Weekend Links // 05

• It's kind of ridiculous how cute this pencil sharpener is.

• These Fluted and Round Cookie Cuttersare the greatest kitchen tool. I use them constantly. One side is a basic circle and the other is a scalloped edge. They have the measurements written on each cutter and they nest for easy storage. Buy them.

• I'm currently reading this book aloud to the three oldest girls.  I hear it's a cry-fest at the end.

• These free printable gift card holders will come in so handy!

• Jude has this tshirt and I die of coolness every time he wears it.

• This recipe for steak bites is awesome.  And it feeds way more than 2 people.

• Does a good sports bra even exist? This one was the Best Sports Bra as chosen by Fitness magazine.  I want it. 

• Our family loves Chinese New Year.  If you have small kids then get this picture book. It is so cute and even includes a recipe in the back!! We adore it!

• How amazing do these cookies look?

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Cecilia at 16 months

Emily Foley writes these really beautiful and poignant monthly updates about her son Finn. She wrote one last week and that's when I realized I need to get better about recording life with this sweet girl.

I don't think Cecilia is a very good sleeper.  We don't really know because she was such a horrid sleeper that we switched her and Jude's sleeping arrangements and put her in the nursery with the door closed and Jude in with us.  She seems to wake up in the night and then fall back asleep.

This past month has marked the wild beasty in her emerging.  She is getting feisty and especially with her brother.  She loves nothing more to grab things from his hands and run away.  This is most often food, but also toys.  He never retaliates, just starts sobbing while she gleefully runs away.

She is quite the eater.  She loves food and seems to have a bit of Goldfish Syndrome.  If there's food in front of her she is eating it.  I have no idea how she remains small.  She is especially passionate about bananas and pancakes.

She wants to be around her parents all the time.  If we aren't in her sights she will yell, "Mommy! Daddy!" repeatedly until she sees one of us.  Her favorite word these days is no.  And she says it in a very clipped, high-pitched, dismissive, way that is hilarious.

She also says: Jude, Peppa Pig, ba-ba (bottle), nanna (banana), bancakes (pancake), hi, bye, way-ah-yoo (where are you), nie-nie (night-night), wuh-yoo (love you), hi daddy, batty-cay (patty-cake).

She loves to dance and she only dances by shimmying from side to side.  Most babies bob up and down, but she's all about the shaking shoulders and hips.  She loves giving kisses with an extended mwaaaah!  She is very snuggly, especially with daddy.  She will drape herself on him given any chance.

She loves bath-time with Jude and is our craziest splasher.  It's pretty bad.  We went to a children's museum with a water play area for babies last week and she showcased her splashing love, drenching all the other kids around her.

She is walking full-time now and navigates our stairs with ease.  She is also obsessed with our child's rocking chair.  That would be fine if she just wanted to sit on it, but she has mustered up the courage to repeatedly climb on and try to rock it while standing on the seat.  It gives me a heart attack and if I turn the chair over so she can't do it she gets angry and screams.

She is mostly happy, with very occasional frustrated outbursts.  I'm afraid when she hits 18 months she will be in Time-Out a lot until she stops grabbing things from Jude.

Everyone in our family is smitten with her.  The redheads are always wanting to hold her and make her laugh.  Bianca loves tickling her.  Cecilia loves playing Patty-Cake, especially if I make the clapping land on her cheeks randomly during the first part.  She throws her hands wide at the end and grins like crazy.

She loves reading books and always sits on the stairs with books and flip through the pages.  Every time she sees a clean diaper that is folded closed she opens it like a book to scan the contents.  It's hilarious!

She's doesn't like to sit still too often and is a mad-dog when we try and change her diaper.  She HATES it when I try and do her hair and knows just how to whip her head around to make it impossible.  If I do manage to get an elastic in she rips it out as soon as she can.  Her hair is so long and hangs straight down into her face, but she can't abide that elastic in her hair so she doesn't care.  She's always trying to keep up with her siblings and is anxious to be in on the fun.

She is so much a part of our family and a little spark of joy that we just adore her.

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This is why we can't have nice things.

Ella: Mom, I'm afraid someone's going to break into our house and rob us.

Me: Honey, why would a robber come to OUR house when he could just go across the street and rob one of those pimp-daddy new houses full of rich people? He would have to go get three or four of his buddies just to help him carry out our tube-style TV.

Ella: You're right. I'll go back to bed now.

#middleclassforthewin

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This & That Thursday and Red-headed Braids

It's a well-known fact that red hair is the very best hair color for braiding.

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I hate politics.

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I finally got my butt in gear and started working out.
Today I did THIS yoga dvd and I almost died.
Yoga is no joke, people.

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I am the lamest Mom when my kids are off track.
I just want to watch movies all day and eat popcorn.

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Cecilia refused a nap today.
What does this even mean?
I have no idea what's about to unfold.
But I'm afraid.

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Why haven't you tried quinoa yet?
It's awesome.

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Matt and I are trying to watch all of the
Best Picture Nominees before the Oscars.
So far I am underwhelmed.

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If you have kids under 10 go watch THIS on youtube.
It's kind of awesome.

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Health and Fitness Gift Guide

In my quest to get healthy in 2016 I have compiled a fun (and sometimes unrealistic) wishlist.  These are items that can help someone in their fitness and health goals for the New Year.  

No, you don't necessarily NEED these things to make healthy changes.  You can run on any street.  Jog up and down any set of stairs (Rocky taught us that museums are a great training area).  But these things can certainly help achieve certain goals.

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Blendtec Designer 625 in Sea Foam - $500

This is the unrealistic wish.  But just look at it!  A professional grade blender AND it comes in sea foam?!

Simple Green Smoothies Recipe Book - $15

These two are considered the Green Smoothie gurus.  They give away TONS of free recipes on their website and Instagram account, but the book seems like it would be nice to have.

Fitbit One Wireless Activity Tracker - $100

I know there are fancier activity trackers, but this one seems like a good fit for me.  I don't see myself wearing a watch-type since even when watches were cool I couldn't stand wearing one. This one clips on your belt, pocket, or bra-strap.

Ninja Master Prep Professional - $50

This is a much more realistic blender goal and this was recommended to me by a nutritionist as a good under $100 option.

Xterra Fitness Treadmill - $1000

This was a Consumer Reports pick and I would love one! Although, for around $1000 shouldn't I just join a gym instead? Yeah, probably.

RunPhones Classic Headphone Headband - $40 for Basic, $85 for BluTooth

RunPhones fit snugly, plug into most media players and permit a slight amount of ambient noise for greater safety. Once the moisture-wicking headband gets dirty you pop the headphones out and wash it.

Apple iPod shuffle 2GB - $55

I know this is insane, but I have never owned an iPod. Would love a little shuffle to only have running mixes on for the gym or outside running.

Weight Loss Yoga DVD - $7

I really want to try Yoga this year and I love me some Bob Harper.

End Emotional Eating - $14

I have this book and have already started reading it.  So much rings true!  I highly recommend it.

Women's Running Shoes - Price Varies

I need good shoes to work out in.  I have only ever bought athletic shoes from Payless Shoes, which I am sure is an iffy idea.  I found great info on how to get the correct running shoe for you here.  my friend is an avid runner and she says you only really need to get fancy-schmancy running shoes if you're running seriously long distances often or training for a marathon.  She said that people, like me, who want to try running for the first time can pretty much buy any Nike shoe and be good to go.  Then if running becomes your passion you can upgrade to a more specialized shoe.

Water Bottle with Fruit Infuser - $15

I love plain water. It's my favorite. But a lot of people don't and many of them have told me that fruit infused water makes a huge difference for them. This water bottle has a 5 star rating on Amazon and is well-priced.

Kangaroo Gym Water Bottle with Secret Storage - $19

I just spotted this today and it seems really useful, especially for gym goers. There is a little hidden door to stash your car keys and a gym card/credit card or cash. You could put your gym locker key inside too and know it was always with you, but not jingling on you.

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Around Here...

- we are still coming out of the fog of the family-flu.  the house is a disaster.

- our christmas tree is still up.

- i am finally caught up on the laundry.

- it's snowing outside.

- the kids are watching wallace and gromit.

- cecilia is really starting to engage in play with the other kids, especially her brother.

- jude had a mega poo explosion today.  i look forward to the day when everyone is potty trained.

- i dyed my hair and it got way too dark.

- i have lost 10 pounds, but most of that is courtesy of the flu.

- cici is seranding us with a concert.

- i need some tylenol.

- the redheads are both wearing volleyball braids in their hair today like kerri walsh.

- evangeline forgot her homework...again.

- i am finished my january prompt from the one little word workshop.

- i screwed up dinner yesterday so we ate cookies instead.

- don't worry. i didn't eat the cookies.

- matt is loving his new job.

- ella is really doing well with her iep in the resource center.

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This & That Th-uesday

Words Cecilia says at 15 months:
Mommy, Daddy, Jude, Peppa (as in Peppea Pig), ba-ba (bottle), 
oh, nanna (banana), hi, bye, wah-yoo (where are you), no.

She also loves to growl like a dinosaur and oink like a pig.

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What a week:

5/7 of us had the flu.
Book Club.
OLW-Utah Meet-Up.
Digi Scrapping Night.
Kids back to school.
Matt starts new job.
Renegade Craft Society.
Ella's IEP Meeting.

Crazy.

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You guys.
I finally saw The Force Awakens.
So amazing.
If you didn't love it, we can't be friends.

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I think I speak for everyone when I say
the world is ready for a Remastered Blu-Ray
of the "Anne of Green Gables" movies.

Am I right?

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This week Bianca asked me why we had to leave Pennsylvania.
She cried because she misses it and her old friends.
I almost started crying too.

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Been talking to my redheads this week about DEPRESSION so they know the signs as they transition from the tween to teen years. I let them know that some people feel ashamed to talk about it, but there is no reason to. Just like you wouldn't feel ashamed if your appendix stopped working properly - there is no reason to be ashamed if your brain stops sending signals properly.

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Every time someone calls her Eva
she corrects them and asks to be called Evangeline.

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I have watched THIS VIDEO at least 20 million times since yesterday.
Move over "Aint nobody got time fo dat!" You've been served.

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FASHION WRAP UP | 2016 Golden Globes

Before I get to the fashion, let's discuss a few things about the Globes.

1. Felt like Denzel's speech was a bit flippant and disrespectful of the award. If you're getting the mega-award, write a meaningful speech and remember your glasses.

2. I've never been a fan of Ricky Gervais. Can Amy Shumer please host next year?

3. Dear Harrison Ford,

Your earring looks so stupid. Anyone who tells you it looks good is not your real friend. I care enough about you to tell you the truth. You're old. That earring makes you look old AND desperate to look young, which is the worst kind of old there is. We've covered this before.

Your REAL friend, Emilie

Okay, now onto what you came here for.

THE BAD

Natalie Dormer looks so wrong.  The neckline is weird. The hair is sloppy. The hand-bag is too matchy. Leslie Mann is the skinniest actress in Hollywood.  So how is it possible that she made herself look wide?!  And that awful 90's choker necklace...ugh!  People! You can't wear a necklace with a high-necked gown! We've been over this!

 I'm sad to call out Jennifer Lawrence because I love her.  And while this sin't awful, it wasn't great either.  Those cut-outs are the main offender.  When she moved they warped and looked really weird.  I was not a fan.  Oh, Katy Perry.I know you've got a retro-shtick you like to stick to, but when you admit to wearing a Bump-It brand WIG?!! So wrong.  Also, the darting at the bottom of her bust makes it look like she has sad, low, downward pointing nipples.  There. I said it.

 Eva Longoria wore a really strange dress.  The bow neckline AND the bow belt???  No. Just no.  Melissa McCarthy was almost there. The fit and cut and style of the dress is good, but why did they make the dress out of Hefty Bags?!!!  Oh, it's too much for me to handle!!!

Kate Hudson looks like a 7th grader designed her dress.  A straight skirt and a tube top and a matchy choker?!  And all in the same flesh-toned fabric.  Blerg.  Jane Fonda just looks cry-cray.  Enough said,


THE GOOD

Jada Pinkett Smith killed it.  Killed it.  I don't love the trend of matchy shoes I saw a lot on this red carpet, but I'll let it slide. Gina Rodriguez looks amazing! The dress. The color. The hair. The Make-up. ALL of it it perfection.  She was almost my Best Dressed.

Amber Heard looked lovely and classic in this gorgeous blush gown.  I love the neckline and her hair is divine.  The whole look is just perfect.  I'll be honest, when I first saw Alicia Vikander I wasn't sure abut her look.  But the more Is aw it the more I loved it.  I really DON'T love the belt loops on the dress, but otherwise I like the entire look.

Kate Winslet has worn this color before, but I don't care. It looks so good with her coloring.  And that light pink lip? Perfect.  I really loved Jennifer Lopez in this look, but she gets it right about 98% of the time so it's no surprise.

I have really hated a lot of the gown Viola Davis has worn in the past, but this I loved!  It was a statement dress for sure and I thought she looked gorgeous!  Julia Louis-Dryfus also gets it perfect pretty much every time and this look was no exception.  Those touches of blue are just awesome.  She does wear black really often and I would love to see her branch out in the future.


THE BRIDESMAIDS

I feel like a traitor. I love both of these women, but I really think both Amy Shumer and Queen Latifa looked a little too much like they were wearing Bridesmaid dresses.  Am I crazy?


THE BORING WHITE DRESSES

There were actually a lot of boring, white, dresses at the red carpet.  This is just a small sampling.  Both of these gorgeous women,  Taraji Henson and Laverne Cox just played it a little too safe for me.


THE BEST DRESSED

Jenna Dewan-Tatum is just perfection.  She always looks so good and she killed it tonight! The color! The hair and makeup! The jewelry!  Again, I kid of wish the jewels and bag were diamond, but it's a small issue with an otherwise perfect look.


THE WORST DRESSED

Rooney Mara is wearing my long-hated, skin-matching, dress color.  Ugh.  And then she had a band of ferile cats attack her dress right before hitting the red carpet.  Throw in a really odd hairdo and you're living a disaster.  What a shame.

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Alright, bloggies!  What's the word?

Agree? Disagree? 

Who were your worst and best dressed?

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Starting 2016 off with a bang...er.. a barf!

"We've made it this entire year without anyone getting sick!" I proudly exclaimed over Christmas dinner.  It's odd that I took a certain amount of satisfaction in this, as if I alone were personally responsible.  We're super-humans, people.  Impervious to disease and illness like mere mortals.

And then we counted down the New Year.  The next day it hit. 

This week has been a never-ending cycle of vomit and changing sheets and plastic bowls next to beds and couches.  We've watched WAY to many movies and our Christmas Tree is still up, although now it is adorned with a set of robot lace-up cards that are crushing the regular ornaments.  I'm working on a record for most days without wearing a bra.

It's been awesome.

How's your 2016 been so far?  Better than mine, I hope.

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