Monday, October 31, 2011

Sliced Caramel Apples and The Great Pumpkin

My favorite days are here...the cozy ones!



The transition of summer into winter is woven with
  sun burnt colors
made crisp by the new air's chill.  
Fall pauses here for only a brief time
as we gather together
to enjoy the new harvest 
brought on by the scattering of seeds.



Said so well below...
"We are in for a spell of perfect weather now, 
every day is luminous. "

We spent our autumn Sunday at my parent's home sweet home
making caramel dipped apples
and watching Charlie Brown's The Great Pumpkin.


Traditional Caramel Apples are forever adorable
BUT they're just SO big and hard to eat through 
the whole sticky thing at one time.   
Right?

Instead, 
we made sliced caramel apples
and served them with toothpicks
for smaller treats and easier bites. 


The boys took turns dipping their crisp green apples...


Little Titus has a broken collarbone 
from a mountain bike crash
and did well using only one hand. ;) 


Sticky Yums!


Every single little time I serve cored, sliced apples 
the boys use them for secret peek-a-boo views!


Served on toothpicks and ready to sample:
chewy caramel and crisp apple...



Hello cuties


We also made some apple n cheddar snacks using symbols of the season.


We used cookie cutters to stamp autumn shapes.


I think this was the boys' favorite part...




 We finished our day downstairs in my Dad's toy room
snuggled up for 
Charlie Brown...and...The Great Pumpkin.



EXTRA LINKS of no tricks just treats:

previous post on
Mmmm... 



You can click here to read my thoughts on Halloween, 
and also more autumn love here


Have a warm and thrilling end of OCTOBER!

 
This post is linked to: The INSPIRED Room,  Savvy Seasons by Liz, Under the Table & Dreamin, Think Pink Sundays, Seasonal SundaysMet Monday, Making the World Cuter, Tuesday Tutorials and Tips, Tasty Tuesday, Tempt My Tummy, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On, DIY Design, Works for Me Wednesday, Blue Cricket Design, Transformation Thursday, House of H, Tablescape Thursday, Show off Your Stuff, Strut Your Stuff,   Show and Share Day, Foodie Friday, Frugal Friday, I'm Lovin It, Tickled Pink, Friday Flair, Design Dazzle, Be Different Act Normal, Funky Junk Interiors, Weekend Wrap Up  DIY by Design

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

We Can Do Hard Things

 I've shared with you a few times  before on my blog about my little demon, the thorn in my side.  I have been on a lifetime quest to discover balance and health and to change my body.  But for me personally, this is a hard thing.  A very hard thing.





I recently found a piece of motivation that unraveled layers of emotion within.  Seeing this sign for the first time was LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT!  I knew I "had" to have it.  Yes, "had" to have it...there really was no other option.  ;)  It was made for me by Barn Owl Primitives.  Their etsy shop is full of beautiful work that both inspires and charms.  I currently want about 10 of their signs!  They offer handmade signs with an aged, distressed personality.  They sell the popular "family rules" signs as well.  I'm loving a lot of their holiday signs right now.  Barn Owl Primitves are so friendly! Stop on over and I know you'll agree.




The simple words of this sign caused me to search deeply within.   Sometimes it takes common words in black and white staring me in the face to assure me that I will make it and that we as humans are capable of achieving "hard things".

We
CAN DO



My sign is hung in our workout area, behind our fitness equipment.  A workout room is the IDEAL spot for this message!


Improving my body is my weakness.  It humbles me day after day.  There are a lot of days that I can't seem to do anything right.  I fail over and over.  I still haven't reached success, but my sign quietly tells me every day that I must not give up on myself and that I WILL do those hard things that I think I cannot do. 

I have been blessed with many opportunities throughout my life that provided me with a lot of head knowledge with fitness and nutrition.  But I haven't been able to transform that head knowledge into applied knowledge.  I get stuck and I don't change my lifestyle.  This weakness in myself overwhelms me but I have hope tucked away that one day (hopefully soon!) I will conquer it.


I have a blessed and foundational support system at home.  My husband is incredible!  He has taught me how to love and encourage someone who is stuck and handicapped by their own actions. I am my own greatest stumbling block, yet he still believes in me every day.   My boys are hilarious!  Kotah is still surprised that girls can sweat and they always reprimand me when I'm eating junk.  The three of them got together one morning and made me a letter of encouragement as I was embarking on yet another fitness challenge.


I have learned throughout my attempts on fitness journeys to accept small victories and to relax and slowly add NEW habits as I'm able to.  I thrive on being a superstar BUT I'm trying to learn that it is OKAY to relax and enjoy this journey as I take two steps forward and one step back instead of chasing wild success in this area.

This sign also now hangs in our workout area




To help with this process,  I have been trying to incorporate whole, real, clean food into our family meals over the last couple of years.  A lot of days, the only colors on our table are fast food bags, but it's a work in progress! Little, tiny, mini, baby steps.  

It is actually exciting to find new ways to cook clean!  I've shared some homemade protein bar recipes in the past as well as some healthy meals: ground turkey ideas, festive veggies, and a healthy dinner party.


Since their Mama is a blogger, my boys think it is normal to display everyday things and take one hundred pictures of those normal everyday things.  (Our kids do copy cat everything we do!) Titus wanted to set up and display his favorite "healthy foods" while I set out healthy food on the table to photograph.  He did a pretty good job! I loved having a little helper working alongside me as we finished our projects!  He even poured a glass of orange juice and set raisins out randomly.  


A handful of little tips 
for a more MINDFUL DIET:

1) Use seasonings and fresh or dried herbs to flavor meals instead of cooking with fat.  A lot of you have seen my spice cabinet (you can click to see more details), but I keep seasonings in "easy to grab" labeled baskets so it's super simple to find the right spice. 




2) For kids' snacks, I line our shelves with baskets and jars filled with quick snacks instead of keeping them in the packaged boxes.  This makes it easy to pick when hungry little tummies are eying the pantry shelves. Kids LOVE choices!  I know that fresh food is best, but we still serve up a lot of packaged easy stuff because of busy days!  We do try to be mindful of our selections though.  We still keep plenty of fresh cut veggies within arm's reach in the fridge. {wink}


Some of our MUST HAVES for kids'  packaged snacks are:
raisins, almonds, low sodium pretzels, Z bars, fruit leather, natural sugar free applesauce, and granola.


Granola in every flavor makes it fun for the boys!  
Grab a cup and pick a flavor.


3) Get the RIGHT kitchen tools:
a kitchen scale,
a cutting board,
and an extra set of measuring cups/spoons.

A kitchen scale is very helpful for me when I'm retraining my mind for correct portion sizes.  I have been keeping it on my kitchen counter while I'm in the process of learning correct portion sizes. 


Slimware dishes are a fun way to ensure you have the right portion on your plate!  Their concept is so simple yet very unique.  The floral designs on the plates are actually sized to hold the correct amount of carbs and protein.  


Measuring tools are a HUGE help for double checking portion sizes so we don't overeat.  I bought an extra set to use just for this purpose!  For example, my 1/4 cup always stays in our oatmeal box. 


It has also been very helpful for me to keep a cutting board on the kitchen counter ALL THE TIME.  I am constantly chopping up fresh fruit and veggies and it makes it extra convenient to have the board already on the counter.

Those are just a handful of recent tips I've been using! 




My mom taught me the value of weight lifting for women! She has been a weight lifting goddess and I've learned so much watching her through the years. Ever since I was a little girl I have admired women who excel in fitness.  I am in awe of their achievements and mesmerized by their strength.  The feeling of strength in our bodies is a true wonder.  I recently hired a personal trainer so I can learn more about weight lifting and exercise.


Lots of iron in our house! 



We are all set up so I should have no excuses! ;)



This new necklace is ME.  
But that's okay,
because as long as I mindfully chose to change, 
I am winning.  



What has helped you make the emotional and mental shift toward healthy and fit living? This hot mess wants to know! 
Loves,

 
The government makes me say that this is a sponsored post and I have been compensated for it.  However, all opinions and thoughts are my own.

This post is linked to: Savvy Seasons by Liz, Under the Table & Dreamin, Think Pink Sundays, Seasonal SundaysMet Monday, Making the World Cuter, Tuesday Tutorials and Tips, Tasty Tuesday, Tempt My Tummy, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On, DIY Design, Works for Me Wednesday, Blue Cricket Design, Transformation Thursday, House of H, Tablescape Thursday, Show off Your Stuff, Strut Your Stuff,   Show and Share Day, Foodie Friday, Frugal Friday, I'm Lovin It, Tickled Pink, Friday Flair, Design Dazzle, Be Different Act Normal, Funky Junk Interiors, Weekend Wrap Up  DIY by Design

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Pressed Leaf Garland & a weekend getaway of glowing fall leaves

Pressed leaves from Telluride, Co
See bottom of this post for the "how to"



The masses of trees in the great big Colorado forests celebrate the end of their days by individually transforming their bright green leaves to the burnt colors of autumn.  Every single leaf changes. Isn't it a miracle?  The leaves up in the mountains of Telluride literally glow and shine under the sun.  They gather the attention of everyone around them, loudly showing off their radiance with a chorus of spectacular color. 

Our family made a quick weekend getaway to Telluride with my parents to celebrate the changing leaves.  God's amazing nature gives us SO much to celebrate every day! 



My parents!


 These views took my breath away over and over again. 
With every breath,
I inhaled still peace. 

Mt. Sneffels

The boys are taking after their Mama with the camera!  
(our youngest, Titus)


Cars loaded with bikes...


Almost nothing feels better than getting mud on my tires!


 Riding bikes and collecting leaves 
(which I used in our indoor fall decor this year)


Gosh our boys are getting big!


Do you spy the big house on the cliff next to the tall waterfall?
(Chris always steals kisses when we are getting our photo taken!)


High on the mountain side with pools of mineral water.  
(Chris and our oldest son, Cameron)


We stayed at the Peaks in Telluride, a place I hold close to my heart as it is filled with past memories of summer vacations here with my little family.

A budget friendly tip:  Try planning your vacations at the very end or very beginning of the PEAK SEASON.  You will receive better rates but still be able to take advantage of the beauty and attractions. 


Good morning beautiful.  
Breakfast with this view was worth everything! Simply stunning.




Isn't this GORGEOUS?


Titus with Daddy


Kotah never stops!


I think my Mom liked the pool slide the best ;)



The gondola was near our hotel and gave us a scenic ride down into historic Telluride. 




Shopping makes me happy a very happy girl.  
 


But the guys needed to create their own amusement while we shopped so they modeled clothes.  I'm pretty sure this posing thing runs in the family! (My Dad with Dakotah)

Even the antique chairs in this old hotel we toured were perfectly colored for fall!


The kids were able to make their own pizzas for dinner at the restaurant. 


  It was a perfect weekend 
as we wrapped our arms around 
a few minutes of time
  and experienced beauty. 



The boys and I took natural treasures home of colored fallen leaves to use in adorning our home for the season.   We made PRESSED LEAF GARLAND.


How to display your memories
of fall leaf collecting:

1) Gather leaves.

2) Press leaves for a few days between heavy books 

OR

dip leaves in melted, uncolored wax and let dry.  
This will preserve the leaf and the color(the wax is a Martha Stewart idea).


3) Hang with miniature clothespins on baker's twine (what I did), 
or natural jute, or thin ribbon.


4) Ta Da! Simple beauty for your family to enjoy.



"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."
                                                     
-  Albert Camus
 
This post is linked to: Savvy Seasons by Liz, Under the Table & Dreamin, Think Pink Sundays, Seasonal SundaysMet Monday, Making the World Cuter, Tuesday Tutorials and Tips, Tasty Tuesday, Tempt My Tummy, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft OnWorks for Me Wednesday, Blue Cricket Design, Transformation Thursday, House of H, Tablescape Thursday, Show off Your Stuff, Strut Your Stuff,   Show and Share Day, Foodie Friday, Frugal Friday, I'm Lovin It, Tickled Pink, Friday Flair, Design Dazzle, Be Different Act Normal, Funky Junk Interiors, Weekend Wrap Up  DIY by Design

The DIY Show Off