Spider Tutorial

MudWorks is having a Once & Done class in a few weeks to create spider bowls perfect for candy.  Today, alongside Marq and MJ, JoAnn taught us how to make the little Halloween friend so that we could teach the classes.  Since both kids will get to make one the big decision will be what candy goes in them!!!

Hunger, Purging, Closets, Dave and Ben

     I have almost completed day three of the cleanse.  No food has entered my mouth.  Usually I keep busy but today I did it with a vengeance.  I tackled the closet in the kids' room.  I ripped everything out of it and threw things into mounds all over the floor.  There was a contractor bag just waiting for items.  When enough time goes by you realize you need to let go of things.  When you are starving...you are ruthless.  This combination makes for one great purge.  One bag will make its way out to a little boy who is just the right size.  Three huge bags are ready to go to the school clothing drive in a few weeks.  The empty closet lead to organizing the new contents that made the cut.   This  led to drawers being reorganized.  It was a domino rally of tidiness and purging.  A few minutes into this adventure I realized I needed some inspiration.  New music by Pink, Dave Matthews and Ben Folds Five accompanied me throughout the day.  If I became sad about a piece of clothing that would no longer fit my little guy...I would focus on the hunger.  If I became nostalgic about a toy we used to play with together I would hone in on some lyrics I've never heard before today.  If the hunger got on my nerves I would make something so clean and tidy that I would forget I was even hungry to begin with.  There was no emotional eating, no tears and whole lotta of "good for me" running through my head.   Today I was in a whole different type of control.

 I would also like to thank the friends who threw out a supportive text today from time to time...it meant so much. 

The Mindy Project

     I was very sad when Michael left The Office.  I am even more bummed that The Office is almost over.  Mindy off on her own will help get me through the loss.  From the opening few moments about a girl watching romantic comedies to the very ending it explores the wide range of womanhood.  It is clever and quick and sweet and tender all at once.  It doesn't limit.  It expresses all that a female thinks about and lives and does it with heart.  It is honest...and encompasses all of the good and bad that a woman holds in her tricky little mind.  There has been a lot of hype over this show and I'm so glad that it was worth it all.  Great job, Mindy...thank you for being real, smart and giving me a new season pass to be thrilled about!!!

The Master Cleanse with Leigh Ann

     A few years ago I did the "cleanse" with my mother.  I cut up a million fruits and veggies and juiced for us both leading into the big moment.  I made it through a few days of that and then five days of the liquid and then came back out of it with the veggies again.  My first food back from the other side was bacon.  I joke about it now because I find it hysterical.  If you aren't familiar with this process let me share a bit of information:

It helps:

• To dissolve and eliminate toxins and congestion that have formed inside your body.
• To cleanse the kidneys and the digestive system.
• To purify the glands and cells throughout the entire body.
• To eliminate all unusable waste and hardened material in the joints and muscles.
• To relieve pressure and irritation in the nerves, arteries, and blood vessels.
• To build a healthy blood stream.
• To keep youth and skin elasticity regardless of our years. 

Now, some people use it as a "diet".   Leigh Ann and I use it as a "reboot" if you will for the body.  I haven't been feeling so well lately and am quite discouraged on my journey to get back into shape.  This is a great kick off.  I have been wanting to do it lately but it reminded me that my mother wasn't here to share it with (even if she did quit on the first day).  I couldn't think of anyone else who would go through this challenge with me...and then the text came like a little message from cellular heaven: "Thinking about doing the cleanse....let me know if you are interested".   Perfect timing, oh universe.
My goal is to get through the week and then come out on juices and veggies early next week.  After one day I am already feeling better.  Slightly tired and a tad bit cranky I am committing to this.  It is the next part of the challenge to be uncomfortable.  In the discomfort there tends to be growth.  I also know that after doing all of this I will be able to stick to things better.  I have already realized how much I just grab something to nibble on just because it is there.  Those nibbles add up.  I also need to focus the moments of sadness into an activity that will lighten my mood not a food that will add weight to my body.   I will clean out the machine, feed it what is good and then move on to restoring it.  I feel my spirit and mind are now being pulled down by my body and I'm thinking that is the easiest of the three to fix.  I have worked hard on the other two and now they will help me get to the next place...with a little help from my friends, lemon, maple syrup, cayenne and Leigh Ann. 
Wish us luck!!!

Gianna's Apple Party

     My great-niece turned two this weekend.  You've heard plenty about the White House and how they entertain and make a family feel loved and this was no exception. 
     The theme was APPLES.
This means:
*apple scented candles burning
*apple soap in the bathroom
*gingham tablecloths
*giant "apples" all over the yard (red beach balls complete with felt leaf and stem)
*apple cider
*candy table complete with apple rings, apples with caramel dip, apple pops and more
*Sam's Octoberfest
*apple games
*the goody bags are a whole other post

It was yet another wonderful day with a family that makes me more proud every time I see them. 

They live life and teach their children how to do the same and remind us all in the process.  

Happy Birthday, Gianna!  We love you!

Hot Set

     Project Runway is for fashionistas.
     Top Chef is for foodies.
     Face Off is for sci-fi geeks.
     SYTYCD is for the dancers at heart.

Hot Set is for the movie lover who knows the value of the perfect lighting, the proper props and the accurate effects needed to give a scene just the right vibe.  I love learning the process of anything and discovering that there is so much more out there with just about any subject!

Detzi's Tavern

     I have heard about this place for years.  It is one of those local gems that many seem to enjoy.  Combine a new dining experience with your bff's birthday and it makes for one fun night.  It was packed with a wonderful crowd and the service was perfect.  The food was just what we all wanted...simple comfort food done well.  The company was awesome and the night was as sweet as the person we were celebrating!  One last happy birthday wish going out to my friend, Jenne!