Sleep Yourself Skinny

Better late than never right? Hm, I just realized that could be said for Dear Aunt Flo, but I'm talking about posting late today. Generally, I'm on top of it and have my posts pre-done, but lack of sleep and hubby this weekend, with two children that get up at 6am and I'm wasted tired.

I've also decided that I'm no longer blaming my size on baby-weight because in reality, it's lack-of-sleep-weight. Did you know that? One of those nifty Ivy League schools did a sleep study and found that on average, people who got less than 7 hours of sleep each night could have up to 33 extra pounds of weight. Yikes! So not only does having babies make you fat, but keeping them makes you fatter! That was so not in ANY of the baby books I read.

Since mid-December last year, I joined a gym and have made a conscience effort to lose 25 pounds. Total loss so far? Nada. Yup, nothing.

Discouraging, yes, but I have a goal and I'm going to look hotter when I hit 30 than I ever did at 29. Ah heck, since 22 realistically. I want to be one of those moms that other people see and say, "She's had two kids? No way! She looks fabulous!!" I'll even take the snide remarks, "She must have had some work done. Skinny B@#$&."

I know I'm not the only one. Unless you're Marisa and get to be naturally skinny (grrrrr) then you're probably struggling like I am. And if you're putting forth the effort with diet and exercise too, then sleep may also be your culprit. Maybe we should start a movement, Sleeping Yourself Skinny. Couldn't hurt right? Plus your children will have the added benefit of a well rested mama and I don't know about you, but sleep equals patience and I need that in spades.
*Yawn* Naptime anyone?

Originally posted 6/29/09 here

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EtsyKids Design Challenge for July is...

Each month EtsyKids Team members are challenged to create a unique item within a chosen theme. This month's challenge is 'School Days!', picked by last month's winner BellaParis. EtsyKids members will have until July 19th to submit their entries, and voting will be open to everybody from Tuesday, July 21st to Monday, July 27th. So, be sure to come back to the EtsyKids blog for a new post on the 21st to see all of the entries and VOTE! In the meantime, click here to get a sneak peek at some exciting entries so far!

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Featured Shop - ciaobambino

I am happy to be able to highlight another beautiful shop this week, ciaobambino.

After years of planning parties for her own six children and trying to find party decorations to fit their personalities, Ciao Bambino tried her hand at creating fun custom decorations with much success!

At Ciao Bambino you'll find whimsical decor that will make your child feel like the star they are on their special day. Custom orders are also welcome in addition to what you see in the shop.

There are cute cake toppers, banners, party hats, wedding shower tags and more to be found with postage available worldwide.

I will be stopping by for my son's 3rd birthday in October and I think it will have to be the pirates that win this year, I can't resist them.

enjoy!

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Looking for toys for my boy

Well I have started my b-day shopping already for my big boy. He will be five at the end of August and the days seem to be flying by already, so I thought I would start my shopping now. I have gotten a few things already but I found a few I want to get but need to make a little more money before I can finish my shopping.

So when I get my money I will have to hunt you all down, lol.

Like I sooo want to get this for him. It is great for us, because we are homeschooling and it would be totally beneficial for him.

By Tootsiebear

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11915267

I love toys for my boy and I really love it when they are educational too, it is like a two for one in my brain, LOL. What is better than learning while playing?
He would also love these little guys

by Kidnaroundcreations

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24203067

He loves firemen and police and this would just be sooo much fun for him to play with.

And what little boy wouldnt just love this here wooden tool set.

by Prettydreamer

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24888043

Now I have to get to work and sell some stuff so I can get these for my little boy. LOL. Have a wonderful day and enjoy creating.

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Anyone Else Hate to Cook?

I'm so not a chef/cook by any stretch of the imagination. Really, I hate cooking. I keep thinking that maybe my disdain is due to having a small kitchen, no "proper" training or a fridge that doesn't have the freezer on the bottom (I'm sure I'd enjoy cooking more if I had a freezer on the bottom).

So, I'm all about making it asap with minimal effort and if I can avoid touching raw meat, BONUS!!! Here's a complete, simple meal that's ready in an hour, but only because the chicken bakes for that long. Prep time is only five to ten minutes. Serve with canned fruit like peaches and some fresh from the store bakery French bread.

Entree: Mushroom Chicken
Ingredients

1. Boneless, skinless, frozen chicken breasts (4 or however many you can fit in a 9x13 baking dish) The chicken doesn't affect the taste or the overall dish, so you can make as much or little as you need.
2. 1 can cream of mushroom soup (I use the fat free one)
3. 1 cup of milk
4. 1 packet of onion soup mix

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place froze chicken breasts into baking dish then mix together cream soup, milk and onion soup, until blended, and pour over the chicken. Bake for 1 hour. Serve over rice.

Salad: Cranberry Almond
Ingredients

1. Dried cranberries (I use Craisins)
2. Slivered almonds (you can find these in the produce department next to the croutons)
3. Shredded mozzarella
   
4. 1 package of ready to use salad lettuce mix
5. Dressing of choice (I like ranch with the cranberries)

You can buy everything ready for use (so simple), so all you need to do is throw it all together in a bowl and use however much or little of each ingredient as you want. The cranberries have a nice tangy flavor and the almonds provide a little crunch. Yummy and simple.

Enjoy!

Originally posted 7/2/09 here

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It's True

Really, it is. Today is the big 36 for me. 36 years, hard to believe. If I were a kid again (and believe me I've tried!) I would have a ball with EtsyKids (well, in fact, I still do!) But here is what I'd order, for me! :)

a fantastic tutu skirt from lexiloudesignulove

and wonderful booties from funkyshapes!

...ahh to be young again!

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Personal Independence

I WANT TO WISH EVERYONE A WONDERFULLY CELEBRATORY INDEPENDENCE DAY! GET OUT AND HAVE FUN! XO

In our professional and personal lives, we often lose track of our own needs--and rarely address them. Make this Independence Day different!

1. Step 1
   Pick a day that belongs to you and you alone--no meeting family needs or job requirements and proclaim to all that this is "MY INDEPENDENCE DAY".
   
2. Step 2
   Go to any place that brings you serenity and allows you to focus and identify how you got SO lost-and how you can find yourself, by identifying those activities and behaviors that makes you feel content, fulfilled and at peace.
   
3. Step 3
   It may have been a long time since you have focused on yourself, so bring a pen and tablet, to list your own needs. Until your own needs are met, it's pretty hard to satisfy others, without harboring resentment.
   
4. Step 4
   Announce to family and co-workers that you are making changes in the way you participate in life--AND follow thru.
   
5. Step 5
   Your new found activities may include joining a gym, or a garden club, taking a class, learning to play an instrument or even learning about the artist in yourself, through a craft.
   
6. Step 6
   Keep the new you in the front of your mind, because it is much easier to slip back into the old routine of being everything for everybody.
   

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