United States of Motherhood

Giveaway: Win and Get Fit With a Fitbit Zip #ATTSEATTLE

2013-05-20T23:20:00.000-07:00

So you all know that crossfit has been a pretty major part of my life for the last six months. Add in the Paleo and Gluten Free Diet, and I am pretty proud of a 31 lb. loss and many inches lost.

Sometimes I don't see the change, but then someone close points out even my face looks different!!

Top Before/Bottom After 30 lbs Weight Loss

However, I keep hitting these plateaus. I've read that a pound of fat is the size of the grapefruit while a pound of muscle is the size of a tangerine. I am patient and know when I continue to workout, even if the scale does not budge, my looser clothing tell the real story. So I keep on keeping on.

Add muscle, lose fat.

Good news? I finally have managed to fit in clothes that didn't fit seven years ago!!

Yes this dress has been hanging in my closet--tags on--for 7 yrs!!

So I still have 50-60 lbs to go, but one gadget that is helping is the super cool Fitbit Zip / Wireless Smart Fitness Technology that AT&T Seattle gave me the opportunity to try out recently.

Free shipping & Store Pick Up Right Now

So exciting...and illuminating.

While I work out intensely, I was not even close to getting in the recommended 10,000 steps a day. Talk about overestimating my daily activity. Eek! I started to fix that...

Want one now?

What's cool is with the Fitbit app, you can use your AT&T smart phone or tablet to track your activity stats, log calories, and even monitor other health measures like weight and BMI. It even lets you set goals and tracks how close you are to reaching them!!

Then I saw that I could hook up with friends with their own Fitbits on the Fitbit App and...

Beginning of a New HEALTHY addiction

Oh my, did my competitive side arise!!

It. WAS. on.

In a rolling seven day period, I could compete and stroll past friends across the county. Fifty thousand steps...pashaw! Make it sixty thousand!

So cool!!

So there is a downside? If you can call it a downside...

The Fitbit Zip is so lightweight and streamlined that I'd forget I was wearing. It would get lost in the laundry. Lost in the coat closet. Yep, lost on my nightgown because dang if I wasn't going to get credit for those steps from the bed to the toilet! Ha!

So I am still looking for it ...EVERYWHERE...cannot let my friends get so far ahead!! Arrgh!!

In the meantime, why not get your own??

Want to win one??

The details on the Fitbit Zero at AT&T:

Get Fit. Have Fun. Meet Zip!

Turn your everyday life into a fun path to fitness. Much more than a pedometer, Zip tracks your steps, distance, and calories burned -- then automatically syncs the data to your Fitbit account.

Whether online or through the Fitbit App, you can set goals and stay motivated to keep on your path to fitness with graphs, badges, and friendly competitions. Check to see how you compare with friends and family, even provide a message to egg them on. Your stats wirelessly uploads via computer or select mobile devices (like the iPhone 4S), so you will know in real time when you are close to a goal and when you've reached one.

Features:

Tracks steps, distance and calories burned
Syncs automatically to your computer or select Bluetooth 4.0 smartphones or tablets
Set goals, view progress, and earn badges
Share and compete with friends throughout the day
Free iPhone and Android App
Small and discreet - wear in pocket, on belt or bra
Log food, weight and more on Fitbit's website or apps
Sweat, rain, and splash proof
Replaceable battery with a 4-6-month life

The Fitbit Zip is available at AT&T stores as well as online for $59.

You can also see the entire range of fitness products from AT&T by visiting their Health and Fitness accessories online today or stop into a store near you. There's even a scale to go with the Fitbit Zip!!

So tell me what feature you think will help you with your fitness goals in comments as well as try the other methods to be entered to win! One lucky reader will win a Fitbit Zip of their very own...and then I can add you to my competition circle!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Let's get motivated, courtesy of AT&T, together.

Join me as we walk to get healthy!

We got this!

* Many thanks to AT&T for providing the Fitbit Zip for me and for one of my readers. As always, my reviews are 100% honest and my own opinion. Except for product for review, I was not compensated for this post.

It's Not Complicated. Moms Are the Best! #ATTSEATTLE

2013-05-12T09:55:00.002-07:00

Psst! It's Mother's Day. Yep, it's that time again.

Did you send yo' mama a card?

No worries if you didn't. AT&T has come up with a quick and easy was to send a cute video with all the sentiment you need:

Dontcha just love these commercials??

Yep, a “Mother’s Day” themed e-card video which users can personalize and send to their moms via Facebook, Twitter or email, and Mother’s Day e-card site that will be available through Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12....which is like TODAY!!!

Now? To really get in her good graces? Check out my post for information on how you can win FOUR LG Optimus G Pro $549 phones courtesy of #ATTSEATTLE.

Yo' mama wants a new phone? Hurry up and enter to win. Three of the giveaways end today and the odds are in your favor!!

Giveaway & Recipe: Goodness Knows You Should Trust Yourself: Spicy Curried Carrot Soup (Paleo & Gluten-Free)

2013-05-10T13:05:00.002-07:00

Mmmm don't you just love it when dinner is ready at noon?? Yep, no scrambling to figure it out with a hungry family at night?? Done!

What's on the menu today you ask? Spicy Curry Carrot Soup!!

Yes totally Paleo, gluten-free, pretty economical too, but most importantly...Delicious. Add a salad and maybe some crusty homemade bread for the kids and done!

Recipe to follow below...

As many of you know -- some with frustration when I post yummy pictures and no recipes-- I don't measure, so it is a challenge to recreate recipes for you all.

That is just the kind of cook that I am. I don't follow recipes either.

I might occasionally glance at one, but rare is the time in the last decade that I have not tweaked it beyond recognition. Heh!

So when I do post recipes?

They are approximations. They hope to recreate splashes of this and handfuls of that. I've found your best bet is to taste as you go--plus its yummier that way!

I've always used this method, but it was confirmed at a recent cooking class I went to for Goodness Knows Snack Squares at Hip Cooks in Seattle.

There we made a gorgeous red and yellow pepper soup...

Yep, I put my twitter handle on my soup? Follow me?

MMMM Sesame Crusted Ahi with mango salsa anyone?

Yes, I made this gorgeousness too!!

We had wonderful conversations about how we bloggers and social media enthusiasts could nurture each other. All in all a nurturing afternoon for the belly and soul. We cooked and chatted. Tossed and tasted.

My friends, we did not measure one thing!

Say Hi, Honey!!

My goodness was I in my element. My husband who came with me? Yeah as an engineer and all around geek, he is more of about precision. Our styles often clash in our kitchen. But here? Here I was being told that my cooking style was beyond okay. Freedom is amazing in the kitchen. Just trust yourself!!

Chef Bonny, Jenny Hogan, Kerri (the Maven), Beau (my love), Kat Kim, Kristin, & Goodness Knows Team

I did want to take the time to thank Goodness Knows and media super star Jenni Hogan for hosting such a wonderful event at Hip Cooks.

I have to admit I accepted before I even realized it was a cooking class because I knew Goodness Knows was a wonderful Northwest brand. I had had the opportunity to eat their chocolate granola yum last summer. The bars came in the mail and were gobbled up by the kids and I before CG got any!

I love that they come in squares, so when you need just a little treat...you can split it amongst your friends and family. My kids especially love them because they are one of the few non-paleo snacks for before/after swim practice that I stock.

Too many bars these days are so stuffed with junk.

"These new, wholesome snacks are made from slow-roasted whole almonds, tangy fruits, toasted oats and our extraordinary deep chocolate, with no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives."

So Paleo? No. However, it's a perfect little snack with just enough yum to head off a major Paleo cheat when I feel it coming. Better to eat a square or two of these babies at less than 40 calories a square and full of almonds then give in to a whole bag of "melt in your mouth, not in your hand" artificial, preservative packed yuck, right?

Want some of your own? Giveaway at the end for one lucky reader!!

Back to that soup today? I was inspired to make another hand-crafted, nurturing soup with a little zing.

Spicy Curry Carrot Soup
(Paleo &Gluten Free Recipe)

Makes about 7-8 hearty servings

2 tbsp olive oil
1 large sweet onion, chopped
4-5 sliced large mushrooms, sliced
2-3 lbs. carrots, peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces
2-3 stalks celery and leaves, chopped
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper

2-4 tbsp curry powder
2-4 tbsp cumin
2-4 tbsp smoked paprika
1-2 tbsp garlic powder
2-4 tbsp chili powder
1-3 tbsp siracha or tabasco

3-4 tbsp cider vinegar
1-2 tsp sea salt to desired taste
**Fresh Fast chicken stock (see below)or 3-4 cups of chicken stock

Warm olive oil over medium in heavy pot. Add next six ingredient from onions to ground pepper. Saute for 3-4 minutes until onions start to soften and oil is evenly distributed. Cover, put on low and cook for 20 minutes or until carrots are very tender. Meanwhile warm up store purchased chicken broth or make ** Fresh, Fast chicken stock below.

Put all contents into a blender and blend for 4-5 minutes. You may have to do this in batches. Vegetables should be very smooth and the consistency of a puree.

Place puree back into pot over low heat. Add 2 cups of broth. Mix thoroughly Begin to add spices 1 tbsp at a time then taste. For instance add one tbsp curry powder through siracha. Then add 1/2 tsp salt. Add 1 tbsp vinegar. Stir. Taste. Start again from the top. Go until you've reached the desired spiciness and balance your tongue likes. Seriously trust yourselves. The measurements of spices above were based on my palate. You might like less or more (go wild) spicy. Remember start slowly. You can always add more, but it's hard to take away too much salt or chili powder.

Once you have the right spice, add more chicken stock to desired soup consistency. Some people like thick others like thin. Your choice.

Simmer 30 more minutes to let flavors meld together. Add a splash more cider vinegar and a sprinkle more salt if needed.

Bonus? This recipe works double duty as a vitamin-packed Indian style sauce to put over rice. Add cooked chicken and some steamed veggies and you've got curry!

**Fresh, FAST Chicken Stock (Carcass, skin, bones everything from a leftover rotisserie chicken in a large pot, cover with water, bring to boil and then turn down to simmer for 20-30 minutes. Strain.)

So my friends? I am all about making nurturing, natural foods and trusting myself. And these bars? I trust them.

So back to that awesome giveaway Goodness Knows has offered my readers? Goodness Knows will ship one lucky person a tote bag, water bottle & THREE BOXES of Goodness Knows Snack Squares ($65 Value)!!

Tell me what your cooking style is in comments below to enter to win! There are additional entry options as well!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Want to hear my husband's side of the story? You can read his review Hip Cooks at Hip Cooks.

Psst as for recipes for that awesome seared ahi tuna with mango salsa and red/yellow pepper soup? Stay tuned on my blog for next week!!

YUM!!

Disclosure: I was provided a cooking class and product to review but was not otherwise compensated. As always, my opinions, good or bad, are always my own and never can be bought. :)

Chili-Rubbed Steak Salad With Creamy Cilantro Citrus Dressing #Paleo #Glutenfree

2013-05-09T22:11:00.002-07:00

We made massive zesty steak salads for the family tonight. Demolished by two adults and three child athletes. I am sure this would also be perfect for a dinner party of six to eight restrained adults. Heh! Yes, Michael Phelps appetite was no myth!!

So let's get cooking...

Ingredients

2.5 lbs Hanger Steaks (approx 2)
4-6 tbsp Chili Powder
3 tbsp Cumin
2 tbsp Smoked Paprika
1 tsp Kosher Salt
3 tbsp Olive Oil
1/2 tsp Black Pepper

1 head Red Leaf Lettuce
3-4 cups Mixed Spring Greens
1 bunch Cherry Tomatoes, sliced
1 bunch Radishes, sliced

1 bunch Cilantro
3 tbsp Olive Oil
2 tbsp Chili Powder
1/4 Lemon Juice
1 tbsp Siracha
2 tbsp Olive Oil Mayo (if you are strict paleo, you can make your own)
1/2 tsp salt (kosher or Himalayan Sea Salt)

Heat grill pan to medium high. Brush with 1 tbsp olive oil.

In large bowl, add steaks, 4 tbsp chili powder, 3 tbsp cumin, 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, 3 tbsp olive oil, and freshly ground black pepper.

Rub thoroughly onto all surfaces of meat. Massage those suckers!! Then?

Smack them around with a mallet if you want or it's been a long day with the kids.

Very satisfying.

Next put steaks on grill.

Grill 4 minutes each side. Then rotate sideways to create grill marks. 1 minute each side. This is about medium rare. Cook longer if desired.

Let rest minimum 10 minutes. Slice thinly.

Taste a few pieces to make sure properly seasoned. Heh! Add some more sea salt and cracked pepper if needed. Test some more.

In food processor add:

1 bunch rinsed cilantro
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp chili powder
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tbsp siracha (or more if you like spicy)
1/2 tp salt
2 tbsp olive oil mayo.

Pulse until blended and slightly thickened as the oil emulsifies.

This will make a fair amount of dressing, but believe me, it was ALL gone by the end of dinner.

It will taste citrus-y. Maybe too citrus-y, but trust me, when you add those greens and that rubbed steak?? MAGIC! Just wait for it to be combined with the chili-rubbed meat.

Mmmm!

Rinse, dry and rip up lettuce.

Slice tomatoes.

Slice radishes.

Toss in individual dinner bowls.

Add lettuce to large dinner bowls.

Add sliced steak.

Drizzle generously with dressing.

Dig in!!

IMPORTANT: Try to prevent your husband from claiming all the leftovers for lunch the next day before we are finished eating. Nope, no leftovers!! All gone!!

Like steak ever lasts long in this paleo household. Mmmm protein!

Seattle, Teen Drivers and Frazzled Moms: Drive It Home Show!!

2013-05-09T17:14:00.005-07:00

Teen driver? I haz one!

How can you tell? I lose hair by the moment. The first time he drove the 45 minutes to swim practice? I tracked him incessantly on Google Latitude. He had to text me before he left from school. Once he got there. Once he left...

That was a month ago and I STILL am like this.

So I was excited to learn about a local event for parents of teen drivers or soon to be parents of teen drivers.

Join me at the Drive it Home Show, presented by the National Safety Council and Allstate Foundation, Tuesday, May 21, If you have tween, teen, or are concerned about teen driving safety,. It will be an informative (and entertaining!) event. Please feel free to share this post with anyone who might like to attend. Details are as follows:

What: Drive it Home Show, presented by the National Safety Council and Allstate Foundation

When: Tuesday, May 21 from 7pm - 8:15pm

Where: EMP Museum - Level 3 (325 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109)

Price: FREE!; no tickets required

Parking: Pay lots are available near the museum and metered parking is available on the side streets across 5th Avenue N.

BONUS: You can enter in the sweepstakes at the event for a chance to win gas cards and a brand new car!

If you'd like to attend, click here to register and when checking in, let them know that you are with Heather Murphy-Raines and the Clever Girls Collective.

Hope to see you there!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Four Giveaways: Win a $549 4G LTE LG Optimus G Pro Phone & Review for Mother's Day #ATTSeattle

2013-05-08T18:32:00.000-07:00

My friends?? Y'all? Mother's Day came early for me this year. When AT&T Seattle Fed-Exed this exclusive AT&T 4G LG Optimus G Pro phone/phablet out to me this morning? Words cannot describe. Can we say squee times a bajillion?

You see for me, it's all about screens and speed and this phone has it...and then some. It doesn't hurt the battery is crazy long lasting. So many gadgets and gizmos. So purty. So sleek. Wanna see me unbox it and check out my very first Android phone?

So I am guessing you would like one too? Yep, I thought so. Heh!

Lucky for you, I am linking up to four of my favorite local Seattle bloggers who just happen to be having FOUR separate Phablet Giveaways for Mother's Day also compliments of AT&T Seattle.

Yes, this phone comes out Friday and by Sunday, four of you deserving readers might have phones in the mail straight to your hot little hands. FYI, no you do not need to be local either, so get in there!!May the odds be in your favor!!

AT&T Seattle's LG Optimus G Pro Giveaway Round UP:

Kerri's got a a phone to giveaway and all you need to do is 1.) Tweet about what your mom (or yourself – as a mom) would like about the phone. 2.) You must include the #ATTSeattle hashtag for your entry to count. Make sure you link back to her post!! 3.) Comment on this blog post with the link to your Tweet!

The Maven's Giveaway

Leanne's wants to give a phone away by Mother's Day! To Enter: comment on her post with why you {or your mom} would love this phone. Extra Entries are available by posting on your Facebook wall and by Subscribing by RSS feed, Subscribing by email, following on Pinterest, become a fan of R&R on Facebook or add R&R to your blogroll or sidebar.1 Extra Entry {daily} - Twitter. Retweet this tweet using the #ATTseattle hashtag letting me know why you love the LG Optimus G Pro for yourself - or your mom. 1 Extra Entry - Like @RaveAndReview and @ATT on Twitter. 1 Extra Entry - Comment love on any of her posts, just leave a comment on the phone posts as well. So lots of ways to win!!

Leanne's Giveaway

Connie, Connie, Connie wants you to have this phone!! Check out her rules on her post.

Connie's Giveaway

Louise was excited to snag this phone for one of her community. Go check her out. Leave her a comment telling me what your mom would like about the LG Optimus G Pro. There are other entry option through rafflecopter as well.

Louise's Giveaway

Need more incentive? Let's geeky!

- Powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 1.7 GHz Quad-Core Processor with 2 GB RAM
- Expansive 5.5" 1080p Full HD IPS Screen (400 ppi resolution)
- Long-Lasting 3,140 mAh Battery
- Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean)
- Advanced 13 MP Full HD Camera with Dual Recording
- 2.1 MP Full HD Front-Facing Camera for Dual Recording and Video Conferencing
- Visually and Audibly Collaborate in Real Time with VuTalk
- QSlide 2.0 for Advanced and Convenient Multitasking
- Audio Zoom for amplifying sound while using Live Zooming
- QuickRemote for Universal Remote Control
- Pocketable Ergonomic Design with Narrow Bezel
- Internal Storage: 32 GB total, support for up to 64 GB of expandable memory
- Bluetooth® Version 4.0

Pricing and Availability: LG Optimus G Pro will be available for preorder online May 3 at www.att.com/optimusgpro and in AT&T retail stores May 10 for $199.99 with a two-year service agreement.

Even more geeky you say??

The LG Optimus G Pro comes packed with a host of high-performance features that refine mobile communication and help users better organize their lives. Backed by the powerful Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 1.7GHz quad-core processor with 2 GB of RAM, users can access content and complete tasks faster than ever.

The brilliant 5.5-inch, 1920 X 1080 Full HD IPS display (400ppi) gives users more pixels and screen real estate to view and show off content.

The 13 MP Full HD rear-facing camera and 2.1 MP Full HD front-facing camera let

users zoom in on even the most intricate of details and its unique Dual Recording

feature allows simultaneous recording with both cameras for an amazing dimensional perspective. Users can capture special and productive moments from both sides of life, all simultaneously on a single screen. The combination of a powerful quad-core processor and 13 MP video camera lets you zoom in tight on the finest of details when viewing your recordings and helps maintain video playback quality and image resolution.

LG Optimus G Pro features a stylish ergonomic design with a narrow screen bezel delivering a more comfortable in-hand experience and great “pocketability.” Hardware features enhance productivity while providing fun, entertaining moments.

QuickRemote is a universal remote application that utilizes the built-in Infrared (IR) sensor, turns the device into a Universal Remote Control for use with compatible TVs, Blu-Ray players, cable provider set-top boxes and more.

Ok, now go....shooo!

Go enter those giveaways above because I want you to win!!!

Photo Credit: ATT.com

While I was given product to review, I was not paid to write this post. All opinions, typos, etc. are ALLLL mine!

*Please visit the AT&T website for complete terms, pricing, and limitations.

6th Annual Seattle Chocolate Salon: Mmmm They Had Me at Chocolate...

2013-05-03T19:19:00.001-07:00

Mmmmm chocolate...

Yep, it's coming to Seattle this week-end.

Chocolate lovers, en garde! This mama is going to be covering the event. In fact, word on the street is she might even be a judge. CLOSE THE FRONT DOOR! This is a foodie's dream and one of many reasons I love my job.

Want more details?

6th Annual Seattle CHOCOLATE SALON, the premier chocolate event in the Northwest returns this Sunday, May 5, 2013.

Chocolate aficionados, fanatics, lovers and addicts can taste & experience the finest in artisan, gourmet & premium chocolate in one of the world's great culinary metropolitan areas.

Seattle CHOCOLATE SALON participants in 2013 include chocolatiers, confectioners and other culinary artisans.

Salon highlights include chocolate tasting, demonstrations, chef & author talks and ongoing interviews by TasteTV's Chocolate Television program.

Salon Entry includes all chocolate & confection tastings including these new products:

Taza - 87% bar - The darkest chocolate they make. Nutty, floral, and incredibly intense 100% USDA certified organic.

CocoTutti -Tea infusions: Assam, Rooibos and Yunnan - richly flavored, colorful chocolates featuring teas from India, South Africa and China.

The Chocolate Shop - Sparkling Chocolate Wine - Chocolate Shop wine made in a delicious champagne style

Forte Chocolates - Caramel with Rosemary and Orange and Chipotle Caramel with Orange

Gusto Chocolates - All new product line - All of the Gusto bars are new to the salon. Gusto is a new division of Forte Chocolates focusing on the savory side of chocolate. Bars offered include: Lemon Pepper, Rosemary Sea Salt, Balsamic Vinegar, Bacon, Milk Sea Salt, and Honey. I've had these and they are AWESOME!!

The Tea Room Chocolate Company - Lapsang Souchong w/ Himilayan Salt Chocolate Bar - organic dark chocolate bar of 60% cacao infused w/ organic Lapsang Suchong tea & Himilayan Salt.

They had me at chocolate? My local Seattle friends, would you like to join me? You know that laundry or lawn mowing can wait. Make it a chocolate dream date. In fact, bring the whole family--they have great ticket prices for kids. You can get tickets here.

Kids These Days!

2013-04-23T16:12:00.001-07:00

Apparently this is how 5th graders read these days....

..,upside down on the stairs.

My Method of Weight Loss and Health

2013-04-23T11:00:00.001-07:00

It's official.

31 lbs lost today!!

I Got my butt kicked at a double benchmark wod of Grace and Fran workouts yesterday at my box and today did a crazy 5 rounds of running, toes to bar, wall balls and 205# deadlifts. Rings and double unders were also worked on.

So now? I am going out for a fun working lunch without one ounce of guilt.

Not one!!

Indian!!!

My method?? Mostly moderate paleo, 7-9 1 hr crossfit workouts a week and the mentality that slow and steady REALLY does win the race.

I am not trying to lose weight. I never count calories and am not hungry or feel that deprived. I am trying to embrace healthy lifestyle changes. The weight seems to shed on it's own.

Want to join me?

Good Morning & Chaos

2013-04-18T08:25:00.001-07:00

Good morning, y'all!!

I've been up since 6 dealing with geriatric pups with mobility issues, carpooling and the such, herding kiddos to school, and finally got my first espresso of the day.

Until I get a sip, it's just not morning--it's uncivilized chaos! Heh!

How is your morning going?

There is No Joy Without Chocolate: The Trials of Being Paleo and Kuku for Coconuts

2013-04-16T13:53:00.002-07:00

Holy coconuts, people!!

Say you have this insane craving for an Almond Joy.

Source

Say you don't have said Almond Joy which is good because it's not paleo and you, you have self-control when it comes to Almond Joys.

At Halloween, Almond Joys just leap like lemurs into your mouth. UN-freaking-stoppable amounts of Almond Joys.

Say instead you mindlessly eat an ENTIRE half Costco-sized bag of shaved coconut and at least three handfuls of almonds to quell the craving, but it doesn't work because there is no joy without chocolate.

Sooooo...you eat some more. Of course!

Bag empty.

Then your 11 year-old points out that the package says ONE measly coconut serving is....

55% of your daily fiber!!!

On Instagram: Uhhhh Ohhhh I went kuku for coconuts…see that thingy on the label
that says HIGH IN FIBER?? Uhhhh I didn’t!! Danger danger Will Robinson!!!

YEP! Bag is empty all right-y.

My friends??? You assess the situation like the former Army lieutenant you are. YOU have eaten AT LEAST six servings. The almonds add an additional 40% of daily fiber.

You quickly do math...brain trust that you are!

400% of your fiber!!!

Yes! Yes! Yes, you realize you have eaten NINETY-THREE FREAKING grams of fiber in nary TEN minutes. You panic and realize you are a ticking poop bomb.

Then you forget and...

....

...

Ohhh Crap!!!!

Yep, not saying that happened. Nope.

Good news? I think I just did one of those hippy insta-cleanses without even knowing it and least it didn't happen on the hour carpool drive to swim practice, right?

Living dangerously here in Seattle...

Yep, I should have just eaten an Almond Joy!

FOR MARTIN: No More Hurting People!!

2013-04-16T10:43:00.000-07:00

FOR MARTIN!!!

No more hurting people.

I am not a runner.

When I run, I moan.

When crossfit even has a 400 meter warm up run, my shins immediately protest.

Today however I am thinking of training for a marathon just to say f@ck off to terrorists.

However more importantly? As a mother, I want to honor a little boy who deserved to be running at recess with his friends today.

Who is with me?

#prayforboston

2013-04-15T14:06:00.001-07:00

To turn an event of strength, determination, spirit and life into a depravity of horror & bloodshed... I am heart sick. My heart goes out to all the victims, survivors, and their loved ones.

Evil will NEVER win.

So Proud of My Husband's Track Marks

2013-04-13T13:59:00.001-07:00

Sooo proud of my guy, CG!

Yes you read that right--he's officially donated more than FIVE GALLONS of blood in the last 8 years.

He's actually pretty much given every eight weeks for the last dozen

years.

Rain or shine.

He drove a 50 minute round trip today on a Saturday morning just to get another donation in. He downplays it, but really how many people do you know that are this dedicated to getting poked so often that they actually have track marks??

With my anemic blood, I can't give but I am so proud with this volume, he kind of gives for us both. When is the last time you visited your local blood bank? They need you...and guess what??

FREE, GUILT-FREE COOKIES!!

Promise Me?

2013-04-12T22:01:00.001-07:00

Promise me you will never, ever get too old or too joyless to play with your food?

The Problem With Teen Drivers ...with Mothers

2013-04-11T22:54:00.001-07:00

Eeek!! The problem with teen drivers?

They take your car so then you take your husband's car...and then forget to pick him up after work.

Oopsie !!!

On the way now!!!

Stop Growing!!

2013-04-07T11:21:00.001-07:00

As if this Mama's heart needed another milestone today after her oldest baby drove HIMSELF TO PRACTICE, it's official.

The last of my babies is too tall for me to rest my chin on his soft head.

BIG sniffle.

How could my just turned 11 year old baby be 5' 2" already!? Who let this happen??

He reassured me that I could rest my chin of his nose instead...well until he grows another inch in the next five minutes!!

He's a Keeper!!

2013-04-06T12:08:00.001-07:00

Best surprise ever this morning!! I slept in and this guy just brought me up breakfast in bed on his own.

Everyone else is at swimming. Entirely his idea.

Better yet, it was paleo: fried eggs, apples with almond butter & coffee with Stevia.

Did I mention he likes to give back rubs and foot rubs? He is always the one who never forgets to give us hugs before he leaves for school or to go to bed.

He is such a keeper!! His future wife will be one lucky girl. I soo love this guy!!

Hold Me: He Passed the Driver's Test By One Point

2013-04-05T15:43:00.000-07:00

Holy crap!! He passed the test!!

I am officially a mom of a driver!!

My insurance premiums just increased by 130 percent!!

I already have visions of accidents, tickets, and fender benders.

How did this happen?! My baby couldn't possibly be 16!

Oh lawd!

An Easter Tradition Bites the Dust

2013-03-31T20:44:00.001-07:00

The Easter bunny pirate came and didn't even make them hop around like silly bunnies...

Or use the traditional treasure map...

Or even wear their ears!!

Sigh...they got too old for this tradition me thinks!!

Sniffle...when did that happen!?

In other news, my eleven year old queried aloud of the ethics of lying since we thought it was okay to perpetuate the Tooth Fairy, Santa Claus and, yes, our very own Easter Bunny Pirate all these years.

Yes, it IS traditional for this parent to keep the magic alive as long as possible.

Yes, those who don't believe, don't receive.

Finally, yes, I will miss our Easter Bunny Pirate who made our kiddos talk like pirates and hop like bunnies whilst I giggled and videotaped.

Sniffle again.

You Are What You Eat!!

2013-03-28T12:21:00.001-07:00

Mmm loving on my go-to after crossfit eats of freshly ground almond butter and apples.

So dang gewd.

By the way, breakfast was a glass of unsweetened almond milk and a cutie.

I am seeing a trend...

If you are what you eat, then I'm a fruity nut! Heh!

Love is Love: Equality Now

2013-03-26T11:50:00.001-07:00

Because love is love. Equality is equality. Let's do the right thing.

Let's stand on the right side of history.

The compassionate, love-filled, judge-not-lest-ye-be-judged side.

Love is love and ALL citizens deserve the protection of marriage and acknowledgment of the right to happiness don't they!?

We Plod Along in the Sun

2013-03-25T13:10:00.000-07:00

Walking in the woods with my best old bud of 15 years & enjoying his sunset years in this glorious Seattle sunshine.

I am going to miss him when he's gone...but he's not gone yet!

So for now, we plod along in the sun.

Mad Hatter

2013-03-21T22:44:00.001-07:00

Fashew! This day is almost over.

Orthodontist appointments, science fair set up, science fairs, death by crossfit work outs, laptop mishaps (yes I need to actually start over on our tax return...from last year!), packing for yes another 3 day swim meet, and much more.

No wonder I feel like a mad hatter!! Does it ever end?

More importantly will I miss the hubbub when my babies leave the nest?

Probably!! Yep, I'm definitely a crazy! You?

Kiss Me I'm Irish Dagnabbit

2013-03-17T13:37:00.001-07:00

Ok so sue me...after a five day swim meet with another four day swim meet next week, St. Patrick's Day has not been high on my list of priorities.

So imagine my shock when my family pinched me hard for my lack of Irish spirit this morning. Apparently green eyes and guacamole (sheepishly admitting this) on my shirt this AM was not enough. Believe me--it was a bright green avocado stain!!

So now I'm Making darn sure no more pinches come my way.

Ha! Ha Ha! Aye, this Irish girl now has on a green shirt, green striped pants, green eyes, and green eye shadow.

Take that you wicked family leprechauns. This red-headed Irish Murphy girl is quadruple covered now!!

Pinch me...I dare you!!!