Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Tired Tuesday

Yesterday was one of those days.  One of those days that it was obvious that I was tired and trying to do too much all at once.

Dropped my daughter off at day camp.  Went to physical therapy.  Came home in a rush and dropped my purse and keys on the floor so I could feed my hungry boy.  He went straight down for a nap.

My thoughts were:  Yay, I can get some stuff done!

Made a phone call about a bill, which took longer than expected as usual. Started working on a guest blog post, which was due today...I know I was procrastinating...life happened! Decided to cook meat for dinner to have a break from writing.  Looked at the clock and it was time to go get my little missy!

And guess what??!!  I couldn't find my keys and my boy was waking up from his nap.  It took me 10 minutes till I finally sent a text to my hubby knowing I'd find them as soon as I sent the text.  Sure enough, I decided to dig through the bag by the couch where I sat down to feed my son.  And guess what?!!  Apparently I had dropped my keys into that backpack instead of on the floor like I thought and I found them at the bottom of the bag!

I was late picking up little missy, which bothered me more than it bothered anyone else.  I was only 5 minutes late. I got over it quickly!

Then, it continued from there.  Blogger was acting up so it took longer to finish my guest post. My daughter was missing her friend we visited last week and my baby was fussy.

Thankfully, all I had to do was put dinner in the oven.  Once dinner was over I went to the gym.  It's amazing what a workout will do.  I didn't feel so aggravated anymore!!

This was me before my workout ;-)
OH, and I finished the guest blog post.  I'll let you know when you can see it on: Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom

What is your coping mechanism when you are having a frustrating day?

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Mammie's Chewy Choclate Chip Cookies



For the 4th of July I was asked to bring cookies. My daughter loves to cook which makes this the perfect combination!

Little Missy calls my mom Mammie.  I've adapted her recipe and added my own touch, but the credit needs to go to her...she did teach me to cook after all!

1 1/4 cup butter (softened)
1 cup sugar
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
2 1/4 cup flour
1 cup Quaker Oats old fashioned oatmeal
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups chocolate chips


In a medium bowl combine flour, oatmeal, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
In a medium bowl combine butter, sugar, and vanilla. Beat until creamy.
Gradually add the flour mixture.
Stir in chocolate chips.
Drop on nonstick cookie sheet by small spoonfuls
Bake at 375 degrees for 8-11 minutes.  

**I cooked mine for about 9 minutes, but cooking times will vary depending on weather, oven, and how much cookie dough you dropped on your cookie sheet.  For chewy cookies, see note below:

The best way to get chewy cookies is to bring them out of the oven a little undercooked.  Golden brown on the edges only.  If they are golden brown all over they will be more on the crunchy side, it all depends on your preferences.

I'm still enjoying my good cookie spatula and I highly recommend using one.  Good Cookie Spatula Link is below the picture: 




Monday, July 1, 2013

Monday Makeover: Postpartum PT

After having a baby it is a challenge to get workouts in.  And, even more of a challenge with back issues.  My body just doesn't do well recovering from a pregnancy and it takes time. I'm hoping tomorrow to add in some bike riding, but I've barely had time to get my pt exercises done.

I have almost been in physical therapy for 1 month.  I'm starting to feel like I'm gaining some strength!  Although, I'm pretty sure I did too much this week because my back has been sore, and not necessarily a good sore. I see my physical therapist tomorrow.

My pt exercises consist of:

bridges...lots and lots of bridges (I've decided this is a form of torture ;-)
planks and more planks (double ugh, this is tough after having a baby!!)


Those are the main exercises, which means there's always a way for it to be modified as I get stronger.  None of the above exercises have ever been used in my physical therapy in the past, which makes me hopeful that they might just work.  It also means I'm destined to be doing all those exercises for the REST. OF. MY. LIFE.  But, hey, if it works it will be worth all the pain and hard work.  I'm ready to be able to function without back pain.



The above video shows you how to do a bridge(if the video isn't loading or showing click HERE) .  I don't do mine that slow, but at least you will get the proper technique.  That is the basic bridge, which is what I started with.  I have now graduated to crossing my arms while doing the bridge which does make it more challenging.  There are many ways to torture modify, but for now that's what I'm focusing on.

I'll update you when I have more time this month...the next few weeks are a bit busy!