Red Velvet Poke Cake
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Monday, April 15, 2013
Friday, April 12, 2013
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Monday, April 8, 2013
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Friday, March 15, 2013
Monday, March 4, 2013
Saturday, March 2, 2013
The New and sorta-Improved Me!
Hey y'all I'm back! Back for good, or until I need another break LOL. I've taken some time and really worked on myself and my body and creating a better connection with my family. I wanted to share a project that I've been working on for a little over a year now. It's a big one! I took this previous year to focus on my health. As I watched Jaydyn playing soccer for the first time last year I sat in the bleachers drinking my Pepsi, eating Doritos and Sour Patch Kids I realized that I needed to shape up! I don't want to be Super-Model-Skinny (that's a lie I totally want to be that skinny) but I don't want to look like I've had 5 kids either. I didn't want to look good for having 5 kids, I want to look GOOD!
December 2011, I saw a picture of myself for the first time. Of course, I had seen pictures of myself but I saw what I REALLY looked like and I was NOT happy.
I decided to take 2012 for myself. I worked hard! I watched what I ate, I started working out. I'm really putting myself out there when I say that when I started this journey I was 190 lbs. Keep in mind, I'm only 5'6"!
The weight started melting off the moment I became serious about getting healthy. I stalled out in several places, gained a little here to loose a little more a couple of weeks later. It was not always easy and I faltered many times along the way.
I did not have any kind of diet in mind, I did no formal fitness plan. Eating Organically as much as possible has made a large change in my life. I have found that when I use natural herbs and spices along with fresh produce and grass fed beef I am more experimental in cooking. So far I have not cut out gluten from our diet, but that is something that I am looking into. Not for fitness however, my husband suffers from IBS and I believe that is a "Catch-all diagnosis". The doctor can't figure out what you have, so they say it's IBS and send you on your way.
I have seen an increase in my children's activity level and a decrease in the amount of time spent in front of the TV and iPad's. Instead, I have heard a lot more "Mom can I go play outside?" "Mom, can we go to the park?" which is music to my ears!
My Jaydyn is a huge health nut now, and his favorite snack is baby carrots and hummus! I've made my own hummus, and pesto recently and am quite happy with the way they turned out.
The biggest change I've seen is my own personal energy level. I am out there kicking the soccer ball with my kids, bike riding, running the track, and even roller skating! I have found a new zest for life that I didn't even realize I was missing. Although I am extremely impressed with the physical changes I've seen, I think the fact that I can play with my kids without getting winded is the biggest benefit of all.
December 2011, I saw a picture of myself for the first time. Of course, I had seen pictures of myself but I saw what I REALLY looked like and I was NOT happy.
I decided to take 2012 for myself. I worked hard! I watched what I ate, I started working out. I'm really putting myself out there when I say that when I started this journey I was 190 lbs. Keep in mind, I'm only 5'6"!
December 2011 190 lbs.
The weight started melting off the moment I became serious about getting healthy. I stalled out in several places, gained a little here to loose a little more a couple of weeks later. It was not always easy and I faltered many times along the way.
February 2012
I did not have any kind of diet in mind, I did no formal fitness plan. Eating Organically as much as possible has made a large change in my life. I have found that when I use natural herbs and spices along with fresh produce and grass fed beef I am more experimental in cooking. So far I have not cut out gluten from our diet, but that is something that I am looking into. Not for fitness however, my husband suffers from IBS and I believe that is a "Catch-all diagnosis". The doctor can't figure out what you have, so they say it's IBS and send you on your way.
June 2012
I have seen an increase in my children's activity level and a decrease in the amount of time spent in front of the TV and iPad's. Instead, I have heard a lot more "Mom can I go play outside?" "Mom, can we go to the park?" which is music to my ears!
My Jaydyn is a huge health nut now, and his favorite snack is baby carrots and hummus! I've made my own hummus, and pesto recently and am quite happy with the way they turned out.
March 2013 Reached my goal of 140 lbs.
The biggest change I've seen is my own personal energy level. I am out there kicking the soccer ball with my kids, bike riding, running the track, and even roller skating! I have found a new zest for life that I didn't even realize I was missing. Although I am extremely impressed with the physical changes I've seen, I think the fact that I can play with my kids without getting winded is the biggest benefit of all.
Prom 2001
I am so proud of the work I put into my body this year, and I didn't play the diet yo-yo game. I am proud to say I did this on my own, and I am officially only 5 lbs away from being the weight I was when I got pregnant in 2002. (Yes I was a teen mom, but I made the best of it)
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Vacation From Blogging?!?
Hey Howdy Hey!
I am taking a blogging break for the remainder of the month and probably all of February. I may post small updates through this break, but I am going to enjoy these next couple of months of relaxation and recuperation. I hope to see everyone back when I return!
All My Best,
Pennie
I am taking a blogging break for the remainder of the month and probably all of February. I may post small updates through this break, but I am going to enjoy these next couple of months of relaxation and recuperation. I hope to see everyone back when I return!
All My Best,
Pennie
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Fabulous Floats!
Hey Hey Hey!
Just a quick post to share a couple shots I took today! On my way home, the sun was shining through my windshield! I knew it wasn't warm outside but it sure lifted my spirits to see some sun. I decided to make a quick stop off at the grocery store, and pick up a surprise treat for my favorite munchkins!
When was the last time you enjoyed one of these magical treats? I haven't had one in years, and it made me feel just like I was a kid again!
Just a quick post to share a couple shots I took today! On my way home, the sun was shining through my windshield! I knew it wasn't warm outside but it sure lifted my spirits to see some sun. I decided to make a quick stop off at the grocery store, and pick up a surprise treat for my favorite munchkins!
ROOT BEER FLOATS!
I had a blast watching the kids see what mustache's they could come up with! I have some pretty awesome kids if I do say so myself!
Friday, January 4, 2013
Mini-Road Trip Down South
For New Years we always go and visit Chris' grandmother for her birthday. As the years go on, and she gets a bit older it's becoming harder for my husband to watch her. As she gets more frail I watch Chris get more tense, trying to accept the fact that she will not be around forever.
This week we went on a mini road trip to visit her. She lives about 200 miles south of us, in a small town just north of Roseburg Oregon. It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining and there were very little clouds in the sky. Completely abnormal for January in Oregon! As we reached the edge of her property, Chris grabbed my hand and held it tight. I know how hard it is for him to see her as the time goes on. It's such a role reversal, usually Chris is holding me up when my knees get weak and I can't go on. This time it's my turn to be the strong one, my turn to keep him from falling.
I thought the visit was going great, until I realized that Chris was spending very little time in the house, he kept stepping outside. I decided to follow him, he was walking through the property and taking it all in. As I walked behind him, slipping my hand into his I asked him what was wrong. I could see the hurt in his eyes. "This could be the last time I see her." I didn't know what to say. I just rubbed his back, finally I muttered a low "I'm here for you babe."
As our love grows stronger with the years, I worry what will happen when one of us passes away. I usually tell him that we need to die together, like in The Notebook. But I know that will likely not happen. Statistically I will outlive Chris. That will leave me alone.
When we got home that evening I told Chris how worried I was about living without him. He told me in that moment the only thing that could make me feel better.
I promise to give you enough memories to make you laugh every day that I'm gone, I promise to wrap you with enough love to keep you warm at night, and I will wait for you wherever I may be, I will wait for you.
I cannot imagine life without Chris, but lucky for us we are young, and hopefully have many many years to build an amazing life, filled with enough memories to keep my heart full when it feels like breaking.
This week we went on a mini road trip to visit her. She lives about 200 miles south of us, in a small town just north of Roseburg Oregon. It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining and there were very little clouds in the sky. Completely abnormal for January in Oregon! As we reached the edge of her property, Chris grabbed my hand and held it tight. I know how hard it is for him to see her as the time goes on. It's such a role reversal, usually Chris is holding me up when my knees get weak and I can't go on. This time it's my turn to be the strong one, my turn to keep him from falling.
I thought the visit was going great, until I realized that Chris was spending very little time in the house, he kept stepping outside. I decided to follow him, he was walking through the property and taking it all in. As I walked behind him, slipping my hand into his I asked him what was wrong. I could see the hurt in his eyes. "This could be the last time I see her." I didn't know what to say. I just rubbed his back, finally I muttered a low "I'm here for you babe."
As our love grows stronger with the years, I worry what will happen when one of us passes away. I usually tell him that we need to die together, like in The Notebook. But I know that will likely not happen. Statistically I will outlive Chris. That will leave me alone.
When we got home that evening I told Chris how worried I was about living without him. He told me in that moment the only thing that could make me feel better.
I promise to give you enough memories to make you laugh every day that I'm gone, I promise to wrap you with enough love to keep you warm at night, and I will wait for you wherever I may be, I will wait for you.
I cannot imagine life without Chris, but lucky for us we are young, and hopefully have many many years to build an amazing life, filled with enough memories to keep my heart full when it feels like breaking.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Bells will be ringing....
It's Christmas time again! I just wanted to take some time and share with you some of my favorite shots of Christmas morning. I hope you enjoyed your time with your family on this day, as much as I did. These kids are the reason I live and breathe! I am so incredibly thankful for the blessings that have been bestowed upon me! I love my life!
Monday, December 24, 2012
Santa's Coming!!
Hey ya'all! This is just a quick little post, I wanted to share. The kids and I spend the day making cookies for Santa's arrival! Check out how cute they are!
This is my first Christmas since my Mom (step mother technically) passed away. In her honor we decided that the cookies we left out would have to be snicker doodles because those were her favorite.
This is my first Christmas since my Mom (step mother technically) passed away. In her honor we decided that the cookies we left out would have to be snicker doodles because those were her favorite.
We're ready for the big show!!!
Merry Christmas,
Pennie
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Happy Haunkkah
Happy Hanukkah! Today is officially the last day of Hanukkah, and we have truly enjoyed ourselves! We did things a little different this year, mostly for financial reasons (see my post below about leaving your car running) but I'm glad we switched things up. Instead of gifting to each child every night, we set up family gifts.
One night they got a new XBox game (daddy picked it out because I suck at those), another night they got a new movie, a couple nights of board games, Family swim night at our local indoor pool, Barns and Noble gift cards, and the last night TONIGHT was the big one! We finally told them that the second weekend in January we are taking them to Great Wolf Lodge up in Washington for the night! The point of this was to show them how much it means to have family time. Chris and I are making a point to our children, of how incredibly lucky they are to constantly be surrounded by people who love them.
At times having such a large family is exhausting, and annoying to say the least. But when you are feeling down, and really low there is always someone there to pick you up and remind you of all the things that you do wonderfully! We have an amazing built in support system that a lot of families these days are missing.
Usually I don't make new years resolutions, however this year I just may have to put a little more emphasis on family time. As they get older it does get harder, but I am determined not to let important time pass us by.
Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, HAPPY EVERYTHING!!!!
One night they got a new XBox game (daddy picked it out because I suck at those), another night they got a new movie, a couple nights of board games, Family swim night at our local indoor pool, Barns and Noble gift cards, and the last night TONIGHT was the big one! We finally told them that the second weekend in January we are taking them to Great Wolf Lodge up in Washington for the night! The point of this was to show them how much it means to have family time. Chris and I are making a point to our children, of how incredibly lucky they are to constantly be surrounded by people who love them.
At times having such a large family is exhausting, and annoying to say the least. But when you are feeling down, and really low there is always someone there to pick you up and remind you of all the things that you do wonderfully! We have an amazing built in support system that a lot of families these days are missing.
Usually I don't make new years resolutions, however this year I just may have to put a little more emphasis on family time. As they get older it does get harder, but I am determined not to let important time pass us by.
Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, HAPPY EVERYTHING!!!!
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Don't leave your car running.....EVER
Go ahead, say it! I give you permission! Okay, lets say it together....."Pennie is a flaming idiot! Being naive is not an excuse for stupidity!"
So, this might be a little harsh. I have made some bad decisions in my life, but this one MUST take the cake! Tip of the top! I think I should start at the beginning.
I live in a very nice community. We are in a suburb of Portland, so we have great access to all things Portland and urban with a touch of weirdness. I drive to the office every morning, leaving my home just before 5am, stopping to get a coffee at the local 7-11. The family that owns and runs the one on my block is very kind and is always asking about my kids. This morning was like any other, I left my car running ran into the store bought my coffee, shared a quick laugh with the cashier like usual. Walked out of the store to get into my car, and it was GONE! MY CAR HAD BEEN STOLEN!
I am such a naive imbecile that the thought "Oh no, someone accidentally drove off with my car." ran through my head for about a second. I called the cops and the nightmare began from there. My iPhone was inside of my car, luckily the police officer had an iPhone as well and we tried tracking the thieves that way. It was fruitless, because they turned off the location services as soon as they realized it was there. The only thing that I had with me was one debit card. They had EVERYTHING, my purse, credit cards, cash, Christmas gifts, car seats, everything that you would normally have in your car! Everything was gone in one quick second.
I have spent the entire day trying to get my life back, all because someone stole. Stole from me, stole from my children. I am feeling so angry, so frustrated, so disappointed, so MUCH of everything! I am emotionally exhausted. Quite literally, I have no idea who does this to people.
Why am I telling you all this? Because I needed an outlet to vent my anger and frustration. I am a mother who has to be perfect all the time, never showing fear, I always have to stay strong. This is my moment of weakness. I needed to get this out, so I can let it go.
So, this might be a little harsh. I have made some bad decisions in my life, but this one MUST take the cake! Tip of the top! I think I should start at the beginning.
I live in a very nice community. We are in a suburb of Portland, so we have great access to all things Portland and urban with a touch of weirdness. I drive to the office every morning, leaving my home just before 5am, stopping to get a coffee at the local 7-11. The family that owns and runs the one on my block is very kind and is always asking about my kids. This morning was like any other, I left my car running ran into the store bought my coffee, shared a quick laugh with the cashier like usual. Walked out of the store to get into my car, and it was GONE! MY CAR HAD BEEN STOLEN!
I am such a naive imbecile that the thought "Oh no, someone accidentally drove off with my car." ran through my head for about a second. I called the cops and the nightmare began from there. My iPhone was inside of my car, luckily the police officer had an iPhone as well and we tried tracking the thieves that way. It was fruitless, because they turned off the location services as soon as they realized it was there. The only thing that I had with me was one debit card. They had EVERYTHING, my purse, credit cards, cash, Christmas gifts, car seats, everything that you would normally have in your car! Everything was gone in one quick second.
I have spent the entire day trying to get my life back, all because someone stole. Stole from me, stole from my children. I am feeling so angry, so frustrated, so disappointed, so MUCH of everything! I am emotionally exhausted. Quite literally, I have no idea who does this to people.
Why am I telling you all this? Because I needed an outlet to vent my anger and frustration. I am a mother who has to be perfect all the time, never showing fear, I always have to stay strong. This is my moment of weakness. I needed to get this out, so I can let it go.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Pretty Peacock Perfection
I have to admit, even if I do not craft another gift, I am proud of the ones that I have created so far! Considering that I have never done DIY gifts before! Wreath's are a bit expensive, however I know that my mother really does like them! I wanted to create something pretty that they would see often, and think of me.
I spend an insane amount of time and money at Michael's. I adore that place, and today I was able to score everything that I needed in one shop!
The burlap was super easy to work with, and the feathers are just stuck in there and secured with hot glue. I secured the ribbon with hot glue so it would not pull.
I just love peacock feathers! For the "P" I used ModPodge then sprinkled the glitter combination that I liked best, don't forget the top layer as the sealant!
Viola! Another one down, and another name crossed off the list! I'm pretty proud so far, and I'm not even done yet!
Fab or Fail? What do you think?
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Cheers!
I have been known to enjoy a glass of wine, or three. May that be in the comfort of my home, while out to dinner, with breakfast (?!?!) Nah, I'm not quite that bad. But I do enjoy my wine. I have a couple of step sisters who also enjoy a glass every now and then. Plus I love any excuse to play with glitter!
These, are incredibly easy to create! All you need is: ModPodge, Glitter, Tape, and a Paint Brush. Start by deciding how far up the stem you want the glitter to go then place a piece of tape. I used painter's tape, however masking tape would work as well.
Once you have that settled, paint on your ModPodge, don't make it to thick or it will take to long drying.
Cover with glitter and leave to dry. I left mine on the windowsill for about 45 minuets.
Set aside to dry, mine took about 45 minuets. I then did another layer of modge podge and glitter.
Once both layers were completely dry, I did one layer of ModPodge and left to dry. This final layer of ModPodge created a sealant so the glitter won't come off. That being said, these are hand wash only.
Viola! Another project done! These I will pair with a bottle of wine each, and I have two more step-sisters to cross off the list. Onto my mother and step father!
What do you think? Fab or Fail?
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Seasons Greetings
I love this time of year, the kids are so happy and well behaved as Christmas is just around the corner. We are a blended religion family, in that I mean I am Jewish and my husband is Baptist. Although he does not practice regularly he cannot imagine NOT celebrating Christmas. I know, I know BAD JEW!
I am tolerant of all religions, and although I would be perfectly fine with only celebrating Hanukkah and not having a Christmas tree I do not see a problem with allowing my children the freedom of religion. Plus, now that my in-laws are with us all the time, my mother-in-law would pitch a fit if we didn't have a genuine Christmas tree.
I am tolerant of all religions, and although I would be perfectly fine with only celebrating Hanukkah and not having a Christmas tree I do not see a problem with allowing my children the freedom of religion. Plus, now that my in-laws are with us all the time, my mother-in-law would pitch a fit if we didn't have a genuine Christmas tree.
So I strapped on my Ralph Lauren rain boots, and bundled up in the warmest scarfs and hats I could find and off we went to find us an AWESOME Christmas tree!
We went to this cute quaint little tree farm out in Boring Oregon. Yes there is literally a town up here that is really called Boring, and yes it's quite boring from what I've seen. It was family owned and they offered us hot apple cider, and coco for the kids! The Manley men even offered to load the tree into the truck for us!
It's very hard to find one that every member of the family agrees on! But once we did, I think we over estimated the height of our ceiling, because the tree was WAY to big for our front room, it would have looked better in our entryway hahaha!
I have found joy in Christmas decorating over these past couple of years, and I'll admit the gaudier the better! I love decorating all the time, but there's a warmth that comes with filling your home with twinkling lights and the smell of a tree in your living room that just makes the long Northwest nights seem a little more bearable.
Wishing you and yours a very happy holiday whichever way you choose to celebrate it!
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