One of My Favorites
Snapped this photo while we were at the waterpark last week. Zoe was giving me a big, wet hug and when I looked down I saw this...
Definitely one of my favorite summer shots so far!
Monday, July 13
Sunday, July 12
Sunday Stars
- Remember when I talked about my failure at entertaining the kids so far this summer due to being on a tight budget? Well thanks to one of my twitter people, I found this article on 100 free or almost free summer activities for the kids. I was excited to see that I had already done a few of the items, guess I haven't been too boring, but there are many I can't wait to do. If you are running out of ideas to cure the summertime blah's definitely go check out the list.
- I could totally relate to Arianne's encounter with sibling's fighting as my two have been having their fair share of it. I never considered the idea of parenting as if they weren't my kids though. What an interesting point of view? I agree though that for others kids my house is usually cleaner, I'm showered, activities are planned, and a yummy treat is prepared. It is time to start treating my kids like they were somebody elses.
- Just recently found a new blog, Brunch at Saks, that is becoming one of my favorites. The design is sure to catch your eye as it is so chic. The photographs are always beautiful, the content fresh, and just all around a great place to visit. Whether you are thinking of making a trip to Hollywood, staying in a boutique hotel, or accessorising your home, Brunch at Saks is sure to have something just for you.
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Saturday, July 11
Weight Watchers Snack Widget
It seems like I'm never going to get these last 5 pounds to leave my booty.
But, I'm determined.
The summer is always tough because being home all day on summer vacation makes it too handy to run to the cupboard or fridge and grab a snack. I'm pretty good at grabbing fruits and sometimes even veggies, but other times I want something sweet or salty. Of course that is when I have to really think about points and how much I want to eat something.
Enter this cool snackwidget from Weight Watchers.
You just have to enter what you have a craving for and it will give you some sensible snack alternatives that are point friendly.
Is that cool or what?
Feel free to grab the code to share with your readers or download it to your computer so it will be handy the next time your cupboards or fridge starts calling you.
Friday, July 10
The Week Comes To An End
After deciding it was time to enjoy summer vacation, we had quite the week.
We spent one whole day at the beach with friends. The kids had a blast playing with their friends and I got to sit and chat with two of my best friends so it was a lovely day.
We spent one whole day at the beach with friends. The kids had a blast playing with their friends and I got to sit and chat with two of my best friends so it was a lovely day.
Zoe decided it was time to ride "two-wheeled on my bike" so the training wheels came off and the practicing has begun. She is doing pretty well and I think she'll be a pro by next week.
Zoe wanted to treat the family to dessert one night so we broke out her cupcake maker/decorator to see what it could do. She baked a cupcake for each of us, frosted them, and added a lot of sprinkles. Brother helped her by being her taste tester!
Then today we spent pretty much all day at a local waterpark. It's the perfect size for both of the kids and for me not to feel frazzled all day. Both of the kids had friends meet us there so they were happy as clams. Zoe surprised me by going down every single waterslide by herself, multiple times. Last year we went down one time and she hated every second, but this year she marched right up the stairs and never looked back. She said she just had to be 4 to do it!
The bigger waterslides that all the kids had a blast on.
Zoe decided to relax on her way down the slide.
Dylan and his buddy enjoyed lounging in the lazy river.
Zoe started at the small frog slide, but quickly moved up to the big kids slides.
Watch out cause she was out to spray anybody who came near.
The boys took some time to hang out under the mushroom.
We have a fun-filled weekend planned too. Dyl's friend came home to spend the night with us so it's been hopping at our house tonight. Tomorrow we are dropping him off as we make our way to my parents house for the weekend. Mom is joining the kids and I to go see Bugs Bunny on Broadway tomorrow night and then Sunday we are meeting Dave in DC to spend the day visiting museums. It's been awhile since we have played tourists around the mall in DC and it was on Dylan's summer to-do list so he is pretty excited.
Then next week we are having a few guests coming to spend some days at the beach with us so the fun continues.
Summer now feels like it is in full swing and I couldn't be happier. I love being busy, hanging out with friends and family, and just enjoying all life has to offer!
Five Point Friday - Halibut with Strawberry Salad
One of my favorite summer fish dishes and the salad is delicious!
Grilled Halibut with Strawberry Salad
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp balsalmic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 4 halibut fillets, 6-8oz and about 1" thick
- salt and pepper
- 1 1/2 c. hulled and quartered strawberries
- 1 bag of mixed lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
- Preheat a grill to medium.
- In a large skillet, heat 2tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender, 3-4 minutes. Stir in the vinegar and sugar.
- Rub the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil on the halibut and season with salt and pepper. Add to the grill, cover and cook, turning once, until firm to the touch or grill marks appear. About 7-8 minutes.
- Stir the strawberries into the onion mixture, then toss with the lettuce. Season with salt and pepper and serve next to the fish.
This goes great with a piece of warm, crusty bread. Happy Eating!
**Original recipe found in Rachel Ray Everyday Magazie
Thursday, July 9
Proof That I Have Done Something During Summer Vacation
Her room BEFORE
Her room AFTER
His room BEFORE
His room AFTER
Her room AFTER
His room BEFORE
His room AFTER
We are now cleaning the room every evening to ensure that the tornado does not hit again this summer. I'm happy to report it has been working, well for at least the last week that is!
Wednesday, July 8
Wordless Wednesday - SnuggleBugs
Hubby took these while we were watching the movie at the beach Friday night.
It was a bit breezy on the beach so we were all snuggled under a blanket!
Things Are Changing Around Here
The 4th of July came and went. For some reason I always look at that holiday as being the halfway point through summer. It's hard to believe that I only have a little more than a month left before heading back to school and the bad part is that I feel like my time off so far has been wasted.
It seems I've been enjoying my laptop just a bit too much this summer vacation. My day begins innocently enough as I enjoy my coffee, waiting for Zoe to wake up (Dyl is like his dad and up at the crack of dawn), reading some of my favorite blogs, clearing my inbox, and twittering a bit or a lot depending on who is chatting. However, I am starting to find that this morning routine runs clear into the afternoon. Then I do the dishes, pick up the house, take a shower so hubby doesn't know how lazy I am, and begin to get dinner ready. We always eat dinner as the family and at times do something together, but more often then not our evenings are then spent with me on the laptop, hubby watching tv, the kids doing pretty much the same. So the days go!
If you know me in real life you would probably agree, well at least I hope so, that I'm not what you would consider a lazy person. I'm queen of multi-tasking and usually have way more on my plate than any normal person could "eat". What I've discovered though is that I am entirely more productive with my overflowing plate of things to do than when I have nothing looming in front of me. What can I say, I'm a routine person. Don't get me wrong, there is absolutely plenty I could do, but I just don't have the motivation and I'm thinking because there isn't any structure to my day right now.
I even feel that I'm depriving the kids of the enjoyment of their summer vacation as we just sit around the house and I don't even try to find ways to entertain them. Money is extremely tight right now and the cause of much stress for me so I have been in a bit of a funk as every time I would think of something to do with the kids it involved money that I didn't have. This in turn put me in a deeper funk and I would waste another day sitting on the couch in my own little world.
But, I've decided that enough is enough. I don't want to go back to school next month regretting how we spent the summer vacation. I want to enjoy the days I have with the kids watching them run, laugh, play. To be honest, I'm not a very good playmate, but I want to become one.
So starting today our summer vacation is about to change. We are going to enjoy our days off together. We will spend lazy days at the beach, run through the sprinkler, play soccer and kickball outside, take bike rides, visit parks, and enjoy each other.
Because isn't that what life is really all about anyways...just spending time with the ones you love?
Tuesday, July 7
About the Dog
Max has officially been with our family for a week now. So far he has been adjusting just fine. We finally found some dog food he likes, he hasn't had any accidents, he's listening relatively well...he really seems to be fitting in perfectly.
Well except for this...
Yes, those are deep scratches on my truck's doorsand this...
All I can say is thank goodness that was not the American Girl dolland the fact that I haven't had a good nights sleep in the last 7 days because he insists on sharing our bed. (Don't worry though cause that is changing tonight...no more dog in my bed!) Other than that things with Max are good.
Things with Love...still not to great.
Maybe this week.
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