Help Make a Difference

Yesterday while I was on the computer I saw an article stating that hunger in Ethiopia is now spreading to adults. Along the side of the website was a picture of a boy that was so skinny he looked like a skeleton. It was so shocking that it brought tears to my eyes, knowing there was really nothing I could do to help. Can you imagine watching your child suffer because you could not feed them!?! But then I remembered a website my mom shared with me www.freerice.com. Basically they give you a word and then four definitions. If you get the answer right they donate 20 grains of rice through the UN World Food Program to end hunger. 20 grains doesn't sound like a lot does it? The more you answer correctly the more they give. The more people you tell about this website the more rice they will donate. Yesterday 143,200,580 grains of rice was donated. Let's help make a difference Ladies!!!

The Look For Less

My new favorite find has to be The Look for Less on the InStyle.com webpage. I love how it shows darling clothes at prices a Mom on a budget could actually afford! For example, you can find Thandie Newton's entire outfit for $40! Check it out for yourselves!

Just a question...

So I just got back from my Dr. appt, and long story short, my cervix looks a bit short. And, the little man's head is resting right there...he is SO low! I thought I carried Paige low, but this is a whole new thing! I had a vaginal ultrasound, and I am having some more tests done in two weeks to check it again. Did anyone have this problem? I guess the worst thing they would do is put me on bedrest, but we all know that would be a death sentance for Paige and I. I am just curious since this is a new thing for me...

Yep, I have only been back to work (I teach 1st grade) for 3 days and I'm already thinking about vacation. Before the baby my husband & I booked a trip to Puerto Viarta, Mexico. It sounded fabulous! Iced cocktails, soaking up the sun, swimming in the pool, and eating endless guacamole! We even invited the in laws to tag along and help take care of Landon. As the vacation is nearing (July 2-8) I'm having mixed feelings. A. Bring Landon to Mexico and risk him getting sick, dehydrated ,etc. B. Leave Landon with my Mom for 3 days and Stacy (my sister in law) for the other 3 days. Hmmm...If Landon comes I may be too worried about him and not be able to relax and throw back a few... or If Landon stays with family I may miss him too much. I'd like to hear pro's and con's, what would you do???? I'll keep you updated on what I decide.

Go Green in STYLE

Forget paper and plastic. Red Envelope sells a set of five reusable mod grocery bags from Envirosax. Each sack holds as much as two plastic bags, and all five fold into the purse-size pouch (included) for easy transport to the store. ($35 per set; redenvelope.com)
How cute, and great for our Mother Earth!

Introducing Stephanie McKinney!

Hey all!!!  I'm very excited to be a part of this blog, so thank you Ariel for including me.  Whenever I get the chance to talk with other moms about poopy diapers, house cleaning, and serving my husband and children, it just makes me thrilled.  No I'm kidding, though I do look forward to getting advice on children and hearing about special deals at Macy's.  

So a little about me.  I'm a stay at home mom and LOVE it.  Though it it hard at times (with never getting a break), there is no place I would rather be.  My children and my husband are my life.  My oldest daughter Sevrie is 4 and my baby Coral is almost 2.  I'm also 7 weeks prego so I'm juggling taking care of them with morning sickness. My husband just finished law school and is currently studying for the bar.  Our lives have been very chaotic the past three years so it's nice to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

  We enjoy being outside.  Wether it's in the backyard, on a walk, or swimming, we are happy.  In MY spare time, though I have very little, I enjoy scrapbooking, arts and crafts, and excersising.  Excersising makes me sane, and my girls love going to the kids club at my gym.  They get to play and I get my head cleared.  

To hear more about my family, visit my blog: calimckinneyfamily.blogspot.com

Thanks again Ariel for including my in this blog.  I'm very excited!

Strawberry Bonbons

I am SOOOOO making these, and because I think this recipe is more of a method than anything, you could use whatever fruit/ice cream/cookie/chocolate combo you like. Our anniversary is in a week, and I think these would be a fun special treat. How cute would these be for a baby shower, or girls night! Impress your friends! http://www.rachaelraymag.com/recipes/dessert-recipes/strawberry-bonbons/article.html

Martha's Favorite Bow

I love my Martha Stewart, and I defer to her on most things crafty. This is how to tie the perfect bow for all your upcoming gift-giving.

STEP 1. Pass Ribbon over and under box, and back up sides. Thread both ends under top ribbon.

STEP 2. Tie a left-over-right knot, then shape two even loops.

STEP 3. Cross right loop over left. Thread right loop behind left, under, and up through hole.

STEP 4. Pull loops into a smooth knot. Adjust loops, trim tails to be slightly longer than loops.

And just like that....perfection in a ribbon!

Good things to remember

a list I recently read on my friend's Blog
-replace butter with olive oil
-snack on nuts, seeds and fruit
-include a generous size leafy green salad with dinner
-help yourself to whole grains
-fix vegetarian meals a few times a week
-add a dish or 2 with legumes
-have fish 2-3 times a week
-have chicken or turkey over red meat
-have fruit for dessert
-savor every bite

Bye-Bye Baby Weight

I read an article that spoke to me, and the excuses I make up not to work out....after I have this baby,I am fully committed to losing all the weight but more importantly get back into shape. I used to be so strong and fit, and I haven't felt that way for a long time....so it is full force in October. Here's the full article, but I posted the excuses because that is the part I have to get past ;)

http://www.cookiemag.com/brain/momhealth/2008/01/postpartumfitness?currentPage=1

The article also recommends this book:

*NO WEASELING OUT!
Every excuse can be broken down.

What you say: "I can't find the time."
Why it doesn't hold water: You have to make the time. If that means hiring a trainer—whose time you're more apt to respect than your own—so be it. The cost of the sessions will be worth it, because you'll have a workout, tailored to your needs and weaknesses, that you can actually do on your own. For instance, Mann can do cardio until the cows come home, but she'll only motivate to sculpt and stretch when Gonzalez is around. "I much prefer to go out for a run than to do lunges in front of the TV," she says.

What you say: "But I'm nursing!"
Why it doesn't hold water: To keep up your milk supply, you need only 500 extra calories a day-and those should mostly be lean proteins (such as six ounces of skinless chicken breast), for your sake and your infant's. So it's especially important to make your food choices count while you're nursing. As Mann learned, a food log keeps you honest: "After the baby, I was eating entire boxes of Tastykakes. Now I think before I mindlessly shovel anything like that into my mouth."

What you say: "I'd rather spend the time catching up on sleep."
Why it doesn't hold water: True, sleep is a crucial aspect of staying healthy and sane, but so is exercise. While working out, you trigger hormones that relieve stress and stimulate blood flow, increasing the amount of oxygen your brain receives. With this burst of alertness, you're likely to feel more capable and invigorated. Mann found that when she got herself to do a circuit before sitting on the couch after work, she had more energy for the rest of the night.