Thursday, April 15
Friday, April 2
Productivity Pro
You have a sink full of dishes, three loads of laundry, 17 bills to pay, a big stack of novels you'd love to read, and zero – count them – ZERO minutes of free time. What about the gym, QC with the Fam, plus the organic gardening and hand sewn window treatments you have been putting off (smiling) ... us Super Women have to hone our time management skills and re-claim our "me" time!! Time Management Expert, Laura Stack is the author of Find More Time and Leave the Office Earlier and has these 10 helpful tips:
1. Reduce waiting time. If your doctor or meetings always run late, plan ahead. Make good use of this time and carry note cards, bills and magazines in your tote. (thank you Lord above for one of your greatest creations... The Blackberry! - I also always carry a book in my giant handbag for times like these!)
2. Limit your television watching. Sensible limits may relieve guilt from overindulging while freeing up time for more worthwhile pursuits. Record your favorite shows and skip the commercials.
3. Say no to yourself. If you're not excited about attending a social function, then don't go! (yes, even I can get a little over socialized!) Stay home and relax. Or if you planned to go grocery shopping but the sun is shining and you'd rather be in your garden, it's fine to change your mind and do your shopping tomorrow.
4. Cut down on cleaning. (can I get an "Amen"!) This expert says: Wipe the sink after each use. If you're inclined to make the bed, pull up the quilt before you get out of it. Use washable throw rugs with rubber backs in heavy traffic areas. Change filters on the heating/cooling system frequently to cut down on dust.
5. Batch tasks when you can. It takes longer to do small administrative tasks one at a time. Instead practice "saving up" these items. Put all your copies in a "to be copied" project file; your filing in a "to be filed" bin; etc. Pick a regular day and time to handle all these tasks at once.
6. Don't put things down "just for now." Temporary places too often become permanent places. Put something away while it's in your hand rather than allowing large piles to accumulate.
7. Reduce time at the store. Use catalogues – or store websites – which will gift-wrap and mail presents for you. Buy gourmet gifts from an online bakery or specialty store to have on hand when you attend parties – nuts, jams, teas and candies make excellent gifts.
8. Hire it out. You can get the kid down the street to mow your lawn for $20. Now think about hiring out housekeeping, laundry, cooking and other tasks you don't enjoy or need to do. (same goes for laundry - you would be suprised that laundry wash/dry/fold service is per pound of clothes - worth every cent!)
9. Change your pace. If you normally do your grocery shopping on Saturday, pick a weeknight to go instead. The stores are much less crowded on Wednesday evening than Saturday afternoon. The desire to get home after work, instead of feeling like you have all day, will keep you clipping down the aisles.
10. Focus on simple pleasures. When your day's work is done, make time for yourself. Relaxation doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. A bubble bath or really good cup of coffee can be as satisfying (and less time consuming) as a spa visit or fancy restaurant.
Yes, extravagant occasions are nice, but when you focus on simple pleasures, you'll get more for less, in less time, more often.
Wednesday, March 31
Social Climber
Mom-a-razzi
Mr. "I-think-Ima-Big-Boy" is embarrased by the mom-a-razzi with all the other big kids around!
Wednesday, March 24
Baseball practice begins!
The little things in life...when the baseball feild has a playground for younger siblings!
Tuesday, March 16
For Seasons
My new communitty is a lovely one! I was recently invited to be on the Board of Directors for the Breton Bay Civic Association where we maintain and protect the Breton Bay Beach & Pier, facilitate community social events and overall support our neighborhood beautification. Breton Bay is made up of a number of smaller neighborhoods totalling to over 350 homes in the community. The residents here are active outdoor lovers, a mix of young families and some long time residents that can remember this great area when the Breton Bay Golf Clubhouse was at Old Breton Inn. My family and I have so enjoyed getting to know our new community and here are a few of our favorite seasonal things!
Hole #1 in the Summer
Hole #1 in the Winter (a.k.a. the sledding hill!)
Summer, Fall & Winter... watching the change in the seasons is something I have enjoyed
so much here and now you can see the signs of Spring. New grass growing and wildflowers beginning to sprout. Just like on a Bambi-ish movie... we counted 9 deer, and 4 bunny rabbits in our backyard (below) this weekend. Having lived in FL my whole life, experiencing the seasons is...well... a breath of fresh air!
things are already beginning to bloom for Spring!
Friday, March 12
Nesting is for Chicks
There is something innately femine (I blame our grandmothers) in having a nice home, throwing fantastic parties and whipping up fabulous dinners. However, today's woman has more urgent things to do to do than polish the silver.
This fab book on nesting nods to the "four pillars of nesting": decorating, entertaining, cooking and gardening. Each section, they give a basic overview of how to approach the task at hand, and then delve into the nitty-gritty, with sidebars, and lists, all with a can-do, girl power mind-set.
"I am a marvelous housekeeper. Every time I leave a man, I keep his house" (from Zsa Zsa Gabor).This article describes those methods most impactful to establish a positive energy that promotes harmony, health and happiness in your home. I don't know about you, but my home often feels more like chaos, crumbs, and clutter. It is a constant effort that certainly is an art!
What are some of your go-to nesting techniques? How do you make your space exude that comfy, cozy, classic, calm feel?
Monday, March 8
Monday, March 1
Counting Calories (and fat, and fiber, oh my!)
I am on a diet... wow, shocker right I have been since I was like 9 i think!?! Well in trying to shed my February Fifteen that crept right up my thighs from holiday season right on through being snowed in for 2 weeks, I have joined a long time friend of mine, weight watchers. Weight watchers saw me through post partum of both my children and will now help me get back on track after this latest life change (relocation across the country!). 
I am a planner. I love planning events and in fact make a living that way! In addition, I am always attracted to shiny, glossy glittery accessories. My points tracker is an attractive metallic and the interactive online tools are like Facebook for Watchers. The meetings are nothing short of a healthy recipie swap and I also enjoy thos eand meeting other moms often in the same situation!
I thought I would share some of the "cheat sheets" on the most notorious diet sabateurs:
All liquor is about the same, 1 ounce/shot = 2 pnts
My go to drink has always been vodka with diet tonic and 2 limes.
Select 55
Miller Genuine Draft Light 64 (MGD 64)
Becks Premier Light
Thursday, February 25
Disney Digital Books
Tuesday, February 23
Skiing with Pearls on...
What a fun winter vacay this weekend. We headed up to our family's condo in the beautiful Virginia mountains at Massanutten Resort . Night skiing, day skiing, snowboarding, tubing, even enjoyed the water in the indoor park and... (of course) spa when it was time to warm up! We had a fabulous time and I was very proud of Jackson for accomplishing the bunny slopes on his snow board after his first snow boarding lesson, and Dane who was ready to go sledding and zoom down the hill with mom on the tubes!!
My favorite part about skiing aren't the blue slopes I conquered, but the classic look of the ski attire and the trendy urban flair geared for the extreme athlete. I love my Spyder gear...no doubt it cushioned my wipe outs on the moguls!
and... yes, I really did go tubing with my long strand pearls on...
all that puffiness needed a little GLAM! What's a girl to do?!
Monday, February 15
Mommy previews NY Fashion Week
One of my favorite Stylists Rachel Zoe once again, had us in cutting edge style. Check out her fur accent purchased on her debut QVC special (sported by yours truly glam mom on the right!). Malandrino's fur accents on the left most certainly cost more than $28.00!!
Mommy Chic...Don't you think?
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Thursday, February 11
Snowmageddon 2010
Our snowman is ready to hit the links!
I have been accused of being single handedly responsible for the record busting snow fall we have seen in SoMD this year. This Florida native was thrilled about a White Winter... and that is just what we got. More than a week of combined snow days for the schools, feet stacked on feet of snow and a grouchy non-golfing husband! We have loved every minute of it!
Tuesday, February 2
In hibernation
Boy, talk about the Winter Blues... now I get it! Things are definately different when it is bitter cold outside, but I suppose we are adjusting well. Please forgive the delay in postings... it has been a crazy start to 2010. Here is a photo journal to bring youup to speed!
Churchhill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby was very rich in history! Off to the races! 
Out on the town!
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun... SJP Circa 1886
Arrived in San Diego a week later...
pictured here with my driver... I only travel Rockstar Style!
From So Cal to Snow Hill!
Dane down the hill!
So wonderful to have my sissy visit!
Wednesday, December 30
Santa re-routed
to MD just for the Heimers! Santa certainly blessed our family this year in our very first Christmas in MD.
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