I found this article in my Parents magazine and it made me laugh pretty hard!  I read it to my sister and she laughed pretty good too.  I just had to share it:)

Stage 1: Denial

This isn’t a new butt. It’s the same awesome butt you had the day you got married.

Stage 2: Shock
Well, it’s technically the same butt, but for some reason it doesn’t fit into the pants you wore last year—before you got pregnant. But there’s no way your butt could be so drastically altered by having a baby. Could it? OMG!

Stage 3: Anger
Fine. It’s not the same butt. It has curves and divots and new places that sweat. It follows you whe-rever you go. Stupid, annoying butt and its stupid, annoying cellulite! Is it possible to get a restraining order to prevent it from stalking you?

Stage 4: Depression
No dice. It turns out you can’t get a restraining order against your own body. And if you inquire about it people laugh at you. And that makes you cry. As do the elastic-waist pants you just bought, even though you are nine months postpartum. Those lying liars who said “nine months on, nine months off” must have gotten to keep their original cute butt.

Stage 5: Guilt
You are a grown woman. You have a degree. You know that women should be—and are—more than just hot bodies. You know objectification is cruel. You’ve read the magazine articles that tell you how awesome you are. You created life. And yet…this butt. IT WON’T GO AWAY.

Stage 6: Fear
You probably have Flesh Expanding Butt Disease. It’s very rare, but if you get FEBD your butt will eventually consume your entire body, preventing you from leading a normal life. There is no cure for this horrible ailment. Best to just go buy a bunch of sweatpants.

Stage 7: Acceptance
Right. So it isn’t that bad, really. Your new butt does come with some nice features. It’s easier to close the car door now. Your kids have something to hang on when you’re at the grocery store. And your husband likes it. A lot. In fact, your new butt is kind of growing on you…

I am not really fond of too many "diet" recipes but I just had to share this recipe with you because it was amazing!  It is a dinner salad recipe from the flat belly diet I have been doing.  I am sorry I didn't take any pictures I wasn't expecting to love it so much.

California Turkey Salad

2 cups of mixed baby greens tossed with 2 Tbsp light balsamic vinaigrette and topped with 3 oz browned ground turkey meat, topped with 2 Tbsp crumbled gorganzola cheese, 2 Tbsp walnuts and 1 small pear chopped in bite size pieces.

411 Calories

After fooling around with a few different ideas and containers I finally came up with this centerpiece for my table and I love it!!  It was so simple too!! So that means I really love it. 

I took a large glass cylinder and put a smaller glass vase in the center.  Filled around the vase with my $ Store moss and some speckeled eggs.  I love these white mums.  This idea is very versatile it could be made with any size vases/cylinders and the fillings can be changed with the seasons. 

I just made this table runner and can't wait to share it with you next week!


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Please stop by my sisters blog growingupourstyle and enter for a chance to win these adorable pillows!!

Cassity at Remodelaholic featured my Springtime Wreath!!  I am soo honored she liked my wreath since I am such a huge fan of hers!!

We decided to take a trip to the Baltimore Zoo on Saturday.  We haven't been to a zoo in almost 2 years.  We bought a membership to keep us motivated to visit more often and try out other zoos around Maryland or when on vacation.  By the end of the day my oldest daughter decided she wants to work with zoo animals when she grows up!  Here are just a few pics from our visit and then there is an article from Women's Day Magazine about how to turn a visit to the zoo into an educational field trip.







Field Trip Lesson: Zoo Animal Facts for Kids

Take advantage of a zoo trip by teaching kids these interesting factsBy Steve Thompson Posted June 08, 2009 from Associated Content

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Taking your kids to the zoo can be an entertaining way to pass an otherwise lazy Saturday afternoon, but it can also be educational. As your kids learn about each animal, they will store that information for use on school projects and other activities. These animal facts for kids will expand your child's knowledge of the animal kingdom, and perhaps encourage them to learn more.



Archaeological intrigue

Elephants are often observed investigating the bones and tusks of other elephants that have died. This is what has led to the myths about "elephant burial grounds" such as the one in The Lion King. Scientists do not know exactly why elephants are so intrigued by the bones of their fellow elephants.



No laughing matter

Despite their reputation for maniacal laughter, hyenas are actually very intelligent. The high-pitched cackling sounds they make is used to communicate either fear or excitement to other hyenas. You can safely assume that if you hear this sound, the hyenas are not sharing a good joke.



Bearded lady

Animal facts for kids would not be complete without including some reptiles. Contrary to popular belief, the bearded dragon has a beard whether it is male or female. When they are resting or complacent, their beards are deflated, but they will puff up as soon as they feel threatened. This makes them seem larger in the wild, and serves as a defense mechanism.



Seeing is believing

Anacondas (and a few other types of snakes) have eyes and nostrils on the tops of their heads so they can stalk prey in the water without revealing themselves. This is also helpful because they are very thick snakes, so it's difficult for them to keep a low profile on land or in the water.



Slippery when wet

Polar bears might look furry (and downright cuddly) from a distance, but their hairs are actually narrow tubes that reflect the sun's rays and help maintain body temperature. Their hair is also very oily and water-resistant, which allows them to shake off moisture after they've taken a dip.



Hear me roar

A lion's roar can be heard at distances up to five miles. Talk about lungs! They are also Africa's largest carnivore, making them a serious predator in the wild. Their roar can be given to warn other lions of danger or to signify an impressive kill.



Questionable identity

Lions and tigers are so closely related physically and biologically that without their fur, even experts have difficulty telling them apart. Their facial and body structure are incredibly similar, which for a long time made bones and fossils difficult to identify.



These animal facts for kids can be printed out and taken with you to the zoo, or you can use them to impress your children with your extensive knowledge of zoo animals. Either way, make sure to also take advantage of the placards at the zoo in front of animal cages, which often share some interesting facts and surprising trivia.

My Spring Ribbon Wreath has been featured on Kosmic Chai Crafts.  Thank You!!

I have been trying to come up with a creative wreath idea that I could use for Easter and keep it up all spring.  I came across this idea on HGTV.com but in a Christmas version.  This wreath is so versatile it could be adapted with any season and any colors.  I am not going to lie it took some time.  But it was worth every minute for such a unique looking wreath. 

Ok so I have been able to work out in a gym for the past 6 years, BUT not since moving.  The gym memberships for a family of six is like almost $200 per month here.  I just can't bring myself to do that.  I could use that $200.  We are still looking around but it is taking way more time than I would like it to.  So I have had to get creative with my cardio at home with out a cardio machine. I thought I would share some ideas with you that I do at home.

1.  Go buy a jump rope:)  It might take a little practice if you haven't jumped rope since high school gym class.  Once you get it though it is quite the workout.

2.  Run your stairs.

3.  Jump!!  Add jumps to your lunges, squat or do jumping
jacks.

4.  Walk around the house for a certain amount of time.  Set a timer.

5.  Do a video workout, you could buy one, watch one on cable or even on the internet.  I really like: Excercisetv.tv

6.  Clean the house without taking breaks.  Vacuuming, then sweeping, dusting and then picking up toys can make me sweat.

7.  It is important to just move throughout the day:)


Pic from rpfit.com

Thank You to B Sparkly for the award!  I am honored:)

The Salvation Army near our house is closing:(  So now I will have to drive further to shop there.  However they were having 50% off everything in the store, so I took advantage of the deals.  I got all you see here for $21.  They were just giving things away (practically). 

This cedar chest I got for just $10:)  My husband and I are going to refinish it and use it for a hope chest for our youngest.  (We already have one for our other daughter.)

This is one of our Families Favorite Soup Recipes.  It does have a sweetness to it that can be a little strange so I just use a little less pumpkin in mine.

Tuscan Turkey Soup

1c chopped onion
1c chopped celery
1tsp minced garlic
2Tbsp olive oil
2 cans (14 1/2 oz) chicken broth
2c cooked chicken or turkey ( I use ground turkey I like the texture in this soup)
1 can solid pack pumpkin
1 can of white beans ( I like the cannellini)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp basil
grated parmesan cheese

Here is my Easter Tree that cost me $2.  I used my Pier 1 $9 vase that I already had, moss that I already had and used sticks straight from the backyard. They do have moss at the Dollar Tree in case you need some.  My $2 was from the 2 bags of small eggs I bought at The Dollar Tree.  My kids had a blast picking out the sticks and hanging the eggs.

Nothing could really be said here.  She was out of my sight for 5 minutes.

Last week I posted some ideas for Easter wreaths you can check out that post here.  I am so ready for spring and Easter I am planning and shopping and making some decorations.  I can't wait to share them with you.  Here are few that I really like: