ten things about me.

A few years back everyone on Facebook was sharing 25 things about themselves.  I played along.   Some of my "things" don't fit anymore.  I hated diapers and thought Diet Coke had the perfect amount of carbonation.  Both of my kids have, fortunately, been potty trained and I gave up Diet Coke a couple of years ago.  While life has changed [and kids have grown], much of my list is still as true today as it was when I wrote it four years ago.

10 things about me.

1. I am a curly haired girl who spent much of her 20's fighting it, but have now found a way to embrace it.

2. I regret not backpacking through Europe after college. I was TOO determined to get a job...because that is what you were "supposed to do". Always doing what you are supposed to do is totally overrated!


3. Although it is RIDICULOUS how much designer jeans cost, from a cost per wear comparison it makes MUCH more sense to spend $100+ on jeans that you wear all them time [Can you say mom uniform?] than it does to spend the same amount on a special occasion dress that you wear once! Thus, I have my rational for spending WAY TOO much on jeans. 

4. Motherhood is hard. Period. 

5. I want to learn how to surf and actually look good doing it! 

6.  I wish women would be easier on each other. We spend too much time judging, comparing, being envious, and sometimes being simply cruel to other women...those we know and those we "think" we know just by looking at her.

7. I think of clothes as a way to paint your personality.  Your clothes tell a story of who you are...are you daring, sophisticated, practical, sporty, tired, fun!? Don't underestimate the power of visual communication!

8.   I would be one happy girl if I could work out every day.

9.   I dream of traveling to Italy with my husband. I hope sooner than later!

10. I think about a cold Thursday night 17 years ago, at a dingy bar called Dantes, a heart broken girl saw a boy and had the guts to talk to him! How could she know she was about to have her first conversation with the man who would someday be her best friend and husband and the father to her children? She just knew she had to try again because she was certain there was someone in the world she could love and who would love her back! He proved her right!
(Plus, she needed a cigarette and was too cheap to buy a pack of her own.) 

Have a GREAT holiday weekend.   

{Photo by Elise Liptack}

mom uniform :: road trip

road trip by juneheartsfashion 

Road tripping this weekend?  Me too!  Comfort is key, but you need to look presentable once you arrive at your destination.  Easy, cozy pieces [like yogo studio pants and a tissue tee] are essential for comfort.  Throw on a few accessories and a jean jacket and you are good to go!  Classic Chuck Taylors are casual cool and practical. 

Team Thomas is headed to the Canadian Gulf Islands.  I can't wait!  [Look for out and about posts next week.]

Where are you headed for the long weekend? 

guys read

We are entering the gray area of the school year.  Not yet over, but motivation is diminishing [on all fronts.].  We have to keep them reading!  Finding a book they are excited about is key.  I wanted to share with you the titles of two series that are huge hits in our house!

little guys read: Elephant and Piggie

Elephant & Piggie books by Mo Willems are some of Little Man's favorites.  They are great for new readers.  The text is simple and predictable.  The story lines are easy for kids to relate to and the characters are hilarious!  The newest title, A Big Guy Took My Ball, arrived on our doorstep this week.  We highly recommend these books for kids of all ages. 

big guys read: Wings of Fire

Wings of Fire [Books 1 & 2 so far....] is series about five dragonettes, baby dragons, with a destiny to save their world.  Big W, almost 9, was hooked from the first page.  He devoured the first two books and has been anxiously awaiting the release of the the third installment, due out in June.  My oldest is a reluctant reader, so if he is jazzed about this series I can only imagine that many others would be too.

What books do your kids love to read?

Remember, Guys Read, is a great resource to find books boys [and girls] will love to read.
[Read about other favorites in hour house here and here.]

hawaiian macaroni salad

The long weekend is just days away!  Is there a barbeque in your future?  This Hawaiian macaroni salad is the perfect side for ribs, burgers, and other grilled fare.  Simple ingredients and a bit of tang. 

Hawaiian-Style Macaroni Salad [recipe via Spoon Fork Bacon]
Serves 3 to 5
Ingredients
1/2 lb. elbow macaroni
1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
1 rib celery, cleaned and diced
1/4 red onion, diced (about 1/3 cup)
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1- 1 1/2 teaspoons bonito flakes (2 1/2 tablespoons canned tuna, drained)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, optional
salt and pepper to taste

1. Fill a large pot with water, place over high heat and bring to a boil. Add about 2 tablespoons of salt and the macaroni and stir.
2. Boil macaroni for about 12-15 minutes or until al dente, stirring occasionally. Drain and set aside.
3. Place mayonnaise, bonito flakes, vinegar, and mustard (if using) in a small bowl and stir together. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Fold carrots, celery, onions, and mayonnaise mixture into the bowl of macaroni and stir together until completely combined.
5. Place mixture in the refrigerator for at least an hour and adjust seasoning before serving.

We served macaroni salad with these ribs over the weekend.  Delicious.

{photo by Where is June?}

dont's for husbands: general habits

My Dear Sir,
You are neither as bad nor as good a fellow as you imagine yourself to be.

1.- General Habits

Don't take it out on your poor wife every time you have a headache or a cold.  It isn't her fault, and she has enough to do in nursing you, without having to put up with ill-humour in the bargain.

Blanche Ebbutt.  1913

{image via}

cooperative subjects.

I am smack dab in the middle of a fairly intensive photography course.  My mind is swimming with new vocabulary, settings, and functions.  I have weekly assignments, which I submit for critique, that ask for me to find cooperative subjects.

I thought it might be comical to share with you a few outtakes of my "cooperative" subjects.  Taking pictures of my boys is a full contact sport.   

[Just a note.  These are straight of my camera with no editing. Also, the colors may seem odd because my assignment included experimenting with picture style.]

This is the picture I submitted for critique.

I am learning.  Let them be as nuts as they want to be and just keep clicking.  Every once in awhile you catch a great moment.

[And on the flip side, I love the outtake shots!  Gotta love them for who they are, right?]

watch your mouth!

"Watch your mouth or I will wash it out with soap!" Bring back any memories?  Let's call it throw-back mothering.  And, yep, I have shouted that a time or two in the last few months.  It seems my boys [9 and 6 years old] know all the major swear words.  Super!!  My sweet little babes have the knowledge to swear like a trucker. 

Is there a more effective tool than a bar of soap?  I think not.  I use good old Dove soap to wash my face, so I had a bar available when I needed it.  [Luckily it appears that my boys are quick learners.  Once was enough, thank you very much!]  However, most modern day moms only have liquid soap around the house.  So what is a mother to do?  A friend recently shared her swabbing technique when a bar of soap is not handy.  Simply squeeze a small line of Dawn dish washing soap on your index finger and swab the inside of their mouth.  [An alternative would be to rub the soap on their front teeth.]  I could not stop giggling as she described her method!  If only our kids knew the enjoyment we get from discussing their demise.  Evil I tell you, pure evil. 

What techniques do you use to dissuade your children from swearing?

Old school methods are effective, including throw back snack service.  Why fix it if it isn't broke?


image via