Oh Crap! – Musings of an Unperfect Mommy

Summer Wardrobe – A Plan

May 31, 2014

Yesterday I posted about my spa-like plans for next week and eating plans for…well forever. Today’s post is about the wardrobe plans I had scrawled at the top of that piece of paper. It went like this:

12 Piece Summer Wardrobe
1 pair jeans
1 pair shorts
2 pair capris – 1 khaki, 1 denim
2 skirts – 1 denim, 1 print
2 button down shirts – 1 print, 1 solid
2 tee shirts
1 cardigan

Well, that seems like a good start and I do have some of those items now. I also remembered what Clinton Kelly had said as well, “Neutrals on the bottom, colors and prints on the top.” That makes it easier doesn’t it! So I looked the list over and revamped it thusly:

10-12 piece summer wardrobe
1 pair jeans (check)
~~1 pair shorts~~
2 pair capris – 1 khaki, 1 ~~denim~~ navy or black
1 skirt – 1 denim, ~~1 print~~
2 ~~button down shirts~~ shirts/blouses – 1 print, 1 solid (white)
2 tees
1 cardigan (check)

As you can see I got rid of the shorts (I am a woman of a certain age after all), and decided on different colors instead of denim on the bottoms. I also thought of places to shop: CJ Banks, JC Penney (I’ve seen a lot of great separates there), and Dillards (Westbound).

I already have the jeans, tees, and cardigan, but I still need the capris, the skirt, and the blouses. One thing I have found is that classic, tailored clothing never goes out of style so that’s what I’m after.

The capsule wardrobe concept is really making a comeback these days and it is truly a good thing. A few coordinated pieces can yield days of possibilities by mixing and matching them. And it works for all budgets. However, I will say that spending more money on a few quality pieces can really extend the life of your wardrobe, make it easier to add to it, and all that will save you money in the long run.

I found a couple of places that have good visuals of the capsule concept: Fifty Plus – the link will take you directly to the capsule wardrobe info. Then there’s this blog: Wardrobe Oxygen – this link takes you directly to the posts about capsule wardrobes, but I think her blog has a lot to offer in the way of planning your wardrobes in general.

Well, I could go on about all this stuff for awhile, but I’ll let it rest here for now. I’m feeling good about the summer and the challenge – I hope that not only the feeling lasts but that it IS a good summer this year because I could really use one.

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A Plan For My Health Challenge

May 30, 2014

I was looking through a book the other day and I found a piece of paper that I had stowed away in it. It was a plan – a summer wardrobe plan and a “spa” weekend either at home or away. As I looked this information over I realized that it is just what I need to jump start my Summer Health Challenge!

Here’s what I had originally written down:

*Water – Lots of it
*Good food – not complicated, fresh
*Lotion every day – weekly body scrub
*Pedicure
*Manicure
*Get hair done (including brows)
*Spend time outdoors soaking in nature
*Reading books and magazines
*Yoga and quiet for the spirit

A good start, but I went ahead and tweaked it just a bit in the food area so I have a definite plan of eating. Here’s what I put down tonight:

*Whole grains – brown rice, oatmeal, best wheat bread, whole grain tortillas and flatbreads, whole wheat pasta
*Fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables – no canned (except for tomato sauce)
*Yogurt (regular or Greek), almond milk, organic butter/Earth Balance spread
*Chicken breast, lean beef, lean pork, salmon, beans (I will allow canned here – easier)
*Olive oil, honey, nuts & seeds, dried fruits
*Herbal tea, water, juices (best quality)

Those foods will be the basis for meals for awhile. Tomorrow I’ll do grocery shopping and then I’ll make a meal plan from there. I’m excited and scared all at the same time. Oh, and yes, the beauty things are part of this health challenge too. It all goes together and I need some of those pampering things right now.

One more thing – the exercise part will be under the getting outside in nature (I can go on walks) and doing yoga for the quiet for my spirit. Goals are supposed to be specific and this list really hit that just right.

So, that’s the plan. Tomorrow I’ll talk about the summer wardrobe part – I’m trying to go with the capsule wardrobe concept. Apparently there has been a huge amount of interest in this of late and I feel good to know that I was in on that when it started back in the 80’s. :-)

So, tune in tomorrow for that and in the meantime wish me luck. I have lots of good ideas that always sound great, but then I’m terrified to actually do them sometimes. However, this time needs to be THE time to change. I won’t get healthier by doing nothing.

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Summer Health Challenge

May 28, 2014

Last week my husband Mike had a health workup as part of the company’s wellness program. He’s in far better shape than I am – I left the room when he started talking about how all those sit ups had helped. :-/ Me? I struggle on a daily basis with eating healthy, with stress and stress eating, with being overweight. I already watch things like salt and cholesterol, and my last cholesterol test was good. But lately, I’ve fallen off that wagon and need to get back on and make more changes. I go back to the doctor at the end of July for another blood workup so I need to get back on. In a big way!

So, I decided to have a Summer Health Challenge just for me. Here are some of the things I will be working on:

Eat healthier – I need to be very specific here and I know that increased fruit and vegetable intake will play a big role.
Exercise – This means actually doing something like walking for 15 minutes, or a dvd each day.
Limiting sugar and caffeine – I’m on a coffee kick again and also have been under extra stress so candy has been making it’s way into my home again as well. While I won’t kick out sweeteners altogether, the extras will need to go.
More Water – I struggle with this most days so I bought some really pretty tumblers to make it more attractive.
Journaling – I plan to track what I eat to find where my weaknesses are (although I pretty much know) and to help keep me going. Moods and feelings will go here too.

That’s what I have so far. I haven’t set any goals yet, but I need to probably set a goal for each week to give me something to shoot for. It is supposed to be a throwdown of sorts to once and for all get on the path to better health. It’s not going to just happen. Also, because right now giving up and eating whatever sounds really tempting and I really can’t do that. My health coaching calls ended yesterday as well, so now I’m really on my own.

So, my first goal will be to make a goal for each week of the summer – June through August – and challenge myself to meet them. Maybe I should have a reward system as well for meeting those goals. We all need an incentive right? Although you’d think better health would BE the incentive. *rolling eyes”

Okay, I’ll leave it at that. Here’s to the Summer Health Challenge of 2014!
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Music Monday – Summer Albums

May 27, 2014

Okay, so it’s not Monday, but it feels like one because of the holiday weekend and that means I can still post a Music Monday!

Last week I posted what I put on my Summer Mix 2014 cd and it really isn’t a complete summer mix, but for me it’s perfect this year. I seemed to have pulled out the songs that identify the summers of ’83 and ’84 the most for me. However, some of you were wondering where the REO songs were and of course Duran Duran and the Go-Go’s as well. This post explains that.

Those groups have albums that were complete in and of themselves as summer music goes. I could not pick and choose just one song (well, with the exception of “Vacation” and “Holiday”) from any of them – especially not the two REO albums. So, I’m giving them the honor that belongs to them as my summer album picks of all time. Well – my time. :-)

1. Hi Infidelity – REO Speedwagon – One of the best albums ever! And, despite the title, cleaner than a lot of the junk out now.
2. Good Trouble – REO Speedwagon – I want to note that these two REO albums really go together. Even the cover art was a tie in.
3. Madonna – Madonna – Her first album and probably the best. The one thing I realized though, that two songs of hers that aren’t on here really belong to the summer mix group – “Into the Groove” and “Crazy For You”. Sounds like a trip to the Amazon MP3 store is in order.
4. Rio – Duran Duran – All summer, all the time in my opinion. Even the videos, which were shot in exotic, tropical places, screamed summer. Loved the Rio video especially – so much fun. Favorite song – “Save A Prayer”.
5. Vacation – The Go-Go’s – And no summer would be complete without this music to listen to. What I love about this one is the 60’s retro feel to it. Every song on here is summery and makes you think of going to the beach and hanging out with your friends. Love it!
6. Make It Big – Wham – Again – very summery, very retro. Although this is more 70’s while Vacation is more 60’s. I devoted an entire Music Monday back in 2011 and you can read that here…if you dare.

And there you have it – my summer album tribute. If you want to see my really long list of summer songs go here.

I doubt I will ever have a “complete” summer mix cd but, you never know. It could happen.

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Music Monday – Summer Mix 2014

May 19, 2014

That’s right folks – it’s almost Memorial Day which is the unofficial official start of summer! And, as I’ve probably shared before, my musical tastes are seasonal for some odd reason. And it’s been awhile since I’ve made a summer mix cd so I made one yesterday and I’m loving it already! Of course I already loved the songs anyway so…ahem… In case you’re wondering where the Go-Go’s, Duran Duran, or Madonna are, I have albums with all their great summery stuff so I didn’t want to duplicate. Not to mention I only had so much space. I know, I know, I could burn the cd in audio, but was just too freakin’ lazy. Maybe another day.

Anywho – here’s what I put on the disc – see if any of your favorites are here. :-)

Stand and Deliver – Adam Ant
Everybody Wants To Rule the World – Tears For Fears
White Wedding – Billy Idol
Cuts Like A Knife – Bryan Adams
Drive – The Cars
Wicked Game – Chris Isaak
Girls Just Want To Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper
Photograph – Def Leppard
The Boys of Summer – Don Henley
Wishing (If I Had A Photograph of You) – Flock of Seagulls
The One Thing – INXS
Everytime You Go Away – Paul Young
Sara – Starship
Oh Sherrie – Steve Perry
Panama – Van Halen
Only In My Dreams – Debbie Gibson
Rock Lobster – B52’s

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A new restaurant just opened up in town…

March 8, 2014

…it’s called My Kitchen. :-) Saturday lunches are usually DIY around here so I can catch a cooking break and also because Saturdays are usually grocery shopping days. But, I did most of the shopping yesterday because today was going to be cold and rainy (and indeed it is – bleh), so I needed to make myself a good lunch. None of the prospects thrilled me, so I kept looking around and looking around and found: frozen shrimp, tagliatelle nests, mascarpone cheese, and parmesan cheese (a wedge of the real thing). And I made this awewome meal: shrimp alfredo! I even added some basil for added color and pizazz. Was it good? YES – I’ve learned enough cooking skills to pull this off. To say I was stoked would be an understatement. Of course, I was also stuffed after finishing it too. Now, if I just had some raspberry sorbet for a dessert.

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Worry

March 7, 2014

I was thinking yesterday (probably after reading something about it) how I worry way, way too much. And my next thought was that all this worrying is not productive at all. So I decided to look it up, worry that is, and here’s what I found on Wikipedia:

Worry refers to the thoughts, images, and emotions of a negative nature in which mental attempts are made to avoid anticipated potential threats.

Whew – let’s look at two of those words – anticipated and potential. These words mean I am worrying about things that haven’t happened yet. They may or may not happen, but I am worrying about them nonetheless. That seems…a waste of time and mental energy.

What else, oh here:

As an emotion it is experienced as anxiety or concern about a real or imagined issues, often personal issues such as health or finances or broader issues such as environmental pollution and social or technological change.

Mostly I worry about the small stuff – sometimes really small stuff.

And this is the thing – worry does nothing to help anyone – unless we turn it around into something productive. For me, the bigger stuff can be prayed about, but I also can do something like giving money to causes I believe in to help other people with basics like food and water, and kids who are suffering from cancer. Of course some stuff is completely out of my control and I have to know what those things really are.

Most experience short-lived periods of worry in their lives without incident; indeed moderate worrying may even have positive effects, if it prompts people to take precautions or avoid risky behaviors.

So if I am worrying about those potential threats without doing anything about them, well, as I said, it is a waste of mental time and energy. Time and energy I can use somewhere else in my life.

Excessive worry is the main component of generalized anxiety disorder.

Is that what it’s called? Actually, my doctor and I did talk about it and I realized that he was right. I have to say since being on my meds I have a lot less anxiety, but I still worry too much and that causes stress and long term stress isn’t healthy so it’s time to nip it in the bud. Hmm, how to do that. Oh yeah, here:

“Toxic worry is when the worry paralyzes you; good worry leads to constructive action.”

The above quote is from a book by Edward M. Hallowell called, “Worry”. There are things you can do to help reduce worry, he says, like: never worrying alone, getting the facts, make a plan, taking care of yourself (physically), and letting it go. That last one is the hardest for most of us I’d say.

So, you can read the rest of the article here, hah, don’t worry it’s a very small article. :-) I just wanted to hit the highlights. And I was right – worry is not productive at all. Unless you do something about what you are worrying about or let it go. So I’m going to read the book but I’m also going to start taking the five steps Dr. Hallowell suggests to keep worry from getting out of hand. Little by little, step by step I’m getting to a better life.

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Lent 2014

March 5, 2014

Hey, long time no see! Well, it’s time to pay less attention to Facebook and put more attention on my blog because this is really the space I had wanted for a long time and Matt was so generous in giving his time to make it for me. So I’m resurrecting it in time for Lent and Easter. :-)

I saw on EWTN an app for a 40 Day Read the Gospels Challenge. I didn’t want the app, but I thought that was a doable spiritual practice for Lent so I found this instead – a checklist to keep me on track.

Today, I also found a Lenten Spring Cleaning challenge that went around the blogosphere (mostly among mommies) a few years ago and I probably poo-poo’d it because 2009 was already a rough year for me. However, this year I can do it – I need to do it. You can either follow other moms’ lists here and here to start, OR you can do what I’m going to do: look around in each room to find what needs to be deep cleaned and make my own list. Either way, you can get the job done. A little each day adds up to a lot in the end. This can also apply to giving and saving money, exercise, eating healthy, etc. I think you’ve got the idea.

So, that’s what I’m doing. Facebook fast, Read the Gospels in 40 Days, and Spring Clean in 40 Days. Happy Lenten Season to all of you and let’s pray and fast and make the most of this glorious season. I love Christmas, but I love Lent even more.

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I tried on 22 pairs of jeans today…really.

January 11, 2014

That’s right folks – today was THE DAY to buy new jeans. I had to -of the three pairs I own, two have holes around the hems, and two are falling off my butt. I have lost almost 20 pounds over the last year and it’s showing which means…time to go shopping. I’m sure I’ve said before how I really don’t like clothes shopping because trying stuff on is overwhelming and can be depressing. However, I beefed up my psyche this time by watching What Not To Wear on Netflix and taking in all they said. A lot of which is – you have to try on lots of stuff and if something doesn’t fit or look right it just means it’s not right for you. It doesn’t mean something is wrong with you which I think is how I’ve often thought. Anywho – here’s how it went.

First off, I went to the more expensive store mostly because I know they have many different brands and I could try on lots of different fits. I enlisted the help of the sales clerk (who was like a used car salesman..er..woman) and also my sister-in-law via text for support. I tried on 12 different pairs in 3 different sizes and many cuts to find out what fit and what didn’t and approximately what size I am. I found a pair of Ralph Lauren jeans that fit the best and they were on sale for 1/3 of the retail – gotta love that. I had her hold that pair so I could have a look see elsewhere, but come back for them in case nothing else worked.

My next stop was JC Penney and I found two brands that I really liked but nothing fit. One of those brands was Lee – one of my all time favorites – I need to lose a little more weight to get into the 16. Actually, I’m more like a 17 but no one makes that size. I thought about it later and probably should have just sized up, but that might have meant tailoring as well and not sure I wanted to do that. I’ll make note for the next time though. Did I really just say that??

My last stop at the mall was Christopher & Banks but the classic fit – which is my favorite fit of all the brands I tried – was just too baggy even though I could button them. Not so much. So, I went back to Dillards and bought the RL jeans and felt that I made a good choice. After that it was time for Walmart and yes I tried on 4 pairs of jeans there as well and found another pair that fit. So I own two new pairs of jeans now and can toss out the ones that don’t fit. Yay!

Okay, here are my takeaways from my shopping trip. The clerk really tried to sell the NYDJ (Not Your Daughter’s Jeans) but at $103 a pair that just was not happening. That and apparently you have to stuff yourself into them like a sausage…uh…nope. I know what a muffin top is and knew to toss aside the pair that gave me that. Classic fit and average length seem to work the best. Now at 5′ 2″ you’d think the short ones would be better but sometimes they are too short and I’m not petite so those don’t work either. I probably should look for denim trouser jeans next time as well. One of my old pairs is like that and I love the fit and they makes my legs look a mile long. I may actually get those jeans re-hemmed because I really like them. That would give me 3 pairs of jeans. One thing – some of the dark washes smell awful. I don’t know what the hell they are using but I made sure every pair I bought wasn’t like that.

So, that ends my shopping trip for today. I feel pretty damn proud of myself for 1) trying on everything I could, and 2) not getting upset if something didn’t work. I actually felt happy when I got home and that doesn’t happen often. What’s next on the agenda? Red flats baby – that’s right – RED. Time to get away from black and put some color into my life. That is another adventure for another day though.

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Christmas Countdown Begins

November 5, 2013

Yep, the Christmas Countdown began on October 27 and I have begun in earnest! This Countdown saves me every year to a certain extent, although I still allow myself to get too stressed and do too much on my own, but mostly it is really helpful. And tools like this are only helpful as long as you make them suitable for your situation and not trying to copy someone else. Example, I noticed that a group of ladies were having a book club on a book I read and they were all taking that book way out of context as in this is exactly what you should do. Well, that’s not what the book says at all – it was simply how that family chose to change the way they were living. You need to take it and then make it your own. I try to do that with most everything I read in the self-help department, otherwise I’d just make myself crazy.

Okay, now let’s get down to business. I do have a binder to keep my planning pages, receipts, notes, articles, etc. in. I also have a plastic pocket insert and an envelope to catch receipts as we do the shopping. This last Sunday morning since I was up ridiculously early thanks to the time change, I spent my time reading the first week’s messages of the Countdown, printing off pages for my planner, and writing notes as things popped in my head. I am now caught up on that and can read the messages each day and go through the checklist to see what I need to do each week. I feel better already.

The other thing I did was to find all of the Nigella Lawson Christmas videos on You Tube. I love her and her books and her shows – she is so beautiful for starters but also everything she cooks is beautiful and, amazingly, mostly easy. She said once that people often mistake time consuming for hard which I have to admit I would do, but she’s right – some cooking is easy but just takes time so let’s call it like it is. Anyway, I’m watching these episodes in the dark of early mornings and it is a relaxing way to begin my day and gets me in the Christmas spirit. I plan on making her Star Topped Mince Pies again because they were absolutely fantastic last year! I’ll be making double the amount though because they were gone way to quickly. (Note – I did not make my own pastry but bought it. Yep – I do use cheats.) Here’s a link to her first Christmas show in case you’re curious – enjoy! Nigella Christmas.

This year also, after a mild fiasco last year, we decided that Mike and I would each buy each kid a gift – one from Mommy and one from Daddy – and then one Santa gift which is from both of us. I mean, er, Santa. This takes the shopping pressure off me and also gives Mike the fun of buying for the kids. To say Mike was thrilled with this idea was an understatement and he’s already chomping at the bit to shop. Sometimes you really do have to sit down and talk and say, we could do this a better way.

So, I’m gathering Christmas lists from the kids and I’ve even started my shopping. The kids drew names when we were all together on Labor Day and so they can shop early as well. Which, really, brings me to the point of having a plan – you can enjoy Advent and Christmas in a more relaxed and spiritually aware manner when you get the necessary stuff out of the way early. No crazy wrapping on Christmas Eve (yes, I’ve done that), but instead hanging around with the family and enjoying being with them. Having time to serve others outside your family. It allows for a simpler, more meaningful holiday season which is really what I want.

There was this great article I read years ago called “Stuffed” by Susanna Sonnenberg and in it she told how her family changed how they do Christmas to make it a less stressful and more meaningful time of year. I’ve been slowly working toward that ever since I first read it and I read it every year now as I prepare for the holidays. So, I’ll wrap up with a quote from that article:

“We found that even a small change promotes a shift, and I’ve learned that the point isn’t to stop spending money, but to be awake to our decisions. This year I look forward to Christmas because it doesn’t feel like a bloated habit anymore, but a chance to explore the precious depth of being together.” (Wondertime magazine – December 2008 issue)

Stay tuned for more Christmas Countdown as we go through the season.

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