Papa & Nana’s House for Easter

I think at age two the meaning of Easter can easily get lost in mounds of chocolate, extra tall grass and the big white fluffy “Hop Hop.”  Can you believe he visited while you were sleeping and hid colorful eggs filled with even more chocolate?

Morning Time!

What an overwhelming concept to grasp in and of itself!  But try to explain to a two year old the REAL meaning of Easter.  Jesus’ grace, His sacrifice and Resurrection Sunday.  Perhaps, it’s our role as Christian parents to shelter our children from the secular context.  However, I am a firm believer that most things are okay in moderation.  Even the Easter Bunny.  I also respect those who disagree with me and believe everyone is entitled to their own traditions.

Cookies Before Dinner?

So after celebrating Jesus and explaining (the best I could) to a two year old that Jesus woke up from his nap today, we were able to spend precious time with our dearest family and enjoy our fair bit of gluten filled creations and chocolate treats.

Having a chat with Opa!

Thank you to Papa and Nana for your service, a beautiful Easter prayer, dinner and company.  May the true meaning of His Love and family be with us all!

4 Workout Trends: Digital, Short, Social, Row

Are you one to make excuses that you can’t find the time to exercise? I am. Or you start a routine for a few days and then you don’t start again for a few weeks? That’s me too.

Today, more people are making the time to exercise because working out is becoming more convenient. Here are a few workout trends that show how you can exercise anywhere, anytime, for less time, and more effectively:

Online training! Skip smelly locker rooms and commutes to gyms and enroll in a digital gym. Shower and workout in the comfort of your own home—plus, the extra time you would have spent driving can be used for extra calorie burning or healthy meal planning. No worries if you miss a class since you can stream a video whenever is convenient for you—which means no excuses! Plus, online training is more dynamic than a workout DVD series since new workout videos are added every day. The money you would have spent on daycare while you were out can now go toward rewarding yourself when you meet your workout goals.

Shorter workouts! This has been my saving grace and has allowed me to table the excuses. Focus T-25 (from same folks that created the popular P90X series), feature highly intense, shorter workouts. This helps time-starved individuals squeeze in effective workouts. Whether it’s time for a toddler’s nap, you get home early from work, or you decide to eat breakfast on the run and use a few spare minutes of morning time for a workout—managing an intense workout in under a half hour is a lot less intimidating than two hours at the gym.

Social fitness! Also a digital supplement to your workouts, several online services and apps offer the ability to bet on yourself with respect to your fitness goals. Some companies offer matched sponsorships. DietBet is a social dieting game you can do online or on your iPhone. Think of how much money would motivate you and place your bet. If you lose, others using the service who met their goals keep their money and get a portion of the “losers’” shares.

Rowing! Spinning is out and rowing is in. Not only is Kevin Spacey getting a workout on his private rowing machine in “House of Cards,” but the trend is hitting gyms across the country. Rowing classes are taking a new “spin”—by mimicking the high-energy music and atmosphere of spin classes. And why not? Rowing satisfies cardio, core, and arms!

Along with working out comes hydration. What do you like to drink during workouts? Take a look at my water choices.

Party in Pictures

So the two year old birthday party has come and gone.  It was absolutely worth the “fussing” and prep work as outlined last week here. I still can’t believe another year has past and I am officially mommy to a two-year-old toddler!

Welcome

Saturday started off as most other Saturdays do with the typical morning books, potty and breakfast routine.  However, when 11:30AM rolled around I began to panic.  I realized I had a ton to do and needed to get my little bug down for his nap earlier than normal so he would be able to greet his guests with a chipper smile at 4PM.   Thank goodness Daddy came to the rescue with some outdoor play time which allowed me to loose my little shadow (at least for an hour) and complete my indoor responsibilities.  It was also a blessing to have aunties Marissa and Rachel around for the weekend festivities.  Sister time, a little wine, great food, completely entertaining conversations and birthday help = perfect combo! Here’s another thank you to you two:-)

Marissa Enjoying Chocolate Milk

Someone must have been looking out for us as my other concern was completely eliminated when the weather literally changed overnight!  It went from 40’s and rainy to 60’s and sunny.  It offered the perfect day for an indoor/outdoor gathering.  The rest of the afternoon was enjoyed with windows and doors propped wide open.

Perfect Weather

Here are a couple of images chronicling our get together.  Thank you to everyone for making it a memorable second birthday and for the fantastic company.  We are truly blessed with great friends and family!  Cheers…to birthday number two;-)  xoxo

Table

Cupcakes

Always need a “Potty” sign 🙂

Milk Anyone?

Cake

Treat Bar

Gift Time

Best Friends

Treat Bags

What Was Daddy’s Surprise Gift…Perhaps a Future Post?

Happy 2nd Birthday “Ah-Ah”

I cannot believe my baby is officially a two-year-old toddler today!

Time is such a precious commodity and the last two years have been some of the best of my life.  Sharing almost every day with him (minus the three days daddy and I took a vacation), has been inspiring.  Viewing the world through his eyes has allowed me to appreciate details I never did before.  I make a point to take notice of the little things. Joy, giggles and belly laughter fill our home in ways I never thought possible.

Today is a special day to reflect on his life and the blessings he has brought to all of ours.  I remember when he was three weeks old and I was completely drained from the three N’s: nonstop nursing, not sleeping and needing a break! I thought it had to get better…motherhood, couldn’t possibly be so lonely and draining!  Well, it can be draining (at times), but it does get better…so much better…everyday.

As my son grows up, I can’t help but think of the things he’s taught me and continues to teach me each day.  Some are deep and far more poetic, but for the sake of sharing with all of you…here are a few things I’ve learned between one and two:

1. Bath Time is a necessary ritual and not all ducks are created equal

2. Routines are absolutely, 100% mandatory and non-negotiable.  Just ask my husband 😉

3. Food is Good…all food.  More food is Better and Nana’s Cookies are the Best!

4. Laughing out loud makes most things better

5. Clothes don’t have to match to be cute

6. SLEEP = happy baby and happy mommy

7. Trucks are not for the faint of heart and “Beep Beep” and “Vroom Vroom” require very different actions

8. Books are Brilliant

9. Boys are definitely different than Girls

10. Fresh air does a body good

11. Papas, Nanas, Grandpas and Grandmas are gifts from God

12. Toys with multiple pieces are only fun because they have multiple pieces and block towers are most fun when knocking them over

13. Teeth brushing is fun and hair brushing is completely over rated

14. Friends are great, friends with fun mommies are even more great

15. Shoes = Freedom

16. Fingers and Toes are made for counting and Belly Buttons are our greatest accessory

17. White noise…oh, what would we do without our white noise machines?

18. Snack time can make or break the day. Always on the grocery list: avocados, bananas, goat cheese, cereal bars and yogurt

19. Holidays are meant to be celebrated…all holidays, even Ground Hog Day

20. One year goes by really quickly when you’re having fun!

I love you Ah-Ah.  You are Mommy and Daddy’s absolute favorite thing on the planet!  Happy Birthday my love!

NY Fashion Week 2014: 7 Styles You May Have Missed

New York Fashion Week

Fashion trends that influence the rest of the year are showcased annually during New York Fashion Week in February. (Then we get an inside peek into what fashion trends are on the horizon for the following year at the annual September show.)

The 2014 New York Fashion Week was held February 6-13 and featured over 300 different designers. According to its organizers, Fashion Week is the largest media event in New York City.

Think about all the other staple events in The Big Apple: Thanksgiving Day Parade, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the New York City Marathon…yet Fashion Week is bigger than all the rest. Being that New York is home to the largest department store in the world (Macy’s on 34th Street), and has a state university dedicated to fashion a few blocks away (Fashion Institute of Technology), how could you imagine Fashion Week taking place anywhere else?

If you were not in New York or didn’t have time to stay updated on all the daily fashion reports, here’s a re-cap of the 2014 New York Fashion Week:

1.  Neons. Neons are not just lighting up some of the garments, neon orange lipstick was a consistent complement to the styles on the runways.

2. Neutrals. Herve Leger by Max Azria, known for women’s gowns, dresses and bathing suits, emphasized nude and neutral tones accented by fur, studs, and feathers—but not all at once. Each outfit offering a simple neutral shade has a different embellishment—just enough to give it some character.

Neutrals and Lace

3. Cropped everything. Cropped tops and jackets surfaced from multiple designers, including Tracy Reese and Lela Rose. These cropped items are not appearing alone – models wore cropped tops with cropped pants. This trend will be easier to enjoy when the weather gets warmer!

4. Black-and-white. Minimalist colors and styles popped up frequently. The classic black-and-white combo was used in statement pieces, like a striped fur coat from DKNY.

5. Polka dots. Carrying the black-and-white theme and then some, all sizes and colors of polka dots “dotted” the runways.

6. Bohemian chic. Diane von Furstenberg created a special show “Bohemian Wrapsody” to celebrate the 40-Year Anniversary of her iconic wrap dress. Adding to the spring bohemian trend, the Nicholas K Show featured braids and hippie-inspired headbands.

Bohemian Chic

7. Urban cowgirl with lace. The Nicholas K Show then crossed over the bohemian theme into urban cowgirl, combining leather jackets with cowgirl hats, and lace tops with leather boots.

Urban Cowgirl is in!

Second Southern Snow & Indoor Activities

Wow!  This year is beginning to impress me with the wild card weather.

Ice Glazed Tree in My Backyard

I think I can speak for many that live in the south when I say we certainly didn’t expect another measurable event this year.  Especially after the last Southern Snow was so anticipated and Came and Went without lingering.

Snow has been the talk of the town since Tuesday with the first system moving through Raleigh on Wednesday at noon and the second on Thursday at noon.  Six inches of snow to start.  Sleet and freezing rain to pack things down. Kind of a gut punch that disabled most sledding or snow ball efforts.  But, pretty on the trees.  Then a redemption with a couple more inches of the white fluffy stuff over top to allow for some more outdoor play.

Almost White Out Conditions!

Raleigh was basically crippled this time around.  Hundreds of motorists were stranded while trying to commute home on Wednesday.  We made national news a few times this week for our honest, but pathetic clean up efforts.  I know we get a lot of heat from the Northerners and Midwesterners who think we over react.  Perhaps, but we try hard.  I know many doctors  and nurses who spent over 96 hours at the hospital just to serve our citizens and NCDOT crews who have worked back to back shifts to clear the highways.  In fact, I even heard of some grocery clerks spending the night at the store, just to make sure they could open for guests who may have real needs.  I would call that Southern Sacrifice.  If possible, I still agree with the Governor’s advice: Stay home people. And, help your neighbors.

If you begin to feel a case of cabin fever coming on, or are stranded on Valentine’s Day tomorrow, here are few activities that may lighten the mood and please the whole family:

Bake. Simple, fun and easy for everyone to participate. Try a new recipe.  Google ingredient substitutes if you’re short on something.  Who knows, you may discover a new crowd pleaser.  Warm cookies or muffins never tasted better than with a cup of hot chocolate on a snow day!

Blueberry Muffins

Do Movie Day.  Pick a trilogy or rotate between mom and dad picks and kid picks.  Make popcorn, eat peanut butter and jelly.  M&M’s anyone?

Make Valentine’s Day Cards.  Tomorrow is perhaps a ‘Hallmark holiday,” but it is a fun way to reach out to friends, neighbors and relatives and let them know you love them and care.  Use construction paper, glue, glitter, markers, crayons, finger paint, cotton balls.  Get the whole family (and pets) involved.  Paw print cards anyone…so cute!

Easy Valentine’s Day Cards. Put a photo behind the heart with a sweet message and glue to construction or cardstock paper.

Play Dress Up with the kiddos.  Dress up the family dog and take pictures.  Do a skit.  Mom and dad vs. the kids!

Take a Bath.  I honestly cannot remember the last time I took a bath.  Some candles, good music, a glass of wine (or spiced apple cider), and a break from…everything!  Sign me up please.

Build a Fort.  This was one of my favorite activities as a kid!  I loved tacking up sheets, old blankets and using pillows to create my ” indoor cabin.”  Maybe even be so crazy as to move some furniture around and use a whole room.  Or pitch a tent indoors and camp in with flashlights!

Pitch a Tent Indoors!

I guess the little girl inside of me has officially received what she asked for this year…and then some.  I appreciate the snow.  Mostly, when it’s falling and fresh.  I suppose I am finally ready for cropped tops and the first signs of spring, but for the next little while, I am going to enjoy being bundled up and cooped up and treasure the family time.  After all, it is a SNOW DAY!

Personal Olympics: Challenge Yourself

Just after our first round of measurable snow in Raleigh, the Winter Olympics kicked off! It makes a warm house even cozier when you see the bobsled races, curling, ice hockey, and skiing in the cold Sochi, Russian winter! Even though this year has been a bit of an anomaly, with Raleigh temperatures in the 20’s and Sochi in the 50’s simultaneously, I can’t help but be grateful to live in a climate that is more often mild!

Watching citizens from all over the world devote their lives to training and competition is inspiring.

Are you pushing yourself toward a personal “gold medal” in your family or professional life? Whether you are racing to the top of the work ladder or trying to speed-race through the aisles of the supermarket so you can spend time on things you value most (check out our post on locally-sourced food for ways to save time on groceries), here are a few Olympic-inspired tips to help you move toward your own “gold medal”:

1. Be first. Russia won its first gold in team figure skating! Julia Lipnitskaia, only 15, and long-time skater Evgeni Plushenko, 31, won the gold for their country. Don’t wait to follow in someone else’s footsteps (or ice tracks in this case). Set your own records.
2. Judge yourself. How can you expect to see your progress if you don’t have a measuring scale? Although a conspiracy involving Olympic judges has been the buzz among media outlets, you can be your own valid judge. Have ‘New Year’ running goals? Don’t just track your time and speed, but your overall performance. Did you keep good form and proper breathing? If you want a promotion at work, judge your personal work performance on a daily basis. What good are you doing for your company? Keep track of your “points” and use them at your next performance review meeting.
3. Evolve. Think you would have found snowboard slopestyle on the Olympics’ agenda 100 years ago? The program grows over time, and so do you. Christophe Dubi the International Olympic Committee Sports Director explains, “[The Olympics] need to preserve our history, but at the same time we have to remain relevant and make sure that we capture new audiences as well.” If you’re not meeting your personal goals, leaving something behind and trying something new is not necessarily a compromise. The ancient Olympic Games took place in the 8th century BC! Here they are today: Popular, relevant, and inspiring. You can do the same.

22

Today is a special day for Her Heel Flops!  One of the sister’s celebrates a birthday…Marissa is 22 today and about to take the world by storm!  As you saw in our recent College article, Marissa is just months away from graduating from The University of Tampa (with honors) and embarking on her own journey in this big beautiful world.

Marissa Study Abroad London

As the eldest sister, I couldn’t be more proud of her accomplishments.  It still feels like yesterday, we were awaiting her arrival at the hospital.  As a mother to my own son now, I can relate to the overwhelming joy my mother must have had on February 12, 1992!  An intelligent, graceful, witty and completely beautiful person inside and out.  I am blessed to be able to call Marissa my sister and more importantly, my friend.

Kaylee & Marissa 1995

Sisters Naples 2009

Marissa & Kaylee Costa Rica

Costa Rica 2010

Always An Animal Lover

Even At Two Years Old!

So here’s to you Marissa, on your birthday.  Cheers, with a big, bold, fat glass of Cabernet (or perhaps an Imperial while reminiscing about our Costa Rica days).  I love you more than you will ever know!  (FYI: I can’t help but replay Taylor Swift’s “22” song in my head over and over again and think of you!) xoxoxo