Monday, December 31, 2012

Best Books of 2012

http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/1978457-karen?format=html&shelf=2012
In 2012 I read 123 books...here is my list of 5 star books for the year...5 stars could be based on style, text, plot, characterization or if I just plain old loved it. Ya can be mixed in with classics...it is my personal preferences for books, not just if they will end up in in an English lit class down the road.

Winter Garden, Kristen Hannah    
  Kill you twice, Chelsea Cain.    
 Criminal, Karin Slaughter
Divergent, Veronica Roth.              
Before I Fall, Lauren Oliver.      
The Borrower, Rebecca Makkai
Pandemonium, Lauren Oliver.        
 In one Person, John Irving.      
  Sister, Rosamund Lupton
Delirium, Lauren Oliver                  
Labor Day, Joyce Maynard.      
To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee
Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Lalani Taylor.  
 Light from a Distant Star, Mary McGary Morris's
Extremely loud and Incredibly Close, jonathon Safan Foer,
 The Age of Miracles, Karen ThompsonWalker



Wednesday, June 20, 2012

day4/5

A picture of me doing some thing wierd but funny and a picture of me and my friends being silly. 

well this is just plain crazy. I never do anything weird or silly or odd and I definitly dont have any weird or silly friends..or maybe I just burn the evidence ....

Monday, June 18, 2012

Day 3: Type with your elbow

this one makes me laugh...

oi  a.L;DEWES3Dasdwt6 rftty[p;-sewd naSSWA

THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO SAY " I already type bad"

I guess I would be worse without my fingers....

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Day 2: write whatever comes not your head(5 minutes worth)

Ohhhhh ummmmm tired, still need to put away the dinner stuff, birds still are making thier racket, want a cookie, or is it cookies, and a glass of wine. Brady needs to zonk out before me so I can muster enough momentum to go back downstairs to watch the killing finale and then cuddle up and watch true blood. Will I really be able to not work this week like I promised myself? Brownies made for cup school, check, Brady teaxhers gifts, check, ry wanted to take the bus to school rather than having a ride in ..that's weird to me. Thank god I hear randy taking out the garbage cans to the curb becuase they are horrid. Which was also the state of the veg Bin the fridge I cleaned today....wow writing all the random junk that pops into my head is not very exciting..probably because I am wittier with wine andi really want a glass...and Brady is tricking me with his silence but when I stir to look in he is chatting with his stuffed animals..the pool has its cover on it right? Why are there still little kids outside at 8 on a school night...and I need to throw in a load of laundry...and I need to remember to bring my book in from the porch. Ok I am NEVER writing my random mess ofthoughtsmout,..spastic crazy momma is probably supposed to be locked in my mind only:)

Saturday, June 16, 2012

A Picture of something I hate:

bullying...i hate it..loathe it,am disgusted by it, intolerant of it. by boys, by girls, by texts, by adults, in pictures, words, actions..all of it. stop this shit.

50 day challenge List: I DARE you!

50 day blog challange..OH boy here we go again! I will not write on my blog unless I have an assigment.  Otherwise it is like a big rambling of unfocused junk. This blog challenge had some differnt things than the last so I am giving it a shot....anyone else want in???  Here is the list:


50 DAY CHALLENGE OF RANDOM THINGS.

  1. A picture of something you hate.
  2. Write whatever it is in your head right now.
  3. Write with your elbow.
  4. A picture of you doing something weird but funny.
  5. A picture of your friends being silly.
  6. Write a paragraph to somebody - it could be anybody you want, even someone you haven’t met yet.
  7. Write something deep.
  8. Write something stupid.
  9. Post an audio of yourself talking some random.
  10. Post a song that you can’t stand.
  11. Post a song that you used to love.
  12. Post a picture of you smiling.
  13. Put 10 things you want to do in the year.
  14. 9 reasons to love you.
  15. 8 reasons to hate you.
  16. 7 things you have in your bed.
  17. 6 things you can’t live without.
  18. A picture of the thing you love the most.
  19. A picture of the person you love the most.
  20. Pour your heart out in two paragraphs.
  21. Your favorite book and why?
  22. 5 movies you recommend.
  23. 4 ways to win your heart.
  24. 2 pictures of you - one doing a funny face the other one being serious.
  25. How you see yourself by the end of your year
  26. Do you believe in love at first sight - why?
  27. A song that makes you cry.
  28. 1 thing you want to do before you die.
  29. Favorite type of music.
  30. To go to a party or to stay home - why?
  31. Give 15 tips to your followers to get through life.
  32. The worst thing that has ever happened to you.
  33. A picture of the happiest moment of your life - if you don’t have, explain that moment.
  34. Favorite store in the whole planet.
  35. Are you bored of this challenge? yes no, why?
  36. Favorite tweet.
  37. Favorite tumblr post you have ever seen.
  38. A picture of your family, are you close to them, yes, no?
  39. Write a letter to your future husband - wife.
  40. Best experience you have ever had - the one that you have learn the most of.
  41. Favorite trailer.
  42. Favorite planet of earth.
  43. Recommend 10 blogs to follow.
  44. Recommend 5 songs.
  45. Recommend 8 books.
  46. Recommend 2 websites.
  47. Write a paragraph to your followers.
  48. Post a picture of you, 3 facts.
  49. Talk about the most awkward moment in your life.
  50. Do a list with ALL the things you want to do before you die - ALL OF THEM!

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Blogging Needs a Focus

OK I am one of those bloggers who needs a focus I guess..Did so great on the 30 day challenge,...and have not blogged since! So what the heck have I been up to?  I didn't even do my Weight Watcher color of the week:
Weight Watchers..lost 10 pounds total! Yippee..one week I had a gain, this week lost 3.6...So I went for a pedicure instead of doing it home..it was time..these darn flip flops are killing my feet. !
We went to the Lake to celebrate Memorial day and my Dads birthday...and I ended up sick sick sick for a day in between..but the boats and the docks are in..which makes for a happy family

Work wise: making a bazillion play food items, I have my seasonal summer cotton items in a local gallery and sold something within the first 10 hrs there! I also have been trying my hand at making more large scale projects..an afghan, a crochet coral reef stool, a shawl and I attempted to make a tunic vest thing that I have been admiring for awhile..yea not so much..so turned it into an addition to the light post in front of our house.  

SO I have been busy..just not blogging..but all that is about to change with the bog of the day PART 2!!

Friday, May 18, 2012

Day 30: The End!

This is it! 30 day Blog challenge finished! The assignment, a picture of me today and the 3 things I took away from this month:)
1.  I CAN stick to a schedule(for 30 days at least). I did not skip any of the assignments, and did not miss a day.
2.  I am setting goals..and keeping them, blog a day, routine exercise, weight watchers.
3.  Family and Friends are what keep me moving and motivated.  I want to be a happier me for the kids and my husband, and a better friend to those I am lucky to call mine, by remembering the shared past, the silly tomorrows.
 and finally a picture of me...this is my new hibiscus plant for the yard (and for inside during winter months I hope!)

Next 30 day challenge:)

I am not going to do another 30 day challenge right now...but this is my list for the next one. Day 01 - A picture of yourself with fifteen facts. Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been close with for awhile. Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show. Day 04 - A picture of your night. Day 05 - A picture of… your favorite memory. Day 06 - A picture of a person you’d love to trade places with for a day. Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item. Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh. Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most. Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most screwed up things with. Day 11 - A picture of something you hate. Day 12 - A picture of something you love. Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist. Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without. Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die. Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you. Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently. Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity. Day 19 - A picture of you when you were little. Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you’d love to travel. Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget. Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at. Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book. Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change. Day 25 - A picture of your day. Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you. Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member. Day 28 - A picture of something you’re afraid of. Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile. Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Weight Watcher Color of the week #4

This was an exciting week..4th weigh in, down 6 total pounds, and 12 inches from thighs, waist, chest, arms, hips as well as a dress size!!
SO todays color is a bit fresh a bit daring...Mint Dream..very pearly looking with green and blue tones!

Day 29: Something I will never get sick of

READING!!!! How could someone ever tire of that??? I mean I fall asleep reading all the time but I KNOW that a day has not gone by in my life without reading.  My parents were super patient, reading book after book when I was little.  So much so that I read before Kindergarten.  In 1st grade, Anne McNelis and I had read all the Little House on The Prairie books and I had discovered the joys of Ramona.  I read every fiction book in the Maplewood Library bu the time I was 11 (at least the interesting ones..) and the Librarian Mrs. Whaley, had the new books set aside for me so I could see them first.  I had hefty fines at times for losing books in my room..and for the fact that I never took out less than 12 books.  Our summer rule was outside playing or inside reading..I did outside reading, in the pool, on the swing set, in the lounge chairs, on the porch. My mother used to joke that we spent more money on books to get me ready for vacation than on the vacation itself..and it was one of the only times I ever got to go buy books..because if I did our house would have been overflowing..but library books do not go on vacation.  My degree is in English Literature, not for any grand idea, I mean I have worked for the Y since high school, but because I knew that anything else wouldn't have captured my imagination like studying books at all times! I read every night, at least 1 hr.  I used to plow through every book I chose, making sure I caught every word and phrase.  Now I read what I want, give a book 100 pages or sometimes 12 , either way I know there will be stacks and stacks left to get through.  my kindle is chock full of books I have not read, I have have audio books on there piling up..but I still go to the library 1 or 2 times a week to ensure I have a stack of books at my disposal.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Day 28: favorite (2) movies

I am a product of my time..I have 2 equally favorite movies "Some kind of Wonderful" and "Say Anything". Anytime I happen to glimpse either one I find myself sucked in and have to finish them out. And yes basically they are same movie... I love that Chuck Klosterman said that women who grew up in the 80's will always judge a man by Lloyd Dobler standards, so so so true! I quote lines from both movies all the time and wanted to be Watts for years. What a tough broad.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Day 27: 10 songs on shuffle

Todays Mision..Shuffle my Ipod. and list the first 10 songs:
1.  Bob Marley, Waiting in Vain
2.  The Ramones: Blitzkrieg Bop
3.  Cake: Arco Arena
4.  Chali 2NA: Comin'Thru
5. Men at Work, Snakes and Ladders
6. Glee Cast: Don't Rain on My Parade
7.  Kenny Rogers: Lucille
8. LL Cool J: Mama Said Knock You Out
9.  Zumba Fitness: Balla, Menea yGoza, Quebradita
10. Grace Potter and the Nocturnals: Oasis

Well that is ecclectic:)

Monday, May 14, 2012

Day 26: Me 5 Years ago

  Brady would have been8 months old 5 years ago.  Old enough to sleep, young enough to be held and talking naps and snuggling and all those bottles and diapers! Randy and I knew were were finished with babies after Brady was born so I decided it was time to get my body back into shape...sound familiar??  Here I am doing it again.  I started taking Christine's yoga class and Sue's Zumba classes at the Y..guess what was on the schedule today?  Yoga and perhaps Zumba (until Ryan got sick and now it is possible zumba and treadmill finished).  I had left the Monroe YMCA officially and started working at Maplewood a bit.  I would take Brady up to Grandma Cathy's room for an hour or two with another adult and work out, take a shower in peace and have a small sanity break. Mitchell would have been in 3rd grade, Ryan in 1st grade with Mrs Holleran. This was also the year I met and became friends with Liza!!! And you know I would have been lost without her.  Randy was just about to leave the Y and start at Micahels (would have been July ) and my sister moved away from Rochester to Houston about 8 months before..which was a big huge difference for me. Other than that we lived in the same house, the Y was part of my everyday.  I didn't have etsy in my world yet so I was a stay at home mommy trying to make the best of my world!

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Day 25: something I miss

I miss college. Not the actual staying up late, partying bit(although that was fun) I miss the chance to learn something new everyday. Education truly is wasted on the young. I would love to take 2 hours each day and be told new facts, learn about other cultures, other places. Read something that might be too challenging on my own, have people to discuss it with. I am not missing the grades, exams, papers, hours of studying. Just the sense of listening to a,professor tell me what they know, and adding to that discussion. 15 years ago today I graduated from Nazareth College. Mothers day in a huge white tent..and it snowed. My relatives from Texas and Georgia were Freezing. I was huddled next to two people I did not know hoping to stay warm! I remember listening to the dean and hearing this is in my head, I am now an adult. I have a piece of paper that says I am done with school. Set me free. now I just want to go back..savor those moments where my only job was to,listen, absorb and do well.

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Day 24:What is in My Purse

Well what's in my purse...wallet, keys(hopefully), 7 chapsticks, lotion,fissures, a bazillion crumpled pieces of paper, my wine tasting notebook, 2 pair of earrings, my headphones, iPod arm band, mints, pill container from my Great Great Aunt Blanche with naproxen, Bendeyl and Xanax, business card wallet, an I hook, a notebook. Sounds like it is time to clean it out!

Friday, May 11, 2012

Day 23: 20 facts about me

1. I own more yarn than I will ever be able to use 2. I will read just about anything..with the exception of westerns and finance 3. I am a bit of shoe addict..but they are all clumpy frumpy shoes, not towering heels 4. I love thrift shopping 5. I will only sing in the car, loudly, by myself 6. Green, brown and purple are my favorite colors 7. I love the smell of gasoline 8. I often plan vacations around the new types of food I want to try or characters in a book/TV show I am interested in 9. I love art..but see my work as craft 10. I get very excited about planning, planting my garden..but by August I am usually sick of it. 11. I am a terrible housekeeper, I would rather read, crochet, or just about anything 12. I hate bananas...and most other fruit 13. I have a goal to swim in all oceans...well maybe not the Artic 14. When I think of my favorite place on earth, I see Tybee Island Ga 15. I really crave quiet alone time 16. The best way to spend a summer day, is on the dock at the lake with a book, a coke and the sounds of my 3 kids splashing, swimming and laughing 17. I don't read the newspaper or watch the news 18. I could eat fancy cheese, chocolate and crusty bread all day long 19. The best Part of my marriage is that my husband makes me laugh everyday, and that when he finally climbs into bed I know that it is just us for a few hours, even if I have been asleep for hours. 20. I would love it if the magic in my books existed. I would so go to Hogwarts or Brakebills.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Day 22: Bullet of my day

- 5:00 am woke to the frantic complaints of Brady in his bed. he fell asleep with my robe on, ended up so tangled he couldn't move his arms...needless to say this was out wake up call

-6:30 left to take Mitchell to his school for his 8th Grade trip to Boston..no tears

-7:15 entered the massive Pittsford Wegmans..for 12 things...left 1 hr later.  Saw truffles that sell for $999.00 a POUND..amazing.there was a cheese that cost more than my $60 bill.
just the front part

-8:15 left the crazy and stopped being distracted by all the shiny things

-8:30 unloaded bags, changed into run gear

-9:30 -10:30 went to henpeck park for my FIRST outdoor run along the canal
10:30 finished run..super happy..but I was the color of my jacket....and soaking wet:


10:30-12:00 Michaels for scrap booking stickers for Moms card and a Hi to Randy, Target for cleaning items, dinner (hamburgers..93%)

12:00 Lunch...2 spicy shrimp summer rolls, and 1 piece of marathon bread(10 points)

12-1 computer time/card for mom (signed her and Mitchell and Ryan up for Family Adventure day at Camp Stella Maris)

1:00 shower

1:30-2:30 Nurse Jackie/The Big C catch up while working on an art scarf for Shirley

2:55 bus here

3-4:30talked to kids about day/snack/homework

4:30-5 listed new items on etsy

5:00 Blog time/dinner prep

5:45 Randy home

6:15 dinner (hamburgers, homemade baked fries)

7:00-8:00 yoga...perhaps...feeling a little sore from run..will it help or will it hurt? OR bath bed for Brady

8:30 Convince Ry to go to bed

8:30 Climb into bed myself to read Labor Day, Joyce Maynard

10:00 ASLEEP!






Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Day 21: Something That Makes Me Happy

Today was Muffins With Mom at Brady's Kindergarten. We had muffins served to us by our little kiddos and juice as well.  Brady was so excited when I walked in.  His entire face lit up in the way only a 5 year olds can.  We sat and talked about how they had gotten everything set up.  Brady's friend Rahmel 's mom had to work so Brady old him he would share me.  My heart was a mushy mess after this.  When the kids went up to get the juice and the muffins, Brady allowed his friend to get my juice and he brought me a blueberry muffin"because he knew I hated bananas"Big hugs from the kids followed up with this Mothers Day Craft.  I am not sure ANYTHING could make me happier.

Weight Watcher Color of the Week#3

Smaller loss this week. Lost .6 pound..which is OK seeing as how my period is right around the corner..TMI I know:) This week the color is Bite The Bullet..and I think I picked it more for the name than the color.  I need to REALLY focus this week..periods are such a magical time anyways..yea right! SO I am glad there are no chips, no candy no icecream (other than weight watchers ice cream bars) in the house...and I need to remmebr to still EAT right..not go for hours without anything...I did lose another 2.5 inches as well TRACK TRACK TRACK those food values..will be my mantra!

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Day 20: The Meaning Behind My BlogName

Ummmm...pretty self explanatory. Duncan creative is my etsy shop name, and my Facebook page...this is a spot to talk about more than just crochet....books, cooking, kids, family, diet. Not much more to it than that!

Monday, May 7, 2012

Day 19: A Picture Of Me

I do not like having my picture taken.  I never really have..except as a little kid and most of those I have my eyes crossed or tongue out.  I do like most of the downcast eye pics.  This one is from our Wii Resort Party a few years ago...

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Day 18: Something I Crave

One thing comes to mind..Coke in a Can ...so many memories go with coke in a can ...beach trips, airplane rides, early morning lifeguard shifts. I try really really hard not to drink Coke and I will not buy it in a can most of the time...it would be too tempting to drink it everyday. There is no better headache cure in my opinion, a rush of sugar, a healthy dose of caffeine, paired with 2 Excedrin...see it is medicinal!

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Day 17: Celebrity Crush

There have been many celeb crushes over the years..From Han Solo to Indiana Jones (they really are different), River Pheonix, Christian Slater, Mc Dreamy, to my current love..although it may just be the sayings of the Hey Girl community...Ryan Gosling

Friday, May 4, 2012

Weight Watcher Color of the Week (Week2)

Lost another 2 pounds...as well as 5.5 inches off my body!! Waist, hips, thighs, arms...all lost inches this week!
Color of the week:
I need a Refresh-Mint

Day 16: A picture of my Family

Samantha Rae Photography took some really fun pictures of my family this fall and this is one of my all time favorites:

halfway done with the blog a day!

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Day 15: What I need to Leave the house

purse, wallet, inhaler, waterbottle, sunglasses, out to car..shit forgot...list, back out to car...shit forgot to get a bag...back out to car...realize I forgot keys....no kidding, happens weekly.Obviously, a little more brain power would help to get me moving.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Day14: TV Obsession

I have so many shows I "watch" aaka"listen to" while I am crocheting....but the ones I absolutly do not miss right now are:

and of course all of these shows play at the same time on Sunday night (add in Nurse Jackie and The Big C and you have my weekly TV viewing..also all on Sunday nights!)

While I am working, I have been watching the 1997 series OZ..I wonder how I missed this when it was out the first time! Probably did not have cable then.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Day13: My Favorite Band

Yea this is not going to happen..I cannot pick one.  There are so many types of music, so many moods to be in when listening to music.  I am not all that eclectic.  I mainly listen to alternative/new wave from the 80s and 90s but there are a bunch of new bands also that I like, (Grace Potter, Florence and the Machine, Michael Franti...).  In no way would I have thought 20 years ago I would listen to any mainstream music..but thanks to the kids I can pick out Katy Perry or Pitbull out of a musical lineup.  I never would have thought I would work out to the music of my high school peers, especially since I so avidly and loudly dissed their tastes. There are bands I will never ever be sick of, The Talking Heads, The Clash, The Smiths, The Ramones as well as soulful women Like Sinead O'Conner, Natalie Merchant, The Cowboys Junkies, Concrete Blonde. 

There is, however, a band I will NEVER EVER LIKE...Queen.

Monday, April 30, 2012

Day 12 : Pictures of your hometown

Rochester,NY is the only placed I have ever lived.  What can I say , I am a creature of habit, and afraid of change.  Beyond that, Rochester has so much to offer and such a rich history.  I pulled these pics off of google images, because my photography skills could not do it justice.  Just a few things in Rochester I find beautiful:
We love our festivals

We are known for Kodak, Bausch and Lomb and Xerox,Wegmans (some heavy hitters there) Rochester is the burial grounds for Susan B Anthony and Fredrick Douglass.  Rochester was one of the the first boom cities.  Frenchs Mustard, Garbage Plates, and Film are claims to fame.  Philip Seymour Hoffman and Taye Diggs went to school here.  Our Rose Garden is the second largest in the country.Our Public Market was rated #1 in all the US...even beating out Pikes Place Market.  

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Day 11: What is In My Cosmetic Case

This one makes me laugh..probably a 10 year old mascara, a busted up lipstick the kids used for Halloween and some Q-Tips.  I don't wear makeup. I am not even sure how to truly apply eyeliner.  My big dressing up consists of maybe a swipe of mascara and some chap stick.  In fact when Nancy and I were on our last wine tour trip..I leaned in slightly tipsy , admired her eye make up and proudly declared that I had a little concealer on.  I have never been in the makeup stage..other than a few attempts in jr high with the dreaded blue eyeshadow.  I went through a punk stage..and tried the whole eyeliner an inch below my lid..and really the best it looked was the next morning when I forgot to take it off and it finally got that smudged look.  I do LOVE nail polish though..on my bitten down fingernails and I ALWAYS have toe polish on..

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Day 10: A picture of My Favorite Place to Eat

This was hard for me. I have many many favorite places, and I am mood eater.  I never pick one place to go. I love Los Gallos for Mexican, Aladins, for Greek, Sticky Lips for BBQ, The Peppermill for diner fair, Keenans for slightly fancier fair. I have favorite restaurants all over the country as well. I guess when I think of a nice night out with Randy we often end up at Aja Noodle Co. It is delicious, the portions are HUGE, and we can eat for under $30 including drinks.  Also, this is a place the kids do not really like, so it has an adult feel to it. I usually get the Thai Basil noodle bowl and we split the appetizer sampler.  They have a great Riesling as well which pairs well with the spicy noodles. 

Friday, April 27, 2012

Day 9: The last Thing I Purchased

I have given up coffee...and it is a hard thing to do.  I did sneak in a home cup on Monday when it was cold and there was SNOW outside.  I didn't like it though..I measured out my creamer to fit in my daily points...and took a sip..and BLECH it tasted like coffee. My mom told m e that I can drink tea straight because I actually like tea and that I need 1/2 c of creamer because I really like creamer and not coffee.  She may have been on to something.  I have never put sugar in tea, hot or iced (well when I was little I probably did).  I am just starting to like the green teas.  It is a little different flavor but MAN the choices are fantastic.  Such exotic blends. 
This morning I have a little cold/allergy issue happening so I made a cup of the orange, passionfriut and jasmine..It is steaming next to me.  Haven't sipped yet but from what I can smell it is delicious.  I use the White Mangosteen and Peach in my iced tea blended with Stash Black Tea Peach flavored. THE Passionfruit and coconut sounds like dessert to me. 

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Weight Watcher Color of the Week

 This week I lost 2 pounds. It doesn't seem like much until you put 8 sticks of butter on the counter..two pounds. I normally"rewarded" myself with a grande, non-fat caramel macchiato..yup I went non-fat...and 4 bazillion calories to boot! Now I am trying something different.  Since I gave up coffee, mainly because I love creamer more than coffee, and because rewarding myself with calories is a no-no, I am buying a fun shade of nail polish each week I lose..I should have a nice color assorment going..and since my nails are super short it takes no time at all to lay on a fresh color. So week one: 2 pounds, bought "on a trip" and it matches the lilacs and irisis about to bloom:)
Posted by Picasa

Day 8: A song that Describes My Mood

WOW what a crazy ass morning...I went to the market..no problems there (other than a few things not found on the list) but then I decided to go home a different way...I wanted to drive down Rocket St to see if there were any houses for sale..I have ALWAYS wanted to live on Rocket St, because how cool does that sound??  I already live on Electric Avenue so it will be hard to top that in cool factor(remember the Eddie Grant song???) well somehow I ended up all turned around, hopped onto the express, going the opposite way, got off at Browncroft, needed gas despreratly, ended up turning myself around AGAIN....and once I FINALLY made it to the grocery store, I forgot the list in the car and had to go back...like I said crazy....then I ended up wandering, spent more than I had planned on, realized I forgot my water bottle at home, started getting really thirsty...and on it went..SO the fabulus "Circles" by Soul Coughing sums it up best
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEFQTY4hjUk

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Day 7: My Dream Wedding

I was married on Sept 13, 1997 to my fabulous husband, Randy..It was a perfect day weather wise...200 guests, a beautiful dress, surrounded by our family and friends...not sure could ask for more than that! I did it without pinterest, a wedding planner or any crazy blogs/internet sites! I didnt fight for my dress, bought it off the racks in my perfect size,didnt have to pay a gazillion dollars.  There are 2 things I would have changed...I would have still had Sue Egan in our wedding party...but I would have found a way for her to do our pictures as well..since I REALLY hate our wedding pics from the "professional" weddign photographer.  I love her casual on the fly pictures she took..and they are the framed ones hanging in our house (which is why I am not scanning them in the computer for this post).  The scond thing I really wanted, and was told not allowed in the Cathedral, was that I wanted to walk down the aisle to "The Rainbow Connection".  Other than that, dream wedding accomplished!

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Day 6: A dream Pet

I am not the best at taking care of pets...just ask my husband.  All animal reponsibilites fall to him and the kids.  I figure I am taking care of the humans, he gets the creatures. 
If I DID have to pick a pet I have 2 ..one practical...and one not so much:
An Alpaca...think of the yarn I would have, think of the extra skills I could pick up by learning how to shear an alpaca and spin its wool! I am sure this would only cost a bazillion dollars...and impractical since I would never take care of it....
and REALLY impractical...a sting ray.  I think I would be a much calmer person watching these sting rays glide around the house all day...becuase you know I would want a tricked out tank so it had room to glide and swim in various rooms in the house! However..I bet after intial set up, they wouldn't be that hard to take care of.
This is a picture from Turks/Caicos where we swam with the sting rays and TOUCHED THEM and FED THEM in 2010. super cool memory:)

Monday, April 23, 2012

Day 5: A Picture of me 2 years ago

Thank goodness for Facebook or I wouldn't have a picture of me two years ago! When our computer crashed we had not backed up pictures since 2009! So here is one of my most favorite memories of 2010 (and as close to 2 years exactly I could get ).

This is at our old(new then old) house...and I am with my Nazareth Academy girls after many bottles of wine, about to go out an meet up with other Naz friends.  It was a bittersweet day as our school was closing its doors, 19 years after we graduated.

Teresa, Jenn, Karen, Heather (and Brady and Ryan sneaking in).

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Day 4: A Photo of my Best Friend

Friends, so very very important. In grammer school they were who I turned to share Barbies and accessories with and to giggle over the boys we liked. The Jennifers and Anne kept me in check when I would go off into an absurdly goofy tanget and would end up giggling right aong.

In High School my friends were my WORLD. Loyalties to best friends topped everything. I have tins and tins of notes passed in highschool, a million journal entries written about Heather and Sara and Yvonne. The heartbreak of lost friends in high school have long lasting scars which I am still working out. Having just celebrated my 20th reuinion I was able to heal some of those scars, and reconnected with people who hve known me longer than my husband has.

College friendships evolve, less having to do with the same musical tastes, the same causes to herald, they become more about conversations, shared backgrounds, or course work.  The casual friend comes into play.  My roomate from College, Sue and I are still friends, going through the mommy path together along with our friend Maria. We try to see each other once a month or so for drinks and chatting. Other friends from College days are more of the passing Facebook comments, not that we couldn't have a fabuous time if we planned something, but our lives have spread us all over the world.

So that brings us to Liza.  Liza is my rock and BEST friend.  She may not know every sad story that Heather knows, or has seen me in my most wasted and drunken state, as Sue or have family ties into my world like Anne but she is there , present in my everyday. She pushes me to work out, or not. She listens to me babble about a crochet project for hours or a book I am reading, even if she never plans to read it.  I can call Liza and worry about money/husband/kids/parents/sister knowing our conversation will go no farther.  She is there and strong and stable.  I can call for a 5 sec request for a borrowed pair of shoes and 45 minutes later I know have had a conversation that I laughed during,  but perhps had no long term deepness.  And I am a better person for it.  The is no drama with Liza....which is a good thing for me.  I can dive into friendships, let them consume me, get upset and not ever be able to forgive..and at 38 I need no more of those friendships.  The first person at the top of my invite list is Liza.  I would do anything for any of her 5 kids and I love watching them grow into their persons as much as I love watching my kids. On top this Liza is one of the most fun people I know.  She looks at a bad situation ..like a DOWNPOUR  during our garage sale and she is running in the rain barefoot, 8 months pregnant with Ary, dancing/carrying things/laughing like a fool.  She brings all those 5 kids all over racees the youngest up and down slides in 95 degree weather and smiles through it.  She enjoys her day and all that comes with it and teaches me to as well. 

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Day 3: Favorite Store

Favorite store...hmmm this was tricky because I am not a huge shopper..I shop for necessity..grocery store, craft store, Target. I guess Target would win for an actual bricks and mortar store. Have 3 kids means get in and get out...and have a place they can wander safely together while I must go and buy a bra or underwear..which you NEVER should have to do with 3 boys under the age of 13! I can also show a goal of mine...park far away and get some extra steps in.  This is me parking WAY far fromt the door:

I do love shopping on etsy for anything that is above and beyond the daily grind and I have a bazillion favorite shops....too many to list!




Friday, April 20, 2012

Day 2: What I ate today

What I ate today..this is good for me because I LOVE to eat! And now I need to 100% change the way we eat in this house! For breakfast: 100 cal whole grain english muffin with 1 TBS strawberry jelly and 1 tbsp Smart Balance spread along with a serving of ww amaretto cheesecake yogurt..seriously love this yogurt! I eat it for dessert some days it is soo good!!!   Then I went to the Y and started my ease into 5K running program and did some strength training..1 hour of walk/run combo and the weight machienes equals 7 points of extra food points (which I am saving up becuase tomorrow is Randy's birthday and we are celebrating at a hibachi restaurant..so hanging onto those points!) Lunch looks like it willbe a cup of potato leek soup that I made yesterday (3 points..YUMMY) along with a fruit salad ()) and pretzle thins...which are so yummy (3 points).  Dinner looks so spectacular and I am sharing it with you.!
Warm Spinach Salad with Bacon, Chicken and Blue Cheese
Image of   Warm Spinach Salad with Bacon, Chicken and Blue Cheese
Weight Watchers Recipe
70 people rated this recipe
Ratings (70) Rate it
5PointsPlus Value
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Serves: 6
A warm entrée-size salad that’s packed with tasty ingredients. It boasts a delicious, homemade bacon-vinaigrette that’s made right in the pan.

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper; set aside.
  • Toss spinach and radicchio in a large serving bowl; set aside.
  • Heat a large nonstick skillet over low heat; add bacon and cook, stirring frequently, until crispy and browned, about 7 to 8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove bacon to a paper towel-lined plate; let drain.
  • Set same skillet over high heat; add mushrooms and onion and cook, stirring often, until onions begin to brown, about 6 to 7 minutes. Add vinegar mixture and chicken; cook, stirring, to heat chicken, about 1 minute. Spoon over spinach mixture and toss to wilt lightly; garnish with bacon, apple and blue cheese. Serve warm. Yields about 1 1/2 cups per serving.

we are using the ready made bacon crumbles for me and regular for the boys :)

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Blog A day...Day1

OK this is it, new PC , new weight loss and exercise goal, it is time to get my BLOG ON! I am using one of those cliche blog a day to get myself going!! And I had planned on doing it yesterday as my start...but things got a little so here we go!

Day 1: A Picture of What I did today (yesterday):



I went to my VERY first Weight Watcher meeting.  I am not a group person, unless I pick the group. I want to know exactly who I am talking to and that there is a common ground. Well there was a common ground, in a room full of unknown. I got out of my comfort zone, sucked it up, stood on a scale in front of strangers and listened with an open mind. (PS it was  still a little culty but I am working on that:)

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Weight Loss Journey

In the past year I have regained some weight...a lot of weight. 4 years ago I did Weight Watchers at my work p. it was great...standing on a scale in front of coworkers is a hard thing to do and motivating. I was at the YMCA at that point, able to work out every day and let me tell you, if you haven't met Y people, we are a competitive bunch! I lost close to 50 pounds and went from an 18 to an 8 comfortably. The first year I was afraid to put anything sweet into my mouth for fear of slipping back...somewhere I became lax. I am in a 14 and within 10 pounds of. Y highest weight. My knees hurt, my body is lumpy, and I am not as happy as I could be. I sit for a large majority of my day for work...but it is time to switch it up!

I joined Weight Watchers on Friday...the day of my sons party...full of chips, dips, pizza and cake. Said to myself I will still log it all in so I can see how bad it was..and it was bad!! I used up most of my extra week points in one meal! So today is the first day of getting on the right path.

The breakfast meal is a hard one for me to enjoy. It just seems unnatural to wake up and eat...coffee full of flavored creamer and large ice cubes is totally acceptable....but not any longer. I am switching to tea, plain, cold, peach preferably. I dug out my old old notebooks I used last time I Was on WW. This was my go to breakfast:
Over the top Oatmeal
1/2 c old fashioned oatmeal
1 c hot water
Cook in microwave for 3 min
Dash of cinnamon
1/2 chopped apple
1 tbsp craisins
1/2 tbsp sunflower kernels

Yum. This is a HUGE morning meal for me...and usually I paired it with a yogurt to get my calcium in. With the new points the oatmeal is 6 points ...and of course a HUGE glass of water first, and after.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

To Kill a Mockingbird Book Club Eats

So how do you combine one of my favorite books and a book club hosting menu?? At first I thought well could do the obvious Southern foods..make some pimento and cheese and serve it with crackers, some peach tea ( actually I have that made) , some tea cakes and canapés,. But then I ought down to the layers on the book. One of the best things about this is the nostalgia it brings, the hardship and bite of justice and the sweetness of childhood..so I had my work cut out for me!
Along with white wines from the Finger Lakes and a dry California Merlot, I decided on a hard sharp 5 year Gouda...A down to earth garlicky dip

A

Paula Deens Georgia cracker cookies ( a buttery toffee topped cracker with chocolate

And these sweet and sour oatmeal cookie lemon bars ( nothing says childhood like oatmeal cookies!)

The Sweet Nostalgia

This month my book club gals and I read the classic To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee. I first read this in Ms. Habecker's 9th grade English class. I can still see her one shoe dangeling from her foot and jingling her change softly in her pocket as she read parts of this aloud to 20 14 year old girls. I remember the major plot points from the book from that year, I remember classmates discussing the civil injustice and Amy Schramm reading aloud the line "pork, Pooorkk," with exuberant tones. After this I never thought much about the book, watched Gregory Peck in the movie a few times and then rediscoverd it in a college Lit class. Again, I fell in love with Scout, Jem and Dill and felt sorrowful at Tom Robinson's demise, as well as Boo's solitary nature. I read this book faithfully each year in the summer for a few beach years and then moved onto other books and literary re-reads. Each time I became pregnant the name Scout rang out as a major contender...but as you know I have 3 sons and the name never was used.
Thankfully Teresa in book club picked this as our April selection, the main reason being to revist a classic we had all read...4 book club members also had Ms. Habecker. 25 years later we are tying to find that key to this book.
I wanted to really go back and feel the same sensation as that 9 th grade classroom so I took out of the library the audio version. Sissy Spacek is a fabulous actress and she made these characters come alive. I still enjoyed Scout and Jem and Boo and Dill but a major character made a lasting and first time impression., Atticus Finch. As a parent, so much of what he does in his quiet, unassuming manner could be life lessons. His way of acting in his home as he does upon the street, could be all the parenting handbook we all search for from time to time. He taught his children that a natural education is as important as a structured one. He allowed both children to grown into theirselves with dignity and a chance to speak thier minds. He also had some great advice for just living day to day that resonates in me"before I can live with other folks, I have to live with myself".

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Connections

Once again i have turned to etsy for a blog post idea...Etsy is an amazing community..it is not just a place to buy things and sell things. Some of my best ideas come from people I have met via there. Some of the people I email and FB with every day I will never meet face to face but are part of my daily doings, I met from etsy.
Recently, I joined a new group http://DailyDoseofHandmade.blogspot.com/ and we are visiting each others pinterest boards, fb pages and blogs. Having only started my blog in January I need a bit of direction. I could ramble all about my day to day world but does that really just become a big bore ...I mean I am not a world class traveler or author or skydiver...and while I love my life, is it enough to write about daily?
Looking over Samira's blog http://samscrochet.blogspot.com/ I found a blogging challenge on this blog http://myhobbyshopblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/september-30-day-blog-challenge.html a great 30 day challenge to help spark my creativity. I love looking at photographers photo a day posts so this is my own version. I think I will aim for April..which is my most insane mom month of the year..seriously my husband, my mother, my middle guys birthdays, a week off of school, school forms due, Easster. Typically it is nuts around here so if I could ever put myself to the test to sit down and become a disciplined blog writer..this is the month to do it.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Catch up

What a blur the last few weeks have been. The auction was a huge success as was the giveaway. Congrats to my very oldest friend...Anne, seriously we went to kindergarten together! I enjoyed bringing her the basket of goodies to her brand new house and watching the big fat wet snowflakes cover the ground in 30 minutes.

After the auction was my meltdown over the grey,wet,crazy weather. Begged for a trip to Florida, and ended up with one to Houston instead! Yippee for family who loves me enough to plunk me on a plane and let me head out of here. Funny though...a day after that was solidified..sunny skies and beautiful weather which has lasted for 2 weeks..crazy still though since we are enjoying weather in the high seventies in March! so off I go on Sunday to Houston to visit my aunts and grandmother,to soak in the humid heat and to enjoy all the spicy tex mex I can! Pictures of the journey I promise!

In addition to that I have found a new author, Jim Butcher who I am so enjoying! A book to avoid at all costs, The Wolf Gift, Anne Roce, trust me you will thank me for stopping you that heartache.

Crochet wise I have started a theme for the months of Friday deals. This month there were household items. Next month the theme will be ocean . Who knows what May will bring...flowers??? I also have mastered broomstick lace and have made 2 one of a kind scarves each with cotton yarns and different fringe types. sales are steady and there is not much more I could ask for from that!

Big news for another Duncan. Randy opened his own etsy shop. wwww.duncanclay.etsy.com which is fabulous for him..he has so much ready to ship items we are running out of space!!! So yea for him in this endeavor.

So I will post Houston wonders after I return!

Sunday, February 26, 2012

THE GIANT GIVEAWAY AUCTION sneak peek!

If you have been following along this month you know I have had my 1000th sale on etsy!! To celebrate this March 1 there will be a multi vendor auction featuring the work of
http://www.everydaydiamonds.etsy.com/

http://www.purpleowlwitch.etsy.com/

http://www.turtlefly.etsy.com/

http://www.duncanclay.deviantart.com/

http://www.auntkatymadeit.etsy.com/

http://www.julieellyndesigns.etsy.com/

http://www.tattingforspirit.etsy.com/

http://www.berboo.etsy.com/

http://www.ginalouisedesigns.com/

http://www.whimsicalwishesbystormy.etsy.com/

http://www.jaimeddesigns.com/
http://www.eruckman.etsy.com/

http://www.thevividpeach.etsy.com/

http://www.throughmylens.etsy.com/

http://www.etsy.com/shop/samanthaRmontgomery?ref=ss_profile

http://www.karenswimmer.etsy.com/



as well as gift items also donated by
 http://www.upstateherbworks.etsy.com/
http://www.justkiddingcreations.com/
http://www.beatricclanore.etsy.com/

On March1  I will be adding a folder chock full of items at great starting prices! Each seller receives all the money and each payment will go through a PayPal invoice. The auction will run March 1 at 9 am -March 3 at 9 pm.  Each initial bid on any item will be counted as an entry into the giant giveaway of $300 worth of handmade fabulous creations.

The gift basket includes:
set of 2 hair pins, a pair of frog fun earrings, a pair of hand tatted silk flower earrings, a tutu, a matted moon flower picture, an original mixed media art print, a crocheted newsboy hat, a stuffed rabbit fleece, hand stamped necklace and bracelet,$20 gift certificate to the vivid peach, 2 bars of cold process soap, $20 gift certificate to JulieEllyn Designs, a $25 gift certificate to Jaime D Designs, an original water color painting, a set of chap sticks, a $20 gift certificate to Whimsical Wished by Stormy,a set of upcycled arm warmers as well as a $50 gift certificate to karenswimmer.

To be entered into the GIANT giveaway, please visit each shop, leave your favorite item from each shop here or on my all at www.facebook.com/DuncanCreative