April 27, 2012

Lately.

Some things to note as of late.
Listen.
Thanks to local, Columbus, bloggy friend, Katie, I am OBSESSED with this little ditty.  KP and I dance to it at least a few times a week and I have no shame about it.  None at all.  It's quite possible her favorite song right now and here's why.
You're welcome.
Watch.

Did you girls watch the season premiere of RHNJ?  No?  Girlllllllll!  This season is bout to get real.  I mean can we say drama drama reality TV llama?  And what about Ashley's face?  Those lips?  That hair?  Oy!  I have always been a fan of Caroline and her matriarchal ways and I don't think this season will be any different.
Run.

So I signed up for The Color Run here in Columbus.  To say I'm excited is an understatement!  I'm freaking PUMPED!  I'm running it with a few of my fav girls {Run Betch Run!} and Jimmy {he's our manscot}. I've never done a color run but I know I will not regret it.  Here's hoping I get more than 3 hours of sleep this time.
 Read.

Thanks to the power of blogging I got my grubby little hands on a PDF of Fifty Shades of Grey and I haven't put it down {so to speak} since.  Oh Mr. Grey, you are so mysterious and with the end of every chapter I just want to keep reading to find out more about you.  Side note:  I have heard the rumors that Ian Somerhalder may play Mr. Grey in the movie version of Mom Porn but I had him pinned as more of a Ryan Gossling or Ryan Phillipe a la Cruel Intentions, no?
Fitness.

My friend Sarah posted about a 300 ab challenge she's been doing and that she started seeing results in just 7 days and I had to know more.  She sent me the link and I got started that day.  Jimmy and I have officially done it for, are you ready, 3 days and we can already tell a difference!  It's not noticeable, yet, but I can feel it.  I feel stronger.  I feel more firm.  I feel changes.  It's amazing.  I did take before pics so once I hit the 30 day mark all will be revealed.  Stay tuned. 
Laugh.

Right?  Because did you hear his new song Boyfriend?  Totally loved it and totally thought it was Justin Timberlake.  In fact, when it came on the radio and the announcer said Justin BIEBER I wanted to call them and tell them they were wrong.  True story.  Then I got on Twitter and saw that everyone thought the same thing.  Damn you JB and that catchy new tune.
Drink.

Last Friday night Jimmy came home with the fixings for this moon-a-rita and, I mean, how am I supposed to turn down that offer?  I'm not. So I played bartender and whipped up a batch and, as much as I wanted to, I didn't love it.  I think it was the mango, I don't know.  It leaves a funky aftertaste that I just couldn't get past.

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April 26, 2012

Sweet Winner

We have a winner of the bon bon by jenndi cupcake giveaway!
And because I knew you guys wouldn't believe me when I said it the proof is in the pudding.
Which means that my homegirl, Kristen, has won!  Holler for a dollar girl!  Get cha cupcake on!
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Terrible, Horrible, No-Good, Very-Bad Day

Do you remember reading that book as a child?  I do and Alexander had nothing on my day yesterday.
Let me rewind a bit.  Tuesday Kendall didn't nap, at all.  This was our first no-nap day experience and let me tell you, mama wasn't a fan.  It makes for a LONG day with a toddler when no nap is involved. I live for nap time.  I crave nap time.  I NEED nap time. Get it? Got it? Good. So I was certain Tuesday night would come fast and she'd crash hard, that was only half true.  She went to bed fast and earlier than usual but the nighttime hours were a different story.  Girlfriend was up 4-5 {I can't really remember} times and finally was up for the day at, are you ready for this, 4:30 am.  Good lord.
The day went downhill from there.
From 6-9 I think we watched 4 episodes of "Doe-rah", because. When it was time to get dressed?  Meltdown.   Her outfit was "yucky" and she literally tried to rip.it.off.  She wanted nothing to do with having her hair in pigtails and don't even get me started on shoes.  The only way I was able to get myself dressed for the day was by giving her a sheet of stickers and letting her plaster them all over the kitchen floor.  
We got to story time and it wasn't much better.  There she decided that her shoes were "yucky" and took them off and proceeded walking through the library barefoot.  Hillbilly.  
Don't ask me why but for some reason we attempted to go to Subway for a "quick lunch" but my little drama queen quickly let me know that wasn't in her plans.  So we got it to go but she never did eat, instead she refused to sit in her highchair, pulling at her "yucky" outfit and crying.  Oh the crying.  It was epic yesterday.  I don't think I've heard as much crying in my 29 years of life as I did yesterday.
We got home and she napped.  Thank the Lord Jesus.  It wasn't as long as I would have preferred but it was a nap and she did wake up in a "better" mood.  She ate, finally, but she still wasn't happy.  She still only wanted "stickas" {stickers} which we were out of because of the morning sticker-fest.
I never, in 20-months, have felt like throwing in the towel as much as I did yesterday.  Yesterday I did not want to be a mom.  I wanted to call Jimmy and say, "Get your ass home and take care of your daughter", but I couldn't.  I even said to my mother-in-law, "Aren't you glad you're not babysitting anymore?".  I didn't even get a shower yesterday and let me tell you, ladies, the baby powder trick doesn't work on this head of hair, at all.
Top it all off, I have a massive zit and a cold sore and my monthly "friend" has shown up.  So yeah, there's that.
Needless to say when we went to the store for more "stickas" mama picked up a BOTTLE-o-delicious.  Yes, you read that right.  I got a bottle, not a box, and no the 30 day challenge isn't even close to being over yet and I don't care.  I needed that entire bottle and that entire bottle I had.
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April 25, 2012

So What! Wednesday



This week I'm saying SO WHAT if...
  • I let all my WWF and Draw Something games expire or resign. I just couldn't keep up anymore and quite frankly I need to find a better way to spend my free time anyway.
  • I didn't post yesterday. It was nice not checking my email all day.
  • I turned my diapers.com boxes into a playhouse for Kendall and she LOVES it more than any toy in the playroom.
  • I really want to read Fifty Shades of Grey but don't want to spend money on it so I'm on the wait list at the library.  I'm # 1301, OMG kill me now.
  • Kendall and I had a mini dance party to the Hip Hop Nation station yesterday.  Too $hort and G-Unit and explicit lyrics included.
  • I just finished Kendall's one year photo frame this weekend.  Until Sunday it had been sitting on the shelf with only months 1-4 filled in and that's only because it was a gift and was given to us with those included already.
  • I hate Doe-rah and every time KP asks for her I say, "Mickey?" "Bubble Guppies?"  ANYTHING BUT GOD FORSAKEN DORA!?
  • I haven't put make up on since Saturday. I'm sure my skin is appreciating the ability to "breathe" the past few days.  Thank you, Avon Tinted Moisturizer for still making me glow.





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April 23, 2012

Mail Monday

Last week was a fun week for getting mail. I love going out to get the mail every day, except when all that's in there is bills, yuck.  But last week? Last week was awesome for mail.
Up first were these beauties for mama.

Do you see that amazing cross necklace?  I spied one on Kelly Ripa months ago and had to have it!  I have been searching the Internets ever since when I came across Luluka on Etsy.  She was super easy to work with and her work speaks for itself, beautiful! I am absolutely in love with this necklace. It's pretty all by itself or paired with some others as a layering piece.

So dainty and lovely.  Smitten. 
And that gorgeous coral wrap bracelet? It's from Heap Boutique and I couldn't be more happy with it either, #winning.
I just love the gold hardware against the coral thread.  SO pretty!  And?  It looks awesome, amazing, so good with my braided bracelets from According to L.

And then came this little, adorably wrapped package for Miss KP.

Kendall got her little, chubby, hands on an Elle+Ollie original.  If you thought the packaging was cute, the dress is TOO CUTE for words.

Gah I love it so much I think we might have to schedule some spring family pictures for her to wear it in.  Seriously.
See why I love getting mail so much?!  Gah now if I could just get mail like this every week we'd be happy campers!
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April 22, 2012

Winner,Winner Chicken Dinner

A big fat CONGRATS to...

 Ashley from...

who won the According to L giveaway!
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April 20, 2012

I'm A Mom Moments

You know when you become a mom you are bound to do and say things you swore you never would, it will happen at some point if it hasn't happened already.  Whether it's letting your kid watch TV during breakfast lunch and dinner or wear those God awful character tees that they love so much, you will cave and there won't be a thing you can do about it. That is when you know you are a mom.
For Easter I had every intention of buying KP that adorable monogrammed basket from Pottery Barn Kids, maybe even the one embroidered with the butterflies and flowers.  When I was pregnant that's what I envisioned her Easter basket would be, it's almost like the white picket fence dream.  And then last year I dropped the ball on ordering one in time and they sold out, mom fail.  This year I knew was the year, she would have that damn basket if it was the last thing I ever spent way too much time contemplating colors and font styles for. And then, there I was, in the Easter aisle of Kroger {yes the GROCERY store}, when I spotted the most adorable Mickey & Minnie Easter bucket. It was a whopping $5.99 and at that moment I knew my dream of the perfect, monogrammed basket were out the window.  My girl would love it and that's what mattered.
She wouldn't care that I spent all morning switching back and forth between green or pink thread, or font 28 or 38, she wouldn't even think the "butties" were that awesome.  She would, however, LOVE to see Mickey's big ole head and to turn it around and see Minnie, standing with her own bucket full of eggs on the other side.  She would also love that since it didn't cost nearly $50 I would let her take it with her everywhere that day and I didn't even care when she fell and landed on top of it, creasing it down the middle.  If that would have happened with the PBK perfect basket I may have crocodile cried over it.
As birthday number 2 approaches way too fast I'm finding myself having this same internal struggle.  Last year I got complete creative control over her "sweet treats" theme.  It wasn't too themey, too over the top and definitely was character free {just the way I like it}.  It was perfectly adorable, if I do say so myself.  This year, while she won't have much say, I know what she'll "want" and what will send her over-the-moon and that's a themed Dora or Mickey Mouse Clubhouse party.  {Here's where I pray to the toddler God and hope that he sways her in the way of MMC and NOT "Doe-rah", I may lose my shit over that belly baring tot}.  I can promise it won't be in-your-face Dora or Mickey overload but it will, most likely, be a character theme.  Oy!  The horror!
But that's the thing about being a mom.  It's full of moments like this.  Moments where you think about someone other than yourself, for once. From here on out life is going to be full of characters {I draw the line and stand firm against character shoes} and generic, grocery store, Easter baskets.  Get used to it and make your kid happy.
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April 19, 2012

Sweet Giveaway!

Are you loving all the giveaways on L.A.I.D. lately?!  So fun!
Well today is no different and today the winnings just got sweeter! As in CUPCAKES!  Who doesn't love a cupcake?  I don't think there has ever been a time where I've said no to a delicious icing topped tiny cake, nope never.
OK on to the giveaway...
Jenndi has this fabulous,new, little bakery called Bon Bon.
A little note from Jenndi:
Hi fellow L.A.I.D. readers!  I am so excited about my giveway and just thought you may want to know a little bit about me... I recently joined the dreaded group of people who are "in their 30's) and currently am almost red head, though that's always subject to change.  I work a full time job at the best place to work in OH (no really, they are, they won that title officially!) as well as creating choreography for 2 high schools and the occasional community theatre. I have danced since age 3 and that has stayed a huge part of my life. I'm still trying to figure out what I'm going to be when I "grow up", though I definitely plan on sticking around at my current company.  My boyfriend (who is a chef) and I bought a kitchen-aid mixer last fall and that has re-sparked my love of baking. I have no formal training but love to experiment.  I have always been creative or even "crafty" if you will, and I love thinking of different ways to decorate a dessert.  I deliver to the central OH area and can ship cupcake jars out of the area.  Don't see the flavors you want?  No problem!  Let me know what you'd like and I will figure it out for you!  Enjoy and have a yummy day!
Now the pictures I'm about to show you are going to leave you hungry and scratching your head.  How on Earth has she JUST started this?  I mean the cuteness?  I die!
I mean adorable, right?! 
Here's what's in it for you:  if you are in central Ohio {Columbus and such} you could win 2 dozen cupcakes and for those outside of our great city you'd get one dozen cake jars!  How sweet is that?  Gah now I'm hungry for a cupcake and it's obviously too early for that!
So to be entered please leave me ONE comment for EACH thing you do:
  1. Be a follower of Life After I "Dew" via Google Friend Connect
  2. Follow bon bon by jenndi blog via Google Friend Connect
  3. Tweet about this giveaway and mention @shannonrdew
  4. Follow Life After I "Dew" Blog on Facebook
  5. Post about this giveaway on Facebook and mention L.A.I.D. Blog
So you have 5 yummy chances to win!  
Good luck sweets!

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April 18, 2012

Stop & Smell The Roses


Stop and Smell the Roses
Well now aren't you all just in for a treat!?  Today is a two-fer meaning to blog posts in one day because I just HAD to link up with Mandy again this week and share my thankfulness. 

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SO WHAT! Wednesday


This week I'm saying SO WHAT if...
  • I'm a little on the fence about Bloom.  I'm not finished just yet so maybe I'll 100% love it like everyone else but right now, I'm...indifferent.
  • I'm really hoping Kendall doesn't start liking Dora more than MMC.  MMC gets on my nerves, yes, but Dora takes annoyance to a whole new level.
  • I still don't know how to do a Top Knot.
  • I really need to get my tattoo touched up on my foot but want to just get a new one instead.
  • I'm really excited about the sweet {hint, hint} giveaway I'm hosting tomorrow.
  • I hate that Jimmy buzzes his hair in the summer.
  • I am more excited for my BFFs baby shower this weekend than I was for my own.  OK not really but I am really looking forward to it!
  • I think that KP in pigtails is the cutest thing in this entire world.
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April 17, 2012

Dinner With The Dews

It's been a long time since our last Dinner With The Dews {DWTD} installment, right?
I know what you guys are thinking, "What? She becomes a SAHM and stops cooking for her husband and daughter?"  Well I am here to tell you that you are wrong.  We've been eating tons of yummy things, I've just been too stingy, lazy, you name it, to post them.  So, there!
Needless to say, today's recipe comes to you straight from Pinterest.  I mean, are we surprised?  Didn't think so. 
When I first saw the picture for the Tomato, Meat, & Mozzarella Stuffed Zucchini Cups I knew I had to try them. Not only did they look yum-bo but they also looked like they'd be healthy {I added the recipe to MFP and it's about 332 calories for 3 cups, approximately}.
But something it is not?  Easy.  I mean it's not super hard and you don't have to be Rachel Ray to do it but I would not recommend making these when you're home alone with a 20-month-old.  The scooping of the zucchini is a PITA and, well the rest is fine and easy.  Also, be careful putting these in and out of the oven as they tip pretty easily. 

Overall verdict? Delish!  Like yummy yummy yummy in my tummy tummy tummy!  KP even gobbled up a bowl of just the filling for dinner.  I will definitely make these again and I'm thinking that the next time I might make "boats" out of them and serve them open-faced. I think that could work.
Enjoy!
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April 16, 2012

In This Skin

{I apologize for the Jessica Simpson reference in the title of this post.}
Last weekend I was watching the weekend edition of The Today show when I stopped at the story of Shannon Bradley-Colleary.  At 26-years-old she was in an abusive relationship where her boyfriend constantly put her down and told her she was fat; even though she wasn't, she started to believe him.  In an effort to see herself through his eyes she took nude photographs of herself and realized that, if anything, she could stand to gain a few pounds and that her body was beautiful.  20 years later, Shannon started having the same negative self image and decided to cure it the same way she did when she was in her 20s, through nude photos, recreating the same poses.  
Her message?  Love the body you have NOW.  
Wow.  It hit me like a ton of bricks.  So much so that I've talked to Kodi about it on more than one occasion and it's been in the back of my mind every time I look at my body in the mirror or try on my new bathing suit. She is so right.
How many times have you looked back on high school or even college photos and thought, "WOW!  I can't believe I thought I was fat then!" or "What I wouldn't give to have that body now!".  I know I have a dozen or so times.  I was never chubby or thin, I've always just been average, but I thought I was fat, always.  At any given point in my life I would have said I could stand to lose 10, 15, even 20 pounds when in reality I looked great just the way I was.
If any one of you girls posted a picture of yourself in your bathing suit and your body looked like mine does, today, I would tell you that you look amazing!  If you said for one second that your body was not suitable for the beach I would tell you that you were crazy and to "rock that shit!"  but why do I not believe it about myself?
This week Jimmy told me that he could see a difference and that it was "hot" yet when I look in the mirror I still see a tummy that needs toned and arms that need to be firmer.  Why can't I learn to love the body I have now?
I know that it's a work in progress but it's also been through a heck of a year.  I went through a 40+ pound weight loss and since then have worked muscles I never knew I had and have more definition than I ever thought possible.  I have pushed myself to do things I never thought I would {hello 5K!} all while raising a baby at the same time.  I am proof that just because you have a baby doesn't mean you can't be fit!  My body is a machine and is capable than more than I've ever given it credit for, yet I still look at it with shame, embarrassment, and pity.  
Well no more!  I'm learning to love this body and be happy with the skin I am in.  Ever since I saw that blurb on The Today Show I have been inspired.  Who cares if I don't look like Brooklyn Decker in my bikini?  What if I never get that 6 Week 6 Pack?  This is my body and although it's not perfect it is what I am given.  It's better than it was and that is something to be proud of.
Not to mention, I don't want Kendall to think "mommy is always dieting" or "my mom always struggled with weight".  I want her to grow up having a healthy relationship with food, diet, exercise, and everything in between.  I don't want her starving herself or depriving herself of such wonderful life treats {like ice cream}, or working out to the point of exhaustion just to please someone else or the image that society thinks is acceptable.  I want her to be healthy and happy and that starts with me!
So thank you, Today Show, for putting this into perspective for me.  Thank you for sharing Shannon's message.  I heard it, loud and clear.
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April 13, 2012

Blog Sale!

Up for sale: Coach Maxine sunnies. Worn a handful of times but they're just too big for my face/liking. I have the case & they're in near perfect condition. Asking $80 shipped.

These Are The Moments.

Sunday night, after a full day of Easter festivities, I was certain that Kendall would pass out the moment she laid her blonde head of curls on her err...pillow {she doesn't use a pillow yet}.  She had fallen asleep in the car on our 30 minute ride home and I thought that would be just enough time to give her a little boost of energy for the rest of the evening.  When we got home she wanted nothing to do with staying awake.  Keeping her up till 7:30, to avoid a 6 am wake-up, was proving to be difficult.  But, alas, thanks to several episodes of MMC and an outfit change, we made it. 
Our normal night time routine commenced, just 30 minutes early.  Warm milk, a story, prayers and bed.  Or so I thought.  Girlfriend was awake for 2.5 hours after that.  She was in her bed and mostly just making noise but every once in a while she'd cry out, she dropped Blankie, she pooped, etc.  At first I was annoyed, why was she awake after all that running, looking for eggs and being out in the fresh air all day?
But then, I think on my second time into her room, I stopped and changed my mindset. Maybe she was cold? Maybe she was overly tired?  Maybe she just wanted to see her mama's beautiful face?  {hey a girl can dream}.
Instead of being irritated I was needed. She needed me. For whatever reason, she wanted her mama that night and that's not going to happen for much longer.  So instead of trying to hurry and get her to sleep I cherished that moment.  I had nothing to do outside of her room.  Jimmy was asleep, the house was decently clean, the dogs had been let out for the last time that night, all I had to do was be with her.  That night I decided I'd rock a little longer, snuggle a little more and just be there, with her.

So I studied her little arms and how they are almost not baby-like anymore.  She's got one lone baby roll right above her elbow but that's it.  Same with her legs.  She's losing that baby chub.  Her bangs are getting long again and are going to need a trim soon.  The rest of her hair is slowly growing but she's still rocking the baby mullet {thanks to daddy}.  She was singing/talking/humming to herself in a tune that only she knew and it was making my mom heart melt into a big pile of mush.  Her middle finger was crossed over her pointer finger the entire time and she, like her daddy, rubs her feet together when she's sleepy.

She felt so big in my arms.  Her legs dangled over the side of the glider.  I remembered her being so little in that chair.  I could remember rocking her in that same chair this time last year.  So tiny, she fit on my chest and her little legs barely touched my waistline.  But the more I gazed at her the more I realized, she's still a baby, my baby.  She still likes to be rocked by her mama.  She still snuggles up to me.  She still needs me.
I know there aren't going to be many more nights where mama snuggles will cure everything.  I know that soon enough she's going to run in the opposite direction.  But for now she's mine, all mine {well and daddy's too}, and those are the moments that make life worth living.  Well, that and this silly little face she keeps making {she's cutting her eye teeth so she bites her tongue right where they're coming in}.
Man I love this little girl.
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April 12, 2012

May Sponsors!

April showers bring May...sponsors!  
Now opening up L.A.I.D. for May sponsors!
This month will be a little different than the previous 2 months.  I will need you to provide me with a little write up about your site/shop/blog/product/etc and provide it by the 30th of April.  Let me know if you want to offer any discounts, giveaways, product reviews, or whatever you think would drive traffic your direction!
Here are some stats on L.A.I.D. to help you make your decision:
  • L.A.I.D. has 816 followers and growing daily
  • If you don't own your own business or have anything to promote consider promoting your own blog.  The more exposure the better!
  • I will promote you in anyway I can.  Having a sale?  Interested in a giveaway?  Hosting a link-up?  Let me know and I'll blog/FB/Tweet about it along with doing a monthly post about you!
  • L.A.I.D. has an average of 37,000 page views each month with nearly 400,000 all time, that's a lot of exposure people!
  • I take a lot of pride in this little blog of mine.  I post 5 days a week which means that's 5 times a week people could see your ad and go to your site!
  • Prices are pretty cheap around here, just $10 gets your a spot for the entire month.
  So there you have it!  I'd love to have you and build a lasting relationship! 
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Braided Bead Bracelets

Remember last week when I posted all my fabulous spring finds?  Remember how I left you hanging with the mention of some fabulous bracelets?  Remember when I posted on Instagram this picture as a teaser?
Well the wait is over ladies {and gents}.  Today is the day to get your little grubby hands on a set all of your own!
According to L was super easy to work with.  I had suggested the colors above and she so happily obliged.  She shipped them out fast and when she told me they were on their way I checked my mail, excitedly, every day until they got here.  
They were even prettier in person!  I love them alone or mixed with a bright funky watch or more bracelets! They're even easy enough to put on all by yourself!  

Did I mention my BFF asked if I got them from JCrew because apparently they sell a very similar bracelet for, get this, $30 a piece!  Say what?!  At $20 for all 3, these are a steal!  And!?  Liz wants to offer all L.A.I.D. readers 20% off!  Making these bad boys ONLY $16!  Use code DEW20.  And don't stop with just these bracelets, she's got TONS of other super cute things too!
BUT one of you won't even need to worry about it because Liz is going to give ONE reader a $15 credit to her store!  You can get whatever you like!
To be entered to win please leave one comment for each entry:

  • Be a follower of L.A.I.D.
  • Be a follower of According to L blog
  • "Like" L.A.I.D. on Facebook
  • Like According to L on Facebook
  • Tweet about this giveaway and mention me, @shannonrdew
That's it!  So good luck ladies!!

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April 11, 2012

SO WHAT! Wednesday


This week I'm saying SO WHAT! if...
  • I kinda, sorta skipped past all those Easter recap posts.  I'm such a jerk.
  • I really, really want the 80 degree days back.  You know the ones we had like a month ago?
  • I really wanted to get Kendall a Pottery Barn Easter basket but DAMN! For the price of that bad boy I got her a basket AND filled it for less than just the basket would have cost.
  • I haven't been showering till around 1 or 2 lately.  I just can't get my butt out of bed in the mornings now plus this way I get a workout in and only take one shower.
  • I'm beyond in love with my new Avon bronzer.  Like obsessed.  Like I barely need foundation when I use it and it's such a nice glow.
  • I swore I'd never put my kid in character clothes but guess what?  Girlfriend loves her Dora and Minnie nightgowns so much and that's all that matters.
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April 10, 2012

Be The Change


Thanks to The Bully Project for sponsoring my writing. Visit their website to join the movement and learn more. 

Bullying is no joke. I think it's fair to say at some point all of us have been subject to it. Whether it was in grade school or high school or even online, bullying is mean and completely unacceptable no matter what the outlet.
I was never bullied in school, per se, but I do remember one thing, from 6th grade, that sticks out like a sore thumb. I was always an average sized kid, never went through the skinny, lanky stage and never really went through the "baby fat" stage either, I was just normal. But, I remember being in the cafeteria in 6th grade and someone {I think a boy} said I had chubby arms.  Rude much?!  Since that day I have always hated my arms. I don't do cap sleeve tops for that very reason and even when I look at my wedding photos I see chubby arms.  I hate that since the 6th grade I have felt bad about this part of my body all because some smart-assed boy said so.
And while I wasn't pushed into a locker, given a swirlie, or pushed to the ground I was verbally bullied and that's just as bad.  Sure I didn't come home with bruises, torn clothes, or wet hair but I did come home with a hurt heart.  Bruises fade and clothes can be mended but words never go away, they stay with you {& me} forever.  You can't unsay something.  
I remember recently watching Live! With Kelly and she talked about a project going on at her children's school where the teacher gave each kid a blank piece of perfectly white paper.  She told them to tear it, crumple it up, throw it on the ground, spit on it and then asked them to smooth it back out the way it was when it was given to them.  It was impossible.  That paper was forever damaged.
Once bullying has been done, you can't undo it.  You can't put someone back to the way they were before they were teased or pushed down or punched, that changes them forever.  
I watched the trailer for Bully this afternoon and all I can say is WOW!  If you haven't had the opportunity to see it yet please watch this.

Pretty moving, right?
I mean what kind of world are we living in that our children are afraid to go to school?  Or can't get a seat on the school bus without being tormented?  What kind of world let's an 11-year-old commit suicide because they were too afraid to take action against bullying?  Pretty sad and sick if you ask me.
I will be damned if I let Kendall grow up in a world where this kind of behavior is acceptable, where parents cries fall on deaf ears, where, "they're just kids" is an excuse for bullying.
I want her to know nothing but love.  The great thing about having a newborn/infant/toddler is your ability to protect them from this type of ugliness.  Right now, all Kendall knows is love and acceptance and I wish I could keep it that way.  But I am a realist and I know that one day she will go to school and she will be faced with the reality of the world, or will she?
Maybe by the time Kendall goes to school the parents of Tyler Long will be heard, loud and clear, and this will stop.  Maybe in 4 years there will be more severe repercussions for negative behavior.  Maybe.  In the meantime take your sons and daughters to see this movie, talk to them about bullying, encourage your schools to play this movie and BE THE CHANGE.
I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. Find showings in your area for The Bully Project and buy tickets here.
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April 9, 2012

Friends Forever

Friday night I had a girls night with my two best girls.  We met for mexi and margs {special occasion?} and did some baby shower crafting.  It was a quiet night, much different than girls nights of the past, but it was just what I needed, a night alone with my best friends.
These girls and I have been friends for 24 and 13 years, gosh that makes me feel old.  Sometimes we go a while without seeing each other, too long if you ask me, but every time we get together it's like no time has passed at all.  We just instantly click and pick up right where we left off, every time.
We have seen each other at our highest highs and lowest lows.  We've been through three weddings, 3 {almost 4} babies, countless hair styles, and more laughs and cries {both good and bad} than I can count on both hands and feet.  These friendships are what life is about.

I was driving home Friday night {alone, so peaceful} and I was just so truly grateful for these two ladies.  I know that, no matter what, I can call on them to lift me up when I'm feeling bad, share my joys, and the same goes for them.  I felt such pride and happiness that night.  Pride because these kinds of friendships are hard to come by, especially these days.
I hope that everyone has at least one friend like this.  Lucky for me, I have two.
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April 6, 2012

Yes, You Read That Right

I don't know if I should laugh or be concerned about the number of sweet comments I got in sympathy for my 30 No Alcohol Experiment. I know my mom thinks I'm a drunk and need to attend AA meetings and so she was happy to hear I was giving up the sauce for a month-ish.  But you girls, you are just as much of a lush as I am.  Some of you said you'd drink for me while others told me how cray-cray I am for even attempting such an experiment.  Others of you asked if I am pregnant, ::eyeroll::.  No!  I am not.
The reason behind said 30 day experiment, is it weird that I refer to it as an experiment?, is the same reason behind Firm Friday, to get fit!  Let's face it, even before Kendall was a blip on our radar I had a pooch.  It was nothing to be ashamed of and looking back it was hardly even noticeable but it has always been my problem area. I can tone up my ass, firm up the thighs, hell I can even make the chicken flapper arms less flabby but the tummy always gives me hell.  I hear that alcohol causes, increases, doesn't help you get rid of belly fat.
So I'm giving up my beloved to see if it helps.  30 days is nothing when compared to the 9 months I gave it up when I was pregnant, right?  The rules won't be as strict this time though.
I mean The Husband can be so silly at times.
I mean the goal is 30 days with NO alcohol BUT if there happens to be a special occasion or my husband gets a bur up his ass and decides to take me to the winery for a vineyard tour, I'll have a glass or five for celebratory purposes, you know.
I'm not only cutting alcohol but I'm getting back to MyFitnessPal app.  I mean I've slacked long enough and the scale shows it.  So it's back to strict 1200 calories and working out more days than not, so hopefully that means four days a week.
Oh another thing that spurred this dedication?  This little baby.
Oh, yes I did.  I mainly got this for the motivation.  If I see this cute little chevron stripe bikini hanging in the closet I'll want to wear it.  In order to wear it I have to 1. eat better 2. exercise more 3. get a tan.  So that's my motivational bikini.  I will wear it this summer, even if it means water for dinner and one beer, glass of wine, cocktail a week.  I will wear it.

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p.s. only a couple more days to enter the book giveaway from Brandy Bruce!  Who doesn't love free books?
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