A Taste of T written by Tanya Munoz

Guest Post: Kassi from Truly Lovely

2012-01-27T00:07:00.000-08:00

Well hello there lovelies!!! :)

I am THRILLED to be guest posting again here at A Taste of T today!!

You've might have seen me around here before... But if not...

My name is Kassi and I blog over at Truly Lovely!

A blog about all things my sister and I consider to be lovely!!

Today I'd like to share my recent discovery with you.

Maybe I'm the last one to know, but if not, you've gotta check out this cool website called Wordle.

It lets you enter either a paragraph of text, a website/blog/any other url and then makes a word cloud from the most used words within what you provided.

For example, I made a wordle using the Truly Lovely blog URL.

COOL, right?

The site chooses the most used words and creates your word cloud.

From there you can customize the colors, shape, and even remove words to make it your own.

Then you can print or share it as you please. :)

Next, a Wordle made from my wedding blog, My Road to Mrs.

You could frame a custom word cloud to be used as wall art, as a gift, or even to label random items!

I made a Wordle from my work website and framed it in the pink frame I talked about here, to display in my office!

I think I might frame my blog wordles as wall decoration for my craft room now! :)

The ideas are endless!!!

*Wordle does not know who I am or care I'm sure...

This is just a fun idea I found and wanted to share with others. :)

So... Wordle away friends!!!

I would love to hear about what you create!!!

I hope you'll pop over to Truly Lovely and say hello sometime!!

Thanks to Tanya for having me over! :)

Have a lovely day!

City Strollers

2012-01-26T11:15:00.000-08:00

City Mini

Moms, I need help. We just took a stroll for breakfast with our awesome jogging stroller....which turned out to be WAY too big for a city stroll/breakfast joint. Plus, we'd love a stroller that can easily fit onto a bus. HELP!

Any suggestions?

Teeny Tiny

2012-01-25T04:45:00.000-08:00

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I think I'm kinda obsessed with small spaces. I'm not sure why. Maybe it's the idea of finding creative ways to keep it organized? Maybe it's because I like being next to the Hubs at all times? Maybe it's because I'm so tiny? At any rate, I'm in love with IKEA Small Spaces. I actually like going to IKEA in person to see what fun things they can do with the tiniest of spaces; but IKEA is like an amusement park and, sometimes, I don't want to go the full circle. Takes forever.

I saw this cute custom made wardrobe...which led me to more fun discoveries.

I mean, check out this crazy space. Six friends in 130 square feet. Crazy, right?

More awesome small space ideas here

Mmmm Breakfast

2012-01-24T08:09:00.000-08:00

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Isn't breakfast the most amazing meal ever? I'm an egg lover. I could eat breakfast all day for any meal, but I do prefer it in the morning. When I go to a restaurant and they say they're not serving breakfast, I cry. Ok, not literally but on the inside. Well I'm discovering the Pinterest world of recipes and here's some you might enjoy for the most important meal of the day.

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I could and do spend hours on Pinterest. Speaking of recipes? Have you checked out these cupcakes? DELICIOUS!!!!!

What are you snacking on today?

Calling All Guest Bloggers

2012-01-23T07:10:00.000-08:00

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Good morning y'all!!! I am in need of some fabulous Guest Writers. If you have a "pen" and want to fill in for me here, please send me a message (or leave a comment below).

In other weekend news...it's now Rainmaggedon. The snow has melted. The people came out of their houses in full force. Here are some scenes from my neck of the woods:

How was your weekend?

And thank you Guest Bloggers in advance. You're awesome.

Happy Weekend

2012-01-20T09:13:00.000-08:00

via Friend's Facebook

It's Friday, things are heating up and I can sense some great things on the horizon. This morning I took a little stomp through the snow in our parking lot and witnessed a chained up bus getting stuck. Sad. We really need it to heat up. I fear more people will attempt to drive today...before the ice actually melts...and then it's devastation. My poor Hubs gets to walk to work (again). It's not far but he doesn't have snow boots. That's no bueno. On the up side, Whole Foods is having a sale on Salmon today. YUM!

This is such an exciting time for entertainment. Do you feel me on this? My kindle is currently loaded with this bad boy:

A hilarious book written by Kelly from The Office. I'm halfway through and cannot put it down.

I do want to hang out with her now. So I can see why it's a concern for her.

Today, my TV is going to be catching up on episodes of this bad boy:

Revenge is so addicting. SOOOOOO addicting.

And my life is loaded comedic episodes of this little gal:

Here are some fun weekend links to remember me by:

Delicious cupcakes with recipes (yum)

Best chocolate mousse of your life

Follow the Alt Design Summit updates

Living life, a cute reminder

Who is a little cutie? You are!

Get pumped, it's the weekend people

Happy Weekend everyone!!!

I can almost feel the stretch of getting into a yoga class for the first time all week!!!

Almost. Once the parking lot melts.

Snowed in with Juice

2012-01-19T14:23:00.000-08:00

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Thanks to this juicer and the Hubs, we've been snowed in with deliciously healthy juice! I'm so excited. I haven't had fresh juice since Austin. Whole Foods in Washington decided to be anti-juice and smoothie bar. My body is thanking me for grabbing the fruit and veggies...and leaving the alcohol behind (although some wine would be nice). Yes, you heard that right -- left the alcohol behind. I thought it would be a nice forced healthy cleanse.

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Although, in an attempt to feed my sweet tooth, I made some failed blueberry bread. In my mind, this would be like banana bread (cake-like) just with blueberries. So wrong. It wasn't very sweet. In fact, it was terrible.

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We're now receiving freezing rain reports, high wind alerts and power outage warnings. Nothing a nice hot bowl of chili can't cure. It's funny reading Facebook and seeing everyone whine about being snowed in. I, on the other hand, have loved spending time as a full family. It's not often we're together for days at a time, all day long. We've built forts, watched old VHS tapes and read so many books. Maddi is fascinated with books. I love it. I didn't like reading until my twenties We used to use our children's books at pretend ice skates on our linoleum kitchen floor. Yes, my siblings and I have great imaginations.

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If you're in Washington, I hope you're safe and warm. If you're in a sunnier warmer part of the country, I hope you're soaking up some vitamin D. If you're in an area way colder than Seattle, I hope you're laughing at Seattle's Snowmaggedon.

xoxo, T

P.S. - It's been snowing all day here. Not raining. Not freezing raining. Just fluffy snow.

Snowmageddon?

2012-01-18T09:42:00.000-08:00

Pic from a Facebook friend

It was super fun waiting for this big huge snow storm....but where is it? I want at least a foot of snow. Instead we got a few inches of inconvenience. Even the main road (or should I say my backyard) is unplowed? Did I mention it's Highway 202? Pretty sure people heard Snowmageddon and decided to shut it down, regardless of the actual outcome. Alas, I do love me a snow day. It is technically still snowing, so who knows. Could get more interesting.

Anyone out there get a lot of snow?

What's On Your Mind Tuesday

2012-01-17T00:01:00.000-08:00

I thought it would be a good time to check what was going on in the old noggin. Here's mine:

I want chocolate cake donuts. I know a guy. He better make 'em.
I'm kinda in love with three bean soup with creamy cilantro sauce on top.
And my kinda I mean really. Really really.
Hubs just fell asleep on me mid sentence.
That's what a day with the Mad Dog will do to you.
Yes, that's what we're calling our daughter now.
Now that's she's mad but that nickname has some fire behind it.
As does she.
Did that phrase even make sense?
If it snows a lot, I wonder if mass hysteria will break out at gas stations.
Just wondering...
My mom has adopted the -- instead of the ... she may be onto something (dash dash)
Perhaps not (dot dot dot)
Saw a 4.5 month old today
Wasn't Maddi just that age?
I love how other parents guess baby ages
JoJos are a bad idea
Always
Pay $25 for a small pizza that isn't from an authentic Italian is just nutso
I get why my dad woke up so early and went to bed so late
It's the only time you can get stuff done with kiddos around
I started off this talk with periods at the end of sentences
But here I am leaving them all willy nilly
I miss Rocky Raccoon
I feel like there should've been a follow up story
The hero prevails kinda thing
He found love somewhere
Coffee sounds delightful this fine morning, doesn't it?
Period.

What's in your noggin today?

Lessons Learned (from the weekend)

2012-01-16T00:07:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I learned:

It's a horrible idea to throw a birthday party on a snowy weekend
You can, in fact, go to the same store three times to find the perfect outfit
Maddi can pull herself onto the couch and climb on a bulldog
The laundry basket can no longer hold her hostage
My dogs bark at the snow as if it were attacking (perhaps they're onto something)
I can eat soup every meal of the day
People don't like shopping in the snow so it's the best time to get your groceries
The flu is a good weight loss plan
Jesus can't resist Tom Brady's clef either
We have some amazing sunsets in the great Northwest

And how was your weekend?

Let It Snow?

2012-01-13T00:37:00.000-08:00

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According to Steve Pool, it's supposed to snow this Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. This means the following:

I need more fire wood

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I must get my snow boots ready for possibly walking up and down our big hill

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I'll be making a big 'ol pot of soup

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How are you planning on staying warm this weekend?

Here's some interesting finds to keep your mind toasty:

Hello breakfast

Speaking of soup

Winter fun for kiddos

Keeping Fido's paws warm

A lovely frigid birthday

Sipping on warmth

Rock the Red Carpet

2012-01-12T00:07:00.001-08:00

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The other day as I was skimming through the channels (ok watching The Kardashians), I saw E!'s Rock the Read Carpet Contest. I was surprised at how excited I was at the thought of winning and going to the Grammy's. I'm not sure if its the thought of a red-carpet-worthy dress, the rock stars or the champagne, but something about it caught my attention.

Last time I was at a red carpet event, I asked the Bachelor a ridiculous question to see if I could guess who he picked. Totally worked. I figured it out based on my question but he surprised me and ended up dumping her on national TV. Touche Jason Mesnik. Touche.

The idea of wearing an elegant gown (something flowy and classic) while toting a petite gold clutch in my hand sounds interesting...BUT not as exciting as wearing that outfit while asking ridiculous quetsions to the celebs. Like that dog on Conan. I think it's Conan. Wait, that was at his other network. Man, Conans funny. That dog is pretty funny too. I wish my dog talked. Clearly I should be a comedy reporter. Is that a thing?

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Anyways, here are a few of my dress choices, if that ever happened:

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But there would also be something super fun about this short number

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with these cuties

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Would you Rock the Red Carpet? If so, what would you sport?

Birthday Clubs

2012-01-11T00:07:00.000-08:00

As a new member of Red Robin's high society, I get reward points and free birthday burgers. I am almost embarrassed to say how often we eat here. Almost. Pretty sure I avoided Red Robin like the plague pre-kid. It is now one of the cooleset places for us parents to eat. Beer, burgers and my kid can throw her fries around. It's genius really.

After having a group parent/kid date at R&R, I learned there are so many more clubs with free birthday items. It blew my mind. Here are some of my favs and I'd love to hear more:

Red Robin Royalty: Free birthday burger (and you earn points and other stuff)

Applebees: Free birthday dessert

Baskin Robbins: Free scoopy of ice cream

Black Angus: Free dessert and steak dinner

Buca di Beppo: Free treat for your birthday (although I got one last year by just showing up near my bday)

Claim Jumper: Children 12 and under get a free meal if you sign up

Cold Stone: Free creamery creation (yum)

Dairy Queen:: Blizzard!!!

Del Taco:: You get tacos for just signing up

Hooters: Free song and tshirt on your birthday

Krispy Kreme: Free half dozen glazed donuts and coffee

Starbucks: Free birthday drink and so much more

This should be called the Free Fat Kid List. Look at all that free food!!! Crazy. There are a TON more. Here are some good sites:

http://www.freebirthdaytreats.com/adults.aspx

http://freebies.about.com/od/freeholidayfun/tp/birthday-clubs.htm

http://www.clippergirl.com/birthday-clubs

Any others I should know about?

Dear Maddison Mae,

2012-01-10T09:04:00.000-08:00

Today you are eight months old. This past month was an extremely productive month for you. You're now crawling (super fast), pulling yourself up to stand (and falling), eating four to five meals of solid foods (ok sometimes six) and saying Mama for everything. You have the biggest brightest smile. Your whole face lights up, your mouth opens showing your cute little front and center bottom teeth and your eyes sparkle. I'm yet to capture it on film, but the world needs to see that. You fit 9 month clothes perfectly but prefer to wear only your diaper. Your current loves include:

Eggs and avocados
Your monkey, elephant toy from Auntie Mari (pictured above)
Bubbles
Long car rides for napping
Giving sloppy wet kisses
Wrestling your Pillow Pets
Bathing

Watching you grow is my greatest joy. You learn so much every day. I have no doubt that you already know how to work my iPhone and Kindle (which have mostly kid apps for you). When you're tired now, you like to lie your head down wherever you are...even if its in food.

You have given me the best eight months of my life. I'm so grateful to be your Mom. To be in your presence every day. I love you so so so much.

Here's to more growth,

Mama

My Kindle's on Fire

2012-01-09T10:26:00.001-08:00

I must've been on Santa's good list last year because I got the ultra awesome Kindle Fire. So far I'm in love with the following:

All Recipes app
Bubbles app
Shape Magazine
Natural Living
Whole Living
Pulse
iStory Books for Maddi
Google Reader
The Most Useful Websites ebook

I am definitely looking for recommendations please. I would love new book recommendations as well as subscriptions and kid-friendly apps/books.

Also, is there a way to turn off that auto correct? It's frustrating.

How was your weekend?

Crazy Week

2012-01-07T00:30:00.000-08:00

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This week has been a whirlwind of many many things. One of which was our car shaking uncontrollably and the need for new tires. Turns out, mobbing here from Texas in two days does something bad to the inside of your tires. Not the outside, just the inside.

This led to a myriad of things. The possibility of buying a minivan, eating carrots on the floor of a Discount Tire Factory (see below) and missing our first gymboree class.

Maddi is now a full on crawler. She used to whine and talk her sweet ole time, but she's figured it out and will not stop moving. We tried to trap her in to small space using her bigger toys, but she breaks free. Determined little crawler. She can also pull herself up and stand too. She can also play the guitar (see below).

Well it's more like banging on the strings, but she DOES hit the strings. Daddy could not be more proud. At daycare the other day, her report card said she sat on the floor laughing and clapping for almost the entire time. I love this little girl.

How was your week?

Am I Feeding My Baby Enough?

2012-01-05T00:07:00.000-08:00

Maddi is eating adult food with a vengeance. She seems to be hungry a lot of the time. It feels like overnight we went from her bottle was the majority of her diet with some food to the bottle's not doing it give me some real food. She eats breakfast, lunch and dinner...twice. I get that the majority of the food doesn't make it in her mouth, but is this normal? Maybe I'm not feeding her the right kinds of food?

Her current favorite eats include:

potatoes in every form
avocados
eggs
dried yogurt snacks
crackers
rice crackers
rice
black beans
shredded chicken
cinnamon treats

Any others? Do you have a specific diet for your 7/8 month old? Mine just eats everything :). Look how happy she is with real food! Cutest little eater ever!

Healthy Help

2012-01-04T00:01:00.000-08:00

Live Well 360

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If you're anything like me, you vowed to put your health first in 2012. The start of the new year brings a clean slate (thank goodness after all those holiday meals). And, as you may know, I'm a planner. Unless it says workout in my calendar, it aint happening. If I plan gym time and the healthy meal I'll eat for dinner in my day/week, I'm more likely to stick with this Health First concept.

That being said, I want to give you a couple tools that'll help you with your fitness goals.

First, the ultimate gym bag

Let me introdcuce you to the Core bag. There are now a few variations on size and color, but overall, it's awesome. Notice the shoe compartment which I think is ingenious and should be standard on every gym bag. Even if you wear your shoes to the gym, you can stick your dirty clothes in there after your workout...cause that compartment is vented! Also, it has a bazillion pockets to hold more things like your keys, wallet, phone, binky, extra bottle, that weird onesie that got stuck to the inside of your hoodie...you know..."more things." It's a shoulder strap too since backpacks are apparently the devil for your back. But my favorite part is the lining.

It's inspiring!! I am a sucker for inspiring. I literally have a picture of my Hubs and daughter on my phone for my workouts. Whenever I want to give up, I look at them, remember I'm doing this to live a longer healthier life and continuing moving that booty.

Second, the Eat Well 360 Diet and Cookbook

I've been following Sheila's recipes for a few years now. If she can make oatmeal enticing, then she can pretty much make anything taste delicious. One thing I've learned from Whole Foods is that there are healthy alternatives to your very favorite foods. Sheila is an expert at this. She once made coconut donuts that were healthy. DONUTS! And p.s. - they're delicious.

The cookbook has over a hundred recipes for every meal (including dessert) but the best part is the resource manual. It has a ton of helpful tips and useful knowledge that led Miss Sheila and her husband to their current extremely healthy bodies. (see below)

When I met Ryan, I had NO idea he used to be a six pack of beer a night kinda guy. I mean, look at him. You'd never guess that, right? So it's pretty damn inspiring. But I just love their recipes because they're delicious. I'm Hawaiian, I love to eat good food. So this book, is right up my alley.

Cheers to getting fit in 2012!!!!

Want more info or motivation? Let me know! I'm happy to help.

**The opinions above are that of my own. I am an affiliate of Live Well 360 but also a firm supporter of their products. Sheila and Ryan are also friends of mine, some of the best people you'll meet. I was fortunate enough to know them in the planning stages of their very first Core bag and am so excited to see their ideas blossom and continue to grow. And also, those donuts changed my life.

Hot Yoga Experience and Adventure Kids Playcare

2012-01-03T02:01:00.000-08:00

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Finally finally finally!!! This Mom found a hot yoga studio that has child care!!! I have literally been looking for months. There are a few options in Seattle, but alas, us Eastsiders have fewer options. Well one...so far.

Hot Yoga Experience in Issaquah

It's located in Gillman Blvd next to REI, Target, etc. So the parking lot was crazy busy during the holidays, but much better now. They offer Power and Hatha Yoga. I have no idea what Power yoga is like (I'm assuming powerful), but Hatha is like Bikram and it's only 65 minutes. I kinda love Hatha, it feels much more loving than 60 minute Bikram. It might have something to do with the instructor at this place is so so so sweet. She's so positive with her words throughout the whole class that I feel more comfortable. The last stuidio I went to in Redmond, I felt like we were being auctioned off. The instructors spoke so quickly and forcefully throughout the positions. My favorite class there was from a guest instructor. So I'm happy about the positive change. I'd be really happy if Rainbow Bright just danced around by me throughout the whole class making me laugh. But I haven't found a studio that does that....yet.

The best part about this studio is that they are paired with Adventure Kids Playcare in the same complex. For a 65 minute class, I get 90 minutes of FREE daycare for Maddi Mae. I LOVE THIS. Not only can I get my yoga on, I can take a few for me...or if I want to take a few more for me, they have hourly rates and you can just pay the difference for the time.

It is AWESOME. Maddi is super happy there, she even fell asleep! If you want more info, let me know. I'm happy to send more your way. Also, if you want to go to a class with me, I'd LOVE it.

Namaste.

Oh Sweet Twenty Twelve

2012-01-02T08:32:00.000-08:00

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The start of the new year brings forth new possibilities, new wanders and new to do lists. I created my goals and tasks list...and I have a lot to do this year. A lot.

This year I vow to:

Be kind to myself
Introduce Maddison to activities such as Little Gym and story time
Be more flexible

Also, you'll see a lot of changes with A Taste of T over the next month. I love love love changes. Probably why I've moved so much. Why (still) the idea of living in an RV excites me. And why I constantly move my furniture around. Ahhh change.

So the word for 2012...

Embrace.

What's yours?

Happy New Year!!!!

2011-12-30T10:57:00.000-08:00

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This post will officially wrap up 2011. Twenty Eleven. The BEST year of my life so far. If you've been following me for quite some time, you can see in my writing how being a Mother has changed me significantly. I grow as Maddi does and with every new day my heart beats louder and more fond of this beautiful life. My mom always told me there's no greater joy than the joy of your children. She's so so so right. I get it now. Everything I thought I knew about life before Maddi, makes little to no sense at all anymore. I'm eager for 2012 but so very very grateful for this past year.

I hope your 2011 wraps up in a nice litter (or big) package. Cheers to 2012 my friends!!! May it be fruitful!

2011 Pro/Con-fessions

2011-12-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

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The end of the year is nearing and I feel its the best time to confess and profess things/actions/thoughts/memories from 2011...please enjoy and then share yours:

i confess:

I abandoned a full shopping cart when Maddi was still a wee lass. I couldn't get her to calm down, panicked and left. When the Hubs came home from work, I went grocery shopping sans Maddi...but at another store. I was too embarrassed to go back.
I ate wayyyyyyyy too many french fries when I was pregnant. Maddi has already shown a strong love for potatoes which I can only be blamed for. Well me andddd they're deliciousness..but mostly me.
I've grown to love that darn exercise ball. I must've built up some strong baby bouncing muscles.
I find myself ordering pizza then when I eat it, I remember that I no longer like pizza and am disappointed. It's weird not loving something you've loved for so long. Kinda like high heeled shoes or drunk dialing or dating assholes. Sometimes, you gotta move on.
If I want to get something done quickly, I take Maddi with me when she's fussy. So when she starts screaming, people move quicker. Like say...signing up for a gym membership. Yes, they filled out the paperwork for me. Bam.
I didnt read all the baby books. I bought many. Stopped reading early. Whoops.
I took my baby to the liquor store. No one said anything but it felt illegal.

i profess:

I simply adore Maddison Mae. She's the funniest, coolest, smartest, loving most awesomest kid ever.
I love my new "baby" bag. It fits everything even my yoga mat. Lets take a second to let all of that awesome soak in......................................................................ok, moving on.
I have a love for Texas BBQ. That smokey flavors gets into your every pore and I want it. Oh yes, yes, I want it.
I love love love my husband's music. I cannot wait for him to start playing around this town again. I'm pretty sure Maddi thinks she's in his band, because every time she hears him play she starts drumming. Love it.
That Pho is the best hangover cure.
That Friends with Benefits was my favorite movie of 2011. That and Bridesmaids.
I'm the only one awake right now (in my house).
I need new bras.
This has been the best and fastest year of my life

Anything you'd like to either whisper in the confines of a private confessional ORRRRRRRRRRRRRR shout from the rooftops?

The Inevitable New Years Resolution

2011-12-28T00:01:00.000-08:00

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I've been scheduling and scheduling today and I cannot ignore the big January First heading our way. 2012. My oh my. So if this really is the year the world's going to end, how do I want to live it?

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This year I'm taking responsibility. I'll admit, I've done a fair amount of whining this past holiday season. Just yesterday I caught myself thinking terrible thoughts about a lady who was so concerned about not letting me out of the parking lot that she didn't notice the car pulling into the parking lot as she was moving forward. So when I honked my horn telling her to stop and she gave me the finger (but stopped), I said "You're welcome" with a bad attitude. But really, if I want people to be more selfless, I must first me that. If I want more patience, I must give more patience.

It doesnt stop at driving but it's a start. If I want to have an amazing body, I should feed it amazing nourishment. If I want a more loving life, I should give more love. It's a beautiful thing to know I have a chance to Be the Change.

What about you? Any resolutions? Words? Movements for 2012?

Christmas Photo Booth

2011-12-27T12:26:00.000-08:00

EVERY event should have a photo booth

Merry First Christmas

2011-12-26T08:38:00.000-08:00

Christmas is SOOOOOOOOOOO much more fun with a kid. You get to experience so much through the eyes of a child. It's amazing. We literally had to wake her up to open gifts on Christmas morning. My girl partied way too hard the night before :).

This year she was the only baby at our celebration. Probably the only year this will happen...so she soaked up the attention as much as possible.

She also ate a massive amount of mashed potatoes...which she also got all over Auntie Mari's beautiful table scape. Whoops.

Her favorite gift, tissue paper. Maddi was completely ignoring her toys and playing only with the tissue paper. Sorry, playing isn't the right word. She was shredding it with such determination, it almost looked like work. Hard work.

My sister really embraced the holiday attire theme. Loved it.

How was your holiday? Anyone going out to grab some after Christmas deals?