Begin Again and Again and Again...

Laundry and Leisure

2012-01-29T21:00:00.000-06:00

I love to fold laundry fresh out the dryer. I don't mind putting clothes in the washer. I HATE putting clothes away. (if I were not too lazy to get up, I'd take a picture of the pile of clean clothes in my bedroom waiting to be put away :(

I am trying to live a more frugal, self sufficient lifestyle. Not out of need (but I am always mindful that it could be... it could always be...). No, not out of financial necessity, but out of the desire to buy less and save more. After all, every penny I save now, will be one less I need to worry over later!

So... enter my homemade laundry soap!!

Supplies:

One cup of Borax, One cup of Washing Soda and 3/4 bar of Fels-Naptha soap. I also used 1/2 cup of Oxiclean booster and a couple of drops of lavender essential oil.

First, I used a mini food processor to grate and then finely grind the bar soap.

The next step is as easy as measuring the other ingredients and mixing them all together! I used a jar I had handy and had a little left which I put into a sandwich bag.

I've used the soap a few times now and it seems to clean well and not leave a residue or any odors behind! For now, I'm still using store bought soap for whites and my and the girls sports/workout wear. As long as my homemade soap continues to perform well, I may just switch over for everything!

As you can see in the picture above, I was pretty busy today ;) It was awesome to have a day just to be lazy!! I did some laundry, dishes, cleaned the bathroom and made waffles and bacon for breakfast and goulash for supper. And in between, I chilled. I read blogs, I read Runner's World, the Paper, and a book. I watched TV and snuggled with Mike and the girls. It was AWESOME!! Normally my weekends are filled with basketball tournaments or volleyball or some other sporting event. This weekend, that was just on Saturday!

Confession: I have not run since the beginning of January! My knee was giving me some trouble, so one of the Ortho docs I work with told me to rest it. I did. But rest time is over!! I will be back to running tomorrow! I plan to start back slowly, but start I will!

All righty then, I think that is enough for one post!! I hope you are all doing well!

Trish

Welcome 2012

2012-01-02T17:56:00.000-06:00

I'm not big on New Year's Resolutions. Mostly because I never, ever keep them. This year I've decided to have goals. And to help me out with this, I've joined a challenge over at Ben Does Life. It's 12 weeks long and I'm a little scared.

The first week's challenge is this:

~ Write down five quantifiable goals for yourself. (This includes knowing where you're starting)
~ on Monday, do as many push ups as you can.
~ Beginners 120 minutes of exercise this week. Intermediate/Advanced add 30 minutes to your current weekly total.
~ Identify your biggest excuse and write it down. Then write down ways to eliminate the excuse.
~ Each night before bed, write down four things you did well that day.

WHEW!! When I first read it, I thought "No big deal, I've got this". Then I started thinking about it. Five Quantifiable goals? Yikes!! Four things I did WELL? Ah gee.

I guess that's what makes it a challenge!!

Happy New Year!

Trish

Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-25T09:59:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas!!

Basketball, 38 degrees, the PACK

2011-12-11T21:02:00.001-06:00

My youngest daughter had a basketball tournament today. She also had a basketball tournament yesterday. That my friends, is a lot of basketball! She has improved so much from last year. I am so proud of her!!

It was 38 degrees when I went for my run. Awesomeness!! I've been running inside, because with my asthma I have a hard (well, harder than normal ;) time breathing in the cold. It felt good to be outside again. My run went so much quicker!!

The PACKERS rock! There is nothing else to say.

I hope everyone had a great weekend!!

True Love

2011-12-08T21:35:00.000-06:00

I am completely addicted to Diet Dew. It is the first thing I drink in the morning. I have tried to stop drinking soda (pop) entirely. Not gonna happen. I even tried to just cut back on the amount of my precious Diet Dew that I drink. Again, not gonna happen! I love it!! The first sip on my tongue is nirvana! Yes, I realize it seems silly to worship a diet, caffeinated drink, but I do :) I do also drink quite a bit of water and at least one glass of milk a day. I don't think that's too bad. Right??

I've read many articles about the pros and cons of diet soda. I'm wondering what you all think? Soda? Diet? Water only?

What the???

2011-11-28T18:00:00.001-06:00

How awesome is he to stand in the rain wait for me to finish? My guy rocks! <3

So, Ive been absent from this little blog for quite a while. I'm still here! I completed the Warrior Dash in September and kind of fell off the wagon for a bit! BUT I've never given up and never lost the desire to be as fit as I can be and still live a normal life, working full time, with three active daughters. Don't worry, I've been bloggy stalking you all! ;)

Something happened today that really ticked me off. My BFF and I were talking about how much I struggle to lose weight and how depressing it can be and how frustrated I am. I was talking about how I wanted to be fit and be able to do more and be more. She said that I put too much stock in my weight and I needed to get over it, to look at what I accomplished this year. True. I agree. So then, I said, but I have a super secret goal. Someday, I want to be an Ironman. I want it so bad, so bad I can taste it. So bad I cry every time I watch anything about Ironman. I need to lose weight to do this. I can't carry all this weight for 140.6 miles. Not gonna happen. So, she says, "maybe you need a smaller goal." WTF!!! Holy mixed signal and this is my BFF talking. She completely blew me out of the water and made me doubt myself. (And trust me, I have enough self doubt for several people). I started thinking that maybe I wasn't cut out for triathlon. Maybe I should stick to 5Ks and mud runs. Maybe I would never be and Ironman...

And then... I saw this on Swim Bike Mom's blog: "The question isn't who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me." ~ Ayn Rand. Um, yeah. Nobody, that's who! Thank you Swim Bike Mom. Thank you for reminding me. And thank you for being there even when my BFF isn't totally on board.

That is why I am back. I have missed this bloggy community like crazy! I will fit a little blogging into my life! And someday, I WILL be an IRONMAN!!! (Ironwoman, whatever!)

:) Trish

Dirty Girl Mud Run ~ Wisconsin ~ Race Report!!

2011-09-01T20:02:00.000-05:00

This is a little delayed, but hey, I'm a busy person ;) The Dirty Girl Mud Run was awesome!! It was not a timed event, which was pretty cool since I'm all about just finishing right now. I had tons of fun and got plenty muddy since it rained from the time I checked in, until literally, when I crossed the finish line! The course was pretty cool and the obstacles were definitely doable. If you've been wondering if you could handle a mud run, the Dirty Girl is the way to go!

I loved it so much in fact, that I came home and signed up for the Upper Midwest Warrior Dash! It seems like it might be more of a challenge and it is timed, so I'm pretty pumped! Plus, I get a fuzzy helmet with horns!!

There was a party atmosphere at the Dirty Girl! This is me at the finish line with my complimentary Cosmo!!

In other random news, I'm doing a sugar free challenge with Haley from ClimbRunLiftMom. It's a 10 day challenge. I've already blown day one, because I forgot and drank Diet Dew (LOOOOVE IT!). So, I will officially start tomorrow. I'm excited to see how I feel after 10 days of no sugar!

Peace.

Trish

Drumroll please....

2011-08-19T20:13:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow I will be a Dirty Girl!! Woot Woot!

I'm participating in the Wisconsin Dirty Girl Mud Run tomorrow in Johnson Creek.

One of the obstacles. A few little hay bales won't stop me ;)

Needless to say I've haven't blogged in a while. Life. Nuff said.

I'll be back to let you all know how the mud run was!!!

:) Trish

I love to stretch!

2011-07-09T23:05:00.000-05:00

This is where I stretch after my trail runs. It is so peaceful and pretty. Stretching always feels great but in this setting it's even better :)

One more thing I've learned in blogland

2011-06-26T09:43:00.000-05:00

I went for my run this morning on the trail. Normally I run the trail right before dark. I didn't account for the grass being dewey in the morning :) so by the first quarter of a mile, my feet were soaked! I'm not a fan of squishy toes, but I kept telling myself it was like running in the rain! AND there is a brightside... only my feet were wet! Long story short, I had a great run, despite the squishy toes!

When I got I to my car (yes I drive to the trail. Don't judge me ;) my feet looked like this:

My poor shoes were soaked! However I had read on someone's blog about stuffing my shoes with newspaper and letting them air dry. My shoes are full of paper and sitting on my front deck. Thanks to blogland, I won't have wet, stinky shoes next run!!

Time to Eat CLEAN!! and Randomness

2011-06-18T20:43:00.000-05:00

I have been working out faithfully and now I need to work on my eating. I eat fairly healthy most of the time. I am going to try to eat totally clean (except for one cheat meal a week) for at least two weeks. I figure two weeks is long enough to see results and to prove to myself that I can do it! As you can see from the photo above, my fridge is well stocked with fruits and vegetables! Lean meats, low fat dairy, and whole wheat pasta and breads complete the picture!

Last week, I made the two tag blankets above for a friend at work who is having twins!! They were fun to make and she loved them :)

Ahhhh.... This last picture is of a pier at my favorite fishing spot! It instantly relaxes me. I keep it on my desk at work :) (I should note that I don't generally fish. I leave that to Mike. I work on relaxing :)

I hope you are all having a great weekend!!

Trish

Proud Mama

2011-06-16T17:18:00.000-05:00

Katie and Kenzie on a run :)

Sami and I after a tough weight lifting session :)

My daughters have decided to really embrace fitness this summer! We're all running and Sami and I have added free weight work as well. We are all loving it and loving life!!

I am so incredibly proud of my daughters!

Peace.

Trish

And so I ran!

2011-06-01T21:37:00.000-05:00

I ran today. I can not remember the last time I ran. Seriously sad. I needed it. I needed to know I still can. I plan to get crazy fit this summer. I'm talking craaazy! I want to be proud of my body. It starts now. I am committed to eating clean and working hard. That is what it is all about. I know this. I know if I do the work, it will happen! Today is the Tomorrow I talked about Yesterday. I saw that somewhere and it hit home with me. How many tomorrows (todays) will I waste? NOT ONE MORE!

Bring it on!

:) Trish

It was my Birthday. I didn't cry :)

2011-04-27T19:03:00.005-05:00

My birthday was on Monday. I'm 39. years. old. And I'm actually ok with that! I really thought 39 would be tough. I've had a rough couple of weeks, so I was prepared to be sad or angry or something. I wasn't! I had a very nice day. I had the day off of work. I had to get my drivers license renewed, so I tackled that first thing. Then I came home and read a book - cover to cover. I went outside where the sun was actually out (it's been raining a lot here) and did a little yard work. Monday was probably the nicest day since the day in the post below!! Score!

I've been struggling with running again. My allergies have been horrible, because even though the temps haven't been very spring like, the trees, grass, etc are blooming. And lucky me, in addition to itchy eyes, my asthma acts up! I keep trying though. All you can do.

I've also been struggling (again) with wishing for more, rather than loving what I have. I am very blessed and I know this. Sometimes, I want more. I want to stay home and make my house into the home I know it can be; craft to my heart's content; make my garden amazing; bake; pick my kids up from school; buy whatever I want... I could go on and on. BUT I have decided to stop wanting and wishing my life away. "Rejoice in the things that are present; all else is beyond thee." ~Montaigne

On a different note, check out the little cuties I made everyone for Easter:

I love how they turned out!!

I hope you all had wonderful Easter's with your families!! Have a great week!

Trish

If it's 81 degrees out, we must be in... Wisconsin?

2011-04-10T20:21:00.004-05:00

Yeppers. 81 degrees~ Can you say severe weather? Spring time in Wisconsin is made up of rain, cold, hot, hail, snow, flowers, you name it! Today was amazing, if a bit humid. We went out for breakfast with my family for my Dad's birthday and then mini golfing! It was warm and the girlies got a little cranky. We are used to 40 and 50 degrees right now, people! I sat outside when we got home with a beer and a book. HEAVEN!! After the big old breakfast and a few chocolate chip cookies, I was feeling a little sloth like :) So, I decided to go for a run! Whoa. If you've been reading for a while, you know that the temps lately have been down right chilly! Turns out humidity and heat are not my friend anymore than cold!! Ugh. It was a tough one today. I'm giving myself a break though. Did I mention it was 81?? After my run, Mike and I rode bikes for a while. He tried to teach me to do wheelies :) I'm getting better, but it's harder than it looks! In lieu of any cool pics (read laziness), I leave you with a picture of my dog Gracie...

Yes, her head is on a pillow and she is covered with a blanket.

:) Trish

Beat But Not Beaten

2011-04-04T20:26:00.006-05:00

I am Beat. But, I. AM. NOT. BEATEN!! Tonight's run was tough! It was super windy and chilly (note the crazy fly away hair). My legs felt like lead. I wanted to quit and go home. I didn't!

"It does not matter how slowly you go, so long as you do not stop." Confucius

I didn't stop. I didn't let "it" beat me. I feel awesome! Every week my runs are tough. Every week I make it through. I know next week will be just as hard... It is not getting easier. HOWEVER, my runs are getting longer time wise, and a eensy weensy bit longer distance wise every week! So every week it will be hard. That my friends is ok with me! That is progress!! When it gets easy, I'll throw a big ol bloggy party!! (I'm talking easy every time I lace up my shoes ;)

Filed under randomness....

Spring in Wisconsin = Hail! I was woken up twice by the hail hitting the roof and the windows last night. Most of the pieces were marble size, but as you can see from the picture above, some of them were much bigger! Crazy Wisconsin weather!!

Yummy!! Please accept my apologies if you are vegetarian. I am not. I am solidly a carnivore. And I love turkey!! I roasted this baby Sunday!! Mashed potatoes, gravy and frozen sweet corn rounded out the meal. Yup, old school. No greens involved in this meal! :)

"Never give up on something you can't go a day without thinking about." ~ Unknown

Trish

Be Awesome People

2011-03-28T21:12:00.003-05:00

I saw this on Road ID's Facebook page, here, and had to print it out!! I love it sooo much! It is in my bathroom right above the light switch as you walk out. Yeah, I'm weird like that :)

This pic is me after my two mile run (ok, run/walk interval). It was cold!! My knees were sore tonight and I couldn't quite relax into my normal form, but I survived! Woot Woot!! I figure that by the time I figure out how to dress for the cold, it will be warm! Oh well, I'll be ready for next year! :)

Happy Monday is almost over!

Trish

I am a runner! and random bits :)

2011-03-27T20:13:00.004-05:00

"The jump is so frightening between where I am and where I want to be...because of all I may become I will close my eyes and leap!"- Mary Anne Radmacher

I finally think I have crossed from hoping I can be a runner, to knowing that I already am. Running does not come easy to me. Each run is a struggle. (okay, there is the rare one that is "easy"). What I finally figured out is that even though it isn't easy, I actually enjoy the process. I like to run. I don't like it to hurt, but i love how I feel when it doesn't!

I ran Wednesday and Saturday outside. No biggie? For me, it is huge!! Wednesday it was in the 20's and icy. Saturday it was 18 when we started out! That is cold for this girl!! I typically don't do well running in the cold. My asthma acts up a little when it is that cold. The runs were tough, but I did it! Hardcore :)

I need to start swimming, but I don't quite know where to do so. There is a high school pool that has lap times for the public, but I'm leery. I am not a great swimmer. I don't want to have to share a lane with someone and run into them or hold them up. The hours aren't great, so I'd have to swim at different times depending on the day. My other option is to join a health club. The problem is that I would only use it to swim and they're pricey. Any advice from those of you that swim to cross train or for triathlon?

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Trish

Support and a Good Run!

2011-03-20T20:48:00.004-05:00

Yesss! Finally, finally, finally I have found a winner!! The Fiona, from Moving Comfort!I wish I would have broken down and bought this wonderful sports bra sooner! What a difference it made in my run yesterday! Goodbye two bras! Moving Comfort has hit a home run! (I did not recieve any compensation or consideration from Moving Comfort. This is my honest and true opinion).

I completed my third interval run yesterday. It was sooo awesome!! My legs felt great. My lungs felt great! It was wonderful and so cool! Woot Woot!!!

Short but sweet post due to sleepiness :)

Trish

Divas

2011-03-13T17:58:00.003-05:00

What happens when it snows on an early release day? Pictures of course!! I think I've mentioned before that there are hundreds, make that thousands of self portraits of my older daughter on the computer. Now Katie and Kenzie are getting in on the act!! I tried to find a picture in which Kenz was making a funny face, but not a one! She is truly all about the "look" :)

I'm working on finalizing my race schedule. Yep, it's true! I am going to have an actual RACE SCHEDULE!! I'm so excited!

No Boundaries practice begins Wednesday. I'm a little nervous!! However, I know it is what I need!

I hope you all had a great weekend!

Trish

Monday Muffins

2011-03-07T17:54:00.004-06:00

Mmmmm...

Whole Wheat Banana Muffins makes 12 muffins

1 C. whole wheat flour 3 mashed bananas

1 T. baking powder 1/2 C. sugar

1/2 t. baking soda 1/2 C. unsweetened apple sauce

1/8 t. salt 1 egg

2 T. ground flax seed 1/2 t. vanilla

1/2 t. cinnamon (i used a little more :) 1 t. olive oil (ish, i added a little more)

Preheat oven to 350 F. Either use muffin liners or spray your pan.

Mix all dry ingredients except sugar. Be sure to mix well! (otherwise you will have muffins of all sizes see above picture :) In a separate bowl, mix together remaining ingredients. Stir this banana mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. *I use an ice cream (or cookie) scoop to put the batter in the muffin tins. Works well.*

Bake 15 - 20 minutes. Enjoy!

These are super quick and easy to make. They are quite tasty and not dry like some whole wheat muffins can be. If you care, they are 3 weight watchers plus points each. They could be sweeter, so if someone has a low cal idea of how to do it, please let me know!!

Hope your Monday wasn't terrible!

:) Trish

If you are looking for me...

2011-03-03T18:46:00.004-06:00

If you are looking for me, look no further than the local gym. Mike and I have spent the better part of the winter doing this:

Major bleacher time! All three girls play basketball and the two youngest have started club volleyball. So, if you're looking for me, try the gym! :)

In other news, I have a stinkin' sinus infection. I started my second dose of antibiotics today. Ugh. My face hurts. Thankfully, my first No Boundaries practice isn't until the 16th of March!

I hope the week is treating you well!

Trish

I am a Fair Weather Friend!

2011-02-26T20:51:00.005-06:00

It's true! I am a fair weather friend. I have not ran (run?) since... well... since... I don't remember! I have a very hard time running outside in the winter. My asthma is triggered by the cold air. Excuse? Maybe. And yes, I do have a treadmill. For some reason, I can not force myself down to the basement to run on it. I. Just. Can. Not. Do. It.

Truth be told, I have S.A.D., seasonal affective disorder. And boy do I have it bad!!! I seriously wish I could hibernate for the winter. Just skip it all together. I get angry and mean, depressed and withdrawn, lazy and crazy! I've tried many things. I have not tried medication, but I may next year. (It's that bad). BUT, I can feel myself slowly emerging. I'm staging a comeback!

To ease myself back into running, I have joined Fleet Feet's "No Boundaries" program. I think the coaching and the camaraderie will help. I hope to become a runner. Again.

I don't remember where I saw this, but I love it. And I love Neil Patrick Harris. Just sayin...

^My new mantra!!

Trish

Self portraits, misc, and .... a GIVEAWAY!

2010-12-28T16:16:00.013-06:00

I love this picture. It is of me. And I love it! I typically hate pictures of myself. My Bondi Band displays perfectly my love hate relationship with running; my shoulders look good; my eyes aren't showing which is super, cause they get all wonky in pictures sometimes! Love it :)

Below are further attempts at pre and post run picture taking... note the lovely shade of red of my face post run...

See what I mean about the wonky eyes. Weird. And yes, thank you for noticing, I do need to wear two sports bras when I run.

I'd like to introduce my new love...

a Garmin Forerunner 405cx. Love it!

Of course I haven't used it yet. So, I love the idea of it :) Mike knew just what my heart desired for Christmas (I may have dropped a hint or two).

My present to myself:

I have an older generation 30 GB, which rocks, but it is cumbersome to run with. I've been wanting a shuffle for a while cause they are ~~cute~~ the perfect size to run with ;)

Which brings me to the GIVEAWAY! I am in need of new songs to add to my play list! For helping me out, you'll win an itunes gift card ($15.00) to help add some new music to yours!

The giveaway will close on New Year's Day, January 1, 2011 at 10 am Central Standard Time.

Ways to enter:

1. Suggest a song to help me get my (running) groove on! - 1 entry

2. Current follower? That gets you 2 entries, leave a comment! - 2 entries

3. New follower? One entry for you, leave a comment! - 1 entry

4. Blog, FB, tweet, brag, etc., about this giveaway, leave a comment! - 1 entry

Thanks and Good Luck!!

Trish

Race question and snippets of my life

2010-12-19T19:32:00.008-06:00

I'm still alive for those of you who have been wondering. Just busy. busy. busy! (tis the season :)

I have a question for y'all. Since most of you are more experienced at this running/racing stuff than I am...

How do you pick which races and how many you will do in the upcoming season?

I'm fairly competitive and I love swag, so I'm thinking races will help keep me motivated. Just so we're clear, I know I will not place, (At least not this year!), but there is no way I won't give everything I have!

Any advice/suggestions would be welcomed!!

Saturday night was Mike's family Christmas with his Mom's side of the family. Lots of food and lots of fun. What else would we do when it is 16 degrees out, but go for a hay (sleigh) wagon ride?

Yep. 16. degrees. Brrrr.......

But oh so fun!

Too cold for ya? How about a pinata? Not your style? How about homemade ice cream? Cards? Presents?

Yep, we had it all. I'm so lucky to be a part of this family!

I somehow managed to take a picture of everything but the food spread. Incredible! I tasted a little of everything I wanted (and may have had 2 pieces of fudge), but I didn't go crazy. I'm okay with that. AND I ran before we went, so I wouldn't be as tempted :)

This is Mike and I at his Dad's side of the fam party today.

And yeah, he totally rocks the flannel ;)

A little more low key today. Fine by me!

I'm snuggled in now, watching the pack (Packers) and thinking I'll be in bed by 9pm!! Laugh if you must, but dude, I get up at 430am.

Peace...

Trish

Trish vs. Treadmill

2010-12-10T16:13:00.005-06:00

Trish 3 Treadmill 0!!

Woot Woot! Yes, that's right, I have successfully completed three runs on my treadmill! I toyed with running outside today. Look how pretty it was ...

It was sunny and 34. Gorgeous really. Well, compared to what is coming... freezing rain, followed by 4-6 inches of snow, followed by freezing temps. And when I say freezing, I mean wind chills in the negative teens. That's cold people!

However, commonsense prevailed and I ran inside. As you can maybe make out on the other side of the tree, the roads are covered with a little snow and some ice - courtesy of yesterday's storm!

So, if you are brave enough and tough enough to run outside in this - more power to you ;)

Trish

Lazy(ish) Days of Winter

2010-12-05T17:33:00.009-06:00

Today was a pj only day! We did not leave our house (although the girls did play outside) or our pjs! LOVE IT! We put up the tree, made paper ornaments and I made another stocking.

I also made turkey chili. YUM!
The girls and dogs had a fab time in the fresh snow!

We played a lot of this:

I love this. I can't believe I waited so long before jumping on the Wii bandwagon. Didn't enjoy the BMI info, etc, but needed to see it.

I also joined Weight Watchers today and signed up for this:

That my friends is the starting line for the 2011 Shamrock Shuffle!!

Woot Woot! My first official 5k!

Go here to donate to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society via The Making of a Runner's TNT fundraising sight. You could win some fab prizes!

If you are still hanging in. Thanks. That's a boatload of random information! If you have stuck it out, you will know I plan on having a bloggy giveaway in the next couple of days :)

Trish

A good time was had by all!

2010-11-27T12:23:00.005-06:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We traditionally take a family pic every year. This year was no different. However, for some reason we could not all seem to take a good pic at the same time! :)

I made pumpkin pie with a homemade crust for the first time ever! I am not a fan of pumpkin pie. I love pumpkin bread, pumpkin bars, pumpkin spice custard ;), pumpkin smoothie... but not pumpkin pie! I think they turned out great though!

I hit some of the Black Friday sales and was home by 830 yesterday! :) Awesomeness!

I finally got around to sewing a new cover for my camera strap. The old one was kind of grubby and not my best sewing ever.

Old vs. New

I love how my new cover turned out! I'm thinking of making one to giveaway...

I love fabric, but I'm a lazy seamstress, so if a project is quick and easy like the strap cover, I'm all over it! I've been wanting to make a quilt for years. So far I have purchased the fabric and cut it into strips! Progress, right? :)

Not much running going on here. I've been feeling lazy and homebodyish. And yes, my treadmill is in my basement. Shush you. Tomorrow. Tomorrow. Tomorrow!

Trish

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T06:25:00.006-06:00

Hopefully this picture conveys to you how I feel. I am so thankful for this life and what it has brought to me! I want to throw my arms wide open and shout to the tops of the trees "Thank You!"

I am so thankful for my family and friends. I am thankful to be free, happy, healthy. I am thankful that I have a body I can move. I am thankful for this wonderful blogging community where on days I am not feeling so gregarious and grateful, I can be myself. Without judgement.

I hope you are all spending the day with those you love and cherish. If you are not able to do so, my thoughts are with you as well.

Have a blessed day!

Trish

* A little keeping it real segment here. I try everyday to be grateful for my wonderful life and most days I succeed. However,
a. my life is not all sunshine and roses and
b. please don't mistake me for a pollyanna, because I'm actually a glass is half empty kind of girl.
Just had to say that for the sake of full disclosure! :)

My New Love and Randomness

2010-11-21T21:41:00.011-06:00

Cheesy Cream of Broccoli Soup anyone? I love soup. I eat it pretty much everyday in the winter. But it's kind of a pain to make decent, easy homemade soup. Enter my new love:

Yes, I finally sucked it up and bought a Vitamix. It. Makes. Soup. No stove required. How awesome is that? It also makes sorbet. No freezer necessary! Smoothies, bread crumbs, cheeseburgers even. Love it!

I've joined a Christmas Card swap here. I'm very excited! I love Christmas and Christmas Cards!! You still have time to join! :)

I am about half way finished with my Christmas shopping. Yeah, I'm one of those people. I love giving gifts and I stress about it, so I've found the sooner I can get it done, the sooner I can enjoy the holidays!

Sat at a basketball tourney all day today. Worth every minute! My daughter's team took first place and they each received a t-shirt that said "champs" on it! Super cool to see how excited she was! I'm so proud. They played very well and won with great sportsmanship!

I'm working on some crafty Christmas projects. I'll share soon.

Dusted off the treadmill. I'm calling it. Indoor running season has begun!

Short work week for me this week! Bring on Black Friday!! (yes, I'm one of those people too!)

:) Trish

*If someone could tell me how to get blogger to leave the stinking spaces between paragraphs, I'd be indebted for life!

Winter in Wisconsin Calls for Snuggling!

2010-11-20T08:13:00.004-06:00

If you go here, you could win the above quilt or the one below, from the lovely Chelsea! I love my fluffy comforters, but there is just something about a quilt... Quilts remind me of my childhood. My Grams was a seamstress and she sewed the most wonderful quilts! She loved to sew crazy quilts and I loved to snuggle under them!

Stay warm people! :)

Trish

Awesomeness

2010-11-18T20:07:00.002-06:00

Go here (actually don't, it will increase my odds) Check out this giveaway! Jen rocks!

Superstars

2010-11-14T17:09:00.007-06:00

My daughters were in a play called Twinderella this weekend with the local youth players' group. They are are the far left and far right in the above picture. Kenzie was one of the Evil Stepsisters and Katie played a Duchess and the Cruel Stepfather. It was a lot of fun! The girls have put in many hours of rehearsal, in addition to practicing their lines at home. I'm very proud of my girls as usual!

Needless to say we are all exhausted. There were four shows!! I did get a run in yesterday between shows and a quick walk today. BUT... my friend is a master baker and makes these killer cupcakes, and well, you know the rest of the story :)

I hope you are all having a great weekend!

:) Trish

Beautiful

2010-11-08T19:53:00.004-06:00

"What if we decided life was beautiful -just the way it is?"

I read this post today and it really helped put things in perspective for me. I have been feeling a little sorry for myself lately. My house is a mess - piles of books everywhere, walls need new paint, new carpet, hate my kitchen sink, not too thrilled with my body, my hair, my wrinkles. My heel hurts. My knee hurts. I want to work part time. I want to run run run! Blah Blah Blah!!!

GET OVER YOURSELF ALREADY!!! My family is happy and healthy. Sure I could use more money. Who couldn't? Sure I'd like to be a thin, fit, hottie. I'm working on it. Can't run cause it hurts too much? Walk! Clean your house. Or don't - either way. You've earned those wrinkles - oh and remember that you always "forget" sunscreen?

I spend so much time focused on what I don't have, or what I can't have, or do, that I miss some of life's most beautiful moments.

I'm going to try to start keeping a gratitude journal. It may not be an official journal. It might just be in my head. The point is to pause for a moment each day and reflect on how blessed my life is!

Be beautiful my friends!

Trish

World Run Day and solicitation...

2010-11-07T20:39:00.005-06:00

Not the most flattering picture ever, but I did complete my World Run Day run!

The Good:

~ I was out there running

~ I was not too hot

~ I still have both lungs

~ I did not get frostbite

~ I had great energy today

The Bad:

~ OMG who lives in Wisconsin and does not own winter running clothes?

~ The answer to above is ME!

~ It was sooo cold out

~ Apparently, I am not quite recovered from my chest cold as evidenced by all of the coughing I did

~ Lost track of # of laps, so I have no clue exactly how far I ran!

The Ugly:

~ I have been coughing all day again.

~ My stinkin heel is killing me!! UGH!

Now on to the solicitation portion of my post :)

As you most likely are aware, Thanksgiving is just around the corner. I love Thanksgiving. Great Holiday. Family, Football and Food. Yes!!

So, what's the problem then? Well, Mike's family has this cute little tradition of giving each adult female a little gift. It can be holiday related or not. And not too expensive. More of a "I'm thinking of you" kind of thing.

I have no clue what to give everyone!!! I've given appliqued dish towels, poinsettias, philosophy shower gels, ornaments, you get the idea. I HAVE NO IDEAS this year!!!

HELP ME! Please!

Send me your ideas. It can be homemade or store bought. Under $10, and appropriate for a variety of ages.

What's in it for you? If someone comes up with an idea I use, I'll send that person a little "thank you"! Not sure what it will be... a surprise :)

Thanks!!

Trish

World Run Day

2010-11-01T18:01:00.004-05:00

I'm so in. How cool! Run your distance. Run alone or in a group. Run for someone. Run for Charity. Run for yourself. Just run! I'm taking my kidlets on my normal route. They'll smoke me. :)

Go here to register.

Trish

Begin Again

2010-10-24T21:52:00.002-05:00

Wow. I have certainly let life get in my way. What a busy summer! I have not been taking very good care of myself. It's time to recommit!

I'm starting tomorrow with the 100 push-up challenge. I'll also be challenging myself to eat at least 4 servings of fruits and veggies everyday. I know it doesn't sound like a lot, but trust me on this one.

As for running, I'm cautious. My PF has been terrible this summer. One run and I can't walk the next day. But you know what? I'm bigger than that. I'm not going to let it win. I'm going to keep fighting the fight. I know I can push through and overcome. I have to.

Be chattin with you soon...

Trish

Katie Tri'd! Woot Woot!

2010-07-25T13:08:00.004-05:00

My daughter Katie competed in her first triathlon yesterday. She rocked it!! I am so proud of her. Katie was really worried about swimming in the lake. She is not a big fan of weeds or fish :) However, as you can see from the smile on her face in this picture, she conquered it!

Katie did very well on the bike and run as well. She ended up 6th out of 16 in her 11 - 12 age group!!

She stayed strong and positive the whole day! I think she might be hooked :)

I'm not sure what I was expecting, but there was everything from bikes with streamers and baskets to tri bikes. It was a great experience (except for the wait... Kate's group was last and they waited for all of the other age groups to finish...). I am humbled and inspired by my daughter.

WAY TO GO KATIE!!!

:) Trish

Freaky Friday

2010-07-23T12:08:00.002-05:00

Nothing freaky about this Friday, except that I am off! I am taking another little mini vacation and it has stopped raining!! Woot woot! We're off to the pool :)

But first, I wanted to let you know that Katie and I went out for a two miler this morning. Two miles is about my standard distance right now. I was pooped! I've been eating poorly the last few days and not hydrating well. I also forgot to take my asthma and allergy meds last night. Bummer. Katie walked most of it and I walked about half. Katie is doing her first tri tomorrow morning and she said she was saving herself ;) I'll post pics from her awesome race!!

Until then... peace...

Trish

Best Run Evah!

2010-07-19T18:11:00.004-05:00

"Continuous effort ~ not strength or intelligence ~ is the key to unlocking our potential."

- Winston Churchill

I ran this morning!! It was awesome! I felt great and was so happy to be out there again. My funk is slowly lifting. I've realized I have goals that I want to achieve and I need to work hard to get there, even when I'm not feeling it. I didn't go the farthest or the fastest I've ever gone this morning, but I wanted it more than ever and that was a beautiful thing!

Thanks for your support!!

Trish :)

Burn Out

2010-07-18T16:55:00.004-05:00

It's happened. I am burnt out. I am tired. I haven't worked out in 3 days. I've been eating pretty poorly. WTF? I can't seem to get back into it. I posted not too long ago about motivation. This is beyond that. No motivation. No desire. Ugh. I'm eating ice cream (cookies and cream even) as I type this. Not cool. Because I know this is something I want. I am not giving up. Tomorrow I begin again. Again. I will try to post a blurb every day or so about my workouts. To keep me honest!

Thanks for being out there and inspiring me!!

Trish

Winner!!!

2010-07-13T21:22:00.003-05:00

Sorry for the delay peeps. The winner of my giveaway is: Ashley! Congrats!

I hope everyone is having a great week. It's busy around here as usual!

I've been staying motivated and working out daily. I've decided to back off on the weights and concentrate on running and biking. I'll still lift a couple times a week, but with much lighter weights. I think this is what I need to do to get fit and build the endurance I am seeking. I'm also hoping I'll drop a few pounds with the extra cardio! I consider my legs super strong, but let me tell you after running two miles and then the bleachers (only 2 minutes on the bleachers, I'm not completely crazy!), my legs were cashed. So below is my version of an ice bath. Super cold water with the one measly tray of ice cubes we had :) Mike offered to go buy a bag of ice, but eh, it was already dang cold! And yes, I know this pic is pathetic!

I'd like to leave you with this thought... "It's easy to have faith in yourself and have discipline when you're a winner, when you're number one. What you got to have is faith and discipline when you're not a winner. " Vince Lombardi

Peace.

Trish

Happy 4th! and... a Giveaway!

2010-07-04T22:30:00.007-05:00

I hope everyone had a great holiday! The pic above is of our local fireworks, which we are lucky enough to be able to see from our house :) We had my family over today for a cookout. Steak and chicken on the grill. Yum!!! I chose the chicken. Weird right. I LOVE steak! However, I had two cupcakes yesterday that my daughter made and decorated red, white and blue for a party, so I felt like I'd indulged enough! I love cooking for people. I think I should have more parties :)

I ran yesterday for the first time in a long time. I decided to try out the high school track made out of recycled tires. My hip (long story) was sore, but bearable. I started over with Week 5 of the Couch to 5K training program. Figured it was best not to rush it and injure myself again. I had enough left at the end to run the bleacher stairs for 3 minutes!! (My quads were screaming, but it felt oh so good ;) You can't really tell in the pic, but my face was sooo red! I hate that I get this red. My middle daughter does too, and it happens even without working too hard (can you say embarrassing?)

Now, on to the good stuff... I have a little giveaway to celebrate my "return" to running and the 4th of July (incidentally, it's my brother's birthday!)

I bought a few extra goodies at REI on Saturday.

A Blueberry Crisp Clif Bar (Yum!), 2 Justin's Nut Butters, both with honey, 1 is peanut butter the other 1 is almond. Lastly, a small, convenient sized Body Glide for Her. (if you win boys, I won't tell a soul. I mean, aside from the pink lid, no one will ever know! ;)

How do you win, you say? Read on...

1. If you are a follower, you get two entries (leave 2 comments for this). If you become a follower, you will receive one.

2. Tell me your favorite Clif Bar flavor (if you haven't tried them,

you are missing out! I'd rather eat these than candy bars!) one entry

3. Nut butters or not? (are you freaked out by the

fat/calories? one entry

4. Post or link on your blog. one entry

That's it! You have until July 10th at midnight, central standard time to enter. I will announce and email the winner sometime Sunday night! Good Luck!

Trish

Wants Vs. Needs ~ a Question

2010-06-30T18:20:00.005-05:00

I don't know about you, but my list of wants is a mile long. Unfortunately the list of needs is far longer. :(

My question for you today is this: My dear daughter has "assumed possession" of my bike. I no longer have a bike to ride other than an old one of Mike's. I am 5'2.5" and he is 5'10". Does not quite work... So, on to the question...

~ If you were "bikeless" would you consider that a WANT or a NEED?

Basically, I'm looking for data to back up my thought that it is a neeeed:) heh heh!

Peace.

Trish

Feeling Reflective...

2010-06-28T21:20:00.006-05:00

I've been doing a lot of soul searching lately. Trying to decide why I'm lifting weights and running and why I secretly want to do a triathlon... The challenge? ~ love me a good challenge. Weight loss? ~ duh! Fitness? ~ yep that too! Unfortunately, I know myself well enough to know none of these reasons are enough. Why do I want this soooo badly? I can't put my finger on it, but I do know that I want it and I've decided that for now, that is enough!

Why do you do what you do?

Yet another beautiful Wisconsin evening!

Peace.

Trish

Ta Da!

2010-06-24T21:00:00.006-05:00

So, what did ya all think of my disappearing act?? :) Sorry I've been MIA. Life has been insanely busy. I've been up and down and everywhere in between over the last few weeks. The good news is I've still been working out. Not running as much, cause I'm continuing to have problems with my foot as well as my hip, but lifting and some cardio. However, barring any bad news from my doc tomorrow, I should be back to my normal routine Saturday! Woot Woot!!

I continue to be inspired by all of you as well as a little closer to home. Last weekend, I had the honor of watching a couple of my friends do this:

And this:

And finally this:

And it was soooo awesome!

Congrats guys! You Rock!!

peace...

Trish

Faux Vacation

2010-05-27T18:11:00.005-05:00

I love the word "faux"!

Confession: I have not gone on a run since Monday. My foot has really been hurting and I just haven't felt like pushing through. I know. I know. I am giving myself until Sunday. On Sunday, I have committed to run Chelsea's Run hosted by Katye. So Sunday I'm done with my pity party!! Woot Woot! That's why I called this post "faux vacation." Well, that and I plan on seeing a view something like this Saturday evening:

I'm hoping to go to Door County or Lake Geneva. Now, I just have to talk Mike into it ;)

A big shout out to all of you amazing running bloggers. You have made this journey of mine so much richer! There is no doubt in my mind that I will complete the Couch to 5K program (even with my little break this week). I have no doubt that I will run a 5K! I have no doubt I am and always will be a runner! Thank you all so much for your support and guidance!

Peace.

Trish

p.s. You may have noticed I changed the "title/name" of my blog. I feel like everyday is a new chance to be a better me. To have a better experience. To begin again...

Curse you...

2010-05-23T09:32:00.007-05:00

Curse you week 7! and my asthma and humidity and pollen. My run today was a huge failure. I couldn't seem to find my breath. I walked. A LOT! I feel like a failure. BUT I am not giving up! I'll try it again later, when it is dark and hopefully cooler. I should have known it would be tough when I woke up with swollen eyes and gunk in and on them. I figured it would be okay though...

If anyone who is reading this has asthma and/or allergies, advice please?

On a positive note, it is going to be hot today, so I will be out doing this:

My second love. My bike has seen me through many tough spots. When I sit on it, I instantly feel calmer and more relaxed. I love how free I feel and let's face it, I feel pretty bad ass :)

Aside from running, what is your escape?

Peace.

Trish

Athlete and Birthdays...

2010-05-17T19:55:00.007-05:00

Oh Yeah! I rocked today; I'm not gonna lie ;) Week 6 is soooo OVER! I came home from my run and started Chalene Extreme. It's a tame version of P90X. I've done P90X, and it is too hard core for me. For now. I feel like an athlete. I feel like a runner. Finally. Now it's time to really clean up my diet and stay healthy! My plantar fasciitis is still giving me some trouble, but I'm working through it and stretching like crazy!

On the home front, it's a busy week!

This little princess turns 10 tomorrow:

And this little princess turns 12 on Wednesday!

My BFF's birthday is Tuesday as well (she would kill me if I told you how old ;)

AND my Mom's birthday is Friday!!

Whew...

What a week :)

Happy Birthday to all of you. You have no idea how much each of you mean to me!!

Have a great week!!

Peace

Trish

Ugh.

2010-05-16T18:44:00.002-05:00

I am in a funk. No running today. No desire to run today. No guilt about that either. I am in one of those moods that I respect. When I feel like this it is no use to force myself to do anything. I'll find a way to sabotage it. I'm giving myself today.

I'll be back at 'er tomorrow!!

Hope you are having a much better day out there.

Peace.

Trish

Bye Bye Week 5!!

2010-05-11T16:36:00.003-05:00

Oh yeah baby. The dreaded week 5, day 3 run is OVER!! It wasn't pretty. It wasn't much fun and I did walk a few times (but only for a few seconds each time and I added time at the end). But dang son, it's over!! I did it last night. I ran on my new fav trail. And I nailed the uphill :)

On a less positive note, I have plantar fasciitis. Bummer. I'm not and I mean NOT going to let it slow me down!! I am completing this Couch to 5K program. And then, I'm still going to run. I love it!

Thanks for all of the support and inspiration you wonderful bloggy peeps!!

Peace.

Trish

Randomness and WINNERS!!!!

2010-05-09T20:12:00.009-05:00

Happy Mother's Day!!

What a busy week. I've had soooo much going on this week. I've been lurking and commenting a little on some blogs, but haven't posted. I have taken pics of some things to post about, but never quite got around to it :)

I have discovered trail running. Wow! It's tough. Wow! I LOVE it!! My shoes were wet and dirty and I had mud splashed all over my legs, but it was so exhilarating! I've only been able to hit the trails twice, so maybe I'll change my mind, but I think I'm hooked!! I've continued road running as well. I'm pretty much over the treadmill until Wisconsin Winter drives me back in.

I'm also over week 4 of the Couch to 5K program! Woo Hoo! In fact, tomorrow will be the dreaded day 3 of week 5. I'm scared peeps. Don't laugh. I'm a little afraid that I won't be able to run for 20 minutes without having an asthma attack or puking. Now I know for some of you 20 minutes is a warm up. But hey, I'll get there :) The picture above is after I finished week 4. I was pumped! Terrible pic, but where else would I put bad pictures of myself but the world wide web??

Here is an ant's eye view of my yard :) courtesy of my daughter Kate!

All right, already, enough randomness...

The winners of my Giveaway!! KerrieT won Package #1 and Teamarcia won #2! I've emailed you both! Congrats! Thank you all for your awesome advice. I've been incorporating lots of it and I am completely committed to finishing the Couch to 5K. (just have to choose a 5K) and continuing on with my running after that! In part, to all of you and your inspiration. The running/blogging community rocks!

I hope you've all had a great day and have a great week!!

Peace.

Trish

The Long Awaited Giveaway Post!!!

2010-05-01T07:20:00.012-05:00

If I knew how to integrate a drum roll into this post, you'd be hearing it now...

I have a few things to say, but I'll save them for another post. This is purely giveaway people. Thanks for your patience. To reward you, I will now have TWO prizes instead of the one I had originally planned :)

Prize package #1 :

The winner of this package will receive a ONE year subscription to Runner's World and a lovely Sweaty Band! (Thick, Serenity style, pink, blueish, and taupe. )

Prize Package #2:

The winner of prize #2 will receive a ONE year subscription to Country Living magazine and their choice of 4 notecards from my Etsy shop!

Das rules... each thing you do will earn you one entry! Please leave a separate comment for each.

1. Leave a comment on this post. Please let me know if you'd like prize #1 or prize #2. Or either.

2. Link back to my giveaway. I don't tweet or facebook or whatever, but if you say you tweeted (twittered?? huh?) or did a little sky writing, I have no choice but to believe you ;)

3. Followers, those of you who already are, give yourself 2 entries, new followers, sorry only 1 for you!

4. Please, please give me some sage running advice. I am starting week 4 of the Couch to 5K program and I'm a little scared.

It's that simple! The giveaway will run through midnight central time, Saturday, May 8th and I'll announce the winner on Sunday! If I can find you through your comment, I'll email you or comment on a post, otherwise, you'll have to check back!

*I have not been compensated in anyway for any of the items in the giveaway. I bought the sweaty band for myself, but my head is too fat and it hurt even putting it on!

Peace and Good Luck!

Trish

99.5

2010-04-27T20:23:00.002-05:00

I was supposed to post my birthday giveaway Sunday. However, I was under the weather Sunday and Monday, thus no post. I'm better today, but overwhelmed with catching up on the last couple of days. I will post my giveaway in the next day or so. Thanks for your patience and I'll try to make it worth your while.

This post is title 99.5, cause my birthday giveaway was supposed to correspond with my 100th post ;)

Soon peeps!

Trish

Nuts

2010-04-21T17:05:00.004-05:00

Aw nuts. False alarm in my earlier post. THIS is my 99th post :)

I'm doing okay with my 3 changes so far. The running is no problem and diet dew is still AWESOME, but I can live with two a day. The problem seems to be the yoga. Weird, right?

Prom was this weekend...

Sami and me ~

My daughter has such a great group of friends. I trust them all (to a point) and they always have a good, safe time! So proud...

Okay then, that's enough for this "filler" post. :) I will return on Sunday (my birthday :) for a GIVEAWAY!! and my 100th post!

Btw, I think I'm going to register for my first 5K! Woo Hoo!!

Peace.

Trish

3 Changes

2010-04-16T22:02:00.003-05:00

I've entered the 3 Changes Challenge at Run To The Finish! There is a prize incentive. Click here to enter. Although the prizes rock, that is not why I entered. I need to make these changes. It's time.

My changes are: 1. Run at least 3 times per week 2. Practice yoga at least 3 times per week 3. Drink no more than 2 (YEP 2!) diet sodas per day!

The last one will be the toughest. I am addicted to Diet Dew. It is my crutch!! Well, that and chocolate. But giving up chocolate? Let's be real here :)

Wish me luck!

Trish

And I do believe this is my 99th post. Hmmmm... I think I feel a giveaway coming on :) soon...

Easter and other miscellaneous thoughts.

2010-04-05T19:50:00.007-05:00

I hope everyone had a happy Easter! We had a very full day. Baskets and an egg hunt at home in the morning with homemade cinnamon rolls for breakfast. Yum! Then off to my sister's for lunch and another egg hunt! Then for dinner, we went to Mike's parents and yep, another egg hunt! Above you see Sami and Mike looking for eggs. Mike's family goes all out with something like 120 eggs with numbers inside them. Each number corresponds with a prize. Uber cool and very fun!

Today was the last day of spring break and the last day of my vacation :( We took and drive and happened upon a mating ritual between two Sandhill Cranes:

What an honor and a blessing to be a witness to this. Cranes are such beautiful, majestic birds and I am so happy to see them in the wild!I've started questioning my career path again. (ugh).

My heart and soul are screaming for me to make a different choice. However, my brain and checkbook say differently. A constant struggle.

I've started running again. Still no fun :) It's either run or quit the cobbler and that ain't happenin!

We've started some seeds for our garden. I'm going big this year. I figure I know plenty of people to give the excess to. I also plan to preserve as much as I can. I'm also planning a cutting garden this year. I love flowers!!

I have barn envy. I love this color. Mike says it's a girl thing.

I think it's a cool barn thing ;)

I also have duck (or goose) envy:

So cute.

Have you ever?

Thanks for hangin in if you're still reading. I tend to ramble.

Peace.

Trish

Proof and confession time

2010-03-14T07:21:00.007-05:00

Proof that spring really is here. (Although I may have just cursed us all by saying it ;) I snapped this pic of ROBINS last week. To me the first robins shout spring loud and clear! I've also spied little green shoots coming up in a couple of flower beds. Yes! To this Wisconsin girl, nothing is nearer and dearer to my heart than the end of the never ending winter.

So... I still have not restarted running. I did, however, read Runners World. That's gotta count for something :) And to make matters worse, I've gained 10 pounds. OMG it is freaking me out. I needed to lose weight before, but 10 extra pounds puts me in the "I need a mumu category". My jeans are all tight and I look like I'm pregnant in anything else! You'd think that would be enough to catapult me right onto the road or treadmill, but nope. No siree. I did lift weights a couple of times this week, and then I hurt the ball of my foot at work and have to rest my foot a little. So there goes that momentum. I'd like to tell you a big 'ol dramatic story about what I did to my foot, but there isn't one. I was walking and tripped and my foot turned weird in my danskos. That's right... walking. I attribute the weight gain to a combination of increased desk time and STRESS! Why is it that my sister and best friend both lose weight when they are stressed and I pack it on like I'm preparing for hibernation? Drives me nuts, good thing I love those girls!

Whew. That is a lot of words. But it had to be said. So,now, I beg you. Help!! Motivate me. Good recipes? Ways to get out of bed at 4 instead of 445?? (to workout, so no excuses later).

That's all I have today people. I hope you have a lovely one. Bring on the robins!!

Peace.

Trish

p.s. please don't suggest I give up the cobbler I posted about earlier, cause I can't. or won't. j.k. :)

I love a vacation day! Sort of...

2010-03-03T19:21:00.005-06:00

Ah. Vacation. It was only one day, but it was wonderful!! Maybe too wonderful, but more on that later...

It was lovely to do some shopping, sewing and reading uninterrupted. I made this:

A checkbook cover! It's lemony and wonderful! I heart this checkbook cover... almost as much as the below mentioned cobbler :)

I also sewed up a couple of clutch wallets/bags, but I have a couple of kinks to work out before I'm satisfied with them. Stay tuned, checkbook covers and clutches will be available in my Etsy shop soon!

As for my day being too good... as you may or may not know, I used to work part time. About three months ago, I was promoted and now I work full time. I am really struggling with it. I miss seeing my daughters in the morning before school and I miss picking them up after. Now, I wasn't doing this everyday before, but at least twice a week. I MISS it. I miss making lunches and I miss braiding hair. Mike is able to be with them before and often after or they go to my mom's house. So, they are always with family. But it's not me. :( I also miss the time to go thrifting and grocery shopping when it is not busy. I miss the time to bake and clean and create. I miss the sunshine and seeing my sleep tousled babies.

Does anyone else struggle with this? How do you cope? I am sooooo tempted to give up this professional opportunity and work part time again. Money was tight before, but it was doable. Any thoughts????

Peace.

Trish

2010-03-02T20:52:00.005-06:00

I blame The Pioneer Woman. Yes, that's right Ms. fancy (awesome, actually) recipe lady. It's your fault. Everyday instead of rushing home from work to run, I rush home to make this:And yes, that is what's left of a ham at the top of this post. This woman, this amazing woman has THE most amazing recipes. EVER, people. However, let me warn you. If you are trying desperately (like me) to lose weight. Do Not visit her website at http://www.thepioneerwoman.com/. You will be sucked in. (By the way, Ree has no idea I am writing this post, nor am I receiving any compensation for it. Just in case you were wondering. I just believe in giving credit where credit is due.) The cobbler pictured above is to die for. I make it at least a couple of times a month. YUMMMM!

The basic gist of this post is that I have fallen so far off of the wagon that I no longer see the tracks!! I'm am struggling. I went for a walk last night and considered it a small victory! My treadmill sits and judges me. Luckily it's in the basement, which I just avoid ;) Help! I have to admit that this is a weak cry for help. I plan to start running again. Really. But I WILL NOT GIVE UP THAT COBBLER. And please do not tell me how far/long I'll have to run to burn it off, because, I really do not care. It is that good! Especially now that I've found a farmer with fresh frozen raspberries at the indoor farmer's market!

So, on a different topic, I'm finally putting some of my Roadside Wisconsin photo note cards in my Etsy shop. They're pretty cool if I do say so myself. A sampling:

What do you think?

Oh and I've started buying myself fresh flowers every week. What a difference it has made in my attitude and my home. I was really excited this week to buy some at that same indoor market. Forced in a greenhouse yes, but locally grown!

I can't wait for spring!! (Is it obvious??)

Peace people.

Trish

One Bad Mother Runner

2010-01-28T16:33:00.006-06:00

Ha ha ha he he he lol!! Gosh I love the title. I found a shirt with this slogan on OneMoreMile.net and couldn't stop laughing. This is how I think of myself these days. I mean, I am a mother after all! :) So, this running thing. Ugh. Does coughing up half of your lung after only 25 minutes of walk/running count as a breathing exercise? I am so embarrassed at how incredibly out of shape I am! I can lift weights all day, but running.... Let's just say, I started this c25k program on the first and I just finished week three last night. Yup, my three weeks are looking a little bit like four! I keep telling myself that it is okay. I mean, I'm still doing it! I've run outside once and holy moly was that hard!! But I'm still here. I've been neglecting my blog, which seems to be a habit with me, but I will try harder. There are so many awesome people out there in blogland!

And above is where I've been spending my weekends. I love basketball, don't get me wrong, but I am soooo over it! My oldest daughter plays during the week and the two littles each weekend. Numbers 11 and 12 are mine. Don't ya love those yellow shorts! She insisted on wearing them. "They are basketball shorts, mom!" Yep, for Shaq ;) They love (okay, hate) guarding each other!!

Don't you just hate it when you are searching for clip art and find someone has used your silhouette without your permission? ;)

Sorry this is so random. It's my brain. Can't be helped!!

I'm working on a giveaway for one world one heart. Stay tuned. In the meantime, check out the wonderfulness here: awhimsicalbohemian

Peace.

Trish

Safety First

2010-01-03T10:09:00.004-06:00

I just wanted to pop in quick and share a coupon with you all. It is for a road id. I ordered a Road ID bracelet and those nice folks sent me a coupon for a dollar off for my friends. The coupon code is ThanksTrisca607143. Go here to use it.

2010

2010-01-01T21:47:00.004-06:00

Couch to 5K. I will be running a 5K in March people. Go here to find an amazing training program. You will find music to run to here. This music has cues in it, so you know when to make the transitions. I NEED this!! :) (I totally stole this picture off of the Couch to 5K website. Just so ya know.)

So, here it is in black and white (green ;). My goal (NOT resolution) for 2010. Run a 5k. Run two or three of them. I might even get crazy and run a half marathon!! Woot Woot!!

Peace.

Trish

Merry Christmas!!

2009-12-23T19:58:00.007-06:00

Best I could do :) After I took the picture, I cleaned the mirror :) and lowered it! I was on my tip toes to take this pic!

We are all settled in and hunkered down. There is a winter storm headed our way, so we are hoping everyone is able to make it to were they need to go safely. Luckily, our families live within about 5 miles of us. The only exception is my brother who assures me all will be well!

Every year I give my daughters each an ornament. Here is this year's:

It's hard to read, I was unable to get a clear pic, but it says "First Born" (Mom's Favorite)! I gave them each their ornament separately and they thought it was pretty awesome... that is until they saw their sisters' :) The other two received Middle Child (Mom's favorite) and Youngest Child (Mom's favorite)!! Ha ha ha :) A little Christmas joke on them!

I wish you all the merriest of Christmases and the happiest of New Years!

Peace.

Trish

11 Days

2009-12-13T07:36:00.006-06:00

Yes, that's right folks! 11 shopping days left until Christmas and yours truly is NOT anywhere near finished! I started off on fire, thinking I'd be done, no problem. I've somehow hit a snag though and lost the momentum. Instead of shopping today, I'll be doing this:

Riding the bleachers for the third day!! Friday night, my oldest daughter had a game, my other two daughters both had games yesterday and they each have a game today. I love basketball, but I do not love bleachers! My back is beginning to protest, and I need to shop... Christmas is in 12 DAYS!!!

Whew, I am done whining :) How about some positive stuff like:

Mike noticed this a couple of weeks ago (at yet another basketball tourney ;)! The building are on different sides of the street, but if you stand directly across from the wedding chapel, this is what you see! Hilarious! For those of you in the know, yes, this is in Wisconsin Dells. And yes, you are right, leave it to a man to notice! In case you are wondering, the Torture Museum is closed for the season, but weddings are still happening. Be warned however, in Wisconsin, we have rules about things like marriage and waiting periods and residency requirements. Just sayin...

As I was scrolling through pics, looking for the one above,

I found this one, and I had to check and make sure it was not a stock photo from the computer. I mean, are skies really that blue? What clued me in to it authenticity however, is the reflection of my dashboard you can see in the picture. I have a bad habit of taking pictures from inside my car!

I believe it is Devil's Lake, in Baraboo. Gorgeous!! I live for days like this here in snowy old Wisconsin! I think I'm going to print this picture and keep it on my desk for those days when I think I should pack everyone up and move to Florida or Arizona!

I am done rambling now. If you have made it this far, thanks for not getting bored :) This post is completely random and I'm totally okay with that!

Peace

Trish

MIA

2009-12-03T20:41:00.005-06:00

My oh my, has it really been that long since I posted?? Yikes!! Huh. Time flies! So much has happened and continuing to happen that I could never post it all. Suffice it to say life is good, busy and full. And stressful! Oh so stressful! Anyhoo, rather than try to recap over two months of my life, I'm just going to start with the now!

Today was my last day as an hourly employee. I'd love to say I've retired or am going to be staying home, but nope! I have been promoted to nurse manager. Yikes!! I mean Yippee!! It means more hours and more responsibility. I'm excited and ready for the challenge, yet worried about the extra time away from home. I have not worked full time in oh, about 15 years! This is a very positive thing for our family, but it is not without some stressors of its own. I'll miss taking my kids to school and picking them up a couple of times a week, but I'll love knowing that I will never have to stay late on call or work nights or weekends!

Lookee what we have here to the right...

Yes, that is snow folks! We've had our first

measurable snow of the year. Many many fender

benders today according to the news. How can

people forget year to year how to drive in the snow?

Slow peeps. Take it S.L.O.W. public service

announcement complete.

All righty then, that is it for now. Thanks for staying with me (if you are still here)!

Peace.

Trish

Another reminder of why I love Wisconsin...

2009-09-27T20:17:00.016-05:00

This was a perfect autumn weekend filled with backyard games of football, apple festivals, an awesome corn/sunflower maze, apple crisp, hot tubbing, hammock sitting, flea market, pumpkin picking... AWESOME!!

And the best of all, Great White Egrets seen from the road while trying to find a hidden pumpkin patch.

And did I mention the fall colors...

This state is gorgeous!! I love it. Wouldn't move for anything!! (Please remind me to reread this post in January ;)

Btw, is this a teenage thing???

I went to find pics for this post and they were already uploaded along with about 15 of these. Does anyone else's teenager take umpteen self-portraits? LOL!!

Peace,

Trish

<< Embarassed

2009-09-22T08:25:00.002-05:00

Yikes! I'm a little ashamed. Has it really been over a month since I've posted?? Indeed... I'd love to say I've been in Europe or somewhere exotic, but nope. Still here in good old Wisconsin. I've been busy with back to school and work, but who hasn't. So really, I have no excuse. Just an apology. If you're still out there, I'm sorry. Thanks for hanging!!

Here's a quick look at some of what's been happening:

Btw, Mavis at We Chirp, is having a fabulous giveaway. We all love Heidi Devlin of Foxgloves, Fabric and Folly. Well, head over to We Chirp to visit Mavis and enter her giveaway for one of Heidi's fantastic pillows!

Peace

Trish

Fun, Fun, Fun!!

2009-08-15T23:26:00.005-05:00

As you may know, if you have read my blog for any length of time, I have been making pillows for all of the girls' friends for their birthdays. I've decided to add one of these to their packages:

Crayon rolls!! So much fun to make and super cute!!

I'm hoping to perfect my coloring book/crayon tote pattern and give those as Christmas gifts this year. Stay tuned...

These little guys are both claimed, however, I will be making another cutie for a giveaway in the next couple of days!! So check back in a day or so :)

:) Trish

Did someone say Quilt-a-long?? :) I'm so in!!

2009-08-14T19:00:00.004-05:00

Crystal over at Little Bit Funky is hosting a quilt-a-long!! I've decided to join in. So... here are my fabric choices:

The picture isn't great, but you get the idea!! (Can you tell I am ready for fall ;) With any luck, these fabrics will soon become something like Crystal's quilt shown here!

I'll keep you posted!! I'm off to find a sharp rotary blade :)

Good Day!!

Trish

My Katie...

2009-08-14T18:46:00.006-05:00

My daughter, Katie, is a study in contrasts. She is the shiest of my girls, and yet is a force to be reckoned with. She makes friends easily, but prefers to spend time alone. Her little sister has learned to be her voice in public, but knows that if it comes down to it, Katie is there and totally has her back! She is a one of a kind girl and I hope she knows it!!
The pictures with braids was the day before the other. She wanted her hair short for school!! :)

Introducing Mackenzie, MD and a few new goodies in my shops!!

2009-08-09T21:22:00.003-05:00

If you've read my profile, you know I am a nurse in an operating room. On occasion we need to tear down a sterile set up. Some of the items are reprocessed (re-sterilized), some are sent with docs on their mission trips, some are sent to research labs and inevitably some are thrown out. I rescued a few things from the trash the other day to bring home for the girls. (Don't freak out here, people, it is clean and I didn't actually take it out of the trash ;)

Anyhoo, Mackenzie loved it and has been playing "doctor" ever since. So, without further adieu, here is Dr. Mackenzie:

Isn't she adorable?

On other fronts, I think I am back in action. Creatively, that is. I have been in a slump. I finally received a new fabric shipment, so I've been doing some sewing and have started making some new collages and some jewelry. I've posted a couple of new necklaces in my shop today:

I've also added one skirt to my other shop, Sewin:

I am working on more skirts for fall and I will soon be listing 18" doll skirts. There will be matching sets, etc. Fun stuff!!

If place an order from either shop (Ketelcopia or Sewin) mention that you are a blog reader and I will refund your shipping!! :)

I hope you have all had a wonderful and peaceful weekend!!

Trish

Beauty...

2009-08-07T19:45:00.004-05:00

I was looking through my pictures to find one I wanted for a post and found this picture of my oldest daughter. I guarantee she hates it. I think she is beautiful. Her spirit shines through even when she is trying to act cool. At 15, it is all about the right hair, the right clothes, the right friends, and always being right. Such tough standards. I wonder if it makes her as tired as it did me? I hope she knows how very much I love her and that she is perfect and smart and beautiful. No matter what.

And then I found this picture and it made me think "ya, I guess she's handling the teenage thing all right!!" :)

Peace...

Trish

p.s. if anyone mentions this post to my dear, sweet daughter, she will freak out. So shhhhh....

Giveaway Winner! and I love Wisconsin!!

2009-08-02T20:15:00.005-05:00

I love Wisconsin!!
Originally uploaded by Ketelcopia

Yikes! I've just realized I never announced the winner of my most recent giveaway!! Miss Chelsey has won a skirt for her daughter!! She is a sweetheart! Visit her blog here!

I am lucky enough to live in the great state of Wisconsin. Wisconsin's natural beauty takes my breath away. One of my favorite things to do is to pick a direction and drive randomly. I always find something gorgeous or cool or inspiring to photograph. This collage is a sneak peak at my upcoming photo note card series featuring Wisconsin scenery. The pictures look a little funky here; something weird with flickr/picnik.

I hope you all are enjoying August!! Last month of summer vacation around here :( so, we're trying to squeeze in lots of fun. We're hoping for some warmer weather too. July was the coldest July on record in Wisconsin!

Scrappy Quilt Giveaway!!

2009-07-29T18:50:00.004-05:00

Wow!! That is about all I can say about this giveaway!! Go here to win this yummy quilt!! Spend any amount of time at Marie-Madeline Studio and you will be in awe. It is awesome!!

Sorry to make this post so short! I have daughters to snuggle with. We have a rare night in tonight and I'm taking full advantage!!

Peace...

Trish

Gussy is a girl...

2009-07-23T06:17:00.009-05:00

Okay all, time for another installment of getting to know your fellow bloggers and Etsians!!

I am telling you all now, you heard it here first, this girl is going places. No sillies, not me ;)

Gussy!! This young one is uber talented and more fun than you can imagine. I am a huge fan! Go here, to her blog, "Gussy has a lot to Say", and prepare to fall in love. With Gussy, her, work, her blog, and yes (sorry Gus) even her husband! Miss Maggie, oops, I mean Gussy, is completely self taught. Amazing. Her bags are unique and one of a kind. I love the ruffles!! Go here to her Etsy shop to see what I mean.

Be sure to stop by her blog, because Gussy is having a GIVEAWAY!! and it is the coolest idea ever. So run, don't walk, here to enter!

Now, I'm going to level with you. If you win, (or just need a Gussy original before she makes it big and won't talk to any of us ;) you will have a problem. What on earth will you choose?? I have been visiting this girl's shop for a while now and I still can't decide!! So go. Go now and try to pick out your favorite. It'll be a challenge!!

Good luck to you all!! And good luck to Gussy with her adventures! You've got a talent girl!!

Peace...

Btw, don't forget to enter my giveaway as well! Go here to do so :)

Finally! The Giveaway Post!!

2009-07-20T22:01:00.011-05:00

*Edited to add, Comments are now closed. I will post the winner soon and send them an email!! Thanks to everyone who entered and for all of your great comments. In the next week or so, I hope to visit each of your blogs!!

I know you've all been waiting with baited breath and trust me, I appreciate it. I'm running a little late with this, due to softball running late, lemon bars that HAD to be made and well, life ;)

So, here it is... To celebrate my first (and only so far) sale from my new Etsy shop, Sewin, I am having a giveaway!!

"What do I win?" you say. Well, in a sense, that is up to you! I have these two lovely fabrics.

Tile Mosaic in turqoise, by Laura Gunn,

her Lantern Bloom collection for Michael Miller

Charima Paisley Tomato, by Chez Moi for Moda

You, well, the winner, will get to choose from one of these fabrics and then choose either a skirt for a little girl (up to a size 10/12), a head scarf, or a skirt and a headscarf sized for an 18" doll.

Cool huh!! And to make it fun, I'll actually make a headscarf out of both for the winner if they choose this option. The catch, I'd like a picture of you or yours wearing one of the scarves for my Etsy shop.

How do I win? Easy, see I have this fabric (table cloth, actually)
from April Cornell. I found it a thrift store and I love it! I'm thinking pillows, napkins, dish towels, craft fair apron OR table cloth. I simply can't decide. That's where you come in. For one entry, give me your thoughts on what I should do with this yumminess!

For a bonus entry, tell me what the pattern is called and how old it is.

I will also give bonus entries for: linking from your blog to this giveaway, becoming a follower, or paying a visit to one of my Etsy shops, Ketelcopia or Sewin and leaving a comment telling me one way I can improve my shop(s).

I will leave comments open for one week. Comments will be closed on Monday, July 27 at 10 pm central time. I will post the winner sometime Tuesday the 28th. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email or I will pick a new winner.

Have fun and good luck!

Trish

A little giveaway love!

2009-07-20T13:52:00.010-05:00

Check this out: Is this gorgeous or what? Well, you too could have a chance to win it!! :) Just go here to Grosgrain Fabulous and enter!! It's from Musette. Check out her shop as well!!

How about some nail polish?? Or maybe a flaming makeup bag?? ;) Check out this giveaway!!

Solsiters Studio Artisan Handmade Purses. Very cool! L.O.V.E. the nail polish they inspired at BB Couture.

Be sure to stop by!!

One last giveaway to mention. Here fishy, fishy...

Don't you just love em!! Check out Lemon Drop Studio's blog to win these cute cards, plus some other fishy goodies!!

Like these personalized fishy note cards:

Oh, I guess there IS one other giveaway ;) MINE!! I'm still trying to figure out the details, so I will be back later today with my giveaway post!! Thanks for your patience!

Trish

**Edited to add: One more awesome giveaway for you!! My bloggy friend Kara is having a giveaway over on her blog Dish. The giveaway is for a fab piece of Lauren Alexander art. I have some of her prints, magnets and stickers (yes, I know... obsessed)! They always make me smile. So check it out!! Spend some time surfing Kara's blog while you are there. Very cool, peeps, very cool! Peace out for now!

~Why yes, I am a gardener AND a biker~

2009-07-19T21:59:00.002-05:00

Motorcycle madness!!
Originally uploaded by Ketelcopia

I'm not sure how many of you actually read blogger profiles. If you have read mine, (or are related to me), you probably already know this: I ride a motorcycle. Yep, sure do. And I love it!!! Seriously. One of these days I'll take a pic of my bike and post it. First I have to wash it and well, polish the chrome ;) Just wanted to put that out there!

I am also a gardener. I thought I would share with you a little about my garden. Here is a list of what I planted: lettuce (several varieties), carrots, radishes, squash, onions, potatoes, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, tomatoes, beans, peppers, lavender, cucumbers, watermelon, sweet corn and pumpkins.

And here is a list of what the rabbits haven't eaten: tomatoes, peppers, lavender, radishes, watermelon, beans, potatoes, onions, some of the strawberries, raspberries and one small salad worth of lettuce. Ugh!! The rabbits are little fiends this year. They chewed through my first fence and then dug under the second. I think now they are flying in. It is crazy!! Yet, they are sooo cute :( But I really, really love sweet corn and carrots and lettuce and squash and cucumbers... (btw, they actually didn't eat the blackberry bush, it died for some reason unknown to me).

Whew, with those two things off my chest, I can now concentrate on my next giveaway!! I will post the giveaway tomorrow!

By the way, any horticulturists reading my blog?? We have several apple trees around here and I'd like to know what species they are. Does it even matter??

summer lovin' collage

2009-07-17T22:22:00.002-05:00

summer lovin' collage
Originally uploaded by Ketelcopia

Here's a look at what I'm lovin' right now!!
You can now find me via technorati :) g9rskm24iz

Tattoo? Can't commit? Try this...

2009-07-15T21:57:00.003-05:00

Hi all! Just popping in quick to say hi and tell you about this awesome shop! They are having a giveaway for one of their sweet mini watercolors. I'm tellin' ya, total awesomeness!!! So, go here if you want a chance to win!! Where Eagles Dare is just too cool. Seriously! Talk about talent...

Truly cool peeps!

2009-07-14T11:30:00.010-05:00

This blogging world never ceases to amaze me. There are sooo many talented, generous, kind people out there. Without blogging, I would never have gotten the chance to "meet" them. Throughout the coming months, I'd like to introduce you to some of my favorite people and places out there in cyberspace.

The first people I have the pleasure of introducing you to are the gals at Boojiboo. It's a team made up of a mother and her two daughters. I can think of nothing better than homemade goods coming from a family effort! They carry beautiful aprons:

Gorgeous drink coasters:

And the cutest kitchen towels ever:

Recently I had the opportunity to enter a giveaway on their blog. Boojiboo was looking for input about their blog, shop, etc. I of course, never one to shy from a challenge, entered. I was not the winner of the fabulous clutch from their other shop, Boojibootique. However, generous people that they are, they did offer everyone who entered (and didn't win) a free mini wallet/coin purse. How AWESOME is that??

Here is the one I chose:

So head on over to Boojiboo's blog or their fabulous Boojiboo shop right away!! And don't forget about Boojibootique!!

Thanks again to Boojiboo for their generosity! You guys rock!

People like this have restored my belief that good people do exist and they are all around us, if we only take the time to look!!

Trish

Be on the lookout for a new giveaway, celebrating the first sale from my new Etsy shop, Sewin !!

We're baaack!! to life after the lake :)

2009-07-11T08:35:00.020-05:00

Mike and the girls and I took a little camping trip this week. We left Wednesday morning in the rain, :( hoping it would let up by the time we got to the lake. Not so much. We made the best of it and had still had fun! (btw, if you aren't into pictures of my family, and other things I love, now is the time to stop reading ;)

I neglected to get any pictures of the joy of setting up camp in the rain, but trust me when I say it was ALL that you imagine! By the time we had our tent up and air mattresses blown up (yep that's right I don't sleep on the ground), the rain had slowed to a light shower. We decided to explore the town around our campground a little. I love to just hop in the car and go. Sometimes we get lost for a bit, but we always end up back where we need to be. It kinda freaks the kiddos out when I do this, but that is part of the fun!! Here is the rest of the trip in pictures! Enjoy!!

If you are still with me, WOW! And thanks! We had lots of fun in spite of the weather and the mosquitoes!!

And oh, if you own this charming cottage, I want to live there. So, if you are ever in need of a family to you know, house sit, or
something, we're available!!

Trish

Please stay tuned...

2009-07-08T01:23:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to pop in and say HI! I have not dropped off the face off the planet. I am taking a wee little break. I'll be back soon and we'll return to our regularly scheduled programming ;)

Now, I'm off to my house in the sky......

Giveaway Winners Announced and look what I won!!

2009-06-25T19:12:00.005-05:00

Hi all!! So, the drawing has been done. Via a very scientific method, I might add. I tallied up the number of entries each person had, and wrote their name on that many slips of paper. My lovely assistants Mackenzie and Katie then drew the names. With out further ado, the winners are:

Mia ~ mini magnet set

Salad for Breakfast ~ bracelet

Minishoes1 ~ ring

Congrats!!

The winners will be notified via email or blog shortly. They will have 48 hours to respond with their address, or another winner will be drawn!!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! to everyone who entered. I am hoping to visit each and everyone of your blogs this week sometime if I haven't already. Your recipes are wonderful and have given me some great ideas for yummy eats and drinks ;)

And I have been lucky enough to win this gorgeous bracelet from the very sweet Lori at Morning Glories and Moonflowers and her Etsy shop too silly sisters.

Lori makes the cutest button bracelets and very cool necklaces. Check her out and tell her I said hi!! :)

Again, congrats to the winners, and if you didn't win, I am truly sorry. I'll be hosting another giveaway sometime in July, so stay tuned!!

I love this soap!

2009-06-23T09:37:00.004-05:00

Recently I had the pleasure of reviewing this soap from Nothing but Soap. And I love it! As soon as I opened the package, I smelled the wonderful scent. The scent lasted the entire bar. The other thing I noticed, because, well, you know, I had to try it right away ;) was the lather. As soon as I put the soap in water and began to soap my hands, I had lather. Nice sudsy, soapy lather! The peppermint leaves add not only an awesome scent, but also a nice, gentle exfoliation. I highly recommend this soap. Nothing but Soap offers a great selection. Very fair shipping rates and a bonus with a $15 or $30 purchase! So, head on over to this shop and Soap On!! :)

Trish

Tutorial, Skirt love and don't forget ~Giveaway~

2009-06-21T21:18:00.023-05:00

Be forwarned this is wordy! Sorry.

All righty, here is the long promised tutorial. Although, I am sure by now you all have figured out how to do it. What took so long, you say? The pics. I haven't had time to take and download the pictures. The project itself is easy. Here goes.

You will need two terra cotta pots, of equal size, two terra cotta saucers, one at least two inches bigger than the pots. The second saucer can be the same size or larger, depending on the look you are going for. I recommend at least a couple inches bigger than the other saucer. I used four inch "rose" pots, a six inch saucer and an eight inch saucer. You will also need some adhesive. If you will be placing this outside, make sure your adhesive can handle it. I used E6000. You will also need spray paint or terra cotta paint and than whatever goodies you want to use to embellish your bird bath.

First, turn the smallest saucer over, so that the "bowl" part is underneath. Place adhesive around the rim of one of the pots. I'm pretty generous with the adhesive.

Place the pot upside down (adhesive side down) on the upside down saucer. It should look like this:
Oops, a little ahead of myself in the above pic. Notice all of the adhesive on top of the pot. (actually the bottom :) That is the next step. Place adhesive on the "top" of the pot. Place the second pot right side up on top of this, matching them up. It should look like this:
Next, you'll want to put adhesive on the rim of the second pot. After you have done this, place the second, larger saucer "bowl" side up onto the rim of the second pot. Like this:
At this point you should have something that resembles a bird bath. Let the adhesive set for about 24 hours. After the adhesive is dry, you can paint your bird bath. I generally use spray paint because it is easier. I also paint after I assemble because I tend to get sloppy with my adhesive and the paint covers it. :) I've used the textured spray paint and that looks cool too.

Once the paint is dry, you can embellish your bird bath. Here are a couple of examples of what I have done:

The bird bath on the right features a mosaiced piece in the top saucer. Very cool. The other bird bath was done with scrap book supplies I had lying around. Also pretty cool. Use your imagination and you will be surprised what you come up with. This is fun easy and fairly inexpensive. I have given these as gifts and they are always well received!!

Instead of taking my pictures and posting this tutorial sooner, this is what I did this evening:

I made Mackenzie a skirt! Super easy and super cute! I hope she likes it :)

Don't forget to enter my giveaway!!! Scroll down or click on the link.

Hope a Happy Father's Day was had by all. Happy Father's Day to my Dad and Mike (oh and Mike's Dad too :)

Trish

~GIVEAWAY~ and sneak peek at tutorial!

2009-06-19T17:12:00.009-05:00

First things first. Tutorial postponed. I still didn't feel all that great yesterday and today was spent at the pool with friends. Sometime this weekend however, I will post the how to!!

Pinky swear...

Now, on to the more important piece of business ;) It's GIVEAWAY time!! I had planned on just giving away one thing, but I have decided to giveaway two. Nah, let's make it THREE since I'm so late with my promised tutorial. (see I know you all wait with baited breath for it :)

Okay, here are the rules:

One: leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite summer activity. This will earn you one entry.

Two: For an extra entry, visit my Etsy shop and tell me your favorite item. Leave another comment with this answer. This earns you one more entry.

Three: Post about this giveaway on your blog and send me the link. This will earn you an extra two entries!!

Lastly, if you leave me a comment with your favorite summer recipe I will give you two extra entries!!

If you do all of these, you will have six chances to win. Now, here is the deal. You can also tell me which of these items you'd like to win. I can put your name in for all three or just for one. Please let me know in your first comment. If you don't indicate a choice, I'll put you in for all three.

Oh and what can you win, you say??

How about this mini magnet set? You will receive four 1/2 inch magnet (super strong) and one vintage faux pearl earring turned magnet. Super cute if I do say so myself.

Or how about this bracelet? It measures about 7.5 inches and is made with vintage buttons. The center grayish one is mother of pearl.

Lastly, you could win this vintage earring ring. It is adjustable, so one size will fit most. This gorgeous ring is repurposed from a vintage rhinestone clip-on earring.

I will close all comments on Thursday, June 25th at 9am central time. I will notify the winners later that day. The winners will have 48 hours to respond (unless you have told me you'll be out of town or something) or I will pick another winner. This means that I need to have a way to contact you!!! So, if you don't have a blog, please leave an email address.

Thanks, and have fun!!

Stay tuned for this how to:

Trish

** Comments are now closed! Thanks to all who entered! I'll post the winners later :)

Hump Day

2009-06-17T19:59:00.003-05:00

Ugh. Wednesday. Boooring. I have the middle of the week blues people. Seriously. I've been fighting a headache since I woke up. I tried a nap. Woke up. Headache is still here. I mean, come on. I think I'm just going to go to bed and hope for the best. Tomorrow is Thursday after all!

I will be posting my "tutorial" on how to make a cute and inexpensive bird bath tomorrow or Friday. (depends if the vice squeezing my head loosens.) And stay tuned. I'll be posting a giveaway on Friday!!

Peace,

Trish

It's a party!! A Garden Party that is!!

2009-06-16T09:11:00.014-05:00

Kimba at A Soft Place to Land is hosting a garden party! I thought, hmmm... I have a garden ;) So, here are some pics of my various gardens and one that is in need of some TLC (read professional) help!

tomatoes, lettuce and a strawberry soon to ripen (the trick is getting to them before the birds!).

Lavender is a favorite of mine, unfortunately it is only an annual here in Wisconsin, dragonflies watching over my garden and a pretty purple Iris.

My little garden gnome to welcome you to my garden. In hindsight, he should have been first instead of here in the middle. Oh well...

Some herbs, hydrangea planted this spring, cool thrift find, heart shaped rock (I'm always finding these. Ok, at least I think it looks like a heart!)

And here is the space that really needs help. Overgrown and out of control. As you can see by the wheelbarrow, I've sorta got a plan. I just feel terrible cutting down the trees... or whatever they are. So, if you have any thoughts, feel free to shout 'em out!!

There you have it. Snippets of my gardens. In the next day or so, I'll share a cool project for a mini bird bath!! Way cool and easy!

Also, if you are still reading this, you deserve a prize, come back next week for a

~ Giveaway ~ !!

Trish

artnest: Art Nest Goodies GIVEAWAY - design your own ring and needle nest!!!

2009-06-14T14:53:00.001-05:00

artnest: Art Nest Goodies GIVEAWAY - design your own ring and needle nest!!!

Katie's 100th post Giveaway!!

2009-06-14T07:51:00.006-05:00

Go here to experience a delicious blog and to enter Katie's 100th post giveaway!! She is giving away a shopping spree to Lola B's Boutique and if you become a follower, you could win one of her awesome pillows!!

I want this one:

:) I love finding new blogs that rock and then discovering that they are having a giveaway!! It feels like my birthday!

Trish

Celebrate Burt Day!

2009-06-14T07:34:00.004-05:00

I just found out about this. Burt's Bee's, one of my favs is giving away 25 Beeswax Lip Balms in 25 days to celebrate their "burtday"!!

New Goodies in Shop!!

2009-06-13T14:44:00.005-05:00

In the last few days, I've added some new goodies to my Etsy shop. Check it out, tell me what you think.

I love vintage earrings and buttons, so you will see them more and more in my work. Over the next couple of weeks, I'll be sharing more of my projects. I work with many different mediums and can't wait to share!! (I've decided it's time!)

Hope you're having a great weekend!

Trish

My day... in pictures...

2009-06-12T18:45:00.007-05:00

Trish

Soap

2009-06-10T13:12:00.003-05:00

I don't know about you, but I am kind of a freak about my soap. I prefer homemade. Geesh, there, I said it. I'm not sure exactly what it is. Maybe the amazing variety of fragrances; maybe the fact my skin doesn't feel drier than it already is (Wisconsin, ya know); maybe it's because I love buying handmade when I can; maybe I just like it, okay. Enough said about that. So, if you have never tried homemade soap, or you are like me and love to try as many as you can, I have an offer for you! Go here and check out "soap swap" on the right hand menu. I am anxiously awaiting my sample from Nothing but Soap! I'll let you know in a few weeks what I think. :)

Now, amusing little story (I think) that kinda shows what a small world this blog/Etsy community is. I am preparing for my garage sale and decided to cruise some new blogs while I take a break for lunch. You know what I mean... I typed "blog" into the main search page on Etsy (because I love reading the blogs of Etsians) and the second shop I saw was Nothing but Soap. So far, nothing weird. Aha, as I'm looking at the offerings and see the spend $15 and get a free handmade washcloth offer, I think, great shop, great prices, love the washcloth... yada yada yada... scroll down to add to my favs and the shop is already a favorite!! Cool, huh!!

:) Trish

Yessss! I think I might be able to call myself a.... sewer?? LOL!!

2009-06-07T18:20:00.006-05:00

:) Okay, I thought about changing the title of this post. But, come on... I mean I just couldn't!

Anyhoo, looky what I made!!!!

I used Amy Butler's Gum Drop Pillow pattern and various fat quarters to make the 18 inch pillow. Because my fabric was not long enough, I had to sew the panel halves together, rather than a seamless panel. But, hey, I LOVE it!! Kenzie uses it as a "beanbag" chair. Glad she likes it. I made it, but had no clue what I would do with it ;)

By the way, sewer??? What is the correct terminology??

Trish

Decal love!!

2009-06-06T19:23:00.004-05:00

I think that the new decals are the greatest thing since sliced bread ;) What an easy and unique way to freshen up a room!

Lewa's Designs has wonderful wall designs to suit every taste and...

LAPTOP decals!! Super cute!

So, head on over to http://www.lewasdesigns.com/ and snag yourself a couple. While you're at it, check out their blog! You can even check them out on Etsy!

And for a limited time, if you blog about this very cool shop, they are being very cool and will send you your very own decal!! Check out the details on their blog.

Trish

I love Grandma!

2009-06-05T18:46:00.004-05:00

My Grandma turned 80 last weekend!! She is amazing. I love her with all my heart. We had a party for her and the day was perfect!! There was a threat of rain, but Saturday dawned clear as a bell, not a cloud in the sky!!

Aren't we lucky to have such a gorgeous grandma! (a bunch of my cousins are missing).

All of her great granchildren, minus one who couldn't be at her party.

Happy Birthday to my Grandma, my mom, Katie, and Kenzie!!! All in May :)

We've left some fish out there for you!!

2009-05-26T19:54:00.006-05:00

Aka, the big one got away!! (actually the all got away)

Sunday was a beautiful day!! Sami was camping with friends and Kenzie was playing with her friends, so Mike and I took Katie and her cousin Haley fishing. We had fun, but let me just say that after casting and casting and untangling line and casting and casting and not catching anything, we were a tad discouraged!! So needless to say, if you are in Wisconsin, this fish are safe from this family!! (Katie is in the plaid shorts and green shirt.)

So as not to make them jealous of their sister and cousin's fame, here are my other two beauties!!

:) trish