Spring Has Sprung and the Kids Are Wet 'n Dirty

Yes, yes, I still have children.  And they're ADORABLE.
Some playtime at home with the wee rascals.



Here's the wet part.












Delicious.



Now for the dirty part.















She is so playful and spunky!



I love the vintage look of Wilder's expression.

HIYAH! Judo Chop Fat: What Works for This Mama

First off, I have no miracle cure, no easy answers and no one-size-fits-all solutions to losing those last (or first) few pounds.  BUT, I can share what helps me when I want to kick my jiggles to the curb.  Like now.  Today.  It all (re)starts now.

1) Know thyself.  I'm a cyclical kind of person.  I get fit, stay there awhile, get burned out, eat whatever I want, subsequently gain a few pounds, then when my clothes start feeling too tight and I don't like how I look in the mirror I start back on a fitness kick.  It's how I work.  As I've gone through fit/unfitness cycles, I've learned a bunch about what works for me.  So, I continue to....

2) I have to want it.  As the "eat whatever I want" cycle goes on for a few weeks I notice the fat layering on.  But it takes more than noticing to make me put down the donuts and pick up my running shoes.  I have to really want to get fit and commit to a regimen.

3) Dramatic change.  This week I'm christening my fitness kick with negating sugar, not eating after 8pm, consuming less wheat products, making healthier food choices and daily exercise.  I know that I need to make a big change, and in two weeks I know I will see a big change when I commit (#2) to following through.

4) Get the Crap out of the Kitchen.  The easiest way to make sure I eat healthy is to only have good food options around.  I shop smarter and THROW AWAY THE CRAP in the CUPBOARDS.  I know we shouldn't waste food, but seriously, I don't have to eat it if it's going to make me feel terrible about myself afterward.  Just toss it.

5) Have Happy Foods.  Healthy food doesn't have to taste like grass and cardboard.  AMAZING.  I don't believe in super foods, complete proteins or any fad diet foods.  It's all about math: calories in = calories expended mean you stay the same weight.  Expend more calories than you consume = burn calories.  So, know some healthy meal and snack options that you enjoy.  For kicks, I'll include a list of foods/meals I've found helpful.

6) I Have to Exercise.  When I workout I naturally want to make healthier food choices.  Hand in hand.  When I see that package of cookies or the chocolate truffle recipe at my finger tips I think, "Do I REALLY want to have to run that off?  Nope."  Also, the endorphins that energize and also relax me after a workout are addictive.  They make me happy, crave ice water, fresh produce, and 80's music.  Okay, not the last one, but you get my point.  Exercise is the key for me to keeping on the healthy track.  It's my personal coach and I know I need it in my schedule at least 4 times a week to keep me going strong.  Cardio and a mix of strength building exercises.

7) Healthy Expectations.  It's often said that it's healthy to lose no more than 1 lb. a week.  I don't often weigh myself and it's a good thing.  Instead I go by how toned my tummy appears (since that's my trouble area) and how my clothes fit.  Honestly, I wish they stopped selling scales, don't you?  Guilt, guilt, guilt!  Well, from garnered experience by being cyclical, I know that within 2 weeks of persistent, positive, proactive change I WILL see results.  Everyone who does the same will, as well.  To quote 'Anchorman,'... "and THAT's a SCIENTIFIC FACT!"

A few notes you don't want to skip over
-You can lose weight without exercise by simply changing your diet.  It won't happen as quickly as combining healthy eating and some good cardio, but it will happen.

-Don't starve yourself.  When you feel light-headed, eat, girl!  Make sure you have healthy, quick options around so you don't cave when you're uber hungry.  Guilty of that, and it makes me feel like a loser when I succumb to a poor food option to appease the grumblies in my tumblies.

-If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.  But remember, ya gotta want it, otherwise you're just putting yourself through failure after failure and flogging yourself with guilt.  Not.  Cool.  You're life is too short to be unhappy.  Wait until you're ready (and see #4 and #5.)

-I started using smaller everything when dishing up.  Smaller plates, bowls, even spoons when I'm eating something I really want to enjoy (not snarf down.)  I even use the kids' bowls when I have cereal because it is closer to the serving size the box recommends.

Foods and Meals I Love


Breakfast Options:

• 2 poached/sunny-side-up eggs.  (Spray the pan, plop the eggs, wait until the white are semi-solid, poor a few tables spoons of water around the edge of the pan, cover with lid until the yolk is cooked to your liking.)
• GoLean cereal with 2 tablespoons of dried berries
• A piece of fruit and a cup of tea or coffee with either above option.

Lunch Options:

• Baked/Microwaved Potato with veggies and mozzarella. (Stab the potato several times, then microwave on high/normal for 3 minutes.  Place cooked potato in a bowl, break it up a bit, place two handfuls of fresh spinach or 1/2 a sliced zucchini (coined) on top.  Add 1/3 c shredded mozzarella.  Microwave for an additional 2 minutes until cheese is melted.)  Ketchup is nice :)
• Add a salad!  My current favorite is baby spinach, diced tomato, cucumber, 1 1/2 tablespoons of blue cheese, 1 tablespoon of sliced almonds and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar drizzled over it.  YUM!  Gorgeous balance and blend of flavors.

Dinner Options:

•  Sliced tomatoes with fresh basil, drizzled balsamic. (See a trend?  I'm big on balsamic and tomatoes.)
• Homemade turkey, three bean chili
• Hearty, lowfat, high vegetable and protein stews
• Steamed veggies (DELICIOUS -do a medley of carrots, broccoli and cabbage.  And open your windows at night so you don't kill yourself -or spouse- with high methane levels, yeah?)
• Turkey sausage (we're big on turkey here.  Cheaper and healthier than beef, for sure.)
• Grilled pork chops (another massive fave here) with BBQ sauce to dip.

Snack Options and Meal Substitutes When I'm on the Run:

• Apple slices with sharp cheddar and a cup of tea
• Hot tea (especially when I start freaking out, wanting to eat any and everything.  Calms this mama down in a heartbeat.)
• Snicker's Marathon Bars (protein bars that taste YUM.) Add apple and bottle of water for great satisfaction.
• Popcorn.  Yeah, baby.  I heart my air popper -and the kids love it!
• Clif Bar's high protein Builder Bar.  Like both Peanut Butter and their Chocolate.  PB top choice.

So, I'm on through another cycle of fitness and looking forward to (big time) feeling exactly the way I want to.  In two weeks.
(Or so...)

Congratulations on taking the first step (or the 292nd) if you're on the same path!  Maybe we'll run into each other!

Thrift Store Home Make Over: DIY Decor

Hidyho!  While I may not be "completely" finished, the redecorating is well on its way to completion and I am loving my vivid (and thrifty) decor.  Spring is the perfect time to freshen up the house and bring in some bold colors and bright ideas.
Here, filling out the area where I hung a grouping of retro book illustrations with family photos and a fabulous Mt. Rushmore souvenir plate.
Estimated Out-of-Pocket: $4.00



Placemats (set of 4) from the thrift store brought in lots of bright colors.  Placed the new "Sparkling Lemon" Yankee candle, freshly arrived yesterday from my wonderful mother, in my grandmother's depressionware pitcher using a silver platter I picked up years ago for a few bucks at another thrift store.  Nice centerpiece that doesn't tempt my 3 year old to constantly want to light, then blow out, the candle.
Estimated Out-of-Pocket: $2



Hotdog!  One of my absolute favorites of this redecoration!  Daniel Boone illustrations from a storybook and a fabulous vintage record clock I made.
Estimated Out-of-Pocket: $12.50



This was a two page spread of Boone's family running to greet him after a long time away.  I just ADORED (and also sympathized with) how happy and jubilant the return was -all those kiddies leaping into his arms, and that exuberant wife!



A happy pappy.



Oh clock, I like you so much.



Lily Belle, you sound capitol.  Simply capitol.






Thought a non-crooked shot might be called for.



Homemade curtains.  Fabric from Walmart.
Out-of-Pocket: $4.67



More curtains!  Herbs and fabric from Walmart.
Estimated Out-of-Pocket: $12



My Grandma Lee's graduation from high school and nursing school photos.  Wooden clothes pin and ribbon hanger.  Above, the vintage postcard collage I made several years ago.



Yay!  I did it!  The boy's adventure-mystery book illustrations grouped and matted!
Estimated Out-of-Pocket:  $20



$3



*Swoon*
$3



The mantle is complete, now we just have to have a picture to put above it.  Waiting for just the right one.  Spray painted all the candle holders and pulled a bunch of other items from the china cabinet and books from around the house.  Surprisingly, the candles where the most spendy items at $5 a pop.  (Estimate price includes spray paint.)
Estimated OoP: $50



Yes, it's an odd collection of literature.  But I had to go for color. :)



I promise to unwrap the candles.  I'm not a crazy old aunt who has her couch wrapped in plastic, too.  And we don't have cats.
My favorite purchase was this wooden box with the bird on it.  One buck.
Now that's what I'M talking about...



Next project:  new throw pillows (because "throw" is exactly what Wilder does with them all) and photo for that gaping hole.



The gallery is underway.  Waiting on a few more pictures from the framers, then featuring the new, improved room here!



$3.


*Sigh*  I love my new, cheery house!

Snuggly Sunday Donuts

Last night Wilder and I read a favorite book, On Market Street by husband/wife team Arnold and Anita Lobel.  I discovered this book while working in my elementary school library, shelving L to Z in the children's storybook section.  When I was pregnant with Wilder I scoured the internet and bought a used version on Amazon.  Love it.

As it lists the various letters of the alphabet, "D" is for "donut."  Right then we decided that when the sun woke up, we'd visit the donut shop.  And here are our delicious doughy delights!



Confession:  the baby bug has been biting me.  Babies, babies, BABIES!  When I told Brian that I wanted to revisit the idea of having number 3 in a few months he, well, let's just say he ran away in search of a chastity belt.  *Sigh*  We'll see.
For now, here's my gooey little poppet.






"Ich bin ein Berliner!"
Big hit, a very bit hit.  After devouring, oh, 5 of these beauties he literally ran in circles.  You'd think he'd be a grand, chemical-free substitute for birth control, but I still want another.  Someday.  Soon...I think.  (Oh, Briiiiiaaaaan, where aaaaaare youuuuuu?)



With all this redecorating I've been doing, I got a wild hare to paint.  One trip to Walmart later and now I have the perfect accent piece for my developing gallery!  Love the color -a mix between robin's egg and teal.  By Friday I should have all the framed photos back from Hobby Lobby and the gallery should be well on it's way to completion!  Photos to follow -yay!

Oh, and for those of you curious, it took about 2 cans of Krylon indoor/outdoor Bahama Sea in gloss to paint this small coffee table.  Love it.



Oh, glorious Sunday morning!
The overcast Spring day, blossoms on our pear trees out front, birds in a symphonic chorus (sounds good, even if it doesn't make sense,) and children happily playing.  Naps when they crash from their sugar high.
(A la Mary Katherine Gallagher) Yesssssss!

DIY Wall Art: Retro Illustrations From Thrift Store Books

My friend, Aubrey, had never been to The Caring Place.  Today when she came over for a visit, I insisted we stop by one of the best thrift stores in Georgetown.  Okay, THE best thrift store in Georgetown.  Hands down.

Ever since redecorating Waverley's room and transforming it from cowboys to vintage/retro chic with those fun curtains and cut out letters, I've been on a mission to tackle the remaining blank walls -of which there are MANY.  Okay, ALL of the walls.

We went to Hobby Lobby yesterday (digressing) and I brought 12 of my large prints used for photo display at bridal shows to have mounted and framed, taking advantage of their 50% off deal.  Woohoo!  In a matter of days I shall have some of my ultimate favorite prints on my walls, creating a gallery downstairs so clients can view and I can enjoy.

Though these prints will fill up a lot of the remaining wall space, there are still plenty of other areas that need filling in, which brings us right back to The Caring Place a few hours ago...

I purchased several books and magazines with the intention of (not burning) pillaging them for pictures to frame.  To my delight we had all sorts of medium/small frames and mattes that I pulled from a storage closet and set to work selecting my favorite illustrations to fit my found frames.


This beauty cost a buck.  The normal pages are great as a "backdrop" for featuring smaller illustrations as layers on top and the pictures, though either blue or red, are fun and full of adventure.



I thought these two paired nicely.



Waiting to acquire more frames and mattes before I hang these puppies.  Will probably do the dinner scene and boy skiing and hang all four together in a square/rectangle.



Ahhhh, reminds me of Alaska.  Home, sweet home.



I felt rather sacrilegious tearing up a perfectly good Dr. Seuss, but Wilder is really into his ABC's and you have to admit, having Dr. Seuss on your wall is pretty darn cool.


 
And now, let us take a moment to (nearly) completely go off topic.  I bought these two crafty magazines for $0.50 each because some of the pictures were just TOO much.  Thought I was going to frame some, but once I held up mattes to them I realized they were even too corny for my house.  I have to share some of my favorites -with commentary.



"Honey, this sweater you made me is, well, I'm speechless.  All I can do is attempt to set fire to both of ours with this cigarette."



This photo is noted as being taken aboard a Holland America cruise ship.  That the spread was titled "All Aboard" and boasted where it was shot was enough for me.



"Come on, Helga, there's a cute diplomat over there getting a hotdog.  Let's not stay with the general."
"But Henrietta, I enjoy his immensely boring stories about wars he never fought in.  It's the only thing that has cured my insomnia."
"Fine.  But I have to tell you, that dress makes you look fat."
"Old crow.  You look like you're wearing icing."



Oh, we've come a long way...



Probably my favorite, for SOooooo many terrible reasons.



"Phew!  Knitting this top really took it out of me.  I think I better sit and rest awhile.  Chin a little to the left?  What?  Wait, my left or your left.  I... well, why don't you just move around me.  I'll hold still."



Svetlana, the day walking vampire, off to seek out her next victim.



And now for the crochet magazine.  The whole reason I dropped a whopping fifty cents -this spread.



Too much, too much!
I'm getting Brian this get up.



And this may be the only picture out of these two silly magazines that I frame.  I feel soooo  relaaaaxed just looking at it.  I hope she didn't fall asleep and drop her cup...

Okay, where were we...  Yes!  Wall art!


Resuming business.  This was a science textbook for grade schoolers in up-state New York.  It was full of brilliant illustrations related to nature, science and surprisingly - some physics.



Reminding me of Wilder, watching the train in the valley below, I selected this from a full page spread.



A half page lake scene.  It had good balance of activity, color and aesthetics.



This book was...OH LOOK, A SQUIRREL!

Uh. Sorry -totally forgot what I was saying.
Anyway.



The sun went down, the pictures went up.  Here's a close up of a 4x6 collage I made from 2 books and lovely stamps from someone's letter.   (Confession:  In college I would go through the top several layers of garbage at the mail station to grab all the stamps I could find off discarded envelopes.  I got some really neat ones from foreign countries.  And I no longer dumpster dive.)



Gracing a wall in the kitchen.



Kumbaya, anyone?



Oh, looking at these makes me so happy!



I know you were wondering when Dr. Seuss was coming into play.  He's hanging out in the kids' bathroom and lookin' goooood.  I kept the shot of the sunflowers from my mother's garden in Washington to make a happy trio.



Appropriate because A) our kids have "W" names, B) it IS a bathroom, after all.



Just a little too cute.


So, for pennies on the dollar, you can create your own unique, book-centric decor.  Grab some frames from the thrift store or garage sales or recycle some you own to give a fresh look to any room!

Other good framable ideas and thrift store wall decor


-Hang plates!  Thrift stores are always stocked with mismatched china, souvenir plates and ceramics that make great art when grouped together or added as an accent to angular decor.


-Frame sheet music!  Enough said.


-Postcards and vintage photographs!  These are typically best found at estate sales or antique stores ($1-$10.)  My favorite I have framed in a collage format was $3 and it's always a joy looking at.


-Comics!  This is how my friend, Cherie, decorated her little boy's room and it turned out uber cool.


-Cookbooks!  Great illustrations and photos from vintage cookbooks are great to decorate your kitchen.  Also a useful and cute idea to frame a few favorite recipes -you won't have to dig through your collection, just look at your wall.  No more forgotten ingredients!