Momastery - A Must Read if you like to laugh till you cry

Who needs a new blog read?  I didn't know I did - but I did.  Glennon (the author of this fabulous blog) is spot-on, insightful, and hilarious.  I couldn't enjoy her posts any more than I do already.  I'm a fan.  You should be too.

http://momastery.com/blog/2012/01/11/whatever-honestly-2/

Here she is with her beautiful family:

And if you don't want to 'follow' the blog, you can find her on Facebook too.

Happy Reading!

Slave to Tracy

As of Monday, I have resigned myself to being a slave to Tracy Anderson - for at least the next 90 days.  I am trying out the latest and greatest to come from her, the Metamorphosis Method. 

And let me tell you, she's a slave driver.  The cardio routine nearly killed me Monday morning.  I felt faint and was dying for a latte (coffee is not allowed on the program, also killing me). 

Here's her spiel:

In the newly released Metamorphosis by Tracy, you will transform your body, defy your genetics, and create the body that you never thought possible. Prepare to be challenged throughout this 90-day program that includes 9 discs of transforming muscular structure work, designed for your specific body types, a cardio component, and a dynamic eating plan. Experience this total transformation through your own Metamorphosis!

Now that it's Thursday, I'm feeling much better.  The caffeine situation is taken care of via tea (which normally I hate, but I am really trying to like it), no more headaches, and the cardio has gotten easier!  Now of course the strength portion is getting harder because my muscles are like 'again??' 

The Metamorphosis Method is designed for your specific body shape needs - so you're either Omnicentric (gain weight all over), Hipcentric, Abcentric, or Glutcentric.  I am definitely Abcentric and so the workout is customized to whittle away at the parts that enjoy keeping the weight on them.  ;-)  Included is a diet plan, which I'm not gonna lie, is hard.  But at the end of day 4, I'm kind of used to it!  Day 1 was the toughest.

I can't wait to start seeing some results from this, I'm mentally and physically really ready to get rid of these last irritating 15 lbs from pregnancy that have settled around my midsection.  I'm sure some of you can relate!  It is funny though - I've been physically ready to get rid of the 15 lbs for a while, but it's taken me a while to decide that yes, I can do this.  Anyone else feel this way? 

Trip to London...

No, unfortunately I'm not going to London anytime soon, but I had to share a giveaway that Boden is doing for a trip for a family of 4 to London!  You have to enter by April 1 (Friday), but it's totally worth it right?  All you have to do is enter your info, and then take a quick quiz on Boden's hometown (ahem, London). 

Here's what you win:

• 6 nights at a 5 star hotel for four

• Return flights to London

• Visit the Boden shop with £500 each and a stylist on hand

• A family portrait, shot in the Boden studios

• Afternoon tea at The Ritz

• A free pass to many London attractions

• Free travel on London Transport

Click HERE to enter!

Now....if any of you win because you saw my post you MUST tell me, or bring me with.  K?

Preoccupied..........but always shopping

Last week I inadvertently took a blogging break.  I don't know what it was specifically, I just got BUSY!  I've got Griff's 3rd birthday coming up this next weekend, and that along with my rep job (along with that whole Mommy job) has kept me running around like a nut!  I have also been calling everyone a 'nut' lately.  I find it funny that sometimes people find a saying or a word and then they use it to death...........do you?  That's what I've been doing with the word 'nut.'  Everyone who is slightly crazy is deemed a 'nut.'  It's funny when you say it out loud and with some gusto - try it!  Maybe I'll spark a trend.......

ANYWAY, I wanted to share a couple of fabulous flat finds I came across while shopping with my girlfriend Heather a couple of weekends ago.  I love love love shopping with Heather because she completely trusts my fashion opinion and as long as she likes what I pick out for her, it goes!  It's very therapeutic because it's LIKE I'm spending money, but I'm not - someone else is!  :-)  So anyway Heather told me she needed some new shoes to take her from Winter to Summer - and I of course said that A) she needs some Hunter boots and B) she needs a few pairs of 'go-to' flats.

Here are our picks from the trip:

1.  Hunter Boots.  No brainer right?  I suggest a neutral color that goes with everything so you literally CAN throw them on, on a rainy day with either leggings or skinny jeans. What could be easier, dry, and most importantly, fashionable?

2.  Stuart Weitzman's Giveable Ballet Flats.  Why are these deemed fab to me?  They are SO COMFY I could sleep in them.  I'm not really kidding here.  They have an elastic band (the black part) around the edge so there is no chafing your poor wintry skin that hasn't breathed fresh air for a few months.  And trust me, when it's flat season, the band aids and Dr. Scholl's moleskin come out for a couple of weeks while I break in my skin again.  EEEyikes.  The things I do for style.  Secondly, they are classic, timeless and simple.  Match with everything.   I could go on, but you get my point.

3.  Ivanka Trump's Diaspi Flat.  Yes, Ivanka started her own shoe line!  I don't know a whole lot about her other than that she's super smart, rich, on Celebrity Apprentice, and now preggers, but I like her style.  These flats are so perfect for every single day - think about it - throw them on with just about anything and they'll work.  Plus, they are again, ridiculously comfortable.  I am such a big comfort person on flats that I actually sold all of my Tory Burch flats on Ebay because they just weren't cutting it in the comfort department.  Not worth it, even though I do love a good TB flat on anyone else.  :-)

Fashion Police - The Chicago Auto Show Files

A few weekends ago, my husband and I decided to take a day to ourselves.......no kids.  So we went downtown and got touristy and attended the Chicago Auto Show.  Let me tell you, it was a show alright, more like a TERRIBLE fashion show!  The BEST people watching ever, almost better than O'Hare. 

Furry Boots +  fanny pack. 

 Not usually what I put together in my head before getting dressed in the AM.

Kid on a Leash. 

There are MANY times I have felt like I needed a leash on G, but haven't gone there.

REAL fur jacket + matching fur hat + Timberland's. 

 Did this guy come straight out of P. Diddy's latest video?

Canadian Tuxedo. 

Keep in mind the high on this particular day was about 40 degrees.  This girl thought to herself, 'Jean Jacket or Jean Vest?  Hmmm...high is 40, definitely the vest.'

Snow bunny attire.

Oh these poor girls - they work for whatever automotive brand we were looking at..........is this to draw in the dudes?  Let's just hope they dislike their outfits as much as I did. 

 

Dog Love

Today I am proud to introduce you all to my sister Amy, who is an RVT - or Registered Veterinary Technician. She mostly works in Opthamology (eye care for dogs) and does some emergency work as well.  Amy has loved animals since the day she was born - you should see her 'communicate' with them. She has used a 'voice' for as long as I can remember with all of our family pets and now with her own (and mine). This voice is.... a) hilarious and b) dogs really respond this voice.  Too funny.  She is fantastic at what she does and I am very happy that she gets to go to work everyday and help animals - I think it has always been her destiny!  Any animal that comes under Amy's care is a very lucky animal; she is extraordinary with them.

I approached Amy a few weeks ago to be a contributor to my blog in the best way that she can - helping us learn more and treat our animals & pets better.  So every once in a while you'll see a post from Miss Amy - and please, if you have any dog/cat/pet questions, shout them my way!  I'm happy to ask Amy for you or possibly make your question the subject of Amy's blog entry. 

 Amy with her beloved Bonnie on her 4th birthday


Without further ado......Here's Amy's entry.

As some of you may know, I am an animal lover. And by animal lover, I mean I am a little crazy about my furry little creatures that I call my kids. I thought it would be fun to talk about a subject that many of us are guilty of, which is table scraps. I like to spoil my dogs and cats more than anyone in the world, but some people-food can be considered toxic to our animals.  Hence, today's topic:

The top 5 foods that we see a lot in emergency medicine; causing harm to our 'kids':

1. Chocolate.  I'm sure most of you guessed this! Dogs love the flavor. And don't think that just because some of them are small and can't reach the counter, they can't get to this stuff. They will find a way on the counter! And if they don't, I know some cats who would be more than willing to push a chocolate cake onto the ground for their dog friends. Chocolate can cause increased heart rate, tremors, and even death. So although we like to binge on it on occasion, dogs can't.

2. Onions. Not only do onions cause bad breath for everyone (pets included), they also are harmful to our best friends. They can cause anemia, vomiting and weakness. Hold the onions please.

3. Sugar Free Gum. This one a lot of people don't know about. Although this gum helps us humans freshen our breath after a healthy dose of onions......it's toxic to dogs. Sugar Free Gum contains a sugar substitute called Xylitol. This stuff can cause bleeding, liver failure, and death. So make sure to keep your dogs nose out of your purses!

4. Meat overload. Ok, it sounds ridiculous. But if a dog has access to tons of meats, they will eat them.  And unfortunately, an overload can cause pancreatitis, which is no fun for anyone involved.  So everytime you have extra steak, turkey breast, chicken, or sausage, think twice about letting your dog or cat indulge.  Maybe once a year on their birthday a burger would be appropriate! 

5. Grapes/Raisins.  Last on the list, but just as bad. These delicious little bursts of juice can cause kidney failure in dogs when eaten in large amounts.  While they seem like them might a fun item to toss your dog while you're noshing on them, it's actually a terrible idea!  And if you have kids, do NOT let them feed your dog either of these.......many times kids are the culprits of veterinary emergency situations.


As much as I love spoiling my animals rotten, I'll make sure to spoil them with the right stuff. Try something a little more pet appropriate, like a fantastic cake from Three Dog Bakery.

Amy

Stylish Blogger, Moi?

Hopefully by this title you all don't think I'm complimenting myself (which in all honestly wouldn't be a surprise, ha!), but instead I was nominated by Melanie of Scout as someone who is, a 'stylish blogger!' Thank you Mel, you're always very sweet to me.

As part of the deal, you have to nominate other 'stylish bloggers.'  Here are some great blogs I follow written by some very stylish women!  Ladies, I look forward to your posts!

Look Learn Love

Art Wall

Whine and Cheez

Raw for a Reason

That Girl in Pearls


The other part of the game is to reveal 7 interesting things about yourself....so read on if you're interested!


1. I recently learned to needlepoint (from my Mom) and needle pointed my husband a proper Christmas stocking! I am in the process of making Gemma's as well......and also making a little pillow for my niece Sienna (it's a very belated gift at the rate I'm going!). Obviously this is not the one I made - sorry, I don't feel like unearthing it from the basement Xmas decs...but it's similar.

2. Before kids, I had professional pictures taken of my dogs! Yes, I did. They turned out amazing......the photographer I used is Amanda Jones. If you are an animal lover like me, it's SO worth it! Here's an example of her work:

3.  I have a pacemaker.  Yes, as in the old lady kind.  To me, it's not a big deal and I don't think of it much.  I really don't even notice the scar anymore.   I probably will in a couple of years when I have to get my battery replaced - no joke!  I'm battery operated. 

4.  A few years ago (before kids, even before I was married), my Mom and I were shopping on Armitage Ave in Chicago and found some adorable frames.  You know, the kind that are painted with either rhinestones on them or a bow, or whatever......but they were in a boutique for $40 or $50!  Both of us being somewhat crafty, we thought 'We can make these!'  So we bought some materials and they came out.....just ok.  I made a few, gave some to my Mom, and got bored of it.  However, a couple of months ago, I revisited this craft and am now making my own frames - some to give as gifts, but I think I may just open my own little Etsy shop.  And yes, I will do custom orders if you're interested!  Stay tuned.............in the meantime here are a couple I have ready to  go:

5.  Despite all of his unfortunate comments, strange singing faces, and just all around weirdness, I love me some John Mayer.  I love all of his albums, and love to blast it in the car, when making dinner, whenever!  When Gemma was teency this summer, for some reason his Battlestudies album calmed her......Joe says it's because it's melancholy.  He's probably right.  When we moved out of our house last year in Madison, I was pregnant with Gemma and very emotional about the move, quitting my job, etc, and so as we drove away I turned on John Mayer's song 'All we ever do is say goodbye' and sobbed all the way to Chicago.  Whew!  I was intermittently laughing at myself; Joe didn't quite know what to say. 

6.  I am kind of obsessed with swimwear.  Strange, given I live in the Midwest and only don one on a yearly vacation and maybe a handful of times in the summer.  If you were to come see my 'collection' you'd laugh.  How many swimsuits does a Midwestern girl need?  Apparently more than 15.

7.  I went to an all girls, catholic high school.  We wore uniforms, rarely shaved our legs, had many nuns for teachers, and loved every minute of it!  St Teresa's Academy in Kansas City was the best!  I made some of the best friends of my life there, and learned so much about myself.  I loved being in the all girls environment and focusing on ME.  What else did I love about it?  That our brother school was Rockhurst.  Who doesn't love a Rockhurst boy?  Here are some old school photos to make you laugh.

Move over Ryan Reynolds

Do any of you watch the new Hawaii 5-0? Well, if you are looking for a new crush, you might want to check it out.

Move over Josh Duhamel and Ryan Reynolds, meet Alex O'Loughlin. He is an Aussie and he is seriously hot! And no, I am not a former writer for Tiger Beat, although it might seem so.

Anyone agree?

Fashion Police

Welcome to another fashion police episode.

This one comes to us from my good friend Maria Elena, who in managing the Laura Mercier counter at the Kansas City Nordstroms sees.......a lot of people in need of policing. She was also my partner in crime back in our high school and college days of fashion policing.....however looking back at pictures I feel like we were in need of it ourselves!

She said recently there was an event at the store where a woman who attended the event might have garnered more attention than the actual event itself. She was wearing.....

FUR boots.

I have seen a few people wearing fur boots in this neck of the woods myself, and they're really not my thing either. My opinion is.....Why would you want your feet to look like those of a woolly mammoth? I'm picturing the woman Maria is describing wearing something like these....

I think there is a tasteful way to do fur (faux please, I have strong opinions on real fur, people) boots, right? What do you all think?

If you are a Mom and need a laugh....watch this.

'Pulling a Britney'

Per my husband, who is avidly reading my blog (tee hee), I have been told I need to make my blog 'funny.' I am no Ellen Degeneres (however she is fab and I LOVE her), but I figure now and then I can come up with something either funny to tell you all, or funny to show you.

Today, I thought it would be 'funny' to show you a couple pictures of my husband doing what I call 'pulling a Britney.'

Yes, this is Joe driving with our 2 year old son on his lap. But thankfully, they are just in our driveway. I know it's kind of terrible, but Griffin LIVES for when Daddy comes home from work and he can 'drive the car!' He lets Griffin honk and pretend steer the car into the garage. I mean, the sheer glee that spreads across Griffin's face when I tell him Daddy's home is worth the Mom guilt I feel about letting him do this. After all, I'm sure there are much worse things to come, right?