Is it already February?

I am flabbergasted that it is almost my husband's birthday at the end of February.  Wasn't it just the holiday season yesterday?  I feel like I should still be shopping for Christmas and Hanukah presents when in actuality we will probably be seeing St. Patrick's Day decor in Walmart by tomorrow!

This time warp is extra fascinating this year because that means I have been true to my New Year's Resolutions for well over a month...I am impressed.  First, I had way too many resolutions for 2015 for no apparent reason other than the fact that I guess I needed to add more things to my "to do" lists? Well for whatever reason I made a bunch of resolutions and I have been very good about adhering to my personal improvement agenda.

1.  Get my girl ready for school in a calm and positive manner.  This one was numero uno on my list.  I was literally hating myself and the morning in my house.  Granted, I was still up all night with insomniac baby, but that is no excuse.  It is not my pre-schooler's fault that I am tired and cranky.  I was getting so impatient trying to get a slow moving four year old ready and the guilt was making me miserable.  That is not the mom I had set out to be so I changed it.  And simply put, I made a rule: "There is no yelling allowed."  Sounds silly and simple but I am a rule follower so this simple strategic motto is actually working for me.  I am just "not allowed" to raise my voice.  Instead I remember that really the worst thing that could possibly happen is that we will be late and miraculously that has not yet happened.

2.  Use heavier weights when I go to Jazzercise of Clinton for my workouts.  I have been exercising for fifteen years with the same 5lb weights.  Me, the self proclaimed fitness guru, the girl who knows something about every type of workout on the market, the lady who exercises on vacation...How have I let myself get away with this?  The golden rule of the exercise plateau,..change your routine.  So anyway, yeh I went up to an amazing 6 lbs lol :)

3.  Get dressed and put on some make up everyday.  OK, so I have slacked a little here, but I have improved and that is the point.  Not that I was wearing my pajamas everyday in 2014, but being a stay at home mom does lead to some degree of jean phobia.  I wore my sweatpants more than I like to admit. Every now and then we all deserve to lay around in jammies all day with a good book and a cozy blanket, but I do believe that you feel how you dress.  When I put "real" clothes on and take a few extra minutes to apply blush and mascara I feel different.  I tend to accomplish more and I feel better about myself.  This resolution was not a self centered appearances are everything kind of improvement.  It was more that I deserve to take the time to feel good.  I spend the rest of the day doing everything for my family, the extra time to take care of myself is a great way to begin the process of caring for others.

4.  Last to be listed but probably the most important; communicate better with my husband.  Ah, the foundation of a good marriage: talk to each other.  Sounds so easy.  Then  comes the long work week, the endless cycle of caring for children, busy weekends, tired weeknights, and much less time to spend with your beloved.  It is quite ironic that when you first start dating, there is less to talk about and so much more time to talk.  Once you become a family there are constantly issues that need to be discussed and finding the time to communicate with one another almost becomes a chore.  So sad.  But if you believe in something enough, you make sure it happens.  No excuses.  I love talking to my husband anyway, he is a great listener.  Being too tired is a terrible excuse, if I have something to say, it must be said.  Would I rather wake up 20 years from now and realize that we are suddenly complete strangers with no kids around as a buffer?  Definitely not.  So, I will not wait until the one night every few months we are lucky enough to have a date night.  That is not enough.  Say something to my husband every single day, so far, mission accomplished.

I don't want to get too ahead of myself.  It is only the second week of February.  But I am off to a great start .  But if you catch me at Shop rite with my sweats on, well hey, they are comfy!

Fabulously Mismatched

I was sitting in my rocking chair in the left back corner of my bedroom.  While I was nursing my infant, I was also watching my four year old get dressed.  She was sitting in the chair at my desk, a piece of furniture that belonged to my husband when he was a teenager.  The desk is in the front right corner of the room, and it acts like a vanity.  I have a mirror, make-up, and hair products at the desk; it's where I get ready.  My daughter was wearing sea green leggings, a black dress with little pink hearts all over it, and a pink baby doll sweater.  She had white socks pulled all the way up, and her shiny black dress shoes on her feet.  If you didn't guess from my clothing description, she dressed herself.

I was watching my young daughter brush her hair with my brush while looking at herself in my mirror.  She was very pleased.  As she brushed through her hair, she kept asking me if she was, "doing it," meaning, "was she getting all the knots out?"  The true answer to that question would have been "no."  She only brushes the hairs in front where she is coordinated enough to reach.  She lacks the motor skills needed to brush the hair in back of her head.  I lied to her.  I told her she was successful.  I didn't feel like I was not telling her the truth though.

She successfully got herself ready for the day all on her own and she liked the way she looked.  It was obvious by the way she twirled herself around in front of my full length mirror later.  My daughter was very proud of herself and as her mom I was proud too.

I am sure there are some parents who would have had their child change their clothes before they left the house, making sure the outfit matched.  Maybe they would have also brushed her hair to ensure that it was nice and neat.  Not me.  We left just as she was.  The moment was too special to ruin with worries of what other people might think.  Not to mention, I would have been interfering with her growing up right in from of me.  I might have risked stealing some of her confidence,  some of her independence, and her pride.  I didn't have the heart to take those things away from her.  She was amazing and I didn't want to interrupt.  So when you see us out and about, my four year old might not match.  Her outfit might be quite silly.  We have even gone to the grocery store in dress up clothes.  But she is on her way to becoming a very confident, independent, and proud woman.  What more could I really ask for?

Every Day Heroes

There are people we think of when the word "hero" is mentioned.  Police officers, firefighters, soldiers, and people who sacrifice themselves for a greater good are the images that typically come to mind.  Of course I agree, how could you not.  These individuals risk their own lives to save, improve, and protect others.  They should be honored and respected for all they do.

Today, as I did the typical duties of a stay at home mom, I was a bit enlightened.  Walking into my exercise class I saw the faces of women who live and work in my area.  They do not run in to burning buildings or capture hardened criminals, but they do care for, shape, and guide the lives of others.  Today I thought, women really are everyday heroes, albeit, different from the above mentioned figures, but the everyday things I see women do is absolutely inspiring.

There are women who regularly attend my exercise class with serious injuries, just recovering from surgery.  There are moms who recently sent their first child away to school and miss them intensely.  Moms who spend their days caring for their home and children, then spend the night working while their family sleeps safely at home.  I meet women who are pregnant with second and third babies running around the playground with their kids.  I know moms who spend their only free minutes volunteering their time to help less fortunate people in the community.

Besides the unrepresentative number of amazing tasks I mentioned, we do these while lacking months of sleep.  Women work that hard to care for their families regardless of what might be happening in the rest of their lives.  We are women with very personal stories who put it all aside to create, help, and enrich the lives of others.

We easily adjust ourselves as needed to fit the current role of the day, from business professional to house cleaner to nurse to chef.  We become teachers when our kids come home from school with homework, then wives when our husbands come home from work.

There are times I think I am jealous of my husband, sometimes being a man seems so much easier.  If they need to make a doctor appointment or get a haircut, they just go on the way home from work.  Being a man allows you to be just a professional when you are at work and then a husband and father when you get home.

I thought I wanted to be a man, so I can put on nice clothes every morning and head out the door, coffee in hand and just one job to think of.  They get to shower alone everyday, and listen to whatever radio station they want to listen to in their cars.  So many perks of manhood, how could you not be jealous?

But after my realization today I no longer want to be jealous of these small manly bonuses.  I am proud to be a part of the hero gender.  The gender that wholeheartedly cares for their families and takes on the roles of many to get the job done.  I love being a part of the feminine gender so that I can easily transform from a responsible mom in to a giggling best friend.  I am so proud of women and everything they do every day to make life special.  Women are my every day heroes.

Stop Hating

This Is Me

I already know I annoy some people, I must.  I am back to my pre-baby weight five months after giving birth, I find the time to exercise everyday, and my kids are always well groomed.  I also spontaneously decided to take a writing course at Duke University requiring about ten hours of school work a week.  During pre-school orientation I volunteered myself to be the class mom and was super excited to do so.   Besides all of that, I blog,  and care for my house in a meticulous manner. To top it off, I always have a smile on my face. I am not bragging, I am acknowledging the reasons why you hate me.  I am THAT mom; the one who turns her kids food into smiley faces and remembers to label all of their school belongings.

I just want you to know, I do not do these things to irk you.  When I smile at you, I am not judging you.  I am just nice (I know, now you want to hate me even more).  I do what I do because I am a doer.  I like to have a lot of things on my plate at once because I enjoy being busy.

  What you do not realize about me is that sometimes I am jealous of you.  Your ability to relax is actually a skill I am working on gaining.  I am sure that sounds ridiculous and quite frankly I know that is hard to believe but,  I am the person who sits on her hands just to stop fidgeting.

 So, here is the point of my posting.  Rather than judge each other, maybe we can all learn from one another.  Perhaps I can teach you how to accomplish more tasks while you help me calm the F down.  In fact, the  more involved I become with my children's social life the more moms I meet that I want to learn things from.  We should all stop judging and instead make an effort to help each other and learn from each other :)

What I Have Learned As An Adult

My older daughter started preschool today with the excitement of a young and eager learner.  I listened to her new teacher as she told us about show and tell, the letter of the week, and the many projects that young children use to explore the world. Even the teachers had the first day disposition of excited preschoolers as they shared their expectations of our young ones.

Driving home from the school this afternoon, I had that natural high that follows a wonderfully eventful morning.  I am ready to admire all of my child's art work and letter tracing and share my love of learning with her as we begin our school year.

My daughter is very young, turning four in the beginning of November.  She has two decades of schooling ahead of her.  With the start of her academic life, I thought it only proper to share with you the things I have learned recently, in my adult life:

• The perfect hard boiled egg is simmered gently for 11 minutes.

• Exercise is very important, but sometimes lunch with your bestie is more important.

• Do something for yourself every day.

• You are NEVER too old to climb around on playground equipment with your kids.

• No matter how many "new mom" articles I read about ignoring the laundry, I know that cannot happen.

• Toxic relationships are just that, TOXIC.  

• Children exhibit very frightening symptoms when they have the every day virus.

• You will not treasure every single moment of parenthood.

• You can learn as much from a child as you can learn from an adult.

Survivors

I called them Bubby and Zeidi; the English translation of these Yiddish words are grandmother and grandfather, respectively.  To me, Bubby was loving, family oriented and skillful, while Zeidi was funny, sarcastic, and patriarchal.  When I think of them as I knew them it is nauseating to imagine their lives before living in Brooklyn, New York.

Bubby and Zeidi met and fell in love in the woods of Poland, hiding from Hitler.  They were both Holocaust survivors, and to comprehend what they went through is exhausting to my thinking.  They hid together in fox holes like animals, trying to escape being treated as such.  My caring grandmother and humorous grandfather stole food for survival, ignoring any personal beliefs they felt about keeping kosher in their Jewish religion.

I think one of the worst events that my Bubby went through was watching her own mother and sister get shot by a Polish officer, the same officer that let her go.  The shear terror of seeing your family members killed in front of you is unimaginable in my safe life.  I think about how she later played Rummy Q with me and cannot help but wonder how she could.  Bubby lovingly and gently cared for my bee sting, after spending years literally running for her life.

Zeidi was never good about sharing his own stories from the Holocaust; he was the head of the house. I know he left personal belongings in the homes of strangers, hoping that he could later return and ask for a bite of food.  Yet, all I see is my grandfather leading us for a Passover Seder, and laughing at his grandchildren's jokes.

I am a 34 year old woman and I still mourn the loss of my grandparents.  My Zeidi died when I was 17 years old, and I felt like I lost my best friend.  He taught me things that I can never forget, like how to stand strong and spend your life laughing.  My Bubby passed away just last year, and though she was not well when she went, there was something extra sad when she finally left us.  Bubby was an exceptional woman who always showed me love and sincerity.  Her famous phrase was, "I live for my grandchildren."  Bubby loved to cook enourmous meals for the family, played games with me, and listened intently to my words.

Even as I write this, my eyes fill with tears, such incredible and important people to our history no longer exist.  I need to write this as much as it needs to be read and shared.  To let their memory die is dangerous, and to not repeatedly tell their story is threatening.  They were part of the last generation of Holocaust survivors, and they are my family.

Over the past year, I wondered how to feel closure on the sadness I felt when my Bubby died.  This morning, as I showered and readied for the day, I realized that there cannot ever be closure on the lives of my grandparents.  They need to be honored every day for their struggle and the tremendous impact their history has on this world. Their story will always need to be shared and made public so that no one ever faces their horrors again.  As their grandaughter it is one of my duties to never let them fade from my memories and to pass on their strengths to others.

So while we gripe with our everyday dilemmas over which cell phone to buy next, let us never forget the pasts of others that let us have these free and enjoyable days.  Lets all remember loved ones the way I think of Bubby and Zeidi, and tell their stories.  I encourage you to share this with everyone, and take a moment to be thankful for our lives.  To always find humor as my Zeidi did, and to love our family with your whole heart the way my Bubby did.

So maybe my closure is to speak, to write, and to share.

How to Be Happier

So, it has been a very long time since I last posted on "This Is Me."  About a year ago was the last time I wrote an article for my blog, and I cannot believe how much that amount of time can literally change one's life.  I have a four month old baby for one and have now transitioned into the multiple children family status.  I also learned a lot about myself, my life, and my views of the world.  There were so many topics I could have written about upon my return to the blogging world, but this is what I chose:  How to Be Happy!

My degree is in Psychology, and I love the study of human behavior; however, I always had one complaint about this particular area of social sciences:  Most of the focus is on what is wrong with individuals and all the disorders that affect people.  There is so much more to our lives than what we need to fix about ourselves, and we should think about being happy as we are and with what we have.

This past year I took a hiatus from my blog and went through some life changing events.  Emotionally, all of these experiences were different, some good and some bad.  There are some very tragic parts of my life that never seem to completely resolve, and I am constantly needing to figure out ways to deal based on my current situation.  However, I am a very happy and positive person.  My life is well balanced, and I enjoy myself every day.  I often wonder, what is it about me that allows for happiness as a general and abundant feeling throughout my adult life?  If I were a drug addict or an alcoholic, I could very well use my circumstances as an excuse, and I am certain everyone would forgive my actions based on causation.

My own personal experiences led me to believe that happiness is mostly choice.  I do understand and know that tragic circumstances cause stress and unhappy feelings, we are human beings with an array of emotions.  I am describing a general feeling of happiness as an overall affect.

So, this blog is to everyone reading who wonders how to be happier.

1.  Have an emotional outlet ready and available somewhere in your home.
I have a jigsaw puzzle set out on a card table in the corner of my dining room.  Whenever the stresses are high, rather than immediately react, I zone out for one minute and concentrate on my puzzle.  When that minute is over, I return to the situation.  By then I am calmer, the situation is calmer, and everything seems less intense.  Whatever you choose as the outlet, whether it be a magazine, puzzle, or calming music; leave it somewhere in sight and easily accessible.
2.  Do some sort of physical activity every day.  
I know that you have read this a million times in every article, but I live by it.  Whatever it is that you enjoy physically, set aside time each day to do it.  Walking, dancing, gardening, kickboxing, yoga, tennis, and so on are vital to mood stability, overall health, and for personal pleasure and feelings of accomplishment.
3.  Eat a balanced diet.
Yes, again, I know you know.  But I cannot stress how much different it feels to eat a well balanced diet full of nutritious foods over a meal plan consisting of fast foods, processed foods, or omitting food groups.
4.  Make time to do what you love.
Our day to day lives get super busy, and it is difficult to find time to do what you need to do let alone partake in pleasurable activities.  Yet, you only live once.  When else do you plan on reading a good book, playing a game with your friend, or enjoying a good bottle of wine?  Make time at least once a week to do something just for fun.
5.  Focus on the positive.
The other day I told my husband that that particular day home with the two kids was exactly like a comedic movie on parenting, except that in real life it was not that funny.  Although my day was filled with ridiculous episodes, I had pleasurable moments.  Those are the moments I CHOSE to take with me at the end of that day.
6.  Surround yourself with people who make you feel good.
This one is a bit complex, being that you do not always have complete control over the people you need to interact with on a day to day basis.  Yet, I make a very big effort to spend my time with people who have a positive impact on me.  I focus my close relationships on those who do not add stress to my life, and when I converse with these people, I leave the conversation feeling good.

So, yes, to some degree, being a happy person takes some effort.  You need to figure out things in each of the above categories that apply to you personally, then attempt to add/remove things from your life.  I suggest these ideas because I live by them, and they help me create happy and enjoyable days for myself.  I hope you can take something out of this entry and use it to make your own life happier!

Why I Will Raise My Daughter A Mets Fan

I grew up watching the NY Mets with my dad, and going to Shea Stadium was a regular family outing.  We used to sit way up in the top bleachers, and I was as loud as the beer belly man sitting next to us.  When we went to the game, we saw players who are still talked about today; Strawberry, Cohen, Gooden, and Darling.  We wore cones on our heads, and did the wave as an enthusiastic crowd.

To say that I am a "die-hard Mets fan" is somewhat of an understatement.  I love baseball, the dirty dogs, the home run apple, and the corny chants we engage in while drinking overpriced beer.  I get low spirited when the Mets lose, and over the top happy when they win.  I once put a hole in my bedroom wall when the NY team won the National League Championship. I do not think baseball is boring like many people claim, and every game matters to me, even though they play every day.

This past Father's Day, my husband and I brought our daughter to Citi Field for her first live Mets game.  I was overjoyed with sentiment as I watched her eat ice cream out of a blue plastic helmet.  I spent a little too much time dressing her up in  my 1986 Mets shirt, and fitting my modern pink cap on her little head.  The anticipation to start time made me feel like I was a kid again.

As we sat in our seats in the bleachers, behind home plate, I could not help feeling nostalgic.  I wanted to show her the big apple that rises from a top hat when a Met hits a home run.  I brought her Mets ABC book so that I could point out all the pictures she had only seen on TV and paper.  I hoped that this would be a regular part of her childhood, so I could instill the same love I have for baseball to my daughter.

Citi Field is different than the Shea Stadium NY used to play in, and going to a baseball game is different in 2013.  The seats are more expensive, as is everything else in the arena.  There aren't as many beer bellied men with their butt cracks hanging out of their jeans.  We did not do the wave while we watched the Mets play the Chicago Cubs.  You can buy fillet minion sandwiches and sushi along with your cracker jacks and hot dog.

Although there are anomalies at today's game that did not exist 30 years ago, there were also some things that I hope will never change.  There were fans of both genders and every age wearing all kinds of Mets gear.  We sang "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the seventh inning stretch, and Mr. Met is still our beloved mascot.  The people in the stands had the heart of NY Met fans, cheering for the good plays, and booing for the bad.

I guess some of you want to know why I have the desire for my daughter to grow up a Mets fan; I have the choice to show her a team that wins more often, like the Yankees.  However, I do not have the love for any other team, and therefore, the heart behind it is not genuine.  I am a die hard Mets fan, I love the struggle they go through year after year, it gives a bigger sense of accomplishment when they win.  To me, the Mets give off a feeling of belonging to a team, win or lose.

The Queens, NY team play as a uniform baseball team, not like individual ball players only there for their own baseball stats.  We have the 1986 team, which is of no comparison in baseball.  We have coneheads and Mookie Wilson.  The best home run hitting catcher in baseball, Mike Piazza, was our all-star.  There is a big, red apple that signifies a home run, and of course the seven train to bring us to the field.

Mets fans are the best.  We stick by our team, whether we are having a good or bad season; we don't just show up when it is convenient.  Fans of the Mets remember the good times, and watch baseball because it is a game of heart.  We chant, we cry, and we punch holes in our bedroom walls.

Being a mother is a gift I treasure,

 the importance of lifework I cannot measure.

 Teaching the values and morals I believe in,

 hoping she can form her own system of reason. 

Growing and changing,

 improving herself,

 loving her body and enjoying good health. 

Being kind and forgiving,

yet not before self. 

Shaping a person that can be courageous,

 standing up for ideas,

to believe in oneself. 

To encourage dreams and the ethics of work,

to support all their faults as much as it hurts. 

To help them stand up when it’s easier to fall,

 to take a step back,

 but be there if they call. 

To watch from afar,

yet be by their side,

 to tell them you’re proud as long as they try.

Celebrate accomplishments, and learn from failures,

to take the lessons from mistakes,

to stay out of danger. 

To first learn to love and try not to hate,

 to see all the good,

to try and relate. 

To lead by example,

to learn from each other,

to take the high road because I am the mother. 

Love her entirely without any reserve;

give her the respect and life she deserves. 

Make sure she knows how proud I am;

tell her I love her as much as I can.

Love

My blog is mostly recipes, some useful parenting advice, and money saving tips.  I am an educated stay at home mom who likes to share information, and blogging is my means.  Though I usually write about the aforementioned categories, every once in a while I like to write freely.  My writing roots began in poetry, and I often find myself going back there.  I also proclaim to be a chick flick junkie, and flowers and candlelight dinners are a guilty pleasure.  Today, I wrote the following non-rhyming poem for pure pleasure:

Love is an overwhelmingly amazing emotion.
It includes so much,
to fully describe it is near impossible.
With love comes enormous strength,
but also a deep weakness.
Love makes one blissfully happy,
yet incredibly sad.
With love one can be elated and carefree,
or sick with worry.
An all encompassing feeling,
it can make you do things you never dreamed possible.
Love is not easy;
it opens the heart to every hope, dream, fear, and truth.
It leads to self discovery, awareness, and improvement.
Shaping who you are,
and learning who you are not.
Love is very different for everyone,
yet so simply similar.
It is silly and serious, calm and excited, loud and serene.
Creating boundaries,
and setting one free.
Love is finding the best in yourself,
and showing it to others.
Blind and also sighted,
it sees parts no one knew existed.
Love takes courage, beauty, and honor.
Love is all.

Contingent Kindness

My baby and I are out on the town all the time.  We go to the park, supermarket, library, shopping, beaches, and all kinds of fun day adventures.  I must honestly say that more often than not, we are face to face with thoughtless and inconsiderate bystanders.  People watch you struggle with ten bags, a stroller, and a kicking toddler, and literally bump into you.  My favorite act of indecency is the mindless door slam when you are just two feet away and trying not to drop your child on their head.  While this is crude, by the time my day is over, I usually forget all about these episodes; they leave no lasting impression.

Last week however, my heart was touched, my soul was warmed, and I cannot stop thinking about this one simple act of cordiality that literally changed my day.  Little one and I were at the grocery store, where of course, my toddler refused to sit in the cart.  Normal toddler behavior, I walked slowly around the store, while she helped me push the cart, and threw supermarket merchandise in every direction. When my daughter was finished with this activity, she wanted to be carried for the remainder of the trip. I have this new olympic maneuver which I cleverly named the "the one arm foot push."  I carry my flailing toddler in one arm, and use one hand and one foot to push, steer, and turn the cart.

After checking out in this fashion last week, my daughter and I were leaving the store, and about to walk through the exit.  The woman behind me asked if she could help me.  Being shy, modest, and stubborn,  I said, "no thank you." This incredibly kind woman inflexibly insisted on helping.  She handed her full grocery cart to her husband, and took my cart from me.  This gentlewoman then walked my shopping cart all the way to my car, which was at the far end of the parking lot.  As she gracefully walked away, I welled up inside.  This stranger selflessly took time out of her day to help another able bodied person.

During dinner that night, I told the story to my husband, as I said, I could not keep myself from thinking about this random act of kindness.  While reciting this to my husband, he guessed that my story was about another shopper pushing me out of the way, or being rude in one way or another.  I excitedly corrected him, and confessed that I usually forget all of the rude people I encounter, and those stories never make it to our dinner table.  That moment I realized that good really does conquer evil, and that one act of kindness overpowers multiple acts of barbaric behavior.

I found it heartwarming and soul strengthening that in all of our stresses and anxieties, one simple act of generosity  made my day better, and created wonderful dinner conversation.  It was fascinating and touching that altruism  turned my day around, and eraded meaningless negative events.  I hope that when I said "thank you" to this stranger, she could hear the sincerity in my voice.  My husband suggested that I blogged about this selflessly good deed, and so I also want to say thank you to him for the great idea.  The world needs more stories like this.

Confessions of a Healthy Eater

      There are so many articles, infomercials, personalities, and schemes about dieting and exercising, it honestly drives me bonkers.  There is no magic pill, special exercise equipment, or overnight solution to lose weight.  To me, some of the most ridiculous diet solutions include the "gluten free" diet, sprinkling something on your food to curb hunger, leaving out vital food groups like carbohydrates, and drinking shakes rather than eating food. Staying on topic, exercise gimmicks are just as foolish in my opinion, and vibrating belts do not make you skinny.  Being a healthy weight, and having the right amount of body fat is a lifestyle, and requires nothing more than choosing the right foods, and being active in some way.
      I will start with my healthy food theories, because, quite honestly, you cannot be healthy if you eat fast food and chips on a regular basis.  Eating involves colors, textures, flavors, and varieties from all of the important food groups to ensure you get the proper nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.  I believe that one of the best ways to provide yourself with a healthy diet, is to stick to whole foods as much as possible.   My definition of "whole foods" is an edible product that is not altered dramatically on its travel from nature to the supermarket.  Whole foods in my world include: produce, fish, meat, brown rice, whole wheat flour, oats, honey, milk, eggs, and cheese.  I do the best I can to keep my diet as close to whole food choices as I can, however, this is a modern world of convenience, and one must change with the times.
       If I did not eat some packaged products, I would not be realistic with the way of today's fast pace world.  There are of course foods I eat from the other aisles in my grocery store, and I will share with you how I decide that the food fits into a healthy diet.  First I try to purchase food items with as few ingredients as possible, and I prefer to recognize and understand what each ingredient means.  I buy cold cereals for a breakfast choice, and most of them contain between four and eight foods or additives on the ingredient list.  Similarly, my peanut butter contains two ingredients, like my yogurt and rice cakes, and the crackers I buy have three foods in them.  Getting familiar with ingredients helps tremendously, so that I am not ruling out a product without knowing all the information.  For instance, ascorbic acid is simply vitamin C, so when I see it in applesauce, it does not deter me from buying a particular brand.
      Also, the first ingredient should be a whole grain, fruit, vegetable, fish, or meat.  This is an important rule, and I find it most useful in the packaged bread aisle.  There are not many brand choices where bread contains very few ingredients today, so I at least make sure that the first ingredient is a sound choice.  Whole wheat flour is the best choice as the first ingredient.  This rule also works well when choosing granola bars or cereal bars, crackers, and canned goods.
      It would be nice if food alone could keep us healthy, fit, and toned, but in truth, humans need to stay active and flexible in order to maintain a healthy life.  Lucky for me, I love to get moving, but I do understand that this can be difficult, even I can feel lazy at times.  In general, I am a motivated exerciser, and I have developed certain theories over time, which I think help me stay focused, and active.
      Most importantly, one needs to like the exercise in order to stick with it.  Running is not for everyone, in the same way that not everyone wants to learn downward facing dog.  Finding out what your love is can take time, but simple trial and error works well here.  If using this approach, do not spend 500 dollars on the newest workout infomercial guru only to find out you hate that particular exercise.  Personally, I love kickboxing, Pilates, yoga, total body weightlifting, and circuit training; I hate running, the treadmill, dancing, and plyometrics.  It is difficult to get motivated when you do not like the task at hand.  Every person is different, and for some, it might take a little "thinking outside the box" to figure out your workout personality.
      The burst of energy that comes after or during a loved exercise or activity is like being on a natural high.  On days when I am not motivated, it helps enormously if I think of that feeling.  It seems to at least get me started, and once you start, it is likely you will continue.  Another tip that benefits me is to do something everyday.  By this, I mean that if I do not have time, or I am not in the mood, I still make sure to fit in some level of activity for a specified time.  Examples are doing a quick 10 minute workout session, or taking my dog for a long walk.  I do this because it keeps me on track.  For me, completely skipping a day makes it easier to have an excuse for the next day.
      My next tip is somewhat corny, but I find it useful so I will tell the world.  While exercising, I focus on one part of my body that I love.  Many people look in the mirror and stare at some aspect of thyself that is not perfect, and I find that to be demeaning, contradictory to healthy living, and unproductive.  Instead, I find something I like, whatever it may be, and I concentrate on it during my workout.  For example, I like my calves, so if I am doing squats, I watch my calves in the mirror as I complete the exercise.  Doing this makes me feel confident, empowered, and happy, which is the ultimate goal!
      Being healthy is about choices, knowledge, movement, and lifestyle.  Listening to the newest fad will let you down, and decrease your motivation. In any event, it is not a long term solution; you cannot sprinkle a magic solution on your food forever.  In order to be fit, one needs to make smart food choices, and get involved with daily activity.  I am a believer in whole foods, nutritious ingredients, and physical exercise to stay healthy and maintain a healthy life.

How To Exercise With Your Baby

It has been said over and over, you should exercise while your baby naps. Sometimes that just does not work, so after spending some frustrating thirty minute sessions with my workout DVD’s, I came up with this list of exercises you CAN do with your baby. I have tested them all myself, and they work. I get my exercise, and my daughter absolutely loves all of these activities!

Cardio:

Put your baby in the stroller and go for a walk or a run. If you are feeling really ambitious, put your baby in an infant carrier and you have added weight.

Put on your favorite song playlist, and dance with your baby. Make sure you have enough songs to last at least thirty minutes.

Toning:

My favorite-push ups! Lie your baby down on his/her back. Get into push up position, either on your knees, or all the way up on your toes. Your baby should be directly beneath you. Bend your elbows and bring your body down towards your baby. Each time you go down toward the floor, kiss one side of your baby’s cheek!

Weighted crunches-Lie down on your back with your knees bent; hold your baby on your chest. Lift up halfway, abs tight, and your arms outreached and holding your baby’s waist. Bring your baby side to side; having his/her feet lightly touch the floor.

Lower Abs-Lie flat on your back, legs together, and knees bent. Place your baby's stomach on your legs, directly below your knees. Hold on to your baby; I like to hold my daughter's hands. Bring your knees in towards your chest, then lower back down without touching the floor.

Arm workout-Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and your lower back touching the floor. Hold your baby with bent arms right at your chest. Extend your arms straight up lifting your baby into the air directly above your chest, and then slowly bring your baby back down.

Choose one of the cardio sessions from above. Then, do each move 10-12 times, 2 sets each. If you do not have time to complete all of the moves at once, space them out throughout your day. Make sure you can do each move on your own before you try it with your baby!

Purely Sappy, Extra Corny

I am a naturally positive person, and I sometimes wonder if I ever annoy anyone with my attitude.  I can find the good in almost anything, and can always make myself smile.  I am giddy, energetic, and goofy, which at my age can be quite ridiculous (not that I plan on changing, sorry Babe)!

Besides my perky disposition; I am also a dreamer, emotional, and sentimental.  I copy inspirational quotes from a book I have onto the dry erase board on my refrigerator .  I write poetry, and love listening to the lyrics of songs.  I read memoirs because I love people, and I can find the good in everyone.

So here I am rambling on about myself, and I bet you are wondering the topic of this post.  I am giving you a list of some reasons I love life.  Now I am guessing you want to know why.  Well, for one, there is probably at least one love we share, and if not, I bet I can at least get you to think of something.  It is nice to remember things we love, for no other reason than to smile, and reminisce.  Our days are usually ridiculous, busy, stressful, and chaotic.  I am writing this so that for the few minutes it takes you to read this post, you can do nothing but think of something you love and hopefully, smile.

•   Cool showers on hot summer days, and warm showers on cold winter days
•   The beach
•   The smell of coffee first thing in the morning
•   Playing in the snow
• . The accomplishment you feel after finishing a good book
•   Getting together with friends
•   Days when the weather is your own perfection (for me, that is sunny and 70 degrees!)
•  There is a good quote to fit whatever mood you are in
•   A favorite song being played on the radio when you are driving alone (I totally sing and dance by myself)
•  Seeing my daughter  finally do something she has been practicing for a while
• Going for a walk on a trail
• Cooking good food
• Finding a great new workout DVD
• Getting cozy at night
• Hugs
• Ice-cream
• Chick-flicks
• Hammocks
• Having people to love

If you asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I had some typical six year old girl answers: ballerina, gymnast, and world savior.  I am grown up now, 32 to be exact, and if you ask that same question I will tell you that all I ever really want to be is a good mom.  That is hard to believe, especially today with the open opportunities for women, and wide variety of powerful jobs to pursue.  In fact, most of my friends are after those wonderful positions, and I occasionally get jealous that I do not want that.  What I want is to raise children with my whole heart, cook healthy meals, and believe it or not, keep a nice neat home.  I want to watch my family grow together from young and spirited to older and experienced.  I want to say that we worked hard in the beginning, so that we can sit back and relax later.
These ideas all sound like every ending to a Brady Bunch re-run, and I admit that I do not usually share my dreams with others because I know how it sounds.  It is an awkward generation to say your dreams are the same as those that lived before you.  Although I might sometimes share some aspirations of a woman from years ago, I do not intend to iron my bed-sheets.   I truly enjoy the work I do, and feel fortunate to be able to say that.
Now that you have wasted at least a minute of your life reading my rant, I guess you are wondering what this blog is about, so I will spend the next minute telling you.
Being a homemaker is work, and I am here to share my ideas, creations, thoughts, and inventions.  From quick and easy recipes, to cleaning tips, ways to budget, parenting tips that work for me and how to's.  I will start with one of my favorite weeknight recipes:

The Frittata

8 eggs
2 tbls of milk/cream/half & half/or sour cream
half an onion
veggies of your choice (ex: spinach, peas, brocoli, zucchini)
meat (optional)
salt and pepper
1/2 cup of cheese
2 tbls healthy oil (olive, canola etc)

Heat oil in a large skillet.  Chop onion and add to hot pan.  Saute about two minutes.  Meanwhile, whisk eggs, milk or other dairy product, salt and pepper.  Set aside.  Add the veggies and meat if using.  If the veggies are raw, cook until tender.  If they are frozen or leftovers, cook until warm.  Add the egg mixture.  Cover and cook on medium low heat until the bottom of the eggs are set, about ten minutes.

Turn on the broiler to high.

Uncover the pan, and top eggs with cheese.  Place pan in oven for about three minutes, until the top of the eggs are cooked, and the cheese is melted.

Enjoy!