The Fortuitous Housewife

Prepping the Yard for Summer Fun

2013-05-22T07:40:00.000-04:00

Disclosure - I received products and financial consideration from Cutter Insect Repellents in conjunction with post. I chose which products to try out, and all opinions expressed in this post are my own.

The weather was lovely here in Boston metro last Saturday - sunny, but not too hot or humid. It was the perfect day to put the Weeksworld menfolk to work cleaning up the yard for the coming summer fun - epic squirt gun battles and water ballon fights, impromptu barbecues, and evenings around the fire pit roasting marshmallow and making s'mores, and memories.

The lovely maple and evergreen that shade our humble home from the sun's afternoon blast, are prodigious shedders, so the boys' first assignment was to collect all the twigs and branches that littered the yard and deposit them in the fire pit pile behind the shed.

And chairs & tables needed thorough scrubbing after weathering a New England winter stacked up in a corner of the yard.

Needless to say, no one was taking any photos Saturday morning - we were all hot, sweaty, dirty messes.

Biggest surprise of the morning came when Jackson (aka the Baron of Boredom) and Brody (aka the Master of Mischief) announced that "that wasn't work, that was fun!"

Cleaned up and ready to head off to yet another little league event (a baseball skills clinic this time), I took a couple of minutes before we left to spray the yard with Cutter's Backyard Bug Control.

The citronella candle pail with a lid will be perfect for taking along on picnics and cookouts.

When I received the bottle of Backyard Bug Control treatment I was a bit leery - was it safe for our Border Collie and the pack of kids that are always running around my yard? And how long after applying it would I have to fight to keep everyone off the lawn?

I read over the instructions, and watched the informational video on the Cutter website, and was pleased to discover that we just had to wait for the treatment to dry, then the lawn would be safe for everyone, and we'd be protected from mosquitoes, deer ticks, ants and fleas for up to eight weeks.

It was a warm, sunny day, and the area I was spraying was in full sun, so the lawn would be dry and safe when we returned from the baseball clinic a few hours later.

Of course, scratching something off my never-finished, ever-growing "must get done" list is cause for celebration!

Light the fire, bust out the marshmallows - lets get sticky!

Once upon a time I made the mistake of telling my boys that I like a little burn on my roasted marshmallows -
now I only get marshmallows that are one step away from a briquet.

Major bonus - after an evening of gooey, sweet fun with friends, as I tucked the boys into bed, no one was complaining about itchy bugs bites that mama had to treat before exhausted boys could fall asleep. Thank you, Cutter!

This weekend is the unofficial start of summer and Cutter's ready to arm one lucky reader with all the bug battling weapons they'll need this summer - yard treatments and personal sprays, and citronella candles to set the mood.

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Springtime, Little League and Bug Bites

2013-05-17T22:43:00.000-04:00

Disclosure - I received products and financial consideration from Cutter Insect Repellents in conjunction with post. I chose which products to try out, and all opinions expressed in this post are my own.

It's finally spring here in New England! And Little League season is in full swing.

This season I have two little leaguers - Kindergarten & 2nd Grade leagues - so this housewife is zipping between and sitting on the sidelines of two, three, four, sometimes even five baseball games or practices every week. Sound familiar?

Here in New England we generally start the season bundled up against the evening chill, counting the minutes until we can go home and warm up, but as the days grow longer and the temperature rises, it's a pleasure to watch the kids play ball, cheer a strong hit or good catch, and chat with friends on the sidelines.

Unfortunately, rising spring temperatures also mean evenings at the baseball diamond are starting to get brutally buggy. And swatting pesky insects can quickly distract spectators and players!

I know, I know - add some insect repellent to my mommy arsenal!

But I never remember to buy the stuff. Or, if there is some on hand, I forget to spray it before we go outside. I just suffer thru the pesky onslaught.

And I will admit, the insect repellents of my childhood - greasy, sticky & smelly - turned me off to the whole repellent concept. But these days, avoiding itchy bites isn't the only reason to use an insect repellent - West Nile, triple E, oh my!

So when the box from Cutter arrived on my doorstep I decided to give insect repellents another shot.

Personally, I'm digging the Skinsations - it really is "ultra light", not greasy at all, smells remarkably pleasant, and the Vitamin E and aloe are a welcome moisture bonus.

The boys willing submit to a quick spray of Cutter Dry - it lives up to it's "not greasy or oily" proclamation.

And I can share the Cutter Natural with friends on the sidelines whose little ones are still needing to avoid deet.

My personal favorites are these handy spray sticks - I keep 'em in my little first aid pouch in case we need a quick anti-bug booster.

Weeksworld has a few spring chores on this weekend's agenda, and we'll be trying out a few more Cutter products along the way, so stop back Monday for a full report.

Cutter's going to give one lucky reader an arsenal of bug repelling weapons to keep their summer fun & itch free.

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MOMShelpingMOMS Mother's Day Giveaway - We Have A Winner

2013-05-11T12:27:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to Summer F,

winner of the MOMShelpingMOMS Mother's Day Giveaway!

Happy Mother's Day wishes to all my Momming friends!

I hope each of you have just the Mother's Day you are dreaming of.

Me? I've got a date with Tony Stark, in 3D, and my three handsome Weeks men.

MOMShelpingMOMS - The Scary Mommy Nation

2013-05-09T19:07:00.000-04:00

Disclaimer: All products included in the MOMShelpingMOMS Mother's Day giveaway were graciously donated by the companies. I received no compensation or goods in exhcnage for this post and all opinions are my own.

I'm not sure which came first - the birth of my alter ego, the Fortuitous Housewife, or my reading Scary Mommy. I can't even recall how or when I first came upon Jill Smokler's wonderfully irreverent perspective on motherhood, but I immediately knew I had found a kindred spirit, a place to rest my weary mommy mind and find a much needed laugh or two.

I'm not afraid to admit it, heck, I proclaim it often - I never aspired to be a mom, but I'm so very thankful parenthood turned out to be one of the chapters in the story of my life.

And having waited to start a family myself, I had the pleasure of watching many friends juggle and struggle and embrace their roles as parents, and I knew a sense of humor and the ability to not take things too seriously were crucial to survival.

I love how Jill, and her community of scary mommies, laugh together, cheer for each other, and share their darkest, scariest secrets in the confessional. And when Jill's first book, Confessions of a Scary Mommy, came out, I made sure to introduce a few of my fellow scary mommies to her wit and wisdom.

Yikes, the lighting in this photo makes me look like I lost a fight with a fake tan spray gun!

Then one November morning (2011) Jill posted a call for action - there were scary mommies out there that weren't going to be able to make a Thanksgiving feast for their families, let's help them out.

No one, not even Jill, anticipated the outpouring of support that one post would garner.

Over $20,000 raised in just one week.
The national media took notice.
And more than 400 families had the Thanksgiving supper they thought might not happen.

I was honored to be able to share a bit of our family's blessings with another mom and her family that year. It made my heart swell to know my small contribution had helped her family have a Happy Thanksgiving.

And sincere, heartfelt thanks came back to Jill and the Scary Mommy community...

"Bless you for what you have done. We have invited another couple with children to share Thanksgiving with us, and together we moms went shopping today. Turkey, stuffing, potatoes, veggies, rolls, dessert - so many things sitting the fridge waiting for Thursday - all because of you and your angels. Thank you, thank you!?

"I am completely overwhelmed by the generosity of strangers. My heart is so full and my faith in humanity and in God's goodness has been renewed, refreshed...restored! My family has been so blessed by this generous act of kindness. Thank you all for your blessings to us and I pray you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving. We absolutely will pay it forward. Much love!"

From that one post, many hearts were touched, and the Scary Mommy Nation, and its annual Thanksgiving Project were born.

Then came the Scary Mommy Birthday Project - making sure children get that special gift when there just aren't gift-buying funds in their family budget.

"From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you. Today, I came home to a toy for my son, who turns two on September 3rd! The past two years have been hell on me, with my husband out of work, and his unemployment running out back in April has put the stress of paying ALL the bills solely on me. I don't make much, and knew his birthday probably would be a couple of dollar store items and maybe a cake. Seeing that toy stitting on the dining room table made me cry. He won't probably remember how special this toy is, but I always will. Thank you, so much. For seeing that mommies like me sometimes need help, a shoulder, a hug, or a laugh...and for making it possible for us to come together. Most of all, thank you for the smile that will light up my boy's face when he opens his gift on his 2nd birthday."

The Scary Mommy Nation has also given grants to moms to help feed their children over the summer, when school meal programs are on vacation, and has also made special individual grants to moms struggling with poverty.

Moms helping Moms in the small, simple and meaningful ways - it makes me so proud to call myself a citizen of the Scary Mommy Nation.

How can you help?

You can send a check to:

Scary Mommy Nation

P.O. Box 20866

Baltimore, MD 21209

Or you can buy an I HAVE A SCARY MOMMY onesie or t-shirt for your adorable little mischief makers. They make great baby shower or new mom gifts, too. And 100% of the proceeds are donated to the Scary Mommy Nation!

Of course, when I thought up the MOMShelpingMOMS series, I knew it had to include Jill and the Scary Mommy Nation's story.

And, surprise, surprise, when I told Jill my idea, the always generous Scary Mommy happily sent an autographed copy of her new book, Motherhood Comes Naturally, to add to the MOMShelpingMOMS Mother's Day Giveaway.

But wait! (Don't cringe, this post isn't morphing into some kind of tv infomercial.)

Those I HAVE A SCARY MOMMY t's are too darn cute, I've just gotta include one in the Giveaway, so this Fortuitous Housewife is gonna make a donation in the name of the winning mom and she'll get to pick out a onesie or t-shirt for her little one.

There you go, five stories about great moms helping other great moms right here at home and around the world!

And six great prizes in this MOMShelpingMOMS Mother's Day Giveway!

Enter now! Entries close at 11:59pm tomorrow (5/10)!

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MOMShelingMOMS - Josie Maran Cosmetics

2013-05-08T06:58:00.000-04:00

Disclaimer: All products included in the MOMShelpingMOMS Mother's Day giveaway were graciously donated by the companies. I received no compensation or goods in exhcnage for this post and all opinions are my own.

I'm a bit of a brand loyalist - if something works for me, I'll stick with it for y-e-a-r-s.

I happily used the skincare line I was first introduced to in high school well into adulthood, but when I moved to the Adirondack mountains, procuring certain "luxuries" became a challenge, and I found myself adrift in the vast sea (sometimes more of a swamp) of skincare options.

I'm no cosmetics snob. I don't care where it comes from or how much it cost (ok, I do care about the cost - there are certain price points I just can't believe are worth the investment) - drugstore, department store, dermatologist's office - I only care about what it does for my skin.

My skin is super sensitive and perpetually parched, and it no longer hides the damage from a misspent California youth of sun worshiping, swim team and lifeguarding. Unfortunately, most of today's "miracle" potions, that promise to minimize the signs of aging, turn my face into a red, blotchy mess that only seems to highlight the wrinkles and spots.

What's a gal to do? Just keep trying and tossing jars, tubes and bottles. Such a waste!

A few years ago I discovered argan oil to help soothe my frizz-prone curls and waves - what a difference a few drops of that golden oil can make! Then, a few months ago, on a quick stop in Sephora to pick up a tube of mascara and a bottle of my favorite fragrance, I spied Josie Maran Cosmetics' 100% Pure Argan Oil.

I nabbed an introductory set that included bottles of 100% Pure Argan Oil, Argan Oil Daily Moisturizer w/ SPF 40+ and Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation and raced off to give it a try.

From the very first time I used the products I was hooked!

By day I use the moisturizer, at the night I use the argan oil (drops of skin nirvana) - the temperamental skin on my 40+ year old face is silky smooth, soothed, and not at all greasy or oily.

And the Matchmaker foundation is just about the best foundation I've ever used - lightweight & white coming out of the bottle, it blends effortlessly and evenly, leaving my skin looking flawless (almost) and glowing.

Josie Maran's argan magic has taken over my skincare life. And I don't just use the argan oil on my face - it soothes my itchy dry hands, rough elbow, and tattered cuticles.

"What is argan oil?" you ask.

Argan oil comes from the kernels of the argan tree. Once growing throughout Northern Africa, today argan trees can only be found in Southwestern Morocco, are considered "endangered", and are protected by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Used since ancient times - when the Berbers "collected the undigested argan pits from the waste of goats, which climbed the trees to eat their fruit" (so says Wikipedia) - the argan tree fruit is harvested, then the pits are ground and pressed to make a nutty oil that is used in cooking and cosmetics.

Argan oil, commonly referred to as "liquid gold", is a good source of Vitamin E and essential fatty acids, and is used both cosmetically and in traditional Moroccan cooking.

With the growing popularity of argan oil, the Moroccan government took steps to protect and manage the trees, now seen as a valuable resource, and women's cooperatives were established in 2002 to produce much of the oil.

The women working in these cooperatives receive fair wages, that help support their families and educate their children, literacy and other educational training, and it helps to improve their standing in a male-dominated society.

Moroccan women working cooperatively + Josie Maran (an eco-concious mom of two) Cosmetics + my JMC purchases = MOMShelpingMOMS!

When I contacted Josie Maran Cosmetics about this series and Mother's Day Giveaway, they jumped on board and are sharing a full-size bottle of their "liquid gold" - 100% Pure Argan Oil - with the winner.

images courtesy of Josie Maran Cosmetics

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One more MOMShelpingMOMS story to share tomorrow, and two more fun goodies to add to the Mother's Day Giveaway, and on Friday one lucky Mom will win it all!

MOMShelpingMOMS - Punjammies and the International Princess Project

2013-05-06T06:00:00.000-04:00

Disclaimer: All products included in the MOMShelpingMOMS Mother's Day giveaway were graciously donated by the companies. I received no compensation or goods in exhcnage for this post and all opinions are my own.

If you've been reading along with me for awhile, you already know I'm a B-I-G fan of Punjammies, and the International Princess Project that the Punjammies profits support.

So, when I got the idea for this MOMShelpingMOMS series and Mother's Day Giveaway, I knew it had to include Punjammies.

The International Princess Project and Punjammies were started by Shannon Keith, after she traveled to India in 2005, visited a red-light district, and saw the brothels filled with woman and girls, sold into prostitution or trapped by a lack of economic options to support themselves and their children.

Once these woman and girls are rescued from the brothels, they need training, jobs, opportunities and healing to help them regain their dignity and build independent lives for themselves and their children, otherwise economics often force them to return to the red-light districts.

This is where Punjammies comes in . . . made with sari-inspired Indian fabrics by women rescued from enslavement in sewing centers, the women are paid fair-trade wages, and also receive money for living expenses and their children's schooling, as well as holistic recovery care.

"International Princess Project is committed to creating self-sustaining enterprises in India that provide opportunities for women formerly enslaved in prostitution a place to heal from the past and find hope for the future."

Breezy, bright, cottony soft and oh-so-comfy, Punjammies have become my favorite bottoms to slip on when I want to relax with a bit of style.

I'm hoping my Christmas Punjammies (left) are joined by a pair of Mother's Day capris (right).

And I love knowing my comfort has helped a woman and her family thousands of miles away find some comfort as well.

So I'm thrilled to tell y'all that Punjammies is going to give our lucky MOMShelpingMOMS giveaway winner a pair of Punjammies for their very own!

photos courtesy of International Princess Project and Punjammies

The winner gets to choose either capri or full-length Punjammies in their "Mari" pattern (named after one of the women working in the sewing center) - a floral and paisley pattern with olive, burgundy, mustard, peach and orchid.

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And I've got a few more surprises to add to the Mother's Day giveaway, so be sure to stop by again this week!

MOMShelpingMOMS - LoPa Art

2013-05-03T06:46:00.003-04:00

Disclaimer: All products included in the MOMShelpingMOMS Mother's Day giveaway were graciously donated by the companies. I received no compensation or goods in exhcnage for this post and all opinions are my own.

Another inspiring Mom entrepeneur I met while strolling around the Handmade Marketplace at Blissdom, was Lindsey, of LoPa Art.

The LoPa Art space at the Marketplace was bursting with color - there was just no way I could walk by all the fun handmade leather wrap & cuff bracelets and bold paintings without stopping to appreciate it all.

Lindsey told me how LoPa Art was started by three Moms after they each adopted a child from Ethiopia, how they wanted to maintain a connection to their children's birth country and culture, and how they wanted to find some way to bring hope and help to the children they had seen first-hand living in Ethiopia's dire poverty.

Lindsey, along with her friends and fellow adopting moms, Paula and Lori, founded LoPa Art - a not-for-profit, fair-trade importer of high-quality leather goods and artwork made by Ethiopian artists. LoPa Art returns profits to established, indigenous, non-governmental Ethiopian organizations that put the funds to use providing feeding, educating, trade training and minor medical care for mother's and their children to help promote self-respect, freedom from the negative effects of poverty, economic stability for the future.

The handcrafted leather goods LoPa sells (a triple-wrap bracelet came home with me) are made by Yamerota Meskel, known as Yami, a gifted artisan living in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Yami uses locally hand-dyed leathers in all her necklaces, bracelets, cuffs, belts, headbands and purses.

LoPa Art has graciously donated a set of Yami's wrist wear - a cuff and a triple-wrap bracelet in complimenting colors to wear together or individually (colors may differ from examples in this post) - to the MOMShelpingMOMS giveaway.

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Enter now! But be sure to stop by next week - I've got three more awesome MOMShelpingMOMS products to tell you about and add to the giveaway.

And please spread the word about these MOMShelpingMOMS and this special Mother's Day Giveaway!

Wordless Wednesday - Spring Walk in the Neighborhood

2013-05-01T08:03:00.000-04:00

Allergies be damned!

I just can't help lovin' a simple walk around the neighborhood this time of year - bright sunlight, splashes of color everywhere, and the sweet smell of spring in the breeze.

MOMShelpingMOMS - Lisa Leonard Designs' hope{full} Collection

2013-04-30T05:53:00.000-04:00

Disclaimer: All products included in the MOMShelpingMOMS Mother's Day giveaway were graciously donated by the companies. I received no compensation or goods in exhcnage for this post and all opinions are my own.

While strolling around the Handmade Marketplace at Blissdom, I discovered Lisa Leonard Designs' lovely jewelry, and I had the pleasure of meeting Lisa and chatting with her about her fair trade line of baubles - hope{full}.

Chunky & vibrant, the hope{full} necklaces, earrings and bracelets can add a fabulous pop of pizzaz to the most neutral of frock or compliment a bolder ensemble and every piece in the hope{full} line is fair trade, organic and made from sustainable materials by woman in Ecuador.

The pieces are made from the seeds of the tagau or ivory palm that is native to South America. After the seeds, about the size of an avocado, are collected and dried, they can be carved, much like elephant ivory, into beads, buttons and jewelry, and dyed.

The use of these tagau seeds, also referred to as vegetable ivory, supports local economies, encourages the local populations to preserve, instead of cut down, the rainforest around them, and gives the world an alternative to elephant ivory.

Producing the pieces for the hope{full} gives Ecuadorian Mothers much-needed income to support their families and help build their communities, and with each hope{full} sale, Lisa Leonard Designs also donates a lunch for a child in need via Jungle Kids.

A mom of two boys, a blogger & a jewelry designer (be sure to check out Lisa's own jewelry designs!), Lisa has also become one of my favorite fashion inspirations. I love her What I Wore Wednesdays - her color, pattern and style combinations are fun & fresh.

Lisa is graciously adding a piece from the hope{full} line - the Ruby Red Necklace - to the MOMShelpingMOMS Mother's Day Basket.

More wonderful MOMShelpingMOMS stories to come, so be sure to stop back!

And more wonderful MOMShelpingMOMS goodies to be added to the Mother's Giveaway, so be sure to enter before noon on Friday, May 10th.

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MOMShelpingMOMS - Mothers Helping Mothers & a Mother's Day Giveaway

2013-04-29T09:18:00.000-04:00

Back to Blissdom I must return one more time. (Remember Blissdom, that blogger's conference I attended back in March?)

Amidst the sponsor booths & suites, keynotes & sessions, friends & fun, was the Handmade Marketplace - a wonderful collection of entrepreneurial woman that are importing, designing and making some truly amazing stuff.

While I was perusing (and purchasing), I met a couple of super ladies that aren't just building their company's bottom lines, their helping Moms in far off places, like Ecuador and Ethiopia, build better lives for their families.

Take a step inside this ADDers mind for just a moment, I promise it's not that scary a place...

I love when a great product also does good in the world.
Hey, Mother's Day's is coming up!
I had a lot of fun sharing my Great Gal Pal Gifts ideas back in December.
Let's do a MOMShelpingMOMS gift guide!
Wait! Let's gather a basket full of MOMShelpingMOMS goodies and give it away to one lucky MOM!

In addition to the two gals I met, I thought of a few other great products I love that are also giving back to Moms. So, I sent a few emails, made a few calls, and each and everyone of them has graciously shared a spiffy gift to add to the MOMShelpingMOMS giveaway.

I'll be adding items to the giveaway over the next two weeks, so be sure to stop back and check 'em out and learn about how these companies are giving back to Moms here in the U.S.A. and around the world.

And on the Friday before Mother's Day one lucky Mom will win it all!

You can enter now or anytime between now and May 10th.

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Spring Break Photo Walk - Days 3 thru 7

2013-04-26T11:23:00.001-04:00

In spite of the drama that played out in Boston last week, we did manage to stick to Mama's stay-cation plan . . . except for Friday.

Wednesday (4/17) - Samurai Fun at Museum of Fine Art

Brody's samurai sketch

Completed lotus mats in hand, the Fearsome Foursome raced into the adjacent Buddhist temple gallery to meditate - two five-year-olds & two eight-year-olds - it was the wiggliest, giggliest meditation session ever.

It was another super day with fab friends at the MFA - we arrived at 10:30am, and the Moms finally had to drag our pack of adorable hooligans out at 4:30pm!

Thursday (4/18) - Bluefin Robotics Visit

My geeky guys love visiting Daddy's office, seeing their Bluefin buds, and checking on the progress on the latest autonomous underwater vehicle projects.

Unfortunately, there's a "no photography" policy, so you'll just have to take my word on this one.

Friday (4/19) - Boston Lockdown

We live just outside the now famous lockdown zone, but I wasn't taking any chances, for the first time in my life I did not want to "boldly go" anywhere.

My eyes ricocheted between WCVB on the television, and Twitter & Facebook on my iPad - I wanted, I needed to know the moment the drama was over. Thank god the boys happily played & watched movies together all day!

Once the lockdown was lifted, the Handsome Husband convinced to venture out to Trader Joe's (I think he was starting to worry there wasn't going to be any supper). I reluctantly went, but not without showing a bit of Boston pride.

Saturday (4/20) - A Peaceful Day in Boston, Finally

Sunday (4/21) - More Geeky Fun at Museum of Science

There you go, I did it - seven straight days of photos!

I don't think I'm ready for the major commitment of Project 365 (a photo a day for one year), but maybe a photo-a-day for a month? 30 days, hmm, I could stick with that . . . maybe.

Be sure to stop by next week . . . I'm working on something fun for us for Mother's Day!

looking back, moving forward

2013-04-25T07:30:00.000-04:00

Eight days have pasted since I last posted, and in that time the world watched as an unimaginable drama play out on the streets of Boston.

So many questions. Some answers found. More drama, more questions, more fear. A day, a city, a people froze in place, then suddenly hurdled forward at a siren's pace. Relief, thanks, cheers and pride engulfed us all.

Questions continue to be posed. Answers trickle out. And bodies, hearts and minds embark on the path of healing.

I soldiered through, as many did, trying to maintain a news buffer, for myself and the boys, all the while I carried a jagged little pebble of sadness in my chest.

I reread my April Break Staycation Survial Plan post and it seems rather trite now - a bit of lighthearted Mommy whining with few references that read like ominous foreshadowing. (I have the urge to edit the post, but I'll leave it as my own record of innocent ignorance.)

Last Wednesday, the alarm chimed at 5:20am, I dragged myself out of bed and got myself on my mat for Sunrise Power Hour - my weekly 6am date with sweltering heat, streams of sweat, stretching, twisting, balancing and breathing, and calming my ADD brain.

I love the lotus flower shadow behind this buddha.

My friends and I love this class because we never know what combination of poses and transitions our guide with the "bad" monkey and "good" monkey tattoos is going to take us through, or just how hot it's going to get.

Some mornings I leave the studio feeling calm, centered and refreshed. Other mornings I feel wrung out and proud to have survived. Whichever the case, I'm always glad I got myself up before the sun.

But from the first few asanas that morning, I knew something was different, gentler.

When it came time for savasana, I assumed my usual meditation position - block under my tailbone, legs straight up in the air (Yes, I'm weird. I don't know why I meditate with my legs slicing up through gravity, it just works for me.) - looked up at the ceiling tile above and let my eyes lose focus.

I felt uniquely calm as our Yoga Monkey shared his intention for class that morning, almost apologizing for not putting us through the usual rigors of his Power Hour. Then the room was quiet and, for the first time ever, I didn't have to shoo away thoughts of the coming day. My mind was blissfully clear.

Then something brought me back to my body, and I realized some of the drops rolling down the side of my face weren't sweat, they were a few lonely tears, tears I didn't know I needed to shed.

And then Mick Jagger began quietly serenading me...

"you can't always get what you want
but if you try sometimes well you might find
you get what you need"

We had a couple of friends running in the marathon on Monday, and thankfully neither were nearby when the blasts destroyed that day's exuberance, so these tears of mine were unexpected.

And after Tuesday's hike, and my restricted news diet, I had thought I was starting to regain a bit of my normal. I was still thinking and praying after Monday's events, but we here in Boston had to show the perpetrators, and the world, our resilience and determination. Honor those lost and injured by not being scared, by continuing to live our lives.

Fast forward to yesterday morning's Sunrise Power Hour - our friendly Yoga Monkey was back to his usual tricks & twists, sweat poured out of me, muscles stretched then relaxed then stretched some more, and during savasana I shooed away the usual assortment of pesky thoughts.

As I drove home after class, I couldn't help thinking about the contrast between the two Wednesdays - much had happened in the days between them. There are still many questions to be answered, and still much sadness in Boston, but with each passing day and with each answered question, hearts and minds take another step towards healing.

Yoga is many things, something different to each practitioner, something different one day to the next, and yesterday it was the yardstick by which I could measured my own healing.

~ nameste ~

Spring Break 2013, Day Two - A Walk in the Woods

2013-04-16T23:37:00.001-04:00

When I devised our Spring Break Staycation Survival Plan, I thought I could give the photo-a-day thing a try - the photographer in me is intrigued by the photo-a-day for 365 days concept, but I also know that kind of diligence and commitment is way beyond this ADDer, but a week, just 5 days actually. . . even this gal can stick with something for 5 days (I hope).

Little did I know the photos I was snapping yesterday morning would have a far deeper sentiment foisted upon them.

The plan for today, a nice long hike, was briefly delayed by an unexpected ladder truck demonstration when the fire alarm went off at our local Chipolte.

Then it was into the woods we ventured . . .

While thoughts of yesterday still lingered in my head, it was soul soothing to watch the boys "tightrope walk over a pit of alligators",

and scale fallen trees like Spiderman.

Day 2 of spring break is behind us.

Tomorrow we're off to the Museum of Fine Art tomorrow to visit with the Samurai.

photo via Museum of Fine Art

Hope you had a peaceful day. Nameste.

Spring Break 2013, Day One - Boston Marathon Shocker

2013-04-15T22:08:00.001-04:00

A lovely New England spring morning, I loaded up the backpack and the boys & I headed to Wellesley to watch the Boston Marathon runners make their way towards the heart of Boston.

We spotted our friend in the packs of runners, then headed back to our daily lives.

No one could have dreamed of the events yet to come...

Another lovely, sunny day marred by a horrific and senseless event. A day now destined for an unexpected place in the history books.

I am so thankful those we know that might have been in harm's way this afternoon are safe.

And I continue to keep those that were injured, those that love them, first responders, witnesses, neighbors and fellow metro-Bostonians in my heart.

At moments like these, my love for my adopted hometown grows exponentially.

Spring Break Staycation Survival Plan

2013-04-12T17:17:00.001-04:00

Yikes - next week is spring break here in MA! Excuse me, but why didn't someone warn me? Talk about a stealth attack!

We have no travel plans (we Weekses aren't heading off for vay-cay for a couple more weeks), so planning is critical.

Mama needs a week's worth of boy-friendly activities STAT!

First, the extended weather forecast must be consulted...hmm, that's not such a great a forecast.

Monday - Of course, the Boston marathon will be running around, so if we're motivated to run out of the house first thing, and deal with parking and crowds, we can try to meet up with friends to watch the runner race by.

But in my book the first day of any vacation week is a no-brainer - lazy pajama morning, waffles & bacon breakfast, maybe a movie or too much Wii. The afternoon hours can be killed with a bike ride around the neighborhood, shooting hoops and baseball practice with the pitch back.

Tuesday - Hike with Zara.

Wednesday - We'll be checking out the new Samurai exhibit at the Museum of Fine Art.

photo via Museum of Fine Art Boston

Sure there are the usual kid-centric options - Museum of Science, Boston Children's Museum, the New England Aquarium - but those favorites are often jammed during school vacation weeks. Over February vacation we decided to shake up the routine and visited the MFA - we had a wonderfully, uncrowded and fun day of appreciating and making art.

We arrived at MFA mere minutes after opening, we were among the first arrivals - ah, no crowds. We got to enjoy several galleries with no company at all.

Grabbing lunch early (before 11:30) is another great way to avoid the stampede in the Cafe.

And best of all - kids 17 & under are FREE during school vacation weeks!

Next week there will be 30-minute kid-friendly tours of the Samurai exhibit, starting at 10:15 and running every 15 minutes.

And after exploring the Samurai exhibit, there are numerous artistic activities for the kids to check out -

make tissue paper cherry blossoms
learn about Taiko Drummers
get all folded up with an origami master
make your own Samurai helmet
create your own lotus mat
learn the techniques of Japanese watercolor painting

The workshops are suitable for all ages (with parental supervision) & are FREE!

Thursday - Time to head to Quincy to check out the latest in underwater robotics at Daddy's office, Bluefin Robotics, and let Daddy take us out for lunch.

photo via Bluefin Robotics

Friday - Maybe SkyZone for some trampoline fun with friends? Or maybe a movie? Or, depending on how the week goes, another pajama day.

Saturday (tomorrow) - To officially kick off spring break, tomorrow morning we're heading into Cambridge to check out the Science Carnival & Robot Zoo!

image via Cambridge Science Festival

"You've been to the Franklin Park Zoo and the Roger Williams Zoo, but have you ever visited a Robot Zoo? Come check out amazing robotics technology and activities..."

Sounds like a geeky fantasy day for my guys! And Daddy's company, Bluefin Robotics, will be there, along with over 35 other science & technology schools & companies from all over MA.

The Robot Zoo is part of the Cambridge Science Festival, that starts today (4/12) and runs thru next Sunday (4/21). The list of events is a bit overwhelming, but take a deep breath and put their "age range" filter to work - families, teens, adults.

Phew! I'm exhausted after researching and typing this all up...prayin' I survive all the actual "fun".

Are you watching the fuse getting shorter & shorter on the spring break bomb? What's on your survival agenda?

Maybe you've already run across the hot embers and broken glass of spring break and can share a few pointers & suggestions with the rest of us.

And the Downy goes to...

2013-04-11T06:07:00.000-04:00

Congratulation to Miss Ashley G. -

winner of the Downy Unstopable Giveaway

Hope you enjoy your Downy fresh spring.

Blissdom Part III - Is Uninterrupted Focus Possible?

2013-04-09T14:23:00.000-04:00

My "take aways" from my recent Blissdom experience were numerous - new friends, fresh ideas & inspiration, and helpful factoids.

And I figured out why my photos have been pretty much crap for months!

But the hour at Blissdom that had the greatest impact on this MOMonADD was "Uninterrupted Thought: The Power of Focus" with Megan Jordan (of the VelveteenMind).

"Uninterrupted Thought" with Megan Jordan of the Velveteen Mind
photo by Sprittibee via BlissDom '13

Prior to the conference, as I read thru the session descriptions, it was as tho' "Uninterrupted Thought" jumped up off the screen, waved, whistled and called out my name, "Hey, Lollie, over here! I've got just what you need."

"It’s time to protect your writing process. Your thoughts are your raw materials, under a constant barrage of distractions. Twitter! Facebook! Instagram! For the love of all that is glittery, Pinterest!

Imagine what you would create if you secured uninterrupted thought. Learn to build rewarding boundaries and immersive work habits in an entertaining workshop designed for writers in today’s social media landscape. Examine the work habits and fascinating writing spaces of top writers (peek into their offices!) as we develop your own plan for protecting your writing process."

Now, we ADDers know a thing or two about . . .

battling distractibility
the perpetual campaign to get & stay organized
struggling with time management
and dealing with the guilt that comes from feeling like a failure at all of it

Heck, most regular-brained folks that I know are happy to discover a new trick for maintaining focus, but boy was I surprised when I slipped into the back of that ballroom (because I late, of course) and found it almost full.

photo by Sprittibee via BlissDom '13

I don't have a bullet point list of quotes & strategies to share with you - for once I was too focused to update my status, tweet or instagram. I didn't even pick up my favorite fountain pen to scribble down a single word.

Megan talked, I listened. One writer working everyday towards uninterrupted thought, speaking to another writer who only dreams of this mythical place they call "focused".

She shared some wonderful, voyeuristic slides of writer's work spaces - a desk next to a window in a cozy bedroom; a sleek home office; a kitchen table cluttered with laptop, iPad, iPhone, papers and a jumbo java; a laptop perched on the arm of a leather club chair.

But the physical space isn't nearly as important as preserving the mental space, protecting the writer's mind.

photo by Sprittibee via Blissdom '13

Megan offered up a plethora of statistics, insights, wisdoms and suggestions - most of which hit my brain and exploded in a colorful and urgent call to action, a battle cry to reclaim my writer-self.

Normally I return from blogging conferences feeling overwhelmed and defeated - what's the use of trying, I'm already too far behind - and I let the notes and business cards slowly get buried by the tides that engulf my desk and my mind.

But this time was different. I was different. Yes, I arrived home exhausted, my feet pleading for me to sit down & not move, but my writer's mind was energized and ready to work.

Once I got caught up on the laundry, restocked the pantry and fridge, sifted thru my various email inboxes and read, I set about making some changes to my daily routine.

No More Early AM Social Media Orgy

I have stopped waking, rolling over, grabbing my iPad and sifting thru my various social media and email accounts. I always thought this was a good idea - find the urgent stuff, tend to it while still lazing in bed, so I could face my day without worrying about some fire I didn't know was burning - but Megan warned this habit creates "open loops" that will nag and distract you from what you need to be focusing on.

Get Up and Get It Done

This is not new writerly advice, and I've tried it before...and failed. Five o'clock in the morning and I were never meant to be friends.

All too often my day comes to an end and I have no strings of words to show for my hours at the computer. Bills have been paid, emails answered, sports registrations completed, and I've facebooked, tweeted and pinned, but that post I promised myself I would finish that day is no closer to done. I get so wrapped up trying to get all the "stuff" done (hoping I won't get distracted when I finally start writing), that I'm always I running out of hours and energy.

It was time to give the early morning writer's wake up call another shot!

I'd like to give myself two hours of writing time each morning, but I also know this needs to be a gradual shift for my night owl body clock to make a permanent shift. The first week I set my alarm 30 minutes earlier than my usual 6:45. The next week I set that pesky alarm 45 minutes earlier. And this week I've bumped it back a full hour.

Past attempts at early morning office time were squandered sifting thru the "noise", thinking if I quieted things I would then be able to focus on writing later, but this time around I march down the hall to my tiny office, close the door and force myself to ignore all temptations and get to the writing.

I can't say I'm 100% successful at staying on task, but with each passing morning, my determination and focus strengthens, and I'm capturing more of my words on screen or paper than I have in a very long time.

Turn Off, Tune Out

I have turned off all my notifications - email, calendar, reminder list, Facebook, Twitter, etc. All those pesky annoyances that beckon for my attention, lying in wait for me when my ADD pleads for a "just a quick break, a reward."

Now, when I'm writing, I'm writing, nothing else! And boy does it feel good!

There is still much to be done - an upcoming site redesign (wa-hoo!), an attic and basement that need merciless purging, business ideas and leads that need to be followed up on, rooms that desperately need repainting - but now I'm doing the one thing that keeps me sane, and I'm doing it everyday, and from that practice comes a unique and powerful calm.

Uninterrupted thought, time management, being present (in all parts of my life), balance, making steady progress, and not comparing my path to other's - these are goals that take time, determination, confidence and practice to achieve.

Optimism and enthusiasm have visited me many, many times throughout my life, only to be squashed by the Godzilla in my head named ADD, but this time they have arrived with an almost yogic calm. Maybe it's the daily writing, maybe it's the hot yoga classes, maybe it just me growing older & wiser...whatever the equation, at this moment, I'm liking the sum.

Heartfelt thanks to you, Miss Velveteen Mind, for showing this MOMonADD the way back to the writer's path!

Nameste

Unstopable Spring & Downy Giveaway

2013-04-02T10:57:00.000-04:00

Spring officially arrived almost two weeks ago (March 20th), but is sure didn't look or feel much like spring here in Boston. Even last week, there were still lots of these nasty lookin' lumps hanging around our 'hood . . .

Oh, what a difference a couple of weeks makes!

Yesterday hearty spring blooms were announcing the "real" arrival of spring all over our neighborhood!

The mornings are still cool, but the days are getting warmer, the kids are once again begging to linger on the playground after school, and the nights aren't nearly as frigid . . . which got me thinking it was time to swap out the winter flannel for crisp cotton sheets.

I retrieved the sheets from the attic, unfurled them and . . . one sniff and I realized they weren't all that fresh after their winter hibernation. So down to the basement I trekked to do yet another load of laundry!

As luck would have it, Downy recently sent this Downy-loving Housewife (remember the tale of the stinky hot yoga togs) a bottle of their newest Unstopables scent - Spring.

Hmm, Spring Unstopables, seems the perfect tool for this springy chore!

For those that haven't tried 'em, Unstopables is a wash-in "scent booster" that extends that fresh Downy scent until the next wash (or hot yoga class). Just shake some into your washing machine at the beginning of the wash, along with your detergent of choice and your trusty Downy liquid (you don't want to miss out on that Downy softness).

I'm not a fan of super strong scents, traditional Downy is generally enough freshness for me, but I've come to love these Unstopables for towels & sheets (and yoga clothes). And I get to control the scent intensity, depending on how many little Unstopables I add to the wash.

I washed all the sheets (winter & spring sets) yesterday - three loads! - made up all three beds in Weeksworld with "Spring" fresh sheets, and stowed the freshly washed Unstopable flannels in the attic. (I'm curious to test just how long that Unstoppable freshness will last in our hot attic. I'll let you know next winter.)

I've been enjoying another one of those multi-day stretches of ADD middle-of-the-night insomnia (up from 1:30-3:30, exhausted the next day), but last night I managed a decent night's sleep (no retreating to my office or the guest room to read, write, or surf the net or television channels). Not that Downy gets ALL the credit for my good night's sleep, but it surely didn't hurt.

To help with your spring cleaning, Downy is graciously sharing a bottle of each of their four Unstopable scents (Fresh, Lush, Shimmer & Spring) with one lucky winner.

Raffle entry is open thru noon on Tuesday, April 9th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Downy sent me a bottle of their new Unstopable "Spring" to try, but all opinions express in this post are my own & unbiased.

Sheet photo: photo credit: ogerg via photopin cc

Happy Easter - Bawk, Bawk

2013-03-31T12:19:00.002-04:00

Even after all these years, this one is still a favorite . . .

Friday Funny: Dear Yoga Pants

2013-03-29T07:00:00.000-04:00

Ever have one of those days? Week? Month? Year?

I was seriously giggling when my new blogging bud, Claire of Claire's Healthy House, posted this sentiment on Facebook the other day.

Though the post was inspired by post-Blissdom exhaustion, it works pretty much any ol' busy day in the momming trenches.

Thanks for sharing, Claire!

Blissdom '13, Part II - Solving the Meter Mystery

2013-03-27T07:00:00.000-04:00

At Blissdom, the wonderful bloggers' conference I ran off to last week, there are multiple "tracks" - Business, Writing, Life & Photography - there's something for every blogger.

For me, my primary Blissdom objective was improving my blog-specific photography skills.

For the record . . .

I've been taking pictures since way back in the photographic dark ages - film, handheld light meters ('cause there weren't built-in light meters in my first SLRs), darkrooms, enlargers and chemicals.

my camera hall of fame

photo credits: Travis Gray, glassghost, the other Martin Taylor,

Vagn1949, and කේදාර KhE 龙 via photopin cc

I got my first camera in the 3rd or 4th grade (who can remember that FAR back?), entered a dark room for the first time in 5th, was shooting pictures with my Grandpa's Argus C3 by 6th, moved up to my Dad's Miranda by 8th, took three years of photography in high school (freshman couldn't take photography, otherwise it would have been four years), bought myself a Nikon FG for high school graduation, and was a photographer for my college newspaper.

I'm no Ansel Adams or Diane Arbus, but I'm proud to say I have been paid for my work - photographer for a community newspaper and assorted tourism marketing shots.

But I continue to struggle with adapting my skills and eye to creating blog-worthy images. All to often the photos on this blog are barely mediocre - in my not so humble opinion.

So I decided it was time to get back to basics and sit in on the photography workshop sessions with talented shutterbugs like Beach Mama & Lucrecer - surely somewhere along the way I would unlock the key to capturing good blog images.

The first workshop session I sat in on was pretty basic, there were a good number of gals in the room that had never snapped a shot in anything but Auto, but I was struggling with my own photographic issues, so basics were a good place to start.

We set our cameras to Manual, set the ISO & aperture, and finally the shutter speed. The first frame in the collage below was what I got when everything was set where it was supposed to be with an 800 ISO and f 3.2. I kept slowing down the shutter speed, til I was finally down to 1/60 and got the next to the last shot.

But when I slipped the camera's dial back to Auto - voila! Not great, but better. What the heck was wrong with me?

Thanks to Anna (Beach Mama) and Rachel (Running Backwards in High Heels) we finally determined it wasn't me, I hadn't forgotten everything I'd learned thru years of shooting, something was definitely wrong with my light meter.

A trip to the camera doctor was prescribed - STAT.

I was so relieved! All this time I had been blaming myself and it turned out it was my darn Nikon D80's fault.

On the flight home I perused the D80 field guide I had brought along with me, and found a few trouble-shooting ideas - reset the camera to it's original settings and update the firmware (which I'm embarrassed to admit I had not done since buying the camera back in 2008).

I had little hope either would work, a trip to the camera store was on the agenda for first thing Monday morning, but I sat down Sunday evening and gave 'em a try.

Reseting the camera to factory settings was super simple - hold down two buttons and you're done.

Back in Manual, I snapped a few shots of my bedroom (nothing worthy of sharing, believe me) . . . and what do you know, it worked! Hallelujah!

You'll be glad to know I didn't get distracted after my reset triumph and I also updated the firmware!

Now I'm looking forward to getting out on a photographic field trip or two VERY soon, maybe to the Arnold Arboretum or Mount Auburn Cemetery, or maybe just my backyard.

And I think there's a trip to the camera store on the not too distant horizon - this rejuvenated shutterbug needs (wants) a new reflector set up, maybe a shutter remote, definitely need a portable light box and a few lights.

Oh boy, I think I'm in trouble!

So what are some of your favorite things or places to shoot when you're practicing, refining, stretching your photographic skills?

Blissdom '13, Part I - Friends, Food & Fun

2013-03-25T12:41:00.002-04:00

I'm don't usually write post-conference posts, I figure my non-blogger friends probably aren't all that interested in these carnivals of chaos (unless there's a real story to tell, like getting smacked in the back by a flying "adult toy" while strolling down NYC's 6th Avenue), but after my weekend of Blissdom, I feel inspired to share what a gift this conference turned out to be.

I've attended a several bloggers' conferences, and I usually leave feeling overwhelmed by the flood of facts and folks (I'm not a natural networker) and a tad defeated ('cause everyone else seems to get it all done, while I fumble about in the ADD maze).

Sure there was the promise of getting away from the usual Momming-daily-grind and seeing my Ft. Worth-based blogging bud, Miss Oh So Pinteresting, and I had heard Blissdom was different from other conferences, but I remained cautious, leery.

Oh what a pleasant surprise awaited me in Dallas!

Blissdom's Alli Worthington & Unmarketing's Steve Stratten lit up the room with their enthusiasm, insights & humor.

Friends

There was time to chat with old friends, without little voices interrupting us - Random Recycling, Days With Us, A Beautiful Bite, Mom's Favorite Stuff, Don't Mind the Mess, Simply Stavish, Moments that Define Life.

Random Recycling, Days With Us, Mom's Favorite Stuff & Oh So Interesting

And thanks to the wisdom of Blissdom, there was plenty of time each day to make many new friends - Claire's Healthy Home, Miss Elaine-ous Life, Meagan Musing, Chez Moi, Detailed with Love - bloggers of all types, coming together to share, support & encourage.

It was great to meet fellow MOMSonADD member, Jennifer P. Williams, IRL, and meet new MOMSonADD members, A Mommy Story & Simply Tango.

If I've overlooked one of my new blogging buds, please forgive, I'm still sifting thru the business cards, reciepts, notes & handouts.

Food

We ate Mexican, drank a margarita (or two), nibbled pastries and gobbled up ice cream sundaes.

Fun

And there was plenty of fun - dancing to great ol' 80's tunes, saying "hi" to Hank (there was no mechanical bull riding, sorry Stowed Stuff), shopping at the Handmade Marketplace.

Oh, and we learned a thing or two, too!

Let the Blissdom 2014 count down commence!

Now it's back to the business of blogging!

Coming Wednesday - Blissdom Part II, The Tale of the Meter Mystery!

App Review: National Wildlife Foundation's Ranger Rick

2013-03-20T00:55:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow may be the first day of spring, but here in Boston there was snow, sleet, freezing rain, hail, rain and more snow! And yet another school day disruption -- a 2-hour delayed start.

Don't get me wrong, I love me an occasional snow day - no rush to get everyone dressed, brushed, fed and out the door. As far as I'm concerned, a snow day is Mother Nature's permission slip for a pajama & movie day. But this is like our millionth snow day this school year, at this rate the boys will be in school into August, and Mama needs a few lazy days at the beach with her boys this summer. Heck, I think the boys are getting a tad fed up with this winter's "hangin' with Mama" days.

This morning's savior was a pair of fab new apps for iPad obsessed youngsters from the National Wildlife Federation -- Ranger Rick's Tree House and Ranger Rick Jr. Appventure.

Ranger Rick's Tree House (for ages 7-12) is a free iPad app, then you can purchase magazine issues thru the Apple Newsstand (monthly for $4.99 or grab an annual subscription for $19).

Ranger Rick Jr. Appventures (for ages 4-7) is an iPad app, available from iTunes for $4.99.

Ranger Rick's Tree House is full of rooms packed with fun animal facts, photos & videos, games and goofy humor (Jackson was laughing out loud).

Then the boys took a trip to Africa with Ranger Rick Jr. and his pal, Lars the Lion, and found plenty of fun on the savannah.

Puzzles, animal piano, matching animal sounds, creating silly tales and building wacky animals, which I think was Brody's favorite.

I looked on with Motherly-pride & joy ('cause all was peacefully on yet another snow day) as the boys explored the tree house and savannah, and Jackson read to Brody.

The boys review was an unanimous "Awesome!"

So whether it's a snow day, road trip or long plane ride, Ranger Rick gets the Weeksworld seal of approval.

Disclosure: I was recently given Ranger Rick Jr. Appventure and one month of Ranger Rick's Tree House to try out with the boys, but all opinions expressed in this post are our own unbiased perspective.

$5 Buck Cluck Update

2013-03-13T12:51:00.001-04:00

Remember those $5 Buck Clucks at my local grocery store every Thursday? Well I'm happy to report I've been putting them to good use every week!

Week #1 - White Chicken Chili

Week #2 - Kasbah Chicken Vegetable Soup with Couscous

Both of these suppers came from Diane Phillip's Slow Cooker, one of my first slow-cooker cookbooks, and still a reliable source of easy, family-friendly recipes. (Recipes soon, I promise!)

Week #3 - Risotto w/ Rotisserie Chicken, Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Pine Nuts

I used Cook's Illustrated's Pressure-Cooker Parmesan Risotto recipe for the base of this supper. Nothin' simpler than risotto in the pressure cooker -- a few minutes of prep, cook under pressure for six minutes and you're done!

Week #4 - Pioneer Woman's Chicken Florentine Pasta

This was last week's Cluck Sup, and it was a major hit. A pound of pasta, the meat from two rotisserie chickens, a bag of baby spinach and pint of cherry tomatoes -- it was gone in a flash, and my crew is already asking me to make it again. You gotta love any recipe that gets young ones wolfin' down spinach.

Ree's original recipe calls for cooking up the chicken breasts yourself, but I decided she wouldn't mind me taking a little short cut with my $5 Buck Cluck.

Pioneer Woman's Chicken Florentine Pasta

Serves: 10 servings (or three hungry Weeks men and one Mom)

Ingredients

1 pound Penne
Salt & Pepper
4 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size chunks
(I substituted the meat from two rotisserie chickens.)
2 Tbs Butter
2 Tbs Olive Oil
4 cloves Garlic, minced
3/4 C low-sodium broth (the pasta soaked up a lot, so I added about 1/2 C extra before serving
3/4 C dry White Wine
1 bag Baby Spinach
2 C grape or cherry tomatoes, cut in half lengthwise
4 oz Parmesan Cheese, shaved with a vegetable peeler, plus more for serving

Directions

Bring salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat butter & olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add chicken to pan in a single layer. Do not overcrowd pan and do not stir for 1-2 minutes to allow chicken to brown. Turn chicken over and brown on other side. Continue in batches until all the chicken is cooked. (Or if you're a cheater like me, just warm your chicken a bit.) Remove chicken from pan and set aside, tent with foil to keep warm.
Turn heat to medium, and add garlic, stir to avoid burning for approx. 30 seconds. Pour in broth & wine, stirring to deglaze skillet. Allow the liquid to bubble up, and then continue cooking until it's reduced by half.
Turn off heat. Add spinach, tomatoes, chicken, cooked pasta and Parmesan shavings to the skillet, toss to combine, then cover pan for a few minutes to let spinach wilt.
If pasta soaks up too much sauce, add an additional 1/4-1/2 C of warm chicken broth before serving.
Serve with additional grated Parmesan Cheese.

Thanks for a great supper, Ree! My boys are now big fans of your show -- they're always curious about what your cowboys are eating.

This week's Cluck is going into the Dainty Chef's Chicken Tamale Pie, which I discovered on Roche Brothers' (our local market) $5 Buck Cluck Recipes board on Pinterest.

Source: dainty-chef.com viaRoche Bros. on Pinterest

Help me expand the $5 Buck Cluck Suppers board!

Share you're $5 Buck Cluck recipes in a comment below.

When Bad Things Happen to Good Knitting

2013-03-11T13:59:00.001-04:00

Bless me fellow knitters for I have sinned . . . (I guess this non-Catholic is getting in the conclave spirit today)

It's almost too embarrassing to admit, but I'll share my shame with you my friends (both knitters & non-knitters), hoping you won't judge me too harshly (or laugh to loudly).

Remember that project I was feverishly knitting back in January? Well I'm happy to report I finished it! Yep, that's right folks, this Mom on ADD, the gal who is always undertaking major projects (like my still unfinished office purge), actually started & finished something!

It only took me 15 months -- 'cause I actually started this project back in December 2011, but when I bungled a section and got frustrated unknitting, I abandoned it -- but it was finally DONE in 2013!

This over-sized "Old Shale" wrap (24" wide, 72" long!) was intended as a milestone birthday gift for my Mom last February (that's 2012!), but I figured she'd forgive the two-birthday delay when she unwrapped this woolen hug ('cause when you live 3,000 miles away in Boston, it's hard to wrap your Mama in a real hug very often).

The boys wrapped themselves up & sang Bar-bar Happy Birthday.

I was so proud of my handiwork! I couldn't wait to ship it off, but before I shipped it out to CA, I decided it needed a gentle cleaning, a little freshening up. Heck, I'd been toting the thing around with me for 2+ months -- swim meets and basketball games, sitting in the Mom-mobile at pick up time.

I was a good girl, I stopped in my local yarn shop and consulted with my favorite helper, and came home with a special "soak" that I wouldn't even have to rinse out.

I followed the soaking directions, drained and squeezed, then wrapped the wrap in a towel and laid it on the drying rack. I left it for almost 24 hours, but when I checked it, it was still soaking wet.

I carefully unrolled the wrap and laid it over the drying rack. 24 hours later barely any drying progress had been made -- this is where ADD and impatience collided.

Boom, ka-bam! Roll the ominous music!

I took the wrap off the rack, loosely rolled it up, put it in a lingerie bag and put it in the dryer. I made sure to set the drier on the lowest temperature setting and set the timer for just 15 minutes.

Audience yells, "don't do it!"

When I checked on it, all looked fine, but still very wet, so I reset the timer for another 15 minutes.

I didn't intended to dry it fully. I knew better than that. I knew the "hand-wash only" yarn wouldn't like too much heat, I just wanted to give the drying process a little boost. I wanted to get this very belated birthday present in the mail!

15 minutes later I took my now pinkish lingerie bag out of the drier, extracted the still damp wrap, and began to unroll it . . .

What was once one long expanse of delicate dusty purple fanned rows of merino wool, was now half purple fans and half an almost magenta saddle blanket!

I stood there in my basement, stunned and unmoving, the wrap laying across my arms, for what seemed like almost as long as I had spent knitting the thing.

I wanted to rage, scream, stomp my feet, gnash my teeth, throw a toodler-worthy tantrum, but I only had myself to blame so what would be the point of that.

The second half that I had knitted with the machine-washable yarn (because I couldn't get more of the hand-wash-only yarn I had started off with) was pristine & perfect, but the hand-wash-only side had morphed into something akin to one of those boiled wool blankets one finds on an old metal camp bunk.

I texted the Handsome Husband my tale of woe, because I still couldn't find my voice. He was sweet & supportive, surely there was something that could be done to save all my hours of knitting.

I tried re-wetting & gentle stretching -- I know, you pros will tell me, a real amateur move, but I was desperate -- all to no avail.

It's taken several days for me to come to terms with my own stupidity, and now that my fury has diminished slightly, I'm determined to go buy 12 more skeins (all machine washable, this time!) and get started on Mom Wrap Part Deux.

Don't worry, I'll keep y'all posted on my progress.

So there you have it, my cautionary tale of an ADD Knitter.