happy new year

I hate to admit but I'm a treadmill junkie.  I think I've said it before-I like the gym.  Going to the health club has become part of my daily routine.  Running on the treadmill enables me to do controlled interval runs which I love.  The people watching is always good and there are TVs mounted right in my face for ample distraction.  The treadmill is easy on my joints and knees-yes!  So with all that being said  tomorrow my girlies from the neighborhood and I are venturing outside and doing the Mudderella.  Yikes!  It's a seven mile course with many muddy obstacles.  Getting a little nervous with the strength part of it and of course the mud.-Ha!  So I've amped up the workouts in recent weeks with the help of these tunes.   Running Mix Boom Boom Pow Black Eyed Peas Roar Katy Perry Happy Pharrel Williams Wake Up Call Maroon Five We Run the Night Havana Brown Starry Eyed Ellie Goulding Am I Wrong Nico and Vinz Burn Ellie ...

I'm sorry I've been MIA for several days.  We've been so busy in the evenings with the kids baseball and softball games that by the time we get home, eat a late dinner, bathe the kids and get them to bed I sit down and I'm too tired to compute!-Ha  I can't believe it's already Thursday!-Wow, I'm behind. I'll try to make it up by starting the weekend a day early with this Thirsty Thursday recipe.  I think the nice weather we've been having calls for a classic mojito to kick off summer!  This recipe reminds me of my favorite Tommy Bahama cocktail.  Makes me think of a tropical paradise. It's best to use fresh ingredients. Fresh is best!! Classic Mojito 1 lime-juice to taste 1/4 cup simple syrup bunch of fresh mint leaves 1-2 ounces favorite white rum club soda or for extra sweet, Sprite crushed ice Simple Syrup: 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup water Combine equal parts sugar and water and boil in small saucepan until sugar is dissolved. Directions: In a tall...

Starting this holiday weekend off with some freshly picked Lilies of the Valley. We have a nice shady spot the side of our house where these beauties pop-up every spring.  I am so happy these are in season-usually I pick them at the beginning of May but with our long winter and late spring they are just blooming now.   This weekend we are off to a softball tournament and will be out enjoying the expected gorgeous weather.  Can't wait to soak up some warm sun!  Hope you all have a fantastic Friday! Happy Weekend!!!

Today is thirsty Thursday and it's one for the kiddos.   I guess you could add a little sometin' for the grown-ups but you might be stretchin' it a bit when it comes to taste.-Ha!   This conconction reminds me of when you let the littles get their own fountain sodas and they mix all the sodas to make one kid mixture of tastiness.  :)  Well this is a pretty and patriotic version of that!  The kids are sure to love it! Enjoy the day!!! Patriotic Punch You will need: Red juice or punch-high sugar content for the bottom layer Blue gatorade-the regular kind (not sugar free) for the middle layer Diet 7-Up or Sprite for the top layer Fill 1/3 of the glass with ice and add red juice layer.  Fill the middle 1/3 with ice and add the blue gatorade layer.  Lastly fill the top 1/3 with ice and add the clear Sprite layer. Today is my 100th post!  I guess I should've featured a champagne spritzer in celebration!  Oh well,  I can have one of ...

The unofficial kick-off to summer is Monday.  After the winter we've had, it's hard to believe that summer is right around the corner.  Memorial Day is a perfect time to gather with family and friends and be outside for the traditional American BBQ.  I would like to welcome Katie from Hefty as my guest writer today.  She has some great healthy ideas for your Memorial Day celebrations.   If you�re heading off on a picnic or throwing your own Memorial Day bash; one thing is for sure, there will be plenty of food to go around.   Just because it�s a holiday doesn�t mean you can�t still eat healthily!   In fact, fruits and vegetables are perfect to serve this time of year because everything will soon be in season.   If you�re not exactly sure how to mix up your Memorial Day meals, then simply read on for some ideas. Appetizers Deviled Eggs�This is an easy one to change, because eggs are already good for you!  Just use low fat mayo and this treat w...

Tis' the season for gorgeous blooms as well as my strong desire to hold onto each freshly cut bouquet.  It's so wonderful to bring a little outside in. A fresh bouquet brightens up any room and just makes me feel great!  My husby and kids gave me this tulip bouquet for Mother's Day-love them!!  I really try my best to extend the life of my flowers with some very simple tips.   Always use room temperature water. Cut the stems at an angle which creates a greater surface area for the water to enter the stem. Keep leaves out of the water-leaves left on the bottom of the stems will begin to rot and contaminate the water. Change the water every day. Keep the blooms out of direct sunlight. ***** Secret Tip:  If possible refrigerate bouquet at night. Use flower food that often comes with the flowers.   Hope you enjoy your fresh blooms a little longer! 1800flowers

Happy Monday!  I hope you are having a great start to the week and that you also had a fantastic Mother's Day celebrating all moms.  I am so blessed to be the mom of four sweet kids and Mother's Day is just a reminder of how lucky I am.  I also have the most incredible mom who is always so supportive of me. She is the first person I call when I have good news, bad news or need her wise advice.  I often find myself asking "what would my mom do in this situation?"-and more often than not I call and ask for her opinion.  She inspires me to be the best in everything that I do and I hope that I am passing a little of that on to my kids.   So, I will begin this week refreshed and feeling honored to be a mom and to have been influenced by my mom-it's the best job in the world! We went downtown for Mother's Day brunch and stopped by Sprinkles Cupcakes-my favorite.  We brought a big box home for dessert!  After looking at these photos I realize that our tw...

Happy Friday!!!  It's beginning to feel like summer-yippee!!! The kids are running around the neighborhood with their friends and the windows are open.  Signs that the temperatures are warming up and summer is right around the corner.  I can't wait!   I love having a pitcher of cold lemonade on the counter when the kids run in and need a quick drink.  I found this amazing recipe that puts plain ole' lemonade to shame.   It's refreshing and pretty and so yum!!!  I think it would be amazing for a mother's day brunch.  Turn it into a cocktail as well, with a splash of vodka. Perfect for a girls night! Lavender Lemonade Recipe 2 cups water  1 cup sugar 3 Tablespoons dried lavender 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice 5 cups water 1 lemon sliced for the garnish Combine 2 cups of water and 1 cup sugar  in a medium saucepan.  Bring to a boil until sugar is dissolved and simple syrup is achieved.  Remove from heat and stir in the dried ...

Mother's Day is right around the corner so it's time to grab the perfect gift that mom will just love.  There is still a bit of time to find the perfect something for your mom!  Here are some ideas: 1.   2.   3.   4.   5.   6.   7.   8.   9.   10.     J.Crew Hats � philosophy Skin Care � Essie Nail Polish

Today is the oldest I've ever been and the youngest I will ever be.  I love birthdays and celebration, especially through the eyes of my kids.  Homemade cards, kisses and candles.  Nothing is better than listening to my lil' fam singing happy birthday!  Another year older is the biggest  privilege!  I am truly blessed!  Hope you enjoy this day-cheers!

Happy May Day!!!  Being it is Thursday and all, I thought I would get a kick start to the weekend with this unbelievably refreshing grapefruit margarita.  Monday is Cinco De Mayo as well as my birthday-YIPPEE!!! so there is something to celebrate and we are getting the party started today!!!  Think I may have to call a friend to come right over!!! Pink Grapefruit Margaritas 1 cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice from 2 grapefruits 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice from 4 limes 1 cup of your favorite white tequila-I like Patron 1 cup orange liqueur-I like Triple Sec Splash of simple syrup or Sprite if you like a touch of fizz 2 cups of crushed ice 1 grapefruit sliced and cut in wedges (optional) sugar (optional) Instructions for the perfect margarita: 1. Rub a lime wedge on the edge of 4 empty glasses and rim with sugar. Fill each glass with crushed ice.   2. Combine juices and alcohols in a small pitcher and stir.  Add simple syrup or a splash of sprite to ta...