monday, june 29th ~ simple daybook

even though 'the simple woman's daybook' is on summer vacation, I thought it would be fun to post my monday morning tidbits...

For Today...

Outside my window... beautiful! warm in the sun, but there is still a cool breeze coming through our windows. this summer has been so nice. we have only turned on the a/c twice in the evening. there is something about having the windows open and having fresh air circulate through the house!

I am thinking... we have a lot on our plate, but we will get it all done (one by one)

I am thankful for... the opportunity that I am given by spending every monday with my precious double l and still be employed!

From the kitchen... thoughts of baking a summer treat. any ideas?

I am wearing... my PJs. was on my way to get dressed, but got sidetracked by the computer :)

I am reading... still on the night stand because I have been such a slow reader ~ becoming God's true woman by n. demoss.

I am hoping... double l is not breaking anything downstairs as I hear him playing basketball! YIKES!

I am creating... a design for the third floor! work starts in august and I am so excited!

I am praying... for answers and wisdom

Around the house... collecting estimates on the third floor and looking forward to the work to begin

One of my favorite things... fresh brewed coffee in the morning!

A few plans for the rest of the week... saying good-bye to the california crew, short work week (off on friday), fireworks, 4th of july local parade!

Here is a picture I am sharing with you... double l with his mimi, claire and mamaw (from louisville) too cute!

a cup of tea and a laptop

its saturday evening and we have had a busy, yet fun week. the california crew is in town and its been so nice catching up with them and stealing hugs & kisses from my niece and nephew! and today, double l celebrated the first of several birthday parties. two of my girlfriends and I all had july babies in 2007. it is joy that our babes will grow up together. tomorrow, we will head out to church early and connect with one of my bub's good friends and his family.

its so wonderful to spend time with family and friends, but I most say its so nice to just be resting right now. I am curled up in bed, my cup of green tea next to me, and my laptop resting against my knees. I hear my bub in the office next to me putting the finishing touches on double l's birthday invite. the birthday party is in a few weeks and invitation have not even been ordered. yes, we are so unorganized. but they will be cute and I made it a point to let everyone know ahead of time. oh well, such is life.

okay anyway back to my reflection...

our home is old as I mention frequently and as many annoyances I find, I love so many things. I am hanging out in bed, my bub is in the office and double l is sleeping like an angel in the nursery. all the while, we have interior doors within each room connecting us. all three interior doors are open. I just love that about this old house. I loved it when we first toured this home and love it as even more as I type this post.

we had a contractor at the house this morning to do a final walk through of his estimate for the much needed third floor remodel. we completely remodeled the kitchen, we have painted every room (sometimes twice), my bub continues to work on the outside, and the list of what we MUST and WANT to do goes on and on... but I would never change the connection we have with out interior doors. and hope, the one day when we sell this house, the future buyer will love them as much as I do!

so for now, I am going to sip on some tea and visit your blogs. I sure hope you are enjoying your weekend...

green tip for the day!

okay, so I have been a slacker on my green week posts. sorry, but our family from california is in and we have been having such a good time visiting with them. seeing the tots running around has been so wonderful.

but I do have a tip that I must share! I really do not like ants. and in the summer, I can not avoid seeing those creepy pests. but if you have ever read the back of a RAID bottle, I am sure you are deathly afraid of spraying anywhere in your home (if you have pets or children). so, I recently read that ants HATE the smell of citrus. so you should mixed a citrus solvent and water in a spray bottle, spray areas where an ant may enter and voila -- you will repel them. best of all, citrus solvents are environmentally safe and cut through grease. so you are tackling two issues at once! now for the life of me, I can not recall where I read it or I would give the publication its props :)

okay, now its your turn... how do you repel the creepy crawlers in your garden, home, patio, etc...? ahem, the green way, please!

growing food...

in the spirit of green week here at 'mommie blogs', I give you the lonely tomato that we are growing... we are patiently awaiting its juicy ripeness!


for more WW, check out 5 minutes for mom...

sun and earth tour

guess where we were this morning? okay, I will tell you ~ the sun & earth plant, right in beautiful king of prussia, pa! the sun & earth people were kind of enough to give a tour to a bunch of mommies and their babes. after the tour, they provided lunch, face painting, tons of outdoor games and much more... they share their building with hope's cookies, so we were lucky enough to taste some of those yummies too!

during the tour, we learned that sun & earth's cleaning products are made with some of the foods found in most of our kitchens -- corn and coconuts (okay maybe not everyone has coconuts, but still...), and most of all ORANGES! and boy, does their plant smell like fresh oranges. double l was given an empty bottle used for their all purposes cleaner. he immediately put it in his mouth (thanks to those mean molars), then I was able to pry the bottle away long enough to put his name on it for the exciting next leg of the tour. we were taken into the back of the building where all the magic takes place. we got to see the large containers where all the ingredients are mixed and bottled. double l got to bottle his own all purpose cleaner. how fun is that! and now 'mommie' gets to clean with it :) actually, I am excited to try out their products.

if you do not know about sun & earth, they produce non-toxic, earth friendly products, such as dish soap, laundry detergent and glass cleaner. I have never tried their line, so I am anxious to try out the all purpose cleaner and tell you all about the results. also, worth mentioning -- they are affordable. I spend a lot of extra money on non-toxic cleaners, so I was excited to hear and see they maybe a cheaper alternative. I will let you know how the test goes...

many thanks to sun & earth for hosting us, and beth & sarah for putting this event together. it was a fun and educational way to get out of the house, meet other moms and learn about a responsible, animal friendly company!

in honor of my desire to be more green and earth friendly, I am going make this week my 'green week'. all post will represent a more natural, earth friendly way of living! I was in a rut and now this has given me the motivation to get out of it!

my dad went home twenty years ago this past february. and even though I have lived more years without him than I did with him, sorrow seems to always find its way back to me on father's day. I miss him. but sometimes I miss more the memories that were never made. the memories of him walking me down the aisle and dancing with me at my wedding. the memory of him holding my son, his grandson on the evening he was born. the memory of him sitting in my home countless times and watching the phillies on a sunday afternoon. these memories never happened, but I still miss them. I see my dad in double l's every once in awhile and there are some pictures of LL that you can not deny they share the same big brown eyes!

but today, I will wipe away the tears and honor the fathers that are still in my life.

my husband, who's gentle spirit, one liners and soft spoken words remind me of my dad all the time.

my uncle, who has filled the void and stepped into each memory mentioned above

my father-in-law, who is such a witness to our God and has taught me so much in the nine short years I have known him

my step-father, who has filled the role of Poppy so beautifully. he has fostered a wonderful relationship with my son and for that I am forever grateful.

to all the dads and father-like figures ~ happy father's day!

p.s. yes, that chubby, beach baby is me :)

blogging rut!

have you ever been in a blogging rut? that is where I am now. Its not that I have nothing to post about, because I do. I want to tell you all about the Breastfeeding Legislation Hearing for HB 1350 (I have the transcripts as I was invited but could not attend), awesome review & giveaway, many double l stories, etc... but I just can't seem to find the words to start...

I am in a rut. so I am off to buy new sheets and a bed skirt for our new awesome, comfy, dreamy bed!!! mama has been sleeping good. hmm, maybe that's the problem. this all started when the mattress was delivered. interesting!

okay, I am off to overstock.com. hands down the best prices on bedding.

how do you overcome your rut? do you forge ahead? or go MIA like me?

p.s. hope all is well this dad's day weekend. its rainy and humid in philly. and I certainly miss my dad more and more these days. maybe its just the time of year.

are my jeans shrinking...

well, not exactly! but I have made progress. last week, I made the decision to join the challenge. right out of the gate, I was determined to make this work. I worked out at the gym and hung out with jillian! but for the past three days, I have not been working out, so I must SHRED tonight. most importantly I tried to control my constant munching. I did a good job. and when I wanted to munch, I chose yogurt or trail mix. have you tried target's acher farms trail mix? it is YUMMY! to satisfy my "summer is here. must have ice-cream" craving, I have been enjoying stonyfield organic frozen yogurt. double l is enjoying it too!!!

okay, enough of what I have been doing and here are the results.

start weight - 138
today's weight - 136

um, that's 2 pounds! I am so excited. I can not thank bacardi mama enough. she was my inspiration! and she rocks!!!

two left feet...

double l has started to dress himself. such a big boy. no matter if these "cool shoes" (that's what he calls them) are on the wrong feet, LL is just too cute!

for more WW, check out 5 minutes for mom...

my dearest double l,

thank you for finally taking a nap today. I know its rough and confusing to sleep under your fort (crib tent b/c LL has begun climbing out of his crib), but mama is not ready to move you to a big boy bed. due to your ability to climb any piece of furniture and JUMP, mama feels its not safe to have you roaming about... so, for now, please accept your fun fort, tent, tunnel ~ whatever you would like to call it. I love you and want you to be safe always. perhaps, mama is overprotective, but please save your protests and tears for when you turn sixteen and I won't let you get your license. for now, rest my sweet.

love you tons,
mama

"recessionista" part deux...

if you haven't read yesterday's post, take a peak!

and I totally came across an awesome application, polyvore.com. have you heard about it? well, I was visiting mrs. fussypants today and she was featuring OhMommy's summer must-have list. I thought, "FUN" since I am highlighting what was reviewed on the FAB webex I was invited too. her list does include some of sam's tips!!! in the post, she included a collage of products featured in her list. I clicked over and thought what a great idea. so, I included my own little collage below, which features items from sam's tips as well as a few of my everyday goodies. you'll find COLOR, layering pieces, my favorite denim, accessories, and my staples (my favorite flip flops, flats, and dress). I threw in the wedges, because I need a new pair and thought they were cute. yes, I know enough with the anthropologie and UO, but when my bub works at the corporate office, I can't help it!

okay, back to the "recessionista" call~

during q&a, we discussed everything from should petite women wear carpis to which stores are the best stops during this what feels like a never ending recession.

first ~ should petite women wear carpis, bermuda shorts, etc...? sam says surprisingly "yes" to carpis (but please include heels) and a big NO to bermuda shorts. which I am petite and was sporting my bermudas during the call. oh no, I thought. I hate shorts to begin with thanks in part to the extra LBs I have been carrying around, so what's a petite girl to do? shorter shorts! that's what sam says. now I am sure he is not promoting hot pants for this mommie, but I am in a mad search for cute and somewhat flattering shorts. maybe a 5 or 7 inch. anyone have any cute ones?

for kids - sam says "kids should not dress like adults". oops, does that mean I should not spend all our combine clothing budgets at crewcuts? I mean it is J.Crew in mini sizes and oh so adorable...

most importantly, where to shop? sam reminded us that so many retailers are having tons of sales and great deals are everywhere. he mentioned some of my favorites -- like anthro and j.crew. he also told us to always check target, forever 21, and H&M for cheaper versions of trendy runway fashions. vera wangs collection at kohls is worth a peak and even jcpenney has updated their styles.

so as fun it would be to try and find clothing bargains this weekend, I will be shopping for a great deal on a bed. our current bed is so uncomfortable that I literally wake up sore. as wonderful as it was to receive a free, barely been used king size bed from a close friend of the family (their guest bed), it's been a few years and just not working for these old bones. so I am off to find a bed deal. let me know if you find any clothing deals....

do you want to be a "recessionista"?

when I was presented with the opportunity to join a conference call with style expert sam saboura, you better believe I jumped at the chance. sam has an awesome show on TLC called 'real simple, real life'. and I am sure you have seen him everywhere!

anyway, the conference call was great. clorox2 presented "how to be a recessionista: style tips for the season" hosted by sam saboura.

sam gave us awesome tips on fun ways to create style with what you have and inexpensive options for what you may need to purchase. and I want to share my favorites with you...

1.) ADD COLOR - sam said "color adds energy" and I must agree, but hardly ever wear it! UGH, I do get annoyed with my brown, black, navy wardrobe. however, I am going to invest in some color this summer. sam stated greens, peaches (he raved about peach), and ocean shades.

2.) LAYERING YOUR TEES & TOPS - light weight layers like tissue tees are perfect for layering without being too hot.

3.) A GREAT PAIR OF DARK DENIM - is one of the most versatile piece of clothing

4.) ACCESSORIZE - this is the easiest and least expensive. scarves, a statement necklace and headbands are all so popular this season.

5.) TAKE CARE of what you already own! add a stain remover. do not wring out clothes, roll them with a towel and lay flat to dry. for more tips on caring for your clothing, check out laundry room 101!

during Q&A, we discussed maxi dresses, what petite women should or should not wear, best places to shop and splurge worthy wardrobe pieces. but you'll need to wait until tomorrow to hear about those topics.

for now, tell me which steps above you will be adopting this season?

my decision

okay, I have made up my mind -- I am join the latest sisterhood challenge! I am one week late, but hopefully can catch up.

here is where I stand today:

138 lbs (per my wrong scale, but will continue to use it so I can accurately track how much weight I LOSE!!!)
my goal is to lose 8 pounds and to be able to run 2 miles by the end of the challenge

THE PLAN

~ run 2-3 times a week
~ shred DVD 2-3 times a week
~ less munching
~ more fruit and fiber

wish me luck...

another year has gone by...

here's is double l at his first birthday party. his second is right around the corner. just like I wrote the other day, my baby is growing up so fast.

for more WW, checkout 5M4M

I don't think I can do it alone...

okay, so I think I may need to join in on the sisterhood's current challenge. yes, I am a week late, but think the added motivation will really help me shed the pounds and keep it off.

since my full disclosure of my little bout with health concerns, I have been steady in working out with my best friend jillian michaels and going to the gym for a little run and some elliptical time. actually, I have advanced to level 2 with the shred dvd. I know, "it's about time" you must be thinking...

anyway, the problem now is my eating habits have not changed. I don't eat unhealthy. I am an all natural, organic muncher. but I munch and munch and love all things bread!!! I think maybe joining this little challenge will help me stay on track and make me think twice about the pound of granola or trail mix I will continuous eat throughout the day.

so tell me, have you done the challenge? are you doing the challenge? any advice for cutting down on my munchies? I don't do food journaling. I tried and more power to all who do, but I can never keep up with it. probably because I munch so much, no one could keep up with a food journal :)

Shark Attack on the Main Line...

In the shark infested waters of a little day care center in the heart of the Main Line, you will find my son being circled by these creatures two days a week. He is a gentle soul and his sweet skin must attract the sharp teeth from several little monsters classmates, because he has repeatedly come home with bite marks. However, this past Thursday was by far the worst attack. He had a bite mark so big and bruised, you could literally see how the biter would not let go and pulled my son's skin with his/her teeth. And because that was not bad enough, he had a smaller bite mark on his other arm. When I picked him up, there was an "incident report" waiting for me. It was for the large, bruised bite mark and I found no mention of the little one. After speaking with his teachers, I found out they not only had no idea how the horrific bite mark happened, they had no idea the smaller one existed. WHAT? HOW DO YOU NOT KNOW? Two of the many questions I began to ask not only them, but the owner of the center.

continue reading over at Philadelphia Moms Blog...

mostly sunny skies...

after a ton of rain and more forecasted for all week, we are having a beautiful day today. last night, we had a delicious meal at a local BTOB (more on that later). double l is hanging with his gigi. and my bub and I are headed to church for our vision day.

hope you are having mostly sunny skies as well and enjoying every minute of it.

p.s. I hope to announce the winner of 'back to the table' giveaway tonight. and I have another fun giveaway on deck!

yes, I want to win this...

did you see the HP Mini that blissful style is giving away? so, yes I am totally posting about the giveaway to have yet another hopeless chance to win it. because it is the coolest giveaway and I must admit I really want it. so jump over there and admire the beauty and enter as well.

he is my little man...

today has been gloomy and rain, but I just downloaded some pictures from yesterday that seem to bright up this dreariness. yesterday, we went for a long walk. the weather was beautiful and I had such a blast just watching my little man. and I realized he is not so little anymore. he is exploring and understand nature and his abilities more and more. I realized I love him so much that he makes me tear up knowing that I will never cradle him in my arms like I once did. but I will comfort him and love him with every breathe that I take. I still am amazed at his red, curly hair. his chubby belly and feet make me smile. and that milky skin is just angelic. he'll always be mama's little man. mama's superman. mama's baby boy. mama's pure joy!

sitting at the big table...

we took off the highchair tray and moved double l right up to the table. he loves and I certainly do too. we truly eat at the table as a family!


don't forget to enter the 'back to the table' giveaway...

for more WW, checkout 5 minutes for mom.

1970s rock and conference calls...

...do not work well together. but somehow I need to figure out a way to get some work done today! our modem is dead. yes, only 6 months old and no rcn could not send a tech guy out today, but will tomorrow between 8-11 UGH!!!! tuesdays are work from home days for me and having no internet is NOT good. there is no way to use my vpn and access my work email, files, reporting portals, and the list goes on... working off my blackberry is ridiculous! but my adorable little town tucked a few miles outside of philadelphia has a darling little coffee shop with a wireless connection (free to customers). so I planted myself in the corner with my laptop and blackberry. hopped up on a large latte, sweet cream pinwheels, maybe a yummy blt with avocado for lunch, YUM!!! just plugging away and catching up on emails. but my tuesdays are filled with conference calls and this little coffee shops LOVES its 70s rock songs at volume HIGH. clearly, not a great combo. but what's a working gal to do... so I am rocking on and making the best of it. oh and hoping any executive on my calls actually enjoy listening to The Doors, The Who, Stones, and the list goes on :)

so tell me what's your favorite 70s rock song??? lets have fun with my misfortune, shall we...

update: back online at home. so its not the modem? I can not wait to speak with this tech guy!!! oh and jillian kicked my butt this evening!!!

full disclosure!

alright, I have been holding back a little over the last few weeks. only because I wanted to stay away from 'mommie' drama on this blog as much as possible. but now I think is the time for some full disclosure, if you will...

here is the skinny -

over the last few years, I have had infrequent chest pain. a pinch, a sharp pain, towards the left-center of my chest. so infrequent that even though during an episode I was freaked, I quickly moved on because it would not return for months. however over the last month, the infrequent nature of this pain has turn all too eerily frequent. accompanying the chest pain, I have experienced shortness of breathe, tingles in my hands & arm, and heaviness. I finally went to the doctor about a week and half ago. I spare you anymore detail, but had blood work, EKG and x rays. PRAISE THE LORD - All coming back normal, except for a high resting heart rate.

I have been on an inhaler and that has helped out with the heaviness and shortness of breathe. My doctor thinks a few things were to blame. Some checkout, others did not, so we moved on to the next diagnosis.

here is where we are now -

** muscle pull in chest. motrin helps! okay, do not get made at me. I know motrin showed poor judgement awhile back, but honestly after my c-section I can not find an alternative that works better.

** allergy induced asthma. me and double l are on the same meds. how sweet :)

** we will be monitoring my heart rate at rest and active over the next several weeks. of course, if at rest remains high, my next step could be a cardiologist. but let's not jump the gun.

so, needless to say this has side tracked me from several things, including my new friendship with jillian. but I have been cleared for exercise and today starts a whole new challenge. tonight, I will be headed to the gym to start running again. I never got past that mile mark, which needs to change this summer. that is craziness at its best. the hooray I rocked my fasted mile post was in february. and many thanks to my inconsistent training I am still at a mile each time I run. UGH! COURTNEY!!! (that's me getting annoyed with me!)

anyway, back to the new plan... and jillian and I will be hanging out on off nights at the gym. hey, that chick rocks. I lost 4 pounds the first week and half I started that DVD and I was just on level 1. I am sure I have since gained it back, thanks to a little stress from these health concerns and much thanks to ice-cream! but I feel good. I know I am in good hands. not just with my doctors, but also with the Great Physician. my trust in HIM will see me through...

I just need to keep reading matthew 6:25-34 and praying. worry has always been a struggle for me.

so there you have it, some full disclosure. now, I am ready to stop stressing and start enjoying this wonderful summer that is approaching us. I have a very active two year old to get in shape for... which I hear now jumping in his crib.

gotta run :)