I'm A Lazy Mom....

Cake Mix Cookies {A Lazy Mom Recipe}

imalazymom@gmail.com (Stacey - The Lazy Mom) — Fri, 24 May 2013 00:40:00 +0000

I never in a million years would have thought the Lazy Cake Cookies recipe I posted back in 2011 would have taken off the way it did! But boy howdy, did it! As of tonight, it's had over 952,000 page views! Wowie wow-wow!

Not too long ago I received another recipe in my little ol' lazy inbox that was similar to them there Lazy Cake Cookies. Except this recipe is for individual cookies, not a whole 9x13 pan of cookie goodness. So OF COURSE I had to share it with you!

This recipe was submitted by Glenda Miller and here's what she has to say about it:

Makes 2 dozen cookies and only takes about 30 minutes total time from start to ready to eat. I used butterscotch chips in the one pictured, but I have done dark chocolate with coconut, and regular chocolate chip as well. Enjoy!

Cake Mix Cookies
1 box of cake mix (pretty much any)
2 eggs
1/2 cup of oil (could probably do a little less and still get the right amount of moisture)
1 tsp vanilla (optional)
butterscotch chips, chocolate chips, or whatever you prefer!

Preheat oven to 350º. Mix ingredients together with about 1 cup of any chips you prefer. Glenda used butterscotch chips. Add 1 tsp vanilla for more of a homemade taste.

Make into 1" balls and bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.

Mm, mm! Thanks for sharing Glenda!

If you have a lazy recipe to share (five ingredients or less) be sure and send it in to me! Lazy moms everywhere will thank you!

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I've Heard Rumors...

imalazymom@gmail.com (Stacey - The Lazy Mom) — Wed, 22 May 2013 22:03:00 +0000

My lazy peoples.

Have you ever heard of a wonderful place where chocolate abounds and street lights are shaped like Hershey Kisses? Where the scent of melted sweetness permeates an entire town? Where moms can eat wonderful treats and not gain a single pound?

(Okay, maybe not that last one.)

I have heard rumors of such a place for about 10 years now. It started when we first moved to Ohio.... A place people lovingly referred to as "Hershey PA." And ever since the day Hershey PA became a place on the map not TOO terribly far from the state I am currently living in, I wanted to go to this magical place. A place of chocolatey goodness. A place that every lazy mom who wants to lay in a hot tub of chocolate can appreciate.

(Again, maybe not that last one.)

WELL GUESS WHAT?! I'm finally going to live my dream!!! AHHHH!

Yes, my dear lazy moms (and dads) the family and I are headed to Hershey Pennsylvania next week for a family vacay. And I. Couldn't. Be. More. Excited.

I'm going to see if the rumors are true! If Hershey Kisses fall from the sky when it rains... if the street cars are made out of Hershey Bars... if the door handles are made out of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.

(Fine, maybe not any of those.)

But even if that's not the case, I'm super excited to check out all Hershey PA has to offer! I hear there are museums, amusement parks, gardens and resorts!

In fact, our family is going to be one of the first to stay in Hersheypark Camping Resort's new Deluxe Cabins that have just been built in honor of their 50th Anniversary!

I've been using the online trip planner to plan our stay. But, if you've been to Hershey PA before, please leave a comment below to tell us what we should be sure and do! (Oh, and do tell if the rumors I mentioned above are true!)

Oo! Oo! And did you know that Hersheypark also has an app you can download to your phone? I've been having TOO much fun playing around with it!

Seriously, how handy is this?

With a click you can see the ride information.

Um, this one is more my speed....

You can even view info for Hershey's other attractions in the app. SCORE!

Want to know how many Hershey Kisses away something is from you? No problem!

Please do leave a comment with your best Hershey PA advice!

Love,

The Lazy Mom

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Deep In The Heart Of Texas

imalazymom@gmail.com (Stacey - The Lazy Mom) — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:01:00 +0000

Prologue:

OH. MY. WORD.

I've been trying for WEEKS to put up this blog post! WEEKS I tell you! I finally got the whole, "my-pictures-wouldn't-upload-and-I-don't-know-why" problem solved. GEESH. So excuse me if this post is, like, SO old news. Mkay? Mkay.

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I've been to Texas and back, people. Listening to my good ol' country music and wearing my cute cowgirl boots all the way!

Some things that made this particular trip wonderful?

1. BLUEBONNETS! I was hoping I'd get to see these little Texas beauties this trip, and I did! I hit it just right and they were sprinkled all over the roadsides for me to see.

2. Family. Family is always good.

3. Quality time with my dad. He had to tear the roads up to pick up and drop off and shuttle around my sister and I. In hindsight, we probably shouldn't have flown in & out of two different towns on four different days.

Yes, that's right. I flew into Dallas on Thursday, and my sister flew into Houston on Friday. Then my sister flew out of Houston on Monday and I flew out of Dallas on Tuesday.

Needless to say my dad was glad to see us leave.

Just kidding!

I think.

4. Nobody on this planet finishes a prayer the way my 86 year old Granddaddy can. Nobody. It's good stuff.

Someone in my family needs to get this video taped before we can't video him anymore.

(You hear that family?)

5. Old friends are good friends. Very good friends. And seeing old friends is good.

6. Catching an Astros game at Minute Maid park with my dad.

I hadn't been to an Astros game since High School. And their new stadium is SO nice.

(*Fun fact alert!* I've been going to Astros games since I was 6 months old!)

Incidentally, they also sell Blue Bell Ice Cream there. *swoon*

My favorite part of the night? Singing "Deep In The Heart of Texas" with a stadium full of Texans while looking at the Houston skyline at the 7th inning stretch.

Did my little pea-picking Texas heart good.

7. Seeing the newest statues around my hometown. (There were two additions since I'd been there in the Fall.)

The Nacogdoches Statue Trail provides visitors and townspeople alike with an understanding of some of the people and events that have played central roles in the city's history. (From the Visit Nacogodches website, mind you.)

The new Michael Boyett one blew my mind!

Totally captured the settler spirit.

The mother holding the baby was absolutely. amazing. (These pictures do it no justice.)

Nobody does statues as good as Michael Boyett. Nuh-uh. No sir!

(And okay, I may have dated his oldest son at one point.)

(And okay, his youngest son may have threatened Lazy Dad the night he came home from our first date. They were roommates. And there were guns involved.)

Moving on!

8. Eating my Aunt's famous chicken and dressing. You know she's right famous for it!

9. Seeing all my cousins again and meeting all their children at my Papa's 85th birthday celebration. Up until my last Texas trip in the Fall, I had never met a single one of their sweet kiddos.

10. Hearing my Papa share his salvation, baptism and wedding story in the very church it all happened in.

Priceless.

11. SUNSHINE!!

12. My Aunt's Texas-style birdhouse.

13. Going through a tub of old keepsakes and stumbling across some old New Kids On the Block fan magazines!

Yup, all those things made this trip home to Texas extra special this time around.

That, and the fact I got to go alone! (Shhh... don't tell Lazy Dad... or my kids.)

And when I was a little sad to have left God's Country when I got back to Toledo, Lazy Dad got me some yellow roses to cheer me up.

The Yellow Rose of Texas is the only girl for me!

Wait. What?

Oh, never mind.

The Lazy Mom

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I Hate Gas Prices {Giveaway}

imalazymom@gmail.com (Stacey - The Lazy Mom) — Tue, 07 May 2013 16:30:00 +0000

I don't know about you, but I HATE gas prices. It gives me *angry eyes* when I see the prices go up the way they do. *ANGRY EYES*, I tell you!

I figure the rest of you feel the way I do about gas prices, so when BlogHer sent me some info about the Fuel Rewards Network™ program, and the chance for one of my readers to win a $100 Shell Gift Card, I jumped on it for you! Cause, you know, I love you and all.
Anyway! The Fuel Rewards Network™ program - or FRN™ program - offers consumers a way to pay less for fuel at participating Shell stations nationwide by earning rewards on everyday purchases! SCORE!!

Now, this isn't your grandma's rewards program... nope. This program is unique because it allows you to combine multiple rewards offers (or cents per gallon rewards) together for potentially huge savings at the pump! Woot! I'm a total fan of huge savings! You?

And y'all, there are lots of ways to save by using your FRN Card! Check it out:

Shop Online: Access nearly 700 brand name online merchants offering at least 5¢/gal for every $50 you spend. Some may offer 2x, 5x, 10x rewards or more to multiply your savings!
Dine Out: Link a payment card to the Dining program and earn 10¢/gal for every $50 you spend at 10,000+ participating restaurants nationwide.
Buy Groceries: Depending on your location, you can link your local participating grocery store’s rewards card to your FRN Account and earn rewards on your grocery store purchases.
Get eCoupons: Select eCoupons at fuelrewards.com and earn Fuel Rewards® savings when the eCoupons items are subsequently purchased at participating grocery and drug stores.
Shop at Shell: Depending on your location, you can purchase specially marked products inside the convenience store as well as car washes or auto services at participating Shell stations to earn Fuel Rewards savings through the Shell® Fuel Rewards® program.

(All of the above is according to fuelrewards.com on 5/6/13.)

After perusing the Fuel Rewards Network program website, and armed with my new fuel rewards knowledge, I hightailed it over to a local Shell station to see what specially-marked convenience store products or services I could buy that would start to rack me up some rewards!

However, the store I walked into said they didn't have the special deals yet. *sad face*

But they are supposed to be coming soon! *happy face*

So instead, I took a picture of their store for you.

Because, seriously. That's a clean looking store right there. And I noticed their prices were lower than other convenience stores. I scored a 20oz bottle of water for 89 cents! And that's their regular price!

What?

It's the little things in life.

Moving on!

If you aren't afraid of commitment and you're ready for a Shell relationship, then simply head over to the fuelrewards.com and click “Sign Up” to activate your FRN Card. (You can also activate your FRN Card by downloading the FRN Mobile App for iPhone or Android.)

And FYI: The Fuel Rewards Network program is offered at Shell in addition to the existing grocer rewards programs with The Kroger Co. and Ahold. Consumers will redeem their Kroger Co. and Ahold rewards separately from Fuel Rewards savings issued through the Fuel Rewards Network program.

You can also learn more on the Fuel Rewards Network program Facebook page!

Now, to win that gift card!!

How would you benefit from the Fuel Rewards Network program? Enter to win a $100 Shell Gift Card.

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post.
Tweet (public message) about this promotion, including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: "#SweepstakesEntry" and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post.
Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post.
For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 5/6/2013-6/2/2013.

Be sure to visit the Fuel Rewards Network program page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

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Hi, I'm Lame. And You Are?

imalazymom@gmail.com (Stacey - The Lazy Mom) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 22:05:00 +0000

Peoples!

I'm SO excited.

Tomorrow I get to leave this frozen sunless land called Ohio and head to a warm, beautiful, God-filled place called Texas.

*snicker*

(Sorry, Ohio, I just couldn't help myself!)

Yes, today one of my Grandfather's turned 85, and I'm flying home tomorrow to be home for the weekend festivities! Family I haven't seen in YEARS will all be there. Should be an incredible time!

In preparation for my solo trip home (yup, the fam is staying here), I have been preparing a playlist of my all-time favorite country songs to keep me company. These days I only listen to country when I'm in Texas (I mean, who goes to Texas and DOESN'T listen to country? I just can't do it!)

And in preparing my awesome playlist of old favs, I have come across some country music gold, my dear lazy people. GOLD! I tell you!

For instance, this old beauty of a song...

This was one of my favorites back in the day. It still makes me all gushy-like.

Speaking of gushy-like.... let's all swoon together over this other John Michael Montgomery hit:

Oh, I'm sorry, did you say something? I was busy swooning.

*sniff* Such a good Trisha Yearwood one (sorry, LeAnne Rimes, Trisha's is better)!

And gosh, you can't go to Texas and NOT listen to these two guys....

Texas singing LEGENDS I tell you.

Oh! I just about died when I ran across this one today. Love, love LOVE it....

What Might Have Been. It KILLS me every time.

Another good one that causes more swooning....

Oh my! SO many good ones. I'm having too much fun making up playlists and reliving High School memories of me in my car belting these songs out to myself.

And just when you didn't think I could sink any lower into country gold playlists... I made an entire Texas inspired playlist. These songs all involve the great state in some way.

I know, I know. I'm beyond lame.

But this lame girl's excited!!!

Love,
The Lame Little Lazy Mom

P.S. What else should I add?!

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Photographic Evidence of My Frightening World-Changing Theory!

imalazymom@gmail.com (Stacey - The Lazy Mom) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 20:59:00 +0000

There's something strange happening around my house.

It's giving me great cause for alarm.

Panic.

Worry.

And yes, even a serious case of the the, *gulp*, hibbie-jibbies.

Yup. It's hibbie-jibbie serious.

I've slowly been noticing evidence of this alarming problem over the past several months. It started off quietly. Almost imperceptibly.

But then BAM! It smacked me across the face. Then another occurrence. Then another!

Things were starting to get out of control. My life wasn't making sense anymore. My mind couldn't take in the mounting evidence I was stumbling upon! *shudder*

I've taken the liberty to photograph the evidence so as to document the unfolding, world-changing, ramifications. Take a look for yourselves.... if you dare.

Exhibit A: packages of lunch meat unsealed.

Exhibit B: Packages of cheese unsealed.

And just when you think there might be a recurring theme here, check out Exhibit C:

Yes, even bread bags weren't safe from this sweeping food-spoiling epidemic.

I was beginning to realize the source of this problem. Yes, the light was starting to dawn. But I needed more proof. After all, how many people would believe me, would believe my theory, with just three picture documentations?

And then it happened. Just when I was beginning to think this problem was contained within the confines of our refrigerator. Poof! More evidence! NOT IN THE REFRIGERATOR.

Yes. That was the final proof I needed to expose the source of my fear to the world! I could now prove that...

that...

MY CHILDREN MUST NOT HAVE OPPOSABLE THUMBS!

Ahhhhhhhhh!

The horror!!! The horror!!!!

Children with no opposable thumbs. I have documented proof people.

And... and.... I think I know where they get it from...... Their father!

Noooooooo!

The horror!!! Pray for me, people, PRAY FOR ME!!!!

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Kitchen Revamp Advice

imalazymom@gmail.com (Stacey - The Lazy Mom) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:57:00 +0000

Yesterday I got some really great advice on my whole kitchen revamp post. You all left comments, emailed me, left messages on Facebook. I truly appreciated it!

(And okay, it made me feel a little loved.) *smile*

The resounding message I heard was "WHITE?! EEK! It shows everything!!"

And I hear you. I share your concern on that.

I also heard from some of you that with my white appliances, my kitchen may look too sterile with white cabinets.

So I thought it best to show you what Lazy Dad and I are gunning for so you can see what we like about the ideas I tossed out yesterday.

For those of you who haven't stalked me, you don't know that my house has a very "cottagey" look to it. It's small on the outside, but much bigger on the inside. From the street it looks like a little green cottage. Our family has affectionately dubbed it the green Monopoly house.

Actually, it was my friend Tami who mentioned our house had a cottage look to it when we first bought it. And it was my friend Carrie who first called it a green Monopoly house.

At any rate, we thought we'd continue to run with the cottage feel our house seems to exude, by making the kitchen look more cottage-like.

For instance, in the cottage genre of kitchens, this is the look we like:

photo credit: ferncreekcottage.come

We LOVE the butcher block counters (I think I even prefer the dark finish like the one pictured). I also love the use of bead board as a backsplash. Bead board is SOOOO cottagey, no? In fact, it already graces our bathroom.

I also like the country feel of it. Reminds me of living in the country and Texas and that homey feel.

Here's another one that caught my eye:

Photo credit: indulgy.com

I like how the white appliances blend in with the cabinets instead of sticking out like a sore thumb. I also like the white tiled backsplash which is so making a comeback from the good ol' days.

Photo credit: dcdcabinets.com

Oh, how I wish I had a window over my kitchen sink! I love this look. I love the old-style door pulls. I love the counters (again).

Another thing I love in these cottage style kitchens are the fun that can be had with pops of color. For instance:

Photo credit: plainfancycabinetry.com

I don't know if I'm that bold, and I definitely don't have room for a lovely kitchen island, but I jut love how everything else is white and BAM! Color is thrown at you.

I love how this following one uses dishes to add that punch of color:

Photo credit: houzz.com

I also love the open shelving idea, but I have two realistic thoughts about that.

Thought #1: I would NEVER be able to keep it a cluttered-free heap of a mess.
Thought #2: Maybe if my shelves were that simple, I would HAVE to keep it a cluttered-free heap of a mess.

Now this picture gives a different appealing idea from the whole beadboard or white tile backsplash:

Photo credit: the inspiredroom.net

Marble! I like it! Easy to wipe down!

This one plays again off of the punch of color idea in cottage style kitchens. I like it!

Photo credit: sherimhoward.com

But I keep coming back to the use of bead board, butcher block countertops and old-style drawer pulls.

Photo credit: homedreams.net

Not sure I like the off-white cabinets though?

Now, here's another take on the bead board... make it the punch of color!

Photo credit: elledecor.com

That's kind of fun!

I also love how cottage style kitchens often have freestanding hutches. But I don't have room for that. *sad face*

So yeah... not sure what we're going to do. But it's fun dreaming, isn't it?

What's your thoughts now that you see why we are heading into a cottage-type feel?

How do I turn this:

Into this:

Photo credit: pinterest.com

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Replace, Reface or Renew? {Sponsored Conversation}

imalazymom@gmail.com (Stacey - The Lazy Mom) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:15:00 +0000

So Lazy Dad and I have been wanting to revamp our kitchen. It's kind of... well... blahhhh.

We freshened it up 7 years ago when we bought our house, but you know... we have kids... and a life... and people over... A LOT.

One of the things we've been thinking about doing is painting the cabinets white. But we're s-s-scared! *insert scared scream here*

My wonderful friend Traci totally gave us the steps and tips and tricks to do it, but we're still frozen in fear. *insert blood curdling scream here*

Another thing we'd like to do is replace the countertops with butcher board ones and change the backsplash to bead board. I TOTALLY think all of that would freshen our poor lil' ol' kitchen right up!

What are some things you would suggest for us in our kitchen revamp quest? Do we replace, reface or renew our cabinetry? And how do we stop being frozen in fear over painting the cabinets if we go that route? *insert scream of horror here*

Check out the video below to see if a cabinet replace, reface or renew might be best for you, too!

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Piña Colada Cake {A Lazy Mom Recipe}

imalazymom@gmail.com (Stacey - The Lazy Mom) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 16:14:00 +0000

This morning I saw a recipe my sister-in-law shared on Facebook. It totally caught my eye because it sounded delicious AND it was a Lazy Mom Recipe!

SCORE!

So, my goodness! How could I NOT share it with all of you lovely people out there?

Forgive me for skanking this recipe right off Facebook, mkay?

Piña Colada Cake

1 yellow cake mix
1 large can crushed pineapple, drained
2-14 oz. cans sweetened condensed milk
8 oz. Whipped Topping
2/3 cup coconut

Prepare cake mix as directed on the back of package. Mix 1/2 can of pineapple into batter. Bake according to package directions.

With a fork, poke holes in warm cake at 1-inch intervals. Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over cake. Allow cake to cool.

Spread whipped topping over the cake. Sprinkle with remaining pineapple and coconut. Refrigerate.

Photo Credit: facebook.com/TexasRecipes

Whoever makes it first, let me know how fabulous it is!

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Last night I did my very first Zumba class.

imalazymom@gmail.com (Stacey - The Lazy Mom) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:49:00 +0000

Yes, while my daughter was taking her ballet class, I was next door sweating to the oldies.

Oh wait. Wrong class.

I was learning how to Zumba.

I walked in and the hour long class had already started. I was greeted by a friend and then promptly took a spot on the very back row. I'd hate to show everyone up that had been coming to the class for years, and all.

*ahem*

Okay, okay.... feeling a little self-conscious I tried hard to push aside the fact that I hadn't shaked my derriere like that, or swiveled my hips in ways that I hadn't in years. "I can do this," I thought. "I used to be a pretty good dancer. Surely I can do this and not look stupid!"

My first steps were awkward. I was going right when the instructor was going left.

What in the world? Something must have happened to me in the last 15 years. Why can't I move like I used to?

Oh yes, I wasn't "packing as much heat" back then, as I am now....

Another song goes by. Okay, the steps are coming to me now, so I don't feel completely lost. I didn't even worry about the arm movements at this point, since I was concentrating so hard on getting my feet going the right direction at the right time.

After the first two songs I was starting to sweat, but I wasn't out of breath. Not bad, but surely this class was halfway over, right?

Wrong.

It hadn't even been 15 minutes.

We did more songs. I was still trying to get the basic steps down. Tripping over my feet, swinging my hips, trying to let my hair down, I just about froze like a deer in headlights when one of the moves had us swivel around in a circle... promptly putting my rotund back-end in the face of everyone that had, up until this point, been showing me their back-ends.

I liked it better that way.

I glanced at the clock, silently begging, pleading that this class was almost over!

What? How can it only be 20 minutes? Surely we've been doing this for three hours!!!

Another song kicks in. I'm really starting to sweat now. I'm still feeling a bit self-conscious, and my face is turning red from the way the instructor is moving her body.

I make a fatal mistake of taking my eyes off the instructor, and glancing at myself in the mirror. AHHH!

Mental note: don't do that ever again.

The clock was now at the 30 minute mark, I slowly realize that this class is a life sentence the way it creeps by.

I hadn't danced for more than 10 minutes in a row in years, and that was at random weddings I attended. This dancing without any real breaks is really making me sweat, and I realize my face is not beet red from the way the instructor shakes her groove thang, but rather from me moving my body for more than 30 minutes without a 20 minute break somewhere in there.

40 minutes goes by. I'm starting to let down my self-consciousness after I steal glances in the mirror at others around me and see they are moving as awkwardly as I am.

By minute 45, I'm still praying the class is coming to an end, or at LEAST the cool-down part. But it doesn't.

However, I AM starting to feel more sure of myself. I've got the basic Zumba steps down, but I still have no clue when they are coming, or in what order.

50 minutes goes by. I'm thinking I'm starting to look good. Surely I look just like the cute instructor does, since I'm clearly moving my body the way she is. My hips and legs and moves match her beat for beat. Feeling confident of this new revelation, I take a glance in the mirror at myself.

The stark reality hits me: I look NOTHING like the cute instructor does.

"AHHHH! Why do they insist on putting mirrors in these rooms," I freak out to myself. I'm hardly even moving my feet, I'm barely swinging my hips. I feel like a bull in a china closet.

55 minutes and counting. I keep waiting for that cool-down to kick in. It never happens.

I watch the clock meticulously just waiting for my daughter's class to end so I have an excuse to leave. SLOWLY 5 more minutes creep by. I wave to my friend, grab my stuff and high-tail it out of there. "Phew! It's over!" Red-faced, sweat pouring, but yet, strangely not breathing heavy, I congratulate myself for sticking it out the whole hour. Thank you Jesus that's over!!

I can't wait to go back next week. :)

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The Easter Bunny Just Wants To Make You Fat!

imalazymom@gmail.com (Stacey - The Lazy Mom) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 15:49:00 +0000

Life away from I'm a Lazy Mom has become increasingly hectic, and I've had less time to write to you, my dear lazy moms. I hope you'll forgive me!

One of the things that has been keeping me busier than usual is what we refer to as the "Easter push" at our church.

As the Media Director, I've been spending my days (and nights) whipping up clever Easter invites for our church peeps to share with their friends.

You know, things like...

And ones like...

Yup. That's what I've been doing.

(Among a long list of other things I won't bother to bore you with.)

(You're welcome.)

Want to see more?

Now, now! Don't worry, I've also made some serious Easter invites.

See? I can be serious.

*Sometimes*

Anyway, I have many more Lazy Mom Recipes, Tips and Confessions to share with all of you, so stick around! Easter is over next week, then it's Spring Break, and THEN, maybe THEN I can get back into the swing of things around here.

Love (and Happy Easter! HE IS RISEN!!),
The Lazy Mom

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Two Ingredient Pot Roast {Lazy Mom Recipe}

imalazymom@gmail.com (Stacey - The Lazy Mom) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 15:28:00 +0000

Recently a SUPER lazy recipe landed in my email inbox and I just couldn't wait to share it with all of you gorgeous, adorable, sweet lazy moms out there (and okay, handsome lazy dads).

This recipe was submitted by Jamie and here is what she had to say about it:

I know it seems that there is no way the roast will cook in 5 hours from frozen and without any liquid, but it does and it SO yummy!!

So, take it away Jamie! Tell us what to do!

Italian Roast
2-3 lb. FROZEN roast (great for us lazy moms who forgot to thaw the roast the night before!)
½ packet of Italian Dressing mix

Place frozen roast in crock pot. Sprinkle with dressing mix. Cook on low for 5 hours.

That’s it!

I have made this and unbelievably that roast is done in only 5 hours even though it started out frozen!

The recipe on the website I found it on (www.passionatepennypincher.com) used this as a base for wraps – she shredded it and served it in a wrap with cheese, sour cream and tomatoes.

I didn’t have all of this on hand, so I added a packet of dry brown gravy mix and 1 cup of water the last 15 minutes of cooking to form a gravy with the juices from the roast. Then I took the roast out and cut it into chunks and served as beef tips and gravy over rice.

YUM-O!

Thanks for sharing with us Jamie! If you have a lazy recipe to share, send it to me! It just might make it on the ol' blog.

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I love cooking with a cast iron skillet. Well... when I cook, that is. ahem

imalazymom@gmail.com (Stacey - The Lazy Mom) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 17:19:00 +0000

I love cooking with a cast iron skillet.

Well... when I cook, that is. *ahem*

I think it's the Texas girl in me that remembers my mom baking cornbread in cast iron that does it. You just can't beat cornbread in cast iron, baby!

So while I was home for Thanksgiving this Fall, I cooked several things in my cast iron combo cooker. One being my Lazy Texas Sheet Cake. And while I was using the cast iron, my mom mentioned that I needed a custom oven mitt that can go over the handle of the pan since it conducts heat and gets really hot.

I told her that the cast iron companies make the type of mitts she was talking about, but she was bound and determined to come up with a cheaper (and cuter) alternative.

So, long after I left Texas to come back to dreary, sunless Northwest Ohio (can you tell I'm ready for winter to be over?), she hustled off to Walmarts (where else do Southern people shop?) to hunt down a cute washcloth and promptly took it home to sew it into a mitt for my skillet! Then she mailed it to me a couple of months ago and, uh... I've been meaning to blog about it ever since.

Isn't it the cutest?

It totally brightened up my dreary, sunless winter! She also made me a hot pad that can be used as a mitt as well.

I absolutely love it, and it was way cheaper than buying the ones cast iron companies sell! And TOTAL BONUS, it seriously was so easy even a lazy mom can do it! I know this because my mom did it, and well, I get my lazy mom tendencies from her side of the family, remember?

Just purchase a washcloth, fold it to where it makes a long pocket and sew it up the side!

It also fits perfectly on my stainless steel pots and pans!

I just wuv it.

Thanks mom!!

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I Like My Chocolate Skinny #SkinnyDivine

imalazymom@gmail.com (Stacey - The Lazy Mom) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 18:49:00 +0000

It's no secret I love getting packages in the mail. Like that one time a cute little darling showed up on my doorstep and we happily brought her into our family.

Well, last week I got what every woman wants in life in the mail... CHOCOLATE. And not only was it delicious, it was SKINNY. I'm pretty sure it was a Divine Intervention.

Now, I'm familiar with Skinny Cow ice cream treats, but honey, this ain't ice cream, it's CANDY.

(Can I get a hallelujah from the crowd?)

Yes, my dear lazy moms, Skinny Cow yumminess is also located in the candy aisle at your grocery store, and here's the great thing about it: their NEW Divine Filled Chocolates are only 130 calories for THREE pieces in the wrapper!

Did you hear me? 3 pieces equal 1 serving!

*cue angels singing*

These new Skinny Cow candies come in caramel and peanut butter créme.

I literally had to FIGHT my children off of them when they came in the mail.

I'm a good mother like that.

Both chocolates were HEAVENLY, but I think I liked the peanut butter créme ones a hair better. But I'm prone to like peanut butter filled things.

(Have I ever told you that I suspect my right thigh is full of peanut butter?)

Anyway! Check these bad boys (girls?) out sometime!

Follow Skinny Cow on:
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest

Disclosure: I wrote this post while participating in a blog tour conducted by Burst Media. I have been compensated for my time commitment to the program, but my opinions are my own.

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Keeping Little Toys Organized {A Lazy Mom Tip}

imalazymom@gmail.com (Stacey - The Lazy Mom) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 20:24:00 +0000

Over the years I have attempted many (and I mean MANY) different types of organizing techniques to corral the plethora of toys my children have had. And while some things worked for a season, I had to occasionally revamp my techniques to grow with my kids.

You know, because kids toys start of clunky and big (hmm... kinda like my thighs) and then get smaller (Oo! Please, please let this apply to my thighs!).

SO. As the toys got smaller, I had to get more savvy. And although I like being savvy, let's all remember I'm lazy. DOH!

And while I had HEARD of people using tackling boxes to organize their children's small toys, I had never really gotten my buttocks off the couch to actually go GET one.

(Lazy is, as lazy does.)

Then, while Lazy Dad's family was in for Christmas this year, his brother saw my oldest son with his Beyblades® and must have sensed my plight of small toys with many pieces and said with exceptional conviction, "We need to go get that boy a tackle box to hold all those pieces!"

And since my brother-in-law doesn't just declare things and then NOT do them, (like, um, someone who shall rename nameless...) he got off the couch, grabbed his dad and myself and drove us down to the Walmarts, where he proceeded to not only walk into the store, but scope out the BEST tackle box to buy for his nephew, and then BOUGHT it.

(I'm beginning to think he took me along to show me how not to be lazy about these types of things anymore.)

He ended up getting my son a tackle box duffel bag (I don't know if there's an actual name for it is, so that's what I call it). And it looks like this:

Inside the bag are the tackle boxes, which my son promptly put his Beyblades® into with love and care.

And so my small-with-lots-of-pieces toy dilemma was solved.

I love how my son can pack up his Beys in a snap and throw the duffel bag over his shoulder and take it to a friends house or church. Oh! And as an added bonus, my son switches out these two tackle boxes with the other two boxes that came with the bag for Nerf® Gun storage!

Love it!

Peruse tackle box bags on Amazon if you'd like.

What do you do to corral the toy mess in your house?

Disclosure: Not a sponsored post, so don't go saying it is now, ya hear?

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Kid's Corner on the #WindowsPhone! {Enter To Win!}

imalazymom@gmail.com (Stacey - The Lazy Mom) — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 21:08:00 +0000

My absolute TEE-total favorite thing about the Windows Phone 8 by HTC is KID'S CORNER!

My dear, dear lazy moms. This feature is truly a mom's phone's best friend. Let me explain it to you....

I've shown you before how I set up my start screen with my Windows Phone. Since then I've rearranged it a bit and added/deleted things. Here's what MY start screen looks like now:

Now, picture this.

My kids ask to play with my phone. I hand it over to them and when I get my phone back, my start screen looks like a jumbled mess of craziness and they've called China 14 times.

Anyone picture that with amazing clarity, as if it just happened to you, oh... 45 minutes ago?

Yeah, I thought so.

BUT LISTEN! THIS IS NOT THE CASE WITH THE WINDOWS PHONE!

Oh no! You see, there's this little beauty of a thing called Kid's Corner. And it allows you to have a start screen JUST for your kids!

*lazy moms pass out from sheer wonder that this could actually be true!*

And it IS true!!

As soon as I got my Windows Phone I set up the Kid's Corner settings. Here is my kids' Kid's Corner start screen:

And here's the beauty of it... *I* get to control what goes on their start screen and subsequently have access to on my phone!

All you have to do is hold down the app you want to select for Kid's Corner and wait for this magical little window to appear...

Click on the "add to kid's corner" and BAM! Modern life just became easier for all us lazy moms out there.

To celebrate this awesome feature on the Windows Phone, Windows is hosting a kid's art contest!

Enter the first-ever Windows Phone Kid's Art Contest here!

In this contest they're asking kids to create a drawing that answers the following question: “What do you wish your Windows Phone could do? How do you imagine yourself, your family, and others using your phone?”

Four winners will have their artwork recreated and painted realistically by professional artist Dave DeVries (like this picture!).

If you are interested in submitting a kid's drawing, have your child (12 years of age or younger) color, draw, or paint a picture of a Windows Phone in use, and send it to windowsphone@microsoft.com by 11:59 PM PST on March 8th, 2013.

You can e-mail a high-res scan/photo of the drawing (no more than 8 MB) and include your child’s name, age, and your name and email address, as well as the story that went behind the drawing. Read up on the full official rules here.

And don't forget!! You can still win a new Windows Phone, just click here to take a quick survey!

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Windows Phone. I received a Windows Phone 8 by HTC for review. No other compensation was received and all opinions expressed are my own.

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Crafting with Kids The Lazy Mom Way {Lazy Mom Tips}

imalazymom@gmail.com (Stacey - The Lazy Mom) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 19:27:00 +0000

Okay, I'll be honest. I do NOT like doing crafts with my kids.

There. I said it.

I don't like dragging everything out... corralling the messes that inevitably happen... stressing over whether or not they were doing the craft the right way... cleaning everything up. The whole nine-yards, people. I just don't enjoy it.

However, I have learned some Lazy Mom Tips that have helped make crafting with kids a bit more enjoyable in life. And I'm here to share them with you.

You're welcome.

The first thing I've learned is to accept that my kids enjoy crafting. (Is it sad that I had to LEARN that?) And after accepting it, I began to realize that a total bonus to letting your kids craft, is that it does occupy them for a period of time. (Score!)

So here's how I've learned to cope with those two kids crafting conclusions:

Lazy Mom Problem #1 -- Don't like dragging everything out.

Check out my post on how I organized all our crafting/school/office supply type items into plastic drawer towers. This has helped with the whole "dragging everything out" problem. I don't mind it so much anymore, because these drawers can be pulled all the way out and brought up to the kitchen table for craft projects. And the kids can go get the drawers themselves since they know where everything is!

Problem #1 solved!

Lazy Mom Problem #2 -- Corralling the mess that inevitably happens.

Oh, my dear lazy moms! I have figured out how to keep that mess (mostly) contained! BROWN PAPER.

Yes, all you need is a roll of brown craft paper (it's rolled up like a roll of wrapping paper and can be found in the craft area of Wal-Mart).

Roll that bad boy out on the table, tape it down, tape overlaps together, and violà! Instant mess catcher!

The nice thing about this thick brown paper is that it is thick enough to put dabs of paint directly on it and it doesn't bleed through either!

I also have ditched the idea that the kids need smocks to craft in. I never could find them or they would have grown out of them! So instead, we go shirtless (or put on an old shirt they can grab out of their closet.)

Problem #2 solved!

Lazy Mom Problem #3 -- Stressing over whether or not they are doing the craft the right way.

People. I learned a long time ago that my kids are WAY more creative if I just let the do the craft however way they want! I'm amazed at the way their little minds can see a craft with instructions completely differently and interpret it in ways I never would!

Why put them in a box? Let go of the stress and let them do it however they want! I guarantee it will make it way for fun for them (and way less stressful for you!).

Problem #3 solved!

Lazy Mom Problem #4 -- Cleaning everything up.

HELLO! See problem solver #2! If you put down that brown paper, you can now leave all the trash, messes, used items, on the table and clean up everything by rolling up the brown paper and throwing it away when they are done! Send the kids to deliver the plastic drawers back to their homes and BAM! Done.

Problem #4 solved!

That's how I've learned to cope with crafting with kids. What's some tips you've learned to let your kids craft without losing your sanity? I'd love to hear them!

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Caught In The Act {gulp}

imalazymom@gmail.com (Stacey - The Lazy Mom) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 22:22:00 +0000

The other day I was cleaning off my dresser for the one hundred, four thousanth time.

(What? I maybe sorta kinda have a problem with piling things on it. See humiliating proof here. And well, here, here, here and, oh... here.)

Anyway, as I was trying to find the top of my dresser so I could remember what it looked like, I came across a homemade "card" my daughter gave me for my recent birthday.

I read it. Smiled. Folded it back up. And walked it to the trash can in the kitchen.

Just when I was about to let it fall into the trash, she comes walking up. Caught. In the act.

"Mom? What is that?" She asked.

"Um, let me see," I fumbled to unfold it as I tried to formulate a plan to get me out of this mess. "Oh, um, I guess it's your birthday card you made me." And offered a half-hearted smile.

"What are you doing with it?" She asked incredulously.

"I was, um, just putting it up on the fridge," I fudged as I lovingly smoothed it out, reached over the trash can and put two magnets on it just so.

"Oh," my daughter said, "for a minute there it looked like you were about to throw it away!" Then she walked away.

Oh come on, we've all been "caught in the act." Admit it!!

I mean, the VERY SAME THING just happened to Frankie Heck on the sitcom "The Middle" two weeks ago. And I laughed. Hard.

Because it's just so true. Us moms can't get away with NOTHING!

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Lazy Moms Are SMART Moms {Lazy Mom Tips}

imalazymom@gmail.com (Stacey - The Lazy Mom) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 19:52:00 +0000

Being a lazy mom isn't really about being lazy... it's about doing things smarter and teaching our kids how to do things for themselves. Because, hey! If we take a little time to do these things now, then later we really can be lazy!

Woot!

So here's a few tips fellow lazy moms have written in to tell me about their smarter ways to handle raising kids and managing a household.

Let's face it, we need all the help we can get! (Can I get an Amen?)

To stop the "sock monster" from eating one of every pair of socks I have, I sort ALL of our socks/underwear into one load on laundry day(s). Regardless of color, person or size they are all in that load so when I go to fold them they are all there. I've been doing it for 3 years and haven't lost even one sock since. ~ Ashley

First, if you DO have socks that are missing their mate, take a Sharpie and make a mark on it so you don't get confused later. Then use the old sock to slip over your hand and dust every wood surface that needs polishing. When one side gets too dusty (I'll admit it happens more often than not in my house) just rotate and use the other side. My husband's athletic socks work the best (and ironically he seems to be the only one to lose the socks in our house....). Oh, and one more thing, my husband once decided to slip one of our cleaning socks over the Pledge can so they would stay together.

Also, we moved into our house a year ago and for some reason I decided to buy three of all my favorite cleaning products and then divide up all my cleaning supplies into our three bathrooms. Under the sink in each bathroom I have glass cleaner, toilet cleanser, clorox wipes and a roll of paper towel. That way I'm not running upstairs or down for supplies when I'm trying to clean. It has been a year and I've only had to replace a couple of items in all three bathrooms because you don't go through the product as quickly. ~ Katherine

When the toys are out, together with somebody's shoe, and somebody's homework, and somebody's . . . I take a broom and sweep it ALL into the middle of the room, and yell "save your stuff!" The kids come running because they know that whatever is still on the floor after 5 minutes (10 if it's really bad) goes into a garbage bag and hides out for 2 weeks. ~Penina

Last year I decided to leave our favorite outfits for the kids ON the plastic hangers. When we got to our vacation condo, I unzipped and hung everything in the closet quickly. Then we ran out to the beach to enjoy our first day. It sure was a time saver. ~ Tricia

My oldest daughter Grace (now 3) used to love emptying drawers and it wasn’t a big deal with only her running around. Her little sister Abi (now 1) currently enjoys emptying drawers but now it is more of a problem with more people running around. Since child locks didn’t work well and I don’t really want them to be permanently child-proofed I now use the yardstick lock. Cheap, easy and effective! ~ Elizabeth

Have a Lazy Mom Tip to share? Find out how to send it in to me!

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Lazy Chess Squares Drool {A Lazy Mom Recipe}

imalazymom@gmail.com (Stacey - The Lazy Mom) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 18:04:00 +0000

I did a bit of organizing in my email inbox recently. I won't bore you with the sordid, emotional, wretched details it involved. (Those email inboxes cause much angst, no?)

Anyway, I persevered through the sludge of my flooded inbox and now have things all nice and orderly and set to sort incoming emails with amazing speed and accuracy!

(Oh wait, I promised NOT to bore you.)

So wouldn't you know it, sitting all buried and desperately crying for attention in my inbox sat a lonely little lovely Lazy Mom Recipe. (Say that three times fast.)

I brushed it off, cuddled it, drooled over it, and am now giving it the attention it deserves in life. Here for your jiggly thigh pleasure....

Lazy Chess Squares
1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
3 eggs
4 cups (1 lb) powdered sugar
8 oz cream cheese, softened

Preheat oven to 300º and spray a 9×13 dish with cooking spray.

Mix together cake mix, melted butter and one egg to a soft dough. Press into the bottom of the pan. Then mix powdered sugar, softened cream cheese and remaining two eggs until smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Pour on top of crust.

Bake for 40-50 minutes until top is golden brown.

photo credit: kevinandamanda.com

I told you she was lovely. And drool worthy.

Now go love her. Mkay?

The Lazy Mom

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So I Like To Be Waited On Hand-And-Foot. What Of It?

imalazymom@gmail.com (Stacey - The Lazy Mom) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 19:29:00 +0000

I know this may come as a shock to you, but I don't like to cook.

Oh, who am I kidding, that didn't shock anyone. (Did it?)

I do however, like to be waited on hand-and-foot at a nice restaurant. Which is why you may see me mention places like Olive Garden and Red Lobster on occasion.

Well then, if you happen to be like me, and prefer the "grander" things in life, then you might find it interesting to know that Red Lobster has just unveiled it's most comprehensive menu transformation in it's brand history.

*gasp!*

It's true people. And lazy moms everywhere should take advantage of it!

Here's why: nearly 60% of the dishes on Red Lobster’s new menu are under $15. These 15 new dishes that are under $15 are called "Maine Stays" and are available every day!

So, I don't know about you, but this lil' ol' lazy mom had to go check this out for herself. It just seemed like the right thing to do.

You know, for the good of humanity and all. *ahem*

So the fam and I skedaddled to Red Lobster one night this week and perused the new menu.

And low and behold. There it was...

Maine Stays. SCORE!

But wait! Lazy Dad and I then noticed that the 4-Course Feast has been added to the menu permanently.

The 4-Course Feast allows guests to choose a soup, a salad, one of nine entrées and a dessert, with unlimited Cheddar Bay Biscuits, all for only $15.99 (may vary by location).

So we, like, TOTALLY took advantage of that. (And it rocked.)

We then perused the kids menu.

And found that it has a lot more to offer than just fish sticks! In fact, I didn't even see fish sticks on the menu.

Now, for you non-seafood lovers, like Lazy Dad... don't worry! Nearly 25 percent of Red Lobster’s new menu offers non-seafood options for you special people.

And I mean special in a very, very loving way.

No, really.

And for those of you watching your figure (I just watch mine grow), Red Lobster’s new menu offers more choice and variety, including lighter-style options and more fish and shrimp entrées.

So there you go! Truly something for everyone!

If you haven't been to Red Lobster in a while, go check out their new menu! They even have a $7.99 weekday lunch special:

Weekdays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., certain lunch sandwiches, salads and soups are just $7.99. This offer includes four varieties of lunch entrees – like the new Spicy Shrimp Tacos and Wood-Grilled Burger – three types of salads and a soup & salad combo, all served with Red Lobster’s signature Cheddar Bay Biscuits.

Awwwwww, yeahhhhhhh.

Disclosure: Red Lobster provided me with a gift card to check out their new menu. All opinions and confessions (of liking to be waited on hand-and-foot) are my own.

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Awesome Bow and Arrows {That You Can Make!}

imalazymom@gmail.com (Stacey - The Lazy Mom) — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 18:11:00 +0000

This Christmas my boys got the MOST FUN and unique gift I've seen in a long while.

My mother-in-law found these totally awesome bow and arrows at a craft show and they quickly became the favorite Christmas gift of the year.

These bows and arrows are safe indoors (okay, SEMI-safe) and really work great!

And here's the cool thing, you could totally make these yourself! You ready? Here's how...

Materials you will need:
1/2 inch PVC pipe cut to 38 1/2 inches long
1/4 inch dowel rods cut to 28 inches long
Pool noodles for arrow tips
Thin white nylon twine cut to 38 1/2 inches long
Duct tape in any color or design you like (ours are camo and flames)
Electrical tape
Pipe Insulation (found in the plumbing area of stores)
1/4 inch nuts (as in nuts and washers)
Hacksaw
Glue

Assembly:
Cut 1/4 inch notches on both sides of either end of your PVC pipe using a hacksaw.

Tie a secure knot on one end of the white nylon twine and place it through one of the slits in the PVC pipe (as pictured).

Secure the string with electrical tape.

Tie another knot on the other end of the PVC pipe, keeping in mind the knot should be positioned to make the bow bend when placed through both slits of the other end of the PVC pipe (as pictured).

This side does not need securing with electrical tape, like the other end, but make sure it goes through both slits in the PVC pipe (unlike the other end).

Next, cut pipe insulation to 4 inches in length for the grip on the bow.

Cut one side of the pipe insulation lengthwise so you can put it around the PVC and secure with your choice of duct tape.

Note: Be careful to put the grip on the bow where the arrows will be level when positioned to fire off the top of the grip!

Now to make the arrows!

Using your hacksaw, cut a 1/4 inch slit on one end of the dowel rods.

Cut pool noodles into rounds and then shape to form a bit of an arrow (see picture below).

Now on the other end of the dowel rod (not the notched side), place a nut inside the pool noodle so that when the dowel rod is inserted through the bottom of the pool noodle it slides through the nut as well (as pictured).

Be careful not to push the dowel rod through the top of the pool noodle, you want it to go into the top of the noodle, but not through.

Then secure the rod with glue around the area you pushed through the bottom of the noodle. Make sure to fill that hole up with glue!

Once dry, you are now ready to GO TO WAR!!!

These super fun bow and arrows are perfect for all kinds of occasions! What would you make them for?

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Purpose Driven Tights, Crazy Church Lady, and a Birthday Cake Made By Another Husband

imalazymom@gmail.com (Stacey - The Lazy Mom) — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 19:53:00 +0000

Oh my dear lazy people.

I was too busy last week to spend any quality time with you. For those of you who need quality time, I sincerely apologize and hope this hasn't paralyzed our meaningful relationship.

For those of you who don't need quality time... sup. I'm back.

I could go in to lengthy detail of how I spent last week, or I could simply show you some pictures that will give you the gist, and you can just fill in the blanks however you'd like to. Which could totally be more funny... and seeing that I tend toward being lazy and like things that are more funny, that's what you're getting.

The fam and I went to Kalahari for our state Minister's Retreat.

I did a lot of this:

And this:

When I wasn't held hostage by my children in the water park, that is.

I had a birthday last week! My friend Heather's husband made me a cake:

Wait. Is that weird that someone else's husband made me a cake?

Don't answer that.

We had our annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet on Friday night. It was candy themed. How cute are these centerpieces?!

And since it was candy themed, we therefore HAD to have a "candy bar."

At this appreciation banquet our church staff does the entertainment. We decided to do a late night show and it was HILRARIOUS.

I did a stand-up routine that had people tell me they almost wet themselves over. (I'm taking that as a slightly awkward sign that it was funny.)

Lazy Dad took this picture. Need I remind you of his picture taking abilities?

Lazy Dad, who played "Jock Warren" was interviewed by our host "Jonan O'Brien..."

...on his new book:

And just when I thought I couldn't laugh any harder, our Children's Director (who you should all know how much I adore by now) totally KILLED IT with reading funny church announcements with her version of the "Crazy Church Lady."

I died it was so funny.

Seriously.

I'm dead.

In the midst of all of that, add in a bunch of other normal day-to-day details, and you're pretty much up to speed, mkay?

Over and Out,
The Lazy Mom

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It's Friday, But I'm Gonna Muse Anyway, Mkay?

imalazymom@gmail.com (Stacey - The Lazy Mom) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 22:05:00 +0000

Most people 'muse' on Monday, because it's after a weekend and the title "Monday Musings" is cute and whathaveyou. But let's face it already, my musings can come at any time of the week, mkay?

And besides, I like to go against the status quo.

I'm a REBEL.

(Just don't tell the Assemblies of God.)

(They just credentialed me, and I'd hate to pop their bubble.)

(Oh, who am I kidding, they probably know already.)

(Hi, Assemblies of God!)

(I promise I'm only a rebel in GOOD ways!)

So. Here's my musings on Friday. Cause I want to muse when I want to muse! And who's gonna stop me?!

*pumps fist in air*

*throws hair over shoulder*

1. THE SUN CAME OUT TODAY!!!

I had missed it so, after being gone for a week.

Hello sun!! Please warm up my part of the world soon, mkay?

Affectionately Yours,
Hibernating Under An Electric Blanket Until You Warm My Part Of The Earth In Toledo

2. I have the bestest sister in the whole wide world. She is always sending me cards, and lots of times those cards have little surprises in them.

This one was particularly fabulous. Like her.

3. Since we brought the kids home this school year for online schooling I've started taking them to the YMCA every week for their P.E. We've found the BEST running track at the one closest to my house, so this works out very well.

And neveryoumind that I'm in the walk lane for this picture.

Baby steps, people. Baby steps.

4. I've been keeping my Lazy Mom Snack Bin filled again lately.

If you don't have a Lazy Mom Snack Bin, you just might not be a true lazy mom and I may have to revoke your lazy mom status in life.

I'm kidding! I'm kidding!

That's not a requirement.

But being awesome is.

5. We have the BEST staff at our church. We finally got around to celebrating Christmas together, and in lieu of presents for each other, we went to a Toledo Walleye hockey game.

I had so much fun razzing the hockey players, and entertaining the people around me, I think I may take it up as a new hobby.

Much to Lazy Dad's dismay.

6. After the hockey game we went out to dinner.

I love these weird people. They're as weird as I am.

Almost.

7. Speaking of people as weird as me, my 9yo likes to make up sentences with his Taco Bell sauce packets.

It's a very entertaining way to eat tacos.

I highly recommend it.

8. When I called Lazy Dad earlier this week, his phone reminded him it was my birthday soon.

I made him take a screenshot of it so I could see what it did.

I'll be interested to see if his phone reminds him to buy me a trip to Hawaii for our Anniversary!!

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"Friends Don't Let Friends Dress Like Disasters." #TheWowFactor

imalazymom@gmail.com (Stacey - The Lazy Mom) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 16:58:00 +0000

Now, now, don't worry... nobody said that statement in the title of this post to me!

Yet.

Well, okay, maybe Jacqui Stafford did in her new book "The Wow Factor," but I'm pretty sure that was directed at everyone, not just me.

Do you remember when I met Jacqui? It was love at first "darling."

She offered me great fashion advice that day. Seriously, I still remember every bit of it and repeat it to myself often. But now I have a whole BOOK of Jacqui, not just a one-time encounter to remember!

In two words, this book is SO FUN (just like Jacqui).

The pages are littered with drawings and pictures and PRACTICAL advice that every woman can use.

First off, Jacqui starts off by helping you identify your body shape in, true to Jacqui form, a FUN way!

Then, she tells you exactly what that shape can or can't wear.

It's awesome.

But don't think this book is just about that. Oh no, she truly spills the beans on fashion industry secrets!

Seriously, it's jaw dropping what this industry makes us think is "real" and Jacqui tells all!

THEN, Jacqui tells you MORE secrets...

Like, what to buy and when (for the best discount!):

And what style of shoe to wear with basic wardrobe pieces:

Fabulous!

This book is FULL of fun and "secrets-spilled" information, and just when you think Jacqui can't get any more real with you, you find at the end of each chapter "confessions from the confidential fashion files!"

This one in particular had me cracking up!!

This chapter brought back painful memories of when I was in Havana, Cuba, for a professional salsa dance invitational (another story, another time) and swiped on a now-thankfully-discontinued light-reflecting concealer under my eyes. "What's wrong with her face?" I heard a few confused Cuban audience members mutter as I swirled, oblivious, around the dance floor. The circa-1980s strobe lights had transformed my under-eye concealer into glow-in-the-dark warrior stripes.

HA! I love it!

This book is a fantastic read from a fantastically fun (and real) person!

Jacqui's book comes out February 5th, but you can pre-order your copy on Amazon now!

Disclosure: I was sent this book as a review copy. All opinions expressed are my own and don't go 'round saying otherwise, ya hear?

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