Archives for 2011

Gift Giving Ideas for the Holiday Season

December 16, 2011 · Narrative

With Christmas and Hanukkah just days away, it seems only fitting that I share a little gift giving guide. If you’re anything like me (and I *can’t* be the only one!), there are still bits and pieces to cross off your list between now and when the festivities get underway. Below are some things that I happen to like and use, or things that I’ve picked up for people on my own list, and then a bit of randomness thrown in for good measure. Happy shopping!

For inexpensive stocking stuffers, I don’t think you can ever go wrong (or have enough) of white athletic socks, bobby pins, barrettes, ponytail holders, or lip balm. I’m a sucker for any of that stuff, and use it all constantly. Maybelline sells New York Baby Lips Repairing Lip Balm with SPF 20 for four bucks a pop, available at your favorite drug store. I also love ChapStick brand (cherry!), Luna’s Lemon Zest, and any of the Nivea or Burt’s Bees varieties. I always stick a handful of lip balms in the kids’ stockings. Mostly because they always steal mine (ick!), and mostly because we all use it all the time. One on my nightstand, one on each of my desks, one in the car … you know how it goes.

Lotion is another great go-to when you’re looking to fill out a basket or stocking. Again, I keep them everywhere because mine and Madeline’s skin gets crazydry this time of year, so we’re constantly lathering. I love the Vaseline lotion, and the Moisture Wrap one from Nivea. My mom swears by the original scented version of Jergens, and has been using it since her college days.

Shampoo and conditioner? Yes, please! Thems in the know say that you should switch between various shampoos and conditioners so your hair doesn’t get too used to the same product, so we usually have a few different bottles going on. Although I haven’t tried it yet, the Pro-V flat to volume shampoo from Pantene is the next one on my list.

You know how I’m kind of into a little sparkle here and there, right? Express has answered that call with a whole dang Sequin Shop for me (and you!). Everything is now 30% off with free shipping.This sequin sweatshirt is on my list — too cute! I’m also determined to have one of those sequined dresses on my frame come Spring. (Go ELB!) If you follow me on Twitter, you might have seen my shout-out to J. Crew jewlery earlier in the week. I love them for a good statement necklace (besides, of course, loving their clothes as well). Right now, you can shop in the store or online and take 30% off everything. Online, use the code CHEER for free shipping.

Now for the kids…

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Planning a Girls’ Night In

December 15, 2011 · Ad-Free, Narrative

Thanks to Duncan Hines for sponsoring my writing. There’s no limit to the baking possibilities, so grab your favorite Duncan Hines mix and Comstock or Wilderness fruit fillings and Bake On! www.duncanhines.com.

This time of year, our calendars bulge with holiday commitments, parties, and general chaos. That’s why I pretty much never have a holiday party. Instead, we plan more out-of-the-box ideas … our Rainbow Cake party twice a year to celebrate both the beginning and end of school, our Chinese New Year celebration, our annual Valentine’s Day party, our bacon fete, and parties just because. Which are sometimes my favorite kind.

Back in the Spring (yes, it has taken me this long to blog about it), I hosted a Girls Night In. It actually ended up being the night before I left on my Seattle/Starbucks trip. I debated about rescheduling the party, but had been so looking forward to it. With a little careful planning, you too can have a party the night before you fly across country for Starbucks College! Especially if you make it a potluck affair with awesome friends.

The reason for the party to begin with? I had heard about Craft Hope, an organization that tries to meet needs of orphans through handmade goodness, and at the time, they were looking for people to make handmade bracelets, to be sent to orphaned children clear across the world. I have long considered adopting, even when The Ex and I were still married, so this was something that I didn’t need arm twisting to participate in. Add in a group of fun girlfriends, an array of homecooked food and Mom Juice, and directions to make bracelets using t-shirt material, and a perfect Girls Night In was born.

The bracelets are relatively simple to make but require coordination. Of which I have exactly none. Spoken by the person who sprained her ankle. Wearing sneakers. Just walking down three steps. Luckily out of the group of ten of us, there were at least 3 or 4 that got the concept quickly. And they schooled the helpless. Or hopeless. Depending on your perspective. And how much Mom Juice had been injested at that point.

Madeline just saw this picture of me and responded with “Oh Mom, you look cute!” Yeah, that was back when I had hair. I feel like it’s barely grown an inch since I lopped off 9 over the summer. It is s-l-o-w going for sure, and a cut I won’t likely repeat.

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Recipe: Parmesan Chicken with Garlic and Herbs

December 14, 2011 · Narrative

Mystic usually comes over for dinner on Tuesdays because his kids are with their Mom. I had a plan of what I was going to make for dinner. Chicken, vegetables, bacon pinwheels… then 6 pm came last night and I was still working. And freezing. And.could.not.get.motivated. I have had this perpetual chill that I have a hard time getting rid of and I really just wanted to change into sweats, comfy socks, and crawl into bed. I settled for sweats, comfy socks, and a call for pizza.

I felt super guilty. If I ever do take-out, leftovers, or something completely uninspired, I try not to do it on Tuesdays. Just a silly mini goal of sorts. Of course I cook other days too, but I figure a homecooked meal cooked by someone else is always appreciated. Especially a single parent.

I even had all the groceries to make the dinner last night. So tonight I made good, and all seven of us enjoyed the meal-that-wasn’t-yesterday instead.

If you’re playing along with our Eat.Live.Be. reboot, this week’s inspiration was to come from somewhere online. I actually found the chicken recipe on Pinterest, but it originates from Kalyn’s Kitchen. If you’re not familiar with Kalyn’s Kitchen, the focus is on the principles of the South Beach diet. With New Years’ resolutions nearly on the horizon, I’m sure legions will be reupping their interest in South Beach, so Kalyn’s site is a great resource if you’re heading that way. Although I don’t follow South Beach, I liked the concept of the chicken. Similar to a Chicken Parmesan recipe, it’s baked though, instead of fried, and even more healthy with whole wheat bread crumbs.

Although it’s supposed to marinate all day (I did mine for 5 hours), outside of that, the recipe is super simple, making it an ideal entree for a busy weeknight. The chicken is relatively tender, and packed with flavor from the olive oil and garlic. Seven out of seven ate it tonight, with five going back for seconds. Considering some of the picky eaters around the table, these are excellent results, trust me. I added a side of roasted vegetables and plain spaghetti with red sauce, and it was perfect.

You can find the recipe right here.

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Happy Birthday to the American Cancer Society

December 14, 2011 · Ad-Free

This time of year can be especially hard if you’ve lost a loved one. But then again, if you’ve experienced a heavy, deep loss, the whole year is hard irregardless of a holiday celebration or two. My grandfather on my mom’s side died from lung cancer, and unfortunately it took him at a young age, before my sister or I ever got to meet him. He died when my mom was pregnant with me. I know very little about him, and so wish that that wasn’t the case. From the little stories we’ve heard, he sounded like he was a wonderful man.

My friend Chris lost his sister-in-law way too early, and I know that’s a loss that he and his family will never get over.

Although breast cancer has not affected our lives, the kids and I do a walk every year to support its research. Three years and counting. Beyond just the simple act of walking three miles with my family, it’s a way of showing support, and teaching the kids how we can help, and how lucky we are. All of us.

We all know someone who has been affected.

Every day, research puts the world closer and closer to a cure. Or advancements that make a prognosis ever so slightly less painful. Or just give us hope.

The American Cancer Society is celebrating twenty five years. Here’s to more birthdays for all.

*This post was sponsored by the American Cancer Society.

Recipe: Barefoot Contessa’s Hummus

December 13, 2011 · Narrative

As I was packing up the kids’ snacks and lunch this morning, Nick stopped me.

“Wait, I need pretzels and hummus for school!”

I love that he loves hummus. And I’m certainly addicted to it myself. Especially lately. Clean eating. Healthy. And delicious. It’s the perfect mid-day, tide-you-over-till-lunch bite. And with our recent reboot of Eat.Live.Be., this is a perfect guilt-free snack to take the edge off, and it seriously whips up in five minutes flat. If you’re playing along, tomorrow’s Eat.Live.Be. will take its inspiration from somewhere online.

It turns out that Mystic is not a fan of hummus. Or chick peas. Or apparently beans of most any kind. Couldn’t even get him to try it, and he’ll usually try anything. I haven’t given up yet, but in the meantime, it’s most definitely his loss. Adding to his list…

I brought some in to work last week and asked one of my new co-workers if she wanted some.

“Hummus? Is it gross?”

“Hey now, do you think I would make something gross? Come on now.”

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Christmas List 2011

December 12, 2011 · Photos

The kids have made several Christmas Lists over the last few weeks, but swear that this latest one from last weekend is the final, final, final version. Nick very kindly took dictation for Madeline’s “must haves.” I think I might need translation on a few of the items.

They both desperately want cameras (REAL ones, thankyouverymuch!). It appears I may have created a monster. Or two.

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Weekend Photos in Review

December 11, 2011 · Photos

I love that she wants to take books with her wherever we go, working on letter recognition along the way.

I really debated about getting these ornaments for my food and drink-themed tree, but restrained myself. Quite the bargain though, if you’re interested. In Sears, 50% off, making them two bucks a pop!

Mystic and I ended up having a super late dinner Friday night, leading us to the diner. A diner that didn’t have Sloppy Joes on the menu. The waitress knew what they were, and did her best to explain them to the cooks. They tried their darnedest, but a Sloppy Joe this was not.

Isn’t that an awesome picture of a spooky sky? That was Friday night. I was thoroughly ensconced in my nice warm bed, when Mystic texted me that I should go outside and look at the moon. At the ring. Huh? was what I was thinking after I saw it. It took me a minute to figure out he was talking about, and I was muttering under my breath as I had to swap out my lens to get the shot.

Now do you see the ring? Quite wide, no? Awesomeness. And bonus points for Mystic.

Handmade hair clips heading out the door. Did you order yours? The shop is loaded, with many more to come. Take 10% off all orders this month with the code HOLIDAYS at check-out. All ready to ship out, just in time for stocking stuffers.

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Review: Nero Kwik Media Photo Book

December 9, 2011 · Ad-Free

‘Tis the season for creating photo books, right? I’ve got to say, I’ve always been a little intimidated by the thought of creating a photo book. I tend to be a little picky about photographs basecase, and the thought of playing with a ton of them in an effort to create the perfect creative memory? Well, it’s just something I’ve shied away from, for the most part. When I make a photo book, I usually do it the old-fashioned way, with a regular photo album bought at the store, printed pictures, and some scrapbooking paper. You know, the old school way. Until now.

When the folks at SocialMoms asked if I would review the photo book product from Nero Kwik Media, I figured this was the perfect opportunity to dive right in. Here’s how it went:

You have to download the (free) software onto your computer to make these photo books, as opposed to being able to do it online a la Shutterfly, Costco, Kodak, and other similar establishments. I’m always a little bit leary of downloading new software. Once it was downloaded, the program itself is very easy to navigate and intuitive. Which is awesome because I try to avoid reading lengthy directions and manuals at all costs. I selected all the pictures I wanted to use, and then the program actually populated the pictures into the book I chose. That didn’t thrill me, because I would have rather inserted the pictures one by one, where I wanted them, by myself. That being said, it was easy to swap a few pictures out here and there.

There is a great variety of backgrounds, fonts, and colors that you can use, which made it easy to personalize the book as I went along. I also loved the feature that allowed me to blow up a picture to take up the whole page (becoming the background). You can choose soft or hard books, leather or not, and add in text wherever you want it, as you go along.

Beyond the photo books, you can also use your photos to make calendars, greeting cards, slide shows, and videos. The ordering process is fairly simple, although if you exit and go back, it can be a little tricky to figure out how to order a product you made before. I did have an issue with my book, and although it was difficult to figure out how to contact Customer Service, they were helpful once I reached them. Shipping is superfast, which is much appreciated this time of year, and the book was shipped to me less than 48 hours after ordering.

I haven’t received the book yet, but will update this post once it arrives. There are certainly a lot of vendors to consider when making photo books, but given how relatively easy my first time was, I will definitely be back. Would love to hear about the photo books you’ve ordered!

PS – I just noticed that they are currently offering 40% photo books as an introductory offer, and since you can get a completed book for under $15 normally, that’s quite the bargain if you need one for someone on your holiday gift list.

Disclosure: This post is part of a SocialMoms product evaluation, for which I’ve been selected. One free photo book was made available to me for review purposes, and I’ve been compensated for my time. All opinions are totally mine.

Review: Organic Melt

December 9, 2011 · Ad-Free, Narrative

I have a teetering stack of things to review on my desk. And even more things in my kitchen cupboards and refrigerator. I don’t like to flood this site with reviews, so it means I get behind really, really quickly. Of course, it is what I consider a First Class Problem, companies generous enough to send me things to review. But I hate being behind, so when I see an opportunity to use a product in our general day-to-day routine, I’ve got to seize it. And so it was with this Melt product.

When we had our recent Bloggers Apres Thanksgiving Very Vegetarian Feast a few weeks back, Joanne mixed up a coffee cake recipe (this tried-and-true one, to be exact) to satisfy a cravings of Nick’s, and we smoothly swapped out the butter it called for, and replaced it with Melt. That brings me to the first “pro” of using this ingredient … no calculations or fancy substitution math needed. Need a cup of butter? Use a cup of Melt instead. I love super simple replacements like that. ‘Cause once it becomes too complicated, I’ve quickly lost interest.

Another “pro?” It’s soy-free, 95% organic, trans fat-free, and gluten-free. It contains nothing artifical. At all. Period.

And the biggest “pro?” The taste. No one was the wiser. Which, when you’re using all natural ingredients in lieu of butter, well, that’s pretty important. You don’t want to miss that buttery taste. With Melt, you don’t, but you also get the bonus of having it be relatively guilt-free too. Win, win.

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Make-Up Tips? Keep It Simple

December 8, 2011 · Ad-Free, Narrative

Thanks to L’Oreal for sponsoring my post about my favorite beauty looks, tips and tricks. Check out Makeup.com for beauty advice from the experts.

When it comes to make-up, I love finding a new “this is it” product, especially if it includes the teensiest amount of sparkle. And in the grand scheme of things, the fact that there is any sparkle, glitter, or sequins in my house (and there is, um, just a tad), is a surprising fact in and of itself. Mostly because, growing up, my Mom was all about the glitter and sequins. Which was met with heavily rolled eyes. From me. I was, after all, a teenager. So I have that excuse going for me. But these days, I kind of embrace it. Um, like a lot. And with the holiday season, it’s easy to find a new nail polish or eyeshadow with a hint of little shimmer. Just restrain me. Please. The running joke in our house, one of many, is that you are officially a member of the family if you have a speck of glitter on your face. With clothing, make-up, and countless craft projects, it’s no surprise that we’re all sporting flecks of stardust on our face at one point or another.

So my glitter infatuation aside, in the challenge of getting me and the kids out the door for school and work every morning, my focus is all about keeping it simple. The less products and steps involved the better. Why use three products if you can find one that will do the same thing? Why add to your morning craziness if you can maybe do part of your skin care routine (you know, assuming you have one, ’cause I still don’t) at night?

And the best tip I can give you out of everything? Bring back-up! I have a make-up bag in my car that is an exact duplicate of what I put on in the morning at home. So if I need a touch-up during the day, or won’t head home before an evening out, then I’m set. And who am I kidding? Sometimes it’s also perfect for a two minute application when I get to work in the morning because not a stitch of make-up made it on before I left the house with two sleepy kids.

My other tip is relating to how to store all your make-up stuffs. I’ve been meaning to blog about this like f-o-r-e-v-e-r, and today finally provided the perfect opportunity. I can’t stand clutter in the bathroom. And with make-up products, it can get overwhelming. And fast. How to keep it all neatly corralled and looking pretty? A seemingly tall order was fixed after a quick trip to our local Goodwill store. A few years ago, I picked up these pretty little jars, a steal at ten cents each. They’re the perfect vessel to hold all the mascaras, eyeliners, bobby pins, and such. …

Eat. Live. Be. REBOOT

December 8, 2011 · Eat. Live. Be., Narrative

Regular readers may remember an Eat. Live. Be. movement that me and Sarah came up with and ran last year. At the time, it was perfect because it partnered nicely with my whole Cate Version 2.0 movement. You know, the one wherein I got addicted to Zumba, clean eating, and a weight loss of over sixty pounds. But then, I sprained my ankle in May, and that put the brakes on a lot of what I was doing. I haven’t been back to Zumba since, and you have know idea how much that pains me. The good news is that while I haven’t been going as full force as I was before, I have managed to maintain my weight loss.

But that isn’t enough.

Or wasn’t for me.

I missed the mental zone that all that dedication afforded me. When people prattle on about the endorphin rush you get from exercising, it’s not just meaningless drivel. It’s the truth. And when I say that your body responds differently to how and what you feed it, again, it’s the truth.

And when you’re treating your body right, everything else just magically falls into place.

You’re able to handle stress better.

Relationships.

Work.

Kids.

You have more energy.

And you want to do better.

It’s not just lip service.

So the fact that I wasn’t in the exact same spot as I was in the spring? Killed me. Like, seriously. Thought about it day in and out.

And in the grand scheme of things, there wasn’t much I could do about it.

Which, of course, frustrated me even more.

Zumba and clean eating is what started me back on the straight and narrow.

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Recipe: Hillbilly Spaghetti Pie

December 6, 2011 · Narrative

Yesterday, I fell down the rabbit hole while blog hopping, with one link leading to another, and another, and another. I eventually discovered this recipe for Hillbilly Spaghetti Pie, which ended up becoming tonight’s dinner. I was craving red meat (though what I really want is a juicy, mostly red steak), and the kids will eat most anything pasta-related, so figured this would combine everyone’s needs in a quick and easy dinner. Using mostly pantry ingredients, and less than 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s a hearty, stick to your ribs kind of dinner that should please all the picky eaters around your table. Nick ate most of his, after I convinced him that the mushrooms I added were not, in fact, oysters. Madeline ate a few bites and concentrated on making a spaghetti pie sandwich with her garlic bread.

Tomorrow? The reboot of Eat. Live. Be.

Thursday? Make-up stuffs.

Friday? The buttery product review, along with the retooling of an old favorite recipe.

If you need an inexpensive gift for your favorite photographer, you can check out my suggestion on my photography web site, right here.

Sometime soon, I’ll be sneaking in a gift round-up, courtesy of Etsy too. Shooting for Saturday, so stay tuned.

December 6, 2011 – Bonus Photos

The kids have been making me snacks before dinner. That was Nick’s recent presentation for me. Beautiful plating, no?

This was Madeline’s. The first concoction was cheese, overly ripe just-good-for-baking-and-pancakes bananas, and water, which I couldn’t even muster a polite bite of. This second one was slightly more palatable. Water, chocolate, marshmallows, strawberries, and lots of l-o-v-e.

She politely packed it up for her grandmother and Mystic to try.

Hard to resist an inedible dessert when the sous chef is this cute. Especially when she appears to have sampled it herself first. Oh those cheekbones.

She then switched tactics and made these little dessert shots. Sugar high? What sugar high?
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