An Author's Purpose

Time off means time to think. I'm enjoying the leisure that comes with the beginning of spring break even though it doesn't feel like spring yet.  Four days ago I tromped with Madilyn and Sophie through layered snow amidst a path of trees out behind our house.  Beyond the greenbelt, train tracks were covered in ice and glistening white powder. Snug below a canopy of trees, we felt as if we'd wandered into Narnia. We traveled into one of those surreal moments that come few and far between.  I pondered over purpose.  Now, in this moment, the snow has melted, the sky remains grey, and I will write — today. 

 Some call it ADHD

         Others call it creativity

My friend calls it "diversified talent"

       I call it confusing.

There are those who know,

know why, know who, know purpose.

They ask the flight attendant for scotch

and she answers with cheap whiskey. 

The Knowers prophesy perfection,

but,

       do they ever question the blueprint?

In dark hours before dawn

           Does Doubt visit the architect?

I crave the frenzy,

     I swim in stormy waters,

               to catch the wave

of promised change.

Lenka says, "all I want to be is everything— 

at once."

Me too.

..........................................................Since the age of I don't remember,

the stories are of mothers, homemakers, writers, teachers, lawyers, poets, business owners, hairdressers, copywriters, postcard creators, interior decorators, fashionistas,  story builders.

Curiosity is the giver,

and the taker;

didn't he kill the cat?

My grandparents lived in the same house for fifty years.

I've lived in thirteen.

My grandmother, a preacher woman,

her profession was dedicated to helping others:

HER ENTIRE LIFE.

             I am what I am.
     

Study and obsess until I get good, at least proficient. 
Put in the time until time slows.

Then boredom sets in,

or I pass by greener grass, 

that damned grass!

Who tends the grounds?

How long has the landscaper scaped?

I pass another lawn,

     as green as the last,

         and I forget.

Tales told,

a cruel narrator who makes and murders.

Characters evolve, the setting moves,

onto the next.

I am the curator of my life.

Author Unknown.

SUPER easy Chicken 'n Dumplings

Snow days call for warm, comfort food like chicken 'n dumplings.  I make a SUPER easy recipe that was told to me by my dear friend Tiffany.  She shared this one with me years ago, and it quickly became one of our family favorites.  

Ingredients: 

Rotisserie Chicken

Celery-2 stalks

Onion- half yellow

Chicken Broth-4 Cups

Grands Biscuits-1 can

Milk 

Butter

Directions:

Pick up a rotisserie chicken at the grocery (told you, super easy) and remove skin and pull the meat off.  Set aside.  Next chop onion and celery and sauté in 2 tablespoons butter inside dutch oven.  Cook until translucent and add chicken broth.  Add water to the pan until half full of liquid.  Bring to a boil.  Cut biscuits into quarters and drop into boiling broth.  Reduce heat to low, cover, and stir occasionally to keep dumplings from sticking together.  Cook for 10-15 minutes until biscuits are no longer doughy.  Add chicken to the soup along with 3 Tbsp butter.  Stir.  Slowly add milk to make the soup the right consistency.  Add salt and pepper.  Simmer until thickened. 

Fill pan with broth and water

Cut Grand Biscuits into quarters.

Add biscuits then chicken.

Enjoy!  Yummmm.

All Is Well

With shimmering white hair, she sits in her recliner, rocking slowly, each sway moving her closer to Jesus.  My Nana has counted her blessings and thanked her Maker every day, all 38,450 of them. She told me this weekend she doesn't know why God has let her live this long and after living 105 years, she feels tired. These days she prays for strength. "I tell God that I'm grateful to be alive, but if he is going to leave me on this earth he will need to give me the strength to live here," she said to me as I walked her to the kitchen on Saturday morning.

   I know why the good Lord has let her stay: to bless the rest of us.  She loves with intrepid kindness, the kind of honest love that people rarely share anymore. She's funny and insightful.  She's full of wisdom. She's a straight-shooter and she's opinionated, but she respects those whose opinion differs from hers.

   She's political. The last democrat she voted for was Jimmy Carter, and as far as she is concerned, he was the most "honest Christian man to serve our country."  She has repeatedly mentioned that "it's a shame he wasn't reelected for a second term." Reagan turned out to be a "fine president from Hollywood," and Clinton should have "kept his pants on but I guess he did an okay job running the country." She has an autographed picture of George W sitting on her mantle.  She not only remembers most of the presidents from this past century, she also recalls significant historic events.

    She remembers the dust bowl and the New Deal, the roaring twenties and the WPA.  She can recall both World Wars.  She lived in Alamogordo during the Manhattan Project and at one point worked in an artillery plant to support the war.  She was living in Texas when Kennedy was shot, and she mourned the loss of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. when many white southerners did not.  During her lifetime, she watched technology change our world.  She went from living on the farm with no electricity or plumbing to owning a cell phone.  Hers is a flip, but she asks me why my phone is so smart. She understands that I can use my phone as an encyclopedia and she's curious. "How can it know that information? Does it pull it from up there?" she asked me and pointed to the sky.
Honestly, I had never pondered the inner workings of Google.  I gave her the best answer I could, "it's magic, Nana."

   The magic lights the lamp, illuminating Nana's words.  In a phone conversation last week Nana told me she wasn't feeling well but at the risk of complaining, she changed her mind. She said she would say what the woman in the Bible said, "all is well." She asked me if I knew the story and I told her no.  She proceeded to give the account of the woman who proclaimed to the servant on the street that all was well when in truth her son lay dead at home.
     Nana continued on and said, "The woman kept her faith in the midst of turmoil. Once she reached the prophet..." she paused momentarily, searching for the word.  "Oh, you know the prophet...I can't remember his name, but you know who it is."
    "Isaiah?" I answered.
    "No, no.  Well, anyway, the prophet, Mr. What's His Name, brought the boy back to life.  The woman believed God would restore her son, and so I will say the same--all is well."
    "Which book is that story in, Nana?"
    "I don't remember."
 
    This past weekend while I visited her, I told her that I had looked up the details of the woman and read it for myself.
   "I found it in Kings," I explained.
   Astonished she quipped, "You mean you found it on that?" She pointed to my phone.
   "Yes.  It's in second Kings, chapter four."
   "I don't understand how that thing works," she thought for a moment.  Slowly shaking her head sideways she retorted, "I don't belong to this world; it has passed me by."
   I thought for a moment how it might feel to live in her world. A world that was built on the backs of her generation but then to be left behind when sore bones could no longer keep up. I wanted to assure her she was okay and she always had a reservation as long she wanted the room.
  "Nana, don't worry.  I don't understand how it works either. All is well," I said, hoping to believe it.
 

Our sweet Nana.

   
 

New Year, New Perspective.

Why bother making New Year's Resolutions?  We all know that we will break them, right?  We vow to eat better, work out, spend less money, but why do we make the effort when we know by late February we'll be back to our dessert eating, tired, on-line shopping ways? HOPE is the reason we make our resolutions, and a life without hope is a dark one indeed.  So, I say rejoice in those resolutions and even if you break them, at least you've attempted to create a better life for yourself, because isn't that the point? Isn't improvement of ourselves the goal of our many trips around the sun?

My resolution:  Maintain a positive perspective in regards to myself and others.  Here are my three new mottos:

1. Compare not.  
• I compare myself to EVERYONE I meet and I am not even slightly joking.  I think my heart starts in the right place; I want to become the best version of myself, but in doing so, I constantly assess my place among others I know. This practice places a person on a quest that can never be fulfilled. Why? Someone will always be prettier, smarter, skinnier, richer, and overall more successful than I and knowing that makes me feel bad about myself.  But in the same sentiment, someone will always be less fortunate than I and that view is worse than the first.  It leads to a prideful heart. And anyway, why should I decide who is what?  So instead of all this comparing, I strive to remember that we are all God's children, and we all have our place and purpose and the superficial stuff doesn't matter. So, instead of coveting, I choose gratefulness and change my envious thoughts to a prayer thanking the Almighty who gave me blessings beyond measure. 
2. Live and let live.
•  I have my life and you have yours.  Why do I want to meddle in your business when I can barely manage mine?  I think others, including myself, attempt to control another out of fear.  Let's focus on helping others instead of telling them how to live, which leads me to my last motto.
3. Love, don't judge.
• I've found that if I shift my view and if I question why I'm judging another, I can get to the real issue bothering me, which usually has nothing to do with the other person or group. People judge for all sorts of reasons; fear, misunderstanding, insecurity, and sometimes judgement comes from a genuine desire to help, but it is fueled by a misdirected perspective. Instead of wasting negative energy by judging,  I can create positive energy by loving.  

~Truly, Cinderella (the middle-class, thirty-something, working-mom Cinde, of course)

Taco Stew: waste not, want not

Nom, nom!

   It is a cardinal sin to throw away food: a sentiment taught to me by my father, echoed from his Italian heritage, and by my Nana who survived the Great Depression. So, when Madilyn and I shared a rotisserie chicken a couple of days ago, we had plenty left over. What to do, what to do? There it sat on the second shelf lurking, taunting me from inside the refrigerator. With stern frugality I answered, "I shall make Taco Stew out of you." 

    Not only can you use leftover chicken, but Taco Stew is also a great time saver because you can make it in the crock-pot.  If you don't have leftover chicken, then first poach or bake 2-3 chicken breasts instead. 

Ingredients needed: 

Chicken

Drained cans of:
2 cans of Ranch Style beans

    (One with jalapeños if you like spicy)

1 can of Rotel
1 can of diced tomatoes

1can of tomato soup

1can of corn

1 package of taco seasoning

1 package of Ranch dressing mix

Dash of chili powder (optional)

Dash of garlic powder (optional)

Shred the chicken into the pot and add the rest of the ingredients. Stir and simmer on low for 4 hours. 

Ready to sir and simmer!

Easy-peasy! Serve with tortilla chips or crackers and a side salad. Perfect for a chilly winter's night. 

Made With Love

  Sifting through my recipe box is like rummaging through a time capsule filled with culinary memories. Card edges are lovingly crinkled and soiled by splatters of food prepared with love, honored by tradition. Throughout the holiday season my little treasure box is "loved" on even more! I frequently reach into my crowded pantry to pull out the box adorned in a vibrant print of grapes and pears. I place it on the kitchen counter so that I can sort, sort through moments photographed in casseroles and cookies. Even the box itself was a gift from a dear friend. She gave me the box as a birthday gift and put a few of her stand-out recipes inside. Recipes like Shortbread Sugar cookies; actually, she taught me, hands-on, how to make them during the Christmas season so that my girls could leave goodies for Santa.
      My mother didn't cook...ever. Every dish or dessert I've ever prepared has come from someone or somewhere else.  Recipes are collected like postcards, I choose the ones that best represent the time and place of a moment.  Sometimes I wonder what recipe box I would own if the cards were my mother's, but I don't dwell on this long because in that fantasy kitchen I wouldn't possess the cornucopia of delights I have now.  Like the recipe for fudge borrowed from Country Cooking, the First Baptist Church of Smalltown, Texas' cookbook or a recipe for cornbread dressing taken from an excellent cook with whom I used to work; I might not have Nana's green jello salad delight or Donna's pecan pie.  Some of my favorite recipes have been given to me by The Cheryls, women who have positively impacted my life, significantly changing its course for the better. My pseudo mom, Cheryl T's recipe for breakfast casserole is the perfect brunch dish for a family gathering; my sweet Step-Mama, Cheryl C's recipe for lasagne, or comfort roast, or the holiday delight, cherries in the snow are all crowd pleasing recipes. I cannot imagine a collection without these dishes in its repertoire.
    As Christmas approaches, I plan to cherish every recipe, every dish made.  To cook with love means to honor the recipe maker, and mark the memories with good food and loving family.

Ten Steps to Maximize Your Time!

I am writing this while sitting at Love Field waiting for my daughter to board.  Then, when I leave here I'm booked with clients who are ready to get their holiday hair on! On the drive over here, I pondered over ideas on how I want teach the Dystopian unit in my classroom.  I attempt to utilize every minute given. Yes, I am a energetic enigma, hairdresser and school teacher, but we all wear different hats and shift from one role to another in our daily lives.  With all this changing and moving, how do we best maximize our time?  Here are ten tips that help me and and might help you. 

Ten ways to make the most out of every minute.

1. Live your life; don't watch someone else's on television.

Americans spend an average of five hours a day watching television according to New York Daily News.  We spend another three hours perusing social media (New York Times) and although there are some benefits (like finding awesome projects on Pinterest or de-compressing with a fun episode of the Voice), most of those hours are buried in wasted time graveyard. Think about what might happen if instead of watching mindless hours of television or spending countless minutes checking out "the Joneses," people spent quality time with their families, served their community, or even read a great book.  Honestly, we could pioneer a new world with that kind of time. Now I'm not advocating TV or Social Media abstinence, (we all know that Twitter celibacy is impractical) but practice safe tweeting!  Set boundaries like designating a time limit on how long you allow yourself to creep on Instagram or Facebook.  Don't fall prey to a life lost to voyeurism.  The next time you sit in front of the tube or go for your phone, ask yourself if what your watching is worth your time? Then ask if your time could be spent better doing something else?  

2. Prioritize your time.

Life happens but don't let life "happen" to you.  Create your moments.  That diabolical Father Time will rob you a life well-lived if you don't consciously schedule your days. Decide at the beginning of the month what makes the calendar. Your time is important--keep this in mind as you schedule. Get mandatory events penciled in first then begin scheduling the "other." And remember, people matter not things. Make time for the ones you love first, then schedule the rest. Of course, we all must spend X amount of time on our responsibilities (like our jobs) but most of us create obligations that aren't necessary. Do you really need to join another committee or register your kiddo in another extracurricular? Leave a little free time for serendipity; every second passed is lost forever to Father Time.  Make your seconds count. 

3. Learn to say goodbye.

Do you ever find yourself in a exhausting conversation with someone who possesses a negative outlook on life?  These "energy vampires" will suck out all the inspiration from you. Learn to kindly step away or redirect the energy curmudgeon. Remember, you author your book. Write the moments the way you want and don't allow others to take away your pen. 

4. Invest your time in who and what matters.

Make time for family and good friends because the return on this investment is priceless! When I reflect on choices I've made over the years, I never regret spending time with my girls. If anything, the regrets are that I have not spent more time with them. Also, hanging out with friends is good for the soul.  Best friends make the hard times better and good times great.  I couldn't live without my fabulous girlfriends.  Lastly, organize your work schedule that reflects value. What I mean is prioritize the hours spent at work to gain the most from them. Now I'm preaching to the choir because I am the worst when it comes to spending countless hours on a task when it should have taken one. I envy those who have the gift of "assess and act." My problem is that during the assessment stage, I assess EVERYTHING and end up racing down the rabbit's trail. I end up losing track of the rabbit I was supposed to be chasing! Sooo....

5. Avoid the rabbit's trail and forget about perfectionism.
When you find yourself obsessing over details--STEP-AWAY! Walk away, grab a drink, and relax a minute. Chances are when you go back you will notice what needs to be changed. Make a conscious decision to leave it alone and move on. When you think about it, even perfect can be improved.  Be confident in your strengths and recognize your growth. The rest is blurred in the background. 

6. Sift and chunk the junk.

De-clutter your mind and your environment. Stay organized to maximize time by purging stuff you don't need.  When your mind gets cluttered, focus on what matters. News flash: you control your thoughts. When you find yourself agonizing over situations that are out of your control-stop thinking about it. Let it go and don't crowd your mind with useless, counter-productive thoughts. 

7. Less is more. 
The more "stuff" you manage, the more time it takes.  Simplify your life.

8. You're not tired; you're inspired.
When you feel exhausted and your list is long, make this your mantra. Think about how much energy you have when you are looking forward to a vacation.  You are pumped and it doesn't matter that you stayed up late packing and your flight leaves at 6 am: You are inspired!  Harness that energy and apply it to the ordinary Monday night when you have worked all day, and you still need to cook dinner, help the kids with homework, and prepare for work the next day. You can do it and do it well because the payoff is that you've provided for your family, you have made a healthy home-cooked meal, and you have contributed to the success of your children. 

9. Use every second.
Everyone needs down time to rest and relax but do so with intent.  Take advantage of spare minutes. Check your email while waiting in line, listen to an audio-book while driving across town, listen to the news while getting ready in the morning; seize the day! 

10. Fear not.
We only get so many minutes around the clock, so I plan to wear my best party dress and have a heck of time spinning!  Don't be afraid to make time for new adventures. When the dance ends, when the clock stops, go...go knowing you made the minutes count.

~Truly, Cinderella (the middle-class, thirty-something, working mom Cinderella, of course) 

REAL Life in October

I arose this gorgeous Sunday morning to crisp cool Autumn air, then poured a steaming cup of rich coffee into my favorite mug and savored a moment of serenity.  Snuggling into my red comfy chair I gazed onto the flowerbeds in the front.  Feeling an artificial sense of proficiency, I zealously planned to plant mums and decorate with pumpkins and hay bales during the afternoon following church.  Yes, after Sunday brunch, after Madilyn's tennis matches, I would cultivate the garden and adorn my home with welcoming Fall decor.  (Yeah, right!)

Real life:  Actually made it to church, but arrived overdressed.  It's like when an invitation says business casual and everyone else takes that to mean casual.  There IS a difference.  Apparently we missed the invitation that read, athletic casual because we rocked Sunday dress; the congregation wore shorts, t-shirts, pearl snaps?  Of course my husband took this opportunity to lean over and whisper indignantly, "I could have worn my jeans."  Anyway, I'd like to pretend that we are stellar Christians who lead life groups and listen to Hillsong in our cars but in truth this was our first time in church since the beginning of the summer!  (I know...heathens!)  You see, since we moved to the FloMo community we haven't found a church...like pastors haven't walked into our home carrying their flock to minister to us!  I suppose it doesn't work like that...something about SEEK and you shall find.  Guess we'd better do a little more seeking and a little less sleeping.

More real life: We practically jogged out of the sanctuary because Madilyn had to be at her tennis tournament at 1:15 and it was 12:20.  Forget brunch, we managed a drive through at Rosa's.  Scarfing it down, Madi quickly changed clothes and we were out the door headed for the courts.  She played two matches, lost them both, but it's totally fine because she really is improving in skill.  She played tough competitors and I'm so proud of her!

Real life continues: At 4:00 Madilyn, aka diva, reminded me that I promised her I would do her hair this afternoon. Fact: my hairdressing skills work as a blessing and a curse. I rejoice that we don't have to pay for our colors and cuts, but the downside is that I have yet another chore to add to the to-do list for the fam. Luckily, it's a chore that I enjoy.  While applying highlights to her hair I noticed the roots on mine, so while hers was processing I slapped on a medium brown.  Not exactly ultra glam, but it'll do.

The rest of the story: So after church when we were hurrying up the steps to the house (because Matt's side of the garage looks like an episode of hoarders thereby impairing our ability to park the truck inside) our neighbor stopped us to invite us to dinner, yet again.  We haven't been able to commit because our schedule is nuts, but I figured since they keep asking we ought to be decent neighbors and have dinner with them! They seem so sweet and we'd enjoy getting to know them. I pulled out my phone to schedule on iCal, and while checking dates, afore mentioned adorable, braided hair, bo-ho chic, perfect figure, neighbor says, "we eat Paleo so we look forward to grilling lean steaks for y'all." I responded appropriately with a "that's wonderful," and Matt looked completely confounded.  We said goodbye and before the front door was closed, he was asking "what the heck does Paleo mean" and I told him it means we suck at life and they don't.  I explained that it means we eat fajita burritos for lunch and they eat vegetables.  We dessert on chips and queso and they eat blueberries.

Naturally, when I begin thinking of one, I obsess over another, and my mind wandered to the working mom I know who runs every morning at five am and still commutes thirty minutes to work! Meanwhile I have a five minute commute and get out of bed about the time her workout is over.  There is no stopping this envy train once it's rolling, and I visit town after town of people who "are doing it right." I stop in at the station long enough to berate myself for not living life better.  Sure, I jog, until I don't.  I eat healthy, until I stop.  I save money, until I buy. I'm totally organized, until I'm not. I crawl back on the train hoping to find my magical godmother on board who will save me from myself and take me to the land of accomplishment. Wishful thinking goes on until I finally depart arriving at Gratefulness.

I'm not perfect, and if I'm honest no-one is...not even Mr. and Mrs. Paleo.  I remind my myself that even though we might not yet be the best versions of ourselves, our family has been blessed beyond measure.  No, I can't do it all (like write this blog as often as I'd like) or BE it all but I can remember to say thank you to the Divine who has lent me the minutes to create the moments.

The purpose:  Living each day better than yesterday and showing love to the travelers along the journey.

Tonight the front porch lacks pumpkins and hay bales, but my heart holds all the happy memories of Autumn's past, the perfect and the not-so perfect.  I'm grateful for the seasons, no matter whether they're decorated or not.

~Truly, Cinderella

The Maddis @ The Lake House-Hilarious!

Bags draped across our shoulders while the dog raced past our feet, bypassing the house to drink from cool lake water; we headed straight for the bedrooms, unloaded our bags and then shucked off clothes replaced by attire more fitting for the day: swimsuits.  The psychedelic wallpaper and green shag carpet catapult visitors through a time warp back into the easygoing sixties, where moms were still housewives, dads took two consecutive weeks vacation, and life generally moved at a slower pace.  Last weekend our crew had a wonderful time at the lake, Possum Kingdom.  The best part of a weekender on the water is that we were able to completely clear our minds and focus simply on spending time together.  No work, no stress.  Our dear friends Harold and Cheryl T., who are like a bonus set of parents to Matt and I, invited us over for our annual lake trip.  We cruised on the pontoon, zipped atop waves on the sea-doos, tubed, skied, and then floated.  At night we played board games and ate ice cream.  Ah, why can't summer last forever? 

Out of all the fun we had, my most memorable moment was a conversation I had with the girls, the Maddis.  Matt and I laugh at their zany antics ALL the time!  They are smart girls, but WOW, they have some blond moments!  Don't believe me? (Well, if you know them you believe me!) Check out this video in which they answer questions over history, geography, and current events.  Get ready to laugh!

                                        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_7daw5lZ2U


~Mother Hubbard [AKA Cinderella (the middle-class, thirty-something, working-mom Cindey)]

Loving You From Olney

For the first two years of our relationship, Matt and I lived apart.  We commuted back and forth from Dallas to Lubbock (345 miles) every weekend and believe me, it was brutal!  On our journey to see one another we'd pass through an itty-bitty town named Loving, TX.  One day I had the thought to send him a text that said, "Loving you from Loving."  It became our thing--when one of us traveled through town we'd send the other a text.  Eventually, we texted "Loving you from Olney."  Matt and I discussed the reason for the change a few days ago, and I think we did it because Loving is such a blip in the road that Matt would forget to text.  So when he stopped at the light in Olney, he would text me. [I won't tell you what Matt said....he thought we changed it for a different reason...a loving reason ;)]

This past weekend I drove to Lubbock to pick up Madilyn and sent my love to Matt.  On the way back home to Dallas, I sent it again.

Although, my favorite part of this message is that Matt asked about a Pitbull concert!  My husband adores Pitbull. (Weird, right?  My forty-two year old, born and bred, small-town Texan thinks that Pitbull is da man!) Matt had traveled to California for work Monday morning and his first message to me once he arrived was about a Pitbull concert!  I guess we're going to see "Mr. Worldwide" in October!  Ah, I love you honey. 

Back to School Steals!

Some of you saw my picture on FB titled EPIC buy of the day: 3 pairs of shoes under $35!  Let me tell you how.

Kohls is having a clearance sale on shoes plus I had a 15% off coupon.  First, I lucked out and found an adorable pair of Lauren Conrad ankle boots that were marked down to $7.99.  They were in a box labeled size 6 when the boots were actually larger in size, explaining why they hadn't sold.  I also jumped on a pair of comfortable Naturalizer wedges marked down to 13.99 and Madilyn scored a super cute pair of gladiator sandals for 14.97!  Always shop the clearance aisle, even when you don't spot anything at first glance.  Spending a little time scavenging can save you big bucks, and it's fun, too! 

When Madilyn and I ventured out on our back to school shopping, aka treasure hunt, I told her how much she had to spend.  Deciding on a budget before you ever leave home is so important, and I believe that teenagers should partake in the process. Therefore, Madilyn kept her number in mind and in turn, this made her a smarter shopper.  She actually decided against a blouse she originally liked because she decided that she didn't want to use her allotted money for something so expensive.  So, she ended up spending $100 at Kohls and purchased 5 shirts, 2 pairs of pants, and 1 pair of shoes!  Not too shabby!

Next we went to American Eagle who currently have all their jeans marked down to $30!  We LOVE AE jeans at our house, so I stocked up!  Madilyn bought 2 pairs of jegging jeans that will look fab with one of the oversized shirts she bought yesterday. 


By the way, I haven't made it by JCPenney's yet, but Katie B. just told me that they have men's tees on sale for $5! 


~Truly, Cinderella (the middle-class, thirty-something, working-mom Cinde, of course)

Vitamin Chart from Food Sources

We all know that we should eat a balanced diet, but knowing and doing are different, right?  I've created a chart to help us on our quest to eat smarter. 

Link for PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5sAozhsb8u-aUxaSjhwLVNqck0/edit?usp=sharing

Disclaimer: I'm no dietician, so I constructed my chart with limited knowledge and rudimentary research.  However, I found some common info at Medical News Today and Health-Alicious-Ness  that helped me choose which foods contained which vitamins; all of the foods listed above contain specific vitamins that we need to increase our well-being.  I listed common foods from which I can easily develop a weekly menu.  While researching I discovered the difference between water and fat soluble vitamins.  Water soluble vitamins are extracted frequently; thereby we need to consume these more often, and fat soluble vitamins remain in our system longer, stored in our... yep, you guessed it....our fat tissue! (Unfortunately, I don't think this means that if we carry extra fat we are healthier: bummer!)  Vitamins are best consumed through food sources, so no, you cannot simply take a multivitamin and proceed to eat chips and bean dip all day (sorry, honey).  Vegans might have a difficult time getting enough B12 so I've included a link with more information at The Vegetarian Resource Group. 

And why did I do all this?  After my latest check-up, the nurse called to tell me that my blood work indicated that I was low on vitamin D.  As I get older, I think more and more about how I need to eat better, not only to control my weight but also to increase vitality, energy, and longevity.  Psst: I didn't say I was OLD, just that I'm moving up on the number line, proof that I'm not kin to Benjamin Button.  I'm really young; I mean, if forty is the new thirty, and I'm not even forty yet, then I'm practically in my twenties! And since I act twenty-two, then I must be young because everyone says age is about how you act, feel, and think!  Thanks Taylor Swift, "I'm feeling twenty-two!" ;) Yet, I digress.

Anyway, I'm super excited about my upcoming menu for the upcoming school year.  Check back to see which combinations I use to build a plan chock-full of healthy nutrients, and follow along to see how my family improves on eating well. Hopefully you will join me. Take that, Vitamin D!

~Truly, Cinderella (the middle-class, thirty-something, working-mom Cinde, of course)

P.S. Comments are welcome.  If I missed something or I should add something to my chart, please let me know. Thanks!

Piaggio BV500 Scooter-Bella's new ride!

Piaggio BV500 Scooter

Bella is ready to join the ranks of other cruising enthusiasts who scoot from coffee shop to class, home to work.  Her gently used Piaggo scooter provides the perfect balance of speedy transportation with environmental conservation.  Her new ride gets 50 miles to the gallon, which means she'll save tons of money on gas leaving her extra cash to buy Ramen.  And what about when she needs to restock those noodles?  Groceries=No prob!  Both sides of her new ride have hard-cased side compartments, plus a storage trunk on the back.     Bella's scooter is Euro-fab and affirmed my desire to get a Can-Am Spyder.  I've wanted the three-wheeled beauty lacquered in crisp white for years.  I'd better start saving my pennies because Matt said he could find no good reason to buy me one.  Since my commute is all of five minutes, I can't use that as an excuse.  I could sell my car, which might bring in enough for me to buy one, but I'd still have that pesky chauffeur problem. Logistically, how will I drive around "the Maddis" and friends around town? Hmmm, I'll have to think on that one....

When (notice I didn't say if but when) I did get one, I'd need to take a motorcycle class first.  Bella took a class last week at Freedom Power Sports in Lewisville and had a great time.  She raved so much about her instructor on the first day,  that I went to meet her the second.  Danielle was friendly and helpful; she possessed a confidence in riding and relayed those skills in such a way that eased any fears Bella might have had.  Bella agreed to let me video her in motion:

Warming up.

Doesn't she look great?  Today she went to the DPS office and got her M license! 

As for me, maybe when my hair is completely grey (although, why would I ever stop coloring it?) and I eat my dinners at Cotton Patch, then maybe I can afford to buy a Can-Am!  Until then, I tried on this one for size. 
"Honey, take my picture?  Don't I look cute?  I think I need one too." I said.  
Matt was not amused.  He was busy trying to mow the lawn and there I stood, jumping up and down, trying to gain his attention.  He turned off the motor and gave me "the look."  The look I've grown quite accustomed to seeing over the past few years.  The look that says, you suffer from dreams of grandeur, you're a lunatic, and why must I always drop everything because you want a picture taken?!  Really?
I responded by doing what I always do--I ignored the look. "Honey, it will only take a minute.  Please??"

~Truly, Cinderella

Use dry shampoo for volume!

Katie R., one of my dear friends from college is getting married down in the Hill Country in November. She asked me to style her hair and do her makeup for the big day, and I said yes, honored that she asked me.  So this past Saturday she came into town for a quick hair and make-up rehearsal. I took a couple of before and after pics that I will share.  Katie is a beautiful canvas, which made my job easy!

Before

After

She prefers a natural look and typically only wears make-up for special occasions.  Her hair, straight and silky, is gorgeous but presents the problem of holding curl.  One of first questions she'd asked me was about using dry shampoo on the day of the wedding.  She'd heard that day-old hair works better for up styles but she would rather have fresh, clean hair on her wedding day. 

About dry shampoo:  Ladies who use it know that this stuff rocks!  I have long hair... have I mentioned I'm a working mom? Dry shampoo makes it possible for me to keep my long hair. I do NOT have time to wash my hair every day. In fact, I wash it every 3 days!  Tresemmé Fresh Start is a good inexpensive product and Sebastian Dry Clean Only is my favorite professional product. There are many options out there: I have a friend who uses Not Your Mother's Clean Freak and swears by it.  No matter which one you use, you'll find that applied on three days dirty hair, DS (dry shampoo) strips away excess oil while infusing it with floral crisp aroma.

So, I had good news for Katie.  She could wash her hair AND we would still use dry-shampoo.  Why use dry-shampoo on clean hair, you ask?  Because the dry shampoo provides a texture base to set the style.  Stylists often tell their clients not to wash their hair when getting an up style. And while hair that is slightly dirty seems to hold better, some women are uncomfortable with not washing their hair on the day of a big event, especially if they tend to have oily hair.  DS creates the big V as in olume, just what a gal needs on her wedding day!  Texan women know a lady would be committing a cardinal sin if she had flat hair on the big day. Don't think of dry shampoo only as hair refresher, but also as a product that will create volume and provide a base for backcombing.  DS will give Katie the best of both, staying power with volume AND clean hair for the honeymoon. I mean, a gal doesn't want her new hubby running his fingers through greasy hair!

Another tip to create volume: after applying DS, roll hair using Velcro rollers!  (Marci G., you got me on this one, I know!)  Wrap sections of the hair around a heated styling wand, then while the strands are still warm, wrap them around large rollers and pin.  Apply your make-up while the rollers set, and then unroll.  Voila--A voluptuous coif that even the Kardashians might envy.

For more info check out The Beauty Department's blog on the topic.

Spicy, Tangy Tilapia

SPICY, TANGY TILAPIA

Photograph doesn't accurately depict tastiness!

We ate this for dinner last night, and my step-daughter, Maddie H., who typically hates seafood will eat this one because of the kick from the red-pepper.  The spice masks the "fishy" taste that she doesn't like.  This dish is EASY and QUICK.  Let's get real: it's fun to spend time baking a delicacy passed on from our grandmothers, but usually, busy moms (and dads) don't have that kind of time! I created this dish out of need for something healthy that I could throw together in a few minutes.  Enjoy.

Ingredients:

1/2 stick of butter (Challenge is my fave because it's so creamy)
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic 
1 lemon (for fresh squeezed lemon juice)
1 pound of tilapia (feeds a family of four; you'll need more for those big-boy eaters)
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 TBS (ish) dill relish
Season with Red-Pepper Flakes

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Spray 9x13 Pyrex pan with cooking spray. In the microwave, melt butter.  Mix in garlic with a fork.

Using a brush, spread garlic butter over fish.  Next, squeeze lemon and drizzle fresh juice over fillets. 

Season with sea salt (use sparingly) and spoon dill relish on top.  Sprinkle with Crushed Red Pepper Flakes.  Bake for 25 minutes until flaky.  Serve with roasted asparagus (I like mine seasoned with Parmesan) and within 35 minutes from start to finish you have a healthy, delicious dinner for the fam!

~Truly, Cinderella