tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84881375837704620352024-03-12T21:06:36.710-04:00Thrifty TalesHi, I'm Alexa! I'm a Wife, Dog Mom, Human Mom to four little ones, Runner, Food Lover, Celiac, and Deal Finder.Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11526052345640484088noreply@blogger.comBlogger275125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488137583770462035.post-29755158390011300652018-07-29T06:30:00.000-04:002018-07-29T06:30:01.340-04:00New Favorite Apps to Save you Money!<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Hello! It's been awhile, and I was just chatting with some folks about rebate apps that save you money. That is, of course, if you use them correctly, and "reverse" rebate. Basically, this means plan your shopping list based on what you already need, then go through the apps to see if those things are on rebate, not just buy things you don't need because you'll get money back and think you're getting a "deal."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">That said, these two apps I'm featuring on here today don't really require you to buy certain things.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The first one I found out from my fellow deal finding friend Michelle a few months ago called <a href="http://www.fetchrewards.com/" target="_blank">Fetch Rewards</a>. Basically, you scan your receipts from grocery type stores (Wegmans, Target, CVS, Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Harris Teeter, etc.) and you get points for your purchases. Every receipt from a major retailer gets 25 points, and you can get additional points if you buy a brand they've featured.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I've found Fetch Rewards to be SO simple, because literally all you do is scan the receipt after you're through shopping, and once you reach 3,000 points, you can start getting gift cards to places like Panera or Dunkin. The more points you have, the higher your reward total towards a gift card. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">If you do sign up for Fetch Rewards, my referral code is <span style="background-color: white;"><b>C3JDF</b> so thank you kindly for using it. 😊</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The second app, called <a href="http://getsk.co/save222172" target="_blank">Shopkick</a>, takes a little more work. For this app, you scan items while shopping and get points. I find it can be a pain, and I often avoid it. Sometimes if I need a brain break for lunch at work, but don't want to mindlessly spend money on junk not in our budget, I'll walk through CVS and scan items to get points. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You also get points just for opening the app in some bigger retailers like Target or Wal-Mart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Once you have a certain number of points you can get gift cards to Starbucks, Target, Gap, etc. </span></div>
Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11526052345640484088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488137583770462035.post-55797286132244680242018-03-20T13:45:00.001-04:002018-03-20T13:45:13.606-04:00Free Ice Cream and Italian Ice!If your weather is anything like ours today, it doesn't have you thinking spring, HOWEVER, <a href="https://www.ritasice.com/" target="_blank">Rita's</a> is giving away free Italian ice (and if it's like last year, for an additional $1 you can add a scoop of custard on top to make it a gelati, YUM) for the first day of spring.<script src="https://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-27oLxGPYfLI/WrFIWxnn06I/AAAAAAAAClI/F8Z1GO7-WqcaQcNkvKr5Y2RuwkNxsBI4ACLcBGAs/s1600/content-water-ice.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="608" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-27oLxGPYfLI/WrFIWxnn06I/AAAAAAAAClI/F8Z1GO7-WqcaQcNkvKr5Y2RuwkNxsBI4ACLcBGAs/s320/content-water-ice.png" width="315" /></a></div>
Also, <a href="https://www.dairyqueen.com/us-en/Promotions-US/?localechange=1&" target="_blank">Dairy Queen</a> is giving away free soft serve ice cream cones (and some will do cups for celiacs like me) at participating locations for free cone day and accepting donations for the Children's Miracle Network.<br />
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Lovely freebies to kick off spring, and hopefully bring on some sunshine and flowers soon.<br />
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I found out about the Rita's deal through their awesome loyalty program, and I'm working on an e-mail right now that includes a list of my favorite loyalty programs. Programs that give you deals and steals not just on your birthday, but throughout the year. Stay Tuned!Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11526052345640484088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488137583770462035.post-87647804572186942052018-03-02T18:19:00.003-05:002018-03-02T18:22:35.894-05:00Free Yogurt!Another quick post to tell you about another quick deal.<br />
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With Chobani's redesigned packaging, it looks like they're on the hunt to keep their customers, and get new ones.<br />
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Right now, they have a free Chobani printable coupon on <a href="https://www.chobani.com/" target="_blank">their website</a>.
This one can be used for several Chobani products, including my kid's
favorite, Chobani Drink (or as they call it, "Yogurt Smoothie!!"). <br />
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PLUS, on Ibotta, there's a <a href="https://ibotta.com/r/cpbihxw" target="_blank">free carton of Chobani rebate</a> that can be used at various stores (Target, Harris Teeter, Wegmans, etc. ).<br />
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The coupon on their website is only good through <b>March 4,</b> so get there stat. The rebate on Ibotta has an expiration date of<b> March 28</b>.<br />
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Check it out and pick up a delicious and healthy snack (or two) for nothing!<script src="https://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11526052345640484088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488137583770462035.post-11864342784930666172018-01-29T22:19:00.000-05:002018-01-30T09:17:59.385-05:00Amazing Deal with Target CartwheelA quick post to let you know Target is having a 20% off clearance apparel and accessories deal when you use the <a href="https://cartwheel.target.com/" target="_blank">cartwheel app</a>! This deal must be used in store FYI.<br />
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I had written new shoes for my boys in the February budget, but had to move it to January to take advantage of these great deals. </div>
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All three pair of these Surprize by Stride Rite were $38.21 after cartwheel and Target Red Card (and before tax). To put into perspective, they are normally $30 a pair roughly.<br />
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So if you've been needing something from Target for you, or your family's wardrobe, now is the time to get it! This offer is good through February 3.<br />
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(P.S. not an ad, just wanted to share so everyone else can save too!)</div>
Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11526052345640484088noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488137583770462035.post-68598190522251699542018-01-16T07:30:00.000-05:002018-01-17T08:20:08.463-05:00My Favorite Apps to Save You $$Have you ever been at the check out line and had your eyes grow big as saucers as the cashier read your total back to you?<br />
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You walk out of the store, scanning your receipt and wondering, "How did it total up to that much?? There's no way these three bags cost $XXX!!"<br />
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It's amazing how a quick run to the store, or even what you think will be a quick online order for essentials, can add up so quickly.<br />
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One of my favorite ways to save that doesn't involve clipping coupons (I know some people hate coupons, personally, I have no problem with them) is finding apps that give you money back.<br />
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Check out the apps below, and their explainers, and click the links to add them to your phone if you see them (an FYI, you will be giving me a referral credit with some of them, which could give you a credit too!)<br />
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<b><a href="https://ibotta.com/r/cpbihxw" target="_blank">Ibotta</a>:</b> Among thrifty shoppers, Ibotta is probably the most well known rebate app. It works at many stores: grocery, big box, drug stores, etc. Recently it started adding online shopping cash back options as well, but I still prefer Ebates (see below) for that.<br />
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With Ibotta, you check the items on the list of offered rebates, shop for those items (items available for rebate vary by store) and scan your receipt when you are done shopping and it picks those items out and confirms your purchases.<br />
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Sometimes you'll have to scan items if the receipt picture doesn't pick them up.<br />
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<a href="https://savingstar.com/users/sign_up" target="_blank"><b>Savings Star:</b></a> Savings star can be used two ways:<br />
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<li>The incredibility easy way: if your store has a loyalty program, you just enter your shopper number and every couple of weeks it automatically enters your rebates from that store. You literally do nothing, but choose the rebates you want to activate, and then shop for those numbers. This does take a little longer to get your money back</li>
<li>Scanning the items purchased and then scanning your receipt like most other apps at stores without a loyalty program like Wal-Mart and Target</li>
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Savings Star also offers a healthy offer for a produce item, and sometimes has "100% cash back items" on smaller things like candy bars, cream cheese, etc. </div>
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<b><a href="https://www.checkout51.com/" target="_blank">Checkout 51:</a> </b>Check out 51 is super easy. Pick out your rebates, and scan your receipt, and go. Randomly you have to scan an item, and randomly items are only for specific stores. Most of the time, however, it's pretty universal, and easy to use.<br />
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<a href="https://go.ebat.es/imsk/pP3WmAy4mC" target="_blank"><b>Ebates:</b></a> When I first heard of Ebates, I thought it was a scam. How could I get money just for normal shopping I do online? But, you can. My friend Keri convinced me it was real, and it is a great way to make a little extra change. The cash back isn't crazy, anywhere between 1-8% usually depending on the day (they do promotions, like extra cash back) but if you're going to be spending the money anyway, you might as well! </div>
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<b><a href="https://go.ebat.es/imsk/pP3WmAy4mC" target="_blank">Wal-Mart Grocery:</a> </b>I'm going to sound like a total yuppie here, but I hate going into Wal-Mart most of the time. I'm a Target person. However, I love Wal-Mart's prices, and their wide variety of items, and when you're working on a budget with four little ones, price is king if the quality is the same. </div>
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So Wal-Mart's grocery app is amazing because you can shop for groceries right on it, set your order time, pull up in the designated spot and they load your groceries right into your car--you never get out and go inside the store! Plus, there is no convenience charge like many other grocery pick up or delivery services. </div>
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If you use my link above you'll get $10 off your first order too and then you can refer others for the same!</div>
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These apps can be such money saving tool if you use them correctly. If you only buy things you needed anyway, aren't sucked into impulse buys on extra items, or special sales on Ebates, you'll end up with extra money from items you would have bought anyway.</div>
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The rebates offer various ways for you cash out with your sweet moola. Ebates gives you a quarterly payout with options for PayPal, Check, or gift cards, Checkout 51 and Ibotta let you cash out once you've earned $20 with various gift card options and PayPal, Savings Star lets you cash out once you hit $5 with gift cards and PayPal as your choices. </div>
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Personally, I uses these rebates as my coffee run money and load it as Starbucks gift cards randomly, OR I put it into savings or an extra payment on our cars to get ahead. It's "found money" and an easy way to slip ahead, which I love.</div>
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Happy Savings!</div>
Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11526052345640484088noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488137583770462035.post-29965332881282895662017-12-31T11:50:00.003-05:002017-12-31T11:57:58.761-05:002017 in PicturesI know it's been awhile..over a year in fact. And if you check out the pictures below, you'll see a few things have changed, or should I say multiplied. Our family grew times two with the birth of our twins Sydney and Laine on June 21. Blogging fell by the wayside with the demands of a full-time job outside the home, full-time job at home, and spending half the year making sure I cooked two healthy girls while my body slowly became a giant, aching, incubator.<br />
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But now we're a family of six, living in <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/10-most-expensive-cities-in-america/11/" target="_blank">one of the most expensive regions in the United States</a>. So people keep asking me, how do you do it? How do both you and your husband work outside the home, have four kids in childcare, still get in your workouts, date nights, and keep sane?<br />
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Short answer: We don't.<br />
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Long answer: We're thrifty, not cheap, but thrifty.<br />
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I know money is sensitive subject, but it's something we all deal with. However, i'm not here to tell you how to manage your money, because managing my own is hard enough.<br />
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But, as I get back to regular blogging, I will be focusing more on the tips and tricks that can help families save money, and the little things we do to find a better deal and save both time and money and enjoy our family of six at the same time.<br />
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So stay tuned, I may not blog often, but it's my hope to get over here at least every few weeks and share my tips, and hear some from you as well! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last picture as a family of four</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bringing the girls home from the hospital</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sydney and Laine's Baptism</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ec3rfKFuds4/WkkUWkZscnI/AAAAAAAACgo/25QB5cn6EcM-8DvCQdW0BvCQgmMrDdL8ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2200.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ec3rfKFuds4/WkkUWkZscnI/AAAAAAAACgo/25QB5cn6EcM-8DvCQdW0BvCQgmMrDdL8ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2200.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halloween at just over four months</td></tr>
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Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11526052345640484088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488137583770462035.post-49442937571928174172016-10-15T10:00:00.000-04:002016-10-15T15:25:19.226-04:00Fall UpdateI've taken breaks from blogging before, but never this long. Never nearly eight months. I could not write again, and no one would notice, but I know I would. I love looking back at my posts and remembering things I would have otherwise probably forgotten about in the hub bub of life.<br />
<br />
And let me tell you, life has been a hub bub. I planned to write more after my leap day post, but things got crazier than ever before.<br />
<br />
Austin's seizure that I wrote about became prolific seizures, that were happening once or twice a week, and scary, and unpredictable, and very frustrating. And in the middle of all that, I was interviewing for a new job. After being with the same company for 7+ years, the company that moved me to Virginia, so that in itself was scary.<br />
<br />
I was sitting in the hospital with Ben, his dad, and Austin when I got the call with a job offer. We had just heard word that all was good with Austin, a negative MRI, a diagnosis (pediatric unexplained epilepsy) and a plan for a drug to help control them, and it seemed like it was a good sign. It was time to make a change and move forward, as scary as it might be.<br />
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Since the end of March, Au<span style="text-align: center;">stin has been seizure free, and is happy as ever. </span><br />
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Everett started speech therapy himself in April and now is a talking machine. He's finally communicating his needs and wants, but isn't always happy when he doesn't get everything he wants, and claims he needs, the minute he wants them. He and his brother are really forming a relationship which is so fun to see. They also now team up on their dad and I. =)<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AUywKe7a-m8/WAEyfCt62XI/AAAAAAAACSc/r9P9b9RpGiEqPYxhMcWwjAp7dSElLYd2ACLcB/s1600/IMG_9129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AUywKe7a-m8/WAEyfCt62XI/AAAAAAAACSc/r9P9b9RpGiEqPYxhMcWwjAp7dSElLYd2ACLcB/s200/IMG_9129.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0zfmAcF55ac/WAEygDwO0TI/AAAAAAAACSg/U4-tnUTK9bQG6wPQWTZ0AfAxQLkiuo9kQCLcB/s1600/IMG_9117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0zfmAcF55ac/WAEygDwO0TI/AAAAAAAACSg/U4-tnUTK9bQG6wPQWTZ0AfAxQLkiuo9kQCLcB/s200/IMG_9117.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
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And now, Ben has a new job as well. He took a leap out of the news business, and is quite happy with it, and as are we as a family.<br />
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Roughly a year ago I told Ben I felt like I was barely keeping my head above water, even drowning some days. Barely having enough time for anything, both working crazy hours and times, and even though we were working our asses off, we were just making ends meet.<br />
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I said we weren't living, we were existing.<br />
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I pleaded that we needed a change.<br />
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I didn't know what, but something had to give, and I'm happy to say a year later things have changed because we decided they needed to. Life feels less like work most days, and I couldn't be happier. I'm still not a millionaire, and I still have a messy house defined by crumbs and toy clutter, and a random 5-10 lbs that creeps up on me if I'm not careful, but I'm not grasping at straws to make life go most of the time, and that feels good.<br />
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So there you have it, the only things that stays the same is change itself, but here we are, standing on the other side.<br />
<br />Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11526052345640484088noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488137583770462035.post-13982872147258154622016-02-29T17:15:00.000-05:002016-02-29T17:15:15.290-05:00Leap Day 2016This year's Leap Day gives me an extra 24 hours to make sure I get in a blog post while it's still February. I at least like to make sure I do a new post once each month, and so here is February's.<br />
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This month has been all health up and downs. Not to sound geriatric, but we were in and out of doctor's offices all month.<br />
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Everett's ear drum ruptured and his tubes are non-functioning, and with that brought an ear infection. We have an ENT assessment for whether he needs another set of tubes later this week, and a speech assessment as well for his lack of words (his biggest word choice, "MOMMMMMM!!! MAAAAAAAA!!" for everything when he needs/wants something and "apple" to point to the apple TV remote).<br />
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We all caught some form of a nasty virus. Austin caught it so badly that he actually had a seizure from dehydration while we were waiting to be seen in the Urgent Care waiting room. The scariest five minutes of my life, as his eyes rolled in the back of his head while I was holding him, and then his body proceeded to convulse uncontrollably, while I screamed for help.<br />
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Doctors and nurses came running from the exam areas, good Samaritans stepped in, one lady to play with Everett and keep him distracted, a man helping me move furniture so Austin wouldn't hit his head during the seizure and helped me get him on his side. It really brought me even more faith in what people will do for one another when they need each other.<br />
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An ambulance ride to the ER, bags of fluid, blood tests and a chest x-ray later, our Austin is back to being his spunky self. We knew he was coming back around when he pointed out the lack of hand dryers in the ER bathrooms and yelled at the x-ray tech who was trying to get him to sit up straight, "Hey, you stop using hurting hands!"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jMDrA_9TyEc/VtS1omLpWQI/AAAAAAAACL8/EF60O_rDSmg/s1600/Austin%2BER.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jMDrA_9TyEc/VtS1omLpWQI/AAAAAAAACL8/EF60O_rDSmg/s320/Austin%2BER.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Resting in the ER with Mom</span><u><br /></u></td></tr>
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We've all had a bit of the virus he had since, Ben getting in the worst this past weekend. I pray we're all on the up and up to being healthy now!<br /><br />And how could I forget our sweet Cooper. The Yorkshire is growing older and at his sedated tooth-brushing we do every few years, the vet had to pull six of his teeth last week. He of course was extremely pathetic and whining, and wanted everyone to love him the most. And of course, we did.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IhX-16FjQqU/VtS1nFk9lqI/AAAAAAAACL4/jw9LZY1lp-g/s1600/AustinCooper.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IhX-16FjQqU/VtS1nFk9lqI/AAAAAAAACL4/jw9LZY1lp-g/s320/AustinCooper.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cooper taking care of Austin when he was sick</span></td></tr>
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The spring race season is upon us as well. Ben is all about it this year, although he's worried his bout with sickness will hold him back. I told him not to worry, he's done the training, missing his longest run this weekend before his half-marathon will not kill him, and his body needed the rest.<br />
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I had a great dinner out with some of my runner friends last weekend. It was lovely to see each other not in sweaty clothes or at the crack of dawn!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OtrhLKqY770/VtS1qbx-w8I/AAAAAAAACMA/1PZI-fA1ko0/s1600/Runners%2BDinner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OtrhLKqY770/VtS1qbx-w8I/AAAAAAAACMA/1PZI-fA1ko0/s320/Runners%2BDinner.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And, if you'll notice in the above pic, I'm getting old and need to wear glasses in low and darker lighting now. I can't drive at night without them, but can still see fine during the day, and enjoyed my nearly 12 years glasses and contacts free post-Lasik.<br />
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Onward to March, and here's hoping the whole month is like a lamb and not an ounce of lion!<br />
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<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11526052345640484088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488137583770462035.post-57850519396259235622016-01-07T15:30:00.000-05:002016-01-07T15:30:01.885-05:002016The New Year is such a refreshing time. I'm not a big New Years Resolutioner, but I do love the simplicity that comes with the New Year and the fresh start.<br />
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The holidays are full of so much excess. Excess food, excess decorating, excess parties, excess shopping, excess traffic, excess mail...the list goes on.<br />
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And I'm a Christmas lover. I love the glittery, fun items that line the aisles at Target, the twinkle of Christmas lights against the dark nights that start so early in winter and anything involving peppermint and chocolate mixed.<br />
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But, I also love sweeping my home of the Christmas tree and clutter come January, refreshing the refrigerator with more fresh produce and not having the grocery store be a mad house each weekend. <br />
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Our holidays were wonderful, Christmas at home with our little family, then a week trip out West with various stops to spend time with Ben's family.<br />
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Everett loved <a href="http://www.target.com/p/little-tikes-lil-ocean-explorers-crawl-n-pop-turtle/-/A-17200370#prodSlot=medium_2_60&term=toy+turtle" target="_blank">this turtle</a> Santa brought him that I saw <a href="http://ourstyledsuburbanlife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Laura at Our Styled Suburban Life</a> feature a few months ago. Each time it popped, he reacted in complete surprise, and it was hilarious and sweet as you can see in the video below.<br />
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I'm trying to have a January free of commitments after an end of 2015 that felt so full. So far, the only things on our calendar this month are a two year old's birthday party and a vet appointment for Cooper. I'll take it.<br />
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Right now, I'm also reviewing my race schedule for the year, and have decided on the following races:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://potomacriverrunning.com/event/love-10k/" target="_blank">For the Love of It 10K</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cherryblossom.org/index.php" target="_blank">Cherry Blossom Ten Mile</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.vanmetre5milerun.org/" target="_blank">Van Metre Five Mile</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.prraces.com/leesburg20k/" target="_blank">Leesburg 20K</a></li>
<li><a href="https://potomac.enmotive.com/events/register/55884a4a-f3a4-4496-9929-1d51c0a86526" target="_blank">Dulles Day 10K</a></li>
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I hope 2016 is starting out wonderfully for you and I'm looking forward to another year of sharing on the blog!<br />
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<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11526052345640484088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488137583770462035.post-79579400882712608462015-12-11T08:30:00.000-05:002015-12-11T10:06:29.154-05:00Christmas List Favorites for 2015I have been an all around slacker at blogging the last six weeks with no excuse, and especially getting out my yearly list! I've jotted down things on my phone when I see them (or left them hanging on our computers web browser for days...just to drop subtle hints), but I'm finally around to compiling them all together here! So here goes...<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/5-piece-bamboo-utensil-set/s291555" target="_blank">Crate and Barrel Bamboo Utensil Set</a></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BDXJKYuP9_k/VmnMiqlu6_I/AAAAAAAACJo/ze0NpYm7Xk4/s1600/Utensil%2Bset.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BDXJKYuP9_k/VmnMiqlu6_I/AAAAAAAACJo/ze0NpYm7Xk4/s320/Utensil%2Bset.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
Five years post wedding gifts, and I need to replace my bamboo spoons from C and B. One broke, the other is on it's last leg, and I admit, I haven't kept them oiled up enough, but I love these utensils, and really want this set. It's affordable too, at $19.95!<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/5-piece-bamboo-utensil-set/s291555" target="_blank">Jamberry Winter Wishes Holiday Set</a></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F07U2eom6HA/VmnMi4xiyXI/AAAAAAAACJk/2u8c1Q9hJQM/s1600/winter%2Bwishes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F07U2eom6HA/VmnMi4xiyXI/AAAAAAAACJk/2u8c1Q9hJQM/s320/winter%2Bwishes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This is a little self-serving to post, but I love this Jamberry Holiday Set. I love them all, but this one especially, and after using one for a raffle last week, I bought one for myself. I love the wraps, the polish is a beautiful color and the Nourish lotion smells great (and I'm not a smelly lotion person!).<br />
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<b><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/kate-spade-new-york-glitter-stud-earrings/3893091?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=2375500&fashionColor=&resultback=1026" target="_blank">Kate Spade Glitter Stud Earrings</a> </b><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NvObehdGB9Q/VmnMhqcwnKI/AAAAAAAACJM/N39jIJ_tB_w/s1600/Glitter%2BStuds.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NvObehdGB9Q/VmnMhqcwnKI/AAAAAAAACJM/N39jIJ_tB_w/s320/Glitter%2BStuds.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm obsessed with these earrings. I love basic studs, and these put a little pop of pizazz on that. The teal ones are beautiful, but I think I'd get the most wear out of the silver ones. They were just 30% off at Nordstrom last week, so I'm hoping they'll go on sale again!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Go-Set-Watchman-Harper-Lee/dp/0062409859/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449773094&sr=8-1&keywords=go+set+a+watchman" target="_blank">Go Set a Watchman</a></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MDJNrdz_u4U/VmnMhrH5meI/AAAAAAAACJQ/ZzY5udegL48/s1600/Go%2BSet%2Ba%2BWatchman.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MDJNrdz_u4U/VmnMhrH5meI/AAAAAAAACJQ/ZzY5udegL48/s320/Go%2BSet%2Ba%2BWatchman.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
I really want to read the new Harper Lee novel, but know I'll never buy it for myself. And the holidays are the perfect time to ask the indulgent items you won't put on your list!<br />
<a href="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=4191887" target="_blank"><br /></a>
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<b><a href="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=4191887" target="_blank">Shea Socks from Bath and Body Works</a></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7_K2iP7t_Hg/VmnMk1AXqcI/AAAAAAAACJ0/RqeqKLvekyA/s1600/Socks.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7_K2iP7t_Hg/VmnMk1AXqcI/AAAAAAAACJ0/RqeqKLvekyA/s320/Socks.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
Remember when socks were a dreaded Christmas gift?? Boy was I a dumb kid, because good socks rule! <a href="http://www.alexastales.blogspot.com/2014/12/christmas-list-2014.html" target="_blank">As I've stated before</a>, I loooooooove Smart Wool socks, and these Shea Socks from Bath and Body Works are a close second. They're so soft, and have grippers on the bottom. I love getting a pair in my stocking, and I love going to their big sale in January to buy the holiday varieties half off. =)<br />
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<b>Starbucks Glitter Cold Cup</b></div>
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<b> </b> </div>
There must be a glitter theme for me this year, because I love this gold glitter cold cup from Starbucks. I don't see it on their website anymore, but I snapped this picture when I saw this in store and sent to my husband for a Christmas idea. I love cold cups with straws, and go through them all the time, helps my drinks not get spilled with the kids, and keeps them cold longer. This one is gliterry cute to boot! <br />
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<b>Gift Cards</b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zbc9e2QNJJw/VmnMh5mZ9VI/AAAAAAAACJU/17XnL2C_fWc/s1600/Giftcards.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zbc9e2QNJJw/VmnMh5mZ9VI/AAAAAAAACJU/17XnL2C_fWc/s320/Giftcards.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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I am never opposed to gift cards; I think they're the best gift. Some people say they're a cold, or lame gift--to that I say, "no way!" It's shopping for free, and I love the choice of what I want, but forcing me to do something that I will enjoy, because let's face it, cash would go in savings, or towards a house project right now. So, gift cards are awesome!<br />
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This year, I'm all about gift cards to Stitch Fix, Target, Starbucks, Panera, Old Navy...the list could go on! But anywhere that makes my life more enjoyable, and gives my budget the ability to spend where I normally wouldn't be able to.<br />
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<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11526052345640484088noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488137583770462035.post-30434900008749909102015-10-28T17:30:00.000-04:002015-10-28T17:30:00.436-04:00Fall Favorites<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've had the pleasure of finding some awesome new items (and let's face it, most of them are food) this fall that I had to share.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.elliquark.com/" target="_blank">Elli Quark</a></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bRRirGjFDs8/VjEXrmlbo6I/AAAAAAAACHQ/Q56ZqOljtgI/s1600/Quark%2BVariety.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bRRirGjFDs8/VjEXrmlbo6I/AAAAAAAACHQ/Q56ZqOljtgI/s320/Quark%2BVariety.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As Ben said, "I'm going to eat this, and know it tastes like yogurt, but I can't get over the fact that its' cheese!" I found Elli Quark at Super Target after seeing it on Instagram, and they were kind enough to send me a variety pack of a dozen of their flavors to explore it further, and both Ben and I agree, delicious!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bRRirGjFDs8/VjEXrmlbo6I/AAAAAAAACHM/nugswwNkV8E/s1600/Quark%2BVariety.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's how they describe their product,<span style="font-size: small;"> <i>"Elli Quark is a spoonable FRESH CHEESE with a creamy texture similar to Greek yogurt, but with a richer, LESS SOUR taste. It also has a better protein-to-carb ratio than Greek yogurt, with HIGH PROTEIN and NO ADDED SUGARS or artificial sweeteners."</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-25lz2SNphxk/VjEXpRyDsMI/AAAAAAAACHE/385KRM1QbR4/s1600/Mint%2BChocolate%2BChips%2BQuark.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-25lz2SNphxk/VjEXpRyDsMI/AAAAAAAACHE/385KRM1QbR4/s320/Mint%2BChocolate%2BChips%2BQuark.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Frankly, I love it! It's two Weight Watchers points. Tastes great, and has fun flavors. I love putting some Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips on the Mint Chocolate flavor. Ben enjoyed the lemon flavor. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-25lz2SNphxk/VjEXpRyDsMI/AAAAAAAACHE/385KRM1QbR4/s1600/Mint%2BChocolate%2BChips%2BQuark.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><a href="http://www.foodfaithfitness.com/crockpot-paleo-cookies-chocolate-chip/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Crockpot Paleo Cookies</span></a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nW-A7TYznaI/VjEXtqqoDAI/AAAAAAAACHU/Qdgxv01nIW4/s1600/Crockpot%2BCookies.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nW-A7TYznaI/VjEXtqqoDAI/AAAAAAAACHU/Qdgxv01nIW4/s320/Crockpot%2BCookies.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">These are delicious, hands down delicious. They are made with real ingredients you can feel good about, but don't fool yourself, they're not good for you, and it will require A LOT of self-control to not eat half the pot yourself (I may have done that...) if you make them. Austin loved helping me make them, and they were great with some vanilla ice cream on top!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://barbaras.com/products/puffins-family/pumpkin-puffins/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Pumpkin Puffins</span></a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HsGaElSKxEc/VjEXmbhe11I/AAAAAAAACG0/Mu0u8aIXQEQ/s1600/Pumpkin%2BPuffins.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HsGaElSKxEc/VjEXmbhe11I/AAAAAAAACG0/Mu0u8aIXQEQ/s320/Pumpkin%2BPuffins.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pumpkin Alert! Love finding new, gluten free, pumpkin products in the fall. These are delicious. They're not very filling for a serving, but most the time the shelf is empty at Wegmans or Target where they sell them, so I always grab a box if I can! </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://ibotta.com/r/cpbihxw" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><b><span style="font-size: small;">Ibotta App</span></b></u></span></a></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XUNm8NH661k/VjEZg2RJWAI/AAAAAAAACHg/zXlE4exB9So/s1600/Ibotta%2BApp.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XUNm8NH661k/VjEZg2RJWAI/AAAAAAAACHg/zXlE4exB9So/s320/Ibotta%2BApp.PNG" width="180" /></a></span></b></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I LOVE the Ibotta app for getting rebates on everyday grocery items. You can find some good deals on here and do some nice stocking up! The key is to only buy the things you need and not get caught up in the fun of the bonuses and whatnot and buy extra things you don't need. You can collect a big balance, and once you're at $10 or more (very easy to get to), you can cash it out into your PayPal account. </span></span><br />
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<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11526052345640484088noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488137583770462035.post-8232892884872749772015-10-08T08:35:00.004-04:002015-10-08T08:37:57.636-04:00Diva Half Recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm going to keep this race recap short and sweet. I'm not even sure I mentioned on here that I was training for a half-marathon, but thus, I was, and boy am I glad I did this race.<br />
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The race itself was meh. Not bad, not great. I did a race in the suburbs thinking logistics would easier. They weren't. You had to park early, you had to buy a parking pass to do so, and the parking lot closed an hour before the race started. It was a nice race, but not one I'd be rushing to do again.<br />
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Luckily, I went with some awesome friends and we all caravaned there together, and I ran various miles of the race with a couple of them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pqq-tgRMoR4/VhZh009vA5I/AAAAAAAACF0/NxfWYGROzgc/s1600/Pre-Race%2BSelfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="176" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pqq-tgRMoR4/VhZh009vA5I/AAAAAAAACF0/NxfWYGROzgc/s320/Pre-Race%2BSelfie.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pre-Race Selfie</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">T</span>his race was hilly as heck. I knew the course would be hilly, but the announcer at the beginning of the race (who, for the record, was an idiot saying bone head things about women doing their make up before an all women's race--huge eye roll), said that the worst hill was at mile three, and you'd be good after that, WRONG. There were many hills after that, maybe not as steep, but longer, gradual ones that hurt just as bad, if not worse, later in the milage.<br />
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Here's the kicker. I PRed at this race. I was not planning to at all. My longest long run was ten miles, my foot had been hurting the week of the race, so I hadn't run in a week in order to rest, but it happened.<br />
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Around Mile 11 I realized I thought I could PR, I had been feeling amazing up until this point, but around then I started to feel like crap, hips hurting, feet feeling heavy, but I knew if I kept it up, I could get a nice PR. So, despite two quick stops to stretch out my hip, I booked it to the finish as fast as my tired body would carry me.<br />
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When I came to the finishers shoot, I was light headed and wanted to puke, but I grabbed some food, water and tried to suck it up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iYouxloNy1A/VhZh2Gn61dI/AAAAAAAACGA/Q0olLUu_L10/s1600/Post%2BRace%2BPic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iYouxloNy1A/VhZh2Gn61dI/AAAAAAAACGA/Q0olLUu_L10/s320/Post%2BRace%2BPic.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">All the ladies from our caravan post race</span></td></tr>
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I still felt pretty crappy after the race, but then our friend Kate pulled out surprise mimosas in the van. I was no way in shape for the awesome looking Prosecco she brought along, BUT, the orange juice did the trick, and a big glass of that had me feeling back to my old self. Thanks Kate!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NK7lIDBHgQc/VhZhL72nx0I/AAAAAAAACFs/l-ClBHIamGY/s1600/IMG_5624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NK7lIDBHgQc/VhZhL72nx0I/AAAAAAAACFs/l-ClBHIamGY/s320/IMG_5624.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kate tailgating with Post Race Mimosas</span></td></tr>
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Check this out below. My last PR in 2011 at age 27, over four years ago. I remember being thrilled I could run a race at under a 12 minute mile! And here we are now, two kids, two surgeries and a lot of life later, a PR! Woo hoo! However, I really think I can do better, if I push myself harder with training. So now the question is, do I do a spring half and test that out?! Ben is doing his first half this spring, so his training will take up a lot of time, so we'll see...<br />
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<u>Previous PR Race:</u><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MejAH9z-2B8/VhV77R4QvjI/AAAAAAAACE8/B_ATwrSro9Q/s1600/LaCrosse%2BHalf.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MejAH9z-2B8/VhV77R4QvjI/AAAAAAAACE8/B_ATwrSro9Q/s400/LaCrosse%2BHalf.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<u>New PR Time at Diva:</u><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">(Harder to read, but says: 2:32:14)</span></td></tr>
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<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11526052345640484088noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488137583770462035.post-62142830860675010462015-09-17T17:30:00.000-04:002015-09-17T17:30:00.926-04:00"What do you mean, he don't eat no meat??"I'm married to a meatatarian. There's no way around it, he even calls himself that openly. Every dinner should have meat in his opinion. EVERY DINNER. Lunch probably too, unless it's a hearty grilled cheese. When Ben cooks, it's usually meat on the grill, so meatless recipes are just not going to happen on his watch. <br />
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That said, I've been trying to sneak a meatless meal into our weekly menu rotation to mix things up. I know a lot of people call out Meatless Monday. According to the global movement, <a href="http://www.meatlessmonday.com/" target="_blank">found here</a>, one meatless day a week improves your health, and is also great for the planet. <br />
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We don't have a particular day we choose to go meatless, but whatever works in our schedule. It's designed to save us a little money (as you may remember from <a href="http://www.alexastales.blogspot.com/2014/02/meal-planning-and-shopping-on-budget.html" target="_blank">one of my meal planning posts</a>, we do a big meat shopping trip about once a month at Costco), and make us all try new things. <br />
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As long as I don't overload it with "weird" vegetables, or he leaves the table hungry, Ben will embrace the meal, as will Austin. Everett still loves most everything we put on his plate, bless his little heart, stay my baby forever, okay sweet boy?<br />
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It's safe to say, everyone's favorite meatless recipe, however, is when I make homemade macaroni and cheese (favorite recipe from The Pioneer Woman <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/mac-and-four-cheeses.html" target="_blank">found here</a>).<br />
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Either way, here are a few of my other meatless wonders that make it on our table. Some nights, I try to make them when Ben isn't home, since there are certain things (zucchini, kale, tomatoes, sweet potatoes) I know he doesn't have a taste for.<br />
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<li><a href="http://www.healthytippingpoint.com/santa-fe-casserole" target="_blank">Santa Fe Casserole </a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.dinneralovestory.com/you-make-it-you-own-it/" target="_blank">Black Bean Burritos</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.averiecooks.com/2015/08/parmesan-and-herb-roasted-potatoes.html" target="_blank">Parmesan and Herb Roasted Potatoes </a></li>
<li><a href="http://news.health.com/2014/11/04/baked-mac-cheese-for-less-than-200-calories-per-serving/" target="_blank">Light Baked Mac and Cheese</a></li>
<li><a href="http://damndelicious.net/2014/07/07/quinoa-enchilada-casserole/" target="_blank">Quinoa Enchilada Casserole</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/pasta-zucchini-goat-cheese" target="_blank">Pasta with Zucchini and Goat Cheese</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2015/07/white-bean-caprese-salad.html" target="_blank">White Bean Caprese Salad</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/315478/tortilla-soup-with-black-beans" target="_blank">Tortilla Black Bean Soup </a></li>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OGH9yStKpIg/VdzOcErqMCI/AAAAAAAACDk/1hIz3jziflA/s1600/fa8981e11f0d8dfe94e12698d62e1722.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OGH9yStKpIg/VdzOcErqMCI/AAAAAAAACDk/1hIz3jziflA/s400/fa8981e11f0d8dfe94e12698d62e1722.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11526052345640484088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488137583770462035.post-56234165637946490922015-08-12T17:00:00.000-04:002015-08-12T18:48:32.695-04:00Everett's First Birthday PartyOur sweet Everett turned one last week, and the day before his birthday we had a few friends over to celebrate.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--aLfZc3zKtA/VcuIEc81jJI/AAAAAAAACCo/_3JzEVpHgmo/s1600/Bday2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--aLfZc3zKtA/VcuIEc81jJI/AAAAAAAACCo/_3JzEVpHgmo/s320/Bday2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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We did a loosely themed Sesame Street party. Although somewhere in the process, Harris Teeter lost the memo on a blue cake to match Cookie Monster.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M0IX-xaTksQ/VcuIECt5YmI/AAAAAAAACCg/_6w1MIXOrSQ/s1600/Bday1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M0IX-xaTksQ/VcuIECt5YmI/AAAAAAAACCg/_6w1MIXOrSQ/s320/Bday1.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
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What can I say though? It's a free cake. Harris Teeter gives babies a free "smash size" cake for their first birthday with your rewards card <a href="http://www.harristeeter.com/default.aspx?pageId=418" target="_blank">when you sign them up</a>. Which is awesome! <br />
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Regarding my struggle on peanut allergy friendly cakes, I didn't end up having to make one, yay! <a href="http://giantfoodstores.com/" target="_blank">Giant</a> (another grocery store chain around here) sells Peanut Free Cupcakes, woo hoo! So Everett enjoyed one of the mini ones, and as you can see, he really loved it.<br />
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Everett's gift was much bigger than we normally do for birthdays, but it was really something for both the boys, <a href="http://www.target.com/p/kidkraft-vintage-kitchen-red/-/A-12228577#prodSlot=medium_1_52&term=play+kitchen" target="_blank">a play kitchen</a>. And so far, it's been a hit! Austin had been pretending to cook for us for awhile with random items, so it was perfect, along with the play food family members gave as their gifts.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VdgeeGiczhE/VcuKAE6atvI/AAAAAAAACC8/mK6sVbAGTXE/s1600/IMG_5135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VdgeeGiczhE/VcuKAE6atvI/AAAAAAAACC8/mK6sVbAGTXE/s320/IMG_5135.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A Recent Afternoon in the Kitchen!</span></td></tr>
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The party was short, but sweet, in the morning and lunch time to accommodate afternoon naps, but I'm not sure who had a better time, the birthday boy, or his older brother!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9H402OKa5f0/VcuIEOZfxlI/AAAAAAAACCk/GJW8YX9_Hm0/s1600/FOT130B.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="123" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9H402OKa5f0/VcuIEOZfxlI/AAAAAAAACCk/GJW8YX9_Hm0/s320/FOT130B.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11526052345640484088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488137583770462035.post-42751026431751750112015-07-31T17:00:00.000-04:002015-08-03T13:21:57.454-04:00Summer TimeWell hello summer, why are you slipping by so quickly? The 4th of July holiday is over, and it's all a downhill slide from here. I actually started noticing it getting darker a bit earlier at night recently--crazy! I feel like it was just snowing. (P.S. Did you know we lose two minutes of daylight per day in August, so over an hour by the end of the month?! You'll notice it more now that you know this if you didn't before)<br />
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Summer has been wonderful so far. My gallbladder is out and surgery was successful and recovery went well.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p1c0hicGAn0/VbvDHz9WabI/AAAAAAAACBU/75ULPtTGpZk/s1600/IMG_4687.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p1c0hicGAn0/VbvDHz9WabI/AAAAAAAACBU/75ULPtTGpZk/s320/IMG_4687.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pre-Surgery Selfie</span></td></tr>
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We've spent quite a bit of time at the pool. I love that we have community pools that are included in our HOA fees so we can go to one of the pools whenever we want and not feel bad if we're only there for a short period of time.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ut6sTD2ugLg/VbvDq7ceLmI/AAAAAAAACBc/CP_Z0ouLIXM/s1600/IMG_4849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ut6sTD2ugLg/VbvDq7ceLmI/AAAAAAAACBc/CP_Z0ouLIXM/s320/IMG_4849.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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My husband is also in the middle of trying to redo our backyard. It's a process, let's just say that, and I'll show you the after pictures once it's a success, as he promises me it will be.<br />
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Everett is one year old next week so we've planned a little party at the house this weekend. I'm looking forward to having our friends over to celebrate E, but crazy that he's turning one! The year has both flown by, and it also seems like he's been a part of our lives forever. <br />
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I'm also a huge advocate of store bought birthday cakes both for sanity reasons and because I think they're delicious, but with his peanut allergy, looks like I'll need to make one myself (with a mix, I'm not a miracle worker here). I really want to try these <a href="http://cherrybrookkitchen.com/" target="_blank">Cherrybrook Kitchen</a> mixes, as many of them are peanut and gluten free--our whole family is covered! <br />
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My current summer read is, "<a href="http://www.dinneralovestory.com/" target="_blank">Dinner, A Love Story</a>," and I have already pulled out recipes from the book, that's based on the blog linked above.<br />
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I just discovered this author, her blog and her quest to do a home cooked meal for her family nearly every night (while she and her husband both worked full-time with two kids 19 months apart, sound familiar?!) for the past ten years or so.<br />
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The month of August is a busy end to summer. The nice part about living in Virginia is, summer really doesn't end until September is over. The humidity and the high temperatures stick around for most of September and the awesome fall weather that still deems sunshine filled warm days, and crisper nights that require a light jacket, last well into November.<br />
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At least I'm hoping it sticks to that trend this year, I'm still recovering from last winter--I can't have the next one come too quickly!<br />
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<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11526052345640484088noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488137583770462035.post-71633523255310706232015-06-09T11:32:00.000-04:002015-07-06T12:52:17.373-04:00The month of crazinessWell hello there, it's been awhile. I have to admit, the summer has started with a crazy bang. Why don't I just put things in categories to make life easier, okay?<br />
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<b><u>Wedding in Minnesota</u></b><br />
I spent the first weekend in June in the Twin Cities attending my good friend Cindy's wedding. I had a fantastic time with my friend Ashley who lives in Wisconsin who came as my date.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>Ashley and I with the Golden Glove outside Target Field</u></span></td></tr>
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We had a nice kidless weekend with a walk all over downtown on Saturday morning, delicious meals with my college roommates and former co-workers who I love, getting a much needed hair cut by my old stylist, and of course Cindy's wedding! There was a lot packed into the nearly exactly 48 hours I was in Minnesota (I could do a single post alone on all the pictures I have from the weekend).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-00zY9rCpKuk/VXsY_DztDlI/AAAAAAAACAc/83UaZL-tWkI/s1600/IMG_4553.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-00zY9rCpKuk/VXsY_DztDlI/AAAAAAAACAc/83UaZL-tWkI/s320/IMG_4553.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: small;">With Jen M, the Beautiful Bride Cindy and Jen H</span></u></td></tr>
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Cindy and I met about six years ago, and immediately clicked. She is a great friend, and has come out to visit us in D.C. a couple times since we moved here. Recently, Cindy also asked me to join her Jamberry Nails team as a Independent Consultant. After some heeing and hawing and I decided to join, and boy am I glad I did. Which leads me to my next item...<br />
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<u><b>Jamberry Nails Independent Consultant</b></u><br />
Since the end of April I've been selling Jamberry Nail Wraps as a part of Cindy's team. I've always loved the product, <a href="http://alexastales.blogspot.com/2014/05/what-im-loving-right-now.html" target="_blank">as referenced before</a>, and was telling Cindy how I love doing my nails, but:<br />
1. Never have time to wait for polish to dry and always smudge it<br />
2. Hate that it chips so easily with how busy I am<br />
3. Never have time or budget to go and get gel manicures that don't smudge<br />
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She convinced me that since I use Jamberry, maybe I should sell it to other people who probably feel the same way (and get a discount on the products I use). I also used to work in cooperate sales, and do miss using that skill set, so this is the perfect for me, and I love the time I spend on it. Ben keeps teasing me, "you said this was going to be a hobby and now you're in love with it!" =)<br />
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If you've never tried Jamberry, feel free to <a href="http://alexatc.jamberrynails.net/" target="_blank">check out my site</a>, let me know if you have any questions or if you want to host a party yourself and earn free items! I won't talk about it often here, but a link to my site will always be on the right side of screen.<br />
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<u><b>Gallbladder Surgery</b></u><br />
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After having months of odd side and back pains, I got a diagnosis in May that I have a ton of gallstones (officially described as, "too numerous to count," by the ultrasound tech), and need to have my gallblader removed. I'm having it done later this month, and have to admit I'm a bit nervous, but also excited to get it out and start feeling 100% again (I feel like I have morning sickness again about 50-60% of the time right now).<br />
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I'm grateful that l<span class="_Tgc">aparoscopic surgery allows for a minimally invasive approach to the procedure, and easier recovery time. I've never been intubated before, however, and I just have to not think about that aspect of things and go with it. I'm grateful my mom will be coming to help with the boys while I recover since I won't be able to lift over ten pounds for two weeks after the surgery is complete.</span><br />
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<span class="_Tgc"><u><b>Everett Peanut Allergy:</b></u></span><br />
<span class="_Tgc">About two weeks ago, Everett had a strong skin reaction to peanuts (picture below) after I made Thai Peanut Chicken in the crockpot. Side Note: Delicious</span> recipe though, <a href="http://www.familyfreshmeals.com/2014/04/crockpot-thai-peanut-chicken-recipe.html" target="_blank">here's a link to it</a>! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Everett's Reaction to Peanuts</span></td></tr>
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After seeing a child allergist, it was very apparent he has a peanut allergy (but thankfully, no other foods right now).<br />
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Although his allergy doesn't appear severe right now, we have to treat it as if it is (as in, carry an epi pen and children's benedryl at all times) because of the way children's immune systems constantly change. They said we should know by age four how his allergy will be for life, and we'll do testing every six-nine months between then and now.<br />
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I feel so bad for him having to deal with this, and honestly did not take the news very well. I have adjusted to a better attitude now, but hold out hope he is one of the 20% of kids who out grown their allergies, or at the very least, his stays non-severe. Another allergy learning curve for our family!<br />
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<span class="_Tgc">The last month has also included a trip to Boston for work, continuous small projects around our house (yard work particularly), the air conditioning starting to crap out on my car and deciding how to deal with that and just life in general of course!</span><br />
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<span class="_Tgc">I hope all of your summers have started well with crazy, FUN, times! </span> <br />
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<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11526052345640484088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488137583770462035.post-35933116543780612902015-05-13T12:35:00.002-04:002015-05-17T18:56:08.494-04:00My Favorite New Gluten Free Product FindsWith the <a href="http://www.dcglutenfreeexpo.com/" target="_blank">DC Gluten Free Expo </a>approaching, it got me thinking about all of the new gluten free products that have popped up with the diet's popularity (which can be both a blessing, and a curse).<br />
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Although I try to eat foods that are naturally gluten free, since so many gluten free substitute items are filled with butter, sugar and other additives, there are some things, you have to find gluten free versions of, and here are some that I recently have been loving. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar Snacks</b></u></span></div>
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Eighty Calories (two Weight Watchers points) and seriously sharp. These pack a flavor kick most little cheese snacks don't and are delicious. We go through <a href="https://www.cabotcheese.coop/seriously-sharp-cheddar-cheese-serious-snacking" target="_blank">a bag of these pretty quickly</a>, as both Ben and I pack one in our lunch each day. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Freschetta Gluten Free Pizza</u></b></span></div>
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<b><u><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p1_xSbDRx0I/VVN9QkL_Y5I/AAAAAAAAB-E/6TYhXUaw9kA/s1600/Pizza.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p1_xSbDRx0I/VVN9QkL_Y5I/AAAAAAAAB-E/6TYhXUaw9kA/s320/Pizza.JPG" width="240" /></a> </u></b></div>
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Finally!! <a href="https://www.freschetta.com/products/gluten-free/default.htm" target="_blank">The best gluten free frozen pizza EVERRRRRRRR</a>. It beats pizza I've had at many restaurants. The price may make someone's eyes bulge ($9.99 at Target and Wegmans), but you would pay more at a restaurant, and now if we need a quick meal, everyone else can have their gluten filled pizza, while I make this gluten free one. They also offer a personal size pizza as well. I also bake it on a cookie sheet to avoid cross contamination. Austin has eaten this pizza too and loves it! Right now, it comes in two varieties: Cheese and Pepperoni.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Chex Gluten Free Granola </b></u></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UGtMNHXhZYg/VVN8SygfrWI/AAAAAAAAB9c/d7OaCyagEOo/s1600/Chex.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UGtMNHXhZYg/VVN8SygfrWI/AAAAAAAAB9c/d7OaCyagEOo/s320/Chex.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Delicious, Delicious, Delicious. I love <a href="http://www.chex.com/products/honey-nut-granola?gclid=CjwKEAjw3_ypBRCwoKqKw5P9wgsSJAAbi2K9zBDts4x8LXTp0UOUUgCpCxy9bsNOL-F5YdSlqsMIFRoCDPLw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">this stuff.</a> Like most granolas, you have to limit your serving size, but sprinkling this in a little yogurt is absolutely wonderful, and then the bag goes a long way. I am always impressed with General Mill's gluten free offerings, including this one. Between the Chex <a href="http://www.chex.com/" target="_blank">cereals</a>,<a href="http://www.chex.com/products/gluten-free-oatmeal-multipack-variety-pack" target="_blank"> oatmeals</a>, and <a href="http://blog.generalmills.com/2015/04/nature-valley-unveils-gluten-free-snack-bars/?sf8836313=1" target="_blank">Nature Valley bars</a>, I love a main stream company that has embraced gluten free. They make being celiac a little bit easier! <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Stonyfield Organic Greek and Chia Yogurt</u></b></span><br />
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<b><u><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h0z9wr5iB_g/VVkZkUMnWXI/AAAAAAAAB-o/aaA4BgiyYck/s1600/IMG_2322.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h0z9wr5iB_g/VVkZkUMnWXI/AAAAAAAAB-o/aaA4BgiyYck/s320/IMG_2322.JPG" width="320" /></a> </u></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.stonyfield.com/products/yogurt/greek-and-chia/red-berries" target="_blank">This yogurt</a> is sooooo good! I've found it at Whole Foods and Target, and I love the Red Berries flavor (especially love it topped with a little GF Chex Granola noted above). It tastes great and fills you up, and I'm trying not to buy TOO much of it so I over eat it and get sick of it, but I've been eating it a lot lately!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Yasso Sea Salt Caramel Greek Yogurt Candy Bars</u></b></span><br />
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I've been looking for these since I saw the new variety of flavors on <a href="http://www.yasso.com/products/sea-salt-caramel-candy-bars/" target="_blank">Yasso's website</a>, and recently found them at Target. Let me tell you, they did not disappoint! Completely delicious, four Weight Watchers Points, and are an awesome treat. It's hard to not eat one every night!<br />
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<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11526052345640484088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488137583770462035.post-35773045356691248762015-05-03T21:33:00.001-04:002015-05-03T21:38:33.602-04:00Nine Months In vs. Nine Months Out: Baby Weight Loss UpdateToday marks nine months since Everett came into our lives. Nine months old is always seen as significant in my eyes, because that's how long it takes for your baby to grow inside of you and your body to change in preparation for their birth, so how does your baby grow and your body adapt to "normal" life after their birth?<br />
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On Everett's side of things, he is growing beautifully. He loves table food, and is an eating machine.<br />
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He wants to crawl very badly, and babbles a lot.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hrlgwuwB1D0/VUbHHNYVGCI/AAAAAAAAB8A/NT2f1E1GqkM/s1600/FullSizeRender%281%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hrlgwuwB1D0/VUbHHNYVGCI/AAAAAAAAB8A/NT2f1E1GqkM/s1600/FullSizeRender(1).jpg" height="320" width="283" /></a> </div>
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He is still not the best sleeper, but a vast improvement from a few months ago before he had ear tubes (Long story short: he had constant fluid on his ears and was in pain while laying down, thus making sleep in his crib very difficult. Thank goodness for the Rock and Play Sleeper!!)<br />
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He has the sweetest laugh and we are so fortunate to have such a loving and strong little boy!<br />
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On my end, dare I say it, that I'm below my pre-baby weight?! I started out right at 150 pounds even when I got pregnant, I topped out at 198 pounds at delivery and now sit at around 146 pounds depending on the day. I felt so great this pregnancy, being more active and eating better, but still packed on nearly as much weight as last time. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oDIZrJpqqJQ/VUbL0dNAPhI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/CUskuaijjMI/s1600/preg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oDIZrJpqqJQ/VUbL0dNAPhI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/CUskuaijjMI/s1600/preg.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">34+ Weeks and Getting In a Workout</span></td></tr>
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<br />I am very happy with where my body stands today, but I am for sure still not perfect by any means. As I've said before, there are parts of my body that will never be the same. EVER. Stretch marks that no cream during or after pregnancy can fix, and the way things lay is just not the same as pre-children.<br />
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I give credit for helping me be healthy to a lot of food planning and Weight Watchers.<br />
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I try to pack my lunches for work on Sunday, so that I can have an easy grab and go during the week and no excuse to eat out. I also really don't have time to eat out while I'm in the office, so I need to pack a lunch out of that necessity as well. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OMLgzaN-o9k/VUbHC1_PU4I/AAAAAAAAB74/Yu5gAB9yVrs/s1600/IMG_4204.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OMLgzaN-o9k/VUbHC1_PU4I/AAAAAAAAB74/Yu5gAB9yVrs/s1600/IMG_4204.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Recent Lunch Packing, but no, this is not all I ate at work that day or I would be starving!</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><br /></u></span></td></tr>
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I also try to cook ahead when I can, browning meat and chopping veggies, or using a freezer meal I've made ahead of time.<br />
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I love being active, so that really helps. Although I constantly remind myself that you can't out run a bad diet, and that it's 80% food, 20% workouts.<br />
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I workout two days a week during my lunch break at work (kudos for office wellness programs that offer a free gym and free classes, it makes me love coming to the office). I also run two-three days a week. The workouts are the best endorphin high, and give me a chance to catch up with friends, so that makes them even more motivating to complete.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yuXuIgVdahg/VUbG8stJgrI/AAAAAAAAB7w/2uOcLPem9z0/s1600/IMG_4303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yuXuIgVdahg/VUbG8stJgrI/AAAAAAAAB7w/2uOcLPem9z0/s1600/IMG_4303.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Recent Pre-Run Group Photo, Courtesy of <a href="http://debruns.com/" target="_blank">Deb Runs</a></span></td></tr>
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So there you have it, the bottom line is, I feel good, and that's all that matters. And when I say I "feel good," I mean as good as a person who is constantly a couple hours short on sleep for the week, a few home projects behind and trying my best to not always be 15 minutes late...but talk to me about all that in about 20 years! ;)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XAmqwh3yR3g/VUbE5Hh5EhI/AAAAAAAAB7k/lFSJU1QGsMI/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XAmqwh3yR3g/VUbE5Hh5EhI/AAAAAAAAB7k/lFSJU1QGsMI/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" height="320" width="226" /></a> </div>
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<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11526052345640484088noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488137583770462035.post-81840036560855308422015-04-27T16:59:00.005-04:002015-04-28T10:12:33.042-04:00April in a NutshellApril has gone by in a flash so far, can it really nearly be over? I feel like this month was full of busy weeks, and packed weekends, and May is looking pretty similar as well.<br />
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We started the month by traveling to North Carolina for Easter to spend the holiday with Ben's sister's family. We had a great time, and the boys loved spending time with their cousins. Austin enjoyed his treats and snacks from the Easter bunny for weeks, and both boys enjoyed the toys they received. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ScxhTQ0gLo/VT6hDHHSIXI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/qPNQOYDVSoo/s1600/Austin%2BTravel.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ScxhTQ0gLo/VT6hDHHSIXI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/qPNQOYDVSoo/s1600/Austin%2BTravel.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Little Traveler</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A and E were troopers on the car ride, including when we ran out of water to make Everett formula and he got pretty hungry while we were stuck in a huge traffic jam on the way back. I ended up climbing in the back seat and feeding him puffs one by one to satisfy him, and then grabbed a bottle of water from our friend Glen who had Cooper for the weekend when we stopped to pick him up on the way home. He was much happier once I started feeding him his bottle. <br />
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Ben and I also ran the Cherry Blossom Ten Miler in D.C. I've ran the Ten Mile two years ago (<a href="http://www.alexastales.blogspot.com/2013/04/cherry-blossom-ten-mile-race-day.html" target="_blank">recap here</a>) and walked the 5K in 2012 while pregnant with Austin. This was the first year the peak bloom lined up with the race though, and man was it beautiful. Luckily my allergies were not completely in full bloom as well during the race (they held off to really kick my butt until a few days after race day, thankfully), so I could truly enjoy the views. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KhT_Y9JMt-0/VT6hZC94IeI/AAAAAAAAB6w/xQI7s19Oq84/s1600/CherryBlossom3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KhT_Y9JMt-0/VT6hZC94IeI/AAAAAAAAB6w/xQI7s19Oq84/s1600/CherryBlossom3.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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The the Cherry Blossom Ten Miler, along with the Marine Corp Marathon and 10K, are continuously hailed as DC's best road racers, and I think this race in particular should be on every runner's must do list. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fcyrq1l7TjU/VT6hIuG1XPI/AAAAAAAAB6o/-PecF-0m7zA/s1600/CherryBlossom2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fcyrq1l7TjU/VT6hIuG1XPI/AAAAAAAAB6o/-PecF-0m7zA/s1600/CherryBlossom2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Awesome Finishers Medal </span></td></tr>
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I ran it with the friends I trained with, while Ben ran it solo.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qfk0nORjpXM/VT6iXkApWSI/AAAAAAAAB68/wWx8EKOOHsY/s1600/CherryBlossom4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qfk0nORjpXM/VT6iXkApWSI/AAAAAAAAB68/wWx8EKOOHsY/s1600/CherryBlossom4.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Posing with "President Wilson" mid-race with Khairul and Keri</span></td></tr>
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Although Ben and I didn't run it together since our paces just don't mesh well, it was still a fun goal to both be working towards. It was great to be together both before and after the race as well, doing something just us and other adults, something that doesn't happen very often these days.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EaLr_5W0lvM/VT6hDaI_WWI/AAAAAAAAB6c/gLBQJ0FxR14/s1600/CherryBlossom1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EaLr_5W0lvM/VT6hDaI_WWI/AAAAAAAAB6c/gLBQJ0FxR14/s1600/CherryBlossom1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Post Race Smiles on the Metro</span></td></tr>
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This month has also been filled with home improvement projects, major spring cleaning, baby birthday parties, a few delicious meals out (<a href="http://www.richardsandoval.com/lasandiavirginia/" target="_blank">La Sandia</a> and <a href="http://www.firefly-dc.com/index.php" target="_blank">Firefly</a>) and some killer bootcamp and spin workouts.<br />
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I've also picked this up from America's Test Kitchen:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zmbV7gJMfXU/VT6hBonUrkI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/oEevtjdlLpk/s1600/America%27s%2BTest%2BKitchen.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zmbV7gJMfXU/VT6hBonUrkI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/oEevtjdlLpk/s1600/America's%2BTest%2BKitchen.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
I'm looking forward to diving further into gluten free baking with their guidance, as I've never really been very good at it.<br />
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I'm loving the longer days, the increased heat and sunshine and looking forward to a fun summer ahead. I'm making a list of summer goals,<a href="http://alexastales.blogspot.com/2010/06/summer-goals.html" target="_blank"> much like I did a few years ago</a>, for things I want to do, and things we want to do as a family, and will publish that in the next few weeks. If you have any suggestions for things we must do this summer--let me know!<br />
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<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11526052345640484088noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488137583770462035.post-12971693057898876932015-03-30T14:59:00.002-04:002015-03-30T14:59:41.883-04:00What We Ate for Dinner, Week of March 23I'm taking a page from one of my favorite bloggers, <a href="http://carrotsncake.com/" target="_blank">Carrots 'n Cake</a>, and going to randomly do a post on what we ate for dinner the week before. I love when she does hers, because it gives me new dinner ideas, and is a fun way to look at how you're balancing out your diet for the week. <br />
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<b>Monday: Skinny Taste Turkey Chili Taco Soup and Krusteaz Gluten Free Cornbread</b><br />
<a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/02/turkey-chili-taco-soup.html" target="_blank">This recipe</a> is easy, and delicious. The leftovers freeze well in individual containers for easy on the go lunches (as pictured below later in the week), its full of delicious flavor and keeps you full.<br />
I am obsessed withe the <a href="http://www.krusteaz.com/gluten-free-mixes-products-4294968577/gluten-free-honey-cornbread-mix-4294968601" target="_blank">Krusteaz Gluten Free Corn Bread</a>. It's the best Gluten Free cornbread mix I've found (even better than my homemade gluten free cornbread, and obviously a lot faster), but it is SO hard to find in the DC area. I actually bought three boxes when I saw it in a store in Boise when we were there in January and brought them home. I'm down to my last box, please let a store around here start stocking it soon!!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kSNtNM1wB5Q/VRmZ1Gkg_xI/AAAAAAAAB5A/QnCo2S_ITEw/s1600/Monday%2BDinner.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kSNtNM1wB5Q/VRmZ1Gkg_xI/AAAAAAAAB5A/QnCo2S_ITEw/s1600/Monday%2BDinner.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Tuesday: Grilled Turkey and Cheese, Ore-Ida Waffle Fries and Alexia Frozen Corn with Sun Dried Tomato Mix</b><br />
As I work on my baby weight (update coming soon!), I've realized I really need to control the carbs I eat for dinner (and not have dessert after dinner most nights, even something little, like a Skinny Cow) if I want to succeed in losing and/or maintaining. Therefore, I just had the cheese and turkey, with a little chipotle mayo and one serving fries along with the corn.<br />
I am SO excited that Ore-Ida's Waffle fries are now gluten free. Many varieties of their fries are gluten free, and they clearly label which ones are, so it's easy to tell, and this was the first time I saw that the Waffle Fries were when I pulled them from the freezer at Target.<br />
The corn was meh. I thought it looked fantastic when I saw it in the freezer at Harris Teeter, but it was just not a great mix. I usually love Alexia products, so too bad, so sad.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T1pXRI3dH8g/VRmZ20fwMuI/AAAAAAAAB5I/bDxD3iQdsGY/s1600/Tuesday%2BDinner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T1pXRI3dH8g/VRmZ20fwMuI/AAAAAAAAB5I/bDxD3iQdsGY/s1600/Tuesday%2BDinner.jpg" height="296" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Wednesday: Cottage Cheese Pancakes and Scrambled Eggs</b><br />
Wednesday was nuts. Between terrible traffic<b> </b>for me getting home, forgetting to do the crock pot meal I had planned in the morning, and a sick little one that Ben had to take to the doctor, then drive back and pick up Austin for daycare, I was ready to phone it in Wednesday night.<b> </b>I stayed strong though and found a dinner to make based on what we had in the house, <a href="http://alexastales.blogspot.com/2011/08/gluten-free-blueberry-cottage-cheese.html" target="_blank">cottage cheese pancakes</a> and scrambled eggs. Despite them being higher protein pancakes, I limited myself on them, and had two scrambled eggs with avocado, feta and ketchup to boot as well. Scrambled eggs are one of Austin's favorite foods. Random since he is such a carb addict.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rctdq0awJdU/VRmb31X8tfI/AAAAAAAAB5k/qoZFB4YYtIY/s1600/eggs.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rctdq0awJdU/VRmb31X8tfI/AAAAAAAAB5k/qoZFB4YYtIY/s1600/eggs.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a> </div>
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<b>Thursday: Fend for Yourself</b><br />
I went running Thursday night, so the boys made a box of Annie's Mac and Cheese while I was out, and I came home and had a fruit, spinach and whey protein smoothie, and a rice cake with peanut butter. No picture of this super exciting dinner.<br />
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<b>Friday: The Pioneer Woman Mac and Four Cheeses, Feta and Tomato Stuffed Chicken Breast and Spinach Salad</b><br />
Ben's birthday dinner! I know that pasta and meat work as great fuel for me before a long run, and since I was planning to run nine miles Saturday morning, I was fine with having the extra carbs of <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/the-pioneer-woman/videos/wu700/b-man.0220491.html" target="_blank">this four cheese mac</a> on Friday night.<b> </b>I lignten it up by using a mix of skim and 2% milk instead of heavy cream. It still doesn't make it healthy by any means, but its definitely not as heavy. I also made these easy chicken breasts with Hunts Diced Basil, Garlic and Oregano Tomato's and Feta. It's a copy of this <a href="http://www.eatliverun.com/tomato-and-feta-stuffed-chicken-breasts/" target="_blank">Eat, Live, Run recipe</a>, but an easier version.<br />
I love spinach salads with Brianna's Raspberry Dressing, and Friday's had strawberries, feta, cashews and green onions mixed in as well.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ka6NNgYDaE/VRmZx9zFi_I/AAAAAAAAB44/WORbeBz4KZc/s1600/Chicken.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ka6NNgYDaE/VRmZx9zFi_I/AAAAAAAAB44/WORbeBz4KZc/s1600/Chicken.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eEWVagojDoo/VRmZ5fpUKyI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/Xqd5QygbQGk/s1600/Feta%2Band%2BTomatoes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eEWVagojDoo/VRmZ5fpUKyI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/Xqd5QygbQGk/s1600/Feta%2Band%2BTomatoes.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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We celebrated Ben's Birthday Friday night, even though it was the day before, and had a cake from Wegmans (the best grocery store everrrrrrrr). Ben had requested a white cake with buttercream frosting. His real favorite dessert is Key Lime Pie, but with me not being able to have any because of gluten, and knowing how much Austin loves cake, he went with cake.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qcbjp9ix7hk/VRmcOxTWOOI/AAAAAAAAB5s/AGvT2nVx5ME/s1600/Zags%2Bcake.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qcbjp9ix7hk/VRmcOxTWOOI/AAAAAAAAB5s/AGvT2nVx5ME/s1600/Zags%2Bcake.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Hope you enjoyed a typical week of eating dinner in our house; I would love to hear what you make for your dinners too!<br />
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<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11526052345640484088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488137583770462035.post-47321941134125289122015-02-26T12:35:00.000-05:002015-02-26T12:35:02.664-05:00Things I'm Loving This WinterNot going to lie, this winter has been ROUGH. Last winter there were some cold days and snow, but this one has been frigid. Didn't I leave the Midwest to escape this?! I'm hopeful for an early spring, as I've had to take too many runs to the treadmill recently, and taken my car to the car wash too many times to be de-salted, only to have it a white, ugly mess again within days. We've also had too many bouts with germs from kids being cooped up inside, and not enough outdoor fun. All that said, here are a few of my favorite things right now that have been helping me get through these winter months!<br />
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<u><b>Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash</b></u></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NsGVWXl7auI/VO8qzdGVf3I/AAAAAAAAB2U/zGpsNeH1ItE/s1600/Dove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NsGVWXl7auI/VO8qzdGVf3I/AAAAAAAAB2U/zGpsNeH1ItE/s1600/Dove.jpg" height="320" width="153" /></a></span></div>
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I can't use any soaps or laundry detergents with perfumes, and because of that, I've always been stuck using just bar soap, Dove Sensitive Skin being my bar of choice. Well now, <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N0FOAY4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00N0FOAY4&linkCode=as2&tag=talfrotheea02-20&linkId=YVWDW4CZKNDUVVE7" target="_blank">Dove has an unscented free, sensitive skin body wash</a> that I love. It's very moisturizing for winter skin and is also great for using as a shave cream. </span><br />
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<u><b>Skinny Taste One Pot Cheesy Turkey Taco Chili Mac</b></u></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VwAxcjqzXhU/VO89z-3CU9I/AAAAAAAAB3A/G4QLmjdmsVM/s1600/chili%2Bmac%2Band%2Bcheese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VwAxcjqzXhU/VO89z-3CU9I/AAAAAAAAB3A/G4QLmjdmsVM/s1600/chili%2Bmac%2Band%2Bcheese.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2014/12/one-pot-cheesy-turkey-taco-chili-mac.html" target="_blank">This </a><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2014/12/one-pot-cheesy-turkey-taco-chili-mac.html" target="_blank">recipe</a> is pretty easy (I use store bought taco seasoning to help with that, and only mild so it's not too spicy for little pallets) and makes a large portion for a lot of leftovers. Plus, it's an easy way to get more than just carbs into my little guys mouth, and still excite him with his favorite food, mac and cheese! The serving size is a generous cup full, so it leaves me feeling satisfied as well.</span><br />
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<u><b>This Is Where I Leave You </b></u></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RmAlKWr0J88/VO8q7QjZncI/AAAAAAAAB2c/rJr60t4kguw/s1600/This%2BiswhereI%2Bleave%2Byou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RmAlKWr0J88/VO8q7QjZncI/AAAAAAAAB2c/rJr60t4kguw/s1600/This%2BiswhereI%2Bleave%2Byou.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></span></div>
I had heard rave reviews about <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0452296366/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0452296366&linkCode=as2&tag=talfrotheea02-20&linkId=E6VU4SU2SODTIELV" target="_blank">this book</a>; I haven't heard as great of things about the movie (but after reading it, I know I'll see it once it's out on DVD). I just finished the book, and found it to be a great read. I loved the character development of this dysfunctional, yet loving, family. Highly recommend picking it up!</span><br />
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<b><u>Halo Top Creamery </u></b></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UASLs8ggWH4/VO8_8HRalUI/AAAAAAAAB3U/Y42bYgjM-v8/s1600/product-vanilla-beanF.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UASLs8ggWH4/VO8_8HRalUI/AAAAAAAAB3U/Y42bYgjM-v8/s1600/product-vanilla-beanF.png" height="297" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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This <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.halotop.com/" target="_blank">light ice cream</a> is delicious, high in protein, and packs better nutrition facts than any other light ice cream I've tried. I like the vanilla bean a lot, either plain, or with a little nutella added on. =)</span><br />
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<b><u>Under Armour Fly-By Headband</u></b></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1_h8TnJY8Bk/VO9DZfiNJMI/AAAAAAAAB3g/gm__bBxSjNI/s1600/headband.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1_h8TnJY8Bk/VO9DZfiNJMI/AAAAAAAAB3g/gm__bBxSjNI/s1600/headband.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DIF59L4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00DIF59L4&linkCode=as2&tag=talfrotheea02-20&linkId=A7GRLTYHRCG73YA6" target="_blank">This headband</a> is great for containing fly aways and staying in place. I got a questionable haircut in January with more layers than I counted on, and this headband holds them right in, without budging whether I'm running, spinning or doing bootcamp. I love the bright colors as well!</span><br />
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<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11526052345640484088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488137583770462035.post-18717237809092719142015-02-06T11:35:00.001-05:002015-02-10T09:35:46.284-05:00Losing the Baby Weight, Part TwoI realized I have yet to update you guys on my work to lose the baby weight I gained during my pregnancy with Everett. The posts that I get the most "hits" on, and get e-mail responses in regards to are always about either Celiac, or baby weight loss, so I thought it only fair to keep them coming!<br />
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First, to look back, <a href="http://www.alexastales.blogspot.com/2013/07/post-baby-weight-loss-real-deal-from.html" target="_blank">here's a recap of my weight loss after having Austin</a>.<br />
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With my pregnancy with Everett I gained 48 pounds. So, two fewer pounds than I gained with Austin, small victories, yay! I felt so much better this pregnancy though, and moved more, ate better (but still not always great) and have felt the weight has in general come off easier. Even though I knew how long it took to feel more like "me" again weight wise after Austin, I've been harder on myself this time, wanting to lose every ounce of weight and get back into my old clothes NOW.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vaPAsIKWE-g/VNTrUp0kcXI/AAAAAAAAB1k/V0v6ZqEa9aU/s1600/1week%2BPP.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vaPAsIKWE-g/VNTrUp0kcXI/AAAAAAAAB1k/V0v6ZqEa9aU/s1600/1week%2BPP.png" height="320" width="283" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">One Week Postpartum. Yes, I still looked that pregnant then</span></td></tr>
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I started counting calories using <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/" target="_blank">My Fitness Pal</a> around ten weeks postpartum. I needed a way to remind myself that four handfuls of trailmix is not power food anymore, it's gluttony, and that cookies are not the only snacks. Like always, I need accountablity and porition control monitoring in order to lose weight since weight loss for me is like it is for a lot of people, 80% what I eat, 20% exercise.<br />
<br />
My Fitness Pal was a really helpful tool, and I loved that it synced with my FitBit for activity tracking. I did see a dip in my breast milk supply when I started counting calories, but was okay with it, because I needed to put me first in this aspect of my life, and we had to start giving Everett a formula bottle before bed anyway to help him sleep longer stretches for my sanity in that realm as well. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J179OrSn29w/VNT84ZQ-cJI/AAAAAAAAB10/2RswT9u5UJ4/s1600/Brothers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J179OrSn29w/VNT84ZQ-cJI/AAAAAAAAB10/2RswT9u5UJ4/s1600/Brothers.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The boys who inspire me to stay healthy, and were worth every pound of pregnancy weight</span></td></tr>
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Recently, I've been struggling with that last 7-8 pounds--I swear it's stuck to me like glue! So, I decided to rejoin my old stand by, Weight Watchers. I felt I needed to carb/protein/fiber ratio for my tracking, rather than just calories, to really kick the extra pounds to the curb. The nice thing about Weight Watchers. is that is also adds extra points to your plan if you are nursing, where as My Fitness Pal does not, so I had to account about 300 extra calories a day when I was using My Fitness Pal.<br />
<br />
Right now, I am SO close to fitting into my old pants. I can put on one pair of jeans that have stretch in them, but most of my other jeans I still feel like a stuffed sausage in, and I don't want to stretch them out either, and then have them look frumpy when I can wear them everyday.<br />
<br />
I've also realized how much I need a good closet revamp after being pregnant so often lately. So, I did take the leap and join <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3029581" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a>, like I mentioned in my last post. I know it can be pricy, even at their cheapest option, but my hope is to try it for a few months and get a few good signature pieces (like work pants, I REALLY need black work pants, I finally donated the ones I had from senior year of college).<br />
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I'd also like to set up some time with someone at Nordstrom and have them help me pick out a good pair of jeans that fits with my body. I've decided once I lose all the weight, and have kept it off for six weeks, I'll be doing this for myself as a reward.<br />
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So, stay tuned as I test the waters of my sanity while working full time, raising two kids and trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to be at a happy weight! <br />
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<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11526052345640484088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488137583770462035.post-33340934522601162642014-12-01T09:58:00.002-05:002014-12-01T11:36:54.733-05:00Christmas List 2014!Every year I do a list of things I'm loving for the holiday season in hopes it will help inspire your wish list as well. There are always things I think would be nice to haves, but then when I'm asked what I'd like for Christmas, I usually have to rack my brain for ideas. So here are a few things I love, in no particular order!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Smartwool-Margarita-Sock-Oatmeal-Heather/dp/B006RFQR5Y/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1415983426&sr=8-2&keywords=smartwool+socks" target="_blank">Smart Wool Socks</a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HrN8JWEC9Dk/VGYxe1sQEaI/AAAAAAAABys/-K5KewLINSk/s1600/Smart%2BWool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HrN8JWEC9Dk/VGYxe1sQEaI/AAAAAAAABys/-K5KewLINSk/s1600/Smart%2BWool.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
I could get a few pair of these every year and be happy. I love them for going out of the house in winter to keep my feet warm, or for the days I work from home and am in stocking feet they are perfect for keeping my toes warm under the desk. Plus, I love the designs Smart Wool have on their socks! I am also in real need of new running socks, so those are on my list as well. I love the <a href="http://I know how to appeal to audiences of all sizes, what it takes to grow a brand, and how important it is to keep a constant line of communication with the public on multiple media formats" target="_blank">FitSok</a> brand.<br />
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<a href="http://www.columbia.com/womens-minx-mid-ii-omni-heat-boot-1554031.html?dwvar_1554031_variationColor=051&cgid=Minx#start=2" target="_blank">Columbia Minx Winter Boots</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cW_KhGxEXGU/VHyAyLWiBCI/AAAAAAAABz0/W5p63Pd8wC4/s1600/Columbia%2BBoots.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cW_KhGxEXGU/VHyAyLWiBCI/AAAAAAAABz0/W5p63Pd8wC4/s1600/Columbia%2BBoots.jpg" height="320" width="269" /></a> </div>
<br />
Also looking towards my feet, I need new winter boots. I have cute boots, even warm boots, but nothing to hold up in sleet, ice and snow, and I need them. Last winter was a hard winter for Virginia (so an average Midwest winter) and this winter is looking tough as well. I need these to shovel, play outside with my kids, and feel okay if they get salt and grime on them, because they're not for fashion purposes. That said, I think these boots are cute too--so that helps!<br />
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<a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/gifts" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bkT6SeUv6aw/VHyAoY-eYZI/AAAAAAAABzs/hxTEGorOkBM/s1600/Stitch%2BFix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bkT6SeUv6aw/VHyAoY-eYZI/AAAAAAAABzs/hxTEGorOkBM/s1600/Stitch%2BFix.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cW_KhGxEXGU/VHyAyLWiBCI/AAAAAAAABz0/W5p63Pd8wC4/s1600/Columbia%2BBoots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
With little time to do quality clothes shopping, most of my clothes are from Target recently. While that's okay, I'd love a few more nice key items, and am not the greatest stylist of myself. I'd love to try Stitch Fix, where you get a monthly package of clothes picked out for you by a stylist based on your tips to them, where you can keep what you like, and return what you don't. The price of the clothes (average piece is $55) holds me back, but I know you really get what you pay for in most clothing pieces, so I'd love a gift card in order to be able to do a few months of Stitch Fix.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Pasta-Cooker-Stock-Strainer/dp/B0067NMEXU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1415983365&sr=8-2&keywords=pasta+pot+with+strainer+insert" target="_blank">Pasta Pot with Built in Strainer</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-riaDSx5VzTI/VGYyFxP4QJI/AAAAAAAABy0/0S8ZsI4gRxU/s1600/Pasta%2BPot.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-riaDSx5VzTI/VGYyFxP4QJI/AAAAAAAABy0/0S8ZsI4gRxU/s1600/Pasta%2BPot.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a> </div>
I watched too much Food Network on maternity leave and saw these over and over again and thought one would be awesome. I make pasta often, and this would make life so much easier, not to mention, be able to handle big batches for when I'm making doubles of dishes for freezer meals.<br />
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<a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/ornament-trees/f38674" target="_blank">Crate and Barrel Ornament Trees</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F229S2arhUA/VG-TgqXAAvI/AAAAAAAABzM/z11IBPjRGSQ/s1600/ornament-trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F229S2arhUA/VG-TgqXAAvI/AAAAAAAABzM/z11IBPjRGSQ/s1600/ornament-trees.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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The past few years I haven't been a huge fan of Crate and Barrel's Christmas decor, so I was pleasantly surprised when I saw what they stocked this year! An Ornament Tree would be great since I can't display my breakable ornaments on our real tree, but could still put this up on a mantle or shelf and enjoy them.<br />
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<a href="http://www.aveda.com/product/5205/16410/Body/Moisturize/index.tmpl" target="_blank">Aveda Hand Relief Lotion</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rA5SiLZu64k/VHyBlo8zCAI/AAAAAAAAB0A/FFI7XbICbVc/s1600/hand%2Brelief.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rA5SiLZu64k/VHyBlo8zCAI/AAAAAAAAB0A/FFI7XbICbVc/s1600/hand%2Brelief.png" /></a></div>
This lotion is on my list every year, and usually Ben comes through with a small bottle in my stocking. I love the way it smells, and it is the only lotion that truly gets my winter dry, overly washed hands, to soften up. If you've never tried it, add it to your list! It comes in a large, and trial size bottle. <br />
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So there you have it, things I love for Holiday Season 2014. What's on your list this year??<br />
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<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11526052345640484088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488137583770462035.post-61683828690085209672014-11-03T16:05:00.003-05:002014-11-03T16:07:38.680-05:00My Favorite Mac and Cheese(ish) Recipes and a Fall UpdateThis fall has flown by, and so has my maternity leave! I am back at work now, and enjoying my co-workers, and my time with the boys as well. It's a good balance.<br />
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Austin and Everett had a great Halloween. Austin resisted putting on his costume for my work Halloween party, but he put it on for trick or treating in our neighborhood, and loved it! He trick or treated for an hour and a half, taking a break in the middle so Ben and I could switch who went with him, and who stayed home to hand out candy and be with Everett. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IAnrYsqJFsA/VFfsie44OwI/AAAAAAAAByA/PusONIFN9Jg/s1600/Boys%2BHalloween.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IAnrYsqJFsA/VFfsie44OwI/AAAAAAAAByA/PusONIFN9Jg/s1600/Boys%2BHalloween.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">All the boys on Halloween--Cooper literally jumped in as I got ready to take the picture so he wouldn't be left out!</span></td></tr>
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I've also picked back up in my running this fall, and finally think I found a great group to run with, with people my pace, and run intervals. It's so refreshing, and great to have a community of positive women to exercise with, and motivate me.<br />
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Austin also turned two the day I went back to work. I was sad to leave him on his birthday, but his dad was with him that day, and he really didn't understand it until the presents came out (and now he has told me that Santa brings presents, specifically, new trucks).<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-egtU9OYPnp8/VFfuGcMy2yI/AAAAAAAAByM/zBUPk4KeE38/s1600/Austin%2Bbday.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-egtU9OYPnp8/VFfuGcMy2yI/AAAAAAAAByM/zBUPk4KeE38/s1600/Austin%2Bbday.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: black;">It's hard to believe this little man that is so full of personality is two years old! </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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During maternity leave this summer and fall, I had Austin home with me full time as well. Austin is in a stage of very picky eating. We present him a lot of options, and sometimes he surprises us and tries new things, or takes a bite of fruits and vegetables (this week he ate a small stalk of broccoli, woo hoo!). His favorite foods include: carbs, carbs and MORE carbs--along with scrambled eggs.<br />
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That said, I've been trying to find some ways to mix up our Mac and Cheese recipes, because those are always a hit, and sneaky way to get some extra veggies or protein in Austin's diet.<br />
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I'm always up for trying new things, and would love to hear <i>your </i>favorite Macaroni and Cheese recipes, and here are a few of my favorites: <br />
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<a href="http://iowagirleats.com/2013/11/25/lighter-buffalo-chicken-mac-and-cheese/" target="_blank"><b>Iowa Girl Eats Lighter Buffalo Mac and Cheese</b></a><br />
This recipe has a great zing to it, even if you don't add all the called for Franks Red Hot Sauce like I do for Austin's more sensitive pallet (and me not wanting to have too much spice while nursing, as it can affect Everett's belly as well). <br />
<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/350258/lighter-macaroni-and-cheese" target="_blank"><b>Martha Stewart Lighter Macaroni and Cheese</b></a><br />
I don't do the tomato part of this recipe, but this recipe was my first attempt at baked mac and cheese, and I love it. It's not an easy recipe, but it tastes great. <br />
<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/mac-and-four-cheeses.html" target="_blank"><b>The Pioneer Woman Mac and Four Cheeses</b></a><br />
The easiest mac and cheese if you shred the cheese a day ahead. I've easily found all these cheeses and Trader Joes for an affordable price. <br />
<b><a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/chicken-broccoli-cheddar-skillet-131207.aspx" target="_blank">Kraft Chicken and Broccoli-Cheddar Skillet</a></b><br />
I'm not a mayo fan, so I sub in sour cream here, but I love this recipe, and it's very fast for weeknights.<br />
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<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Alexahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11526052345640484088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488137583770462035.post-5251387239093358042014-09-17T17:17:00.001-04:002015-02-19T11:38:22.788-05:00Everett's Birth Story, Part TwoCheck out <a href="http://www.alexastales.blogspot.com/2014/09/everetts-birth-story-part-one.html" target="_blank">Everett's Birth Story Part One</a> if you haven't yet before reading on...<br />
<br />
Sure enough, at nearly exactly the same time I woke up to
my water breaking with Austin, I woke up around 4:00 a.m. to terrible
contractions. They were not mild anymore, they were the kind that rip
through your hips and abs like a meat grinder, and had me shooting out
of bed.<br />
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I woke up Ben to tell him how I was feeling as I paced our bedroom deep breathing. At that moment my water started breaking, not a gush, like with Austin, but it was definitely breaking.<br />
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I
called the on call number for my OB practice and immediately started to
freak out when they told me none of the doctors in my practice were on
call. What?! How could this happen?? Well, on very rare occasions (and I
knew this was the case, my practice kept me well informed on this) if
all of the doctors in my practice have the weekend off, there are a
group of fill in doctors on call to cover for them. It only happens a handful of times a year, and this was one of them.<br />
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Admittingly, I lost my shit at this point. I told Ben that if they wouldn't let me VBAC, I would walk out of the hospital. "I'll do it! I'll just leave!" Yeah, not sure where I was going to go...<br />
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Anyway, when the doctor on call called me back, she was very nice, told me of course they'd be okay with a VBAC if that was the birth plan, and to come in to the hospital and get checked out and we'd review things.<br />
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Ben woke up my mom to let her know what was happening, and I gobbled down a bowl of Rice Chex and a Snickers I had set aside for when I went into labor (seriously) and we headed out.<br />
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The 20 minute or so drive to the hospital was nice on the empty early Sunday morning highway, except for every few minutes when i would have a huge, painful contraction. It made me happy that my body was obviously laboring on it's own, which is a great thing for qualifying for a VBAC, but my goodness, did it hurt.<br />
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When we arrived, we quickly got into triage (oh, and the parking garage was closed for cleaning, so Ben had to park nearly a half mile away and hoof it into the hospital with all my stuff after dropping me off), and met the on call doctor. She was nice, told me I was three centimeters after checking me... and then told me she was off at 7:00 and another doctor would be in shortly. WHAT?!?<br />
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"I'm sure she's fine with you VBACing," she said.<br />
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"She damn well better be," I thought as I scowled in disgust. <br />
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The new doctor arrived not twenty minutes later, and it was like God knew what he was doing when he had her on call that day. She was awesome. She told me her criteria for a VBAC (progressing mainly on your own, but could have a small dose of pitocin, went into labor on your own, baby reacting well, and no pressure in my scar area). She was very reassuring and made me feel great about things.<br />
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We got into labor and delivery, met our nurses (there were several, and this gave me anxiety that I didn't have just one, and I had a minor breakdown about this until our assigned nurse came back to be with just us), and I received an epidural that went SO much better than my very painful one with Austin. The needle hardly hurt at all, and brought immediate relief.<br />
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Ben and I took naps on and off, and I was checked again after a couple hours, where they found I was making no progress, and the baby's heart rate was starting to drop. My doctor told me, "I have a three strikes rule for VBACs, I can't be as liberal with letting baby go through possible trauma in these situations, this is strike one."<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VlCmjKu2Vf4/VBn2KGjmA6I/AAAAAAAABwM/GqBQ1Bg4I9g/s1600/IMG_2257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VlCmjKu2Vf4/VBn2KGjmA6I/AAAAAAAABwM/GqBQ1Bg4I9g/s1600/IMG_2257.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The one picture I took during labor, Ben napping</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They had me turn to my left side, put me on oxygen, turned off the pitocin, and then the baby came back around with an improved heart rate. With this, the pitocin was gradually started again with a small dose, and all was looking good again.<br />
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After a couple hours, I started to get really intense contractions that I could feel, even through the epidural, all over my left side. It was awful. I was on my side, gripping the bed rail, while Ben stood next to me, and I tried to breath. The contractions felt like they were ongoing, with no break.<br />
<br />
This went on for over an hour, and from what I know of labor, it was clear I was going through transition. Sure enough, when my doctor came back to check me, she said words that were music to my ears, "you're at ten (centimeters), lets get ready to push!"<br />
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I was so relieved to hear this, I had gone from three to ten centimeters in just a couple of hours, and had a chance to deliver my baby vaginally!<br />
<br />
Pushing started, and was harder than I thought it would be. I pushed and pushed for nearly an hour, making little progress. The doctor and nurse were determined to help me push this baby out though, and, which I appreciated, so they tried putting a mirror up to motivate me, but it only weirded me out. They also had me do extra pushes during each contraction, still not a lot of progress, after every push, the baby's head would creep back up, and I was getting exhausted from all the work, and had to put back on oxygen between each round of pushes. <br />
<br />
In total, I ended up pushing for two and a half hours. The next day my back, shoulders, arms and leg muscles all hurt from the effort of those pushes. I compared pushing, to swimming a bunch of laps, a full body workout!<br />
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I was feeling so defeated and very tired at this point in labor. Then, the doctor decided to not have me lay back down between pushes, but keep my legs up in between contractions, and that made all the difference. Progress, finally!<br />
<br />
It was at this point my OB came in and sat with me, and told me she would be there through the end of my labor unless something else urgent came up, and told me the second best words I heard all day (besides that I had a healthy child), "you're going to deliver this baby vaginally, it's going to happen."<br />
<br />
I burst into happy tears.<br />
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From here things are a blur, I remember my doctor saying to know it was getting close when she put on her mask and shoe covers. Since we didn't know the gender, she told us she would lift the baby's leg after she placed it on my chest for Ben to announce the gender. <br />
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Minutes later, Ben was telling me, "The baby's coming! It's coming out!" The guy who always said he'd stay "north of the border," was watching his child be born in anticipation. And in a whirlwind, suddenly a baby was on my chest, a screaming, white covered, red little human, and they said, "Tell her what it is Dad!" But he didn't have to tell me, it was plain as day staring back and me, and we both said loudly, "It's a...BOY!!"<br />
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Again I was a blubbering mess of happy tears as I helped wipe off my son with a flannel blanket while he laid on my chest. I remarked how he looked like Austin, and my heart felt so full. Two boys, less than two years a part, that I hope will be life long friends.<br />
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They weighed, measured and did Everett's apgar tests, and returned him to my chest. It felt so great to get to hold my baby right after birth, instead of waiting to get to the recovery room like with a c-section.<br />
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Six weeks into Everett's life, and my heart is still so full. I am more tired than I ever knew possible with a night owl newborn, and a toddler who gets up by 8:00 every day (and I know how lucky we are to have him sleep that late), but I love these boys so much.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2BMeQFJZwVI/VBn6BN-4VGI/AAAAAAAABwo/VJeSrgLt1jg/s1600/photo(150).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2BMeQFJZwVI/VBn6BN-4VGI/AAAAAAAABwo/VJeSrgLt1jg/s1600/photo(150).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Austin and Everett meeting for the first time, and Austin showing us that Everett has a nose (right after he ripped his hat off)</span></td></tr>
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Austin has finally started taking to Everett, talking to him when he cries, checking on him in the stroller during walks, and Cooper is very protective over him as well.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jBLZyNK2_yQ/VBn5bP-L3yI/AAAAAAAABwg/rsx6BuogWLo/s1600/IMG_2455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jBLZyNK2_yQ/VBn5bP-L3yI/AAAAAAAABwg/rsx6BuogWLo/s1600/IMG_2455.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cooper guarding the door, and his littlest brother</span></td></tr>
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I know that motherhood changed me to the core the moment Austin was born, and I now know that all the cliches are true about your other children, your heart grows and you realize you can love even more than you thought possible before.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Everett Lance</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Six Weeks Old</div>
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