Looked On Top Of Your Fridge Lately?

So have you?

Well, if you're at home, why don't you go in your kitchen and take a quick peak right now .... I'll wait!

........

While cleaning up my kitchen today when the kids were sleeping I started to drift in my cleaning, chasing various spills and stains I discovered on the cupboards, knobs, counters, ceiling (from our kettle boiling) and then ... to the top of the microwave - yuck! and then to the top of the fridge - ewwww!  Needless to say, I will not be providing a picture.  Dust meets grease meets too much time since the last clean.  This stuff is so hard to get off because it is mixed with the grease from cooking. I found dishwashing soap to work just fine, but ew, ew and more ewwww.

It's nice when you're living in blissful ignorance of what is looming (living) in places you cannot reach or see, but the when you discover it, the reality is quite embarrassing. (I know my mother in law is probably reading this and laughing right now ... or completely grossed out!)

Anyways, please let me know if you found anything on top of your fridge ... or whether you are one of the organized Martha types that wipes it off on a regular basis along with cleans out your fridge shelves and drawers and has already lined her drawers and cupboards so need not worry about the crumbs and marks in there.  Any tips?

How are those Resolutions Coming?

As we head into week #4 of the new year, our tough trainer, Katie Ireland - Registered Physiotherapist, MCPA and Fitness Trainer - is back to answer some more of our fitness-related questions.

Q: If an hour-long, six-times-a-week workout regime is out of the question, what would be a great goal to aim for as far as frequency, duration and type of work out?

We all should aim for 30-45 minutes of exercise at least six days a week with at least one day of rest to recover with three of those days involving weight training and the others some form of prolonged cardio exercise.

Weight (or resistence) exercises can vary from three sets of 8-10 different exercises or creating a circuit of 8-10 exercises and repeating it three times. If short on time try to choose exercises that cover all body parts. If you have more time, choose exercises for two body parts and do a diferent area each work out. (For example:  Monday-legs & back, Wednesday-shoulders & triceps, Friday-biceps and chest. with a day of rest in between each).

For cardio you should work at an intensity of  five or six (moderately hard) out of ten (where zero is a sleep and ten is exhautsion).  Mixing it up with intervals (highs and lows) can decrease the time and up the intensity. I recommend one interval training session a week to boost the metabolism and reduce risk of plateau. Of course choosing a variety of cardio activities reduces boredom and injury.  Group fitness or working out with a friend is recommended if your motivation is low.

**Don't forget to include lower back and abs somewhere in the mix.


Q:  Working out is made a reality for a lot of busy women by getting it done at home.  What fitness videos do you personally use and/or recommend?  Any you don’t recommend?

I have some great videos:

• Debbie Seibers does a variety of upper and lower body workouts with light weights, always leaves my legs burning.

• Recently I did Tony Horton's P90X. Got really strong and built up a lot of muscle with it but found the exercises lacked variety - most were contraindicated for safety and it was very "old boy" school. Some exercises also too hard for most people to do safely.

•  Lastly I have a Jillian Michaels (The Biggest Loser) circuit DVD. Great workout for 45 min. I am a big fan of The Biggest Loser.

Q: How do you know when to give yourself a pass – after a sleepless night with multiple wake ups, a house full of people sick with the stomach flu, etc? Sometimes (and I’m not saying always) isn’t it more healthy just to give yourself a pass then to push ourselves too hard?

Good questions, hard answer. It is an individual's call.

Sometimes a little exercise is like having a morning coffee. It give you the adrenaline boost you need to get through the day and shake out the sluggishness you carry. Sometime this is what you body need to cope with fatigue, busy schedules, stress and of course whiny , runny noses.

That being said, if you are feeling burnt out I would not sacrifice a good night's sleep for a workout. On those days (which are many in  my life) I try to keep my workouts to the morning or early afternoon, then I am energized for the day. Resist working out  within two hours of your bedtime so you do not boost yourself up when you should be winding down.

Should you feel like you need to do something (anything!), go through gentle , long-hold stretches or even some gentle yoga moves and breathing. These will hep reduce tension from the day and help with relaxation.

Lastly, if you can barely keep your eyes open, I would choose the nap over exercise. Sleep is our way of healing and restoring our energy. You will also reduce risk of injury.

Q: How do you stay active when visiting family or friends on the weekends?

I pack a resistance band in my suitcase and do a few exercises daily when I get time alone. I go for walks after dinner with my mother-in-law or we walk instead of drive to the grocery store. And as a member of the Goodlife gym I can go to locations in any city. I usually sneak out when everyone is napping. We have been told a million times, but we just have to make it a priority.

Can You Bring An Appetizer? YES I Can!

I meant to post this during the holidays but could not find the electronic copy of the recipe and was too lazy to type it out - sorry.


If your family/friend gatherings are anything like mine, everyone usually tries to bring something to contribute - an appetizer, dessert, side, etc.

I'm usually asked to do an appetizer which is not my favourite because I can never usually think of anything inspiring or original and then end up bringing something typical and fattening.

Well, not anymore!

Enter: Canadian Living January 2011 and .... 

The Edamame & Roasted Tomato Canape 

I brought this appy to my family Christmas and it was not only VERY delicious (if I do say so myself), it was relatively healthy and VERY well received. Compliments to Canadian Living for an awesome recipe.

The picture above looks a little bit like a jumbled mess but the picture doesn't show it quite right. It's a nice edamame mixture on a funky cracker, topped with a roasted tomato, feta cheese and fresh mint. It results in a party of different flavours and textures in your mouth that is quite delicious and worth a second (or tenth) trip to the platter for more.

See recipe below or click here for electronic Canadian Living Link:

Ingredients
1 1lb lb(454 g) (454 g) frozen shelled edamame, (about 1-1/4 cups/300 mL) 1/2 cup(125 mL)  shredded fresh mint1/4 cup (50 mL) extra-virgin olive oil1 clove of garlic, minced 3/4 tsp (4 mL)  finely grated lemon rind2 tbsp (25 mL) lemon juice 3/4 tsp(4 mL)  salt36  gluten-free crackers or whole-grain crackers1/2cup cup (125 mL) crumbled feta cheese, (optional)

Tomatoes:2 cups (500 mL) cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tbsp 25 mL)  extra-virgin olive oil1 pinch salt1 pinch pepper1 pinch granulated sugar

Preparation:

Tomatoes: Toss together tomatoes, oil, salt, pepper and sugar. Bake, cut side up, on parchment paper–lined baking sheet in 300°F (150°C) oven until shrivelled and dry in centre, about 1-1/2 hours.

Meanwhile, in small saucepan of boiling water, cook edamame until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup (60 mL) of the cooking liquid; let cool.

Rinse edamame under cold water; transfer to food processor. Add half of the mint, the oil, garlic, lemon rind, lemon juice, salt and reserved cooking liquid; purée until smooth.

Spoon generous 1 tsp (5 mL) purée onto each cracker; top with tomatoes, remaining mint, and feta cheese (if using).

P.S. sorry if the ingredient portion is not formatted well ... it's giving me troubles for some reason

Teenage Fashion: Hilarious!

Of course most teenagers have much more fashion sense than I do, but it's how they pull it off that is so comical to me.

I can't tell you how often I am out and about and see a group of teenage girls walking together and they are virtually dressed in identical outfits. Sure they may have different colour schemes going on, but all of the pieces are so close in appearance they could have been purchased from the same store and same rack - from the footwear, all the way up to the coat.  In fairness, perhaps the outfits of choice are wonderful, but when you're walking beside three other people and appear to be quadruplets, any bit of fashion kudos gets pitched to the curb.


Source


Another observation: moccasins.  I know these have been popular with the high school crowd for a bit and hey, I'm all for comfort (pyjama pants were the big thing during my formative years). But when the fashion trend goes a bit far and the kids are wearing actual slippers outside, in the winter, when it's minus ten degrees and there is a good two inches of snow/ice/slush on the ground?  I mean their feet must be wet, freezing and slightly frost bitten...

Source

 And don't get me started about the pants - the extremes of low-slung versus low-rise. You know the low-slung pants that some "cool" guys where that actually do up below the bum. I know this has been observed and said a million times, but truly, how do they stay up? If I put my pants under my bum and cinched a belt around my thighs (where the waist of the pants was), all I would have to do is take a step and they would fall down ... and my pants are a lot tighter too! And the low-rise jeans. I just don't think my body shape was ever meant to be anywhere near a pair of these pants, let alone inside them. Thank goodness the waistlines of pants are creeping up again. 

Source

I should finish this post up as I am truly sounding like a mom who is barking about the younger generation (which automatically indicates my diminishing cool factor).  You know what I mean though right?

Saturday Night We Had A Babysitter ...

... and the stomach flu arrived to our youngest!

Our poor babysitter. I mean, I am the mother of these children and when someone is doing their stomach flu symptoms (my nice way of putting it) at/on me, I can barely hold it together and juggle all that is going on.

Fortunately the babysitter is someone who I trust, who knows the kids really well and knows our house. Still, poor thing.  Kudos to her, when we got home, both were in bed asleep and did not wake until morning (small miracle).

When she called me while we were out (which she never does) and reported the throwing up, I told her I had good and bad news for her.  The bad news: sounds like the stomach flu and it will likely happen again before I get home, the good news: we'll come home as soon as we can.

The stomach flu sucks! (huge understatement)

Don't worry, I won't go into details on how it has progressed and what today's symptoms are.

Hoping that you are not experiencing and do not any time soon.

Do Vacations with Kids Really Exist?

The word vacation and its definition takes on a whole new meaning with children in tow.

Sure taking a vacation with your children may still mean time away from your home and usual routine, but a break? Relaxation? Rejuvenation? I'm not quite sold on these last few.

A break from what? The children are with you 24/7.

Relaxation? When would that take place?

Rejuventation? Perhaps if you are disciplined enough to go to bed early every night and your kids decide to sleep in every morning ... but my luck with these two things happening at the same time thus far is not great.

For the record, I'm not complaining, just expressing some observations. Going on a trip with kids is intense - from the moment you start packing, to the moment you begin unpacking with a whole lot of other stuff in between.

Two-Bag Limit?  Ha ha.  Source

When travelling as a family, you are dealing with new settings, non-kid proof rooms, time changes, flight delays, new menus, no toys, new people, hotel rooms, different sleeping arrangements (oops, forgot the monitors and .... sorry honey, no music tonight .... even though you have listened to it every night for the past three years!) .... you get the idea and I'm sure you have your own mental memories that are popping up in your head.

This past Christmas, we ventured to Arizona to see my Dad. Had a great trip but still intense.  Time change - the sun didn't rise for at least 2 1/2 hours after my children woke up.  Flight delays - right when you have the naps timed perfectly with the flights, WAM! your flight has been delayed. Have you ever held an eighteen month old for three hours? ... That is awake?

Source

On our way home as we were entering the security line at the airport, you know the one where they frisk you, my Dad notices there is a second line with no one it it (the other line had at least 70 people in it) that looked like it was reserved for wheelchairs, etc.  My Dad urged me to go in it ... we proceeded. I felt guilty, trying not to meet eyes with anyone in the other line ... especially as we were greeted and ushered through in seconds. But then I though, no wait, I am juggling two toddlers, multiple bags and a double stroller, I deserve this line.  If the roles were reversed and I witnessed someone else doing it and I was travelling alone with my husband, I would understand and enjoy my free arms, single carry on item and latte while I waited the few extra minutes.

As everyone tells me, "this stage is short and things will get easier" ... and truthfully I can already see that.  BUT, after our Christmas trip, my husband and I decided that our trip to Calgary this winter would be taken sans kids. So look for us with our lattes, magazines (that actually get opened and read) in the extra-long line enjoying our adult-only airport time.

Cheers!  Any airport or vacation drama you would like to share?

I Despise Sweater Pilling

Am I the only person that experiences sweater pilling? Because I sure don't hear much chit chat about it very much. 

Source

Regardless of how old each of my sweaters is, it seems none of them look so great because of the pilling that occurs.  Obviously there are a few that are the Queen Pillers but very few don't pill at all.

I've tried just randomly picking off some of the sweater jam, but good luck! I even bought this mini machine with a motor that is supposed to somewhat shave off the pieces of fluff and I guess it works to some degree, but the amount of fabric that needs to be covered makes the task pretty daunting.

While shopping for Christmas presents I chanced upon "The Sweater Stone" in Eddie Bauer, never bought one and now they're sold out. I'm sure it's just a gimmick that doesn't quite work, but a girl has to dream.

 

The Sweater Stone By Eddie Bauer


So I want to know, what do you do for your sweater pills? Chuck your sweater, excruciatingly pick off all of the fluff, or do you have a secret you can share with me to end this suffering and bring back my sweater love?

Design Question Follow Up

Earlier this week, I posted this article, asking for your opinion on what I could hang on the walls behind my master bedroom bed.  From everyone's comments, it seemed that it was hard to fully answer my query unless more information about the rest of the room was provided.

The master bedroom is limited because of two major windows, an entrance into our master bath, two very large dressers that need significant space on walls and a hallway (where our closets are located).

Here are a couple of more pictures, as requested:

Very large window on one wall

Asymmetrical window on another wall

One of two very large dressers

Entrance to master en suite



Hallway into master, closets on left

 As mentioned earlier this week, this year we would like to give this room some lift and changes, including: painting grey, updating light fixtures to incorporate more glass and silver, maybe painting out some of the wood, changing knobs of dressers, changing window treatments, adding a throw, etc.

So here are my questions for you:

-What sort of thing(s) could I hang behind the bed?
-What could I put on top of the dressers?  They are really high so not functional for makeup, jewellery, etc. but I would still like to dress them up a bit
- Window treatment ideas?

Thanks!

Quote of the Day

"Children are the orgasm of life.  Just like you did not know what an orgasm was before you had one, nature does not let you know how great children are until you have them." - taken from my LuluLemon bag

My apologies if you have noticed I have not recently been posting to the same degree that I usually do ... will have some more substantial articles soon.

Design Question

I haven't posted any design pictures or questions for awhile so thought it was time.

My husband and I would like to give our master bedroom a bit of a face lift this year, including a new paint job - probably a nice grey colour - new side lamps for our bedside tables, perhaps painting our bed frame, a new overhead light and hanging some stuff on the walls.

Let's stick with that last point for a moment - "hanging some stuff on the walls".

The one wall that we are really stuck with is the one behind our bed.

As you can see from the picture, although our bed is positioned in the middle of the wall, there's a window only on one side creating an asymmetrical layout.  Normally, you could centre something, but in this case, I can't.  Help!!  Any ideas?  Multiple smaller frames?

Any other design advice or tidbits are welcomed too!

Another questions:  Family photos in the bedroom? Yes or No?

Every Vegetable Counts Right?

Like most people's kids, mine aren't crazy about most vegetables. Thank goodness for broccoli because my three-year-old loves it for some reason and we eat it about four times a week. The search is still on to find a vegetable that my one-year-old loves ... I'll keep you posted.

But I found this recipe for Squash Muffins by Jamie Oliver and tried them last week.

Delicious, loved by both kids and a great way to use up squash and get some extra veggies into the kids. Every vegetable serving counts right?

A few notes:  The recipe refers to a food processor, but I just grated the squash by hand and it worked fine, didn't do the frosty icing that was mentioned and they were still sweet enough for the kids, AND replaced some of the oil it called for with yogurt.

Mmmmmmmmmm!



Friday Fun

Just a quick post today.

Not sure if you've seen these videos on YouTube, but my son loves them. Depending on your style of humour, you may love as well or stop reading this blog ;) Enjoy! and refer to this post if the kids are going crazy and you need something to distract.

Charlie, You Bit My Finger
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OBlgSz8sSM

The Gummi Bear Song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=astISOttCQ0

In The Jungle, The Mighty Jungle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvsQ9hYKq7c

The Tootin' Cousins Bath Duet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBbMAJgBymA

Have a wonderful weekend!

Not a Fan of Button-Crotch Pants

Just to clarify the title, I am referring to button-crotch clothes for toddlers, not myself ... (do you remember those button up crotch body suits from the 90s? I tried to find a picture, but none were really appropriate).

Anyways, back to the subject - pants and shirt for toddlers and babies that button at the crotch.  Undershirts that have three-buttons at the bottom I can handle, piece of cake, but pants and one-piece rompers - no way!  People talk about these easy- access pants like they are God's gift to the diaper changer, but I beg to differ.  My one-year-old is such a squirmer that with every extra button I have to snap shut, the odds that I actually can get him re-dressed after a diaper change drastically diminish.  I much more prefer the slip on joggers and elastic-waisted jeans or pants - one stealth sweep move and they're on.

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I also find that my kids can't wear the snap-crotch items of clothing for as long because as soon as there is any pressure on the snaps, they pop open or are much more difficult to close while the child is lying down. The clothes aren't too small by any means they just fit like they should, but the snaps aren't strong enough for the pull of the fabric.

I know the parent population is split (ha ha .. I kill myself!) on this one - what is your take and personal preference? 

Where Do The Christmas Pounds Come From?

In case you're wondering where our extra few pounds post-holiday season come from ... take a peak at this nutrition label taken from a package of shredded coconut? Specifically the calories and FAT!! 

So what if there is a bit of protein in there, read the FAT line again!!

WHAT THE??!!

I love macaroons ("chocolate yummies" in my house) and this sheds a whole new light on my jeans and why they fit the way they do right now? Yikes.

Here's to pina coladas and macaroons!

... just a little picture to keep you on your resolutions.

Goodbye Cindy Crawford, Hello Jillian Michaels

So maybe you're wondering, maybe you're not, about some of my resolutions. My resolutions or this year's goals as I prefer to label them, vary in scope and topic. There's some fitness/health of course, there's some decorating, some blogging stuff, some me stuff and the list goes on (and it's long). my goals are more like a bit of a to-do list or ideas for projects for the year rather than strict new guidelines to live by.

Fitness wise though enough is enough. I really do want to get a regular fitness regime in place.  don't get me wrong I'm not over weight or sedentary but just in need of some official "me" exercise time rather than everything being through a stroller walk or family time. It is great to be active, which I am, but I need to ramp it up just a tad ... oh and there are of course those five pounds that I would love to wave goodbye to. Hopefully they will be easy once the routine is in place.  So my goal: three 30-minute workouts per week with a good intensity to them (no leisure walks and no random squats in the kitchen and calling it a full workout!)  Actually what I wrote down is twelve workouts per month (not including family activities unless they are intense and long enough). By quantifying using a per month amount I can catch up if I have a hell of a week without feeling like i have failed.

Now to tell you about one of my tools and my new best friend - Jillian Michaels.  Just bought for $10! at Chapters the best (that I have discovered) at-home DVD for Moms and busy people that actually induces sweat.

Source

I've tried a lot of DVDs before - ones that were fun, but deep down I knew weren't giving me much of a workout, ones that were awesome but just too long and too hard to get motivated to do multiple times a week and that awesome Cindy Crawford workout video I religiously did in grade 10 ... This DVD, pictured above and performed twice thus far, I really like. True to its word - 20 minutes and you're done. Intense and definitely a workout targeting upper body, lower body, abs and cardio. There are three 20-minute workouts on the tape. I'll let you know how it goes, but so far so good. Definitely a recommendation from me.

Another idea I had was trying Booty Fitness Camp ... has anyone heard of this or done it? Would love to hear if you have? Please leave a comment. Anyone else have a go-to workout DVD?

Also, for any of you in the York Region area, Laura Lueloff, Personal Trainer Specialist featured during our Glitzy Blitz in December (click here for a refresher) has offered all Cashmere & Carrot Stick readers 15% off all of her personal training packages until January 31st.  I know Laura personally and she is passionate about what she does and will gladly help you out with all of your fitness goals. Check out her website and programs out at www.transitionfitness.ca/programs.html and tell her you heard about it here. Thanks Laura!

Mad At My Stroller!

I actually told my stroller to FU%* off today.

I kind of laughed at myself afterwards.

I had just supposedly clicked my wonderful (insert sarcasm) double stroller into its locked, flat & folded position and then I tried to one arm it into the back of my vehicle at which time it decided it wasn't locked and popped open, falling right in the pile of slushy brown snow by my feet. This all happening after I had the kids out about 45 minutes more than I should have, asking them to behave in various stores, rushing home for lunch so yeah, I told it to F&*K off because wouldn't you think it should be on Mom's side, helping me out wherever it can. Nope, plop, splat, right in the crappy old slush.

Woo hoo.

So I pulled myself together realizing I was speaking to an inanimate object, tossed it in the trunk, this time for good, slammed the trunk shut and went about my business.

Deep breaths and away we go.

Voila, your comedic mental image for the day and permission to tell your stroller whatever you want today.

Christmas Gifts - Some Things Never Change ... and Some Definitely Do

When it comes to getting Christmas gifts and age, some things do not change whatsoever, and well, some things change in massive ways.

Take for instance two Christmas gifts I received this holiday season from Santa ...

1)  An example of a gift which brings excitement and extreme giddiness and has since the time I received  my first set.

wait for it ...

 Boo YAH!

A beautiful makeup kit, complete with palettes of new shadow, eye pencils, lip gloss, shimmer, and bronzer - ohh la la. 

I wish I still had the picture of me in my red and white flannel jammies, early 90s, sitting on Christmas morning at my Dad's house right after I opened up my first-ever makeup kit. My mouth was so wide open with excitement, my tonsils (or whatever that hangy down thing is called) is visible.  I don't think you could see my tonsils this Christmas, but it was pretty nice to open up.  The funny thing is I don't really wear a lot of makeup, but I do love it and having it (that sounds silly!).  Being at home with the kids and having an every day wardrobe of jeans and a shirt and a morning routine that consists of splashing water on my face and hopefully brushing my teeth, makes receiving a gift like this a real treat and very thoughtful.

And then there is gift #2 ...

 ... a wire fruit bowl - boo YAH again!

Let me assure you if I was to have opened a wire fruit bowl that same Christmas as the makeup kit, the mouth would have been open, but more my jaw hitting the floor in shock and wondering what the hell this metallic bowl-like structure was and why the hell it was in a gift labelled for me :)  Some gift choices do change with age and this is one of them.  I have been wanting and searching for a wire fruit bowl for close to a year but just never motivated to buy one.  Santa was listening I guess and gave me this very appreciated gift. Not quite as exciting as the makeup but still giddy and extremely happy.

Get To Bed!

Why is it so hard to get my butt into bed at 10 o'clock?

No matter how hard I try, how much I yearn for sleep during the day or how pooped I am, it seems virtually impossible to be all ready and cozied up at 10.

I would like to say it's because I'm busy making lunches, cleaning my home and doing a whole pile of useful and necessary things, but nope, I'm usually taking a few minutes to unwind, chatting with hubby or nibbling on food (let's be honest!). I think it's because I go go go all day long and then finally around 8:00 p.m. get a moment to sit and actually have an uninterrupted conversation with my husband and top on my list is no longer running off to bed and passing out. It's almost like I get my second wind at 8:30 ... but not enough of a second wind to workout, there is a difference!

It hasn't been so bad the last week as my kids have decided to sleep into seven or so, but when the morning cries from the babes come at 5:30 a.m. with a few night wakes before that, you just can't get enough sleep no matter how hard you try.

The funny thing is that on a Friday night it seems that we can do 5x the amount of things, plus drink some wine, watch a movie, etc. and end up in bed effortlessly in and around 10?! Has anyone else noticed this? Weird.

And another funny thing about sleep ... I NEVER in a million years thought I could be the kind of person that could live on six or less hours of sleep at night.  But when you're doing what you're doing and having one of those weeks (months or years!) you do what you have to do I guess and cross your fingers for a nap occasionally.  But now that I have started getting some eight plus hour nights this week, I almost seem more tired during the day than before? Is that possible?

What time do you go to bed?

What Do You Do When You Wake Up?

I am not really a television person. Watching it for too long or for no reason makes me feel lazy. That's not to say I don't like 3-hour lazy naps, I'm just not a huge fan of TV. Same applies for my kids. I don't want them to get in a routine of popping on the TV every time they are bored, things get tough, we're busy, etc. etc. because those things are always happening and its so easy for the ol' screen time to add up. See, I'm a little bit of a traditionalist and think that books should still be manually flipped and a bit of boredom and free, unstructured play is a precursor to creativity and imagination.

In my house, once our day starts - we're dressed, breakfast has been eaten - TV is off and does not go back on (for the most part) until just prior to dinner when I desperately need 30-40 minutes to focus and get food ready. (It is important to note that both of my kids nap though so I get a bit of a break in the afternoon).

We do watch television when we wake up in the morning though.  When the kids get up, we grab our blankies, get a cup of juice or milk and snuggle in for about an hour to watch some TV.  My kids, up until recently, are very early risers (i.e. pre 6 a.m.) and let me assure you there isn't much one is up for at that hour of the day. Now that they are getting up a little later it's easy to cut the TV time short and get on with the day.  But I want to know ... what is your routine in the morning? Have you found another routine that works for you?  We don't have a TV in our room so the family snuggle while catching a few more ZZZs is not an option. I would love to start our days doing something else or even change things up from day-to-day and need some ideas from you.

If you have a sec, please share with me your morning routine or TV busting tips.  Just press the word "comment" below this post and leave a few words. If you don't want to share your name, use a fake one or just click anonymous. Thanks!

Anyone Else?

Anyone else's jeans rubbing a bit tighter on the ol' thighs this week? Thank you Dad for your wonderful cooking this week.

Anyone else's house an absolute disaster, complete with half put away Christmas decorations, pine needles everywhere, recycling overflowing and suitcases?  Time to get unpacked and get back to normal I guess.

Anyone else's kids' rooms chaotic and in need of a major clean up?  The joys of post Christmas.

And how about a little bag or box in your room, maybe at the foot of your bed or piled on a chair, filled with all of your little stocking stuffer goodies that need to find a home, anyone have one of those? These are usually my favorite things to re-find and look at post-Christmas - new toiletries, magazines, make up, jewellery, etc.

How about those resolutions? Did anyone make any? Would love to hear them.  More on mine later this week, along with some posts I'm working on about travelling with kids, chewing gum, a wire fruit bowl and makeup.

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday.  Thanks for bearing with my reposts last week while I was away. My hope is to be back to normal schedule starting today - regular posts Monday through Friday most of the time.

Please do share a 2011 goal or resolution. Would love to help you out if I can.