I hate diets.

How can you be on a diet when your kid's babysitter has a 16th birthday?

No, I did not make the cake. I am slacker Mom. Believe it or not, I got it a Wal-Mart. For 6 bucks...and it was delightful.

I had to quit the gym because my kid refused to go with me....and I am not going to go at 6 am (at least I am honest with myself) and not going to leave the family 4 nights a week to go do sit ups.

So, I am left with a few options. Eat healthy and jog around the neighborhood.

Boy, doesn't that sound enticing? Carrot sticks and running? BOOOO.

But, I am going to have to do it. Certainly notice a change since I stopped working out and have had my hand in the animal cracker bag too many times this week. Burn & cut calories...the only way to loose weight. I refuse to buy bigger sizes...not that I am at that point...but, just won't go there.

SO...back to the calculator I go.

Fun.

lessons please

Every Wednesday....I look forward to it every week.

Erases my mind....not that laundry and cooking....cleaning....and child care are pressing issues...but, it makes me totally relax. My mind thinks of nothing but riding that dang horse.

I grew up with a horse and have loved them ever since I can remember. I rode when we lived in Utah, and before I got pregnant with the little one. Now that she is in school a little longer...I have a little more time...one day a week....to do something I love.

This is the horse I rode today. Riding at a place called Tally Ho Farms. About 15 minutes from my house. Not the best picture...I will get a better one next week. I am sure you are all just dying to see it. Most of you love horses so much. ;)

Here is the description of the horse from the barn....for those of you interested...

"Surprise is an 8 yr old Cleveland Bay Cross. She has grown too much to be a pony and is a small horse now. She is a great lesson horse with miles and miles of patience. She has already been to several shows and is getting lots of ribbons, including a Reserve Champion. She almost always wins the hack class and has a beautiful jump. Surprise has been used in lessons for both intermediate and more advanced students. Easy to ride with great gaits she will be one of the student’s favorites."

The horse is named Surprise....cross between a huge horse and a small one...everyone was "Surprised" ;)

She jumps 4' + jumps.

Don't worry....I don't do that. Not yet at least. ;)

Just kidding Mom.

Important to do something you love. A hobby....something that is just for you. Sounds selfish maybe...but, it is good for everyone.

Tally Ho!

Glory week

I used to smoke. A bunch.

Then, I got pregnant, and I quit. Cold turkey.

I've been around the cancer sticks my whole life. All 4 of my grandparents smoked, my parents, my aunts, my uncles, my friends....

Slowly but surely, they all quit....most people in my life have stopped smoking.

My Dad quit after having the shocking news of "you've had a heart attack, and it was most likely caused by nicotene."

So, the one person I thought would smoke forever quit. He just put them down....and it makes me smile.

And he hasn't fallen off the all important wagon.

Now, another person has quit. I can safely say I have no more blood relatives who smoke.

And I couldn't be happier.

It is all about the person making the decision to quit. You can't tell someone to quit and fill their ear with all the nasty things cigarettes do, still does not work.

They will only quit when they are ready.

If you have never smoked, you will never know the power a little white stick can have over your life. And you will never understand what a huge accomplishment it is to finally quit.

That is why my post is called "Glory Week," That is how the "experts" refer to the first week you stop smoking...it is the toughest part....and the biggest accomplishment. Cold turkey.

So, here is to you Minnie....

Congratulations for making one of the best decisions of your life.

Way to go Mom & Dad.....

I love you!

I need therapy.

How incredibly embarrassing.

I just took a picture of the sad display of items that I call my wardrobe.

Last night...was "clean out the closet crazy lady style." Our bathtub was filled with disheveled, misshapen, and fugly clothes. Some Shorty's and some mine. And, the ones I got rid of were black.

Someone please call a therapist.

Organized things make me happy...so, my closet was not making me happy.

This photo is of my casual "Mom" shirts. Serious. What is wrong with me? Black, white, grey, and to change things up a bit....STRIPES! How exciting...

There is ONE blue sweater....on the right. I just bought it the other day at my new favorite place to shop. It was $15.00. What a big spender.

So...as I sit here in my grey tshirt....(that I found while cleaning out my closet) no one can have too many bland colored tshirts, right?

I am a stylin' girl.

If you ever need wardrobe advice, you know how to contact me. I am full of great ideas.

Just look in my closet.

Someone, please help me. ;)

THE muffins!

So...I finally figured it out. Remember those muffins I was talking about....the ones where the waiter told me what was in them...but no amounts?

I made the best replica I think I could have made. Except, I may add a little more baking soda next time....1 teaspoon more.

OK....

ALLISON'S Corn Jalapeno Muffins

(I can call them MINE because I made it up - right?) ;)

2 1/4 C Flour - do not sift

1 1/2 C Sugar

3 1/2 tsp Baking Powder

1 tsp Salt

1 tsp Baking Soda

1/2 C Brown Sugar

1 1/4 C Milk

*Vegetable oil

1 TBS Vanilla Extract

3 Large Eggs

1 Stick Softened Butter

5 oz Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese (don't use the pre shredded kind)

6-8 oz Frozen Sweet Corn - cooked and drained

2-3 TBS Jalapenos - Diced kind in a jar - of course more = spicier

Combine four, sugars, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Fill Milk into a large measuring cup. Then, add just enough *vegetable oil to make it 1 1/3 cup.

Add the milk oil and mixture to the flour mixture. Cut in the butter, beat with hand mixer about a minute on medium. Then, add one egg at a time, then mix for another minute.

Stir in cheese, corn, and jalapenos.

I used baking cups in my muffin pan. SO much easier than greasing one.

Bake at 350 for about 18-20 minutes...until a toothpick comes out clean.

ENJOY!

I would have taken a picture of one...but, I ate them all.

Let me know if you make them.....and then invite me over.

Love,

The Muffin Top Lady

it's party time people...

It has come and gone....my first party, people!

My lovely friends came to see what in the world I have gotten myself into. We played with jewelry, drank a glass of wine, and caught up seeing each other.

My girl, Kelly, is a "Star Stylist" with the company. She has every single piece of jewelry that she has earned or gotten free practically.

I am only just a starter here...so I don't have everything yet...but I will. Dang it, I WILL!

Several people already want to have parties for me....cause you get free goodies man!

In the past 2 days, I wore sparkly jewelry...and I didn't feel too silly. Made me feel a little sassy.

Not sure if that is a bad or a good thing....but I think it is the latter.

Off to order more fun stuff....

See, this is kinda fun. I told ya.

Day of firsts

Today was the kid's first day of preschool and she rocked it like no other. No tears, no hesitation, nothing but smiles.

First day of school and the first day I was able to actually capture the humidity on "film."

Trying to be a normal Mom and take those all important "first day of school shots" and the August sweltering humidity got the best of my lens. By the time I hurriedly wiped it with my shirt...it was foggy....again.

So, at least we will all remember what the weather was like that day.

Happy kid = happy Mom = happy everyone.

Way to go little E!