Friday Follies

Another week and no blog posts from me. Do I have anything exciting to tell you? Have I been busy doing very cool things? Have I been on any adventures? Ummm. Negative. On all counts. We are here. Just doing things like swim lessons. Tennis team. Playing with friends. Farmtown on facebook. Reading lots of books. Basking in the cushyness of my new bed.

I have been list making. You should see my two page list of blog ideas. All of which require me to take pictures. Upload pictures. Edit pictures. But I get distracted. Or have to take the girls some where. Crops have to be harvested. Or my computer can't handle all the photos I have loaded and it slows to something resembling a sloth.

At least we have our follies.

Desktop or laptop?

Write blog or read blogs?

Favorite thing you've done this summer.

Favorite book you've read this summer.

Favorite movie you've seen this summer.

swim or tennis?

Time you got up today.

This summer - vacation or staycation?

Ding, ding, ding!! You have just won an all expenses paid, 1 week vacation for your entire family. And you don't have to listen to a time share spiel. Where are you going?

How many photos are on your computer?

Weekend Whimsies?

I am sitting in a window. Not a window that looks out upon anything. No view. Just a time frame. A window of 9am to 1pm. A waiting window. I am waiting for my brand new bed to arrive. After testing it in the store last weekend. I cannot wait to lay down on it. I have a feeling that my children will feel the need to make themselves at home in my room. And it's quite possible that someone may need to stage an intervention to get me off of it.

But in the mean time...let's have some whimsies. Instead of some follies.

Plush or firm?

What size bed do you have?

How old is your bed?

comforter or quilt?

Print or solid?

Do you make your bed daily?

How many pillows do you sleep on?

Do you eat in bed? Watch TV? Read?

What kind of sheets are on your bed right now?

How many beds are in your house?

Trim the Fat, vol IV

Though my kidney stones were incredibly painful. I was quite thrilled with the side effect of not being hungry AT ALL. The whole idea of food. Eating. Chewing. Was quite distasteful. For an entire week I barely ate. Unless my mother forced guilted suggested a little soup. The weight loss was quite lovely. And I hoped that my body would just get used to less food. And stop with all its incessant demands for things that should not be part of my diet.

Unfortunately. When I woke up from my vicodin haze. I actually FELT like I hadn't eaten for a week. I was ravenous. Nothing was enough. And all I wanted was crap. Stupid body. Stupid brain. Stupid cravings.

I have managed to sort of get myself back on track. But not without a modicum of inspiration. That I found in these books:

They call themselves the no diet weight loss solution. I wouldn't go that far. Or even that close. But I do find them a great resource. For example, you are going to buy frozen pizza. They tell you which ones are better options and why. Which ones you should stay far, far away from. And why. And often, the answers are quite surprising.

Like...Kellogs Smart start cereal has more sugar than Lucky Charms. Or Frosted Flakes. Or even Cocoa Pebbles! Kraft Mac and Cheese has 19 times more fat than a can of spaghetti Os. Or that most guacamole dips have NO avacado in them at all. That when you are picking out your Halloween candy, while neither are great choices...a snickers is better than skittles. Or skittles are better than plain M&Ms. Who knew?

And what is even more inspiring...is that there is a kids version. Originally, I had gotten each of these books from the library. But the kids version is my favorite. So much so that I went out and got our own copy of this one. My kids have each read it. Been so excited by what they read that they read parts of it aloud to me. Even more importantly...I am seeing results. They are paying attention to labels. Katie ate a frozen pizza for lunch yesterday. But looked at the label to see about fat and sodium. And to see what a serving size really is. And then today, we ran through Sonic. And Madalyn. Without any suggestions from me, asked for apple slices instead of fries.

Awareness and knowledge are the first steps. To me getting back on track. And for all of us being a little healthier.

Goals for the week:

To be better about writing things down. And to come home while the girls have tennis lessons rather than sitting in my car reading. And while I am at home...to do my exercise video. Not hang out online.

If you need some additional inspiration, head over to Angie's to see how everyone else is doing!

So...what about you? Have you read this book series? Is your family on the healthy eating bandwagon?

Flotsam and Jetsam

I had to take the devil kitties to the vet this week for their first check up. Our reputation preceeded us. The receptionist at the vet knew exactly who I was making an appointment for. Along with their medical history. We might have been responsible for her last raise.

I got to meet another blogger for the first time last week. Kelly from Song for Whoever was in town on her momcation. And we had a fabulous afternoon together. Filled with yummies from Red Robin. Sonic Happy Hour. And a visit to Barnes and Noble. I love when I can suggest books to people. And Kelly bought four books that I suggested. Including "The Time Traveler's Wife." I love that book. And I can't wait to see the movie version next month.

My birthday was Saturday. And even though her life is a little on edge right now, Lizzy came for the weekend. I did leave her at home to bake my cake while Katie and I went to see Harry Potter. I keep hearing people say that they left things out. Or put things in that weren't in the book. But...it's been so long since I read the book...none of that stood out for me. But I will say that there were a lot of funny parts to it.

One of my favorite parts about going to the movies. Besides a bucket of popcorn bigger than me. Is the previews. When we saw "The Hangover" I was rather disappointed in the previews. They were mostly horror type movies. Like "Orphan." (And can you believe that people are protesting this movie? Do you think that people would base their decision to adopt or not on this movie?) But Harry yielded some very cool previews. Like for "Percy Jackson and the Olympians." Oh...February seems a long way away. And then. We saw the preview for "Sherlock Holmes." Oh my. I know how I am going to spend my Christmas day.

Speaking of movies. We got "Transformers" from netflix and watched it last night. It was much better than I thought it would be. And that entire scene with the robots trying to hide on the lawn was hysterical. So. Who has seen the sequel? Is it worth paying theatre prices to see?

So...what about you? Met any bloggers recently? Seen any good previews? Anticipating any movies?

Friday Follies

It is that time of the week for us to get to know each other a bit better:

Dyed or natural?

Favorite craft.

Brief, bikini, or thong?

red or white?

How long have you been using your digital camera?

What game show would you love to be on?

How many miles a year do you put on your car?

What was the last movie that you saw?

Dancer or wallflower?

plain or with butter?

Life in the Blue Hair Lane

It seems that lately, when someone in this house gets a hair cut...it warrants photography. I took pictures of the girls getting bobs last year. When Michael got his hair trimmed. When he got it buzzed. My hair never warrants photography as it hasn't changed in a decade. There is something sad about that situation.

Anyway. Katie got her hair done today. Madalyn got hers trimmed. But I suppose that Katie's was a bigger deal. Since she got her hair dyed. Dyed. Really.

Well. Just a small part of it. First we had to pick which part was going to get colored.

And then it had to be bleached. Which required some time under the dryer. And while she was under there, there were very LOUD requests for entertainment. And very LOUD questions about how much longer. Beauty takes time my dear.

Then there was washing of hair. And acclamations about how drastic it is looking already.

And then. The dye.

Do you see that? It's blue. ELECTRIC blue. Multi shaded. It's a wow. And she looks pretty darn cute. I am such a cool mom. For the next 15 minutes anyway. Except that I am now the bane of existence for the moms of Katie's friends. I apologize in advance for any strange hair-do requests that you may now have.

So...what about you? Have you ever done anything wild with your hair? With your kids' hair? Are you the cool mom?

Kiss of death

Have you ever had a favorite...something? A favorite ice cream? Shade of lipstick? Type of jeans? TV show? And then the company that makes it. Well...they get some harebrained idea that the product needs to be changed. Improved. Or the kiss of death. Eliminated altogether.

My Clinique eye shadow was "improved" a few years ago. But the new shade is not an improvement on my lids. I am still searching for the correct shade.

I am still not over the cancelation of "John Doe" and "Homefront." I know. I was the only one watching. You don't have to rub it in.

When I diet...I tend to latch on to certain products that make it easier for me. Usually these foods are eaten on a daily basis. I can easily get into a rut. Many moons ago when I did Weight Watchers, I found the be-all-end-all in ice cream. Health Choice Peanut Butter cookie dough. Oh. It was like manna from heaven. Evidently no one else thought so. And they stopped making it. Or Entenmann's fat free chocolate pound cake. By itself, not so great. But. If you made it like I did. It was divine. (Cut the cake into 8 layers. And layer Healthy choice Mint chocolate chip ice cream in it. Oh my. I want some. Right. Now.)

And apparently I have that magic touch. Because a few weeks ago when I told you about some of my favorite products. El Monterey was listening. And stopped making my very favorite soft tacos. Now what will I dip into my wholly guacamole? What will I dip into my bean dip? What will I eat for lunch? Every. Single. Day.

So...what about you? Have you been the kiss of death for a product that you loved?

Friday Follies

About a year ago, I started this Friday tradition. Of me asking you questions. You answering. Us getting to know each other better. I was inspired by a post of Debbie's over at This is the Life. But apparently Debbie has dropped off the face of the planet. Anyone heard from Debbie? And then another Debbie asked me to bring the Follies back. As they had fallen by the wayside with hospital adventures at the beginning of the year. Ask and you shall receive:

Facebook or Twitter?

Favorite berry?

Favorite salad dressing?

Pizza or chinese?

aerobics or water aerobics?

gold or silver?

shoes or barefoot?

Book on the top of your to be read pile

How long have you been texting?

Have you started back to school shopping?

Trim the Fat Thursday - Vol III

This past week has been a blur. Or maybe a haze would be a better explanation. As I am STILL dealing with kidney stone pain. And the knowledge that the side that is not bothering me - well it has three kidney stones just waiting to make their presence known. At some inoportune moment.

Most of my week has been spent sleeping. I don't know how Dr. House functions on his high doses of Vicodin. And solves all those medical mysteries. Because all I do is sleep. And apparently when one lives a sleepy life, the pounds just melt away. If only I could get rid of the pain. And keep the not ever hungry part. I am somewhat dreading the return to reality. When these 6 pounds that disappeared somehow manage to creep back. For now. I am just enjoying the one bright side of these mean, nasty, need to go away stones.

Hangover causes Kidney stones?

It is a glorious day indeed. My children are old enough to go to the movies by themselves. While Michael and I go to a grown up movie in the theatre next door. I don't need a babysitter. I don't have to pay evening prices. And I don't have to share my popcorn. Glorious.

Last Thursday, we packed the kids off to see "Imagine That" while we went to see "The Hangover." A decidedly grown up offering. I spent the movie with my hands over my mouth. Slackjawed. In silent laughter. With tears running down my face. And a truly "OMG!" sentiment.

But after we got home. I had this sudden pain in my back. That curled around to my waist. It was a very intense pain. And it came to party with its friend nausea. It was not fun. Not at all. I somehow managed to sleep a little. And when I woke up, the pain was gone...but in its place was just an achy feeling.

Friday morning, the pain had returned. With gusto. And I completely abandoned my family. And Lizzy. And her family. Who had come to visit for the weekend. For the lovely confines of the local emergency room. I somehow managed to arrive at that split second that must happen. That second when NO ONE else was at the emergency room. No one. The parking lot was empty. The waiting room was empty. And I was taken right back.

I saw the doctor rather quickly. A Dr. Ghandi. Who told me that I had all the classic signs of kidney stones. I had a CT scan. And then they started IV drugs to deal with the pain. Oh the drugs. They were most lovely. They erased the pain. The nausea. And made me rather sleepy.

So I slept. And found out exactly how long I could go in between pain meds before I started reenacting scenes from "Terms of Endearment." ("It's past ten. My daughter is in pain. I don't understand why she has to have this pain. All she has to do is hold out until ten, and IT'S PAST TEN! My daughter is in pain, can't you understand that! GIVE MY DAUGHTER THE SHOT!" - Except that I am speaking for myself. And about a pill. Nevermind...)

And poor Lizzy. I was such a good host. It's a good thing that she comes so often. That she knows how to fend for herself. And she even did her own experiement by going with Mr. B to see "The Hangover." They escaped the kidney stone bonus track.

So that was how I spent my 4th of July. In Vicodin induced haze. Kinda like a hangover. Though I haven't seen any tigers or chickens around the house.

So...what about you? Have you seen "The Hangover?" Ever had a kidney stone? Do anything fun on the fourth?

Trim the Fat Thursday

I can't believe that it's been a week since I've posted! Between reading several books. Running the girls to swim practice. Swim meets. Tennis practice. And my addiction to Farmtown on Facebook. My poor blog has suffered.

But. Today is a day I must post. I so want to succeed on this weight loss journey. And I am hoping that this once a week check in with you will help me.

My goal for this past week was to actually measure what went on my plate. And I must admit that my eyes were opened. I KNEW that what I was putting on my plate was larger than what I counted. But by how much? Oh, wow!

I went to a Pampered Chef party about a year ago and bought these glass prep bowls.They come in a set of six. With lids. And are great when you are cooking - so that you can measure out all your ingredients ahead of time. And not let something boil over or scald because you forgot to get something out already.

But what I noticed is that they have measuring guidelines on the side of the bowl.

So I can fill up my bowl with grapes. Or strawberries. Or half of it with rice. Or whatever side we are having with dinner.

But where it is really eye opening for me was with cereal.

I know that our portion sizes keep growing. And that what is a small coke - used to be considered a large size.

I know that our dinner plates are growing. And one of the things that I have started doing is eating off of the "salad" plate.

But this is my favorite bowl. It's deep. It's great for chili. And soup. And cereal. (Man...that is a horrible picture.)

This is what my bowl looks like with an actual serving of cereal (1 cup).

Kinda empty. And lonely. Because if I filled my bowl with cereal...I'd be eating FOUR servings instead of one.

So, I moved my cereal into the smaller bowl. The ones I usually use for the kids. Perfect fit.

And all my measuring paid off. I lost 2.1 pounds this week. Bringing the grand total to 7.9 pounds!

Goal for the week:

To keep measuring. To be better about writing EVERYTHING down. And to exercise. Somehow. Something. At least once.

Go get yourself motivated by reading the other Trim the Fat posts at Angie's spot. Or join us...and link yourself up!

So...what about you? How do you deal with portion control? Do you trick your brain by using smaller plates? Or even ordering kids meals when you are out?