3 Bundles for Me

HELLO November!

2010-11-01T11:37:00.000-04:00

Can I possibly be the only mom who is psyched Halloween is over?

With LT (C's new nickname, as he is a lieutenant in the Army) still gone, I was flying solo for my least favorite holiday. My mom came up to hand out candy at our house while I took the three amigos out.

They were wild, but cute:

We made a quick costume change from a Monkey, Barbie and a Butterfly to the Dog (last years - thank god for kids who don't grow), a Cat (again, last years) and a Monkey.

I apparently went as a mannequin, without knowing it, as both my jeans and sweater still had tags on them.

Look, I do have spirit!

Here's to a great November, which I hope to survive with flying colors! LT comes back Dec 10th, and I'll be over the moon to see him (and then leave for quiet time by myself!).

Do You Spin?

2010-10-01T13:40:00.001-04:00

My kids LOVE Laurie Berkner. Like, hum her songs all the live long day LOVE her.

We just went to the Life is Good Festival a few weeks ago to see her, and they will love me forever after that (ha.)

To put them in a good mood, we listen to the Best of Laurie Berkner Band every morning on the way to school/daycare.

There is one song, "I Really Love to Dance" that has confused me forever.

My Mom said try Spinning

So I gave it a try

My friends all like spinning, and sometimes so do I

But the only thing I really want to do is Dance

Forever, I couldn't figure this out.

Did kids really take spinning classes? No way - how could they. . .

So did she mean, spinning wool? That is so old school, but maybe she is from farm country. . .

Until, just this week, light dawned on Marblehead. She means spinning. Like around and around and around, arms whirling.

Just in case you thought I was smaht. Can you say Mommy brain. What the hell is going to happen when I am old!

The Three Amigos

2010-09-09T08:47:00.001-04:00

This is my tribe. This is what they are like EVERY. SINGLE. MORNING. At 6 AM. The girls always want to cuddle with their brother and he just wants his juice in peace! I feel ya little man.

New Toy!

2010-09-08T13:20:00.000-04:00

So I finally got an IPhone. I am thrilled with it, and am really am having a ton of fun of with it.

So far, I use Echofon for Twitter, I love facebook and how easy it is to check it. I've been playing Tetris and Solitare way too often.

But my favorite thing? It has to be what my kids can do on it!

They love Dora, The Memory Games, Cookie Doodle, Scribble.

What is your favorite IPhone App?

Life Changes

2010-09-07T07:00:00.000-04:00

In July, my husband took a new job. With the Army. Yeup, at 34, he enlisted. Lord help me.

While it does "fit" him, it is quite a life change. And doesn't really fit with our plans for the year. But it was his "dream job", so he really wanted it, and who was I to stand in the way.

No doubt, there are a lot of benefits. Specifically, the benefits. And pay, and hours, mostly. The downside is he has weeks, months really, of training ahead. Right now he is gone for 5 weeks. Then he is gone for 8 (missing Thanksgiving), then 3. After that, it slows down a lot and he is mostly home.

As you can imagine, my days are CRA CRA. Here is what it looks like:

5:30 Up. Why didn't I get up @ 5 to run! Damn, gotta shower

6:00 Kids up.

6:30 Fighting with kids to get dressed

6:45 Drop off G and J at Daycare

7:00 Try to feed Emma something. Cheerios in a bag? Something at Starbucks? ANYTHING!

7:30 Drop Emma off at afterschool

8:15 Get to work

10:00 Worry about how to get everything done - bills, Jake's dr appts, sports.

12:30 Lunch with my coworkers

2:00 Sit in a meeting and think about what the kids need during the GAP Give & Get event

3:30 Ask to leave a little early, since traffic worries me and daycare closes at 6.

4:30 Leave work early. Feel guilty as I walk by the cubes of all my coworkers who got there before me and who I am SURE are judging my lack of hours.

5:30 Pick up E

6:00 Pick up G & J

6:15 What to do for dinner. . . Chicken Salad Sandwich, PBJ, Chicken Nuggets??? I am not a cook!

6:45 Finally get something on the table: Mac & Cheese!

7:15 Put out the trash while kids run around outside

7:30 Get milk ready for bedtime, get juice ready for the AM, clean up kitchen

8:00 Try to quickly get at least 2 baths done.

8:30 Everyone lie down!

9:15 Everyone is asleep

9:30 Pay Bills, Check twitter, switch laundry, load dishwasher, pick up what I can, pick out clothes for everyone for tomorrow

10:00 Try to watch the news

10:30 Try to go to sleep. Play too many games of Solitaire on my IPhone

Not too bad, right? ;)

2010 Goals Updated

2010-09-04T12:42:00.001-04:00

I thought it was a good time to get an update posted on my 2010 list. Lots of it isn't going to happen. :( But new stuff did happen, so it'll all just roll over to next year.

2010 To Do List

Organize the garage: 1/2 done. We can park in it, but I am still not crazy happy with it.
~~Repaint the living room:~~ This is done, but I went to dark. I'll have to do it again next year.
Get back to my favorite weight (or lower!)
~~Redecorate Emma’s room~~
Install the Master Bedroom closet organizer (purchased 4/07) DONE - and loving it!
Join the book club
Host 6 playdates (3 down)
Find the positive everyday (dinner questions w/ the kids)
Change to a job in healthcare (more on that later!)
Wear all my clothes and donate the rest
~~Clear the toy clutter~~
Plan a summer visit for Maine or Vermont
~~Take kids back to Storyland (Booked for June)~~
Finish the master bath
Read / Listen to 12 books: I'm already at 9 books.
Run a 5k
Finish landscaping the backyard
Pay off Jake's medical bills
Watch a movie once a month
~~Get a stool for the kitchen~~
Make something with the sewing machine
Explore MA with the kids
Do one on one with the kids regularly
S~~wim in the ocean~~
See my siblings each month
One date night a month
Focus on the relationship with C
Wallbaord in laundry room installed
Regular summer pedicures
Create a living will & trust
Do an overnight away with C
Try the garden again, simpler than last year.
Decorate the house with style - accessories, color etc... (I found Katie's blog, which is TOTALLY my style!)

First Day of Kindergarten

2010-09-02T12:51:00.000-04:00

E started school today! I can't believe my baby is 5.5 years old and a kindergartner!

It wasn't an easy transition this morning. Just like Jump Up Day in June, she was a mess. She cries and holds onto me for dear life. On the walk to school she had told me if G could have come with her, she would be fine. Too bad she can't take her little sister with her! (Who is totally ready for school. . . lord help me we have 2 years until she goes!)

Luckily we have a great school counselor who I had already talked to and knew to expect this. She took her in, and within 5 minutes she was fine.

That's not to say I was. I teared up immediately when I had to hide behind the building. Random strangers were coming over to give me hugs. I love them for that.

I kept it together for a while, but then was crying on my walk home. I must have looked like a loon to the construction crew that is rebuilding a house on my street. But whatever...

You would never know that she went to daycare her whole life. I so wish I hadn't passed along my anxiety of new situations. Poor kid. But she rallys quickly, and will be fine!

Congrats E! You are going to rock kindergarten!

This was way before we got to school. She was still happy at this point.

Skin Care - Need Help!

2010-09-01T12:29:00.000-04:00

I've been very lucky. I've never had to worry about my skin. As long as I washed it and moisturized it daily, it was fine.

But life has taken a toll lately. Stress is very high around these parts, with C away for the better part of the next 4 months. E starts kindergarten tomorrow, and J is having his 3rd surgery at the end of the month.

My skin is telling that story. It looks rough. My pores are huge, my dark circles are even darker, and it is a bad combination of dry and breaking out. I think I have to realize I am 32 years old and can't just wing my skin care routine anymore.

I've been using the Neutrogena Wave:

For moisturizer, I've been using Neutrogena Ageless Restoratives.

So - what should I change? I am thinking about getting some eye cream.

I'm slightly partial to Neutrogena because my skin seems to react well to it (normally, not right now though!). And of course Jen Garner is the spokesperson.

Birthday Gift #1: Sonicare Toothbrush

2010-04-13T13:12:00.000-04:00

I had a GREAT birthday a couple weeks ago. I'll recap all my gifts, but one of my favorites is the Sonicare HealthyWhite Toothbrush my parent's gave me.

My brother got it for Christmas, and I was slightly jealous. I mentioned I wouldn't mind it for my birthday (I am so subtle). I had totally forgotten about it, but my Mom didn't!

This beauty came in the mail ON my birthday. My Mom and Amazon are in kahoots.

Using this is like going to the dentist every day. It has a timer that turns its self off when you should be done. It is gentle, and doesn't irritate my gums. But it also feels like I have gone to the dentist, getting all that stuff off that never seems to come off except during my usual dental cleaning. It also has a UV Sanitizer to clean it every week. And a sensor strip that fades when the brush needs to be replaced. Really, it is everything I have ever dreamed of in a toothbrush.

If you don't have one, run out and grab it! I am thinking about getting the kid version for the gremlins.

*I didn't receive anything for this - i just LOVE it!*

{Images from Amazon}

Pick Me! Pick Me!

2010-04-05T14:05:00.021-04:00

Since I gave up spending money, I have been entering giveaways. I have no self control, so I can' really window shop. If I window shop at the GAP, I end up buying pajamas and t shirts no one needs.

I have started keeping a list of all the giveaway sites that are pretty good. These are mostly magazine based give away sites.

There are also a ton of blogs that do giveaways, but that's a different topic for a different day! You have seen me blog about a few that had great giveaways. The blog ones are tricky because they often ask you to give away your first born to get multiple entries!

My favorites:

Glamour

I know some of these are old fogey magazines, but they do great giveaways! And once you enter one of them, you get prompted with other oppurtunities. For example, if you enter Woman's Day site, it will give you dozens of contests to enter.

My tips for entering givewaways:

* Have an email address just addressed for giveaways. That way you can keep spam out of your regular email.

* Copy and paste your address (email) when you want to enter a bunch of contests. I sit down and do a quick session of entry every night.

What's your favorite site?

Good Luck!

Gearing Up for Easter

2010-03-28T02:01:00.000-04:00

I have given up two things for Lent.

1. Shopping

2. Sitting Around, accomplished by working out every day. This was inspired by Erin who suggested it to all her twitter friends.

So far, I have to say, I am doing better than I expected. I have done a little bit of shopping, but all of it was from gift cards we already had. I haven't purchased anything that I couldn't get on a gift card.

For the working out, I think I have done AWESOME. I have missed two days total. Which, coming from maybe fitting in 3 workouts a week, I think is pretty good. I have been running, doing yoga and taebo. It seems to be a great balance. My favorite workout is definitely the running, but I can't run every day.

What did you give up for Lent, if anything?

New Snack

2010-03-25T01:59:00.000-04:00

I have a chocolate addition. I love chocolate. Even when I am eating really well, I can't help but grab a few chocolate chips, or a piece of Dove chocolate every once and again.

So, when I found Good Humor Ice Cream Sandwiches, that are 100 calorie size, I was psyched!

They are awesome. They aren't different ingredients, just a smaller size, that is portioned to 100 calories.

I can't find a picture online, but go check your freezer section for some!

Jake's Health Update

2010-03-22T07:01:00.002-04:00

It has been a while since I posted an update on Jake's health. In fact, the last post was in August, here, and so much has happened since then! This will be a long pictureless post, I am sorry to say, sorry!

We continue to see the Pulmonologist, ORL Dr (ENT) and his primary care, all treating him as a team. We have since dropped the GI doctor, since we found out nothing was really materializing in the GI tract department.

From August until November he continued to get really sick, going back and forth with severe sickness (usually Pneumonia), and just a regular old cold. The problem is that when he gets any kind of cough, he gags and throws up. So from July until October, he lost weight.

In October we put him back on Bactrim in hopes that would help him fend off the winter germs, and help him stay healthy for his surgery. We then decided to go ahead and have his adenoids removed, a triple scope done (bronchoscopy, upper endoscopy and lower endoscopy), as well as ciliary biopsy. We threw in a check of his ear tubes for good measure.

He had all those procedures at once, on November 19th. It was brutal, but good.

GI found nothing: they did 21 biopsies and nothing came up funny. No celiac, no digestive issues, everything was great. This was great! Trying to give him Prevacid 30 minutes before he ate or drank anything in the morning was tough!

Pulmonary found that he had malacia, also known as floppy airway disease. This was a surprise, but a good one. Usually associated with kids with Downs, which Jake doesn't have, it is something they can grow out of. It basically creates little pockets in their airways, where their mucus can pool, making it hard for them to cough it out. Here is a great article explaining it all! The only negative here, was that most kids grow out of it by the age of 1. Jake was 18 months at the time of the scope, and still had a pretty intense case of it.

Otolaryngology (ORL) removed his adenoids, since they were enlarged. They also found that he had a laryngeal cleft. This is basically when the groove between the larynx and the esphogus is too deep, allowing food and beverages to go into the airway instead of into the digestive tract. There are different ranges of this, and Jake's is only a type 1, the simplest of forms. But it does explain his symptoms. He sends something down into the wrong pipe, has floppy airways that make it hard to expel it, and bacteria grows, making him sick. This is repairable by surgery, preferably after he is 2. (More on it here). He also had a ciliary biopsy done, but the results were inconculsive. I guess you have to be healthy for 5 weeks straight to have enough cilia to have a successful test. Several of the doctors think a disease called Primary Ciliary Diskynesia (PCD) is a real possibility, so this is the test I really wanted results on. We are going to try again in April.

So we thought we had a lot of the answers. We kept him on Bactrim for a while. He got really sick right after the procedure, but we think he just picked up a stomach bug while in the hospital. He has an amazing pediatrician, and we were able to camp out in ped's office until 8pm Friday night so she could watch him, instead of having him admitted.

After Christmas, we stopped the Bactrim to see how he did, since theoretically he should be outgrowing most of his issues. He got incredibly sick again, spent several days camped at the Peds, but did avoid the hospital. (miracle of all miracles) Needless to say, as soon as we got him better, right back on Bactrim he went.

We ended up seeing the Pulm and ORL drs at that time in January because he was so sick and the normal course of oral steriods (Orapred) on top of his inhalants (Albeuturol and Plumicort), as well as Zithromax, were not kicking the bug. We added Atrovent into the combination and that seemed to pull him through.

Right now the thought is on top of what we know, we are missing some autoimmune deficiency. It doesn't make sense that he would keep getting so sick with just this handlful of issues we know of.

In addition to repeating the biopsy in April, pulmonary also wants us to repeat the Sweat Test, testing for Cystic Fibrosis. He had it and it was negative, but they only got results from one arm. Because we are having so much trouble pinpointing the issue, they want to repeat. We are also going to do a modified barium swallow to see if we can tell if he is aspirating regularly. No doubt it is happening, but we are not sure to what extent. He had a modified swallow in January, but he only took 5 sips, and it wasn't enough evidence for a conclusive decision (Though he did have some push back, he didn't aspirate those 5 sips).

The really good news is that at the end of February he had a cold, and usually we know what that is going to turn into, but he got better on his own! No Orapred, no antibiotics, no hospital stays. We hope this means he is turning a corner and getting over some, if not all, of his medical issues.

Birthday Wish List

2010-03-21T07:46:00.000-04:00

My husband needs help shopping for me. No matter how many subtle hints I drop, he doesn’t always pick up on what I want. So this year, I very blatantly sent him a list of items I would love to get for my birthday (March 30). Here’s what I picked:

Storage for my computer. We have storage, but it is full, so I need something to back up all my pictures. I saw some as the deal of the day and sent him a hint - and he took it!

Netflix account. I would love to reactivate our Netflix! I miss movies, and we just don't get out enough to see them.

A new lens for my camera. I picked out this one:

It is a Sigma 70-300mm

This bag: I don't need it, so I hope he doesn't buy it, but I saw it on the plane back from Florida and think it is really cute. It is technically a diaper bag, but I would probably use it just as purse.

Petunia Picklebottom's Dancing Dublin Bag

The Closet Organizer installed - Done (and crossed off my 2010 list, which is awesome!)

The wall board installed in the laundry room - glamorous! And will never happen.

My Favorite Holiday!

2010-03-17T09:02:00.000-04:00

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

St Patty's Day is always such a great holiday. Not too serious, just a lot of fun. I'm always so proud to really be Irish today.

I'm going to go enjoy my Guinness now - Erin Go Bragh!

2010 To Do List

2010-03-13T13:43:00.001-05:00

So, I always feel like I need better direction. This year I am trying something new. In January, I wrote a list of things I'd like to accomplish. Hopefully this will keep me on track!

Several other people in the blogging world did life list, or 30 before 30 lists (love Nicole's list!), but this is really just a 2010 list, and anything I don't do, has to be carried over.

As you can see, I am not doing so hot so far! BUT a lot of these are in progress, and I am pretty confident that I can do most of them.

2010 To Do List

Organize the garage
Repaint the living room
Get back to my favorite weight (or lower!)
Redecorate Emma’s room
Install the Master Bedroom closet organizer (purchased 4/07) DONE - and loving it!
Join the book club
Host 6 playdates (1 down)
Find the positive everyday (dinner questions w/ the kids)
Change to a job in healthcare (more on that later!)
Wear all my clothes and donate the rest
Clear the toy clutter
Plan a summer visit for Maine or Vermont
Take kids back to Storyland (Booked for June)
Finish the master bath
Read / Listen to 12 books
Run a 5k
Finish landscaping the backyard
Pay off Jake's medical bills
Watch a movie once a month
Get a stool for the kitchen
Make something with the sewing machine
Explore MA with the kids
Do one on one with the kids regularly
Swim in the ocean
See my siblings each month
One date night a month
Focus on the relationship with C
Wallbaord in laundry room installed
Regular summer pedicures
Create a living will & trust
Do an overnight away with C
Try the garden again, simpler than last year.
Decorate the house with style - accessories, color etc... (I found Katie's blog, which is TOTALLY my style!)

How to Research your MD

2010-03-11T21:09:00.000-05:00

It is so hard to pick a physician. Really, the only thing I know to go by is word of mouth or online research.

They always know so much about you, and you know nearly nothing about how good they are at their job.

A long time ago I found CheckMD.com . The site itself isn't fantastic - lots of marketing, and not a lot of meat.

But it does link you to the State Board of Registration in Medicine. I was sent to the Massachusetts site.

There, you can plug in your doctor's information and it details any awards they have won, publications and, most critically, their malpractice history. It also shows disciplinary and criminal actions taken against them.

Hopefully, you don't find anything for your family's physicians. I found out that my OB had two malpractice suits that were settled, for "average" compensation. One of the partners in her practice had a malpractice suite for "above average". This doesn't concern me too much, since OB/GYN is one of the highest rates of malpractice activity in medicine.

Hope someone finds this helpful!

I've Got the Blues

2010-03-09T20:45:00.004-05:00

I may drive my husband nuts because I can never not have a project list. Right now, two projects are my OCD focus. The first is painting the living room, the second is redoing Emma's room.

For the living room, we have a pretty good size room, but there is a lot in it. Right now it is a light green color. I want to make it dark blue. It only has two regular windows in it, so I am a little worried about light.

My inspiration is the living room in Modern Family. One of my new favorite shows, I drool over the blue every week!

In this picture, you can see the blue in the back:

It is actually a little darker in most of the show.

The colors I am looking at are all Sherwin Williams:

6517 Regatta

0048 Bunglehouse Blue

6515 Leisure Blue

7619 Labradorite

6522 Sporty Blue

6243 Distance

Any thoughts? I like the Sporty Blue, I think because it is lighter. I am really imagining more blue color than gray, which I think is prevalent in a lot of these choices.

I love a good project!

Menu Monday

2010-03-08T16:01:00.000-05:00

This week's menu has NO glamour - it is all about cleaning out the freezer and pantry.

Monday: Turkey Breast with vegetables and smashed potatoes
Tuesday: Chicken, Peppers & Onions with Rice (never made it on last week)
Wednesday: Turkey roll ups with stuffing and cranberry sauce
Thursday: Tapas (Hummus, Veggies, Dip, Peanut Butter & Jelly). Otherwise known as clean up day
Friday: Out
Saturday: Homemade Pizza

Nothing sounds good here! I have to get back into making recipe meals at least once a week. . .

Ask Me Anything

2010-03-08T07:52:00.000-05:00

I don't really know what the point of this is, but I have loved reading other's responses, so I thought I'd try it!

Ask me anything!

Formspring.com/3bundlesforme

Great Giveaway! Boba Carrier

2010-03-04T15:01:00.000-05:00

I love this carrier because it goes up to 40 lbs! There is nothing better than carrying a baby on your back!

Natural Mommie is having a great giveaway for one - go check it out here!

2 Cans of Olympic Paint to be won!

2010-03-03T13:42:00.000-05:00

Fantastic Home Improvement giveaway at High Heeled Foot in the Door!

Go Check it out to win some Olympic Paint!

Great Giveaway - Built Cargo Laptop Sleeve at Theta Mom!

2010-03-03T09:00:00.002-05:00

Great giveaway -

http://www.thetamom.com/2010/02/the-built-cargo-laptop-sleeve-review-and-giveaway/comment-page-7/#comment-17361

Ends tomorrow - so get in there and enter!

Menu 2/28-3/6

2010-03-03T07:46:00.000-05:00

I thought it might help me get organized with posting our menu each week. Nothing fancy, but we try to have variety, even though everything has to be prepped in about 30 minutes.

Sunday: Dinner from The Biltmore in Newton (C ran a 1/2 marathon in the morning and wanted to splurge).

Monday: Pork Chops, Applesauce & Brussel Sprouts

Tuesday: Freshetta Pizza with Corn and Broccoli

Wednesday: Chicken, Peppers & Onions, Rice

Thursday: Tuna Paninis, salad, edamame

Friday: Breakfast For Dinner! (Buttermilk Whole Wheat Pancakes from Our Best Bites)

Saturday: Dinner Out

Blame it on the Rain

2010-03-01T15:19:00.000-05:00

With all the crazy weather we have had around Boston this winter (LOTS of snow, then lots of rain), I have become jealous of all the women with wellies wondering around with dry feet.

Of course when this style first started back up again a few years ago, I couldn't imagine ever owning a pair. But now, with soaking feet all the time, I think they are actually quite smart looking!

I saw a few pairs last year at Bass Pro Shops (dragged there by my husband to feed the fish with the kids), but didn't buy them.

Now, I gave up shopping for Lent, but if I was shopping, these are a few pairs I like:

Allison Floral - Target

Argyle Plaid - Target

Blue D'Accord - Target

Pink Argygle Plaid - Target

All from Target, and all under $30!

Which is your favorite?

All about the Meme

2009-10-25T14:59:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite bloggers, and long time read, http://ladybugs-12.blogspot.com/ oringinally did this. I borrowed it. :)
1. Where is your cell phone? On my desk.
2. Your significant other? Mr Bundles
3. Your hair? Brown, and straight. Thanks to straightening. Otherwise a FRO.
4. Your mother? On the Cape
5. Your father? A golfer
6. Your favorite food? Chocolate Chip Cookies
7. Your dream last night? I don't remember dreams. (Hopefully I have them!)
8 Your favorite drink? Diet Coke. Or Sam Adams. Depending on the time of day.
9. Your dream/goal? Get to a position where I can enjoy my family more, without worrying about money. Less hours in the office / more hours playing on the floor!
10. The room you're in? My "craft" room.
11. Your hobby? I am trying my hand at developing a hobby. Right now I am giving several things the college try: Cooking more, sewing and crafting in general.
12. Your fear? Someone I love dying suddenly
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Working from home, enjoying getting my kids to school with a walk, and being home to greet them when they return!
14. What are you not? Patient
15. Muffins? Chocolate Chip Banana
16. One of your wish list items? A shed. Or a Shark Mop (Livin' the Life!)
17. Where you grew up? Massachusetts
18. The last thing you did? Put the girls to bed
19. What are you wearing? GAP trousers, a GAP cardigan and Reaction shoes. Work attire
20. Favorite Gadget? Canon Rebel Xsi
21. Your pets? A dog. And another dog at my parent's house. And quite a few in Heaven.
22. Your computer? Apple Mac Book Pro
23. Your mood? High strung right now.
24. Missing someone? Yes - my brother just moved to NYC.
25. Your car? Toyota 4Runner Limited
26. Something you're not wearing? Socks
27. Favorite store? GAP or Target
28. Like someone? Lots of people
29. Your favorite color? Green
30. When was the last time you laughed? Last time G spoke.
31. Last time you cried? Last week

Book Review: Beach House by Jane Green

2009-10-20T09:26:00.000-04:00

Recently, I got a new (to me) car, and when I bought it, it didn't have a Nav system. My brother helped me install one, and it conveniently came with an input for my IPod. I highly recommend this for everyone who drives any length of time!

So I have started downloading books to listen to while I drive. They aren't cheap on ITunes (anyone know a cheaper way to go?), but it is a great distraction during traffic.

I recently finished this book, The Beach House. It was long, but that was a good thing, as it took nearly a week of my driving to finish it. It made me excited to get back in the car (at least when I didn't have a conference call).

It is set in Nantucket, and revolves around several people that have traumatizing things going on in their lives. Somehow they all end up on the island, connected to Nan Powell's house by varying degrees. There is death, scandal, love, family.

It was a good listen, and I think I would recommend it. Not sure about reading it, since it is so long. I have trouble having a book hold my attention. :)

What I do love is that I have been missing books, and stories. I love that I can get them in my car, when I have time, and not feel like I am pressured to read before bed, when I am usually doing laundry or running (neither of which I can give up!).

Did any of you read this or any of Jane Green's other books? What would you suggest I listen to next?

All Inclusive Resorts with Kids

2009-10-18T09:39:00.000-04:00

C received 2 free round trip tickets recently for getting bumped off a flight. I think we have resolved that we are going to use these for a family trip next year.

We have lots of saving to do for this, so we were thinking April. I would love to do an All Inclusive Resort with the kids.

Any experience with a resort in the Bahama / Carribean / Mexico area that works well with kids? I am not married to the All Inclusive idea, I just love not having to worry about anything.

I've read about the Beaches Resorts, which seem nice.

Thanks for the tips!

Julia Child’s Beouf Bourginon Experiment

2009-10-16T09:29:00.000-04:00

Like I said here, I am trying to cook from scratch more often. My first attempt was Julia Child’s Beef Bourguinon. I must preface by saying, I am NOT a cook.

I didn’t exactly follow the recipe to the t, but it all worked out. Here’s the recipe, with note of what I, um, simplified!

1 6-ounce chunk of bacon

I don’t know where to get a chunk of bacon. I used thick cut regular ole bacon.

1 9- to 10-inch fireproof casserole 3 inches deep

I used a sauce pan, a deep one, but it was a bit tight on space

1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking oil

1 slotted spoon

3 pounds lean stewing beef cut into 2-inch cubes

1 sliced carrot

I just cut a bunch of mini carrots in half

1 sliced onion

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

2 tablespoons flour

3 cups of a full-bodied young red wine

2-3 cups brown beef stock or canned beef bouillon

I didn’t know this would matter, but I used cubes of beef boullion reconstituted. It was a bit messy.

1 tablespoon tomato paste

At first I dumped the whole can in (Obviously I make a lot of sloppy joes). I had to dig it out.

2 cloves mashed garlic

1/2 teaspoon thyme

a crumbled bay leaf

the blanched bacon rind I missed this one, and therefore didn’t have it, but since I had the whole bacon thing going on from before I wasn’t worried.

1 pound quartered fresh mushrooms sauteed in butter

parsley sprigs

Cooking Instructions:

--------

Remove rind and cut bacon into lardons (sticks, 1/4-inch thick and 1 1/2-inches long). Simmer rind and bacon for 10 minutes in 1 1/2 quarts of water. Drain and dry.

I didn’t do this. I figured, since I had regular bacon I could just cook it. I didn’t know what this would do, but after the fact I am guessing it gets some of the fat off.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Saute the bacon in the oil over moderate heat for 2 to 3 minutes to brown lightly. Remove to a side dish with a slotted spoon. Set casserole aside. Reheat until fat is almost smoking before you saute the beef.

Dry the beef in paper towels; it will not brown if it is damp. Saute it, a few pieces at a time, in the hot oil and bacon fat until nicely browned on all sides. Add it to the bacon.

This was all very messy. Lots of spattering. I MAY have lost a few pieces of meat to the floor.

In the same fat, brown the sliced vegetables. Pour out the sauteing fat.

I don’t know what I did wrong, but I had no sauteing fat. And I had to brown a set of meat after the veggies, which made for DARK veggies that were left in the pan.

Return the beef and bacon to the casserole and toss with the salt and pepper. Then sprinkle on the flour and toss again to coat the beef lightly with the flour. Set casserole uncovered in middle position of preheated oven for 4 minutes. Toss the meat and return to oven for 4 minutes more. (This browns the flour and covers the meat with a light crust.) Remove casserole and turn oven down to 325 degrees.

Stir in the wine and enough stock or bouillon so that the meat is barely covered. Add the tomato paste, garlic, herbs and bacon rind. Bring to simmer on top of the stove. Then cover the casserole and set in lower third of preheated oven. Regulate heat so liquid simmers very slowly for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. The meat is done when a fork pierces it easily.

While the beef is cooking, prepare the mushrooms. Set them aside until needed.

I just made sauteed mushrooms in butter. I wanted to follow her recipe, but to be honest, I thought I was! Then I read the recipe and it was more complicated than I thought. I wasn’t really up for following another Julia recipe, so it all worked out! Same deal with the onions.

When the meat is tender, pour the contents of the casserole into a sieve set over a saucepan. Wash out the casserole and return the beef and bacon to it. Distribute the cooked mushrooms and onions over the meat.

Skim fat off the sauce. Simmer sauce for a minute or two, skimming off additional fat as it rises. You should have about 2 21/2 cups of sauce thick enough to coat a spoon lightly. If too thin, boil it down rapidly. If too thick, mix in a few tablespoons of stock or canned bouillon. Taste carefully for seasoning. Pour the sauce over the meat and vegetables.

Here, the fat wasn’t really obvious. I had trouble skimming anything without feeling like I was taking away the sauce.

Everyone in the family really loved this dish. We had to pick out the big bacon bits, but other than that it was gobbled up. Even the girls, who are VERY picky eaters ate a lot of the meat. It was very tender and melted in your mouth. (I used Nature's Promise Stew Meat)

Have you tried a Julia Dish lately? How did it go? I am not sure I am cut out for this level of effort!

My Dream

2009-10-15T09:23:00.000-04:00

This is my next dream purchase.

Seriously, our garage is a hole with all our tools and kids toys. I dream of parking at least one car in there! I think buying a shed would get us there.

What's your next big dream purchase?

(To think, the $700 we recently spent on the dog almost could have bought this!)

{Picture from MLS listing in MA}

Cookie Magazine RIP

2009-10-12T10:00:00.000-04:00

Cookie Magazine is closing down, after just a few short years.

I have to say it quickly became one of my favorites. I'll have to go online and get the articles and ideas I loved saved. It seems their last issue in November, and the online content will be pulled at the end of the year.

Delicious Home made Brownies

2009-10-10T10:40:00.000-04:00

I am NOT a from scratch baker, or cook for that matter. I like to use fresh, healthy ingredients, but I am all about box mixes for baking.

That said, I am trying to be more domestic, and also have a new favorite blog to read, Annie’s Eats.

Annie posted the recipe for Chewy, Fudgy Triple Chocolate Brownies from Baker’s Illustrated. I had book marked it and printed it out in what I am calling my “GReader Cookbook” (more on that later!).

We made it last week and they were GOOD. They are definitely fudgy, and I think I baked mine a little long, so mine were a bit dry, but they were really delicious. I also learned the trick of lining the pan with foil to just lift the brownies out. It was amazing!

Plus, I had two little helpers, which made it a lot of fun. The recipe is crazy easy, and is great for making with the kids.

Chewy, Fudgy Triple Chocolate Brownies

Ingredients:
5 oz. semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 oz. unsweetened chocolate, chopped
8 tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into quarters
3 tbsp. cocoa powder
3 large eggs
1¼ cups (8¾ oz.) sugar
2 tsp. vanilla extract
½ tsp. salt
1 cup (5 oz.) all-purpose flour

Directions:
Place an oven rack in lower-middle position and preheat the oven to 350° F. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with foil and spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

In a heatproof bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water, melt the chocolate and butter, stirring occasionally until smooth. Whisk in the cocoa powder until smooth. Set aside to cool.

In a medium bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, vanilla and salt; whisk until combined, about 15 seconds. Whisk in the warm chocolate mixture until incorporated. Then stir in the flour with a wooden spoon until just combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread with a spatula to make an even layer. Bake until slightly puffed and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a small amount of sticky crumbs clinging to it, 35-40 minutes. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cool to room temperature, about 2 hours.

Remove the brownies from the pan using the foil and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into squares as desired. Store in an air-tight container.

Source: adapted from Baking Illustrated, discovered on Annie’s Eats

This is how I enjoyed it. Might as well go all out, right?

Do you Rue La La?

2009-10-08T15:52:00.001-04:00

I have scored some great deals, both clothes and for the home from Rue La La. I forget who initially peaked my interest in the site (undoubtedly a blogger), but it has been a nice little find.

Recently, I scooped up a bunch of little Philosophy kits, which will make great teacher's gifts in December.

I got C three Vineyard Vines polos that he loves. It is such a win win, he loves them because they are comfy, I love them because he looks good in them!

I've also picked up some Spanx, right after I had J. Which meant I needed less new clothes to go back to work with until everything in my closet would fit me.

Have you scooped up any good deals on Ruelala? (If you need a referral email me, or my referral link is here).

Right now - Rue La La has a special deal, where you will get $10 off when you sign up! Sign up here!

At Least I Get a Chocolate Chip Cookie

2009-10-07T17:12:00.003-04:00

So, I am trying hard not to think too much about, but Thursday is J's follow up with his pulmonologist, appointment with the new GI doctor, and his sweat test, all at Children's.

Back in this post, I outlined what we tried. Needless to say, the sickness continued. Since Aug 1st, J has been on antibiotics 3 times. He is currently on a 3 week course of augmentin just to get him through this appt healthy.

Our pediatrician emailed the pulmonologist and told her that she believes he needs a broncoscopy and endoscopy, and a biopsy of his cilia while they are doing it. All would be general anesthesia, so we both agree let's get it all done at once. She has a strong hunch that he might have PCD, primary cili*ary dysk*ensia. She says it may just all be bad luck, but it would be a LOT of bad luck for one kid to have. Side note: I can't help but think it is so sad that he will have been under general anesthesia twice before his 2nd birthday. (Don't google PCD. It isn't good.).

Now granted, he is not really THAT sick. But a kid shouldn't throw up from coughing at least once a day (ON antibiotics!), he shouldn't sound like he is popping popcorn in his lungs at all times. He shouldn't need to be attached to a nebulizer twice a day to be able to breathe. He shouldn't need to be held down by both parents to get two different oral meds every night and still be sick.

I am hoping that the GI dr takes him off the Prilosec. It isn't doing anything, I think we have proved that, and he HATES taking it. I also hope everyone agrees to a low dose antibiotic to try until we get some test results.

I am thankful that we haven't been hospitalized since April. Some close calls (last month), and our pediatrician warns if we aren't going to do low dose antibiotics (Bactrim) through the winter she has no doubt we'll do a stint in the next few months.

My plan for Thursday is to be a strong patient advocate. At times, I really just agree with someone who I see as an authority figure. I am like Dr. Arizona Robbins on Grey's Anatomy. I usually tear up at the time of confrontation with anyone. (ridiculous, I know!) But I know J, and I know what our pediatrician, who I adore, thinks he needs. So I will try my best to be proactive in getting these doctors to agree with us. And to make sure all of my notes are up to date. I'll reread his file as well so I know exactly what he has been through, as a reminder that he deserves us figuring this all out.

But, at the end of the day, at least we will all get Chocolate Chip cookies at the Au Bon Pain in the lobby. :)

What My 4 Year Old Taught Me About Fashion

2009-10-05T14:09:00.000-04:00

This summer, at the ripe old age of 30 Something, I realized how easy dresses are as part of a wardrobe.

Now, since she was able to talk, my daughter E would ONLY wear dresses. For a while it was incredibly frustrating. But this summer I realized how easy it was just to grab her one dress and not sweat any coordination. It is great!

So, in honor of E, I added several dresses to my closet. And the kicker is I actually wore them!

Now, not once did I wear a dress (I tried to do it at least once a week from May through September) and NOT have someone mention how strange it was to see ME in a dress. They were always complimentary, but it shows what a deviation from my norm that it was.

Old Navy is an excellent source for easy, comfortable dresses. I didn't want to spend a lot because I wasn't sure if the style would stick for me, and ON was perfect for grabbing a few beautiful pieces.

Here are some of my favorites from this past Summer:

Blue Shirt Dress from Old Navy

Floral Dress from Old Navy,

I actually have this in white floral, which doesn't look like it is available anymore.

Black Dress from Old Navy.

I like this, but haven't gotten it yet. I think it is perfect for work.

And for the Fall / Winter I have stocked my closet with these things:

Boden Shirt Dress

Boden Tweed Skirt

I also have a grey 3/4 sleeve dress from J Crew, that at the moment I can't find a picture of.

What are you loving for the fall? Have you gotten into the dress trend?

Blogging 101

2009-10-01T21:46:00.002-04:00

If you are here (and, really, no one is!) then you know I don't really have the blog layout / design thing down.

I am not sure how to make this space pretty or "my style". I don't know HTML, so it is pretty tricky. And I don't want to unintentionally steal any material from someone. I am also unable to stomach sending a pretty penny on having someone design the space for me, since I am not sure exactly how long I will stick with this.

That said, though, I think I like have this here blog, and what to give it a go.

So. . . can anyone suggest an economical method for changing things up here? And is Wordpress easier to manage and make look good? I have noticed a lot of people (Heather and Sam) have WP and look BEAUTIFUL. :)

Gracias!

Cool Catchall from Martha Stewart

2009-09-30T19:57:00.000-04:00

I saw this in the last Martha Stewart Living and just love it. So functional, but asthetically pleasing as well. And not as expensive as I expected!

$77

Steele Canvas

Meme Time

2009-09-27T22:03:00.000-04:00

1. Were you named after anyone? My middle name is from my nana
2. When was the last time you cried? Last week
3. Do you like your handwriting? No.
4. What is your favorite lunch meat? I hate all lunch meat. Really.
5. Do you have kids? 3! Two girls and a boy
6. If you were another person, would you be friends with you? Yes
7. Do you use sarcasm a lot? ALL the time
8. Do you still have your tonsils? No! Just got them out last March - at the ripe old age of 30!
9. Would you bungee jump? Um, no.
10. What is your favorite cereal? Lucky Charms and Kellogg's Special K with Red Berries
11. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? Nope.
12. Do you think you are strong? Getting stronger.
13. First thing you notice about people? Their eyes
14. Red or Pink? Pink
15. What is the thing that you like least about yourself? How much I shop.
16. Who do you miss the most? My family when they are in FL (6 months of the year)
17. First thought upon waking in the morning? It's wake up time already?
18. What was the last thing you ate? Macaroni and cheese
19. What are you listening to right now? The Red Sox game
20. Favorite color? Green.
21. Favorite smell? Fresh warm bread
22. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? My husband.
23. Favorite sport to watch? Baseball.
24. Hair color? Brunette
25. Eye color? Brown
26. Contacts or glasses? Glasses.
27. Favorite food? Filet Mignon
28. Last movie you watched? The Ugly Truth
29. What color shirt are you wearing? Black
30. Favorite season? Fall
31. Book you are reading now? Love the One Your With by Emily Giffen
32. Favorite sound? Baby babble in the morning
33. Special talent? reading people
34. Where were you born? Boston, MA

New York here we come! (again)

2009-09-25T09:08:00.001-04:00

We are heading to NY this weekend, specifically the White Plains area. We are going to visit my brother, who recently moved there. My sister, who is in NYC is going to come up and hang out with us. The big event of the trip will be a day at the Bronx Zoo. Not sure what else we will do, but I am so excited to see my brother. I miss him a lot.

We are staying at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. All of us in ONE room (hold me.). Should be interesting since J hasn’t slept past 4 AM all week and hacks his head off all night long.

Room Redo Reveal!

2009-09-22T09:34:00.002-04:00

Poor G, she has been in her room for 2.5 years and we had yet to do ANYTHING with it. No paint, nothing.

This is the before:

It was a baby room. With rocker, random flower decals that made sense when it was E's room and a changing table.

Also, if you look closely, you'll see in the two corners where the pink paint looks two colors. This is where the previous owner tried to touch up cracks with the wrong color pink.

Here is the after:

The view into the room from the hall

I love that I can see this decal from the hall. G's story makes this the perfect quote*. (from Etsy here)

We chose Pink Persuasion from Lowe's Valspar Low VOC line. It is bright, but beautiful.

The polka dot decals are also from Etsy, here.

This wall is still a mystery. I think I am going to do a large Monogram of G's name or a quote. (I welcome any suggestions!)

Some of my thoughts are:

I don't really LOVE either of these. But they are both cute and would look nice.

This is a Pottery Barn changing table that I got as a great deal. I love it, but need to figure out how to get convert it to a regular dresser. I bought it because it was convertible but now I can't figure it out! The buckle is hiding under the picture. :)

Pottery Barn Bedding & G's little corner to play with her house.

The budget was slim, and I spent a total of about $60 on the polka dot decals and the quote. Everything else was something I had laying around. The paint (and supplies) came from Lowe's with a gift certificate from credit card rewards.

*ETA: A little history on G: she was born @ 33 weeks and had trouble breathing on her own. She is my miracle. This quote is perfect because she is also such a little peanut!

2009-09-21T20:13:00.001-04:00

I am in LOVE with the Juxtaposition Booties from Anthropologie. These babies are calling me name.

Too bad they're $210.

Hopefully a sale soon? Does Anthropologie ever offer discount codes?

Home Goods Style Guide

2009-09-20T21:52:00.000-04:00

This is a very cool quiz. I would say Earthy Casual sums up my style very well:

sarah, you are an EARTHY CASUAL

You're interested in creating a welcoming home where people feel comfortable and happiness flourishes. You appreciate the warmth and individuality of natural materials and handcrafted things and are inspired by colors and forms from nature. You love mixing up different textures and are sensitive to the tactile qualities of objects. Your style is grounded and solid, not flighty or frilly. And you are never taken in by the trend of the moment.

You value comfort. Your home is a warm and open friendly place, and you feel happiest when everyone is cared for and relaxed in your space. Elements like pillows, throws, overstuffed furniture, and good lighting set the mood. You may also enjoy layering different fabrics or mixing patterns to create a cozy effect.

Putting Your Style to Work!

With your style and needs in mind, here are a few tips that will help you make your home a little happier.

1. Your Design Challenge: ORGANIZEThe front hall sets the mood for your entire home. Consider how to accommodate all the room's functions as beautifully as possible. At the very least you need a console, and if you're short on storage, consider a dresser. Outfit the surface with nice trays and bowls for mail, keys and sunglasses. Keep a trash can for immediately tossing the junk mail. Closet-door or wall hooks encourage coat and bag hanging rather than dumping. If you have children, try to give each a basket in the closet for hats and gloves. It's nice to have a chair or bench for changing shoes, a mirror for last-minute lipstick checks, and a lamp or sconces for warm light.

2. Your Happy PlaceMake this room as comfortable and inviting as possible by bringing in some real furniture like an armchair or a sofa if you have the space. A little lamp on the counter or decorative hanging light can set the mood. Stools are great perches and can easily be moved around. Don't forget to bring your personality and style into this room: hang some art or display a collection of family photos in mixed frames. Consider bold, happy colors in the kitchen as well, like brightly colored pots and pans, big bowls for corralling fruits and vegetables, and trays for spices, oils, teas and pepper mills.

3. Be Party-Ready All the Time!Food: Devote space in your pantry or on a shelf for go-to party essentials: crackers, dip, chips, nuts—whatever you like to serve. Keep on hand a collection of attractive bowls and cocktail napkins, and you'll be able to set a spread—instantly!

Drink: The simplest and chicest thing is to have a drinks tray or table always set up. Include a mix of pretty glasses, an ice bucket, a lovely pitcher, and bottles of soda and water. When the bell rings, just add ice and limes.

Mood: Nice, flattering light makes us feel good. So nix the harsh, direct light from overhead fixtures in favor of the softer glow from floor and table lamps. Also, keep some votive candles and a couple of hurricane lanterns for setting around the room.

Scent: The first thing you notice about a home is how it smells. Use naturally fragrant cleaning products. If you find a scented candle or fresh potpourri you love, stock up on it. Any scent you like, whether perfume or linen spray, can be used on upholstery, bedding or just spritzed into the air.

Your Happy Home Colors

Putting Color to Use!

You are probably not one to go in for crazy color, and you may want to keep things fairly neutral and sophisticated overall. But try selecting a duo or trio of colors that work well together, and introduce one or more of them into your curtains, wall color or rugs. This will tie the overall palette together in a coherent way. You could even incorporate your color palette in smaller doses, like in your tablecloths, cushions, throws, or bedspreads, for example.

Find your HomeGoods

Cochituate Rd. (Rte. 30) & Whittier St.
Behind Shopper's World

Framingham, MA 01701

Phone: 508-872-6522

Sun: 11a - 6p
Mon-Sat: 9:30a - 9:30p

Get Driving Directions

Find the quiz here: Home Goods Style Quiz

GAP Fall Purchases

2009-09-17T15:03:00.000-04:00

GAP Fall purchases by 3bundlesforme featuring GAP

"I Carried a Watermelon?"

2009-09-15T09:14:00.000-04:00

I am so saddened by the death of Johnny, er, I mean Patrick Swayze. He obviously put in the good find against the Cancer monster.

While I can't say I have seen many of his movies, Dirty Dancing shaped my youth. Yes, a strong statement, but honestly I watched that movie so many times, I could recite the whole thing.

Some great quotes, that aren't quite as famous:

Look, spaghetti arms. This is my dance space. This is your dance space. I don't go into yours, you don't go into mine. You gotta hold the frame.

Go back to your playpen, Baby.

Oh, come on, ladies. God wouldn't have given you maracas if He didn't want you to shake 'em.

Me? I'm scared of everything. I'm scared of what I saw, I'm scared of what I did, of who I am, and most of all I'm scared of walking out of this room and never feeling the rest of my whole life the way I feel when I'm with you.

Now, you'll hurt me if you don't trust me, all right?

Don't put your heel down; don't put your heel down!

You don't understand the way it is, I mean for somebody like me. Last month, I'm-I-I'm eating Jujubes to keep alive, this month women are stuffing diamonds in my pockets. I'm bouncing on shit and quick as that I could be down there again.

J Crew Fall Purchases

2009-09-13T14:49:00.000-04:00

J Crew Early Fall Purchases by 3bundlesforme featuring J Crew

I also got this:

2009-09-12T14:27:00.036-04:00

Now that summer is over, we are home more often. We probably won't head to the Cape again until Thanksgiving. Since the girls have dance each week, we don't travel much. Our only trip planned is to NYC to see my brother, my sister and the Bronx Zoo.

So . . . we are back in menu planning mode. This week we have a LOT of recipe menu items (no box mixes this week!)

1. BBQ Chicken - simple chicken breast on the grill, corn on the cob, rice

2. Julia Child's Beef Bourguinon - from my new Julia Child's cookbook, inspired by Julie & Julia, and then again from the Preppy Newlywed.

(Annie's Eats)

3. Honey Chipolte Glazed Chicken - from Annie's Eats, one of my favorite cooking sites

4. Haddock with whole wheat ritz crackers on top

5. Pork Chops - I need a recipe for these! They were on sale, so I bought them, but don't know what to do with them.

6. Slow Cooker Mexican Torte - another from Annie's Eats

I have this listed as from Annie, but I can't find the direct link. If you have it, please share!

7. A beef roast - again, on sale and I need a recipe. Help!

I also want to make a recipe of Russian Black Bread, from Smitten Kitchen. My favorite!

I have a little obssession with book marking recipes I find in my blog reader. I probably won't cook half of them, but they all look so good!

Never Forget

2009-09-11T12:58:00.000-04:00

Thinking today about all the families who lost someone 8 years ago today.

The world is a completely different place today. I remember exactly where I was, and how we thought it was some bad accident, until we realized it wasn't. I remember desperately trying to find my Dad who was running a supermarket company in MD at the time. And trying to hunt down my Mom who was on a train (through NYC) to see him.

I remember being overwhelming proud of our country. I wish I could have that feeling every day. We bonded so tightly to get through. I remember being so proud of having a President who was "with us". While my views on Bush changed as time went on, he still made me proud the day he stood on the site of the towers with that firefighter.

We'll never forget that day. Or all the troops who have given their lives since then. And their families who have to live without.

God Bless the USA

Are you Flipping Out?

2009-09-07T16:36:00.001-04:00

Do you watch "Flipping Out" on Bravo? Can I just say I want to BE Jeff Lewis.

I wish I could talk to people the way he does. Honestly, I know he is rude and obnoxious, but in my head that's how I talk. I just censor it before it comes out. ;)

I wish I could design houses as meticulously as he does. Seriously - they are so gorgeous. Below are some pictures of two of his kitchens. I LOVE the bigger one - it is so detailed and beautiful.

Quiet Weekend

2009-09-04T20:17:00.000-04:00

So, I spent my weekend in New York a few weeks ago. Since E was born 4.5 years ago, this is the first weekend I have been without any kids. The only exception was the weekend after G was born. I was still in the hospital (NWH) and she had been sent to Children's. Since I got a day pass and went to see her the day after she was born (riding down Rt 9 the day after a C-Section is indescribable pain), I don't count that. :)

I was there visiting my sister, and it's nice. The weather was BEAUTIFUL, as it was at home in Boston. There was a little tinge in me that can't help but wish we were on the Cape enjoying it. But we had been there the last two weekends, with great weather, and C definitely wouldn't want to go, so I was not thinking too much about that.

My sister had a bum foot, so she couldn't walk much. While this might seem like a downer, it actually was nice to be forced to slow down. We had fun, albeit a very mellow, low key fun.

We went to see Julie and Julia Friday night. It was good, though a bit slow. Meryl Streep was excellent, and really personified Julia Child (who I have always admired). It was incredible how tall she made her seem.

Saturday we walked around the village for a while. Got a cupcake from Magnolia. Which, as a cupcake connoisseur, was excellent. The store was super small, and sweet (pun intended). We headed down to Chelsea Market, then back to the apt. Tonight we went to see The Ugly Truth. I love Katherine Heigl, and she didn't disappoint here. The movie wasn't great, but she was worth the trip. I really didn't like Gerard Butler (sorry dude!). If it had been George Clooney / Michael Vartan / Ben Affleck like, it would have been the next Two Weeks Notice.

C managed to take all three kids to Mystic and they had a blast. I was happy they did something memorable.

Sunday I left early and got home to my clan!

AWESOME Vacation!

2009-09-01T16:35:00.000-04:00

So, I am on vacation for exactly the 2nd time this year. I took a week in Florida, and then this week. And in turn I have ended up with what I SWEAR is the swine flu. My husband thinks I am nuts and just have a bad head cold.

I also think that I jinxed myself for getting at all excited about going six months without getting sick. I have been tonsil free for 6 months next Wednesday. Didn't quite make the mark.

The good thing is that it has forced me not to focus on my to do list, but to be more mellow with the children. It's been really nice, and I have to say they are pretty damn cute!

NYC Shopping

2009-08-31T19:07:00.000-04:00

Well, I am back from NYC. I'll recap the weekend in another post, but I picked up a few cute things I thought I'd share.

We went to the Coach store on Bleeker St in the Village, and I got this adorable wallet:

Some in my life might say I am slightly obsessed with the color green. This green is a perfect shade for fall. This wallet is also the best size for easy portability. I need something I can carry discreetly at work. I am one of very few women and I hate carrying around a purse that I have to hide or haul around when we are walking retail space. But this always works great for throwing in my regular purse or diaper bag. It holds a few cards, and a few dollars. I think this will be my go to for a while.

The sales person was SO nice. He was a cute hip guy who chatted us up the second we got in. He was REALLY good at his job. :) He also gave us two coupons for complimentary cupcakes at Magnolia. I loved him lots after that!

We also stopped into Ann Taylor Loft along the way. I haven't shopped there in YEARS, since before E was born 4.5 years ago. But they had some cute stuff. I didn't buy anything in store, but I did go back and get these online. I found a coupon for 10% off from Ebates, plus the 3% at Ebates, which really made it a pretty good deal. (plus they are giving the $25 off $50 coupon for every $50 you spend).

Sorry I can't get the second image larger. I am worried that they might not be great, since they are a bit long and I am only 4'10". I did order petites, so hopefully I won't need to return.

So, are you doing any shopping for fall yet? I have to say it is my favorite season!

Couch to 5K Running Plan

2009-08-29T11:29:00.000-04:00

I have always had trouble getting weight off. I don't usually gain, though that seems to have changed, but getting if off is always REALLY hard.

I lost all the baby weight by 9 months after J was born (9 on, 9 off, right? :) )

But then J got sick, and was in the hospital, and life was just crazy. My eating when carb heavy and I gained 6 lbs back. Mind you, I am only 4'10" tall, so that's a lot for me.

I started running about 5 weeks ago, but pretty unstructured. My husband runs A LOT. Like over 100 miles a week. Me, not so much. I would love to, but haven't done it before.

So yesterday, I started the Couch to 5K Training Plan.

It seems easy in the beginning, but I am taking it from week 1, so as not to deter from my goal of a structured regimen that I can follow. I also do body weights and lift a little each time, so it is more like an hour work out instead of just the 20 minutes.

Has anyone use this before? Was it a success in making running easier? Any advice on making it more effective?

Senator Ted Kennedy

2009-08-27T11:03:00.000-04:00

Ted Kennedy was an idol in my family. Everyone older than me was fascinated with the Kennedys and I think really wanted to be them. It was slightly annoying, but also very endearing.

There is a picture of my nana and Sen Kennedy in my parent's living room that always makes me smile. She was over the moon meeting him, and her face says it all.

We are Massachusetts people born and raised, and the Kennedys made us proud (mostly). If nothing else, they were essential New Englanders, which we are all proud to call ourselves.

Rest in Peace Senator Kennedy.

Winging It

2009-08-26T11:47:00.000-04:00

We are on vacation next week, and have spontaneously decided to go to Maine for two days. We'll be spending the Thursday through Labor Day at the Cape, but need a little something special in the week as well.

We plan to take the kids to York's Animal Kingdom then stay in Freeport at the Hampton Inn. Probably shop a little at night, then take the kids to LL Bean and shop Main Street before heading home.

I am psyched. I love exploring New England, and Freeport is one of my favorites (SHOPPING!).

What's your favorite thing to do in Freeport / York area? We especially need kid friendly restaurants, so please do share!

AMAZING Cottage Remodel

2009-08-25T11:25:00.002-04:00

Jennifer at The Old Painted Cottage has just reveiled her AMAZING home remodel. She has obviously been slaving over this for a while, and it shows how much effort she put in. I am new to her blog, but her work is fantastic.

I especially love the kitchen. The space is similar to ours and now I am itching to get myself to IKEA.

Way to go Jen!

2009-08-24T21:27:00.000-04:00

I LOVE fall shopping. I love the season, I love the clothes. I love being warm, and sometimes wear sweaters even in the summer (since work is super cold).

I also used to love the start of a fresh year of school and still consider Fall a ramp up season when new challenges start.

I am shopping light this fall, since I don't need anything, and E and J are going to need everything. But if I WERE shopping, there is a LOT I love at Boden this season. Here are just a few of my favorites:

Boden Fall Wish List by 3bundlesforme featuring MAC

Breakfast of Champions

2009-08-17T11:26:00.000-04:00

Good for a Monday at least.

Are you Ready for Some Football!

2009-08-16T21:15:00.000-04:00

How sad a sports weekend!

1. Red Sox gave up the Wild Card lead in Texas. And the Yankees kept winning. Dare I say I don't think the mighty Sox will be making the playoffs?

2. Tiger choked for what I can only remember to be the first time ever. It was incredibly painful to watch. You really wanted to look away but couldn't. You know when he is beggging his ball to bite over and over again, his edge just isn't there.

3. Mike Vick gets signed AND TONS of press. I am so sick of this story.

But on the bright side, the Pats won on Thursday, albeit preseason game 1, and Brady looked good.

So let's all get ready to rumble!

Guest Bath Redesign

2009-08-13T20:53:00.000-04:00

We have a pretty standard colonial style house in New England. On the first floor of our house is a small half bath that everyone who visits uses. When I say small - I mean SMALL. It is about 10' long, but 5' wide.

I have NO idea how to decorate this room? Skirt on the sink? A more simple sink, with a cabinet underneath? (Ala IKEA). What about wall color? I think it need something light so it doesn't seem like a cave.

We have 3 full bathrooms in the house - a master, one in the basement, and one for the kids. So this really just needs to be a cute, simple room that guests can use, and we can enjoy looking at when we are in there.

Suggestions?

Seeing Stars

2009-08-11T11:38:00.000-04:00

I have used Google Reader for a few years now, and often star items that I want to refer back to - such as recipes, design ideas, links I want to read from home, etc...

But how do I organize these items? I would love to create folders for each topic - such as recipes, designs, inspiration, crafts etc... Am I missing any easy way to do this in reader? I have over 600 items that I want to keep, but can't easily find anything I am looking for!

If not, should I cut and paste? What do you use? How do you organize it?

Sincerely,
Technically overwhelmed

A Sure Sign I Have Gone Soft

2009-08-10T11:31:00.000-04:00

We had a fantastic family reunion this weekend, in honor of my aunt who died this past Winter.

I realized, though, that I can pretty much cry at the drop of a hat.

Examples:
1. My cousin playing bag pipes. Tears welled up. But I have to say, standing next to someone playing Danny Boy or Amazing Grace on the bagpipes is a very intense moment. (I also get a know in my throat everytime I hear the national anthem. What can I say? Go RED WHITE & BLUE!)

2. My dad and brother talking about sports / life / work. Simple, but reminds me of when I was young. And we all spent a lot more time together.

3. Watching a house fire be taken care of by firemen. I don't know why, but while E and I were stuck watching the fire, it was so emotional. It was small, one room fire, with water damage on the 2nd floor, but I couldn't imagine being the family wondering if they lost everything.

Kids have made me so emotional! I thought after pregnancies were over, I would lose the tear factory, but obviously it is here to stay.

New York, Here I Come!

2009-08-08T20:49:00.000-04:00

I have a special treat coming in the next two weeks. Next Friday, I am working on Long Island, and then spending the weekend with my sister in NYC (she lives there). Alone. Sans kids.

I feel bad about this. Especially since I travel about 3 nights a month for work, so I do spend time away. But this weekend is just about my and my sister shopping, eating out and relaxing. We will probably go to a movie, sleep in and just chill.

And I need help!

My question is - what are your favorite eating and shopping establishments in NYC? I love to shop and we would like to hit some restaurants that wouldn't necessarily work with a kid.

I'm probably going to head back early Sunday to avoid traffic and get back to my babies, but I can't wait for the little quiet time we'll have!

Funniest thing I have seen in AGES

2009-08-07T21:22:00.000-04:00

I am SURE I am very late to this, but if you haven't seen Single Ladies gone wrong on Youtube, you are seriously missing out.

See video here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AN5YbfFszlI

Learning on the Fly

2009-08-04T20:37:00.000-04:00

Since J was 4 months old he has been sickly. FINALLY this week we saw a pulmonologist (hence the Pigg O Stat experience), which really helped set a path, and showcase just how often J is sick. At the end of the appt, she asked me if I was in the medical field, because of all my questions. I told her I had just learned on the fly!

She asked the simple question of "What percentage of time does he cough". We both agreed it is about 70% of the time. That's a lot. And as our ped always says, a kid isn't supposed to have a cough. He's 15 months tomorrow and been hospitalized twice for breathing issues. That's not normal. He had RSV @ 11 months, in April. That is almost unheard of (it is usually kids under 6 months, that get RSV between Nov and March). He had tubes put in in March after repeated ear infections. He has been diagnosed with moderate complex asthma, which is a probably a major contributor to all this issues. He is my only full term baby which makes it even odder. If we had to go through any of this, I would have thought it was G, who was born @ 33 weeks and had severe RDS.

So, in the plan, this is where we are:
1. Start him on prilosec. Maybe the cough is an irritant from reflux? He wasn't a reflux baby, but maybe it just wasn't bad enough to cause problems. (he has been coughing since 4 months)
2. X-Rays. They looked "junky" but not pneumonia
3. Blood tests. Two focuses here - allergies (not food) and immune issues. Results are available tomorrow.
4. Move from Flovent as a puffer, to a strict 2 x a day Pulmicort treatment through Nebulizer.
5. When sick, give Albueterol generously.
6. Meet with a GI doctor to talk about possible reflux issues
7. Do a sweat test for Cys.tic Fib.rosis

Oy Vey.

The only thing I regret a little from what we have laid out is both the ped and pulm asked often if he snored and I said no. He really just purrs. But actually, that is probably snoring. And it seems like that makes a difference, so I'll have to clarify when we go back.

I am VERY happy that we have a path and can start eliminating issues. I am also VERY nervous that something bad is going to be the cause of all this. (Um. . . CF has a 40 year lifespan).

We'll know more tomorrow, when the blood tests are in. Then all the other appts don't happen until October with the specialists. He sees his ped on 8/21, for his normal 15 m check up.

Any insight? Is there anything else I should be asking the drs?

I know it could be SO much worse, but I still hate that we know our way around Children's and there is a team of drs talking about him and developing treatment plans.

Meme Time!

2009-07-31T21:48:00.000-04:00

I've seen this Meme around, so I thought I would give it a whirl.

1. What kind of SOAP is in your bathtub right now? Dove exfoliating liquid soap

2. Do you have any watermelon in your refrigerator? Yes!

3. What would you change about your living room? I would love a different sofa. And a mounted TV, with storage below.

4. Are the dishes in your dishwasher clean or dirty? Dirty

5. What is in your fridge? 6 1/2 gallons of organic milk, yogurt, eggs, cheese, lettuce from the garden, carrots, cukes, onions, peppers, scallions, 900000 condiments, leftovers, and a lot more that I can't remember.

6. White or wheat bread? Wheat - usually a 12 grain of some sort. I my heart I love White bread, but don't eat it.

7. What is on top of your refrigerator? A picnic basket and plastic dinnerware for outside

8. What color or design is on your shower curtain? clear - see through in master bath. PB Kids floral decor in Kids bath.

9. How many plants are in your home? 5

10. Is your bed made right now? Nope - my DH is in it, sleeping.

11. Comet or Soft Scrub? Neither - I hate chemicals.

12. Is your closet organized? Pretty much. As much as it is going to be without a formal organizer installed (see also the TO DO list!)

13. Can you describe your flashlight? NO idea if we even have one.

14. Do you drink out of glass or plastic most of the time at home? A diet coke can or Sam Adams bottle.

15. Do you have iced tea made in a pitcher right now? Nope

16. If you have a garage, is it cluttered? Complete mess - a disaster really.

17. Curtains or blinds? Both

18. How many pillows do you sleep with? 6, sleep with 2.

19. Do you sleep with any lights on at night? We often forget to turn the TV off, but other than that no.

20. How often do you vacuum? Couple times a week

21. Standard toothbrush or electric? Standard.

22. What color is your toothbrush? Blue.

23. Do you have a welcome mat on your front porch? Yes - from Ikea.

24. What is in your oven right now? A pizza stone

25. Is there anything under your bed? Yes - one rubbermaid of my off season clothes. And a dog.

26. Chore you hate doing the most? Cleaning. All of it, any of it.

27. What retro items are in your home? Sadly, nothing really. Except an Ethan Allen dining table that we had while I was growing up (does that count?)

28. Do you have a separate room that you use as an office? Unfortunately no. When J came into the world, we had to give up the office. I have a file cabinet in the laundry room now. :(

29. How many mirrors are in your home? 4 not including bathrooms (3 in bathrooms)

30. Do you have any hidden emergency money around your home? Nope

31. What color are your walls? Green, Purple, Pink (kids room), blue, gray, yellow

32. Do you keep any kind of protection weapons in your home? Nope.

33. What does your home smell like right now? Bertucci's!

34. Favorite candle scent? I love Clean Cotton by Yankee Candle. And I am a sucker for Macintosh Apple or anything Holiday @ that time of the year.

35. What kind of pickles (if any) are in your refrigerator right now? None are there!

36. What color is your favorite Bible? Favorite? Not so much. The one I own - is black.

37. Ever been on your roof? Nope.

38. Do you own a stereo? Yes.

39. How many TVs do you have? 3 - one in our room, one in the living room and two in the basement (one in the playroom area and one in the gym)

40. How many house phones? 2.

41. Do you have a housekeeper? Not really. Occassionally I will ask the lady that cleans at the cape to come up if we are away and do a deep dive. But for the most part, it's just us. As soon as we don't have that daycare bill though, I am hiring someone!(UGH)

42. What style do you decorate in? Traditional, Classic.

43. Do you like solid colors in furniture or prints? Solid Colors

44. Is there a smoke detector in your home? Of course - several.

45. In case of fire, what are the items in your house which you’d grab if you only could make one quick trip? The kids, then my pictures / camera and car keys. :)

Sign of what medicine was like in the 50's

2009-07-30T17:06:00.000-04:00

Jake has had more lung issues with coughing / wheezing etc. We were lucky enough to get in to see the pulmonary specialist this week thanks to great work by our Ped.

I'll update on his status later, but for now, I had to share the X Ray device used. It is called a Pigg O Stat Immobolizer.

This is is:

Brutal, no? Well, having to be strapped into it for 5 x rays was even worse. I can't believe there isn't a better way! This was at Children's Hospital in Boston, so not some sketchy low level place.

Back latah! Off to use my 30% off @ GAP outlet and Banana Republic.

Lighting Options

2009-07-22T16:35:00.000-04:00

I am trying hard to pick a great new chandelier for our dining room. We have lowish ceilings - about 8'. Because of this I am going to get something that is closer to the ceiling, so no one bonks their head!

Here are a couple of pics of the room (NOT staged - in its "natural" messy glory):

I have blue and gray on the walls, and white shades up right now. The furniture is darker wood or black. I am going for a beachy / Cape Cod feeling.

I checked out and found some great options. What are your thoughts? Not traditional enough?

If these don't fit the bill, help! Where do you go for lighting options?

Task List - Weekly Update

2009-07-19T16:33:00.000-04:00

OK - Trying to keep up with my task list, this is this week's update. If it was "Done" last week, I canned it!

House:
> Install Master Closet Organizer
> 2nd coat of paint in Master Bath
> Hang towel rack in MB
> Clean out garage
1. Take all trash to dump
2. Organize stations
3. Try to get a car into the long bay
> Organize Laundry Room
> Hang new curtains in Dining Room DONE
> Paint Gracie's Room
> Paint 1/2 bath
> Move refrigerator downstairs
> Simplify Dining Room DONE
> Simplify Kitchen
> Simplify LIving Room
> Simplify 1st Floor closets
> Simplify Play room
> Simplify basement play space
> Simplify gym room
> SImplify Master
> Simplify E's Room DONE
> Refresh picture frames

Other:
> Find Navigation Unit for Truck DONE
> Set up cookout with the P's
> Figure out how to upload pix
> Fix Verizon account
> Organize paperwork @ 1/2 way point for 2009
> Derm Appt
> Figure out DVR option
> Make hair appt
> Organize Pictures into albums, back up on harddrive. DONE

Best Product EVER

2009-07-16T16:40:00.000-04:00

I have FOREVER struggled with my hair. It is thick / coarse, very dark, and I have never been able to control it. I was a hair product junkie for years - always trying to find something that made it look neat. Short hair didn't look good (hello helmut!) and long hair was like a 'fro.

Two years ago I started chemically straightening it. That is the best thing I have done for myself. Unfortunatley, I was then pregnant for 18 months after that and you can't do it while pregnant. So I basically gave up for a year and a half.

Then, after J turned 1, I went back to it. (No clue why that was the milestone. I'm weird). Two weeks after I straightened it, I bought this product.

OH MY GOD. This stuff is like magic. You use a lot but it NEVER feels like you have product in your hair. And you only need ONE product. No three steps, three different products, washing hair over and over again.

If you have any trouble with your hair I would highly recommend running to Sephora to pick this up!

Legacy Place - Boston

2009-07-14T20:39:00.000-04:00

For anyone in the Boston area, Legacy Place in Dedham starts store openings this month!

This is very exciting for me because some of my favorite retail outlets, and restaurants are going to be there.

The most exciting opening is a restaurant called the Yard House. We go all the time when we are in FL (Palm Beach Gardens). It is great food, kid friendly, and enough on the menu that you can keep going back and getting something new, and it's always great.

The tenants include:

Anchors are Whole Foods, LL Bean and a huge new Showcase theater. (Maybe I'll get to the movies for the first time since 2005. Just sayin'.)

Restaurants:
PJ Chang's
Legal Seafoods
The Met
Qdoba

Stores I am really excited about:
Lucy
Lulumon

Standards:
Anthropologie
GAP / Banana Republic
Stride Rite
Paper Store
Gymboree

I think LL Bean opens this month, but I think all of it is supposed to open before the holidays.

Happy shopping!

Check it out @ http://www.legacyplacededham.com/

2009-07-12T20:19:00.000-04:00

I was thinking to try to keep myself on track, and to get my blogging habit going (I think this would be super theraputic!), I am going to post my "Task List" every week, updated.

House:
> Install Master Closet Organizer
> 2nd coat of paint in Master Bath
> Hang towel rack in MB
> Clean out garage
1. Take all trash to dump
2. Organize stations
3. Try to get a car into the long bay
> Organize Laundry Room
> Hang new curtains in Dining Room
> Paint Gracie's Room
> Paint 1/2 bath
> Move refrigerator downstairs
> Simplify Dining Room
> Simplify Kitchen
> Simplify LIving Room
> Simplify 1st Floor closets
> Simplify Play room
> Simplify basement play space
> Simplify gym room
> SImplify Master
> Simplify E's Room
> Simplify G's room DONE
> Simplify J's room DONE
> Refresh picture frames

Other:
> Find Navigation Unit for Truck
> Replace computer DONE
> Set up Donation DONE
> Email T re: tiler on the cape and this weekend DONE
> Set up cookout with the P's
> Figure out how to upload pix
> Fix Verizon account
> Organize paperwork @ 1/2 way point for 2009
> Set up J's ENT follow up appt DONE
> Set up J's pulmonology appt DONE
> Derm Appt
> Allergist Appt DONE
> Figure out DVR option
> Make hair appt
> Organize Pictures into albums, back up on harddrive.

Daycare Thoughts

2009-07-09T20:24:00.000-04:00

I have a conundrum.

Currently we have 3 kids in daycare. Right now the cost is about $1012 a week. In addition we pay for some programs @ daycare - summer adventures, a special gym class, music and cooking. We also do Dance and Swimming outside of DC throughout the year.

We have been at the same DC since 2005, and really have no complaints, except maybe the cost. But recently I have been thinking about what will happen when E goes to Kindergarten in 2010. I know this is VERY early, but what can I say I'm a planner.

The options I think are:
1. E goes to Kgarten @ DC (They have a private program), and nothing really changes.
2. E goes to Kgarten (1/2 day is all that is offered) in town, and then does the after school program @ DC
3. E goes to Kgartent in town and then does the Y after school program, but G and J are still @ DC.

We enrolled E in a few weeks of the Y camp this summer, to help her get a bit more social. It has been WONDERFUL. As in she doesn't want to leave at the end of the day. Something that never happens @ DC. And they spend all day outside, which to me represents summers for kids. DC only has 2 short stints of outside time per child. And the teachers @ the Y are just so HAPPY to be there. It is kind of amazing to me.

I think long term, DH will stop working when G and J are in school, or at least stop working full time. But the YMCA option is interesting, because that might allow for him to keep working. It is only $155 for after school / child, so it would be much more affordable. G and J are so close together (only 14 months apart), when we change our work set up for them, we'll probably do it when G is ready for school (2012).

So much to think about. I probably only obssess over it because when we don't have to pay that weekly DC bill I think we will feel like we hit the lottery! And right now, that's a nice dream to have.

Spending!

2009-07-07T09:10:00.000-04:00

In the month of June I was resigned to not spending money, and I did pretty well. We went on vacation at the end of the month, and I did a little shopping @ the outlets, but nothing crazy. (The deals were amazing!)

When we came back, I challenged myself to not spend in July either. I know in August I'll want to buy Fall clothes for all 5 of us, so I thought that was good motivation to keep my wallet closed for a few weeks.

Well, yesterday I blew it BIG TIME.

Over the weekend we got a new car (we didn't have to pay anything). I ordered all weather mats for said new car, and also for our van. $300.

Yesterday I spent the following:
> Target $250. Sunscreen, Bugspray, Pasta, swim vests, Neutrogena stock up because it was on sale, a blow up pool. A few presents for E doing great @ camp. Nothing crazy, but it all adds up.
> Starbucks $4.
> Grocery Store $150. This isn't bad considering I bought milk (5 1/2 gallons, organic), and it will feed the 5 of us for almost 2 weeks.
> Amazon $70 in diapers and wipes for the Cape.
> GAP $60 in PJs for the kids for the Cape (since they didn't have enough to leave anyt there).
> Etsy $37 in hair bands I just HAD to have after seeing one on a women @ the beach this weekend. (I suck)
> And the doozy of them all - Apple $2400. Now, granted we had to do something about the computer situation. BUT I didn't need to do it yesterday. And all these purchases added up are stressing me out today.
> Plus I had to pay daycare for the week. Since E is at camp, she is just a reservation fee, so it was "only" $800 this week.

So . . . back to my no spending routine, and hopefully I can be strict with myself. I even brought my lunch today, so all I'll buy is a soda.

I did work out last night though, which felt fantastic. I don't know why I can't get my ass in gear to do it all the time. It was wonderful.

What we have to do around here

2009-07-06T20:13:00.000-04:00

I am posting this incredibly long task list here, basically because I don't want to use pen and paper. Our laptop bit it a few weeks ago and I have been slow to replace it. So - for my own record:

House:
> Install Master Closet Organizer
> 2nd coat of paint in Master Bath
> Hang towel rack in MB
> Clean out garage
1. Take all trash to dump
2. Organize stations
3. Try to get a car into the long bay
> Organize Laundry Room
> Hang new curtains in Dining Room
> Paint Gracie's Room
> Paint 1/2 bath
> Move refrigerator downstairs
> Simplify Dining Room
> Simplify Kitchen
> Simplify LIving Room
> Simplify 1st Floor closets
> Simplify Play room
> Simplify basement play space
> Simplify gym room
> SImplify Master
> Simplify E's Room
> Simplify G's room
> Simplify J's room
> Refresh picture frames

Other:
> Find Navigation Unit for Truck
> Replace computer
> Set up Donation
> Email T re: tiler on the cape and this weekend
> Set up cookout with the P's
> Figure out how to upload pix
> Fix Verizon account
> Organize paperwork @ 1/2 way point for 2009
> Set up J's ENT follow up appt
> Set up J's pulmonology appt
> Derm Appt
> Allergist Appt
> Figure out DVR option
> Make hair appt

And yes, I really do make lists like this ALL the time. I drive my husband nuts!

I always write posts in my head, but never get to the point of putting them on here. I'll try to do a better job @ that.

Have you Decaled?

2009-01-29T16:40:00.000-05:00

I have become obsessed with wall decals. Really - it is bad. It started when I found a flower decal for my bedroom. Here they are - I have them in dark purple, on a light purple wall:

It literally makes me happy in the morning.

I did a bunch of elephants and a tree in J's nursery:

I think did a few for the holiday:

And a rudolph that is a cutie. :)

Today I bought a couple for our living room, one for the kitchen and then one more for Valetine's Day.

They really just add so much personality to the room. Easy to remove (less easy to apply, but at least I know they will stick around). MUCH cheaper than art, and less personal than pictures. They really just spice things up and I love it.

I am even thinking of switching them out seasonally. We'll see.

Have you tried any? Do you like them? Where did you get them? (All mine come from Etsy).

The Softest Skin

2009-01-27T09:51:00.000-05:00

Since High School, I have had one product that is my absolute favorite. Neutrogena Bath Oil. It is an excellent moisturizer, and smells so awesome.

The other thing I have just found, from a pedicure, which has made my heels so soft.

What's your favorite HBC product?

Housewares - Pottery Barn love

2009-01-25T09:28:00.000-05:00

I received a very generous gift to Pottery Barn for Christmas. I am really struggling with how exactly to spend it. There is SO much we could use in our house. Part of my hesitation is what to buy, what can I buy that the kids won't ruin, what will be useful, and what I will love the most.

Yesterday I got the new PB Bed & Bath catalog. Oh my, there is so much I love.

But I can't find window coverings for my bedroom. Right now my bedroom is a brown / purple mix that I love. I have dark brown bamboo shades up - and I need to jazz them up.

Any suggestions on where to get nice simple window coverings? I am looking for something green / brown / purple - in light tonal colors.

2009-01-23T09:17:00.000-05:00

I am in love with this sweater at my favorite J Crew:

My problem is I am 4'10" and a DD. (Yeah, a major annoyance). I really want this sweater, but am worried it will look funny. Thoughts?

Travelling Tips

2009-01-22T09:05:00.000-05:00

When I was on maternity leave, my parents talked me into booking a week and a half in FL. I am incredibly grateful to them for giving us the chance to take a warm weather vacation. Trust me - the cold and snow in Boston this year is absurd.

That said, if I had not been on leave I would NEVER have agreed to taking this much time off. I am freaking out about getting my team's reviews done (due while I am away).

So - needless to say we are heading south for 10 days in February. We are spending 5 days in Disney (lord help me), and then head south to Palm Beach for the rest of the time.

We haven't travelled with all three kids yet. We took one trip to VT in August that went well. Sparing an incident where J threw up all over me in the produce department of Shaw's.

We have booked seats for everyone. J will probably sit on my lap, but I thought the space would be helpful. (And my 'rents were paying, so thankful for them!) Some poor sucker will be in our row - since we took 5 seats. Thank God Jet Blue has televisions and friendly people.

I am taking with us one stroller - a Baby Jogger City Mini Double. It has great shade, and I got a belly bar so I can put snacks in it. I am also bringing a backpack for J, who I am trying to get to love it. So far he is lukewarm, but I am hoping it is something we can use. I was tempted to take our Phil & Ted E3 Stroller, since it is compact and easy to push. My only concern is that the kid in the back (either G or J depending on who is riding), won't be able to see clearly.

Any tips on how to make the travel easier / less stressful?

The Sick!

2009-01-21T08:53:00.000-05:00

Oh my god - this winter is the least healthy year we have had! My poor little man has had more antibiotics in his 8 months, than my husband has had in his life. We are balancing who gets to go to work and who has to stay home with him every week.

This is his life:

Sept 4 - Fever, lethargic, etc. . . I didn't think it was anything horrible. Went to his 4 month appt, and was sent straight to the hospital, admitted for 5 days. It took 14 tries to get an IV, and he got a spinal as a bonus. (2 shots of Antibiotics)

Oct - Dec - 4 ear infections + a doozy of a case of bronchoilitis. Put on Flovent and Albueterol. Ticket to an ENT referral! (2x Amoxi, 2x Augmentin)

Dec 30 - Spent the night in the hospital with Pneumonia. Oh, and an ear infection. (Zithromax)

Jan 7 - Starts Bactrim as preventative antibiotics for winter to help keep him relatively healthy.

Jan 14 - (Yes, ONE WEEK), Hubby takes him to Ped for cough that made him throw up at Daycare, only goes because there was an RSV case at school. I was in NY.

Jan 16 - I take him back to dr because he is SO much worse. They want to send him to the hospital for fluids, but we agreed that if he could eat before 5 pm, he could stay home. He SORT of ate (less than 2 oz), but we kept him home. He was put on Prednisolo and a stronger dose of Albeuterol through his Neb.

Lord helps us!

We don't have the ENT appointment until February 25th. I am dreading waiting that long. I just want to the tubes put in NOW, to help avoid all the antibiotics. We are heading to Florida on February 11th. For almost 2 weeks. I can't wait but I am so nervous that he will get sick there.

SO - trying to get a blog going is tricky while bouncing a whiney 8 month old, and a job, and a house.

How do YOU keep your kids healthy? Any suggestions for J?

Favorite Dinners

2009-01-09T21:52:00.000-05:00

One of the things I am working on for this year is to have a better rotation of dinners in the queue for us at night. DH gets home around 4, starts dinner if it isn't already done, and gets the kids. They start dinner and then I hopefully get home around 5:30. SO. . . time is minimal to work on expansive dinners.

Here is what is in our rotation. I would love to hear what else others use to feed the family without killing them with boredem:

1. Sliders w/ either beef or turkey
2. Swedish Meatballs & Fries
3. Breakfast for dinner
4. Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken
5. Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken
6. Thai Lettuce Wraps
7. Roasted Chicken
8. Slow Cooker Beef Stew
9. BLTs
10. Crazy Chicken (A pineapple chicken dish with white rice)
11. Breakfast for dinner
12. Baked Haddock

And all the truly last minute meals:
- Mac & Cheese
- Pasta
- Chicken Nuggets

We'll always throw a veggie medley in if the meal isn't well rounded

Facebook - High School all over again?

2009-01-07T21:48:00.000-05:00

I know I am probably the last person who hasn't been sucked into Facebook. I love to read blogs, and I like Twitter. With those and email, I hardly have time for other extracurricular online activities.

I have had an account for a while though. Partly because DH wanted me too. Partly because I wanted to see if anyone was looking for me. Slowly, people from High School and College have creeped out of the woodwork. Some people from work, but mostly older friends.

Now, I have always been the quiet, friends with everyone girl. This also made it so I had no close friends. I didn't do cliques in HS. Not because I was smart enough to know how caddy they were, but because I didn't quite fit into any of them perfectly. I also could not be as mean as some of the cooler kids seemed to be. Same was true in College, though I was on a team, and that helped. But, end game, I really hated HS. I felt very alone.

Needless to say, all these people are on Facebook. Should I friend them? Just ignore them? Should I feel bad that they can probably see me on there too and haven't friended me?

I know - I am overthinking this.

How do you use Facebook? Do you friend freely? Or discreetly?

8 Things

2009-01-05T20:55:00.000-05:00

Eight Things: A Meme

8 things I am passionate about:
My children
Spending time with my family
Love
Diet Coke
Dark Chocolate
Real Estate
Sleep
Organization

8 words/phrases that I say often:
Shit
Dumbass
What?
"Hi, this is Sarah" (when I answer the phone)
Ok
Shoot me now

8 things I want to do before I die:
Go back to Ireland
Feel comfortable with our life
Be proud of my parenting
Meet my grandkids
Have a house that I love
Trace our family history (my dad is adopted)
Take an all inclusive vacation
Have my tonsils out

8 things I’ve learned in my life:
I can love my kids, even if I don't seem good with children
Me going the extra mile usually doesn't pay
No one will notice how late I work except my family
I need friends. And I am shy. It is a bad combo.
I hate cleaning
Health is incredibly valuable
Having a sick child is the worst thing that could happen to someone.
Nothing has to be perfect

8 places I want to see:
Ireland (again)
California
Seattle
Australia
Italy
St Johns (again)

8 things I currently want/need:
A new car
A weight loss routine
Sleep
Diet Coke
More money
A king size bed
A Shed
A kiss

Tag Yourself!

Meme Time!

2009-01-03T20:42:00.000-05:00

Every day, I would like to:
1. Eat 3 healthy meals
2. Laugh out Loud
3. Kiss my kids
4. Avoid traffic

Every week, I would like to:
1. Work out at least 3x
2. Make dinner 2x (DH usually cooks)
3. Have all the laundry put away at one point
4. Shower with out being rushed

In three months, I would like to:
1. Enjoy my work and feel that it is a career, not a job
2. Be in a workout routine, at my manageable weight
3. Be planning a family vacation for the summer
4. Have fully enjoyed our FL vacation without stress

Before next year, I would like to: ( I am going to say this is 2010!)
1. Replace the 4Runner with a Volve XC60
2. Maintain my weight so all my clothes fit
3. Work 4 days a week outside of the house
4. Do a charitable project with the kids

In two to five years, I would like to:
1. Only have one of us working
2. Have redone the house as we want - kitchen, garage, get a shed
3. Plan at least 2 vacations a year for the family
4. Still be enjoying my family as much as we are now

Before I die, I would like to:
1. Go on a trip with DH, just the two of us
2. Be a real estate agent
3. Have more than 5 friends
4. Take some community classes (the Y, or town, or library)
*********

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T12:02:00.000-05:00

I can not believe that it is going to be 2009. What a crazy few years.

I am thrilled this year not to be pregnant. For once in a long time, we hopefully will have no big life changes this year. We need that.

To recap:
2000: Graduate, travel through Ireland
2001: Buy our condo and buy everything for it
2003: Ankle Reconstruction for me; Wedding
2004: Move into our first house; Miscarriage; Prego w/ PTL
2005: E born in a blizzard (Remember Jan 05?); Mono and constant strep for me
2006: Move into new (current) house; Prego!
2007: G born @ 34 weeks, 3 weeks in NICU; Find out we are pregnant again
2008: J born - Finally full term!

Here's hoping that 2009 is quite, peaceful, and happy. I want everyone to be healthy and for us to enjoy our family of 5. We have no big plans besides our long vacation to visit my family in FL.

What's your biggest goal for 2009?

Getting Florida Ready

2008-12-29T20:49:00.000-05:00

I have 8 lbs left to lose all the baby weight. I got prego with J when I had 8 lbs left from G. I have lost all the J weight. I am proud, but it doesn't feel as good as I thought. I am, shall we say, flabbier.

And now the holidays. I have the very lofty goal of just maintaining for the month of December. I won't be sad if I don't lose, but I won't be happy if I gain.

Then in January I want to kick it into high gear to get rid of at least the 8 lbs. We are heading to FL in February and I want all my old warm weather clothes to fit.

That said - I am exploring new options in working out. I have a treadmill I love and I do the Shred occasionally. Though so far I haven't made it more than 2 days in a row. :)

Any experience with Fit Flops? Or what about a Pilates video? After 3 sections, my belly could use some help. That and my inner thighs.

What's your favorite workout?

Gifts

2008-12-26T21:05:00.000-05:00

Well, this year, thanks to having 3 kids, we were on a much stricter xmas budget than normal. I usually don't think about it, buy what is fitting for everyone. This year, though, I wanted to stay lean, so it took some effort.

This is what we got everyone:

My mom: Magazine subs. She and Dad are going to FL for the winter, which she doesn't like and where she knows no one. And she loves magazines, so I thought this would help.

My dad: A Starbucks Gold Card

Both: A picture of all 3 kids, and a calendar (yearly tradition)

My brother: IPOD touch accessories, which we both just received.

My brother's gf: Various items from Sephora

My sister: Earrings from an etsy artist, calendar and a picture of kids (Yikes, that doesn't sound like a lot!)

Teacher's @ daycare:
Most got a $25 GC to B&N, a necklace from Etsy and a Starbucks set I picked up at LNT during clearance. We have one teacher all three kids have had, and this will be our last year with her, so we also gave her $100.
A few teachers that aren't directly involved with our kids but we see often got a set of Lindt chocolates or a bath item (foot salts, manicure set etc. . . )

That's basically it. We got the kids a few things, but nothing crazy. I realized I didn't have enough for G, so I went out yesterday and got a few more things.

What did your shopping list look like?

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2008-12-25T12:00:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone has a great day!

If you celebrate, enjoy your Christmas!

If you don't, enjoy the peace and quiet. ;)

Christmas Eve

2008-12-24T12:00:00.000-05:00

I am SO excited for tonight!

We are headed down the Cape (not the right way to say it, I know), where we will get the kids dressed up, and get Santa's cookies and milk ready. E wants to leave carrots out for each reindeer. :)

We'll have Lobster Bisque my mom makes, and I am not sure what else.

Then when the monkeys go to bed, we'll get everything set up.

They are going to have such a blast tomorrow. I bought a tripod for our Flip video camera, just so I could capture their excitement in the morning.

Merry Christmas!

Self Induced Recession

2008-12-22T20:29:00.000-05:00

E and I went shopping this week for gifts. I was amazed that two stores I went into basically turned down a sale. First in Sephora, I wanted to buy Pomegranate Bubbly Bath by Philosophy. They had both individual bottles on the shelf and a double set with Lavender. I can't stand Lavender, so I picked up two of the Pom individuals (one for her, one for me). I got up to pay and they told me that they aren't sold individually. I tried to have them sell it to me singularly since they were on the shelf, but they wouldn't. Then they tried to detach on of the kits to give me one of just Pom, but couldn't, so they gave up. $32 sale down the drain.

Then in Bath and Body Works I wanted to get their Pedicure and Manicure kit for her. I couldn't reach the Manicure kit. There wasn't the normal greeter (bad times I am guessing), so when I got to the register, I asked. First she said no, then asked if there were more on the shelf. I said yes, but I couldn't reach. She said "oh" and finished the sale. $24.50 sale down the drain.

You would think in these lean times they would be dying for a sale. Especially considering the lines they have to checkout, I am assuming because they have cut back the staff's hours.

One on One Time

2008-12-20T20:17:00.000-05:00

I have been taking Fridays off lately. I am trying to ease my boss into having me work from home one day a week. And a day off for me, really just means I answer my phone from home, and send less emails (but still send quite a few). So far, it is going really well.

Yesterday I kept E home with me, I thought she needed some TLC and one on one time. It was awesome. We got up early and got DH, G and J out the door. Then we were at the grocery store. I got $240 worth of groceries for $160. Not great I know, but awesome for us. I did a couple conference calls in the middle. Then we headed to the mall to get my brother's girlfriend's gift.

We came home right before snow hit, wrapped all our gifts (her friend's, teachers, and the rest of the fam). Then we just hung out, played princesses, did laundry and watched it snow.

She wanted PJs and a bath at 3. So we did that, while DH got the other two from day care.

It was a great day. I think this is the type of thing we are going to have to incorporate more of - one on one time with each of the munchkins. Since we started with E we have definitely seen the payback in her behavior. She is back to her normal charming self, as opposed to the brat that had taken over for a while.

Enjoy the snow!

House

2008-07-17T09:14:00.001-04:00

Background - We bought the house we are in now in 2005. I saw it had an OH, and went, even though we weren't in the market and had planned to move the following year. I fell in love. We fixed our place up, put it on the market, got an offer, signed the P&S and put an offer on this place. We saw it in Oct, and moved in in Feb.
It is the perfect house for us. A classic colonial, 4 beds, 3.5 baths, a nice but manageable yard with a fence, C/A, garage etc. . . More importantly it is in the town we love.

That said - the previous owner did a lot of work to it. He did a pretty good job, but he cut costs along the way. There are many things that in the long run we'll change, but all are pretty liveable for now.

One thing we really want to fix is our front steps. Right now, they are a mess. He created this odd pad of fake slate to bridge the driveway to the front steps. Now the slate is all chipped and makes a mess. I have NO idea how to fix this since there is a cement base under it. Without hiring someone, what do we do? All suggestions are welcome - here are pix:

This is our front entry area (don't mind the box - a mat for under our new treadmill)

And this is the pad. If you look closely, you'll see how uneven it is. Do you think we could rip up the slate and just leave the concrete pad? Long term we'll rip it all up and make even steps, but for now we just don't want anyone breaking their leg!

Another Meme - A-Z: Facts about Me!

2008-07-17T09:01:00.000-04:00

To keep things somewhat out of the grave over here - another Meme.

We are heading to the cape today (my and babe - girls and hubby coming tomorrow) for a great weekend. Next weekend I have to get ready for going back to work. I am nervous, sad, anxiuos, excited. I am a mess. The runner (hubby) is leaving for a business trip from Monday through Saturday my first week back. Working fulltime, with three kids on my own - if I survive that week, I think we'll be ok. :)

(Full credit - I got this from one of the blogs in my reader, but I don't remember who!)

A. Attached or Single? Married
B. Best Friend? Brother K
C. Cake or pie? Chocolate Cake or Apple Pie
D. Day of choice? Saturday
E. Essential item? Right now, a baby swing, which gives me free hands!
F. Favorite color? Green
G. Gummy bears or worms? Gummy Bears
H. Home town? Bedford MA
I. Favorite indulgence? Magainzes, reading blogs
J. January or July? July
K. Kids? Three (Even I am surprised!) a 3 YO, a 17 month old and a 10 week old
L. Life isn’t complete without? My family
M. Marriage date? June 14, 2003
N. Number of brothers and sisters? 1 Brother and 1 Sister
O. Oranges or Apples? Any and all Apples
P. Phobias? None, though I HATE ants
Q. Quotes? I can't remember it - it is on my office wall. Something about 2 kinds of people in life - those that choose to accept what the results are and those who choose to make the results.
R. Reasons to smile? My kiddos - the 3 yo's wit, the 1 yo's laugh, and the baby sleeping :)
S. Season of choice? Fall
T. Tag 5 people: Anyone who wants actually reads this. :)
U. Unknown fact about me? I never cook or clean - my hubby does it all. (Except on Mat Leave - then I step up. Only one more week!)
V. Vegetable? Brocolli or Fresh Corn on the Cob
W. Worst habit? Speeding
X. X-ray or Ultrasound? X Ray
Y. Your favorite food? Filet Mignon with Garlic Mashed potatoes and brocolli
Z. Zodiac sign? Aries
Z. Which zoo animal is your favorite? Giraffe

About Me - Meme

2008-06-26T15:23:00.000-04:00

Until I become witty - I thought I'd do a meme or two! I've seen this one around a lot lately.

1. What did you do 10 years ago?

I was 20, home on break from college. Working 3 jobs for spending money, and spending all free time on the Cape.

2. Five items on your to-do list today:
1) Visit the office (done!)
2) Finish organizing clothing donatin to drop off at dump (no more girl baby clothes for us!)
3) Pick up formula and lettuce wrap mix at Costco. Well this was on my list, but has been pushed to tomorrow
4) Make dinner, pick up kids, move the hosta, pay bills, switch out maternity clothes, load Ipod, order treadmill, it could go on and on and on.
5) Figure out how to put the baby done and not have him scream!

3. Snacks I enjoy:
Right now, I love what I can't have! (losing the baby weight). My favorites are Dove Dark Chocolate bites, Cashews, Pirate's booty, Chips and Salsa

4. What would you do if you were a billionaire?
I would probably move, though stay in our town, just in a newer, better house. We might get a place of our own on the Cape, and maybe one in VT / ME. I would quit my current job, and start my own business.

5. Places I have lived:

Bedford, MA; Needham, MA; Geneva NY; Barnstable MA

6. Bloggers I am passing the challenge onto are:

Everyone has done this so I won't tag, but feel free to do it and pass it along!

Hello Again

2008-06-24T14:11:00.000-04:00

Trying to get into this blogging thing. Again.

We have 3 kiddos now, so I started a new blog. Fresh start. And I don't feel like I am betraying the babe.

I am loving the new Wii Fit. I don't enjoy how it mocks my postpartum fluff, but the games are fun. And I work up a sweat.

I have 5 weeks of leave yet and need to lose at least 5 of the 20 lbs left. Otherwise, I'll be wearing maternity clothes to work. Not good!

Why exactly does a Verizon rep feel the need to come by every night selling the service? We already have Verizon - leave us alone!

Babe is waking up. Gotta go. Hopefully I'll get over the writer's block and be back soon!