Moving On Up

Reflection:  a thought occurring in consideration or meditation.

I spend a lot of time planning.  The beginning and end of every day, every week, every month, every year.  Sometimes written on the inside of my hand, often times written on yellow legal note pads (thanks, Dennis Taylor).  In fact as I type today, I have a running list of all the things I need to accomplish to get little guy to middle school tomorrow.

Wait... middle school?!

Ah hell.  

I have a lot of friends just starting out.  Babies galore around me right now.  In fact, I have three coworkers preggers and due any minute.  I brag to anyone that will listen that I only have 6 years left.  SIX.  Out the door, for sale sign in the yard, laying on a beach eternally.

When time sits still I see it so differently.  It always amazes me how I can feel one way and then take a 180 the next.  Hubs would barb that is a "woman thing".  Personally, I think it is a human thing.  When the busyness subsides and we contemplate quietly it's amazing what comes into clarity.

Little guy hits his teens in a month.  He still can't always remember to wear deodorant but somehow still has friends.  I refer to him as an independent codependent most days.  He is silently strong just like his dad and incredibly passionate just like me.  Even so, I fear the next two years.  Kids change in middle school... immensely.  I can't even type what I was like in middle school.  I'm surprised my mom didn't leave me in a hot car all day on purpose.

So in the spirit of planning, I've made a list for my little guy.  Because really, how can anyone survive without a list?

1.  Just laugh.

When you drop your crap in the hallway in front of the cool kids in school, start laughing.  When you fling food off your fork in the lunchroom, laugh. When you have tried to get your locker open a hundred times and still can't get it, start laughing hysterically.  Self deprecation is not only humbling, it lightens everyone elses response to what has just happened.  And let's face it... everyone is a dork at 13.  Get them all to laugh with you.  It will make the event totally harmless.

2.  Don't over analyze.

Everything around you is happening in moments.  Each moment is just that... a snapshot of time that will most likely not even be remembered.  As an adult, I have a few memories of special events but the day to day stuff is completely wiped clean of memory.  It gets replaced with performance evaluations, grocery lists, Christmas planning.  Trust me on this one- there is no need to over analyze every single moment.  Roll with them, laugh and let them go.  Everyone else will too.

3.  Stay true.

You may not know what you want to do when you grow up, what college you want to attend or how many kids (if any) you want to have.  But you do know YOU.  You know what is right and what is wrong.  You know how you and everyone else should be treated.  You know that everyone deserves respect but must also illustrate they have earned respect.  

4.  Focus on the BIG picture.

School is just that - an education.  Sure, it's a giant cesspool of social anxiety.  Nonetheless, you actually go there for one specific purpose... to learn.  Remember that, when your friends are getting sucked into arguments about girls.  Remember what you have been given - the conduit to an amazing future.  If you can stay the course and keep that focus in mind, your future will be so bright.

5.  Just WAIT.

Since I brought it up... girls can WAIT.  Seriously.  The next few years can be the most fun times of your life, with parties, dances and football games.  Engage and have fun without commitment.  In simplest terms - if you can't remember to put on your deodorant then you certainly don't need to be "falling in love".  You will have SO much time for that after you finish your education and begin your life.  

6.  Be patient.

I know you want to go to college right now.  You have been a planner for as long as I can remember and your dreams are so lofty.  Keep those dreams in your sight.  They are completely attainable and you can do whatever you want in this life.  But try to slow down just a little bit.  Spend some time in the NOW.  The next will come when it's time.

7.  Make good choices.

In every moment, you will have a decision to make.  This way or that.  Up or down.  Eat this or not.  Go with them or stay.  Every moment.  It may feel overwhelming at times.  Refer back to #3... be true.  You know who you are.  You know what is right.  Don't get sucked into things you don't want.  You forge your path, no one else.  Friends can't "make" you do things you don't want to do, just like they can't make you "feel" a certain way without your consent.  

8.  Make mistakes.

Sometimes you will cross a path and turn the wrong way.  You will make mistakes, I promise you.  When you do, forgive yourself.  Be accountable and take the consequences.  But know this:  two people are standing on either side of you at all times.  We will support you, no matter what.  We will always be the first to forgive you and help you move forward.  Although sometimes it may be painful, mistakes are the very best way to learn just how you want to live your life.

9.  Ask for help.

This is a biggie.  I know as a boy you aren't supposed to ask for help.  Honestly son, it is the most important thing you can learn to do in life.  You won't always have the answers.  You won't always know what you should do.  When you come to that crossroads, ask for help.  Seek guidance from those you trust and respect.  They will guide you through the hard stuff and you will appreciate them even more.  Remember - even Pooh asks for help when he needs it.  It's not a weakness, it's a sign of strength.

10.  BE HAPPY!

Don't fall into the drama of girls, the politics of sports or the gossip train.  Rise above all of that nonsense and know in your heart that it just weighs people down into a world of negativity, removing their focus.  Get up every day being totally okay with the fact that you aren't in "the know".  Let everyone else hang out down there... you don't need it.  You are completely fulfilled and have a happy life without that junk.  It's actually really rewarding to be the fun one.  Try it, I think you will fit perfectly there. :)

As we embark on the next journey, I can't help but think that I only have six years left.  Six more school shopping excursions.  Six more first days of school (for me, anyway).  I'm so proud and sad all at the same time.

Maybe he really will let me go to college with him?

        Jen

It's About Time

All it takes is a word of encouragement.  One word.  Sometimes a spoken word is even unnecessary.  A glance, a gentle touch of the hand or a smile can achieve the same outcome.

 

When I was a little girl, I thought 40 was such an old age.  Being the baby of the family with two brothers and a disabled sister above me, my mom was tired.  REALLY tired.  I honestly don't remember that many days of her life when she wasn't tired.  She didn't really complain, but it was evident by the dark circles under her eyes and non-stop coffee consumption.

 

What I didn't know at the time was that she wasn't only tired, she was stressed.  Absolutely and completely.  The efforts of running a household, raising children, running a business and pleasing her spouse had worn down the energetic, spry and sassy woman she was just a short decade before I came along.  She never really recharged her batteries, didn't really talk to any friends or family about her feelings, concerns or challenges.  She endured it all... privately.  She was brilliantly strong in that way. 

 

Over the course of the last six months, I have a much greater appreciation for how she felt.  Exasperated may be the only word I can use to describe it.  Life experiences have weighed heavily on me and my family lately.  I am not one to complain.  I don't really even want to talk about my own challenges.  I take responsibility for my own and just don't feel it's necessary.  It's nothing we can't handle. We always overcome.  Nonetheless, it's been exhausting.  Stress plays an incredibly powerful role over a human being.  It can be absolutely debilitating, leaving us feeling hopeless.  And tired.

 

A great friend of mine recently shared she is getting married this summer and it was the perfect conduit to create happiness.  My girlfriends and I assembled quickly to plan a gathering for us to celebrate with her.  As we sat laughing and crying this past weekend over our long friendship with one another and life events recent and past, I realized something really important:  none of us are really alone if we don't want to be.  All it takes is the ability to share our vulnerability with one another, to find those individuals that will give you that one word you need at the precise moment that you need it.

 

 

 

I found that this weekend.  I was enveloped with love and support from my girlfriends whom I don't spend near enough time visiting.  By the end of the weekend, I felt at peace.  Even with few hours of sleep, I finally felt rested. 

 

Sometimes you just need a girlfriend to giggle with and lighten the load.

 

I haven't blogged for a long time, mostly because I refuse to use my writing as a dumping spot for all of my trials and tribulations.  That's held in a private journal.  This space is my place of comfort and joy, to share moments of joy and sometimes moments of sadness and be true to myself.  I'm excited to get back though.  It's truly healing for me to write and gives me a slight feeling of control in an uncontrollable world.

 

So thanks for coming back to visit.

 

             Jen

 

 

 

 

FRIDAY FAVES!!

That escalated quickly!

The snowpocolpyse this week was awesome.  And apparently we have more to follow. 

In case you live under a rock, Kansas City was slammed with substantial snow this week.  The road crews worked their tails off to make certain we didn't follow in other (embarrassing) cities quakes (ahem.. Atlanta).  The men and women that clear our streets did an amazing job!  Schools closed, government offices tapered to essential staff only and most employers did their best to give their employees leeway to get to work safely.

I'm so grateful to have that employer.  They closed our office down early the day it started and gave everyone a few extra hours to get in the next day.  It truly made all the difference in the world (plus helped us avoid the hectic "rush hour" traffic).

It's nice to know people care.

Amidst all the shoveling, cleaning and organizing I have done this week, I have somehow managed to pull together some faves to share.  Hope you enjoy!

FAVE KICKS

Ah.... love!  Must have!!  Steve Madden, you are my hero. :)

 

 

 

 

FAVE INVENTION

 

Genius.  Absolutely genius.  Especially this time of year when I feel like my entire body skin is flaking off or itchy to death.  I don't mind our weather getting colder or even the snowy precip but I absolutely hate how dry it is.  This is perfect!

 

 

 

 

 

FAVE PIT

 

Our west coast kids have furniture similar to this and I love it.  So comfy! Our new family room space requires something like this.

 

 

 

 

FAVE WINE LOVE

 

To be honest, I'm actually considering just buying red wine by the barrel for the winter.  What a great use after it's empty!  I love this mirror - so creative.  Gotta have it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

FAVE YUMMO

 

We love chicken burgers in my house.  Well, any kind of burger really.  Hubs and I cannot get enough avocados of late - we are eating them practically every week.  So why not just marry the two?  Click here for these fab chicken avocado burgers ---- > Chicken Avocado Burgers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FAVE FUR FRIEND

 

Yes!  MOO COW!  I love him (or her).  Don't judge.

 

 

 

 

 

FAVE GUIDANCE

 

In the season of sickness, sometimes I need reminders on this kind of information!  Here's a cool chart to help you know when to freak out on your kiddo's fever.

 

 

 

 

 

FAVE REMINDER

 

I often forget this mantra, but it is a nice reminder.  As a coincidence, most 1/2 and full marathon training is 12 weeks!

 

 

 

 

 

 

FAVE NAPS

 

Can I just say that I absolutely LOVE built ins?  Of any type, really.  But these cute bunks just scream "build me!!"  Love.

 

 

 

 

 FAVE BLING

 

Love the simplicity of these gems.  Absolutely love them.

 

 

 

 

 

Have a safe (and warm) weekend, friends!

 

 

Jen

 



FRIDAY FAVES!!

Good morning, friends!  How are those NY resolutions coming along?  I am happy to say I am on track with two of them still, which is amazing for me.  I made a few super obtainable ones that will roll along slowly with just a few great big decisions that will roll in shortly.  I'm still super psyched and excited about all of them though, even though my 14 minute attention span challenges them every day.

For now, I'm optimistic.  We can check back in next month on it.

Meanwhile, basketball is gearing up for tournament seasons.  We have two out of town trips in February which no doubt will be the highlight of our winter, not to mention knock down two states for little guy's "Visit 50 states in 6 years" dream.  Maybe if we are creative and drive loopy we can slide through the corner of other states and call it good.

Hmmm.  Will need to Atlas that.  Yes, I still use an Atlas.  Bite me.... I'm old.

Below are my faves this week.  It's a miracle I even found them since I do love paper so much.  So much for the green movement in my house.

Enjoy!

FAVE MEMORIES

This caught my eye immediately.  I absolutely love taking pictures.  When I look back at my pictures as a child it's virtually the only way my memories stay intact after layering in years of useless information into my brain.  I think this is fantastic.

FAVE JAM

Love them.  My man jam.  Highly encouraged.

FAVE FLASHBACK

Amidst our ever changing polar vortex crap, I can't help but dream of the beach.  Or the pool.  Or with this beautiful concoction... both.  I see myself on the chaise on the left.  Bring it on.

FAVE FUR KID

Ah.... love.  German short haired pointer.  Perfection.

FAVE REMINDER

 I'm so lucky little guy loves to read.  He informed me last weekend that he needed quite a bit of time to chill because he was reading 7 books.  Yes, 7.  AT ONCE.  I have no idea how he does that.  I can barely stay focused enough to read ONE book at once!

FAVE PLUGS

These are awesome!  I am so tired of all of our electronics scattered around, cords everywhere.  Drives me absolutely NUTS.  I think I need a few of these!

FAVE FASHION

This was defined as business casual.  Wait, what is that again?  So many employers define it differently.  This is my dream biz cas.  Nice jeans, nice jacket.  Looks good to me!

FAVE SNACK

YUMMO!  I love pb after a run.  Almost crave it.  This looks fantastic and includes my fave - chocolate!

FAVE SPACE

I love my bedroom.  I love my bed.  Really, truly love it.  We bought it (along with the bedding) five years ago when we finished our build.  I want something new.  This might work?

FAVE TICKER

I have a thousand watches.  None of them have a battery.  Well, one that is working.  I tend to just buy a new watch every time my battery dies, mostly because I buy fun trendy watches that don't cost a fortune.

I love this one.  Maybe it's time I stepped it up a bit.

Have a great weekend, friends!

Jen

I resolve to.... grind?

Being that it is already the 21st of January, my resolutions are totally out the window.  Well, the majority of them, anyway.  I struggle a lot when it comes to making changes to myself sometimes but give me a house and I'll rearrange the furniture every month.

Hmmm.. not sure what that means.

In an effort to try to corral the 20 some odd pounds I slammed onto my body at the end of 2013, I am forcing myself (and my fam, by extension) to eat healthier.  Out of the house are the cupcakes, cookies, candies and chips accumulated over the holidays.  In are the bags of trail mix, fruit, veggies and greens.

I am fortunate that my little guy will give things a whirl.  I know what he absolutely won't eat, which luckily is a fairly short list.  If I mask everything properly, I am good to at least get him to take a bite.  The biggest key is to not make it too spicy.

I must admit he can be my biggest fan.  If he loves something, he tells me.  Over and over again.  If he doesn't like something, he will hem and haw for an hour trying to find the right words to politely tell me it sucks without hurting my feelings.

He's gonna make a great husband someday.

As I slid into my chair, he was already three bites into his dinner.  When he looked up to take a breath and chew, I started the convo.

Me:  So buddy, what do you think?  Do you like it?

LG:  Mom, this is amazing.  Ah MAZ ing!  I love it!

Me:  Oh good!  I was afraid you wouldn't like it.  Daddy and I had even planned to heat up some vegetable soup assuming you wouldn't like it.

LG:  It has black beans in it!  Why wouldn't I like it?

Me:  Well, I just wasn't sure.  We haven't eaten veggie burgers before.

Silence.

LG:  What's in it, mom?

Me:  Black beans.  Corn.  Veggies.  I'm not completely sure but I know those three things.

LG:  But what kind of MEAT is in it?

Me:  Honey, there is no meat in it.  They are veggie burgers.

Silence again... coupled with a blank stare.

LG:  But what kind of MEAT is it?

Dad:  Coop - there is no meat in our dinner.  We are eating veggie burgers.

LG:  I get that Dad but what kind of meat is it?

Hubs and I stared at each other.  Clearly there was no way we were getting through.  After a full 10 minutes to attempting to explain, we stopped talking and watched him devour the first one to ask for another.

Ah, my little gullible monster.  Little does he know he just gave me some awesome ammunition.  Apparently if you smoosh something into a patty, slap some cheese and ketchup on it, it becomes a hamburger.  Rock on - I can grind anything up!

Maybe this resolution thing won't be so hard after all?

Jen

FRIDAY FAVES!!

Ah, Friday.  How I love thee.  There is something about these little endings and the openness of a weekend.  I wonder if my friends that work different shifts feel this way about their Tuesday? 

Every Friday Facebook, twitter and instagram are flooded with posters, comments and general happiness.  Likewise, they are also flooded with a lot of negative comments come Sunday night / Monday morning.

Are people generally unhappy about the new beginning? Do their lives magically erase the prior weekend's happiness when they start anew?  Are they sad to be forced to complete the fun and relaxation they enjoyed over their mini-break?

I challenge you to reconsider.  Remove the negative thoughts you have about starting the new week.  Allow yourselves to live in the moment of the weekend and carry that renewal into your week on Monday. 

Embrace the new.... don't dread it.

Below are a few of my faves from around the interweb this week.  Enjoy!

FAVE SHORTCUT

Those that know me well know that I absolutely HATE home viewing stations.  In particular, there is no universal system.  My BFF can attest that I absolutely cringe when I house sit for her and want to watch her television.  I have absolutely NO idea what I'm doing with her 16 remote controls.

I love this.  I need this.  Embarrassingly this is a suggestion for our grandparents.... good thing I am a grandparent.

FAVE WINE STORAGE

I love the rustic feel of these shelves. I currently have all my wine and glasses in a glass cabinet and I wish I could actually see them better.  This is a great way to display the faves!  I wonder if Hubs could crank this out for me this weekend?

FAVE PIGGY WARMTH

Who doesn't love a warm, soft pair of socks?  I absolutely covet them.  These slips are adorable, especially with our holiday of love right around the corner.

So cute!

FAVE TRUTH

Ah, Roosevelt.  So smart, so true.  LOVE this.

FAVE SNUGGLE

I absolutely love this style of sweatshirt.  Tall neck, long torso.  Perfection.

FAVE HOME REMEDY

For those of you with babes, I love this idea.  No, I would never have thought of it when my little guy was born.  Of course that was 12 years ago, before the invent of social media.  Boo.  I will admit though that every time I crack open a box of baby wipes that alcohol smell is always the first thing to draft out.  That can't be good.

FAVE FUNNY

This is so true for many of my life connections and particularly funny right at this moment in my life!

FAVE BREAKFAST

My fam loves some homemade French toast.  We make it a lot on the weekends, typically with a hint of cinnamon and orange.  Check out this chai ft recipe!  Looks absolutely amazing to me.  Click here for the recipe ----->  Baked Chai Spiced French Toast

FAVE FURNITURE

Okay - I love doors.  I really, really love doors.  I love using doors in decorating as well.  My only hiccup with this love is the knob.  How does that work?  Hmmmm.  Otherwise, it's one of my faves!

FAVE FASHION

Love the sweater.  Love the hat.  Love the jeans.  Love the boots.

Yep, love the simplicity of it all.  Maybe THIS is why we love the weekends... we can be comfy!

Have a fantastic weekend, friends!

Jen

FRIDAY FAVES!!

Morning, friends!  I'm happy to announce that I completed the first full week of 2014 unscathed.

Well, partially.  It was book club last night.

With the football season coming to an end, basketball has taken its position in my house as the official spokesperson.  We are eating and breathing basketball 24 hours a day.  Please try to contain your jealousy... envy is a bad color for everyone.

Little guy is becoming much more comfortable in his post position this year.  He is working hard to gather rebounds and pushing back up when it seems a zillion arms and hands are slapping him.  He says that it's fun.... but I don't see that.  I see his blood pressure spiking every 15 seconds for 40 minutes.  But hey, we all define fun a little differently.

Like jumping into a freezing cold lake for charity.  Yep, I'll be doing that later this month.

I was able to scrounge up a few faves over the course of the week so dig in!

FAVE DESTINATION

Ah.... Ireland.  Still up at the top of my list of future travels.  With the stupid polar tundra crap we have endured lately I would love to transport here and take a nice long run.

Someday.

 

FAVE NEW ADDICTION

Nope, not meth.  The SHOW, accusers!  I love, love, love me some Walter White and Jesse Pinkman.  Hubs needs this shirt.  He loves chemistry (why wouldn't he....).  Me?  I doubt I could make it through the first two classes quite honestly.

FAVE RELAXATION

Yes friends, I realize that this won't fit into my tiny house.  But a girl can dream, can't she?  I can just imagine all of those cold winter nights, curled up in the midst of all that softness and watching Netflix reading a book. 

FAVE REMINDER

Oooh, I think Nugget needs this sign!  He is absolutely the best big brother in the world.  I can already see it in his eyes - nobody will ever hurt his little sister!

FAVE NOURISHMENT

Mmmmm.  Seriously, who couldn't love a sammy AND French toast at the same time?  This Monte Cristo just looks Divine.  I think it has to hit the Davis menu. Click here for the recipe ------->  Monte Cristo Sandwiches

FAVE WINE LOVE

Okay - I must have this.  Even if I have to figure out how to make it myself.  I have more corks than anyone can imagine (okay, maybe you can imagine).  This is an awesome way to hang onto them!

FAVE COCKTAIL

Hubs and I went to Maui in 2004 and during our visit we became intimately acquainted with a lovely little adult swim up bar that served a similar concoction.  Although this isn't exact, it's pretty darn close (and I'm assuming a heck of a lot healthier!)  Our beloved version had ICE CREAM in every drink! 

Lava Flow Cocktail: 1 oz. light rum, 1 oz. Malibu® coconut rum, 2 oz. fresh or frozen strawberries, 1 small banana, 2 oz. unsweetened pineapple juice, 2 oz. coconut cream.

FAVE NERD FUNNY

I happen to LOVE math, especially algebra.  Hubs could drop kick it to the curb (even though he uses it every day).

To each his own.



FAVE HAIR CONTROL

EEEE!  I absolutely love headbands.  Lots of moms put giant bows on their baby girls and until our little sweetest one came along I saw it more of a hassle.  Now that she is here, I can't stop fantasizing over the cuteness she can wear!  This style is so super cute to me.  I'll have to see if Nana can come upon a few...

FAVE YUMMO

With V day just a few weeks away, these little gems are perfect.  I love halving the strawberry as I always find it awkward to eat a whole strawberry that's been dipped.  I think this is a great way to display them as well as eat them!



Have a great weekend, friends!

 Jen



Jumpin on the Change Train

Some of my fave mommy bloggers did some major facelifts this weekend to their blogs.  Must be their resolutions.  Or maybe they just needed to rearrange the furniture. 

I bought a new king size bed with a giant foot and head board for our house when we moved in 5 years ago.  Little did I know at the moment that it would never be moved until the day we vacate the homestead.  Makes me quite sad.

My blog needs a facelift.  I tried to change out the header and make a few pic updates to it but that just didn't get it done.  I need something that reflects my true self.

It's time for a rearrange.

Hubs gets it.  In my 20 years of marriage, I've moved the furniture no less than 50 times.  Just when he gets used to a certain end table being in a certain place, I shift it to the left 5 feet.

Yep, constant change. That's me.

It's not my fault entirely.  I lived in the same house virtually my entire life.  My parents bought it when I was 2 and although I moved out when I was (almost) 18, I moved back into it when I was (almost) 20.  I stayed there until I married Hubs, moved out a total of (almost) 4 years and was back again until we built the house we are in now.  Oh, and I didn't change anything about the house until (almost) 2 years before we sold it.

Yeah - I need change.

In my effort to control my environment, I move the end tables.  I move the sofa.  I move the car's position in the garage (until Hubs understandably has to convince me once again that the Ford F150 won't fit in the single slot side very well).

It's time to update the blog.  I've changed, so it's time to illustrate that.  I'm over 40 (just barely, please note).  I'm a grandmother (of TWO beauties now!).  I'm a mom of a tween (and it's THAT fun).  I've been married forever and I have a career.  I'm in a book club, I have a dog, I love wine (particularly in the winter) and I love life.

It's definitely time to for an update.  I have a lot to say and haven't said most of it lately.  It's probably time to get it out.

I have always loved the opportunity to do that.

Please be patient as I make some changes, friends.  I'm considering moving platforms and potentially adding some revenue opportunities.

I'm big time, can't you tell?

I will say this:  in reviewing my last year of blogs the ones that seemed to have the most traffic, comments and attention were those where I shared my brutal honesty.... and consequently were the most controversial.  That either says something about me or my readers, I haven't quite figured it out yet!  It seems that most of you prefer when I am vulnerable and admit I don't have it all together.

Newsflash:  I will never have it ALL together.  And nobody else does either.  Don't allow them to fool you.

More to follow. Stay tuned, friends!

 Jen

FRIDAY FAVES!!

2014. Another new year.  Out with the old and in with the new.  Time to rewrite goals, establish expectations, design resolutions.  Make lists:  personal, professional, financial, spiritual.  Filled with excitement and enthusiasm, we create significant changes we want to accomplish in the upcoming months.

And then..... we become completely depressed in two months for failing some of them.  Or maybe all of them.

Why does this happen?  Or better yet, why do we do this to ourselves?

The new year brings about the opportunity to face our lives with different glasses.  It's that "start over" feeling that temporarily drowns our fears of change.  We barge into the new year filled with determination.

Where do we fail?  For starters, we are far to hard on ourselves.  Our lists of accomplishments is far to long and often unattainable in a short term fashion.  Sometimes we give up, admitting we couldn't meet the rigorous and lofty goal.  Sometimes we cave and have a setback, ultimately quitting altogether.

It's not having goals that's the problem.  It's the design of them.
I'll admit I'm guilty of this.  My goals last year looked something like this:

1.  Lose 30 pounds.
2.  Go to church every Sunday and Wednesday.
3.  Run 3 miles every day.
4.  Stop eating all sugars.
5.  Eat meat sparingly, only once a week.

How many did I meet?  Um..... Zero.  Awesome.

This year will be different.  I broke my goals down into small increments.  I'm sure I may fail a few but I'm really gonna try hard.

Or have a glass of wine.

Enjoy my first Friday faves of 2014!!

FAVE MONEY CHALLENGE

I love this!  Not only are we doing this, TD and I BOTH have jars!  Even little guy wants in on it!  How incredibly easy is this?!  Come on, friends.... You know you wanna!!

FAVE TRAVEL DREAM

Little guy has a dream to visit all 50 states.... before he gets out of high school.  No problem, no problem at all!  Seeing as he is 12 and we have only taken him to three, we totally have our work cut out for us in the next 6 years!  I see some road trips in our not to distant future!  Oh - and if the trips can coincide with a college football game, we will win extra credit as the best parents ever.

We shall see.

FAVE NATURAL REMEDY

I can't swear by this, but I do think it's fascinating.  So many of my friends came down with the sickness over the holiday season.  I wonder if this could have helped?  I'm totally trying it the next time I feel icky.

FAVE RESOLUTION LIST

Yep, this is my fave.  Instead of writing down everything you want or need to change, write down the things you love that you want to accomplish more.  I love this.

FAVE REMINDER

I have been a wanderer for as long as I can remember.  When I was a little girl, it wasn't unusual to hear my name called out over the loud speakers inside of a store.  It was my momma's worst experience ever - I constantly wandered off to look at something (or hide when I was mad at her).  It's a miracle she didn't kill me... I had many a swattings in the parking lot of TG&Y.

I so want this.  Right now.

FAVE GIFT IDEA

I don't know yet if my granddaughter will love to read as much as her momma.  I sure hope she does because I intend to buy her every single one of these books.  I love the idea of teaching our young girls to be strong and brave, unafraid and unwavering in the faith of themselves.  Yes, princesses are fun.  But I don't happen to know any in real life.... do you?

FAVE FASHIONISTA

Okay, okay.  No, it's not formal.  No, it's not fancy.  Yes, it's totally dressing for comfort and I completely LOVE it.  So there!  I love leggings and sweaters.  It's my weekend apparel.

FAVE KICKS

And of course, it wouldn't be one of my fave weeks without having an awesome pair of boots.  It helps that it is less than TEN degrees in Kansas City right now and I can't get my tootsies warm for the life of me.

I gotta get these!

FAVE NUGGET TEE

Gotta find this - or make it.  One way or another, my little nugget has to have it.  He is the best big brother in the world!  Constantly checking in on his sissy, patting her head gently or kissing her cheek before running off to play.  I love to watch him love her... it's an amazing thing to witness.

FAVE COPYCAT RECIPE

Every year I swear we aren't going to eat out as much as the previous year.  I am really going to try hard to stick to it this year - at least for awhile!

Although we rarely eat at Chili's, I absolutely love this pasta dish from there.  I'm a self proclaimed starchaholic so this fits right in my wheelhouse.

Ugh... I think I need to go back to work.  Or maybe take some more time off.

Click here to link to the yummo recipe ------->  Copycat cajun chicken pasta

Have a fantastic weekend, friends!

 Jen