Yesterday we celebrated my husband’s thirtieth birthday. The children and I had a wonderful day planned for daddy; one that required lots of preparation. His gifts this year are going to be entirely homemade. Mostly because his gifts were some of his favorite foods but also because we recently put a price limit on gifts and food gets the most bang for the buck (my husband really enjoys certain kinds of food that I never make). Two days before my husband birthday, our son and I made some beef stock using some beef bones that I had purchased from a … Continue reading →

This summer has brought wonderful opportunities to spend time outside enjoying some of the things make the Midwest a great place to live. Because of the early start of the growing season, our local farmer’s market boasted fresh homegrown produce early in the season as well. I have always been a huge fan of the farmer’s market. Being able to get high quality produce and other goods that are produced locally improves my outlook on life in general. Needless to say, I have been taking full advantage of our Saturday morning farmer’s market this summer. Unlike my typical errand running, … Continue reading →

As soon as we got home from mass, the rolls went into the oven to bake. Meanwhile, I made two lattes in our thermal travel mugs and the glaze for the cinnamon rolls. The combination of these particular cinnamon rolls (filled with a brown sugar crumb with chopped raisins and pecans topped with a creamy sugar glaze) paired with a decadent latte make for one of my favorite and rare treats (I usually only make these rolls for Christmas morning). Once the rolls were done baking, I drizzled the glaze on top and it took every ounce of my self … Continue reading →

My husband and I are really horrible at taking the time to spend time together as a couple. The predominant rationalization that we make is that the cost involved with going on dates is too prohibitive. Getting a sitter, going to a moving, or going to a restaurant seem to be very cost prohibitive for our budget. It is especially hard for me to justifying eating out when we can make much higher quality and healthier foods (that in my opinion tastes much better) for a fraction of the cost than we can get at any of our local dining … Continue reading →

My husband and I recently celebrated six years of marriage. Before we had children, my husband and I would celebrate our anniversary by spending the entire day together focusing on each other, but our time together has drastically changed after we had children. Celebrating our anniversary is about all we do. It is rare for us to get a babysitter so that the two of us can have a date night. For the first five years of our marriage we were in the throngs of a very intense graduate program which demanded more time and money than one could imagine. … Continue reading →

There is always a recurring theme in my blogging it seems. I am a Mom. And, I often feel inadequate. Today has been one of those days. I woke up super grouchy due to my baby waking me at 4:15 am, the toddler waking me at 5:45 am, and my “big girl” waking me up at 6:45 am. Needless to say, I was not happy with anyone. I managed to get my girl out the door to Kindergarten and gave her a big hug before she left and told her I loved her. I hope she remembers that instead of … Continue reading →

I have a confession. I like to have my down time everyday to do absolutely nothing. If it is only for 15 minutes, I still feel happy. As a Mom to three kids, one of which is a 3 month old, my time is precious. It seems that every waking moment is spent holding a baby, changing a baby, or taking care of someone or something. There is not a lot of “free” time. But, I will go to great lengths to give myself one guilty pleasure everyday. I like to eat my lunch by myself in peace. Yep. I’m … Continue reading →

Today I took my kids, including my newest addition, to story time at the public library. My oldest son loves it. I frequently meet other moms there and get a chance to get out of the house and feel a little “normal”. Or at least, as normal as I can with a new baby around. Today I sat next to a Mom and we started chatting. She had 4 kids (twins in the middle) and her youngest was still a baby, although starting to toddle around. During the conversation, she said that she and her husband were going through a … Continue reading →

After having a baby, we will wear the baby fat. How long it takes to slim down is up to you. In the meantime, you can fit back into your favorite jeans, skirts and dresses with Wink’s Tummy Tucker Tank. I love wearing compression tops and girdles, whatever you like to call them, under dresses and skirts. It slims you out and makes you feel like you again. It is hard when you feel out of sorts physically along with all the other changes you feel after having a baby. I know I could not want to get back into … Continue reading →

I recently had the opportunity to review a wonderful product by Pam Socolow called The Family Facts Pregnancy Organizer and Planner. Not being a planner myself and rarely organized, the idea of using an organizer already spells defeat and causes me to run in the other direction. However, I crave organization like Pooh craves honey. So, any product that can help organize my kaleidoscope mind is appreciated yet I am almost certain the pages will remain blank. The Family Facts Pregnancy Organizer and Planner will be no different and remain blank as I am not pregnant. So, no pressure in … Continue reading →