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

Seattle, Until Next Time...

Beneath Seattle, lies an intricate system of sidewalks and barrier walls, remnants of a bustling city from over one hundred years ago.  If you are going to visit Seattle you MUST take the Bill Speidel's Underground Tour!  To join the tour, go to Pioneer Square where you'll find Doc Maynard's Public House, a restored 1890's saloon, and if you buy a drink while you wait (come on, you're in a saloon!) then you get first dibs on seating when the tour begins.  The tour guides are highly entertaining, hilarious really, and also informative.  Matt and I learned bookoos about the early days of this remarkable city.  Fascinating facts like after the Great Seattle Fire, the business men were anxious to build again, (naturally) but the city planners knew they needed to raise the level of the city.  Business vs. Government, sound familiar?  So they worked out this plan of erecting business first, then the city engineers built retaining walls, and after they covered the original sidewalks with iron support beams and concrete, essentially raising the street one level on each block.  The first floor of these buildings became the basement.  Interesting, right?

Before we took the tour on day four, Matt and I joined a couple of his work friends for a full day of sight-seeing!  After breakfast, we strolled beside the bay, inhaling the crisp morning air while a cool breeze whisked through our hair as we took in a gorgeous view of the bright, blue water.

From the Pier

Kissy, kissy!

Smack dab in the middle of the pier was a random piano!  Uh-huh, your guess is as good as mine, but the sign said something about bringing arts into the city.  Sounds good to me!  I video "creeped" on another tourist who obliged me a tune!

On our walk to the iconic Space Needle we passed by the Sculpture Gardens. Although we didn't have time to walk through, I was able to snap a pic of a.... wait for it....metal tree.

 

Alas!  After a uphill climb that could have been Mount Rainier to my jello legs, we arrived!

Excuse the narcissistic Kardashian selfie: I couldn't help it. ;)

 The Seattle Space Needle hovers at 500 ft in the sky offering breathtaking 360 views of the city! Located inside the monument is the SkyCity Restaurant offering both brunch and dinner.  We didn't eat there because they were booked when I called to make reservations! Call early.  Brunch runs around $45 dollars and dinners can cost upwards of $60.  Sounds pricey, but you'll pay $15-$25 for a decent lunch in Seattle anyway.  Combine lunch with the price of a deck ticket and it costs the same.  Since we couldn't get reservations, we purchased a ticket to ride the glass elevator to the viewing deck for $26 and grabbed a coffee in the cafe.  Once inside, visitors can sign an electronic guestbook and view their name and home city on the map.  The Hubbards are in!

Whew! All this exercise and sight-seeing made us hungry, so we rode (because we darn sure weren't going to walk again--heaven forbid!)  the Seattle monorail into downtown only to walk, yet again, to Etta's,  for lunch.  I had the "Rub with Love" SALMON and it was tasty!

Refueled and ready for action, we leisurely strolled through downtown to Pioneer Square for the above mentioned Underground Tour.  Afterwards, on our way back to Pike's Market we grabbed a margarita, chips, and salsa from some cantina with an open patio.  Note: if you're from Texas do NOT bother buying Mexican food in Seattle.  The margarita wasn't good and the salsa didn't taste like salsa but more like straight tomato sauce.  The view was nice and the chairs were fantastic--really, any chair would have worked after trucking the hills of Seattle.  I'll tell you what, people aren't fat in Seattle! Incline of 50 on the treadmill!

So Matt and have this joke; anytime a place closes early we'll say, "Is this Sweden?"  because in Sweden when the shops close at 6:00 pm (if you're lucky), they WILL kick you out.  Like, in line to try on an outfit, a store associate will come up to you and say, "we're closing and you'll have to come back tomorrow." NEVER does this happen in the USofA because we ARE greedy capitalists who will NOT turn down a possible sell.  Come on! 
So we made our way back to Pike's at 6:00 pm on a FRIDAY in the MIDDLE OF PEAK TOURISM SEASON, and the place was a ghost town! We said, "Are we in Sweden?"All the market vendors had closed up shop!  I kid you not.  If you're reading this and planning a trip to Seattle, make sure to plan accordingly.  (The next day, before we flew out to catch our flight we returned so that Matt could experience all that is Pike's Public Market.)  However, we did spend the evening sampling beers at the lively Pike's Pub and had a wonderful time with our friends. My favorite sample, Pike Kilt Lifter.  Watch out!

As I mentioned, we drove back on Saturday before we left, and the big take-away from the morning was Ellenos real Greek yogurt!  This isn't your supermarket yogurt: this stuff is other-worldly delicious! Best news ever: they accept online orders!  This screenshot from Twitter best sums up our tasting experience:

After enjoying the exceptional yogurt, we drove to airport, luggage in tow. 

   ~Truly, Cinderella