March 2010

My new Spring Wardrobe

by Stacy on March 28, 2010

I’m treating myself to some well deserved new threads this season for a few reasons I’m quite proud of (more on that next week). I’ve probably bought clothes each spring for as many seasons as I can remember, but this time around is different. This year I am doing so consciously, taking an inventory of what I have already, what items I could really use as part of my new wardrobe and what sorts of clothing will help make me feel more confident and attractive as a healthy, active mother of three young children.

When doing this sort of “soul searching” in my closet, I came to the following conclusions:

1) I love the look, feel and ease of wearing skirts and dresses when I’m out and about with my kids.

I have 6 casual skirts in my closet right now, so other than the denim skirt I bought on sale at Target, I won’t be making any new additions here.

2) When I’m at home hanging out, cleaning messes, changing diapers and getting my art & crafts on with the kids, I prefer yoga pants and colorful t-shirts.

I have two pairs of yoga pants & two pairs of yoga capris that I like. I’d love to have one more of each so I could make it through a week without needing to wash them first, but we’ll see how soon I get around to that.

I bought the yoga pants for $20 at a Nike outlet three years ago, I’ve worn them to every workout I’ve done since and they still look brand new ~ I Love these pants!! (sorry there’s no link, but they don’t seem to make them anymore ) My capris are from Gap Body, I got them on clearance for my birthday last year for $7, I’m too cheap to pay the regular price for them so I’ll have to wait out a good sale I guess.

My T-Shirt collection has taken quite a beating after three pregnancies in 5 years so I could use a few new updates here. I’m on the lookout for some that more flattering than the current XL maternity ones I’m still wearing. I’m a bit modest about my top half, so I usually wear some sort of tank under all my tops, but I found these double layer tees at Target and think they work just fine on their own. I ordered the cherry & brown on sale + free shipping last night.

3) Comfortable sandals, flip flops and canvas sneakers suit my lifestyle just fine.

I’m heading in to summer season with one pair of leather flip flops, a pair of converse sneakers and a pair of cotton slip ons that I won’t be wearing in the hot months (cotton slip ons + 100 degree weather + no socks do not equal anything this lady will be wearing – period.) I guess I’ll start looking for some acceptable summer shoes.

4) Jeans are a must! (and in Texas in the summer this means capris must also play a pivotal role)

I inventoried all my jeans and found I only like the way I look in 3 of mine. Three will get my through the summer though, and I have enough capris for everyone reading this to come on over and have a party with me – wearing my pants! So, no new things here.

5) None of these items require me to spend a lot. (Which is great b/c I would much prefer to spend my dollars on adorable children’s clothing )

After shopping in my own closet it looks like I really only need a shirt or two and a nice pair of sandals. Not quite as exciting as my shopping excursions of the past, but much easier on my budget I must say.

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Still, every now and then, I like to window shop uh, well more like online shop these days and for some reason this dress called to me. I’m not sure if it fits my new rules or not (I did say I like the look & feel of dresses) but if I meet my goal next week (the one I can’t wait to tell you about, I may just have to treat myself)

I’m loving the colors in this Maxi Dress from Kmart ($25), but I’ll still need some sort of coverup to wear over this as I don’t like to bare this much skin.

As long as I’m treating myself, I think these yellow twist sandals would look great with the dress and I’m sure I could make good use of them all summer long. Hmm, this online shopping thing could get out of hand really fast, I’d better end the post now before I blow my budget.

Eek, too late. I couldn’t resist sharing these cute studded sandals with you. I’m not sure how functional they are for me, I don’t think they would be … playground material … but they sure are super cute.

So tell me, have you been spring shopping too? If so, what were your favorite finds of the season? Do you think I should splurge on that dress?

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Tropical Oatmeal

by Stacy on March 26, 2010

I’ll be making a big announcement next week, an announcement that has a lot to do with the better food choices I’ve been making for my family this year. We’re eating foods that are better for us and finding ways to make them taste better than their sugar loaded alternatives. I’ll be sharing some of our favorite meals with you over the coming months, but I thought I would start you off with one of our favorite breakfasts, Tropical Oatmeal.

This one is a hit with everyone in my house, which is saying A LOT. Hopefully it will be a big hit in your home too.

Tropical Oatmeal

3 cups Oats (We use Quaker Old Fashioned but any kind will do)
3 1/2 cups Water
1 3/4 cups Light Vanilla Soy Milk (can sub. milk if needed)
2-3 tablespoons Butter
Pinch of Salt (Optional)
1/3 cup Brown Sugar

Top With:

Blueberries
Dried Fruit (We like Sunmaid Tropical Trio)
Additional Toppings: Granola, Slivered Almonds, Toasted Coconut, anything goes really

This recipe makes 6 servings but you can modify it to your families needs. Stick to the instructions on the Oatmeal container, substituting 1/2 of the water for Light Vanilla Soymilk or Milk. This makes the oatmeal have a different consistency and makes it a ton more filling and healthy. I add the brown sugar to the oatmeal while it’s still in the pot because it’s a lot less fuss than sweetening each individual bowl. This recipe will give you just a touch of sweetness (perfect for toddlers) but you may need to add some more sugar to suit your own tastes. (I try to use the toppings as a way to sweeten to my liking instead of adding any more sugar) Finish by garnishing each bowl with a few handfuls of blueberries, a handful of dried fruit and whatever additional toppings you choose. Sit back and enjoy this surprisingly exotic comfort food.

~ Happy Friday!

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Happy conquers litter

by Stacy on March 19, 2010

OVERHEARD ON AN AFTERNOON DRIVE …

“Oh, NO!! Look at all that litter in that river!”, Happy proclaimed. “No, No, No. We don’t throw litter in the water. We need to put it in the trash can and keep the rivers clean.”

“I know!! I could get a ladder and climb down into that river … and swim around in that water … and pick up all that trash and then throw it away.” Happy stated, quite proud of himself.

A FEW MOMENTS GO BY …

“Ooooor, maybe I could get a cape … and fly down into that river … and pick up all that trash … Yeah, that would be awesome!” he mumbled to himself.

Yes it would little man, yes it would.

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Little for a Little While

by Stacy on March 15, 2010

It’s a Big World, baby, and you’re little for a little while ….

We keep coming back to this song on Jitterbug.tv, and all three of my youngsters will watch it mesmerized at least two or three times. I love the message, the melody and most of all the imagery in the video. It just helps everyone in my house calm down for a minute and appreciate each other. We climb onto my little sette, cuddle up close to each other and rock back and forth as we watch the story unfold and sing in unison with the woman’s wooing voice.

It’s been my 5 little minutes of heaven the last few days and I thought I’d let you in on my little secret. Do you have a similar trick that gets you through the tough part of the day with your kids? If so, please share!

BONUS: You can get download the song for FREE on ReneeAndJeremy.com

If you want to know more about Jitterbug.tv, read all about them here

From the Album, It’s a Big World by Renee & Jeremy
Hardcopy CD
MP3 Version