Monday, April 7, 2014

mama. baby. drama: Sunshine Award

mama. baby. drama: Sunshine Award: Isn't it fitting that I noticed this little nomination from a fellow blogger right when the sunshine came up and started shining down on...

Sunshine Award

Isn't it fitting that I noticed this little nomination from a fellow blogger right when the sunshine came up and started shining down on us. It appears spring has finally arrived. We have survived first winter and overcome our disappointment when second winter appeared again and now we are enjoying the sun and I actually got to run in capris and a tank top without a long sleeve shirt, a jacket, a toque and mitts over top! Hallelujah!

So, back to my sunshine award. A fellow blogger who is so sweet and has the most wonderful sharings of life which can be found here http://sandalwoodlife.wordpress.com/ nominated me for a Sunshine award. Karen lives with purpose and balance. It is really inspiring to follow along and see how another Mommy finds balance in her life because let's face it, as a Mom, it is the one thing that always seems to get the best of me!

One part of the sunshine award is that I am to share 11 things about myself so here goes...

1. I ran over 40 km last week. This to me is a huge accomplishment. It means if I break down my four runs of the week I averaged 10km/run. There was a time in my life that I didn't run 10km in a week so the fact that I do it several times a week is quite a testament to how seriously I have taken my health.

2. This past weekend was incredibly emotional for me. I had visits with two friends who have cancer diagnosis right now. It is not an easy journey they are on yet they manage to walk this road with grace. I am inspired by their spirit and tenacity.

3. We lived outside all weekend. The sun was shining and therefore we were not allowed to be inside. I was more than a little giddy to hear all the neighborhood kids playing in the street.

4. I am type A. I like to be in control. This is something that I am perpetually learning to not control. It is never easy.

5. As I have aged I notice things like crows feet appearing on my face. Some days that make me happy, they are attached to memories and smiles. Other days I think they just make me look older than I am.

6. I believe whole heartedly that God has given me a purpose. I try to live a purpose driven life because o f that.

7. I heart coffee.
Chocolate is my other love. Rich, dark chocolate.

8. Sometimes I forget what my life was like PM (pre Mike) then once in awhile I remember and I am so grateful to have found my lobster. He is the perfect person for me and I can not imagine one day of my life without him. Also, he does all the laundry!

9. As I have gotten older I have learned to value the simplicity of  a good friendship. I no longer crave lots of friends or popularity. Instead I am thankful for the few strong friendships I have developed.

10. I wish I had a green thumb and a garden.

11. I like to add a little orange to my protein shake. It tastes like a creamsicle which tricks me into thinking I am having a milkshake for breakfast...lol


I will be nominating others for a Sunshine award in the coming weeks so stay tuned!

Thursday, March 6, 2014

mama. baby. drama: 40 in 40

mama. baby. drama: 40 in 40: For lent this year I plan on giving up stuff. Lots and lots of stuff. I plan on clearing out my house one bag at a time, 40 bags of stuff go...

40 in 40

For lent this year I plan on giving up stuff. Lots and lots of stuff. I plan on clearing out my house one bag at a time, 40 bags of stuff gone in 40 days. Want to join me? Here are the rules...if it isn't useful, loved or essential it is not allowed to live in my home anymore. You don't have to clear out a giant garbage bag everyday some days it may just be a small bag of old makeup some days it might be a few big old bags of clothes. I plan on cleaning out a different part of my home each day. The whole point of this is that less stuff equals less distractions. The less time I spend taking care of "things" the more time I can spend taking care of those I love and with less stuff there is less clutter which means less clutter for my mind and less clutter for my spirit.

I can not take full credit for this idea. I heard about it through a thread on Instagram but I think it is brilliant and I am inspired by the idea so I am jumping in and getting rid of 40 bags of things. If you feel inspired join in! Share with me what you are cleaning out. I will continue to blog the clearing out from our home over the next 40 days.

Since we are into the second day of lent I think I should share what I have already begun...

My closet and dresser were up first. I filled two very large garbage bags with clothes I don't wear, don't like and don't fit. The bags are being donated to a center that allows people in the community to come  and "shop".

Second, I cleaned up the fridge. Expired items thrown out and all the extra junky magnets, flyers, and bits of stuff that have been cutting off my view of the lovely pictures we have been given by friends and family are gone. Today was only a small bag but I am happy to walk into my kitchen and actually see my fridge. Oh and we can enjoy Mike's collection of Jesus magnets again.



Thursday, February 20, 2014

mama. baby. drama: Haircut for my Diva

mama. baby. drama: Haircut for my Diva: Evelyn's bangs have been obstructing her vision so it was time for a cut. I decided to take her to a new kids cut place in Avenida calle...

Haircut for my Diva

Evelyn's bangs have been obstructing her vision so it was time for a cut. I decided to take her to a new kids cut place in Avenida called Divas and Dudes. The website looked nice and their prices were reasonable so off we went.

The salon is bright and cheery with super friendly staff. Evelyn had her choice of four vintage looking metal cars, naturally she chose the pink one. Unlike other kid salons they don't have tv's playing movies. Instead, Evelyn was handed an ipad mini loaded up with games. This is brilliant, it kept her head down and her hands busy. It meant she she had a lot nicer cut that she has had in the past. When the cut was finished Evelyn got to choose from an assortment of hair mascara colors to have some "highlights".

On top of having four haircut chairs the salon also features a kids spa. I got a little sneak peek of the room and it is beautiful! There is a shimmery pink flowered wallpaper on the walls and a lovely chandelier. There is a long bench covered in fluffy cushions for the girls to sit on for their pedicures and pretty little chairs for the manicures. It is completely designed for kids even down to the teeny bopper magazines. Pedicures last 20 minutes, perfect for a little one to enjoy but not get too antsy and each month features a different ice cream scent for their spa time. Strawberry Shortcake is the scent for February and it smells delicious! We will definitely be coming in for some spa days.

Below is the salons price list for haircuts. Divas and Dudes offers many services beyond basic haircuts. From updos to birthday parties you will find lots of choices and prices to suit your needs.


1st haircut - $19  Your little diva or dude will receive and 1st hair cut certificate and a keepsake box for their precious locks.
Little Diva or Little Dude Hair Cut (7 yr & under) - $18  A buzz or trim finishing the style with streaks of color or a spritz of glitter.
The Big Dude's a Buzz (8 yr & up) - $22  A clipper of a cut for a cool short look.
The Diva and Dude Cut  (8 yr & up) - $28  You’ll love being the main attraction with a shampoo and trendy cut and style.
Add some style to that cut and blow dry - $15
Bang trim - $7


Wednesday, February 12, 2014

mama. baby. drama: The Moment When...

mama. baby. drama: The Moment When...: It is that embarrassing moment when you are working out in your living room with no music and only one other person in the room, your traine...