onto game 7...

Let's go Hawks.  It time to get your game on in Chicago!

t.g.i.f...

My Friday is over and I officially have only 5 more days of school.   I still need to break down my room but that won't happen until a week from Tuesday.  Anyway, I'm thrilled the weekend is here as it looks to be simply beautiful; warm and sunny.  I'm hoping to relax a bit after I clean and shop and grade a stack of papers.  T.G.I.F.

a lovely birthday...

I had such a nice birthday yesterday.  My husband was so kind to me and Nick thoughtful. I received many dear birthday wishes from my colleagues and students and friends and family and my team treated me to bagels and muffins and fruit.  I received beautiful plants and a pot of herbs and cupcakes and a necklace as well a gift card to Barnes and Nobel to stock up on summer reading books. I got new running shoes and an adorandack chair, too!  After work, I went for a  hair cut before having dinner with my two favorite guy at Neos in town. It was really a lovely day!

ladies, you must go to tina's closet...

Tina's Closet

I went to Tina's Closet yesterday and once again left thinking, "Why did it take me so long to return to this amazing place?"  Tina, a woman about my age,  will find the perfect bra for you and it will fit you like a glove.  She takes time to look and adjust and search for exactly what you want and when Tina finds it, you look amazing and she is ecstatic.  While there, I decided that my next big purchase from her is going to be a swimsuit.  Yep, Tina or one of her girls will find a swimsuit for you that looks beautiful on and one that will make you feel beautiful.  It's not cheep there, no, but that is why you will look and feel like a new woman.  All I can say is I love Tina and Tina's Closet!

happy birthday to me...

Well, it's a happy day today as it's my birthday! When I think about my life now at 57, all I can say is things are good.  I have a wonderful family and job and I love my home.  I  still enjoy running and love, love, love cooking and reading. I look forward to my weekends which are always productive and enjoyed with my husband who is my everything.  I laugh that I continue to make resolutions and life changes and strive to find my "forever hobby".  I have learned to relish the time we have with Nick who has now lived with us for one year and have so enjoyed discovering who he is as a young adult; he is a funny man who is more routine orientated that I could ever believe and disciplined and very real and committed and loyal to his friends and us; he is "true" to Brian and me. Yep, I am lucky that my life is good! So today I look forward to my day at work and getting my hair cut and then meeting Brian and Nick for dinner in town. It is sure to be a good  happy day!

looks refreshing...

bourbon + tangerine cocktail via Grace in Place

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 1/2 oz pixie tangerine juice
• 1/2 oz Meyer lemon juice

~in a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients.
 ~shake vigorously. strain into an old fashioned glass over ice. 
~serve with a slice of tangerine.

happy last week of may tuesday...

...and here I am.  Nick and I bought these accessories to
go with my chair and to make my new outside space a
 "beach'in" space!

I hope you had a nice Memorial Day weekend. I..

• was busy on Saturday until almost 3 with my "to do" list while Brian was golfing in a work tournament.  I was happy when he came home.
• did a ton on Sunday and our tasks /jobs did not stop until after 2 when we were actually still putting together my "Adirondack chair".
• graded on Monday and when Nick surfaced, was grateful for some fun time with him.  We went to Target and World Market to buy an umbrella and table and candle holder after I made him one, no two Ream's brats which are literally "to die for".
• so enjoyed my sweet  husband late afternoon Monday as I was a bit "out of sorts".  As always, he made me feel okay!

Have a great last week of May week!

let's do it tonight...

happy memorial day to all...

Thank you, dear soldiers, for giving us our freedom.

sara's story...

My former co-worker had her biological baby 4 weeks early two day's ago.  Sara and Don tried for 6.5 years to have a baby without success.  This wonderful couple then adopted twin boys from Ethiopia 2 years ago.  The boys were one when they brought them home and then last fall, Sara text me she was pregnant.  What??? Well, she just welcomed her 3rd son into the world, Luke.  So happy for this lovely lady!

a beautiful sunday...

It's a beautiful Sunday and I was up early getting little things done.  I found my flag to hang and hung up a plant hanger for my hanging basket of flowers. (There's a lot of "hang" in that sentence.)  Well, almost hung it up as it was a bit after 7 and Brian shouted from our bedroom, "Sue, what are you doing? ".  Apparently, he thought it was too early in the morning to be banging a nail in wood. Oh, what ever.  Then, I did some laundry and got coffee and went through mail.  Now I'm ready to go outside to do a bit of yard work and then we are going to go to the Fine Art Fair in town.  Yeah to a fabulous spring day!

staying balanced..

I like this advice although some of it is just "common sense" but well, I think it is worth the reminers...

Here are 7 essential solutions to overcome food cravings via "MindBodyGreen":

1. Practice stress reduction.

Your entire being needs to know that you are not at a 4-alarm fire! Even five minutes of mindfulness meditation twice daily can calm your nervous system, help your cortisol levels return to normal, and transform your life. I practice a “quickie” meditation whenever I feel my stress level mounting. It goes like this: While inhaling deeply to the count of 4, say to yourself “I AM” and on the exhale to a count of 4 say “AT PEACE.” Rinse and repeat 4 times.

2. Practice mindfulness in food choices and while eating.

To do this, simply take a moment before you eat something to really check in with yourself, from a place of centeredness. Ask yourself whether this is optimal for you and take a moment to think about what your body really needs right then. Eat only when you feel relaxed. Eat slowly so that you can enjoy and savor your meals. Food should be one of our great pleasures in life. Mindful eating can help you break free from the grip of food addictions and feel better about your choices so that you can enjoy eating once again.

3. Keep your blood sugar balanced.

Blood sugar balancing is a key to alleviating food cravings. Eat a healthy breakfast with a good quality protein every day. Eat only nutrient rich foods, emphasizing proteins, high quality fats, and vegetables. Sugar sends your body on a roller coaster ride of highs and lows. The lows (hypoglycemia) trigger your brain, which depends on sugar for energy, to think you are in a state of emergency and causes your stress response to get activated full tilt boogie. Stable blood sugar = stable stress hormones, smoother emotions, and healthy weight.

4. Keep your fridge and pantry health friendly.

Simple logic: If you only have healthy food choices, you’re more likely to eat well.

5. Optimal nutrient intake will help with satiety.

If your body isn’t getting the nutrients you need, you will crave more and more food as your body tries to get the nutrition you are really craving. This takes you back to points 2, 3, and 4 above. Taking a good multivitamin and mineral can also provide missing ingredients for optimal health.

6. Sleep well.

This means getting 7 to 8 hours each night. Less than this also leads to activation of the stress response and increased cortisol levels. We’ve all experienced fatigue leading to sugar cravings. Back to the same vicious cycle of stress, cravings, weight gain and so on.

7. Find ways to feel full other than food.

Sometimes feelings of emptiness, sadness, loneliness or boredom can also activate our stress response and trigger hormones and chemicals in our brains that stimulate cravings – a need to fill ourselves. Since fat, sugar, and salt “feed” us when we are in a stress response, calming the anxiety that arises when we feel fight-or-flight feelings, or depression, these are what we tend to crave when we feel empty emotionally. Tending and mending the broken parts of us is part of becoming whole and healthy.

Herbal medicines called adaptogens, for example, ashwagandha, rhodiola, maitake and reishi mushrooms, and American ginseng are especially helpful for restoring adrenal health, healing burn out, regulating blood sugar, and nourishing the immune system. They can also help with “brain fog” and memory problems that also accompany stress, fatigue, and sugar cravings, and they boost mood naturally. They are safe except if you are pregnant, on SSRI antidepressants, or medications for your immune system.

I use a formula called Vital Adapt by Natura Health Products, and another by Planetary Formulas called Reishi Mushroom Supreme. Gaia Herbs makes an excellent formula called Adrenal Health, and there are many adaptogen blends on the market. They need to be taken for at least 3 to 6 months to be effective.

Love your body. Love your food. Love your self. BREAK FREE! YES, YOU CAN!!!

my latest obsession...

...finding a summer bag.  The one I want is this Michael Kors Large Studded Straw Shopper as I think it is adorable. As Brian has been asking me what I want for my birthday, I shared this request with him along with a MK wallet that I love and a cute pare of cork wedges that I have to have sooner rather than later.  We'll see!

running with no music...

This week my my morning runs were without music and I loved it.  It was so nice to just be surrounded by fresh air and watch the sun rise and listen to birds.  I think "music free runs" are more relaxing for me and I am determined to continue them.  On another note, I have been obsessed with salads lately.  After buying tons of fresh vegetables last weekend, I've been making a large Tupperware container of salad so we can just open it up and scoop some out to enjoy for dinner or lunch.  This beautiful concoction has consisted of romaine and kale and watercress and celery and tomatoes and sweet peppers and cucumbers. It is really pretty.  In addition, we have many a baggie of carrots and strawberries to grab as well as bite size fresh, green broccoli in our refrigerator bin.  Yep, were doing good here eating our fruits and vegetables!

is he talking about facing wednesday...

Today is our last faculty meeting of the school year.  It's kinda funny, I have 11 more working days plus one field trip day left before school is over and I'm not really thinking about my time off.  I'm thinking about things I'll do different next year to be more "time efficient".  What does that mean?  I should be making my "summer to-do" bucket list!!!

2nd day of morning running...

Today was my second day of morning running and it was wonderful.  I can actually leave my home a bit before 5 as it is more than light enough which is what I have been waiting for.  This morning was surprisingly warm and crisp and just plain welcoming.  Gym no more...it is so nice to be back outside!

tuesday the 20th...

Well, 3 more days until our long weekend and 2 more days of work for Nick.  I thought his last day was Monday night, but the company is short handed to he's helping out.  He's a good man!  Today is an ordinary work day, tomorrow an after school meeting happens and on Friday we're off to The Shedd for a field trip. I'm hoping the traffic won't be horrible when we leave the city as my team and I did not make the connection with the field trip and a holiday weekend.  Dangerous...Oh, well, after that exhausting day and let me just say, field trips are exhausting, I'm looking forward to Memorial Day weekend.  Okay, I can do the rest of this week!

surrounded by flowers...

I'm finally surrounded by flowers.  When I look out my patio door, I see flowers in coral and pink and white and yellow and red.  My front door view greets me with dark orange and yellow pansies and a cascading basket of a purple and white and green and pink mix and as you drive up our street, you see more blooms in pretty green pots.  These flowers, however, were the ones  given to my by my sweet husband.  Such a beautiful bouquet!!!

happy monday...

I hope you had a nice weekend. I...

• did a Costco run on Friday which was almost  $300.00...Why, oh why do I always spend so much money when  I go there?
• did my usual Saturday stuff in the morning and I also made Beef Ragu, bought a few more groceries and planted flowers.
• was a bit crazy in the afternoon as I was tired and hungry which is never a good combination.
• finished planting on Sunday as Brian officially finished all of his spring projects.  He is a good man.
• was so sad that I washed my i-phone in the washing machine.  When I went to Verizon, I discovered I don't have an upgrade until May of 2015 and my insurance ran out in April.  Not a good morning so at this point, I have no phone.
• made fabulous turkey sandwiches from the turkey breasted we had cooking at 9:30 a.m. on the Traeger.  I swear, I continue to be amazed by this grill.  We all take a bite of something we made on it and chew and sigh and shake our heads as we say, "Delicious."

Have a great "Pre-Memorial Day" week!

a sweet drink with a sprinkle of heat...

This is one I want to try Memorial Day weekend.  Doesn't it look scrumptious?

Sweet Heat via Inspired by Charm

Here's what you will need:

2 ounces vodka
1 1/2 ounces pineapple juice
1/2 ounce simple syrup
3 slices jalapeño, thinly sliced
2 slices ginger, thinly sliced
1 lime wheel for garnish

In a cocktail shaker, muddle together the jalapeño, ginger, simple syrup.
Add ice, vodka, and simply syrup.
Shake vigorously.
Pour into a glass and garnish with a lime wheel.

Thank you, dear Michael!

the future bride looks very happy...

happy graduation to all...

someone is looking sassy in south beach...

...and gorgeous, I might add!

Excerpts from "How to be Perfect"

by Ron Padgett

 

Get some sleep.

Eat an orange every morning.

Be friendly. It will help make you happy.

Hope for everything. Expect nothing.

Take care of things close to home first. Straighten up your room
before you save the world. Then save the world.
Be nice to people before they have a chance to behave badly.

Don't stay angry about anything for more than a week, but don't
forget what made you angry. Hold your anger out at arm's length
and look at it, as if it were a glass ball. Then add it to your glass
ball collection.

Wear comfortable shoes.

Do not spend too much time with large groups of people.

Plan your day so you never have to rush.

Show your appreciation to people who do things for you, even if
you have paid them, even if they do favors you don't want.

After dinner, wash the dishes.

Calm down.

Don't expect your children to love you, so they can, if they want
to.

Don't be too self-critical or too self-congratulatory.

Don't think that progress exists. It doesn't.

Imagine what you would like to see happen, and then don't do
anything to make it impossible.

Forgive your country every once in a while. If that is not
possible, go to another one.

If you feel tired, rest.

Don't be depressed about growing older. It will make you feel
even older. Which is depressing.

Do one thing at a time.

If you burn your finger, put ice on it immediately. If you bang
your finger with a hammer, hold your hand in the air for 20
minutes. you will be surprised by the curative powers of ice and
gravity.

Do not inhale smoke.

Take a deep breath.

Do not smart off to a policeman.

Be good.

Be honest with yourself, diplomatic with others.

Do not go crazy a lot. It's a waste of time.

Drink plenty of water. When asked what you would like to
drink, say, "Water, please."

Take out the trash.

Love life.

Use exact change.
When there's shooting in the street, don't go near the window.

Excerpts from "How to be Perfect" by Ron Padgett, from How to be Perfect. © Coffee House Press, 2007. Reprinted with permission.

Today is for removing some hardware in the family room, patching the holes and painting the wall before the blinds get installed which I so hope is soooon. Also putting a turkey breast on the Traeger as well as bacon for some tasty sandwiches.  I'm going to finish planting my flowers and maybe go to Target for a couple of Adirondack chairs for the lower patio.  Looking forward to a warm Sunday!

my sweet girls...

The girls are in Miami celebrating Jen!  Enjoy your time together, ladies!

t.g.i.f...

Happy Rainy Friday!  So glad it's here and look what I'm going to make for dinner tomorrow night.  Yep, this warm and comforting Crock Pot Rustic Italian Beef Ragu!  I was thinking that as I just turned our heat back on in my home as it is cold, it would be a okay to make a hearty meal for my guys tomorrow.   Mmmmmm, Mmmmm Good!  So, what's up this weekend?  Well, I'm going to my favorite place, Costco, after work to stock up on a few needed supplies, then grilling pizza for dinner and watching some good old fashion T.V. as I am still under the weather.  Yep, it's going on day 6.  Then, it's my usual Saturday morning routine before I head out to buy my flowers.  I need some pretty things to look at I gaze out my still uncovered, new patio door.  (I am getting desperate for our window treatments to arrive so our rooms get the "finishing touch" they so deserve.)  Also on the list is for my husband to paint some outside trim, remove some blind hardware and then patch and paint the wall.  Once that is done, I think Brian can start to solely focus on going to the driving range and booking tee times....once again, I think he can do that.  Sunday will be devoted to a bit of grading and lesson planning for next week and bye the way, I only have 14 more days of school remaining. Yeah!!!  On another note, Nick is on his count down as well.  He only has 4 more days of work before he works to get his body on a normal schedule before leaving for a month of training in Springfield for his new job; a guard at a boy's prison.  His dream job, no, but as our Chris says, "Who has their dream job?"  At least he will make very decent money and get full benefits and that, my friends, is wonderful as is the fact he is continuing to get some law enforcement experience. Moving forward is a good thing for a 24 year old.  Mmmm, that's about if for now so happy Friday and let's just pray the sun comes out soon as these dreary days are taking a tole on all! 

a low fat taco...



I made Turkey Tacos last night and the dish was wonderful.  These tacos were so flavorful even though there was no fat. Lately, I've been making my tacos without package seasoning as there is way too much salt in those little pouches and I think mine are much better. This dish is another keeper!

Turkey Taco Lettuce WrapsSkinnytaste.com
Servings: 4 • Size: 2 lettuce wraps • Old Points: 6 pts • Points+: 6 pts
Calories: 255 • Fat: 11 g • Carb: 6 g • Fiber: 2 g • Protein: 30 g • Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 849 mg • Cholesterol: 108 mg

Ingredients: 

• 1.3 lbs 99% lean ground turkey
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 small onion, minced
• 2 tbsp bell pepper, minced
• 3/4 cup water
• 4 oz can tomato sauce
• 8 large lettuce leaves from Iceberg lettuce
• (optional) 1/2 cup shredded reduced fat cheddar - (7 pp)

Directions:

Brown turkey in a large skillet breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. When no longer pink add dry seasoning and mix well. Add the onion, pepper, water and tomato sauce and cover. Simmer on low for about 20 minutes.

Wash and dry the lettuce. Divide the meat equally between the 8 leaves and place in the center of each leaf and top with your favorite taco fixins! With the cheese, 2 wraps are 7 pp (toppings extra).

to feel healthier...

...put cucumber slices, grapefruit and tangerines into a pitcher.  Add filter water and peppermint and refrigerate for one hour.  Easy and refreshing!

out sick...

I have not yet worked out this week as I have been a bit under the weather with a spring cold.  My plan was to run outside this morning but that did not happen since I have been up since about 2 this morning.  Ugh!  This is going to certainly be a long day.

everyone needs them...

please get green and sunny...

another rainy day...

i was thinking about cooking and eating...

Brian and I are "meal planners".  We talk about what we are going to cook daily, plan the event and critique it when we are done.  Nick seems to do it now, too, as he knows I am passionate about cooking.  To me, there is nothing more fun to do when you are cooking for people who love to eat!

 

 

I'm currently watching the original Jaws and I am literally on the edge of my seat! 

so refreshing....

Lemon water on pretty napkins with a side of blueberries...

something pretty to look at as we start our week...

my crazy monday night dinners..



This photo belongs to The Pioneer Woman

I did not get home until almost 5 and why I chose to make multiple dishes tonight is beyond me.  Yet, I think I do it often on Mondays.  That being said, I stopped at the grocery store to buy parsley and basil and cilantro and then went home to chop and prep and marinate.  Brian cooked my Greek Marinated Chicken Breasts on the Traeger and I made The Pioneer Woman's Chicken Mozzarella Pasta.  It was lovely!  The dinner was cheesy and creamy and filled with herbs.  It took me awhile to make, but I think it was because I was so multi-tasking.  A definite repeat, according to my men! The down side was I never stopped until 8:30 when all was cleaned up and put away.

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta via The Pioneer Woman

Ingredients

• 1 pound Penne Or Rigatoni
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil, Plus More For Drizzling
• 2 whole Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Cut Into Small Bite-sized Pieces
• Salt And Pepper
• 1 whole Large Onion, Finely Diced
• 2 cloves Garlic, Minced
• 1 jar (25 Ounce) Good Quality Marinara Sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (more To Taste)
• 1/2 cup Water
• 2 Tablespoons Minced Fresh Parsley
• 8 ounces, weight Fresh Mozzarella, Cut Into Medium Cubes
• 1/4 cup Parmesan Shavings
• Extra Parmesan, For Serving
• 12 whole Basil Leaves (chiffonade)

Preparation Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions.
Heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Allow to cook without stirring for 2 minutes, or until golden. Stir chicken around to brown on all sides. Remove to a plate.
In the same skillet over medium-high heat, add the onions and garlic and stir immediately to start cooking. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deep golden.
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the marinara sauce, red pepper flakes, and the water. Stir until the onions and garlic are mixed in, then add the chicken back into the pan. Add the parsley, stir to combine, then allow to simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 7-8 minutes.
Make sure the sauce is bubbly and very hot, then gently stir in the mozzarella. Let it sit, undisturbed, for 2 to 3 minutes, until you can see that the mozzarella is very soft.
Drain the pasta and pour it onto a platter. Drizzle with a little olive oil. Immediately sprinkle on 1/4 cup Parmesan shavings (or grated Parmesan.) Pour on the sauce, sprinkle with extra Parmesan and the chiffonade of Basil, and serve immediately!
* NOTE: The mozzarella should be very soft but should still be in visible chunks rather than distributed throughout the sauce. It's better for the chunks to be on the firm side than the falling-apart side! You can always heat it a little more to get the cheese to the consistency you want.

the best meatloaf ever...

This photo belongs to The Pioneer Woman

I love the Pioneer Woman.  The dishes she makes are always filled with flavor and each and every one that I have made screams "comfort food".  Here is her meatloaf recipe and it is truly deeeelicious!  Bon appetite!

My Favorite Meatloaf via The Pioneer Woman

Ingredients

Meatloaf:

• 1 cup Whole Milk
• 6 slices White Bread
• 2 pounds Ground Beef
• 1 cup (heaping) Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon Seasoned Salt
• 3/4 teaspoons Salt
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 1/3 cup Minced Flat-leaf Parsley
• 4 whole Eggs, Beaten
• 10 slices Thin/regular Bacon
• Sauce:
• 1-1/2 cup Ketchup
• 1/3 cup Brown Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Dry Mustard
• Tabasco To Taste

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pour milk over the bread slices. Allow it to soak in for several minutes.
Place the ground beef, milk-soaked bread, Parmesan, seasoned salt, salt, black pepper, and parsley in a large mixing bowl. Pour in beaten eggs.
With clean hands, mix the ingredients until well combined. Form the mixture into a loaf shape on a broiler pan, which will allow the fat to drain. (Line the bottom of the pan with foil to avoid a big mess!)
Lay bacon slices over the top, tucking them underneath the meatloaf.
Make the sauce: add ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and hot sauce in a mixing bowl. Stir together. Pour 1/3 of the mixture over the top of the bacon. Spread with a spoon.
Bake for 45 minutes, then pour another 1/3 of the sauce over the top. Bake for another 15 minutes. Slice and serve with remaining sauce.
Serve with mashed potatoes. Yummy!

happy monday...

I hope you had a great weekend.  I...

• totally enjoyed my Friday off of work doing things that needed to be done and chatting with who is soon to be experiencing another "life change", Nick.
• bought my mom the most wonderful, soft, spring pajamas from Von Maur.  I also purchased 4 gorgeous small, potted flowers in clay pots to put in the center of our lunch table so it would "scream spring".  All of the ladies are going to be taking one of the pots home to remember our special lunch together.
• treated myself to some needed new pajama bottoms and a beautiful cami to wear with them...it's lacy and pretty and feminine.
• was so happy to have the sun shining for 2 of the 3 days I was home.
• enjoyed a lovely Saturday night dinner with my 3 boys.
• went for a mani/pedi on my quiet Mother's Day.
• made the best Pioneer Woman meat loaf on the Traeger.  It was to die for as it was filled with flavor, draped in thick bacon and topped with a homemade barbecue sauce. 
• actually laid down and read after turning on the air in the afternoon as it was really warm and humid in our home.

Have a great week!

i want to sit here...

 

 

 

 

 

...with my Chardonnay and book.

happy mother's day...

I am a very lucky mom!  I have 3 amazing kids who I adore, 1 wonderful son-in-law and a soon to be daughter-in-law who is the sweetest thing ever.  Being a mom has made my life rich and full and filled with happiness and love. Wishing all of the moms out there a Happy Mother's Day. 

where i grew up...

My sister posted this picture of the home I grew up in on Facebook and when I saw it, I think I gasped. I have so many happy memories of this little house on Homewood Court that housed 6 people who shared one bathroom.  My room was the one just right of the front door.  Yep, that's where I spent many a happy nights listening to music and doing homework and reading.  One time this guy who liked me actually came and played his instrument outside of that very window.  Seriously!  Reminiscing is good for the soul!

honoring my mom...

 

My mom is really an amazing woman. She was married at 21 and had my brother the next year.  She raised 4 children pretty much on her own as my dad was always working. Mom cooked every night, kept her house totally organized and clean and ironed once a week in the basement as she drank Tab, smoked Salem cigarettes and watched soap operas.  She ran everyone around, played with us outside, was on a bowling league, gardened, mowed the lawn, planned parties, dressed us for church and wanted very little for herself.  A Manhattan was her drink of choice and she drank them nightly before dinner.  So very funny.  She loved to read and knit and pray; she has great faith in God.  Mom was more than thrilled when her and my dad moved to Lake Geneva as she so wanted to live in a new city.  She continued to be a devoted grandmother who accepts all of her grandchildren for who they are; my Nick loves her dearly as she respects him and understands him, and this lady is funny.  She still plays jokes on all of us on her favorite holiday, Halloween and dances to any music she hears that she loves no  matter where she is.  As my dad has aged, she is his rock.  She drives them around, keeps him moving, still cleans and gardens and cares for him when he can't which is more often now and does it because she loves him.  Tomorrow I will honor my mom, an incredible woman and wife and mother and sister and aunt and grandmother.  Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

it's all about balance...

I'm off today...I took my personal day to just enjoy a long weekend which started last night at the ChildrenUp Spring Gala.  It was a lovely event and I bought a gorgeous wooden bead necklace. Brian and I really enjoy being with Chris as Sarah was selling goods.  We don't have a chance to spend time with him often so it was dear as he is truly a sweet man.  Today is about cleaning and grocery shopping and stopping in Von Maur to get my mom a little gift to celebrate her tomorrow.  I am also in the mood to cook some tasty treat for dinner tonight.  After lunching in Lake Geneva at noon tomorrow, I'm going to buy some flowers and then just "chill".  On Mother's Day, I'm going for a mani/pedi as I will be alone:(  Brian is working and Nick will be sleeping so I'm planning on treating myself to some new summer pants and sandals and maybe lunch in Geneva. I think I've planned a lovely weekend for me...I just hope the sun will shine a bit to make it more cheery.

two more to go...

Here are the only 2 things I have left to do on my "Spring to do" list.  I started with 14 so I'm pretty darn pleased.  Again, what's holding me up is my lack of getting down to my goal weight which must happen before my birthday or I'm going to be very, very sad.  That being said, I have 20 days to do it and then, my list will be completed.  Is it possible, I ask myself?  Well, the answer of course is yes, but I think I am going to have to increase my work out time for it to happen.  Ohhhh, why can't things be a little easier?

1. Get a facial, yes, a wonderful facial to rid my skin of the winter blues.
2. Buy some new make up at Mario's as I love my Cose and my Laura who is my go-to girl.

a fund raiser tonight...

Sarah is on the ChildrenUp Board and tonight is their Reaching for the Stars Spring Gala in Elmhurst.  Brian and I will be heading there around 6 to enjoy the evening with some wonderful people.  All donations support children's education in Uganda so it is a wonderful way to "give a little back" to those in need.  Here is the link if you want to learn more about ChildrenUp! and send in a donation!