pack it up

It’s snowing and we are off to ski!  Here is my favorite bag to pack our “stuff”- the Patagonia Black Hole Duffle 90L.  This is a seriously tough bag – from the material to the thickness- we love it.  And, it’s been over 2 years since we’ve had it – so I can give a good review. The one drawback is that it’s supposedly not waterproof- so you couldn’t leave it on wet ground- which hasn’t been a problem for us. They make this pack in all different sizes, but the others aren’t large enough for a weekend away- just an fyi. Would make a great gift.

Have a great weekend!

dig deep

Working out  to Insanity over here again. I love this program! I never thought I would be someone who could motivate to work out at home, but being in the napping years with my daughter, I droppped my gym membership and delved into the world of workout dvds. Now my boys are used to seeing me sweat it out to Shaun T (the trainer) as he yells – “DIG DEEP!”. I completed the 60 day program over the summer and felt great afterwards. I was looking for my next challenge, and didn’t find it so let’s just say… I was on a break for awhile.

Last month I ordered Tracy Anderson’s Metamorphosis . It’s a 90 day program that has a 30 minute cardio dance (the same one for 90 days) and then 30 minutes of other body/muscle work that changes every 10 days. I was truly committed to earning Gwyneth’s/Madonna’s body, but after day 3 – I couldn’t move without serious pain in my hip flexors. I mean, ADVIL- type pain. I had to take some Advil before I could lie down and go to sleep! Plus, the diet book that comes along with it- in my mind- is reckless.  I’m not a nutritionist but I read in a couple of reviews that it was about 700- 1000 calories a day.  That could never work for me- because as many of you know— I LOVE TO EAT. Anyways, I am resigning myself to the fact that I am not going to have Ms. Paltrow’s body but at least I now know why!

What home workouts have you done that you like? Any really good workout dvd’s to suggest?

staying power

I have been looking for a lipstick that has staying power. I just found Stila Color Balm Lipstick at Sephora and love it! It doesn’t feel dry and the color last hours. Do you have a favorite lipstick that stays throughout the day?

children’s books with a positive message

My friend Heather sent me a great list of inspiring childrens books – I need to take it to our library on our next trip! I was surprised how many we have never read. My boys both like The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds.- will check out the others!

january favorites

It snowed last night! My kids will be excited when they wake up today!

Here are some January favorites:

Frans Caramel Sauce- This is heaven in a jar. I have been ordering it but just spotted it at Whole Foods! This could be interpreted as good or bad news.

These earrings are so pretty- simple but the colors are striking.

Saw this Breville juicer in action at The Cupboard and have been thinking about it ever since. Does anyone have one?

Great baby gift! These shoes get comments everyday! My daughter wears this style

Reason my guestroom bed is so comfortable- Sealy Mattress Pad - seriously we get asked this almost every visit

Glad so many of you are liking Consequences!! I have been getting so many emails that you are reading it. Can’t wait to hear what you think!

loved

I am sure you have read this quote before but I saw it somewhere last week and put it in my mobile to remember it because it is so true.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

Have a wonderful weekend.

 

consequences and truth

Holy cow! I am not sure the last time I have read 1200 pages in one weekend. I am not sure exactly how I pulled this off with 3 children and a husband on business travel, but let’s just say I stayed up past midnight for 3 nights and gave my kids lots of baths so I could huddle beside the tub and read!

My sister told me to read Consequences and I had no idea what was in store for me! It is .99 on kindle by the way- NUTS! I.could.not.stop.reading. I have told everyone I run into to GET THIS BOOK. I want to discuss it with everyone!

Truth is the second in the sequel and is as good as the first. I cannot wait for the 3rd which is due by the end of 2013!

I have also been reading The Fault in our Stars but it quickly went to the wayside when I started chapter one of the above. I will get back to it as I liked the first 6 chapters.

Let me know if you decide to read these! Would love to hear.