My life as a grown up

Goodbye My Life as a Grown Up

2011-07-30T10:15:00.000-07:00

Five years and five days ago, I started this little blog. It contains my vague and cryptic woes of dating and heartache, funny stories with friends and family, memory-filled photos and joyful announcements of some major life changes! It follows my life through several different living situations with wonderful roommates who are like family to me. And finally it chronicals this last year where I've joined my life with the love of my life.

It is a great snap shot of my threshold years as a "grown up." And now it is time to retire this blog and move on over to joshandtory.com. It's official, I am a grown up.

This summer has been a crazy one of tears of sadness and joy (and not a single word written about it). I'll hope you'll follow along at joshandtory.com and catch up with my summer update.

Subscribe to the joshandtory.com RSS feed.

it's a piece of cake to bake a pretty cake

2011-04-08T07:47:00.000-07:00

So, Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants turned 30 last Friday, and to celebrate I made a cake! Jane helped decorate and my co-workers lent their lovely singing voices to create a little video. We entered the video into a contest against all Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants. Other hotels had their pastry chefs create a masterpiece, so we may not win by skill, but we should sure win for creativity and effort!

The fondant was made from a short cut recipe here: What's Cooking America Not only was it "easy" but it tastes yummy, too!

Special thanks to Abbi for filming and directing the cake decorating! I wouldn't have even tackled this without your consult and help. If we win, you're coming to the party to celebrate!

Here is our video:

I'll let you know if we win!!

baby fever

2011-04-07T21:50:00.000-07:00

So if I haven't shared with you already, last month I was sick with baby fever. My co-worker and sister in law are both pregnant and glowing and I'll be damned if I don't go a week without someone asking me, "so when are you going to have kids?" You can only go so long before it starts to get under your skin and into your brain. Baby fever takes years of social conditioning and typically manifests at its worst shortly after marriage. The symptoms come and go in waves - for right now, my symptoms have subsided.

Here are some of the symptoms if baby fever:

1. You have pregnancy dreams - mine involve going into labor, doctors telling me I'm pregnant, knowing that I'm pregnant, holding my new born child, etc. They're fierce and very real.

2. You start to think about being an "old mom". You do the math to determine how old you will be when your child graduates high school and you don't like it. You compare yourself to friends who already have x number of children and then do the math to figure out how old they will be when their child(ren) will graduate hs. This number is lower than yours.

3. You start reading mommy blogs and bookmarking articles for future.

4. You begin thinking about baby names and start a google document entitled babies so you can easily update the list when a good name strikes you.

5. You think about your grandparents and want them to meet their great-grandchild.

6. You consider the fact that conceiving could take years and if we don't start now...

Each of these symptoms can haunt your very being if you dwell on them. But instead I am enjoying the dream, standing on the threshold of our future. We are so blessed in many ways and I am grateful for the life we are building together.

So if you're reading this list thinking, "what are you waiting for?" The short answer is we're just not ready. What's that you say? We'll never be READY to have kids? I agree with you there.

The fact remains that we are newlyweds; we are enjoying our new life together and soaking in every moment of being a family of two (or five if you count the cats). Babies will come when we are ready and only God knows when that will be. So for now, I am embracing my baby fever and loving my husband for being supportive of my disease.

Because I am content with "just us" and looking forward to our family years at the same time. :-)

smoothie time

2011-03-24T06:45:00.000-07:00

In an effort to use all my bounty from Bountiful Baskets, I've taken to making smoothies in the mornings using this helpful little guy. Someone just asked me what my recipe was, so I decided to share with you!

Morning Smoothies

5 frozen strawberries (I remove the stems before I freeze)
1 frozen banana (cut up, then frozen)
1 Activia yogurt
1 cup soy milk (I use the 4 oz. yogurt container as a measuring cup)
1/2 cup orange juice (again with the yogurt measuring cup)
Another fresh fruit - I've used mangos, pears, apples, oranges, grapefruit
Emergen-C vitamin packet (my own vitamin Boost, just like Jamba Juice!)
Method: combine everything and blender until all fruit is mixed in

By using the frozen fruit (thanks for the tip Jamey), I don't have to add any ice. This makes about 20 ounces of smoothie and is a great texture. Does anyone have any smoothie recipes they like?

Here's one I tried and didn't like... It sounded good in theory, but I didn't care for the peanut butter.

Ingredients:

3 bananas
1/2 cup fat-free vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup milk (soy, regular, almond, etc.)
1 1/2 cups ice cubes
1 Tbsp. natural peanut butter
1 tsp. ground flax seed and/or wheat germ (optional)
Method: In a blender, combine all ingredients. Blend until smooth, and serve immediately.

This recipe came from Give Me Some Oven.

today was a rough day

2011-03-21T21:23:00.000-07:00

Cat Damage Done:

Carpet torn up

Base board broken

Keeping the cats in quarantine is getting more and more difficult. As they are feeling better, they don't want to be couped up. As I mentioned before, we let Peanut come out and hang with us in our room. His mood and wellness improved after this. He is less depressed but more ornery. We let Harley spend some time in the living room tonight - thinking that baby steps of learning her new environment would be good. She is the healthiest of all the kitties, so we gave her some free time. Having not heard a peep from her during two weeks of confinement, she is now wailing up a storm and scratching at her door, too.

Basically, in giving Peanut and Harley a taste of freedom, we have, in fact, created monsters. Luckily, I sleep through it, but I can't say the same for Josh.

I woke up this morning to frayed carpet bits in the hallway and opened the door to reveal a bare straggly area where Peanut had scratched all night. They still have almost two weeks left, but I can't say that we'll make it that long.

I cannot wait for our family to be back to normal! Today was a rough day.

peanut gets special treatment

2011-03-19T09:08:00.000-07:00

The AM and PM routine!

At the vet yesterday, we found out that Harley can come out of quarantine after she gets her FHV vaccination on Wednesday! As for Peanut and Poley, they have at least a week left of quarantine. Harley's total time in quarantine will be almost 20 days. Since Peanut and Poley are only 6 days into theirs, we've got two more weeks of keeping them cooped up ahead of us.

Last night I was feeling really bad for Peanut. He seemed to be doing the worst out of all three. He was really down and out and really grouchy when I would give him his medicine. In fact, I know animals can sense emotion and he's totally playing in to my fear. He swipes his razor blade claws at me with all his might and growls like a banshee (I'm pretty sure they growl, too).

So last night, we let Peanut hang out with us in bed while we were watching tv before bed. He snuggled right in and seemed to perk right up. He sneezed all over us to the point where we had to wipe off his sneezes - gross. Peanut has always been the more needy kitty, so some extra love was just what he needed.

Looking out the window - pre-virus :)

Harley's Quarantine: 14 days
Days Harley Has Eaten on Her Own: 4 days
Peanut & Poley's Quarantine: 7 days
Days Peanut & Poley Have Eaten on Their Own: 7 days
Number of cat scratches on me: 11

she's eating!

2011-03-18T06:57:00.000-07:00

I am so thankful and pleased that Harley is finally eating again that I wanted to share some photos (courtesy of Justin's camera and my skills) from her dinner last night.

Bon appetit, Harley.

In other news, when it comes to giving them their medicine, adversely to what we would have expected, Poley is still the easier of the two boy cats. Peanut has now taken to spending his time in his cat carrier that is still in his room, which means I have to drag all 16 pounds of him out morning and night to give him his meds. He and I both will be glad when this passes.

We have Harley's (hopefully final) vet appointment today. She is eating and drinking on her own - even chowing down on kibble in between her wet food! I can't wait to hear from the doc when we will be able to end the cat hospital quarantine.

Harley's Quarantine: 13 days
Days Harley Has Eaten on Her Own: 3 days
Peanut & Poley's Quarantine: 6 days
Days Peanut & Poley Have Eaten on Their Own: 6 days
Number of cat scratches on me: 10 - nothing new to report! Either I'm getting better at avoiding the sweeping claws of pain or they are going easier on me.

fill in the blank friday

2011-03-18T06:44:00.000-07:00

Hooray for Friday! It's been a long a full week. Time to fill in some blanks...

1. The best deal I've ever gotten is two suits I bought at Express a couple years ago - had a $50 off a purchase of $150 or more and they were on sale - ended up at over 75% off. Also got over $60 worth of shampoo, conditioner, lotion, body wash and a couple other things at CVS for $12 after mail-in rebate!

2. If I were hosting a dinner party and could invite people from my fantasy guest list it would include my grandfather on my dad's side (I never met him), Josh's grandparents (I never met them either) and then I would have Josh's and my entire families come, too. I think it would be really amazing to spend an evening all together and absorb some lessons about why we are the way we are; we all started with them!

3. Something that inspires me is music and photography! I used to blast music and get ready for work. It's been about a year since I've been cohabiting with Mr. Smith and I've had to tone down my morning routine since he sleeps later than me. Until now, I never realized how much music set my tone for the day! Photography is a new inspiration.

I recently took a photography class with Diana Elizabeth and it has really opened my eyes to a power within me to create something visually appealing. It's fun to discover new tricks and techniques and have it be something that I am teaching myself. My camera inspires me to look at things in a new way and also continue to learn new things.

4. If I could only choose to eat one flavor of food for the rest of eternity (sweet, salty, spicy, bitter....) I would have to go with SALTY! There are times when I crave sweet, but I'm a salty girl all the way - peanuts, pretzels, Goldfish crackers, cheese, Cheez-Itz, popcorn... I love it all!

5. I dream about being pregnant and going in to labor and looking down and seeing a flat stomach. According to this online dream dictionary, dreaming of being pregnant and going in to labor has something to do with my baby fever, but it could also mean that my "goals will take a lot of hard work to accomplish" or that I am "giving birth to a new idea or project. It also represents a new attitude, fresh beginnings or a major event" and even perhaps that "the dream may be calling attention to your inner child and the potential for you to grow." Either way, that's what I'm dreaming about.

6. My weekend will be spent it started with a visit to the vet, where Harley was officially deemed to be on the road to recovery - no fever, well-hydrated and eating. We have a 5th visit to the vet next Wednesday for her final round of vaccinations that will conveniently vaccinate her for this FHV that she has right now. :-/ Tonight, Josh and I are laying low with pizza, beer and the DVR. Tomorrow, Josh is playing golf with my dad, I am picking up our Bountiful Basket and will get this house in to shape. Tomorrow afternoon, we are going to Lexi's 3rd birthday party and Sunday, we have NO plans!

7. If I could only watch one movie or TV show for the rest of my life, it would be ...watching one thing for the rest of my life would not be very satisfying - I'm sure I would quit watching television at some point. But, for the sake of the question, it would have to be Glee or maybe Shameless which is inching its way in to one of my favorite shows. Sex and the City also comes to mind. Well, I've hardly picked only one, now haven't I?

good morning kitties!

2011-03-17T06:38:00.000-07:00

Peanut and Poley snuggling together at the vet. It calmed them down, so even though they are supposed to be quarantined from each other, we let it slide!

As another day of illness begins, I can hear sneezes coming from Peanut's hospital room (aka the office). This morning started off with comedy as I tried to turn off my alarm when both of my hands were asleep - we're talking completely numb. As the alarm continued to get louder and I continued to get more annoyed that my dexterity was hindered, I pounded the button with my club of a hand and got nowhere. At the loud thud, my husband woke up and gave me a hand - haha - get it. :)

I've just administered two rounds of Enisyl, one round of Nutri-Cal, three rounds of Clavamox and three rounds of wet food. Peanut and Poley are surely enjoying their daily treat of wet food. We all know they certainly love their food. Harley is still scarfing down her wet food and even nibbling at her dry food.

Peanut wanted nothing to do with his meds this morning and I have a suicidal looking scratch on my inner wrist. I think it's time to clip his nails!

Harley's Quarantine: 12 days
Days Harley Has Eaten on Her Own: 2 days
Peanut & Poley's Quarantine: 5 days
Days Peanut & Poley Have Eaten on Their Own: 5 days
Number of cat scratches on me: 10

Harley is eating again!

2011-03-16T06:18:00.000-07:00

Dreary eyed, I started the morning routine an hour earlier today since I have to be at work at 7 a.m. Peanut was especially difficult this morning, but alas did not spit out his Clavamox or his Enisyl. Poley did great, but wasn't too interested in his food - maybe it was just performance anxiety because I was staring with baited breath to make sure he ate.

The best news of the morning is that overnight Harley ate her food!! After over a week of not eating and having to be force fed, she finally ate on her own. I did a little celebration dance, ran to wake Josh up and gave her a little high five. She is getting better!

Anorexia with the kitties is an issue because if they don't eat, their livers can fail. For our little tubs of love, Peanut and Poley, it's especially important that they don't become anorexic, because their weight will make their livers fail more quickly. Luckily, it seems they are enjoying their special treat of wet food while they are sick. Go figure.

I have been so happy with the care we have received, both cats and humans, at VCA Mountain View Animal Hospital. Dr. Dalrymple has been so sweet even talking me down off the ledge as I cried in the exam room when I confessed that all three kitties were sick. I felt so guilty that we brought Harley home to two cats who had not been vaccinated. Dr. Dalrymple was kind and told me not to worry - that we would get them better together. I truly recommend visiting him if you ever need to take your animals to a vet. I also would recommend vaccinating your animals before you bring a new one home - we learned that one the hard way.

Harley's Quarantine: 10 days
Days Harley Has Eaten on Her Own: 1 day
Peanut & Poley's Quarantine: 4 days
Days Peanut & Poley Have Eaten on Their Own: 4 days
Number of cat scratches on me: 8

None too happy...

2011-03-15T15:39:00.001-07:00

We are on our way to the vet for Peanut and Poley's exams. They really love us right now! We'll get them some antibiotics and on the road to recovery.

Can't wait to hear what doc has to say about our little tubs of love...

This time was so much easier than the last time I had to take Poley to the vet...

The back ground to this saga is that Josh and I adopted cat ten days ago. She got sick tthhe day after we brought her home and although we kept her separate, we let the three kitties say hello to one another briefly-BAD idea! Seven days later (the virus' incubation period) Peanut and Poley started sneezing too. The antibiotics are in case of a secondary infection, like pneumonia, but it could take up to for weeks for our furballs to get better.

You can bet I'll keep you updated with more FUN from our little cat hospital!

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Cat Hospital

2011-03-15T06:53:00.001-07:00

I've just administered three rounds of antibiotics, three rounds of wet food and force fed one kitty and am now rotating a humidifier amongst each of their quarantined rooms (except the office, too much electronics in there for steam).

Peanut and Poley are still eating - thank goodness! But Harley has no interest even in her prescription wet food. It's going to be a long few weeks, but we are determined to get our kitties better!

It was a long night and Peanut finally figured out that he was quarantined-scratching at the door and meowing to be let out...

Stay tuned for more updates from the cat hospital!

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Fill in the Blank Friday

2011-03-11T06:34:00.000-08:00

This morning, I've been getting ready to leave for Pinetop tonight to get in probably the last weekend of Spring skiing. Internet villains, beware! Our home will not be empty! Gathering up layers for a day of 65 degree skiing is rather fun. With thin layers and short sleeves, I don't have to sacrifice fashion for warmth. That makes me happy. I am so looking forward to wishing my aunt the happiest of birthdays and celebrating with her.

I am sad to be leaving beind a sick Harley cat. She is still not eating, but seems to be perking up. She has an upper respiratory infection and is on antibiotics and a food supplement. Harley is a little trooper though. I cannot wait for her to get better so she can come out of her bathroom quarantine.

Also today, I have finally remembered to participate in Lauren's Fill in the Blank Friday over at:

So here goes...

1. My biggest accomplishment in life thus far is my family. Although one may not imagine a family as an accomplishment, the relationships amongst family members cannot be taken for granted. My family is special, mishapen and some have even said "wacky." But, given the choice, I would not trade my beautiful, crazy and amazing family for another. I have carved my way in to adult hood, sculpting my world based on the love, lessons and devotion of my family. I have cultivated my relationships with my family with care and emotion. Ever-changing and growing my family is spectacular.

2. My favorite place to sit in my house is at the kitchen counter with the laptop and a cup of tea or on the couch with Mr. Smith.

3. My fashion philosophy is to be comfortable and trendy with a classic edge. In high school, I was the first in my group of friends to rock a capri (yes, I know). I caught some flack, but little did they know... :) Sometimes I am one of the first to dress in the latest style, but generally I like bold colors, ruffles and fun patterns. I am not afraid to accesorize.

4. Something every girl should have is a personal branding statement. What is a personal branding statement, you ask? A personal branding statement defines who you are and who you would like to be. Whether you compose one for your professional or personal life, it gives you a mantra to remind you of who you are and who you are striving to be.

5. If you looked in my purse right now you'd find the usual suspects... wallet, lip gloss, coupons, gift cards, random jewelry stripped off before spin.

6. My favorite music right now is OceanLab - very calming yet upbeat

7. My favorite part of my body is my hair. Distinct and memorable, it never lets me down. Makes me stick out when I'd rather not and leaves an impression when I need it to!

the many faces of lilah

2011-03-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the photos I have taken of Lilah, my youngest cousin, in 2009. These were taken during a weekend visit to the City of Angels, where fun abounds and smiles are plentiful. We were celebrating her older sister, Ella's, 8th birthday. There is something about a captive subject who will let you take photo after photo of them without reservation, that is so refreshing and forgiving. What an entertaining and expressive little one...

Fast forward two years to 2011 when our family of females gathered in the White Mountains of Arizona to celebrate Lilah's other older sister's, Tessa's, 8th birthday. Skiing and eating converged in to a weekend of strenuous vigor and feminine power. Here again, unapologetic and unabashed is Lilah and her many faces.

Thank you Lilah for endless hours of photographic iteration.

our first christmas (better late than never)

2011-02-28T17:46:00.000-08:00

Here is the story of our first Christmas that I found tucked away in my drafts folder...

On Christmas Eve, I was instructed that I needed to go to bed so that Josh could prepare one of my presents. In that moment, I reverted back to my younger years when I would lay in excited anticipation for Santa to deliver my loot. "Really?" I thought. "I have to stay in here." It's funny how you don't want to do something until someone tells you you can't.

On Christmas morning, when I opened a small silver box and discovered a clue, I was intrigued. It was a treasure hunt to find my present! Pajama-clad and dreary-eyed, I had a tough time deciphering some of the clues without any caffeine, but nonetheless, I was more than thrilled to discover that my clever, smart and handy husband had installed a new CD changer in my car!

Not wanting an after-market CD changer, Josh had found a junk yard on Ebay that sold a 2005 Mazda 3 thingamajigger (whole middle part). He installed only the CD changer so that we wouldn't have to submit the car to the dealership for possible computer "un-locking" issues.

Now that I FINALLY have a CD player back in my car, I have offered a heart-felt sayonara to the morning radio shows that I begrudgingly tuned in to each morning. After a year and a half without a CD player, I am in heaven to have it back. What a luxury!

If that weren't enough, I saved even BETTER for last! There was another light-as-a-feather box under the tree with my name on it. I opened it to find another piece of paper:

You see, Josh had been practicing his keyboard for the better part of a month. He played with headphones on, so I could only hear the noise of they keys depressing in an unintelligible rhythm. And today was the day I got to hear the song he had been practicing: Billy Joel's "She's Got a Way". This wasn't any ordinary song, but it was our first dance song from our wedding day.

He sang and played and I swooned and cried. It was such a sweet and heartfelt gift that only he could give me. I am so blessed to have such a creative and lovely husband.

Here is the original. I couldn't find a live video, which is what I would have preferred.

Christmas is such a special time of year. Josh really hit it out of the park in 2010.

me too grandpa

2010-12-30T21:52:00.001-08:00

My aunt and I visited my grandfather in the hospital today. His defibrillator went off last night when he was at home. He was recounting his story of what happened. I'm not sure why, but I didn't think a defibrillator was supposed to hurt. But apparently hundreds of volts of electricity hurt. A lot. And it shocked him fifteen times, but it saved his life. He never lost consciousness.

He was rushed to the hospital. Late last night his defibrillator went off again. Seventeen times this time. One hundred volts rushing through his body and he never lost consciousness. The doctors have adjusted his heart medication (amiodarone) in hopes that it will help regulate his arhythmias.

My aunt called him last night and she heard my grandmother tell him to, "sound perky." And he did.

He said that my grandmother has been a champ throughout this whole ordeal and that he was really lucky. He said, "Torill, I hope that Josh is as good for you as your grandmother has been for me." "Me too, Grandpa. Me too."

Now we'll just see what the doctors say and find out when he gets to come home.

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my favorite things: technology

2010-12-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

A few months ago, Josh and I began to simplify our grocery shopping and errand running by utilizing our Android phones. We use an app called Our Groceries, but there are many different options to choose from. I also looked at Remember the Milk before I decided on Our Groceries. Note: These apps are not limited to only Android phones! Check the websites for compatibility with your phone.

Here's how it works: As I think of items I need to pick up from various stores, I pull out my phone (I'm never far from it) and add it to the list. The beauty about Our Groceries is that you can have multiple lists going at once. For example, we have the following lists: Costco, CVS, Fry's, Lowes, Safeway, Target, Walgreens and Walmart. Within each store, you can categorize your items by department or aisle for additional efficiency.

Now here's the kicker: You can share your list with your entire household! If Josh thinks of something we need, he can add it to the list real time. Conversely, Josh and I can divide and conquer the grocery store crossing off the items we've each picked up. It immediately updates on my phone that Josh has already crossed off whatever items he gets. It's so wonderful!

Our Groceries is also great for last minute stuff, too! If I am out running errands and Josh thinks of something else we need, he can add the item to our list and I will see it as I'm shopping. Once, he just added "I love you!" to the list... awww. He's so dang sweet.

This innovation was too life changing to not share! It's always nice to find something that frees up your time so that you could spend it doing something meaningful. Let me know if you try it. I would love to hear any other tips and tricks to make the most out of it. Also, let me know if you really like a different app that I didn't include. I always like to try new things!

Merry happy!

2010-12-27T18:00:00.000-08:00

Hello friends!!

Just a quick note to say that I hope you all had a fabulous holiday.

I'll never get tired of this sight.

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. ~Burton Hillis

Survey Says...

2010-12-22T18:15:00.000-08:00

Hello friends!

A friend and fellow blogger, Meghan, tagged me in a survey, so here goes with my responses!

1. For a Change of Scenery: Paris or Tokyo?
This is a tough one! My in-laws just got back from Japan and had a blast. I've been to both Europe and Asia before, but never to either city. I would have to say Paris, though. As a Spanish speaker, I could probably fake my way through French more easily than Japanese. Plus, who would turn up the opportunity to wear a buret?

2. Relaxation: Long Shower or Bath?
Bath for sure!! Unfortunately, I've been sick a lot lately and a bath always helps me feel better...

3. Wedding Entertainment: DJ or Band?
We had a DJ at our wedding. I'm not against a band, but we fell in love with our DJ, Eric Hampton with Got You Covered! Our guests raved about him and we couldn't have been more pleased with his creativity and personalization of our day...

4. Actress Daydreams: If you had to be an actress for a day would it be Film or Tv?
It would totally be for film and I would be co-starring with my husband Paul Rudd.

5. Can’t Live Without: Toothpaste or Deodorant?
This is a tough one! I'm going to have to go with tooth paste though and then just try not to sweat!

6. Romance: candlelight dinner or adventurous horseback riding?
Another toughie! I'm going to have to go with horseback riding though. It's fun to do something different with your significant other - get out of your comfort zone.

7. Furry Friends: Puppies or Kittens?
Finally, an easy one! Kittens!!! Suddenly had the urge to watch this YouTube sensation again!! LOLz!

Now, according to Meghan, I am supposed to tag 7 people and make up questions for them to answer. Enjoy yourselves: Jamie, Abbi, Megan, Lauren, Mya, Mandy and I think that's all I've got!

1. Stress Relief: Wine or Exercise?
2. Favorite Holiday Tradition: Music or Food?
3. Pet Peeve: Bad Drivers or Bad Grammar?
4. Friday Night: Stay In or Go Out?
5. Technology: Iphone or Android?
6. Sharing Love: Tell Them or Show Them?
7. Cuddle Time: Snuggie or Slanket?

we need a little christmas! right this very moment!

2010-12-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

In Living Color Christmas Card

Make a statement with Shutterfly Christmas photo cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

Coming soon to a mailbox near you!! If I don't have your address, send it on over to torybsmithatgmaildotcom! Merry Christmas from the Smiths!

look what i made! holiday wreath

2010-12-12T19:47:00.000-08:00

When I first saw this article on Design *Sponge, I couldn't wait to give it a try! It was really easy and I'm really happy with how it turned out. The wreath is the holiday welcoming symbol and what fun it was to make my own this year!

The instructions call for use of paper bags, but I didn't have enough, so I just used brown masking paper. Additionally, I happened to already have gold spray paint on hand, so instead of silver, I went with that. Hooray for being a gold digger (literally) for Halloween last year! Also, my leaves are a bit larger than the original, but I think it looks great both ways.

Check out some other versions... Meet Me in Philadelphia, First Home Makeover (with feathers!). Design Scouting and go figure, Martha (although, hers was a fall wreath)!!

What's Cookin' - Spaghetti Squash

2010-12-12T18:05:00.000-08:00

I gave this guy a chance since it came in our Bountiful Basket... I must say, it's pretty amazing! Slicing ours in half length wise was a bit of a chore - I thought for sure Josh was going to slice a finger off, but he's pretty careful. I scooped out the seeds and popped it in the oven. I was surprised how easy it was to scoop out the guts and it just came out in perfect spaghetti strands.

I served it with chicken and marinara. If I hadn't breaded the chicken, it would have been a carb-free meal! I'm not sure I would buy it in the store, but that's what I like about Bountiful Baskets! We try things we haven't before and if it shows up again in another basket, I'll know what to do with it.

Cold Shower Update

2010-12-08T17:45:00.000-08:00

After one week of doing the cold shower thing, I got a stomach bug! So much for an immune system BOOST!!!!

Final conclusion: FAUX REMEDY!!

the cold shower: folk remedy or faux remedy?

2010-12-01T15:15:00.000-08:00

In my opinion, I have been sick too much in the last year. I'm healthy. I exercise. I eat ok. I take my vitamins. I wash my hands (but not too much). So what else can I do to keep from getting sick?

November's issue of Real Simple, my undisputed favorite magazine EVER shared 6 Natural Cold-Prevention Strategies

The list consists of the standard preventative measures - get enough sleep, exercise and a couple of strange ones: eat oysters (for the zinc content) and take hot AND COLD showers! Since I don't eat seafood, the cold showers really caught my attention.

Here's what Real Simple has to say about them:

Temperature fluctuations jump-start your immune system, says Donielle Wilson, a naturopathic doctor in New York City. At the end of a shower, stand under the hottest stream you can take for 30 seconds, then turn the temperature to cold for 10 seconds. Repeat three times, finishing with cold.

I have tried this for three showers, so far. It is definitely a form of torture, but it wakes me up better than caffeine. It is also quite the endurance challenge as well. I have never counted to 10 so fast! Today's counting was a little slower and I think I'm actually getting the hang of it. Although I can't imagine ever looking forward to it.

EarthClinic Folk Remedies boasts the following benefits:

Brings blood to the capillaries, therefore increasing circulation throughout the body.
Cleans the circulatory system.
Reduces blood pressure on internal organs.
Provides flushing for the organs and provides a new supply of blood.
Strengthens the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems.
Contracts the muscles to eliminate toxins and poisonous wastes.
Strengthens the mucous membranes, which help resist hay fever, allergies, colds, coughs.

Folk Remedy or Faux Remedy??

Either way, I'm going to keep at it. If anyone else gives it a shot, let me know! I'll keep you updated of any sicknesses.

"the years teach much which the days never knew" ralph waldo emerson

2010-11-29T19:46:00.000-08:00

I'm a year older. Yay for me!

Celebrated again with MacKenzie, a well-known bestie, and my husband and friends!

I had a truly wonderful birthday week. I am so grateful for those around me. I am so blessed.

Me, Katy, Laura & Melissa

Me & the hubs

Me, Cynthia, MacKenzie & Jenny

Top Five Highlights:

5. Miss Dior Cherie perfume set from hubs (I like presents!)

4. Celebrating my birthday Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday & Thursday

3. Birthday shopping day with my new sister, Abbi

2. Ribs, french fries & Funfetti cake

1. Toasting another year with my friends & family