening for Tori Amos last year and will be opening for Michael Franti & Spearhead through their May and June tour. (All shows except Mountain Jam & Mile High Festival)

Jun 01     Toronto, ON            The Guvernment
Jun 04     Boston, MA               House of Blues
Jun 05     Essex Junction, VT     Camplain Valley Expo
Jun 06     Hunter, NY                Mountain Jam Festival
Jun 08     Royal Oak, MI           Royal Oak Music Thtr
Jun 09     Grand Rapids, MI      Orbit Room
Jun 12     Memphis, TN            Minglewood Hall
Jun 13     Kansas City, MO       Crossroads
Aug 14    Denver, CO Mile High Festival

Join over 6,300 fans and "Like" their page on Facebook to stay up to date with this up and coming band.

There you have it, check out some of my links and find out for your self!

As a memeber of the One2One Network, I had the opportunity to sign up and receive a complimentary copy of One eskimO's debut album to review and post my thoughts on my personal blog. I was not further compensated for my time or comments on this product.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Summer

2010-05-12T09:36:00.000-05:00

Go visit 5 Minutes for Mom or Wordless Wednesday for more WW fun and if you haven't already stopped by... your WW friends may be talking about their WW over at Tell Me Thursday tomorrow!

Don't forget my Nourish Your Inner Goddess Giveaway is ending tomorrow!!

Nourish Your Inner Goddess with Yoplait Greek {Giveaway}

2010-05-06T12:36:00.002-05:00

~~ Congratulations Terry! ~~

You are going to love this Greek Goddess prize pack. Please get back to my email with your addy, so I can get this sent out to you!

Thank you to everyone for participating and spreading the word about this yummy high protein snack. Have a great day! I look forward to chatting with you again soon. ;) ~Shanna

Ensuring that we give our bodies all the essential nutrients it needs to function properly is not always an easy task. Too often we are managing so many things for others and easily forget about ourselves.

With 12 grams of protein - twice that found in leading yogurts - new Yoplait Greek nourishes from the inside out. Available in four delicious flavors, Strawberry, Blueberry, Honey Vanilla and Plan, the brand's newest offering is a unique thick and creamy texture with the unmatched taste expected of Yoplait.

So why is protein so important to your inner goddess? It may or may not be easy to understand the importance of protein, but hopefully this will help.

Protein is an important component of every cell in the body. Hair and nails are mostly made of protein. Your body uses protein to build and repair tissues. You also use protein to make enzymes, hormones, and other body chemicals. Protein is an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood.

You can click here to download a coupon* and save $0.30 on one cup of Yoplait Greek today. Hurry while supplies last.

*A note from the sponsor.. This coupon offer for a free cup of Yoplait Greek yogurt is not valid in some states, including California, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota and Tennessee.

Now for the best part!!

{Enter to Win!}

One For {that} Which Matters reader will win a Yoplait Greek "Nourish Your Inner Goddess" gift pack.

Here's how to get your entries!

Mandatory Entry: Fan Yoplait's Facebook page here.

For additional entries...

**Leave a comment on which flavor you are going to try.
**Share this giveaway on any or all of your social media connections. Facebook, Twitter, Ning Networks, myspace, etc...
**Connect with me on Facebook or Twitter.
**Be sure to leave links of where you share to validate your entry and comments when you Fan, Connect or Follow
**Be sure to tell your friends and followers to comment that you sent 'em here, yep, you guessed it, you'll get another entry!

This giveaway will end Thursday, May 13th and the winner announced on Friday! Now go and get your Greek on!

**Giveaway is open to US Residents only**

**Disclosure: Everything that you see here was also given to me from Yoplait and MyBlogSpark. Visit my Disclosure Policy or contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

What was I thinking?

2010-04-29T11:12:00.000-05:00

This morning I get up and it's so brisk and cold, I told myself I could take the day off from working out. I mean, seriously, since I started the Body by Vi Challenge, following the program, seeing results, I thought I'd give myself a day off. I deserve it, right?

Then I got to thinking of how many days I've allowed myself to take off cause I didn't feel like working out. You know, something conveniently comes up and becomes my excuse or scapegoat. Well today, it was the weather.

By the time I got the Littles to school and on was my way home, I was regretting that I allowed myself to 'take' a day off.

I'm mean, seriously, what was I thinking?

Obviously I forgot that I told myself and many others that I'd be ready for swimsuit season this year and SINCE WHEN does making excuses really get you what you want? Did I also mention that I live in South Georgia, where even though the temp was chilly this morning, it heats up pretty quick.

Imagine this... After getting home I would have only further regretted my decision, felt sorry for myself and topped it off by eating unhealthy for the rest of the day. Sounds like a great plan, right? I mean, why not take care of two issues all in one day. Not working out and not eating healthy, at least then I'd be sure to workout and eat healthy other days, what do you think? Um... No... Sounds a little like denial to me. How many days do I have to 'take off' before I realize I'm my worst enemy? So instead, I pointed the Sedona to the YMCA and did my thing. Nothing serious, just got my blood pumping briskly walking 2 miles or so and making my arms hurt with push ups, chair lunges and the seated rowing.

Did I mention that I was wearing blue jeans, tshirt, sweatshirt and an nice frilly bra? Ever try working out in fitting jeans and a frilly bra? Definitely not your typical workout gear, but hey, I wasn't going to let that be another excuse. At least I wore tennis shoes.

A day off? Really? No, it's a lifestyle, can't take days off just because I don't feel like it. If I'm taking a day off it's because of something bigger than I don't feel like it. I deserve better than that!

I don't feel like it? What was I thinking?

Have something that gets you feeling like you don't feel like it? I loved to hear about it and what you do to do it anyway!

To our health and success!
~Shanna

Clarity is Priceless

2010-04-11T15:16:00.000-05:00

Finally, I have found clarity and confidence looking back at me in the mirror.

I remember in highschool, all athletes that wanted to participate in any sports that following year had to go through a sports physical screening. Volleyball, basketball and softball were my thing. I don't remember much of what information was gathered, but I do remember each of us had to get on the scale and with most of our peers in ear shot, the nurse would call out our stats to another nurse recording them. ... I weighed 171 pounds. Funny thing is, I don't remember anyone else's stats and I'm pretty sure they don't remember mine. Even so, it was an anvil crushing down and compressing everything in my life to that point.

In my early 20s, I hit the gym 4-6 days a week determined to lose weight. I worked out for several hours each day. Many days when the weather cooperated, I would rollerblade 3-4 times around Lake Calhoun in beautiful Minneapolis before I even got to the gym. I always felt great about getting strong and fit, but it wasn't congruent with how I felt about my appearance on the outside.

Fast forward through almost a decade; in the beginning, I get an administrative desk job, move up in the corporate/operational ladder, enlist in the National Guard and eventually get married. I had all three of my babies and and a knee surgery in one year. Oh yes, 2005 was a very busy, joyous and painful year. One that I believe I am finally recovering from.

Needless to say, once job, marriage, family, babies and other commitments starting taking it's toll, the inner me just faded into the background of an unfulfilled life.

Sure, I would enjoy sparks of light and dive into something good for me, just me, here or there, but it would eventually go out. While that moment in highschool isn't the catalyst that really got me here, it's really the only place comfortable/appropriate for me to start.

Running on empty and burning the candle at both ends was something very familial to me. Then in 2008 when I thought the unfulfilled life that I've faded into could not get any worse, it did.

It's taken me almost two years of searching and finding me. Getting back to the basics and becoming grateful for what I did have was a start. While ending it all had always been a tempting, frightening, open door since 5th grade, I refused to give in and completely give up.

Bottom line, I'm still standing, I am here, I'm not fading into the background of an unfulfilled life anymore and I like what I see. Finally.

Originally posted on My Vi-Net @ 1:01 pm 04/11/10

Moms Secret Weapon - Learning to Say 'No'

2010-01-16T21:40:00.000-06:00

Are you suffering from mom burn out? Do you struggle just to make it through each day? Moms everywhere are breaking down because they are too chicken to say, "No".

"No" may be a tiny, two-letter word, but it can be your secret weapon. And you can say it. Here are some ways you can say "no" without feeling guilty about it:

Sorry, I’m taking a break.
The number one reason why you should say, "no" occasionally is simply that you deserve a break. You are chef, chauffeur, dish washer, and more. You job never ends on any given day of the week. You deserve a break. If you feel bad for saying "no", say, "Sorry, I’m taking a break".

My schedule is full.
We tend to jam-pack our schedule full of activities, leaving time for nothing. Cut back on your kids activities. Start a car pool and share driving responsibilities. Do whatever you can to free up some time in your schedule.

I don’t have time.
You’re headed out the door, rushing to the next appointment when the telephone rings. What do you do? Do you come to a screeching halt and answer the phone? Let’s say you do, and it’s a family member, calling to dump their latest woes on you. Do you stand, tapping your foot impatiently while you roll your eyes and listen to the sob story? This is a typical scene for many moms.

I have another commitment that day.
Say it and mean it. Regularly schedule in time with your family or time alone and if someone ask for your help during that time look in your planner and tell them you have another commitment.

Instead of rushing to be everything to everyone, stop. Ask yourself if you truly have time for whatever comes up. If not, say no by walking away, turning off the ringer on the phone, or not answering the knock at your door.

Always remember that you are a mom—not a super hero. When you have to say no, people will understand; if they don’t at first, they will get used to it eventually.

Editor's note: Still having trouble putting your foot down? Sometimes, we just need some extra guidance, a listening ear or a gentle and loving kick in the butt. You might want to give Aurelia Williams' free coaching session a go. She's a life coach and mom of 3 who has adult, teen and school age children so she definitely knows what she's talking about.

Breast Cancer Awareness : Men

2009-10-12T10:15:00.000-05:00

It’s that time of year when we hear a lot about breast cancer. Did you know that breast cancer isn’t exclusive to women? Each year, about 1,700 men in this country learn they have breast cancer. If you’ve been looking for a resource to help you talk about the illness on your blog or some information to help keep your readers informed, here is a PDF from the National Cancer Institute that you may want to share with others.

Download or read “What You Need To Know About Breast Cancer” here.

Bread Making

2009-09-25T23:35:00.001-05:00

I had been practicing my bread making skills for about 4 months when I gave up. I had tried several recipes and came close a few times to what we felt was ideal bread, but none of them were 100% crowd pleasers.

Maybe we just need look at homemade bread differently than the store bought brands. It’s difficult to do though since a pb&j will never be the same and my little ones are not easily persuaded.

How do you do it and satisfy your family at the same time?

See more progress on: learn to make bread

Nature Valley {Giveaway}

2009-09-25T11:57:00.002-05:00

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* WINNER*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Congratulations Joan! You're are the winner of this awesome Nature Valley Snack Pack! Please think of me the next time you go to Gooseberry Falls! Please send me your addy so I can get your Snack Pack shipped to you. You are going to love it! Thank you Joan and Angela for participating. Have a great day!

Nature Valley is re-shaping snack time with the debut of a delicious new treat and I'm so happy to be able to share it with you. MyBlogSpark sent me this awesome Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters "Snack Pack" to review and I get to give one away!

Nature Valley's Oat's 'N Honey granola bars have always been my favorite. I remember a family friend that would visit from the "Cities", he always had goodies for us kids and I'd always hope he brought some of these along. Then in 2004 while pregnant with my first child, I discovered Nature Valley's Sweet & Salty Nut Almond... I could not get enough. They were so sweet and salty and chewy... mmm heaven. Although I don't remember eating a whole box in one sitting or day, but I know I came close. You know, pregnancy can do that to you.

Anyway...

One of my lucky readers will win this wonderful prize pack and receive everything that you see here!!

Thank you MyBlogSpark and Nature Valley!!

Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters are a bite size blend of 100% natural ingredients that include select roasted nuts, whole grain oats and a touch of honey - a wholesome and delicious pick-me-up any time of the day.

I love these little nut clusters. The serving size is quite generous and perfect for a snack, anytime. The sling backpack is a perfect companion to carry your snacks (or first aid supplies) for a short hike and my children negotiate turns with the binoculars and flashlight! An intervention is almost always required.

Everything you need for a fun, get out doors, excursion. My kids can have fun with the binoculars and flashlight and I can make sure they have a healthy snack and stay hydrated. It's a perfect combination! I can't wait for our next trip to our favorite hiking spot!

Ok, so what do you need to do to get in on this little awesome piece of snack heaven?

Leave a comment to let me know that you were here, but when you do, share some of your favorite elements of nature or places to visit. Our family loves Interstate Park for the easy hiking trails, camping options, river boat rides, and historical glacier facts.

It's not fair not to share, so for additional entries share with others by inviting them to visit this post. Leave me a comment, only one is necessary for the extras, just let me know where you dropped nuggets of invites to come here. So for example, you could say, "I shared via email and on Twitter". That would get you two extra entries. You choose where you want to share. The social media options are endless, as you know. That's it - easy peasy! Right?

Get your entries in by Monday, September 28th. A winner will be selected (the old fashioned way) and announced on Tuesday.

Have a great day!

~Shanna

Last Chance to Enter and Win :

2009-09-24T10:25:00.000-05:00

Win Music that Naturally Rocks! Today is the last day to enter for a chance to win a signed copy of Marié’s new album Breathing Underwater. Be sure to sign up before midnight.

You can listen to her hit single, "Avalanche" on the site too!

I'm so happy to be able to share this with you. It can be a bit overwhelming and finding a place to start is not easy when it comes to "Being Green". It's everywhere. And it should be. The key is to start. I started learning with Ideal Bite a little over a year ago and love 'em.

Ideal Bite offers bite-sized ideas for light green living - ideas for real people who lead busy lives and want to make small changes that add up to big results. Our Daily Tips cover everything from biodynamic wine to eco-pet products to organic cosmetics. The secret sauce? A spoonful of "incremental environmentalism" combined with a keeping-it-real attitude.

Ok, so I've listened to her song four times now! I love it. I'm kinda weird that way when I find a new song I like. I want to listen again and again to really soak it up. Anyway... Maybe I'll get my own CD with the gift cards I earned. hmm...

~Shanna

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This promo is referral link and will be managed by Ideal Bite; however, it has been brought to you because I love Ideal Bite and... I'm really liking this song. I'll never share anything that I don't already love. You won't want to miss tomorrow!!

Blog Action Day Announced!

2009-09-23T22:16:00.000-05:00

...and for 2009 Climate Change is the buzz. In 2008 it was Poverty and 2007 was the Environment. I wasn't blogging in 2007, but if you were with me last year at this time, you may (or not) remember what I pledged to do. Um, it was a lot harder than I thought! Usually is, isn't it? :) Here's my It's a Wrap post from last year.

So, what is Blog Action Day?

Blog Action Day is an annual event that unites the world's bloggers in posting about the same issue on the same day on their own blogs with the aim of sparking discussion around an issue of global importance. Blog Action Day 2009 will be the largest-ever social change event on the web. One day. One issue. Thousands of voices.

View this short video to learn more and click here (blog/site required) if you'd like to join the conversation. Let me know that you have; I'd love to support your site with comments or even a carnival and we can support each other, what do you think?

"Be the change you want to see in the world." ~Mahatma Gandhi

For those of you who are new to my humble site, first off, thank you for stopping by. I mostly participate in carnivals, chat about my babies (not really babies anymore) or chime in from time to time on stuff that just plain matters from the heart. New friends and old alike, regulars and those just passing through, please know that I truly appreciate your visit and I hope you enjoy your stay.

~Shanna

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I've got a give-a-way coming up!! First one ever on this site! Just in time for my blogoversary, yeah! I'm so excited! Are you in?

Sunday Citar : Life of a Child

2009-08-30T14:25:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Sunday Citar! This blog quote meme was created by Tabitha @ FreshMommy. You can stop by her blog to see the quotes and photos that she and everyone else is loving right now.

One Hundred Years from Now...

It will not matter
What kind of car I drove

What kind of house I lived in

How much money I had in my bank account

Nor what my clothes looked like.

But One Hundred Years from Now...
The world may be a little better
Because I was important
In the life of a child.

I found this in an old, old Bits & Pieces magazine. No author was cited.

Tell Me Thursday : Perfection

2009-08-27T09:03:00.000-05:00

You may have been wondering what knitting needles and a partially completed something or other has to do with perfection.

Well, this something or other is actually going to be a scarf. Something that newbie knitters start off with as their first project. Something simple.

Now, this soon to be scarf has many imperfections. There are a couple small holes where I grabbed to many stitches at one time, but you only notice them if you are looking for them. This new venture of mine as seen it's many restarts too - at least three with a close call not too long ago. (Hollywood decided to pull the loops off the needle, fortunately, I was able to thread the needle all the way back through... perfectly.)

Well, perfection, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. Honestly, anything, as it's perceived, is in the eye of the beholder. True?

This scarf has given me ample time to reflect on what my eye beholds.

Having nothing to do with knitting and lots to do with perception and what one's eye beholds... (ok, I'm done beholding my eye)

I came across a blog sometime ago and the post I read was absolutely hilarious and thought provoking. It hit home with me. Big time. Click here to read, "Half Empty or Half Full?" by Dawn over at Because I Said So.

Having three small children can leave me feeling like Senario Two, although I'd much rather be feeling like Senario One. And while the chaos may run rampant around here from time to time, I've been choosing to see things differently.

How about you? Anything that you could be seeing in a different light?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you are looking to get started knitting or need a refresher course, be sure to check out this great resource. This site has helped me tremendously and I recommend it to anyone. It does't cost anything, you don't give any of your information. You just follow along and learn. Their button is on my side bar too. :)

Wordless Wednesday : Perfection

2009-08-26T08:52:00.000-05:00

Visit more Wordless Wednesday fun over at, none other than Wordless Wednesday or 5 Minutes for Mom.

Don't forget to come back tomorrow for Tell Me Thursday!

Sunday Citar : Youth

2009-08-23T20:56:00.009-05:00

Welcome to Sunday Citar! This blog quote meme was created by Tabitha @ FreshMommy. You can stop by her blog to see the quotes and photos that she and everyone else is loving right now.

Since I cannot locate a good photo with a fave quote, I thought I'd share a couple of fun photos with an intriguing quote.

Age considers; youth ventures. ~Rabindranath Tagore

I'm sure once they get a bit older, their age will hinder this type of behavior, but for now...

By the way... doesn't this look familiar?

So it begins...

2009-08-22T22:04:00.009-05:00

I have enjoyed having my children at home with me. Most of the time. I'd be lying if I said that all was hunkie-dorie all of the time here. But, we did what we did when we wanted to do it. Never having to worry about schedules, appointments, deadlines and laundry - Oh. My. Gosh. The Laundry! I'm so glad I found a cheap laundry soap or I'd go broke just to keep clean clothes!

I manage to keep our house some-what orderly, the children, bathed, fed and clothed. Outings to the park or beach were usually last minute, haphazard - 'hey let's go!' ideas that turn out better than something planned.

No schedules meant no alarm clock, unless you count the kids waking you up in the morning asking for cereal cause they are hungry...

and well, um, it is time for breakfast.

Here is the so it begins part...

Now that I've, reluctantly, enrolled them in school, all of that has changed. We now have appointments, schedules and deadlines to keep track of and fit into our family nonchalant lifestyle. Don't get me wrong, keeping up with three active, into everything toddlers, kept me quite busy, but we did everything on our terms. So what if me and the kids stayed in our pjs all day long, on a Thursday. I don't think the school staff would agree that pjs are appropriate attire for school.

Now that school is in session, I feel like I'm constantly on the go... parent meetings, dentist and doctor appointments, homework, yes homework! Oh and did I mention trying to run a business from home too.

Calgon, take me away!

Hollywood, Lil' Momma and Prince Charming during their first week of school.

Oh, and speaking of appointments...

Congratulations on a clean bill of dental health from the dentist on Friday! Momma is very proud of each of you!

Wordless Wednesday on Thursday

2009-07-02T16:39:00.004-05:00

Here's my Wordless Wednesday on Thursday. I know I'm late, but ha! I can get meet you in two places at once!

Isn't s/he gorgeous?! I'm not necessarily a fan of these eight legged buggers, but it was just sitting there so pretty. It even waited for me to go in the house and grab my camera.

Anyone know what kind it is? I have no idea.

Go visit 5 Minutes for Mom or Wordless Wednesday for more WW fun and if you haven't already stopped by... your WW friends may be talking about their WW over at Tell Me Thursday!

Have fun!

Oh, and if you know what kind of spider this is, I'd be very grateful. I'd rather find out now if it's poisonous or not. ;)

Sunday Citar : Kindness

2009-06-28T09:10:00.005-05:00

Welcome to Sunday Citar! This blog quote meme was created by Tabitha @ FreshMommy. You can stop by her blog to the quotes and photos that she and everyone else is loving right now.

I love quotes. For a short time, I had been posting my own quote of the day and am so happy that FreshMommy has a weekly meme.

This week, I'd like to share a quote that has been on my mind daily. I work in the retail industry and while most customers greet me with the same courtesy or smile as I do them... some do not and are, well, rude. mean. condescending. are having a bad day and need someone to take it out on no matter how brief.

Yeah, that's me, a real live live person you are dumping on! I have feelings. I have three small children waiting on me at home who'd rather have me at home with them instead of sharing me with you.

But before I start to take it personal or a used punching bag, I discreetly take a deep breath, I remember...

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." ~Plato

You can go here to browse through some of my other favorites.

Thank you for stopping by. Until next time.

3 Year Olds

2009-06-26T15:26:00.000-05:00

The babes have just gotten up from a nap. "E" got up a bit later than the other two, so she missed out on her after nap snack when the other two had theirs. Instead of her snack, she wanted something else... OK, no problem.

"E": Mom, I'm thirsty.

Ok, just a sec. Do you want a banana? {My atempt to offer her the missed snack.}

"E": No! Thirsty!

"E": MOM! I'm thirsty!

Hold on honey, I'm coming. Ok, do you want Grape or Orange Tangerine?

"I" pipes in: Grape.

She happily trots off to drink her grape juice.

"E": Kool-Aid. {Funny, I don't remember offering Kool-Aid.}

Grape or Orange Tangerine?

"E": Kool-Aid.

Grape or Orange Tangerine?

E: KOOL-AID!

Grape or Orange Tangerine?

E: KOOL! AID!

**Sigh**

Offereing only two choices doesn't always work, usually, they come up with a third option, but I'm chosing not to have this battle, so she got Kool-Aid. LOL

Tell Me Thursday : Working from Home

2009-06-25T21:45:00.008-05:00

Well, if you stopped by yesterday, you caught a glimpse of my daughter chattin' on the phone while listening to headphones. The kind that allows you to sing along - kinda like karaoke.

I don't think either of them were working, but she was having fun anyway.

Oh, yeah, and you don't you just love the background? Toys everywhere! That looks like it was a good day. LOL

Some things never change.

As you can see... toys everywhere! Oh yeah, the girls were doing some body painting with their butt cream. They did the same thing with the same tub of butt cream about some months earlier. It was the best butt cream evah!

Anyway...

Don't ya love it?

Wordless Wednesday : Working from Home

2009-06-24T12:59:00.002-05:00

Visit more Wordless Wednesday fun over at, none other than Wordless Wednesday or 5 Minutes for Mom.

Don't forget to come back tomorrow for Tell Me Thursday!

Shrinking Jeans : Shred Days 2 & 3

2009-06-24T06:59:00.001-05:00

Wow! What a week! I started The Shred just last Tuesday (Day1), skipped Wednesday cause my legs still felt like jello and then did Day 2 & 3 back to back Thursday and Friday.

Thursday (Day 2) I felt awesome. I felt stronger. Yes, I still felt like jello, but I also know, for me, the best way to work out workout soreness... is to, um, workout. I had my reservations about being able to commit to every day, but at the end of Day 2. I knew I could and I felt relieved...

Well. Let me tell you. Friday (Day 3) was the clincher. Although I didn't think I'd be able to get a workout in before work on Friday, I did anyway, well cause - I had to. You know. I felt so good the day before. How could I not keep the momentum?

Boy was I sorely mistaken! That was all she wrote. I could feel my legs, knees, ankles and feet aching all day, but that was due to working out, of course, and my body still getting used it. BUT, while kneeling to a squatting position at work to restock/front face merchandise at the cash wrap, I had a painful discovery. My knees had swollen so much that I could not bend them without being in excruciating pain - needless to say, I could not bend them. And because my muscles were weak, I had to pull myself back up from the shelf with one hand while pushing up from the floor with the other.

Ah, the perils of being young and ignorant. I used to be an active person. I loved to ride my bike, go roller blading around the lakes, walking, hiking, working out at the gym, etc...

In 2001, I suffered my first knee injury, partial tear of the ACL. I'm not able to go into details, but needless to say, it was not taken care of properly by the responsible entity and I believed the doctor when he said he didn't see anything wrong with it anymore. Hmmm, yeah, whatever! I was young and naive.

Then in 2004 I suffered a complete tear of the ACL of my other knee, surgery followed 15 months later cause I could not under go surgery while pregnant. My body did not respond well to physical therapy and honestly I should have put more effort into it. Again, I was naive and have never regained full range of motion in that knee, not to mention I've lost a lot of muscle mass due to that injury.

Ok. So. Back to today.

The Shred and the Sisterhood were going to be my way of getting back into shape and essentially get my physical life and knees back. I have three little ones to keep up with you know. LOL! The Shred cause a good friend has been raving about it and the Sisterhood, cause now she and I can both be held accountable in a fun, supportive way.

So, with that, I'll be modifying all of the high impact exercises with once I've learned from my past days of working out. I think I'll try one day a week to do the whole exercise like the video, but the rest of the week, I need to go a bit slower to get my strength back in knees.

Mr. Scales has me at 161 pounds this week. Oh well. I still feel better and I'm so lovin' the ab workout as I sooooo need it. :)

Until next week!