The “Go Food” Movement
Or “How Lulu Told on Pea Daddy.” There is nothing I like better as a mom than “teaching moments.” Okay, as a mom, I like date nights, Christmas mornings, Mother’s Day cards and that solitary morning cup of coffee while everyone is still asleep better, but teaching moments are pretty good too. You can lecture all you want, but until your child actually experiences something firsthand, you are pretty much just wasting your... Read More
If Pictures Could Talk: Phoenix Edition
Ryan Reynolds? On Sesame Street? Is this a desert mirage? Why is Mommy licking the TV? Do you have to pay for everything removed from the mini-bar if you just take it out to make overnight oats? Overnight oats with Bailey’s perhaps? Pink string bikini. Big boompahs. I wonder what this does… GAH! Just when I thought it wasn’t possible to have more urine in the pool. Palm tree, you complete... Read More
A New Way to Lose, Part II
Otherwise known as: “What Happened With Pea Pal.” It was dinnertime. Pea Daddy had tipped his pal off to my veg intentions, and I was immediately told as we sat down to the table that he had no intention of ever being vegetarian or vegan. I told him I hoped he would just let me speak my piece, and he very graciously agreed. I then started preaching over mouthfuls of food, as I often do. Pea Pal loved dinner. He must have told me eight... Read More
Lessons From Christmas Dinner
If you pile my family around a dinner table, you are bound to learn a thing or two. We eat. We talk, borderline shout. We argue. We eat. We talk, borderline shout some more. I cannot guarantee the factual accuracy of any tidbit that comes out of any person with my genetic makeup, admittedly, myself included. Perhaps that is why it is so easy to get into little arguments. When two parties of a heated debate are both making things up, it is virtually... Read More
Love is Blind
This will be the last post you’ll hear me complaining about my glasses. Mostly it’s because in about 12 hours I’ll be sitting at my LASIK consult, and the moment that I’m done being dilated, measured and told about the prospects of surgery, I’m popping my lenses in back in my eyes and sending my glasses right back to the dusty nightstand by my bed. May they rest in peace. But it’s also because yesterday, Pea Daddy snapped and told me,... Read More
Thanks for Asking
If you’ve been reading for awhile, you may have noticed that I almost never post on Friday nights. “What ARE you doing?” you might ask. “Washing your hair?” Yes. “Visiting the elderly?” Yes. “Making your husband and children drive 35 miles to go to your favorite stores in the entire world to participate in one of your favorite activities in the entire world?” Yes and yes. “Is Pea Daddy still sporting that smokin’ stubble…... Read More
Domestic Goddess
We are playing a bit of a waiting game here. I keep pacing the yard waiting for those little baby robins to hatch. Unfortunately watching paint dry waiting for birds to hatch is about all I had energy for Monday. Luckily, I was not alone in my exhaustion. There really is no better place to take a breather than a slab of concrete. I settled for the couch. It’s a pretty unnerving feeling to wake up in the middle of the afternoon when you... Read More
Lots of Estrogen Up in Here
Am I talking about my soy intake or my company for the day? Guess you’ll have to read on to see. I woke up this morning and spent time with this lovely lady and her six-pack. The Body for Life weight workout can be found here. While it’s a great workout for use at the gym, I’m currently shying away from doing it at home because it is based on increasing/decreasing your weight with each set. I only have your basic dumbbells with... Read More
I Am Protein
And Pro-Teen. He’s dreamy. And in third grade. Thanks for everyone’s supportive comments on the new road I’m heading down. Very few of you voted for a one liner about potty training and a vegan cookie recipe, though you’ll probably get that tomorrow anyway, so put on your plastic pants and preheat your oven. As for how this will play out blog-wise, I may return to the food diary format on some days and on others just have... Read More
Double Duty
It’s TWOsday! This picture tells you two things. 1. Moisturizer can turn your hands from Larry King to Justin Beiber. 2. Manhands has been juicing beets. organic celery organic kale ginger 1/2 a beet organic Fuji lime This ingredient made it into two dishes last night. 1. Caribbean Coconut Quinoa 2. Revamped Mango Cupcakes with Coconut Chocolate Ganache This ingredient made it into two dishes last night. 1. Caribbean Coconut... Read More
Call Me “Tiger”
By that, I mean you can call me “Tiger,” which is far different from “Call me, Tiger.” I’m not his type. Or am I? Where were YOU when Tiger gave his apology? (“I am a golfing robot. Malfunction. Malfunction. Abort mission! Abort mission!”) If I see one more reporter treating this absurd story like it was 9-11, I’m going to put on a red golf shirt, a black Nike hat and hold a press conference... Read More
Joining the Sisterhood
As I’ve mentioned before, I wasn’t in a sorority in college. I just found I was so busy with school, playing basketball and trying to change my frat boy boyfriend that I never committed to becoming a sister. Yet I envied their rituals, their friendships, their sense of being a part of something bigger than themselves and the fact that at least one day a week they didn’t have to worry about what they wore, threw on a Hanes sweatshirt... Read More
Pyramid Scheme
I’ve got a new trick up my sleeve in the our ongoing battle between feeding my kids right and outside forces. Fun Dip and cupcakes aside, we were also the recipient of more Conversation Hearts than can legally be possessed without a permit and a couple of heart-shaped boxes of several Walgreen’s specials. You can bet those Conversation Hearts are getting turned into a couple of art projects. Unfortunately, you can also bet that Lulu... Read More
You’ve Gotta Do What You’ve Gotta Do
Even when your kid is begging to go to school, you’ve got to keep her home since her nose is running like Seabiscuit, and her eyes look like she spent Superbowl Sunday with Snoop Dogg. Fo’ shizzle. Even when you feel you should branch out for breakfast, you’ve got to boost your own immunity with another green smoothie in a bowl. frozen spinach (leftover from yesterday’s dip) almond milk orange juice frozen peaches vanilla... Read More
Hitting P-Town
Or Pea-Town. Or Pee-Town…as the case may be. We took the girls to Portland today to stimulate the economy. Shopping with kids is a necessary evil. If I didn’t just suck up the fact that 85% of our time in the store would be spent pulling Lulu out from underneath her clothes-rounder sweat lodge or explaining to Gigi that yes, pink sequined mini dresses are pretty but not everyday mommywear, well, I’d still be wearing maternity... Read More
I’m Going Through “The Change”
Before Gigi started preschool, I was terrified. To know Gigi, is to love her. I know it’s cliche, but she just has sunshine coming out of her fingertips and joy coming out of her curls. I’m a creature of habit, and the fact that for nine hours a week I would not have her warmth around me made me want to lock her in our house, sew all of her clothes, and never let her cut her hair. Yet somehow, Lulu and I have settled into our mornings... Read More
It’s Makeover Time!
Cue the Jays…it’s makeover time! Of course, prior to a makeover, one must consult the latest trends and fashions… …and try to gain an understanding of the process. Don’t forget to eat a good breakfast. 2 c. spinach 1/4 c. orange juice 1/4 c. almond milk 1 scoop vanilla protein powder ice 1/2 c. frozen peaches 1/2 t. guar gum 3/4 – 1 t. xanthan gum I madeover my usual smoothie in a bowl by adding a ridiculous... Read More
The Bright Side
When life hands you lemons… make Lemon Rosemary Roasted Chickpeas! Nothing about the last 24 hours really went as expected. Still, no one wants to hear me whine, so I’m simply going to relate them to you in the most annoyingly positive way possible! I didn’t even need my alarm to wake up Friday morning and was even able to pay a visit to my general practitioner to test out my new health insurance! I was happy to let McDreamy... Read More
Site Under Construction
After my tough but enjoyable workout this morning, I came into a tangle of tent poles and two girls yapping at my heels to put together their playhouse. The poles are tethered together with thin, nylon rope, and somehow in her excitement, Gigi managed to twist and knot those poles together as if she were deliberately trying to create a Survivor challenge for her sweaty, hungry, desperate for a cup of coffee mom. Still, miracles happen. $8.50... Read More
Back Asswards
Today’s been like Anne Heche’s relationship history: completely bizarre and to be blamed on daddy issues. In our case, Pea Daddy had an arbitration early this morning, followed by a meeting tonight (or so he says…), so our whole day was kind of thrown off. Every morning my workout time is from 6:30 to 8 a.m. each morning, but since Pea Daddy had to leave early, I had to get up a half hour earlier than usual. That half hour... Read More
This Ain’t No Motel Six
We’ve got clean sheets, (although they come from a laundry pile so big, it attacks) and a capable staff. There’s live entertainment, and fresh baked cookies. Vegan Almond Joy Cookie Bars 1 c. whole wheat pastry flour 1/2 t. baking soda 3/4 t. salt 1/2 c. shredded coconut 1/2 c. oats 1/2 c. chopped almonds 1/2 c. dark chocolate chips 1/4 c. organic sugar 1/2 c. NuNaturals Stevia Baking Blend (or just use 3/4 c. total of organic... Read More
Irresistible
I couldn’t resist my craving for a green smoothie in a bowl this morning. 3 handfuls of spinach almond milk ice frozen strawberries frozen pineapple stevia 1/2 scoop protein powder cinnamon Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Granola A little trick I’ve been using is to blend my spinach with the almond milk before adding anything else. That way, the spinach gets blended up really quickly and I don’t have to stand there with my... Read More
Master of Illusion
It seems as though Gigi is innocently posing for a portrait in her tutu this morning. Upon closer inspection, she is doing a highly risky dance move involving a chair. I’m choosing to believe it’s origin is more Fred Astaire and less Carmen Electra. You might think that I dined al fresco at a small bistro after I got a nice solo Mommy date today to get my haircut. Really, though, it was just our living room, and there’s no way... Read More
Babes In Misfit Toyland
We took the day yesterday to break in all our new toys. Pea Daddy and I stayed up until midnight breaking in our new LOST: Season 5 DVDs. Sheer torture. Isn’t a cougar a natural predator of a “Fox”? Grrrrrrow. My own fox broke in some new books with Lulu. “Shhh…don’t tell me how it ends!” After my workout, I made some protein ice cream for breakfast. 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1/4 c. silken tofu 1... Read More
No Sweat
There have been some highly questionable choices made in 2009: McCain’s choice of running mate, (edited to add: this was actually in 2008, but still: poor choice) the choice of Pea Daddy and I to waste two hours of our lives and 667 unique page views worth of income on Couples’ Retreat, some incredibly desperate woman’s choice to use a surrogate whose last name also is a type of hard liquor, my choice to not start even planning... Read More
Honoring and Breaking Traditions
I am a great lover of tradition, new and old. Ever since we decided to go to Hawaii for Spring Break, we’ve had the tradition of putting on our swimsuits and getting out our beach towels, regardless of the fact that it is December 20th and the middle of our living room. Lulu was prepared with her reading material. Gigi asked for a snack, “something tropical.” I’m not quite sure how hummus and crackers qualify, especially... Read More
Lucky Dog
In the words of Ice Cube, “Today was a good day.” Before we headed out for the afternoon, we had some smoothies. I served mine in a bowl for easier toppin’. 1/2 scoop vanilla soy protein powder 1/2 c. unsweetened almond milk 1 c. spinach 1 c. frozen strawberries 1/4 c. frozen mango 1/4 c. frozen pineapple cinnamon ~2T. Kashi Go Lean ~2 T. granola Then we dropped the kiddos off with my parents so we could finish up our Christmas shopping. ... Read More
The Sweet and The Sour
The Sweet: Dressing up for Gigi’s Christmas Program. The Sour: We still had no heat at this point, so our teeth were chattering and we had to wear heavy cardigans to avoid Nipplegate 2009. The Sweet: Absolutely every second of Gigi’s Christmas Program. She entered proudly waving her ribbon. The audience giggled as she placed one hand on her hip and swayed her hips with each swish of the ribbon. She sang her little heart out. And... Read More
Frozen Peas
Move over cellulite, Bill O’Reilly and socks with sandals. My disdain for you pales in comparison to my new nemesis. At some point yesterday morning our furnace gave out. I’m guessing it had to do with the record low temperatures (it was a nice 13 degrees when I headed to the garage for my workout), and I think this really just supports Sarah Palin’s contention that global warming is merely “agenda driven science.” We... Read More
The Why and The How
This is WHY I love our new camera. I’m like a Walmart photo studio but without this family watching our shoot from checkstand eight. This is HOW to tick off your cat. She’s thinking, “Lady, you’ve wanted nothing to do with me since those drooly, whiny, tailing grabbing, tutu wearing midgets got here, and now this!?” This is WHY you don’t let your husband test the camera when you are wearing your glasses and... Read More
A Day for Sharon
You’re thinking, “Who the H is Sharon?” Not her. What I meant to say is, “A Day for Sharing.” When you become a mom, NOTHING is your own anymore. My smoothies get divided by three, my peanut butter jars have tiny finger tracks throughout them and my bras become headwear during impromptu dress-up games(which are actually probably more necessary than me needing any form of support for my little kiwis). Still, it... Read More
Helping Ourselves
Mooch much? Today we made ourselves at home in a variety of places, and most certainly outwore our welcome. Memberships will be revoked, locks will be changed and phone numbers will be lost. I started out my day taking advantage of my own free personal trainer. I haven’t been this sore since my half marathon. Funny how you think you are in shape until you get a wake-up call like a fog horn in your eardrum at 4 a.m. However, somehow it’s... Read More
No Regrets
My main goal in life is to have as few regrets as possible. Today was no exception. I thought I would regret not going for a run, but I actually enjoyed getting a killer workout from a hot broad with a killer ankle tat. If I could do this everyday until our Hawaii trip, maybe I won’t regret that new two piece I plan to buy. I do regret letting my toddler have coffee. I think she tore out the springs on her Jumperoo that day. I didn’t... Read More
Men In Trees
In a strange twist of events, there has been an abundance of testosterone in our house today. As an undercurrent to our day was the growing anticipation of the Civil War football game this evening. For those out of our great state, this is the annual college football showdown between Oregon State and the University of Oregon. Yes, Beavers versus Ducks. The whole Beaver Snuggie thing from yesterday makes a lot more sense now. (On a side note,... Read More
So Sneaky
I’m sneaking in a post while Daddy gives the girls their baths. Last night, Lulu “dropped some kids off in the pool,” so I don’t anticipate I’m missing much. Let me just sneak in a quick “Happy Birthday Mimi” in case she happens to read the blog today. Love you, Mommy! This morning, after a quick run, I snuck in some upper body resistance training. She’s about thirty pounds, so it was actually a... Read More
Tofu Barbie
Since becoming a parent, I’ve learned that things don’t necessarily have to be all or nothing. There can be a little yin to go with the yang, and that doesn’t make me a hypocrite. I can be a woman of faith, yet religiously watch a slightly foul-mouthed and blasphemous Chelsea Handler. I can eat a tropical breakfast on a chilly December 1st and still call myself a true Oregonian. I can let my kids eat chocolate before 8 a.m.... Read More
The Sweet Smell of Christmas
With yesterday’s cleaning behind us, we set out today with one goal in mind: to transform our household of tutus, My Little Ponies, tiki idol nightstands, Brandon Roy bobbleheads and bottomless Starbucks coffee mugs into a winter wonderland. The first step in Jesus-ing out our house: a Christmas tree. I steeped a cup of Fireside Chai in half water/half almond milk to take with me and warm me to my core. Wasn’t that nice of Phyllis Diller... Read More
Let’s Keep It Clean
We woke up this morning in some serious need of cleaning: our digestive systems, our house, our mouths and our minds! Before Daddy went into work for a few hours, I did a treadmill walk, some light weights and ab work (I should be clear to start running again tomorrow). After forty five minutes, I had wine and pie coming out of my pores. I could have wrung my sweaty socks out and taken communion. Instead, we made ice cream. I threw some bananas... Read More
There’s No Place Like Whole Foods…
Like me preface this post with a disclaimer: I’m not allowed to drive right now. That doesn’t mean I shouldn’t be able to blog now, though! Am I right or am I drugged? Everything went just fine this morning and other than a Harley riding, overly-friendly male nurse who asked my sign and what I like to do for fun, the whole thing was relatively painless. I’m just a little sedated and on ice. My personal caretakers/babysitters... Read More
Warm and Fuzzy
I’m always reminded of my grandma when the holidays grow closer. She WAS the holidays to me. She would slave away in the kitchen making everyone’s favorite dishes, including creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes with nary a lump. I would make my plate and then get a huge soup bowl just to fill with mashed potatoes. We’d have dessert and instead of going back for a piece of pie, I’d go back for more mashed potatoes. I don’t... Read More
