A new take on pizza

Pi, pie, slice, za. However you refer to it, pizza is delish.

It can come in any endless variety--thick crust, thin, hand-tossed, wood-fired or baked. Maybe you prefer yours loaded with meat or heaped with veggies. Whether it's traditional or gourmet, there is no shortage of option for the ever-loving pizza. 

Our family recently took a short road trip to an establishment where they served wood-fired pizza right on the farm. It was a beautiful drive from the La Crosse area, up Hwy. 35, through Fountain City. From there you wound your way down a winding country road, up and down beautiful lush valleys. The destination is a family-owned farm where they serve pizza on Thursdays and Fridays throughout the summer. 

We read on the website to bring your own chairs or blankets to have a proper picnic-style dinner. I packed some juice and water, snacks and veggies, plates and utensils and we were set! The kids grabbed a spot on the lawn near the swing set. We ordered our Za at the window, we were pizza numbers 65 and 66. They were currently working their way through the thirties. We settled onto the blanket as the kids ran and played, with the many other kids and families who were relaxing nearby. Somehow our beer seemed to taste better out in the open, the smells of campfire and pizza ever present. Our wait didn't seem so long, without having to contain kids and make them sit. Within about 45 minutes we had our two pizzas and sat down to enjoy! The kids devoured a cheese pizza, and we enjoyed ours with beautiful heirloom tomatoes and a touch of bacon and basil. Not too shabby for a Friday night! 

I had packed the fixin's to make s'mores, and the farm provided the sticks and the fire pit. We didn't even have to bribe our kids to finish their food to get dessert! Our drive home was relaxing and everyone fell into bed more than happy! Next summer if you find yourself with a free Thursday or Friday evening, might I recommend packing up a picnic basket with some goodies and a blanket and heading to Suncrest Gardens outside of Fountain City. It might not be great for the waistline, but it sure is wonderful for the soul!

Wrestling with technology

Technology, good or bad? Helpful or not? 

I think my answer to this is simple, when working properly and used in moderation, technology can be a wonderful and enhancing addition to our everyday lives. However, there is always the evil flip side to this scenario. 

Often times technology seems to operate and go about it's merry way, not behaving the way we want or need it to! Think about all the computer gadgets now in our vehicles and the constant updates, upgrades, notifications we receive on our computers. We have a home equipped with some "smart" technology. Our heating and cooling system is run via an iPad in the wall. Looks neat, until it isn't working properly. I have spent more time on the phone with repair people and can practically call them friends for how frequently they've needed to come "fix" things. My husband swears our next home will be equipped with the bare bones and less technology is better. 

I have to say, it is nice to have fun music at my fingertips, a car that cools to my desired temperature, the ability to see loved ones face to face, even when they live thousands of miles away. Most of the conveniences we live with would be very difficult to give up. Today I am grateful that we have an alarm on our freezer when the door is left open, even if the beeping is truly annoying! It saved us a lot of money not having to replace those waffles and ice cream! 

There is always the constant battle in our home with our children and technology. They are so accustomed to electronics--iPads, Tv's, smart phones, digital cameras and so on. We have to monitor their frequency and what type of sites they are visiting. If given the chance, our son would love nothing more than an uninterrupted day spent playing MineCraft on the iPad. Rules are constantly in place so this won't happen, but it really is a battle! So to live in relative peace with the technology that is such a part of our lives, I must keep chanting the mantra use in moderation, and if broken, be nice to your repair guy/gal, they may be your new best friend!

Breakfast saver

Ok all of you parents who have sent your kids back to school, can I get a yee-haw? It's a bittersweet time for sure, for some more sweet than bitter or vice versa. But now you may find yourself deep in the throws of the morning chaos. If you are a well-oiled machine in the morning, you need not read on, but for those of us who could use some help or assistance, I have been introduced to a wonderful new breakfast option that may save you some time during the a.m. rush.

I am borrowing these recipes from a wonderful blog site called The Yummy Life. The blogger, Monica Matheny, has some wonderful tips and recipes, she's well worth checking out when you get an opportunity. www.theyummylife.com 

My new go-to breakfast is an overnight, no-cook refrigerator oatmeal. You will need a Mason jar with a lid and a great imagination! I found some awesome rubber Bell jars with lids at Menards, but I'm sure they can be found in various other stores. This is packed with nutrition and makes for a great grab and go option if need be. You simply fill the jar about with about a half cup of old fashioned oats, not the quick or steel cut variety. Pour a bit of milk over the top, any kind will do. Then add greek yogurt, I love the plain Chobani, around a half a cup, but add more or less to your liking. Then simply fill in the rest with whatever concoction sounds good to you! Yesterday I mixed raspberries and a bit of vanilla extract. The second jar had blueberries and maple syrup. The last jar I used almonds, honey and some cinnamon. Then you simply shake or mix well, cover and set in the refrigerator to enjoy in the morning! The oatmeal soaks up the liquid and you have a wonderful, hearty breakfast. My kids each picked a flavor that they liked and devoured it! It's such a great thing to prepare the night before and know that one extra step is complete for the morning.

Share your favorite recipe, there are so many to try! Enjoy.

Another chapter ends

Well it is truly that time of year again, when the days are getting a bit shorter and the kids a bit antsier. 

That's right, the end of summer is just around the corner. Sprinklers will be jumped through just a few more times, Kool-Aid and lemonade stands will be flipping their closed signs over until next season. Soon the days of sleeping in and staying up late will be over, replaced by frantic mornings rushing out to catch buses and race into school. All over the city parents are checking their back-to-school lists and checking them twice. 

It seems that this summer was on super warp speed for some reason. I think it had something to do with the weather, and summer arriving so late after such a rainy spring. Then when it hit, it hit with a force and it continued on at a frantic pace. About a week ago I was lamenting the fact that I would be sending my kids back to school so soon, and I wasn't ready. 

Then another week went by, and the whining seemed to amp up to an almost unbearable level, and suddenly, school cannot start soon enough! I'm sure I'm not the only parent feeling this way! Kids are tired of the same old same old, and I'm ready for some routine to enter back into our lives. Brains need to be challenged and bedtime routines reestablished once more. Now I would feel so much better if those dang school lists were complete. Can anyone tell me where I can find the elusive skinny dry-erase markers? 

Ah summer, you will be sorely missed. Come back soon, and thanks for all of the wonderful memories.

Refreshed in the North

As the summer slowly slipped from July to August, our family closed

the chapter on yet another week-long family tradition.

We spent the week up at a lake cabin near the Hayward area. While no vacation could ever be "perfect" this was a much-needed escape and came close to reaching this title. We spent the week on a glorious lake with fantastic weather nearly every day. 

Some very close friends of ours were just across the bay with their three kids. Our families are close, and our kids get along swimmingly! They played hide and seek in the dark, sat by a campfire, roasted countless s'mores, fished and swam daily and just generally enjoyed each others' company. 

By having their companions to play with, the adults were able to enjoy some conversation and down time. We didn't solve any critical world issues, but we didn't even try! We too enjoyed our companions and the scenery of the great outdoors. Even our dogs romped with abandon and ran to their hearts' content. 

The only down side was the week came to far too abrupt an end. Why don't these moments stretch on a bit longer? Why does a hot dog taste so much better roasted over an open flame? Why is the sound of your kids' laughter like music as they bounce across the water on an inner tube? Like I said, it wasn't perfect. The gnat bites along my leg are evidence of that, but that was so worth it! So we came back a bit lighter, a bit more refreshed, even if we are scratching and itchy for the next few days! 

So until the great north woods beckons again, we have some wonderful new memories to carry us forward.

A 'novel' summer

Well now that we are officially into the summer season, do you gravitate towards one type of reading material or another? 

Maybe you don't have time for books and can only peruse a magazine article. Is this the only time of year you can sit and devour a good novel, maybe while sitting on a beach or flying somewhere fun? Do you read a certain type of book this time of year, lighter hearted or maybe dark and stormy? 

I am always up for a good read, if I had my way my nose would be buried in a book more often than not. I have recently finished a great book that was perfect for anytime of year, but short enough to read on a quick vacation. It was titled Me Before You by JoJo Moyes. Without giving much away, it tackled some pretty hefty life questions in a rather light hearted and uplifting way. She is a British author and the book has a sprinkling of British humor, truly enjoyable. 

I have also just finished The All-Girls Filling Station's Last Reunion by Fannie Flag. She is the same author who wrote Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe. This is a fast, enjoyable read and part of it is set in Pulaski, Wisconsin. It's a book filled with large, enjoyable characters who make this a fun novel to page through. 

I am a bit behind the times but I am finally finishing the Divergent trilogy. It's a bit darker but filled with enough action to keep it interesting. I can only read so much about a dystopian society, but it does prove, if nothing else, entertaining. My kids are required to read a minimum of 20 minutes per day, either with us or on their own. So far this is working and with the idea that they can pick a new book at the library and keep it fresh, we are all happily reading our way through summer! If any of you readers out there have any must-read suggestions, please send them in! In the meantime, here are a few summer booklists to get you started.

A Plan for Your Summer Reading
Summer Books of 2014

Green thumb?

Those of you with a green thumb, raise your...um...thumbs! 

I will not be one to do that, I'm more of a garden/plant destroyer. Don't get me wrong, it isn't because I don't want or try to grow things, I think I'm just lacking in experience and general knowledge about how to go about keeping things green and healthy. But I am trying to change that. I have planted a few containers on our patio and so far so good. I've even "harvested" some rather tasty basil and dill and a few tomatoes are starting to grow. 

I am fortunate to have some very talented gardener friends, and we have the perfect spot set aside to add to these herbs, hopefully by next summer. They are going to help guide me in the planning and planting process! Yippee! 

We have participated in our local community garden, and have added weeding to our kids' responsibilities. It is so very important that they see how food is grown and participate in the process. I think we all gain such an appreciation for food and the work that goes into it. I will never forget the joy of picking a tomato fresh from the vine and eating it, warm and juicy. I have really enjoyed sending my kids out to pick some herbs for a salad or cut some lettuce and then they realize that it was growing right in our backyard. Even our son tried some. Success! So the next time I ask for a thumbs up to all who garden, maybe I can raise a partial thumb. At least I'm trying!

Embracing Summer...

After enduring a cold, unrelenting winter and a wet, dreary "spring," we have finally made it to summer! I know my spirits are lighter and brighter seeing the sunshine and feeling the warmth of the sun again. Everything in our area looks so fresh and green, and pops of color are adorning our streets and doorsteps! We have so much to experience living in an area that truly gets all four seasons. It is fun to see how everyone embraces or rejects them, as the case maybe.

In our house, summer is welcome with wide open arms. Socks and shoes are shoved aside for the feel of bare toes and flip flops. The change in season also brings the end of a school year for the kiddos. With that comes the added schedule change and activity planning. I've written before about the fine line in keeping your kids busy and involved in activities, but also trying not to over schedule and allow them free time, *and gasp* a chance to be bored!

My friends and I have discussed how we would play outside from sun up to sun down, rarely breaking to eat. Sunscreen was never a priority and neighborhoods were our domain to explore. Although times are a bit different, and the importance of sunscreen is a big priority, it's still wonderful to let your kids be kids. Drink from the garden hose when you get thirsty, set up a lemonade stand and charge a quarter to all your neighbors who may stop by. Lay on a blanket and watch the clouds, just because you can!

Sure summer camps and organized play are great, and essential for this mom's sanity, but I am trying to have less "organized" and more figure it as we go time. I'm devising a chore chart so we don't steer too far off course, but I'm remembering to embrace summer because as we know it is far to fleeting in this part of the world. So go forth, put tassels on your bike handles, swing on a swing, drink from a hose and stop to smell the roses! Hello summer!

Transforming a house into a home

While the list varies from person to person, some of the most stressful events in life include moving. 

I can attest to that, especially when you toss in three kids, a dog, and a whole lot of stuff! We made the move, and are on the other side of the difficult part. Whew. 

Now comes the unpacking, sorting, and placing of those things deemed worthy of gracing our space. Pictures that have resided in boxes for the past six years have been unearthed, to keep or not to keep? That has become the major question in our household. But I know we are fortunate and this is a great problem to have! 

We have explored our new neighborhood and the kids are already having a blast. We've been the recipient of several plates of scrumptious cookies and home-made meals, making a move almost worth it! I keep telling people that the house is a work in progress; every time I think I've made progress, there is more work! Ha! But our new place is already feeling like home, and our housing woes are already becoming a fleeting memory. 

I am trying to tell myself to take things one day at a time, one box at a time. There is no deadline for getting things done, and just enjoy the house one step at a time. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, unproductive. But this too shall pass. We have already hung things on the wall! Wow! That doesn't mean that this is where they will stay, but they are out of boxes and giving our walls personality. So as each day passes, and another box is emptied, we are one step closer to transforming our house into a home!

A Moving Tale

As Spring creeps ever closer, teasing us with temps inching towards 50, our family prepares for a big move into a new house. 

I've blogged in the past about our efforts to try to build a home, like the saying goes we "gave it the old college try." At this point in our lives a custom-built home is not in our immediate future. We ran into obstacle after obstacle, and after awhile it was time to start listening to what the cosmos were trying to tell us, and scrap the idea! 

After much time spent house hunting and weighing the pros and cons of one home vs. another, we chose a house we thought would best suit our family's needs and an offer was accepted! For the past few months we have been prepping ourselves for our move. 

As any of you readers know, moving is a dreaded chore to most. A few positives do exist, like the never-ending purge that seems to occur! How did we manage to accumulate so much STUFF? Wow, it is a bit amazing to think about all the things that have resided in our home for the past four years! But with that comes a duty to rid ourselves of the things we no longer use or want. Some have made it to local consignment shops, some to friends, some sold online, and a vast amount were donated. It is a very freeing feeling to shed some of the material weight we have been carrying. Of course, that means we are making way for a few new things that will be fun to purchase, but all in due time. 

For now, I must pack another box, carefully wrapping items in paper and labeling where each thing should go, or so I'd like to think. My version of reality is a bit different (think shoved into a container and thrown into the back of the truck and crossing fingers most things survive)! I've never claimed to be super organized, this is a true challenge for me. But somehow we will manage and the kids are very excited about new bedrooms, and a new neighborhood to explore. So while I pack another box, I'm focusing on the positives, a place to call our own will bring. I will be doing my best to make this experience as stress free as possible.

Let me know if you need any moving boxes as we will have plenty to spare in a few weeks!

Show someone you care!

Was your house been bombarded by red and pink like mine last week? Are your kids bouncing off the walls from the sugared hearts and sticky suckers they received in their Valentine exchanges at school? Did you spend hours creating the perfect Valentine for them to give or the perfect "Mailbox" to house all of their sweets? 

It is a fun holiday, and with the winter that we have endured it has certainly helped add some color and fun into our rather cold, white world! My kids were so excited for all of their parties at school, and to give their teachers the special treats they prepared, or rather their mother, prepared! 

Some consider it a Hallmark holiday. I say bah humbug to that! What better excuse do you need to send a fun card to your favorite aunt or special grandparents? My kids were racing to the mailbox all week to see their cards come with only their name on it! Brighten up your niece or nephew and send them a giant card like my sister did! Seeing the excitement that a gesture like this brings is worth it! And I haven't even mentioned the opportunity to indulge a bit in some chocolate, perfect! So forget your bah humbugs and remember to celebrate those you love. It doesn't take much to show that you care, and bringing a smile to someone is well worth it, on Valentine's Day and every day!

On marriage...and coffee mugs...

I've recently come to realize that my marriage is like my coffee-mug cupboard. 

Like most people we started out with a nice set of everyday dishes from our wedding, over 11 years ago. They are sturdy, very comfortable and you know exactly how your hand fits on the handle. But recently we have begun to notice some cracks, and chips in our sturdy mugs. A few have had to be tossed. 

We've begun to replace our everyday cups with new mugs purchased while traveling, or at a certain special event. We've had to learn how these hold our coffee, and at what point do we stop filling them to fit in our cream. Our cupboard has become a bit more exciting, though far less uniform in looks. Some of our new mugs are large with a picture of the resort we visited. Some are curved and perfect for that steaming tea. 

We have changed and grown as a couple. Yes we have cracks and chips, but we have learned to adapt or move on. Sometimes it's necessary to inject a bit of new into the so-called cupboard. There are days where I reach for the sturdy, tried-and-true mug. I like how it feels in my hand, I know just how high to pour my coffee. But then I have my favorite new mugs too, the one with the initials of my hometown, or the emblem of a favorite cafe. There is nothing wrong with change, in fact, we all change, it's recognizing it that counts.

So whatever your mug cupboard looks like, be open to new but don't forget to embrace the old too!

The magic of Christmas

We are only young once, and boy does that seem like a long time ago! 

I was struck yesterday by the magic of youth, and how wonderful it truly is. Our kids are eight, six and three. They believe one hundred percent in the magic of Christmas, in Santa, his elves and all the wonder that this season brings. 

Well our elf on the shelf is back for another season of mischief and fun. Jingle Bells, as he is very appropriately named, arrived the day after Thanksgiving and has been delighting the kids each morning with his antics from the night before. 

Well, as you can see from the picture, this was how the kids found him this morning. They stood in awe at his predicament, but debated whether Jingle Bells had used his magic to tie himself up, or if the Lego guys caught him and were tired of him causing trouble and so they tied him up for us to see! 

It was a wonderful, magical conversation and our 8-year-old was completely convinced that his "guys" woke up and caught JB in sneaking back into the house. Not only do they believe in the magic of one stuffed little red elf, but that their toys are also alive and well. I hope a bit of this belief will rub off on me, and I say to all kids everywhere, whether old or young, hang onto it, the act of believing is the true magic of the season! 

Stay tuned for more Jingle Bell escapades!

Healthier versions of the old 'tried and true'

With Thanksgiving now just a day away, I feel like I've been fighting cravings for the usual comforting, though calorie-laden meal for more than a week. I believe there are just some things worth sacrificing the calorie count for, like homemade dressing or pumpkin pie. But these happen to be my favorites, and the few times a year I eat them, it's worth it! Now we don't need to go up a pant size every holiday just to get wonderful, flavorful food that still tastes like mom's.

I've been perusing the web for some healthier, skinnier versions of the old tried and true, and I think I've managed to come up with a few winners that may make it onto our dinner table, and maybe yours too! One idea that that sounds like a no-brainer is the Slow Cooker Savory Sweet Potatoes. Not only can you make these ahead of time, they are warm and ready in the crockpot without any of the fuss. 

Slow Cooker Savory Sweet Potatoes

• 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive oil
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1" cubes
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup sucanat or coconut palm sugar (found in the organic section of most grocery stores) if cannot find, substitute with honey
• 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp curry powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon

Add olive oil to slow cooker and preheat to high while preparing potatoes and garlic. Add potatoes and all remaining ingredients to cooker. Cover and cook on high 2-3 hrs or low 4-5 hrs.
skinnyms.com

Garlic Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

Makes 4-6 servings

• 1 head of cauliflower
• 3 cups water
• 4 large garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 Tbsp butter
• Milk (if needed)
• Salt and Pepper

1. Cut the cauliflower into florets and place in the slow cooker.
2. Add in the water, garlic cloves, salt and bay leaf.
3. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 4-6 hours.
4. Remove the garlic cloves and bay leaf. Drain the water.
5. Add in the butter and let it melt.
6. Use a potato masher to mash the cauliflower or if you want to use an immersion blender to make it more creamy you can do that. If it needs milk add it in a tablespoon at a time.
7. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve with chives or green onions.

Review:
I halved this recipe and actually ate the entire thing by myself. What a great way to eat vegetables! Obviously it has a different taste than mashed potatoes but if you like the creamy texture of potatoes this might be a good way to save some calories. 3 1/2 stars.

There are so many ways to keep our calories in check during the holidays. However you choose to celebrate, I hope you enjoy the day to it's fullest, giving thanks, I know I sure will!

Find more great recipe ideas at skinnyms.com.

Giving Thanks...

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, I thought it appropriate to sit down and think about some things I am truly grateful for. It's not hard to do, we live a very blessed society even if we don't always take the time to acknowledge it. So without further ado, here's a partial list of what I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving.

I'm beyond thankful for a family to call my own. Not only are they cute, smart, and funny, they love me to the moon and back, and I do the same in return!

I'm grateful for not only my family, but one that is healthy. I've learned to never take health for granted, it can change in an instant.

I'm so thankful for a group of people I call friends. Some live nearby and others further than I would like, but they all have a special place in my heart and have helped me become the person I am today.

I give many thanks for my abilities, none of which are superhuman. But I have the ability to do many things, and to try new things that are challenging! I'm not great at any, but it hasn't stopped me yet from trying! This includes attempting a new turkey recipe this holiday.

I'm thankful for my dog. He's got the most gentle soul, he's a total bed hog, and I wouldn't have him any other way.

I'm so thankful for my loving husband, most days.

I love to read and try to devour new books any chance I can, for the worlds it's opened, for this I'm thankful.

For the house over our heads and the food we eat, such a simple thanks, but one never to take for granted.

For coffee, for red wine, for cheese and bread, coconut and chocolate, together or separate, and french fries.

For music, that that is old and evokes a good memory, or new that stirs something deep inside.

For music that just makes me dance.

For laughter, especially my kids'.

For a good dirty joke, and the ability to remember it!

I'm thankful for good movies, that take us away from reality for a couple of hours.

This list could go on and on. Remember this Thanksgiving to give thanks for all of the big and more importantly, the little things in life. When I reflected back on my thanks, I realize how unbelievably lucky I am.

The monkey bars won!

On Friday my phone rang, the dreaded call from the nurses office at school. 

Our third day into kindergarten and it was 5-year-old vs monkey bars. The monkey bars won. 

We took her as swiftly as we could to the ER and found out that she had broken her elbow and would require surgery and two pins, which earned her an overnight at the hospital! If this wasn't bad enough, the poor kid turned six two days later, and we had to cancel her party with her friends for the following day! 

There is NOTHING worse than seeing your child in any sort of pain, but to have her undergo such a dramatic injury, I wish I could have traded with her. As a parent we try our best to keep our kids safe, but we cannot protect them all of the time. 

She handled the situation so wonderfully. She was far braver than I ever would have been. In fact, she didn't shed a single tear once we left school. Even after hearing the news about her party, receiving several X-rays, exams and an IV. Wow! 

So while this wasn't exactly how I had planned on kicking off the new school year, one very positive thing has come from this. When something bad strikes, we realized how blessed we are to have the people we do around us. The outpouring of support and love certainly helped this momma feel better, but also helped ease our daughter's pain too. 

There is no way to prepare for something like this, but I will say that we felt like we were in great hands with all of the professionals at Gundersen Health System. The nurses even threw her a birthday party in the hospital, complete with a wrapped gift and a cupcake with a candle! 

So now that she is rockin' her hot pink and purple cast, we are back into the swing of things at school. She is handling the cast and change of doing things left-handed so wonderfully. Although we didn't begin exactly as planned, our school year is now well under way and moving forward nicely. 

 We are just hoping the only monkeys we encounter from now on are at the zoo.

It's back-to-school shopping season!

Are you all set for the kids to go back to school? 

Have you purchased their supplies, double checking the list and making sure all of their number two pencils are sharp? 

 This year I am sending all three of my children off to school, the youngest for the first time! She will only attend three mornings a week, but it's a big step for all of us! I'll suddenly find I have a few extra quiet hours in my day, some extra time to devote to errands or other chores. I can hopefully volunteer a bit more in my kid's classrooms, or run an extra mile! The possibilities seem endless at this point, however I know the time will fill fast and furiously. 

 It is scary to shop for school supplies for three kids. I read that the average family spends over $600 getting kids set for this milestone! That is A LOT of number two pencils and crayons! We had a tradition growing up that my mom took my sister and I up to Minneapolis and we shopped for a day for a few special back-to-school outfits. We had a blast doing it, at least my sister and I did. I remember how excited I was to shop for brand new things, then carefully selecting what I would wear for the first day of school! 

 My son could really care less about what he wears, but my daughters are starting to form very strong opinions already! Jeans? No way! Buttons, forget it! So while this is a bit frustrating, it poses a challenge and one I am up to facing. So I'm almost done packing up the folders and markers, washing and organizing all of the clothes so the kids are all set. Now there is just enough time to savor the last few weeks of summer vacation before our new school year journey begins.

Enjoying a mini break from reality...

Well, as we find ourselves in the twilight of summer, I'm trying to find a healthy balance between enjoying the weather and keeping active, and creating down time to enjoy everything!

My kids are starting the "drive each other nuts" phase, when we all realize we have filled our quota of together time! When they love each other and get along, life is so smooth, but when they fight and bicker, watch out! Yikes! 

 So this mom decided to take a bit of me time today. We have just arrived home from spending a week up north, enjoying a Wisconsin lake and the wonderful north woods. Our 24/7 time together was fantastic and always makes me appreciate my little family and all of our blessings. 

But upon returning home to the mound of laundry and whining kids, a few hours alone is always a mini vacation in itself! So what was a girl to do? Well after looking at my poor toes, that became an easy answer! I sped my way to the nearest nail salon and happily sat in a massage chair and let the girl work her magic! Not only do my toes look presentable, and perky too, my whole demeanor is refreshed. I managed to relax, not having to hear yelling or break up any fighting. I thumbed through a magazine and found out what is hot for summer (a bit late for me) and what to wear for fall! 

Ahhh, if you are in need of a mini, mid-day break from reality, splurge on a pedicure and you, and your toes, will thank you!

Mindful Meditation

My husband and I have recently tried to begin mindful meditation.

We had a wonderful conversation with a friend who incorporates this practice into her daily routine.

She told us that before meditation she was a yeller, a door slammer. She can feel the transformation she undergoes when meditating. It can be a topic that can sound hokey, or silly until you start to read all the information regarding the benefits of meditating.

I will admit to finding it difficult to find a quiet time in my day to sit and relax for the recommended ten minutes. It is not easy with three children and a dog clamoring for attention the majority of the day. But the times that I have shut the door, relaxed and closed my eyes, my body instantly relaxes, and more importantly so does my mind. We were told to focus on our breathing, feel it in either our nose, chest or stomach. Try to keep your thoughts clear, and when a thought enters your mind, gently push it aside. Eventually we will learn to name the thoughts that enter, making it easier to clear them out of our head. I cannot say that it has become life changing, but it certainly makes me feel calmer when I've sat and relaxed.

We all carry so many layers of stress, if this will help me shed some of that, I'm more than willing to give it a try. There is a very timely article on the BalanceYour7 website on this very topic. Before you doubt it, take a few days and try giving yourself 10 or 20 minutes of total calm, focusing only on your breathing and clearing your mind. If nothing else, you might grab a midday cat nap! Who can argue with that!


Check out this article on the Balance Your 7 website: Mindfulness, meditation can help reduce stress.

Sun Safety

The battle has begun. The battle of sunscreen versus squirmy children and an insistent mother.

"Stand still or you will get it in your eyes."

"Rub it in, you missed a spot!"

"Mom, it's cold, stop!"

All of these and more, are frequently heard in our house, morning, noon and night. We have started our summer activities and the sun has finally reappeared--so has the infamous white cream. I have started to do more homework on the type of sunscreen that I choose to use. There is no shortage of options--sprays, lotions, sticks, foams.

Which is best, which is safest? We want a broad spectrum, protecting from both harmful UVA and UV rays. Guidelines recommend an spf rating of 15- 50+, but do not forget to reapply and reapply often. A higher spf tends to make people believe they are protected for longer, which is not true. In short, ingredients matter. Avoid any sun product whose label says retinyl palmitate, retinol or vitamin A. Look for ingredients zinc oxide, avobenzone and Mexoryl SX. These protect us from harmful UVA radiation. Avoid the sunscreen chemical oxybenzone, a synthetic estrogen that penetrates the skin and can disrupt the hormone system.

The best sun protection is to use common sense, cover up when you can and seek or create shade. Color on our skin does not mean healthy. This is such an important message to teach our children, especially teenagers. So while the battle rages on in my house, and many others, it's such an important one. Be sensible, and proactive, and if you can, practice your wrestling moves! It's helped me, and ultimately we will do anything to keep our kids safe.


Sun Safety Tips