My Managed Chaos

Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Managed Chaos) — Tue, 22 May 2012 19:00:00 +0000

I must admit that in years past, I've taken the easy route with teacher appreciation gifts...taking a parent up on her offer to collect money to get the teacher a big gift card. EZPY. But totally, impersonal.

With an exceedingly creative daughter on my hands (one who is happiest when she's creating something for someone else) I think that gift approach will be a thing of the past.

And we're already looking for inspiration...spending the past several days scouring Pinterest for ideas.

There's clever twists on traditional gift cards and flowers:

Source: Uploaded by user via Michelle

Source: eighteen25.blogspot.com via Michelle

Source: gigglesgalorenmore.blogspot.com via Michelle

Source: wmcraftgoodies.blogspot.com via Michelle

But knowing my daughter, and her love of creative expression, her 4th grade teacher will likely get one or more of these artistic gifts:

Source: Uploaded by user via Michelle

Source: wellhownice.blogspot.com via Michelle

Source: amandaparkerandfamily.blogspot.com via Michelle

What will you be getting your child's teacher this year?

My 7 Day Slimdown Journey - The results

noreply@blogger.com (Managed Chaos) — Tue, 08 May 2012 12:08:00 +0000

When I first started my 7 Day Slimdown, day 7 couldn't come soon enough. To say I was continually hunger would not be an understatement those first few day. But somewhere around day 4, I started feeling fuller. And my headaches (caused from either caffeine/sugar withdrawal) were gone.

It was at this point I knew I could make it to day 7.

The weekend (days 6-7) posed a bit more of a challenge as I went out on Cinco de Mayo for a Mexican lunch with my family. But I held steadfast to my commitment and ordered chicken fajitas (and only ate the meat/veggies with a little beans). I was tempted to go out with my husband for a drink over the weekend, but we opted to keep it low-key this weekend and stay home.

At the beginning, I tried to tell myself that a 2-3 pound loss would be good (because, come on, what average woman really loses more than that in a week). But I was secretly hoping for a weight loss in the 5-7 pound range.

Theoretically, I should have just weighed myself on day 7. But that's not really how I roll. I needed to see those dropping numbers on the scale to convince my mind that what I was doing was actually working (aka worth it). And it was.

I'm proud to report that I am down 5.2 pounds in just 7 short days.

For me, that is a huge number...and one that is encouraging me to move forward with clean eating (with only slight modifications).

I'm seeing the difference. My husband has definitely taken notice. Even friends I train with at Living Lean have made comments.

It's working. And as the old saying goes...if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

So I'm continuing on with a renewed dedication to clean eating. Who's with me?

My 7 Day Slimdown Journey - Day 2

noreply@blogger.com (Managed Chaos) — Tue, 01 May 2012 12:21:00 +0000

Well, it seems my 7 Day Slimdown has peaked the interest of many friends. And the main sentiment is 'please tell me more about the details.'

So hear you go my friend...

1. Eat real, whole natural foods, single ingredient foods as much a possible
2. Eliminate food from a bag or a box (aka processed foods)
3. Keep daily sugar intake to 15 grams or less (including fruits)
4. Eliminate alcohol - it's only 7 days...tough it out
5. Drink 3-4 liters of water daily

For each meal, combine a serving of lean protein (like 2 ounces of extra lean beef, 3-4 ounces of chicken, turkey or fish, 3-4 slices of turkey bacon, eggs, or 2 tablespoons of natural peanut butter) with a serving of fruit and/or vegetables. You can also add in one snack a day (ie, raw veggies w/ 3 tablespoons of hummus, hard boiled egg w/ an apple or orange, 1/4 cup almonds, 1 apple w/ 1 tablespoon of peanut butter, etc.)

Being a planner, I spent about an hour formulating my meals for the week. The most difficult part was keeping my sugar intake below 15 grams (as fruits have natural sugar you need to account for). For example:

1 cup raspberries = 5.4 grams sugar
1 cup strawberries = 6.7 grams sugar
1 cup blueberries = 14.7 grams sugar
1 medium banana = 14.4 grams sugar

For my first breakfast, I tried the plan's berry berry green smoothie recipe (which had water, ice, unsweetened almond milk, protein powder, blueberries, strawberries and spinach). I've recently started drinking green smoothies, so I wasn't scared of the thought of adding spinach to a smoothie (or even the weird color that resulted from the combination.) However, this one was not one of my favorites, as it just wasn't flavorful enough for my taste. I'll definitely keep green smoothies in my meal plan, but I will be trying different combinations throughout the week.

Overall, Day 1 left me feeling a bit hungry. And since I eliminated my daily iced coffee (with creamer and sweetener), I did have a bit of a headache by the end of the day. I also overlooked the "one snack" reference and added in another snack to squelch the hunger a bit.

If you're interested in the full plan, just leave me an email in the comment section and I'll send you a copy of what I'm working from.

My 7 Day Slimdown Journey - Day 1

noreply@blogger.com (Managed Chaos) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:03:00 +0000

For the last few months, I've been pushed to my physical limits in 2-3x a week high intensity circuit training classes at Living Lean. At first I felt like I had lost all my strength and was battling a huge uphill battle. But I persisted and slowly but surely I have gotten stronger. Much stronger.

But alas the scale had not budged much and many of my pants were still tight.

So I knew I needed to finally focus on my diet and nutrition.

Enter the 7 Day Slimdown.

My friend Emily had tried this earlier last year and lost a good bit of weight in one short week. She was kind enough to share the details of the plan she followed, but unfortunately it sat there, in my inbox, for months.

Until this weekend, when I finally convinced myself it was time for a jumpstart.

Maybe it was the fact that my husband has been killing it with his workouts and nutrition for months (and the results are VERY evident ;) ...or perhaps it was a switch in my mindset after kicking some major butt in classes last week (yes confidence is a result of my training with Jen). Whatever it is, I'm ready to be the me I've strayed away from.

So, for the next 7 days, I'm adopting a VERY clean diet. One that is void of dairy, grains and SUGAR. And one that is full of fruits, vegetable and lean protein. It's not rocket science (in fact my sister joked with me on Facebook that this is the diet she lives by everyday), but it's a manageable plan.

And I for one am excited to see what the week brings.

Inspiration...Pinterest style

noreply@blogger.com (Managed Chaos) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:21:00 +0000

Oh hey...it's me, popping back into the blog scene after a long hiatus. I'm in the midst of a spring cleaning kick...or perhaps it's more like a strong desire to simplify our life, including the unnecessary things that have accumulated in our house.

I have a large pile of clothes, shoes and accessories waiting for our next fashion swap.

And my dining room is full of unwanted, outgrown items that I'm hoping to donate and/or sell.

I cannot really explain it, but when things are orderly, I am much more at peace. Content in my surroundings, and better able to enjoy the life we've built together.

As I work to purge the unnecessary clutter, I have a clean slate for new inspiration...and that's where Pinterest comes in. In the past few months, I've been pinning DIY projects I'd like to tackle to spruce up our abode. Simple, artistic, functional projects that bring me joy. I cannot wait to try my hand at these (and would love to hear about any DIY projects you have been inspired by):

Source: spunkyjunky.blogspot.com via Michelle on Pinterest

Source: google.nl via Michelle on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Michelle on Pinterest

Source: easyjewishhome.com via Michelle on Pinterest

Source: restyledhome.blogspot.com via Michelle on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Michelle on Pinterest

Homemade Goldfish Crackers

noreply@blogger.com (Managed Chaos) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:42:00 +0000

I’ve recently discovered Pinterest, an online bulletin board that allows you to “pin” things that are of interest. To say it is addicting is a bit of an understatement. I have found myself lost in exploration of DIY home projects, crafts, recipes, fashion and so much more.

When I saw a recipe for homemade goldfish crackers, I knew immediately it was something I wanted to share with Miss B (aka Zebra Girl as she likes to be referred to these days). And she anxiously agreed to try them out because 1) she loves goldfish crackers and 2) “they are SO CUTE.”

Here’s the simple list of ingredients:

1 cup flour
4 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces
8 ounces (2 cups) grated Cheddar cheese
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon baking powder

Directions:

Pulse the dry ingredients together using a food processor.
Add the butter and cheese, and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
Pulse in 3 to 4 tablespoons of water until the dough forms a ball.
Remove, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes (we put it in the freezer for 20 minutes and in the fridge for 10 minutes).

Mix it all together

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While the dough is chilling, it’s time to make the goldfish cutter. You’ll need an old pop can, scissors and tape.

First, cut a half-inch to 1 inch-thick strip of aluminum from the can (this might take a couple tries until you can get a straight line.) Form the aluminum (approx. 6-8 inches) into a circle and tape together the overlapping ends with scotch tape. Then bend the circle into a goldfish shape with your fingers…there’s no precise method to this, just keep shaping it until it looks like a goldfish.

As an added precaution, I wrapped the goldfish cutter with tape so the edges wouldn’t be too sharp. As my husband lovingly reminded me, I don’t have the best track record with sharp objects lately.

EZPZ Goldfish Cutter

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No comes the fun part (or at least it was fun at the beginning…it quickly turned into tedious work)…making the goldfish. You’ll need to roll out the dough to approx. 1/8 inch thick (use flour as needed to avoiding sticking). Then start cutting out goldfish (…after goldfish…after goldfish…)

Roll and Cut

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We had enough to fill 2 baking pans lined with silicone baking mats (you can also use parchment paper). To add character to the fish, you can add eyes and smiles with a toothpick.

Happy Little Goldfishes

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Bake the goldfish crackers in a 350 degree oven until golden and crisp (13-18 minutes). Cool and then dive in…

The results of our goldfish cooking experiment were mixed…actually everyone really liked them, except Miss B (go figure).

They can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week (although I’m sure they won’t last that long in our house).

Best of 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Managed Chaos) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 13:12:00 +0000

Like many of us do at this time of the year, I used the last week of 2011 to reflect on the year that has come to pass.

To say it's been a great year would not be entirely truthful.

Sure there were many fun time. Times filled with joy and love. And times filled with pride.

But I've struggled. As a mother. As a wife.

And as a blogger (heck, I'm not sure I even consider myself one anymore.)

In looking back at my blog in 2011, I can visibly see the shift that has taken place in my life. Gone are the personal posts about my joys, struggles and family life. My children are growing older and have asked that I not share things about them online. It's a request that I have taken seriously and have honored.

When I went back to pick out my favorite posts of 2011 (much like I did in 2010) they were few and far between. But the posts that stood out were of memories of creating things with my daughter or spending wonderful times with blogger friends (many of whom have long since become friends in real life). These are some of the memories I'll treasure from 2011:

Be my iValentine (this was by far my most popular post of the year)

Creating a candy wonderland

Summertime = Strawberry Pie

In pursuit of happiness - RV style

Fashion Swap: Out with the old...in with the new

Happy New Year, my friends. Here's to a "glass half full" 2012.

Christmas tour of our home

noreply@blogger.com (Managed Chaos) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:45:00 +0000

Ready or not, Christmas is just around the corner. And I think we're finally ready (minus the gifts that still need wrapped before Sunday morning, but close enough ;)

The decorations have been hung by the chimney with care...

Ornaments adorn the trees among glistening lights...

This year we added a 1960 tinsel tree with rotating base and light wheel to our collection of trees (it used to belong to my husband's great grandparents).

Tables have been spruced up with festive themes...

And baking has commenced...

But there's still time to take pause and remember those who are no longer celebrating with us. I miss you Grandma...maybe that's one reason Christmas just hasn't felt like Christmas for me lately.

Wishing you all the joy in the world and a truly Merry Christmas from our family to yours...

My Top 10 Christmas Songs

noreply@blogger.com (Managed Chaos) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:14:00 +0000

It's hard to believe that Christmas is only a mere five days away. The decorations have long been up (or as my husband and son like to say "Christmas has exploded in our house") and the presents have been bought (but yet to be wrapped). Miss B has been baking up a storm and family holiday plans have been made.

But it still doesn't seem like Christmas.

To help me get in the holiday spirit, I've been building a Christmas playlist on Spotify (if you haven't tried this you must...it is beyond amazing...and it's free!)

Here are my Top 10 Christmas songs:

1. Cold December Night by Michael Bublé

2. Shake Up Christmas by Train

3. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by Barenaked Ladies (a new favorite thanks to the recommendation of a dear friend)

4. O Holy Night by Martina McBride

5. O Holy Night by Mercy Me (yes, I have this song on my list twice...it's one of my favorite holiday songs of all time...it gives me goosebumps every time I hear it.)

6. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day by Casting Crowns

7. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by Michael Bublé

8. Christmas Eve Sarajevo by Trans Siberian Orchestra

9. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear by Mercy Me

10. All I Want for Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey

So...what song gets you in the holiday spirit?

Her Very Own Halloween Par-Tay

noreply@blogger.com (Managed Chaos) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 02:49:00 +0000

Halloween has never been one of my favorite holidays (it’s kind of hard to go trick or treating in the rural countryside where neighbors are miles apart), but for Miss B, Halloween has quickly become one of her favorite holidays.

For months, she has been planning her first annual Halloween Costume Bash for 10 of her closest friends. She’s diligently researched invitations, Halloween recipes and found outstanding deals on decorations. Goodies bags were lovingly created and games with prizes were planned with excitement.

Her dream job after all (at least right now) is to be a party planner…and she was totally in her element.

Her menu was festively themed…apples “mouths” with almond teeth, “finger food” made with cheese sticks and bell pepper “nails,” and the last minute addition of “mummy toes” (after her long planned for candy corn pizza didn’t turn out so well).

Costumes were paraded and judged (my favorites were Thanksgiving dinner and a certain Mad Hatter, of course.)

Costume Fun

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And games, like pumpkin bowling and mummy wrapping, were played with animated excitement…

Games Galore

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She saved bobbing for apples for the end and I learned that in order to get kids to dunk their faces well below the water you have to remove the stems first…oh well, I guess I’ll know better next year.

Apple Bobbing

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Miss B deemed the party a huge success and is already looking forward to her next bash (which if she had it her way would be for Thanksgiving…my girlie likes to party).

Halloween preparations

noreply@blogger.com (Managed Chaos) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 10:00:00 +0000

My daughter loves a party. More specifically, she loves to plan and host a good party. All under her own creation. Lately she's been immersed in planning a certain Halloween Party she's throwing for 10 of her closest friends.

She has her costume picked out...

And decorations are being made...

(why yes, that is a branch we cut from our back yard, painted black and decorated with miniature Halloween ornaments...EZPZ project.)

Now all we need is for Halloween to arrive. I think she's ready...

Fashion Swap: Out with the old...in with the new

noreply@blogger.com (Managed Chaos) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 02:33:00 +0000

This past weekend, I attended a Fashion Swap hosted by my friend Amelia.

And it was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

The concept is quite simple. A bunch of friends are invited to clean out unwanted clothes, shoes and accessories from their closets. The items are then put on display during a GNO and everyone spends the evening "shopping" (taking home as many items as you donate.). Anything that's leftover is then donated to charity.

It was so cool seeing new life brought into your unwanted clothes when someone else tries them on. I can't count the number of times that I heard:

It never really looked right on me.

I just never wore it.

OMG that looks so good on you...you have to take that one. Afterall, it's FREE.

At first, many of us felt guilty taking more than a couple items. But as the evening wore, the more we felt free to dig into the fashion racks. Each timing finding a new "treasure" we had overlooked before.

The event was so fun, I didn't even think about whipping out my camera phone to capture the action. But thanks to the generosity of my young assistant (aka Miss B) I was able to capture many of the outfits I took home.

I love. love. love this concept and will be enjoying my "new" wardrobe for months to come. And I cannot wait until the spring edition.

Back to school 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Managed Chaos) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 01:59:00 +0000

My Mom sweetly reminded me that I hadn't posted anything about back to school...not even my popular What to Wear series (well if you can call two a series).

The start of school came without much fanfare...backpacks and lunches were packed and outfits were picked out the night before. Miss B is now a proud 4th grader and loves, loves, loves her teacher. (Mr. B is in 8th grade...and he was not overly thrilled when he caught a glimpse of me sneaking a cell phone photo of him getting on the bus.)

In the first week of school, Miss B has decided to run for student council. Fingers crossed that she gets elected (and let's me share her nomination speech).

Watch out 4th grade...here she comes!

In the pursuit of happiness...RV-style

noreply@blogger.com (Managed Chaos) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 02:09:00 +0000

Never before have I imagined my life revolving around an RV. Sure, I've "camped" out with my inlaws in their RV (OK, we never actually stayed overnight in the RV, but it was "camping" during the day none-the-less). Despite growing up in rural Ohio, I definitely prefer my safe, suburban home with all its modern conveniences.

But for fellow blogger, Britt Reints and her family, living in an RV is part of their daily life. This amazingly brave and adventurous family of four has opted to sell all their possessions and travel the U.S. for the next year in an RV. All in the pursuit of happiness. It is the simple life...to the extreme.

Earlier this week, Britt and her family were forced to make an unexpected detour on their planned route (thanks to Hurricane Irene) and thanks to the generosity of a mutual friend, they spent several days exploring the Cleveland area. They were also able to share their story on the local Fox station (it tickled me pink to be able to help get press coverage for a fellow blogger ;)

Thanks to a hastily scheduled GNO I was fortunate enough to meet Britt last night and she was all I imagined she'd be...

Energetic. Free spirited. Thoughtful. Charming. Fun. And unabashedly open to share her story with us. Thanks, Britt, for allowing me to be a small part in your family's journey in pursuit of happiness.

Summer...oh, how I'll miss you

noreply@blogger.com (Managed Chaos) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 02:38:00 +0000

The summer of 2011 is fading fast (as is evidenced with the start of a new school year next week)...but not before it has left me with some wonderful memories with my children.

From coasters and parades...

Berry picking...

Water excursions...

Campfires...

And ropes courses...

Summertime...oh, how I'll miss you.

Goodbye school...hello summer

noreply@blogger.com (Managed Chaos) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 10:00:00 +0000

A week ago today was the last day of school for my little girl...it might be a bit cliche, but it seems like just yesterday (ok, that might be a slight exaggeration) that she was entering into the 3rd grade. She put so much thought and planning into what she'd wear and wanted to put her best foot forward as she entered the upper ranks in her elementary school.

Contrast that with her last day as a third grader...when she casually threw together a mismatched outfit (throwing caution to the wind without a cardigan to cover her tank top) and gathered her hair up in a quick "bun".

I attempted to get a last day of school photo of Mr. B, but he promptly replied, "No Mom. I'm not two."

Such is life here in the world of "Managed Chaos."

Now let's get on with summer!

Summertime = Fresh Strawberry Pie

noreply@blogger.com (Managed Chaos) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 01:48:00 +0000

Summertime. Ahhh, summertime, oh how I love thee.

The warmth of sunshine on my pale white skin, the smell of freshly blooming flowers, gentle wind blowing through my hair as I lounge by the pool...and the juicy goodness of fresh picked strawberries.

Growing up, we used to pack up our stationwagon and head north to the strawberry fields where we'd pick pint after pint of this luscious summertime fruit.

It's a tradition (minus the stationwagon) that I'm continuing with my daughter today.

Picking at our favorite strawberry farm

This weekend, after successfully picking nearly 24 pounds of strawberries (yikes, what was I thinking?!?!?) we made a beeline to the kitchen to whip up one of my most favorite summertime desserts.

Strawberry pie.

It's so good, and super easy to make that my own 9 year old daughter made it herself (with only minor assistance with the oven).

Here's what you need for Perfect Pie Crust:

Crisco (vegetable shortening), Flour, Salt, Water, Vinegar, and an Egg.

Mix together 3 cups flour with 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Then work in 1 1/2 cups Crisco with a pastry cutter until it looks like little crumbles (this will take you a few minutes).

Add in 1 egg, 5 tablespoons cold water and 1 tablespoon vinegar. Mix until it forms a doughy ball.

Then separate your dough in half (you can divide it in thirds if you like a thinner crust). To roll out your pie crust, place the dough in a ziploc bag and roll flat with a rolling pin. Once the crust is rolled out, simply cut the edges of the bag and then flip the crust into your pie pan. EZPZ, no doughy mess on your countertop.

After trimming you crust (just run a butter knife along the edge of your pie pan) you can crimp the edges however you'd like...no need to be super fancy here. I'm still trying to perfect this, but they're getting closer and closer to what my mom makes.

Then take a fork and punch a few holes in the bottom so your crust doesn't puff up while baking (350 degrees for 10-15 minutes until golden brown).

While your crusts are baking, rinse and stem your strawberries (you can cut them into bitesize pieces if you'd like or leave them whole). Then it's on to the pie glaze...

Forget the store-bought bag of pie gell...this version is SO much better. You'll need: 1 cup water, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons corn starch and 2/3 cup sugar.

Heat in a saucepan over low heat until it develops into a thick consistency (stir regularly)...about 15-20 minutes. You can add a few drops of red food coloring if you'd like, but it's not necessary.

Cool and then pour over your fresh strawberries (about 4 cups worth)

Mix and pour into your baked pie crust.

If you're like me you can double the pie glaze and make two pies (since you already have two pie crusts baked). But don't put the berries into the 2nd pie crust until you're ready to eat it (unless of course you like a soggier crust).

Happy summer my friends. Bon apetit.

Share the Shearer's

noreply@blogger.com (Managed Chaos) — Wed, 18 May 2011 02:47:00 +0000

I'm a snacker...one that admittedly can go overboard if I allow myself, especially with chips. And that's why I typically don't have these crunchy treats in the house. I have no self-control.

But when Shearer's approached me to be part of their Share the Shearer's campaign so I could share their new, healthier versions of chips with friends, I couldn't help but jump in. And I knew the perfect group to test them out on.

Teenage boys.

When the samples arrived I found a huge box filled with these:

After successfully hiding the box of yummy temptations from my son for a week (he would have been surely tempted), I hosted a large group of hungry teenage boys (many of whom were on my son's lacrosse team). I asked them for one thing... their honest opinions. And as expected, there was no clear-cut concensus.

"I love the barbeque flavor. And they're not nearly as greasy as normal chips."

"I'm not diggin' the sour cream and onion, but I LOVE the Cinnamon Shapers. My mom NEEDS to get these, they're so good."

"I didn't think I'd like the RiceWorks chips, but the Salsa Fresca is actually my favorite."

Some of my taste-testers...showing off their favorites

While the boys were impressed with the chips themselves, I was equally as impressed with the company behind the snacks. For starters, Shearer's is long-time family owned company located just outside of Cleveland. (Yes, I give bonus points for the a hometown company.)

Also, as my blog friend Cleveland Foodie describes in great detail, Shearer’s is THE greenest food manufacturing plant in the world. Simply impressive.

I also give major props for Shearer's iniative to make snacking healthier. I know eating chips isn't the same as snacking on fruits and vegetables, but we all have indulgences and it’s good to know that when we do – or give snacks to our kids – that a lot of the bad stuff, like saturated fat, has been taken out.

For those of you who are curious, the top "vote-getters" of the night were Barbeque, Classic and Shapers Cinnamon Whole Grain Chips. As for me, I preferred the RiceWorks chips.

Disclosure: Shearer's provided me with chips to sample and a Heinen's gift card to supplement our party with food. The opinions are strictly our own.

Like mother, like daughter

noreply@blogger.com (Managed Chaos) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:34:00 +0000

I grew up playing volleyball. And despite a horribly weak and awkward start in the 7th grade (yes, organized sports didn't start until middle school way back when), I ended up being pretty good at the sport and played all through college.

With so many fond memories of volleyball experiences tucked in my heart and mind, I always dreamed that one day my little girl would follow-up in her momma's footsteps.

But one little thing kept getting in the way.

My daughter didn't like sports. Period.

I tried for years to talk her into playing, but backed off when her resistance flaired. Never wanting to turn her off entirely to the idea.

Until this year, when she agreed to "try" volleyball.

I was over the moon when she expressed interest, albeit a hesitant interest. So I signed her up immediately.

And now, my little girlie is loving volleyball.

It's the little things in life that make me happy...and full of pride.

My B. Lux Fashion Party

noreply@blogger.com (Managed Chaos) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 02:22:00 +0000

Girls Night Out...three little words that bring a smile to any woman's face. But combine a GNO with a boutique fashion experience and it's a match made in heaven.

This past weekend I invited my favorite local blogger/social media friends to a B. Lux Boutique fashion party...setup right in my own living room. Here's a little peak at what we enjoyed:

Racks of trendy clothing

Bling...lots of bling

...even on jeans (which I am now the proud owner of)

Wine and champagne flowed. Food was enjoyed. And a great time was had by all.

If I were a better blogger, I would have been focused on documenting the actual event (you know, with photos of my guests enjoying the par-tay). But I was totally engaged in the experience...consumed by the awesomeness of my friends...and enjoying every minute of the night.

And for me, I wouldn't have it any other way.

And as an added bonus...I already have my next GNO outfit picked out! Who's hosting?

Creating a candy wonderland

noreply@blogger.com (Managed Chaos) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 04:02:00 +0000

To say my daughter has a mild obsession with all things sweets is a huge understatement. It’s even gone so far as invading her room.

Months ago, she announced that her room theme was “boring” and didn’t really match her personality/interests. So we set out to create her own little candy wonderland, complete with…

Custom Candy Artwork

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And, giant lollipops to adorn her bed. These were super easy to make and were created with a flat disk of styrofoam, paint, dowel rod, cellophane and ribbon.

Using the same cellophane and ribbon, we wrapped plastic dessert plates to create a wall full of individual hard candies.

And her pièce de résistance…

A Gummi Bear Mirror

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Who knew that a $5 mirror from Target could look so good?

Never Say Never

noreply@blogger.com (Managed Chaos) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 18:20:00 +0000

A few weeks ago, I tweeted this:

And I knew right then and there that I'd soon be taking my daughter to see this:

What I didn't know was that I'd actually love the movie as much as my little girl seems to have grown to love this teenage Canadian pop star himself.

Now, if you're anything like my husband, you're probably rolling your eyes in disbelief at that statement and wondering what the heck has possessed me...perhaps I've lost my marbles or worse yet, I've fallen off the deep end. I mean seriously, how could a 37 (soon to be 38) year old mother actually like anything associated with this bubblegum pop star?

Well, while my daughter crushes on his songs, hair and overall "cuteness," I was moved by two overriding themes from the movie.

1. Never let anything stand in the way of your dreams.

Maybe I'm a softy, but I love seeing success stories and it made my heart happy to watch this young boy dream big and work hard to achieve his goals. He hails from a small town in Canada, and has gone from playing his guitar for passerbys on city sidewalks, performing in talent shows and sharing his talents on YouTube to singing his songs accoustically on nearly every pop radio station in the U.S. -- he has definitely put in the legwork to become a mulit-million dollar recording artist performing before a sold out crowd at Madison Square Garden.

Believe it to achieve it...it's a lesson I try to teach my own children.

2. Family values are key.

The movie showcased many home videos of Justin with his young mother and grandparents (who supported their teenage daugher in raising Justin). Perhaps I'm just a sap, but the genuine love they share is very touching.

Don't believe me? Well I dare you not to swell up with emotion when you witness his grandfather tear up as he recalls the day Justin and his single mom left home to pursue stardom. Or see his mother beam with pride (and shed a few tears) as she watches her son accomplishing a major dream (performing before a sold out crowd at Madison Square Garden).

Their family dynamics are rooted in deep Christian family values and has set the foundation for the well adjusted teenager that Bieber seems to be. He loves playing basketball with his friends, enjoys the company of his family, and still has to do mundane chores like make his own bed.

With all that said, I could have done without seeing Miley Cyrus towering over Bieber in a dominatrix get-up during one of the concert performances. Awkward.

Oh, and one more thing...can someone tell Justin to pull his pants up? Because my daughter, and a million of other young girls, are watching.

Be my iValentine

noreply@blogger.com (Managed Chaos) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 04:22:00 +0000

Last year, my daughter came home with her very own Valentine’s Day ‘iPod’….and she vowed that she wanted to make her own this year.

While I in no way lay claim to the idea, I thought it was cute/easy enough to share with all my mom friends who will undoubtedly be working on Valentine’s Day cards soon. (Actually, Miss Monkey asked if we could take pictures of the process and then blog about it. Don’t ya just love her enthusiasm!)

With a few weeks left until those highly anticipated Valentine’s Day school parties, here’s what you’ll need:

Boxes of ‘conversation hearts’
Construction paper (large enough to wrap around your candy boxes
Scissors
Tape
Glue
Scissors
Miniature Reese's cups
String (approx. 12 inches for each ear bud)
iPod wheel and playlist décor (I created this in Word using clipart and shapes. Each playlist was customized with each child’s name.)

Glue on iPod décor

We used tape to attach the string to the bottom of the ~~box~~ iPod. Another piece of tape was wrapped around the string (to connect the “ear buds” together) and then more tape to attach the “ear buds” (i.e., miniature Reese’s Cups).

And, Voila!

Your very own, Valentine iPod for your little munchkins to impress their friends with. (And you’ll look like a super, creative Mom. Double win.)

National Delurking Day 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Managed Chaos) — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 18:56:00 +0000

Do you know what today is?

I'll flash you a little hint...

Thanks to Rudecactus for the image and idea

What in the world is National Delurking Day you ask? Well, my dedicated friends and readers, it's a day to come out of your non-blog-commenting closet and say "Hi!"

It's simple, just leave me a comment. Tell me who you are or if you have a blog yourself that I should be visiting. Or if you feel like chatting, let me know why you love stopping by My Managed Chaos and what type of posts "float your boat" or you'd like to see more of.

Blogging is no fun without the community and I'd love to learn more about my readers.

Happy Delurking Day 2011!

A Day at the Spa...for her 9th birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Managed Chaos) — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 19:59:00 +0000

It's hard to fathom how much you've grown in the past year. As you enter your 9th year, I see before me a vibrant, young girl with a zest for life. One that is carefree and confident. Meticulous with details and energetic in your silliness. In your own words you are "sugar and spice and everything nice."

In honor of your birthday, you asked to host your own spa day for your friends. Just like the carnival you planned this summer, you were meticulous with the planning details. From the homemade invitation that you spent hours crafting and the candy bar you created with your aunt, to the spa activities and goodie bags for your friends...every detail was planned to your specification.

You and your friends spent hours enjoying manicures, pedicures, paraffin dips, mini-massages, hairstyling, sweet treats and more.

But more importantly, on your special day, you delighted in bringing joy to your friends.

And I was so happy to be able to share your special day with you.

Happy birthday, my little angel girl. I love you forever.

xoxo,

Momma