I have been getting into crochet lately. I find it easier for me than knitting, and I can easily make such interesting stitch patterns. What I don’t have these days is the patience to do a huge blanket, or even a long scarf. So hats have been my fad for the past few months! I made my three kids’ hats, their American Girls’ hats, my nephews’ camo hats, and I finally got to make one for ME!

I followed this crochet hat pattern, called Urban Jungle, by Vickie Howell. I used Caron Simply Soft Yarn with an H-8 hook. 

This hat uses the puff stitch, which is challenging for some.  The key is that when you pull up each loop, hold the yarn loosely and make sure they line up before doing the final step.  It does use a lot of yarn, so make sure you start with a fresh skein.

Here is a view from the back. Instead of working from the top down, you start with the band and work upward and cinch the top together.

What do you think? What is your favorite thing to crochet?

Don’t know how yet? Check out my friend Emily’s How to Crochet Tutorial Videos

Crocheted Slouchy Beanie with a Puff Stitch is a post from: An NC Mom Blog | Real Life

The average American woman weighs about 162 pounds and wears a size 14. Average. According to that statistic, I am slightly below average (1-2 sizes to be exact). I am on the high side of normal BMI, but by no means am I significantly overweight.  Of course, I would love to be in better shape, to shed a few pounds. Most days, I feel about average.

But not that day.

Last week, I found myself in a situation where a sub-group of people in a room was singled out, and valued in a certain way for being skinny.  Now, to be sure, the women in this same sub-group are beautiful, talented, smart, and hard-working.  But that wasn’t what they were being lauded for (at least in the words of the speaker).  No, they were the skinny ones. And the rest were… well, that was not exactly discussed.

It was one of the handful of times in my entire life that I have been utterly embarrassed and shameful of my body. This body which has birthed three beautiful girls, which has carried me through 37 years of life. And happens to have about 25 extra pounds hanging on it.  Oh there have been unflattering photos that showed by booty a little too much, or caught me slouching with a little muffin top goin’ on. But in THAT awkward moment, I wished the floor would open up and swallow me. In that moment, I wanted to run away and not come back. And I sobbed on the way home that night.

I know what your first reaction may be.

“Who would do that?”

“Where?”

“I can’t believe ANYONE would say that.”

But that’s not what this post is about.  In defense of the speaker, I’m sure he/she had no idea how his/her words were coming out of his/her mouth, or how they were being received.  The fact is, it doesn’t matter. In this life we cannot control what another person does.  But we can control our reaction.

And that’s what I’m not sure of. How do I process these feelings of shame? Are they founded? Should I just suck it up and lose weight? Or does this go deeper? Is God allowing that place in my heart to be pricked so that he can work on it?

That first reaction I had — the one that made me want to disappear — that’s not the way to handle this, I know it. I’m too stubborn to give up on anything because of a few extra pounds.

But then… I feel myself going in the other direction…

(Begin dream sequence)

Me and my "thighs" circa 1990

Speaking to myself, I’d say, “Oh, yeah? Well, I can lose weight! Just watch me.”  And then I’d do it, and go too far. I’ve been there before.  My Middle/High School ballet teacher told me to watch my thighs and hips, they were getting bigger, you know.  She was just looking out for me. And at 115 pounds, I began to see myself as fat. And at 15 years old, I would starve myself to drop weight, until I couldn’t take it anymore and then I would break… and secretly eat. It never got bad enough to make me sick. However, the cycle began.

In college, when my boyfriend made an offhand remark about how my legs were getting flabby, and “did I want to work out more?” I took it a little further. I started to get disgusted with myself whenever I would eat. I couldn’t describe it, but the offending calories just had to come back out. And they did. Quite often, for about 6 months.  At that point, God sent a friend who had been through full-fledged bulimia to confront me. Thankfully, shortly after that incident I gave my life over to the Lord and he freed me from  the fulfillment of that particular dysfunction.

I was really proud of myself in 1999 when I got back down to 120. I didn’t realize that I had gone too far, and would have kept going, had I not gotten pregnant with my first child.  God saved me again!

So what do I do now? How do I finally get healthy without eventually becoming unhealthy? What do I do with these feelings of shame? I did the Mamavation 2-week challenge with the fabulous Leah Segedie, and started to feel great. But I always sabotage myself. I’m AFRAID. Ashamed to be heavy, but scared to do anything about it.

I’m praying that God will show me, and I know He will. In the meantime, I’m just hangin’ out, me and my thighs! (ha ha)

Tell me, can you relate?

In Which I’m Embarrassed About My Weight is a post from: An NC Mom Blog | Real Life

I got a call from a local newspaper reporter, who asked about ideas to save money on your Super Bowl Party this year.  After blubbering for just a few seconds, I came up with a couple of suggestions for her.  Our conversation got my mind going in a million different directions with ideas for parties!

So, I was thinking about how to make an easy football cake. One that even I can bake and decorate. Cake Boss, I am not!  I’m “Real Life,” ya know! The image of my husband’s Dump Cake immediately popped in my mind, along with these equations! (Yes, baking is very mathematical)

COCONUT + Green Food Coloring = Grass! | Grass + White Decorating Icing = Football Field!

So while I’m not the Cake Boss… this cake is easy and cute (I think), and pretty cheap if you get everything on sale. This cake would be perfect for a Football Birthday Party, A Football Team Party, of course watching the game with friends!

Like I said, I’m no Cake Boss, but I whipped this baby up with 10 minutes prep, 45 minutes baking and 10 minutes decorating. Put it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.  The best part is the taste! If I did it again, I probably wouldn’t include the white coconut border, and I would add white piping to the outside edge as well.

Do you have any cool ideas for a football themed cake, or Super Bowl Party ideas?

Easy Super Bowl Cake for ‘Real Life’ Bakers is a post from: An NC Mom Blog | Real Life

Family: Wordless Wednesday is a post from: An NC Mom Blog | Real Life

But then, I realized it was something else. As I looked at it, I could hear myself say:

“I know some things that you young women have yet to learn. See those wrinkles between my eyes? I earned those.”

I don’t say that to be snooty, but as an encouragement.

You see, when I was in college, I used to look at the women in their thirties and think they had it all together.  When I got to be their age, married with children, and all “grown up” in the Lord, I might have it all together too.  Then, as I began my thirties… ahem, 7.5 years ago… I wondered why I still felt like a floundering child?

And then, I took this photo. From my phone. In a car on the way to a wedding. And when I looked at it for the first time, I was taken aback. I immediately saw the two squinty wrinkles between my eyes, the uneven skin (BEFORE Instagram), laugh lines beside my mouth, dark circles under my eyes.  And then… “What IS it in those eyes?” I asked myself.  And I couldn’t help but stare at it. It seems vain, I know, to stare at a photo of myself incessantly.

24 hours later, I know what it is. It’s the beginnings of wisdom. Not of my own doing; inside, I am still a floundering child. But through the trials of life, God has begun to let me glimpse His glory, His faithfulness, His love for me.

After 37 years, I realize I will never “have it together” on my own. And I’m OK with that.  I’m just on the other side of one of the most difficult years of my life. Although during the depth of the pain, I didn’t know how I would get through to the other side, God knew. My faith was built. It doesn’t mean I won’t fight depression the next time pain comes. But I’ll know- a little bit more- that God will bring me through.

When I look at that photo, I’m proud of whom I’ve become. Whom God has made me. Of what I’ve accomplished, and what He has accomplished through me.

The next time I flounder, I want to look back at the woman in this photo. She’ll say to me,

“Remember what you know. Remember who you are. Remember whose you are. You will be OK.”

My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding ; For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding ; If you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures ; Then you will discern the fear of the LORD And discover the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom ; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2: 1-7

At first I thought I looked old in this photo… is a post from: An NC Mom Blog | Real Life

I was looking at BlackFriday.net, (I do love my Black Friday shopping) and found this really cool infographic showing the hottest toys throughout this century. My 10-year-old daughter and I spent a while looking at it, as she asked me about the toys I loved as a child.  I hope this brings back as many fun memories for you as it did for me.

What do you think the hottest toy will be this year? Do you shop on Black Friday?

{Infographic} History’s Hottest Holiday Toys is a post from: An NC Mom Blog | Real Life

Ah, the colors of Fall: Deep orange, bright yellow, fiery red, soothing brown… and hot PINK. Yes, that’s right- pink- bringing to mind the fact that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer at some time in their lives. (source)

This truth has been made real to me, as I’ve watched two of my friends, and my mother-in-law go through treatment for this horrible disease.  It’s important to raise awareness, to know your risk, and to take precautions to detect it early.

I don’t mind the “Pink” campaigns that happen in October each year. In fact I think it’s a brilliant way to raise awareness and get people thinking about Breast Cancer prevention. Many of the Breast Cancer research organizations have facilitated huge strides in detection and treatment. So I want to support them.

So while I don’t mind the media and corporate attention to “Think Pink” campaigns, it’s important that we don’t mindlessly follow the pink pied piper. The key word is think. We have to know what we’re giving to and find ways to truly make a difference in lives.that we’re making a difference.

So what?

Well, this week, I’m teaming up with two of my favorite people in the whole world, Teri Lyne Underwood and Brooke McGlothlin to express why I AM PINK :

Monday:  {I Am Pink} introductions here, at Brooke’s, and at Terri Lynne’s. (Go read theirs)

Tuesday:  Teri Lynne writes her perspective.

Wednesday:  Brooke writes her perspective.

Thursday: I write about why I am pink.

Friday:  {I Am Pink} Linky hosted by Brooke.  Share your {I Am Pink} message with us!

I painted my fingernails and toenails pink, and I’ll tell you why in my post on Thursday

Join us

Will you listen to why we are pink this week? Will you write your own and link up on Friday? Will you paint your finders and toes (just because it’s fun)?

You can also tweet with the hashtag #iampink, and find us on Twitter at @reallifesarah @terilynneu @brookewrites

The Heart and Soul of Breast Cancer Awareness: I Am Pink is a post from: An NC Mom Blog | Real Life

Since I have become a Working (Outside the Home) Mom, our family routines have been absolutely turned on their head.  I have found solutions, like Once A Month Cooking, and creative laundry solutions to cope with the change, and we’re taking each new challenge as it comes.

Once challenge that faced me AT work, was setting up and decorating my cubicle.  My new boss, when he interviewed me, asked how I would adapt to “cube life.”  He was understandably surprised when I said I was EXCITED about having a cube! Think of it– a place completely dedicated to work, where there is no laundry or dishes, where no children will put their toys on the desk, and a chair that… ahem… won’t serve as a clothes line in my room.  I can leave my work stuff in my cube, and I don’t have to clear it off the table so that a family can eat dinner there. #WIN

I really crave a clean, organized, uncluttered space at work.  But at the same time, I do want some evidence of a personal life. I want to feel connected to my family, and show them off to my coworkers.

I can’t choose just one photo of the family! They all have such diverse personalities, it’s just impossible.  So I wanted a wide representation of the kids, family and friends without clutter.

Solution

AT&T sent me the Pandigital Photo Mail Digital Frame for me to review, and let everyone know what I thought about it.

I absolutely loved this frame! Sometimes, companies will promise that products are “easy” or “plug and play,” and then you spend 2 hours setting it up.  Not this time! It was so easy to set it up, add photos, email photos, and set timers. Its very user friendly, good quality, and nice looking.

I constantly have coworkers stopping by my desk to look at the photos, and comment about how cool the frame is. And, hundreds of photos can be displayed with no clutter! Double win!

They say:

No WiFi. No Setup. No Problem.

Requiring no cables, no PC, and no complex WiFi setup, the Photo Mail Frame connects automatically to the AT&T Wireless network and is ready to receive your photos right out of the box. Simply Plug In, Turn On and Enjoy!

I say: They’re right! I love that I don’t have to set up a wireless network.  I can bring the frame between home and work, and I don’t have to change the network. The photos are sent through the AT&T wireless network.

They say:

The Perfect Gift.

Give a Pandigital Photo Mail Digital Photo Frame to a friend or family member, and you can share life as it happens. Easily send photos directly to their Photo Mail Frame from your cellphone camera or through email – and a note will pop up right on their frame, letting them know that new pictures have arrived.  It really is that easy.

I say: They’re right! This frame would be perfect for a working mom or dad, grandparents, and just about anyone, really.  I would load some great photos of the kids, repackage the frame, and give it to the grandparents for Christmas! Then, I can update the frame anytime via email to keep them up to date.  It’s awesome, really.

They say:

Keep the fun going with additional Photo Mail Download Packages.

I say: This is the only feature that I would say is a concern before you buy.  You need to understand that there is a limited number of emails you can send to the frame for free. You then purchase additional Photo Mail Download Packages: 100, 400, or 700 photo emails. It makes sense, since it does use the AT&T network, but at least be aware of it.

Do you work outside the home? What is your workspace like? Do you have lots of pictures of your family there?

Working Moms: Email Photos to Your Desk! is a post from: An NC Mom Blog | Real Life

(and by “been there,’ I mean, I went to the Hanes Pink site and made a t-shirt. Thankfully, I haven’t been through cancer. But there’s nothing guaranteeing I wont someday.)

Several months ago, my husband and I got some news that was potentially devastating. My sweet mother-in-law told us that she had been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Of course, the worst case scenario went through our minds, and I’m sure that she was terrified.  It’s hard living in the mountains, clear across the state, when a family member goes through something like this, and we were dealing with our own mountain that we needed God to move.

I just didn’t know what I could do for my mother-in law, until I got an email from Hanes Pink, letting me know about a t-shirt design contest to raise awareness and funds.  I always check out charities and organizations before donating, and I was pleased to support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

So I designed this t-shirt for Hanes Pink, in honor of my mother-in-law.  She was so excited, and it was a small gesture I could do to show her that I was thinking of her.

Results

I WON the contest, my mother-in-law came through her treatments with flying colors, and thankfully, did not have to go through chemo.  With this happy ending, I can’t help but think of those who are still in the midst of fighting.  A few years ago I watched a 30-year-old friend battle Breast Cancer, and recent’y, another young mom friend has been diagnose. Progress has been made, but there is still so much to do until we understand… and STOP this disease.

Watch the video to see my t-shirt and what I did with my prize from Hanes!

What Can You Do?

Purchase from the Hanes Pink Collection:

Hanes is proud to offer a special Hanes Pink Collection of graphic tees that allow women everywhere to wear and share messages of inspiration to raise awareness for breast cancer. These tees are CUTE!

Design our own t-shirt:

For the more creative set, Hanes created a “Design-A-Tee” at www.HanesPink.com where you can design your own tee and purchase it (or others in the user-submission gallery). Hanes donates 10% of the retail price from these tees to the National Breast Cancer Foundation Inc.

Send a message or virtual care package through Facebook:

Hanes has launched their Pink tab on the Hanes Facebook page where you can send customizable Comfort Packages to bring much-needed comfort to loved ones.  Hanes will donate up to $25,000 to NBCF for messages and packages sent from their Facebook Page.

Since 2009, Hanes has made cash and in-kind donations totaling $1,000,000 towards breast cancer research efforts. This year alone, Hanes will donate $125,000 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF).

How do you support Breast Cancer Research and those who’ve been diagnosed with this devastating disease?

Hanes Pink & Breast Cancer Research: “Been There, Got the T-Shirt” is a post from: An NC Mom Blog | Real Life

I’m just not the manicure-every-week kind of person. It’s expensive, and who has that kind of time? But I do like to have cool nails every now and then.

We know the drill, though. Unless you get the “good stuff” you’ll be peeling off chips in a day. Well, I have a secret to wearing cheap nail polish, and getting it to last.

I recently found a good brand at Walmart for $2 a bottle: Pure Ice. It comes in unconventional colors, plus traditional ones. It goes on smooth and even. But unless you use the secret, it won’t last.

My secret is to make sure you use a professional quality base coat and top coat. Get the best base and top, it will keep longer than the colored polish, so you can make it go further.

My favorite base coat is Rock Hard, which you can get at Sally Beauty Supply. My favorite top coat is a UV-hardening The Rock, by the same brand.

My self-manicure lasts about a week using the base, two thin coats of color, and top coat. Do you do your own nails? What works for you?

PS: this is my first post from the WordPress iPhone app. What do you think?

How to wear cheap nail polish is a post from: An NC Mom Blog | Real Life

Next week, hundreds of blogging, vlogging and screaming streaming women will converge on Times Square, NY, armed with digital cameras, video cams, and webcams to take the new media world by storm!  The She Streams Conference is the first of it’s kind, exploring the future of social media, with a heavy focus on online video, and podcasting.  I am excited to meet, and learn from presenters such as

• Maxine Clark, founder and CEO of Build-a-Bear Workshop
• Author and TV Host Rene Syler
• Lisa Druxman, founder of Stroller Strides
• And of course, Maria Bailey, who never ceases to inspire me.

This will be my second time visiting NY City. Last time, I pretty much stayed in and around my hotel, for another conference.  This time, I’m excited to visit the Build-A-Bear flagship store, and hang out with some long time blogging buddies, as well as meeting new people!

I will be presenting with Nancy Friedman and Rebecca Levey, founders of KidzVuz.com, among other fabulous endeavors.  I just had a phone call with them today and we are preparing to bring you a great conversation about Making Money with Digital Content. Our session will be Saturday from 11:40 AM – 12:15 PM, so bring your questions and do not miss it!

Are you going to She Streams?

If so: Yippee!  I’ll see you there. Leave me a comment!

If not: Why not!? Go sign up now, because you will not want to miss this opportunity to learn things that other conferences have overlooked. (only a few spaces left)

Want to know how to prepare?

Some of today’s top bloggers (and friends of mine) have created videos in Partnership with conference sponsor AT&T to help you prepare.

• Molly Gold helps you stay organized by mapping your schedule.
• Christie Crowder gives you tips for networking before you go.
• Jendi Pagano helps you stay up-to-date with information
• Carol Cain, NY City Mama herself, gives us a virtual tour of Times Square

View these videos and more at SheStreamsTV.com!

She Streams Conference: Preparing for the Awesome, with AT&T is a post from: An NC Mom Blog | Real Life

When this Northeastern Italian/Irish gal married her Southern husband , she got a proper introduction to southern food.  I went from saying, “So… you just eat the pinto beans by themselves?” and “What the heck is Chow Chow?“, to insisting on stone ground cornmeal for my homemade cornbread and singing praises for beans in a crock pot with a ham hock.

So here is my husband’s famous chow chow recipe (it’s like redneck relish), which everyone raves over.  The chopping is the hardest part, but it is SO worth it!  This recipe makes about 11-12 pints of Chow Chow.

Vegetables:

• 2.5 heads of cabbage, chopped
• 2 red, orange or yellow bell peppers, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 banana peppers, chopped
• 2.5 medium onions, chopped
• 4 cups green tomatoes, chopped
• 5 Jalapeno peppers (with seeds if you like it spicier)
• 1 Habanero pepper (Will provide a little bite of spice. Can be omitted)

Canning liquid:

• 5-6 cups of white vinegar
• 4 cups sugar
• 4tsp celery seed
• 2 tsp mustard seed
• 2 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp ground ginger

(Make sure you have all your canning jars and pressure canner ready to go after you have chopped the vegetables.)

Instructions

1. Combine ingredients for the canning liquid in a large soup pot.

2. Bring to a boil; and simmer for 10 minutes.

3. Add the vegetables to the canning liquid. Mix until all the vegetables are coated. Bring back to a boil.

4. Immediately fill canning jars with chow chow. Process in a pressure canner at 11 pounds of pressure for 20 minutes. (Be sure to follow all safety procedures for pressure canning.)

5. When the steam pressure is dissipated in your pressure canner, carefully lift out the jars with tongs, and sit on a towel on the counter.  Let cool completely.  Check each jar to see that it has sealed completely. If you can push down in the lid and hear a click, it is not sealed.

6. Serve with brats, hot dogs, pinto beans, burgers, or anything you like.  My dad mixes this chow chow into Ham Salad.

Have you ever eaten Chow Chow? Have you ever made it?

What else you got?

Got apples? Make and can homemade Apple Butter

Got tomatoes? Make some homemade salsa and can it.

Got more tomatoes? Make and can homemade spaghetti sauce.

Got Peaches? Here’s how to can peaches.

Got Cucumbers? Make No-cook Refrigerator Pickles

Got more Cucumbers? Make some Dill Pickles with the Ball Canning Discovery Kit

Don’t know where to start? Read this: Getting Started with Canning — Canning Equipment Checklist

Want to learn quickly and easily? Check out the Ball Canning Discovery Kit

Don’t see your bounty here? Learn to can/ preserve just about ANYTHING!

And check out all these canning recipes from Type A Parent

Southern Chow Chow from the Garden is a post from: An NC Mom Blog | Real Life

All moms work. HARD. But when you work outside the home each day, dinner can be a significant challenge. Honestly, I thought that sometimes it was difficult to get dinner on the table as a Work-at-Home Mom. But now, since I get home around 5-5:30 each day, it kills me to get dinner on the table before 7PM!

I’m a little late uploading this video (I did my cooking yesterday). But I am trying Once a Month Cooking, with Tricia at www.OnceaMonthMom.com. The idea has been around forever, but Tricia makes it SOOO easy to make awesome meals.  Here’s my intro and a question to YOU?  Do you have any ideas about making mealtime meaningful when you have limited time?

I video blogged the cooking yesterday, and posted each short video on my FB page.  Pretty soon, I’ll edit them together, with some tips from Tricia and share it!  You can see the raw cuts here –> http://www.facebook.com/reallifeblog

How Do You Deal With Dinner as a Working (OH) Mom is a post from: An NC Mom Blog | Real Life

Yes, I’ve done it.  I bit the bullet.  Found my dream job. Went all in. Went full time to the … [gasp] office! I remember once not too long ago, my dear friend, and social media maven, Amy Lupold Bair asked on Facebook, “If you could work for just one company, who would it be?” I can’t remember what I said back then, but a few months ago, I was hit by the intense desire to work full time as social media specialist for a lage non-profit organization in my home town.  If you asked me a year ago, I would have never said I’d be led there.  But I am positive that it is God’s leading, and the right thing for our family.

Three months after submitting my application, here I am.  I’ve been “back to work” for a month now, and it comes with its own set of blessings and challenges. Every mom works, whether you are a full time or homeschooling mom, work-at-home mom, or work-outside-the-home mom. I’ve been through the SAHM, WAHM stages and now I’m a WOHM (I guess you could pronounce it “womb”).

So I figured I’d make some short videos, with tips, tricks, struggles, successes, questions and general musings.  I’d love for you to join me with your comments, or video responses! What do you think?

I’m a “Work Outside the Home” Mom Now! is a post from: An NC Mom Blog | Real Life

Time for a garden report! Our redneck gardening tricks worked for a while, but the Caution Tape did not daunt an army of deer who badly wanted our green beans. Back to the fencing for next year. We did manage to get some veggies this week, and still have lots growing, despite run away weeds. So all in all, it’s going pretty well. Here are some photos of last week’s gatherings:

Yay! Pea Jackpot!

One lone green been survived the Great Deer Attack of 2011. Well done, little bean.

The banana peppers were not daunted by the weeds enveloping them!  Chow Chow and Salsa, here they come!

And the corn may very well be our saving grace for the summer if all this bears fruit. The tomatoes’ growth were stunted somehow, so we need the corn to make the garden worthwhile!

What’s in YOUR garden?

Garden Report! is a post from: An NC Mom Blog | Real Life

Because I make mistakes.  I sometimes say things that offend people without realizing it.  People hurt, and it makes me so sad that it was at my words.

I don’t know if our society is more sensitive in the last several years, or if being on social media has made me see it more. People, in general, are easily offended.  Even I (I’m pretty hard to offend) have been terribly hurt at times when reading an offhand remark, only to realize later that the person had no malice and needed my grace and forgiveness.

If I’m honest (and I always am, that’s part of the problem), sometimes it makes me want to ignore diverse populations, rather than fully embrace.  I have dear friends with special needs, friends with diverse racial, socioeconomic, political, and religious backgrounds, and I love them.  It’s because I love them that I feel like retreating sometimes… hiding out.  I hate when I hurt people.  But it is SO hard to consistently monitor for something that might possibly rub them the wrong way.

I shouldn’t feel this way. But I do.  I cried tonight after I inadvertently hurt a friend.  It happens rarely, and it cuts me to the heart every time.

Do you ever feel this way?  What can be done? Is it perhaps that God wants to keep us with a humble, repentant heart, which can only happen when we realize we are weak?

The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 18:21

Why I’m Sort of Afraid of Diversity… is a post from: An NC Mom Blog | Real Life

Yes, Virginia, you CAN have an Italian recipe that does not include pasta and marinara!

I learned this cooking method from Joe.  Joe is the lovingly temperamental proprietor of Joe’s Italian Kitchen in Boone, NC. Back when I hosted a local TV show, the segment I filmed with Joe was one of my favorites!   He reminds me so much of my Italian grandfather, who could be tough when he needed to, while being a lovable teddy bear-type grandfather.  Joe’s 86-year-old father still come into his store every day to help make their treasured family recipes.

(Joe isn’t sponsoring this post, I just think it’s such a cool story, and the food is REAL Italian food!)

Joe showed me the method, but I’m taking liberties with the ingredients. I couldn’t remember what all he used, bit mine tasted pretty good!

Italian Sausage and Onions

(Joe used Green Peppers too)

Ingredients:

• 5 links Italian Sausage
• One medium onion
• A handful of fresh Rosemary (you can experiment with the herbs)
• Kosher salt or sea salt to taste

Directions:

1. Put the sausage in a saute pan, which can be used in the oven. Cook on medium heat about 5 minutes on each side, or until lightly browned.

2. While the sausage is cooking, chop the onions and strip the rosemary from the stem.  Gently crush the rosemary just a little bit to release the flavor and aroma. It’s OK to add the Rosemary in chunks, because you may not want to actually eat all the rosemary.  It adds a wonderful flavor to the dish, but it can get overwhelming.

3. After the sausage browns, add the onions and rosemary to the pan.  It will look like this:

4. Now, put the pan into a 375 degree oven for another 15 minutes or so, until the sausage is cooked through and the onions are caramelized.  I served ours with rice and pinto beans, because that’s what we had in the pantry!

And lastly, ENJOY!  What do you think?

—————————————————————————————–

Also, this meal was under $5.00 and fed our family of 5.

Sausage: $3.38 (on sale because today was the “sell-by” date)

Onion: $0.50

Rosemary: Basically free- it came out of my garden

Rice (1 cup dry): $0.50

Beans (1 cup dry): $0.50

Grand total: $4.88

Italian Sausage and Onions Recipe is a post from: An NC Mom Blog | Real Life

I recently had to leave my family for a business trip. I travel fairly often, about once every 2-3 months, and everything is usually fine.  I’m happy to have some uninterrupted work time and networking with colleagues and friends.  My kids have some daddy-time, which they LOVE.  And my husband really supports my work, so he doesn’t mind when I go for a few days.  It’s usually all hunky dory.

But this time, it was different. As I was saying goodbye, hugging and kissing my girls, I found myself looking over every inch of their faces.  I had this uncanny urge to grab them and not ever let go.  I had an intense feeling of fear that something would happen to them or me.

As I pulled away from the house, tears filled my eyes and overflowed down my cheeks. This has never happened before.  I am a vigorous supporter of obeying my intuition.  I feel like God gave us intuition naturally, as well as supernatural discernment; it is a gift from Him.  This intuition/ discernment saved my life once, and it has served me well in avoiding shady people and business deals.  God also sometimes shows me people and situations to pray for with these intense feelings.

“What is this, Lord? Are you trying to tell me something?  Should I not go? Are you preparing me for tragedy?”

My heart was pounding and my breath was short.  And I heard His voice so clearly in my mind.

“For I (God) have not given you the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

When the Lord speaks, it causes a deep conviction in my heart and mind.  A certainty that I know something, or that I need to do something, or pray about something.  He brings a compelling knowledge that I could not have had without Him.

But he does not bring FEAR.

If I am afraid, panic stricken, or paralyzed by dread, that is not the Lord’s voice..  As soon as I accepted this premise, the dreaded feeling subsided.

Does that mean something bad won’t happen? Not necessarily.  But it means I am trusting the Lord for the future.  I and my family are in His hands, even if something bad happens.  God is teaching me through situations like this (and through counseling) that I do not do well when I feel powerless.  However, HE has given me power through Jesus’ sacrifice and the Holy Spirit working in me.

Have you ever had a feeling like this? What was it like? How did you deal with it?

He Has Not Given Me a Spirit of Fear is a post from: An NC Mom Blog | Real Life

So, a friend of ours asks on Facebook:

Hey I need to borrow 2 queen blow up mattress for the weekend. We have 2 set of guest coming. Does anyone have them so I can borrow?

My hilarious husband says:

We have one queen that blows up. The other is always full of hot air… but she stays here.

Snort.  He’ll be here all week, folks.

“Facebook Comment of the Year” or… “My Husband is Funny” is a post from: An NC Mom Blog | Real Life

Last week, hundreds of bloggers, PR professionals, and company representatives traveled to Asheville for the fabulous four-day Type A Parent blogger conference! We hugged, we squealed, we learned, we taught, we got up at 7AM to make Ovaltine Smoothies (oh, wait, that was just me, Brandy, Jenn and Brittany). We danced, we ate (AWESOME food), we talked late into the night, and said goodbyes.

It was such a pleasure to speak during the business conference day, with my partner Amanda Henson. As we put together our presentation, Amanda and I were on the same page the whole time, and I enjoyed every minute of working with her!

We said that we’d publish the slide show, so you can remember the main points, so here it is! Of course, we elaborated on these slides, but here is the basis of the talk. Please ask in the comments if you have any questions, and we’ll answer them the best we can!

Special thanks to Ovaltine for sponsoring my trip to Type A Conference. I’ll share more about the Breakfast Smoothie Bar later!

Going From Blogger to Social Media Consultant: Type A Parent Conference 2011 is a post from: An NC Mom Blog | Real Life

I’m so excited for Type A Parent Conference, and if you’re not going, you’re probably tired of hearing me talk about it! However, even if you’re not going to the conference, you can join me, Brandy, Brittany, and Jenn, along with  our conference sponsors Ovaltine for Friday morning Breakfast ! (You know- “Be sure to drink your rich chocolate Ovaltine” from A Christmas Story).

Ovaltine is celebrating their NEW recipe, with ALL NATURAL flavors and colors.  For example, one of the coloring agents is beet juice! So, The other girls and I have each developed a smoothie to serve at Type A Breakfast!  If you’re at the conference, just come downstairs early enough to hit breakfast! (ahem)

However, if you’re not coming to Asheville, you can join us on Twitter during the breakfast for some Ovaltine Trivia! You could win prizes by answering questions! Here’s what to do:

• Friday, June 24 from 8:00 to 8:45, come in person and/or log on to twitter. If you’re there in person, be sure to bring your phone or something to tweet with.
• Follow @reallifesarah (me), @superjennblogs, @brandyellen, @mommywords, and follow the #typeacon hashtag
• Watch for Trivia questions from us. The first one who tweets an answer will win!
• And, of course, “Be sure to drink your Ovaltine!”

Here’s my smoothie recipe if you want to try it at home!

Loco Cocoa Mocha Smoothie

• 1 cup Fat Free Vanilla frozen yogurt
• 1/3 cup coffee (Bald Guy Brew Sumatran to be exact)
• 2 TBSP Almond Butter
• 2 TBSP Chocolate Malt Ovaltine

Mix it all up in a blender, and enjoy! I call it “loco” because it’s a little nutty! This smoothie has enough protein to start out your day, as well as 12 vitamins and minerals (in the new Ovatine formula).  This one runs about 300 calories, depending on which frozen yogurt you use, but the Almond Butter gives you good calories, not empty ones.  So you can totally use this smoothie AS your meal, and get some great energy for the day.

*If your serving this to kinds, substitute real maple syrup for the coffee.

What is your favorite smoothie combination? Will you be joining us for breakfast?

Have Breakfast with Me and Ovaltine Friday! is a post from: An NC Mom Blog | Real Life

In two days, I’ll be packing up the car (the little red clunker, that is.  It’s not pretty, but my husband needs the van to take the kids to the beach- Waaah), and heading to the amazing city of Asheville for the Type A Parent Blogging Conference!  I am super excited to see all my blogging buddies and make some new ones!  I haven’t been to a conference since January!

Type A Parent Conference is one of the most learning-filled conferences I’ve ever attended! I have gained so much knowledge each year, and that’s why I am so eager to go back. I thought I’d put together my list of “Not to Miss” sessions < you can definitely catch me at these events. And please do! I may not be great at recognizing the offline version of you (unless you hold your twitter avatar on a stick, but please don’t). But I am all about meeting people so come give me a hug!

Sessions:

Thursday, 9 AM: The very first time slot of the Business Conference features Amanda Henson and I presenting : Transitioning From Blogger to Social Media Consultant. If you’ve ever thought about striking out into consulting, Amanda and I will help you decide if it’s for you, and what you’ll need to be successful. 

I do, however wish I could clone myself for Gregory Ng‘s Video Blogging session and Melanie Nelson‘s FB Business Pages.  I will probably sneak into Greg’s second hour after mine, and then call Melanie and beg her to tell me what she talked about!

Thursday, 11AM: How to Sell a Blog I’m really excited to hear from Deb Ng (@debng) and Wendy Piersall (@emom) about this topic.  I’m not sure, but I may need this information some time in the near future.

Thursday, 1PM: Integrated Social Media Marketing Campaigns. Janice Croze (@5minutesformom) is so knowledgeable in this area, and I plan to soak up as much of that knowledge as possible.

Thursday, 3PM: Clueless Is Not A Excuse: Numbers Matter.  Metrics, metrics and more metrics!  Oooh, fun! Shelly Kramer (@ShellyKramer) will rock this session, and you can never learn too much about measuring your social footprint.

Friday 10 AM: Expo opens! I’ll probably hang out in the expo with the fantastic sponsors.

Friday 11:15 AM: I’ll go support my buds Stacey Nerdin(@treerootandtwig) and Chele Chestnut (@chelechestnut) in the Personal Bloggers Tribe! Niche, Smiche, we blog LIFE, baby!

Friday 1:30 PM: Breathtaking Blog Photography.  I’ve been moving more into using my own editorial photos instead of stock photography, so this will be very informative.

Friday 2:30: Video Editing. MUST NOT MISS!  Three of my favorite video mavens, Danielle Smith, Jendi Pagano and Valerie Rowecamp will hopefully give me some creative ideas to spice up my videos!

Saturday: EVERYTHING!  I mean, come on!? Have you ever seen such a winning schedule of sessions, blogger town hall, and fun parties!?

Tomorrow, I’ll tell you how you can have breakfast with me and Ovaltine, even if you’re NOT at the Type A Conference! (And win prizes!)

What are your Must Do sessions?

Type A Conference! Must Do Sessions! is a post from: An NC Mom Blog | Real Life

About a year ago I wrote about my switch from my MD to a Nurse Midwife. I’ve been managing a general anxiety disorder ever since I had my first child in a traumatic birth.  Last year, I shared some symptoms with my Midwife– fatigue,  short term memory issues, “foggy brain,” heightened anxiety around PMS, heavier periods, etc. You can imagine how much of a JOY I was around the house, right!? I think my husband was happier than I was when we found out it was treatable! I thought some of the symptoms were side effects from my medication I take for the anxiety.  This medication has literally saved me, and my anxiety is very well managed, but I was open to finding something else if need be. My previous doctor was just not open to natural therapies, so I wanted to look further.

I asked my midwife if it could be side effects of my medication, or even perimenopause.  They say it starts around age 47, but it can start as early as 35. (That would be my luck!)

Thankfully, she told me my symptoms were most definitely due to low progesterone.  It may not have anything to do with the medication!   We talked about options, including Bioidentical Hormones, and we decided to start with a natural progesterone spray.  I saw amazing results! In ballet class, I went from not being able to remember a 30 second combination, to doing really well on a 6 minute routine. My teachers noticed a marked improvement in my memory and energy level.

This is me after getting my hormones under control!

However, you know how doctors tell you to take ALL of the medication, even if you start to feel better?  There’s areason for that!  I recently slacked off of the progesterone because I felt better.  I thought it would stay evened out.  But this year, some really difficult life situations hit me really hard and threw me for  a loop.  With my hormones not in balance, I had a major battle with depression for a while.  It feels good to be on the other side of that, but I wonder if it would have hit me so hard if I had the right balance.

At this last appointment, she reinforced my need for hormone help, and I am a believer. I said I would keep you updated about how it was going, and I am SO glad I made the switch and started the treatment.

Even though a simple progesterone spray works for now, I know in the next ten years or so, I may see the onset of Perimenopause.  So I want to be ready and read up on everything I possibly can before it happens!  When the time comes, I’m pretty sure I’ll opt for Bioidentical Hormones, because I know that’s what my midwife recommends. I’ve read a lot about hormones, menopause, and perimenopause on the BodyLogicMD website, and they have a wealth of information.

The Bottom Line? If you have any of these symptoms, and you “just don’t feel right,” look into hormone therapy. Ask your MD or Midwife, or go to Body Logic MD and learn about it! I spent so much time saying, “I know something is wrong with me, I just don’t know what.” If only I had known sooner!

Do you see a Midwife or MD?  Are they open to natural treatments? Have you ever looked into Bioidentical Hormone Therapy?

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by BodyLogic MD, and I shared it because I have had experience with natural hormones, although not specifically this brand. All content and opinions are mine!

I’m 37. My Hormones are Wacky. is a post from: An NC Mom Blog | Real Life

As I was chatting on Twitter last night, I mentioned that I love cooking with herbs from my garden.  Some of my friends were very impressed, and I thought, “I bet they don’t know how easy it is!”  So I made this video, showing you my container herb garden, and how easy it is to make your own!

In the video, you’ll see my Whiskey Barrel planter filled with Rosemary, Thyme, Chives, Cilantro and Oregano.   You can also do one like this with lettuce, spinach or salad greens.

Easy Herb Gardening: Container Garden is a post from: An NC Mom Blog | Real Life

“Together Counts,” for Kids’ Healthy Eating Habits! is a post from: An NC Mom Blog | Real Life