How Much is Too Much?

It's a discussion I joke around with my friends about frequently.  We poke fun and laugh about the fact we all revel in a glass or sometimes a bottle, of wine.  After a stressful day, there's nothing like sitting down and having that first sip, feeling your shoulders relax and your worries slip away.  After awhile, this may be that one thing you look forward to after a hectic day.  That one moment of utter peace, no matter how quickly it fades.

I believe I was blessed without an addictive bone in my body.  I know this for a fact because in my experimental, wild partying days...I long ago would have been addicted to something, anything - most definitely drinking.  I always had the ability to pick up something, then stop without a second thought.  I've seen friends and family go the other direction though...and it makes me wonder what in my genetics makes me immune to such things.  Why some people have a vice that takes over their lives, and other people can control it.  It doesn't seem fair...however because I'm at the positive end of that ratio I'll take it without too many complaints.

I've went months where the only drink I ever picked up was on the weekend, depending if we were at a social event.  Then there's times where I have at least a glass of wine every night.  Especially lately, because the stress from work and trying to balance life in general has me so tuned up all the time I need something to help me relax.  I've decided due to calorie intake, no more wine Monday-Thursday.  Just like that.  Instead, I've started running again to release the stress and anxiety.  I'm assuming I'll have better, healthier results...don't you think? While I thoroughly enjoy having a glass of wine while I cook...it's really not a big deal.  

I wonder, how much is too much?  When do you cross the line into that place where you can't go back?  I read an article recently about a mom who started putting wine in her coffee mug in the morning.  She started noticing that she was shaking and had this urge to drink, starting as early as 9:30 am.  I don't know about you, but I can't even imagine drinking wine at 9:30 am.  Back in my twenty's, we had a few camping trips where the early mornings began with Boone's farm. Who didn't at that age!? Now I think...noon maybe, but 9:30?   No, coffee please!  

So, I ask you, how much is too much? For me, too much of anything is when I lose control.  That goes with eating, drinking....anything.  If I feel the control slipping, I re-evaluate because I hate the feeling that I don't have a good grip on the reins.  And when it comes to my life, I like to be the one steering...

Road Tripping With Your Kids Without the Strife ~ Guest Post

Family road trips are the quintessential way to spend summer vacation. The weather’s warm, the road is open, and you and your kids are itching to get out of town. If you and your spouse are able to take a few weeks off from work this summer, you might be planning to spend them on the road with your kids. Road trips can be a whole lot of fun, but they are hardly ever perfect. Kids will be kids, and circumstances like car trouble do happen. Plus, a long trip in the car means a lot more family togetherness than you’re probably all used to. So, how do you road trip with your family and lose the strife? Here are some pointers:

1. Pack thoughtfully – Too many parents wait until the last minute before a road trip to pack. They shove all of their clothes in suitcases and then shove those suitcases in the back of the car and hit the road. An hour into the drive, they realize how useful it would have been to bring along some toys and other forms of entertainment for the kids. Kids get bored on road trips, and that’s a plain and simple fact. So, spend some time packing a few of their toys, and pack outfits for them based on the weather forecast of your destination.

2. Give everybody chances to stretch their legs – You and your kids are more likely to get grumpy and tired if you don’t stop every now and then and stretch your legs. It’s generally a good idea to stop every 2 or 3 hours to give everyone in the family a chance to get out of the car and stretch their legs and use the bathroom if necessary. Stopping will slow you down a little bit, but it can work wonders in terms of everybody’s moods.

3. Anticipate roadblocks – You may get a flat tire or your transmission may go out, of the driver may take a wrong turn somewhere. Things like this happen on road trips. So, don’t sweat it. There’ll be a mechanic down the road to help out, and the navigation feature on your phone will help you get back on the right track if you’re lost. As long as you do everything you can to keep your family safe on the road trip, chances are, you’ll stay safe and happy.

So, consider the three tips above, and have a memorable trip with your family. Your kids will never forget the family trips they took with you, so make fun your priority!

Author’s Bio: Logan is a guest blogger on the subjects of traveling with kids, traveling with pets, and when to consider your jet charter options. 

The Anti-Chicken Fingers Movement ~ Tomato & Pasta al Forno

I always love pasta, no matter what kind.  I try to mix up spaghetti dishes, spaghetti pie, pasta pizza, etc.  This   is a new one I tried, and the family loved.  Callie asked to take it to school the next day for lunch, which is huge since she demands the same sandwich, day in and day out.  

Ingredients:

2-TBL extra virgin olive oil

2-cloves garlic, crushed

1-pd lean ground beef

2-14 oz cans of diced italian tomatoes (or regular)

1-tsp dried oregano

1-lb whole wheat pasta (tubes)

8-oz mozz cheese, cubed

2/3 cup fresh parmesan

Direction, heat oil in skillet. Brown ground beef & garlic.  Add oregano and tomatoes, simmer - stirring occasionally until thickened.  Meanwhile cook pasta.  Toss pasta w/sauce.  Place 1/2 of pasta mixture in oiled 9X13 inch pan. Cover with 1/2 the parmesan, then 1/2 the mozzarella.  Layer the same way again, then bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.

Serve with salad and your bread of choice!  Happy Eating Friends ~ Trina

The Ones Who Say You Can't

I learned a long time ago that you have to protect your dreams.  You have to be careful about putting them out there because it's likely they'll get stomped on, laughed at....ridiculed.  I learned that no matter what it is you want to do, somebody has their two cents to say, and most of the time, it's not good.  It's only recently I learned that honestly...it doesn't matter!

When I wanted to go into the hay business, people said "Go to college.  Everybody should go to college."  And, maybe they were right.  However I started making more money than even imaginable by the time I was nineteen years old.  I became the hay sales and marketing executive for my father's company, and when that relationship ended, I started my own company.  I then was offered a position for an awesome organization, making more money to sell hay than most people I knew who went to college and I had zero college loans to pay back.

When I met my husband, everyone said, "Don't move to Oklahoma, you have an awesome career-you'll never make it there."  I started out at the bottom of a small insurance agency after I moved and didn't look back.  I know when they hired me they had their doubts about the little farm girl who didn't know an ounce about insurance, but four years later they had a respect for me only I could have dreamed of earning in the beginning.  Plus...I married the most patient, loving...amazing guy.  If I wouldn't have moved, I wouldn't have married him...which in turn, then I wouldn't have had my two beautiful children.  Think about if I would have listened to the naysayers...

After that, my husband and I decided to move to Colorado to advance his career.  They had the best lineman program in the United States, so off we moved.  Everyone thought we were crazy!  I got a job immediately at an agency there and shortly after, was an account executive, and soon after that, handling a sizeable book of business.  I learned more there than I expected, and now I have three insurance designations, over 7 years of experience, and am ready for my next move in life.

People will always tell you that you can't do something.  Usually, it's the people that are afraid you will.  I gave my notice Friday to transition the next phase in my life; my true dream.  While people look at me like I'm crazy and say, "How can you give up such a great job?" I say, "Your job is only as great as the level at which you enjoy it."  This is true, and I'm a person who believes no one should just be thankful for a job.  You should work your butt off, and have your choice of jobs.  If you're lazy, obviously this doesn't apply.  While I've made my fair share of mistakes, I make this next move without an ounce of hesitancy, and welcome the naysayers with a smile on my lips.  The only thing that drives me more to be successful in life than sheer will are those who tell me I can't.  


To those of you afraid to try, or even more so, afraid someone will tell you that you can't: there will always be people who say you can't. Remember, because there's so many people not willing to follow their own dreams out of fear or insecurity, they don't hesitate to try and shatter yours.  Every person is amazing and has a skill to be treasured.  Find that skill and don't look back....we only live once!  The ones who love you and believe you in, the only ones who matter...will support you!

~Trina

The Anti-Chicken Fingers Movement ~ Slow Cooker Ham, Green Beans & Potatoes

My husband declared this new meal one of his favorites!  And, the kids had two helpings.  I will definitely be making this again, it was so easy!

8 red potatoes, scrubbed and halved

1 (16 ounce) package frozen green beans (or fresh)

1 large onion, cut into about eight wedges

2 cups ham, cut into bite sized pieces

2 cups chicken broth

salt and pepper

(I served w/cornbread, the box kind you make - if desired, add this and any needed ingredients to your list)

Directions:

1. 
   
   Add all the ingredients to crockpot and cover, cook on low for 8 to 10 hours.
2. 
   
3. Serve with fresh, sliced tomatoes (I didn't do the tomatoes, but YUM!) and corn bread for a great Southern meal.
   
   
   How easy is that?  Like I said, def cooking this one again!
   
   
   Happy Eating Friends!  ~ Trina

A Party Fit For....A 2-Year-Old

If you saw my post about my 5-year-old's big bash-you'd totally get the title of my post.  Callie's birthday party took two days to prepare for; and a lot of cash.  She likes a lot of pink, lots of glitz, and of course, lots of guests. Clayton on the other hand-he likes quiet.  He doesn't like strangers, and he doesn't like a crowd.  So for once in my life, I finally looked forward to a birthday party.

There wasn't twenty kids running around on a sugar-high, or more presents than we'd know what to do with, or strange people and awkward conversations where you're just trying to fill the silence.  We had a few friends, and just a small number of kiddos.

I realized, this is what life's about.  Spending time with good friends, having good food and drink, and having great conversation with people you truly care about.  It just so happens....Clayton has it figured out.  You don't need the glitz, the glam...and the crowds to have a great life.  Now, if I can just get Callie to figure that out....

Meeting Other Moms – Like Picking Up Dudes Back in Our Singleton Days?

Two of my Charleston besties, Susie and Sam!

Have you ever noticed how similar meeting other moms is to meeting guys back in our singleton days?  I realized this when I first moved to Charleston almost two years ago. Luckily, I found a group of moms I connected with so well, I didn’t worry about looking anymore.  I was no longer on the market.  Other moms at the park were just “the others”.  I had my besties in Charleston.

Now that I find myself in a new town with two young boys and endless parks and playgrounds, I want someone to share my time with.  Someone who will make me laugh.  Someone who I can chat with about mothering, movies (ha! Like I’ve seen any new releases in the last several months!), favorite restaurants, dieting, reality TV and, of course, Oprah.

About six weeks ago, how long have I lived here in Florida anyway???, I discovered Destin’s one, and only, Chick-fil-A.  It’s about a fifteen minute drive from my home, not unlike many of the outings I’d travel to in Mt. Pleasant when I did live in the Charleston area. But this Chick-fil-A is a mom magnet!  A good mom magnet, mostly! And it’s a haven for a mom with two rambunctious boys who like to find an escape route from any and all playgrounds…this playland has only one way in and one way out.  And spacious, laptop-ready, shaded picnic tables!

This particular day this week was not unlike each day I’ve spent there over the last several weeks.

I spot her first. Or I think I do. She’s cute.  Stylish! She has equal to or more kids than I, so I know she’ll “get” me. We smile at one another. Finally, one of us gets enough nerve to speak up.

“How old is your little cutie?”

“Three-and-a-half. How about your little girl?  How old is that precious doll?”  See, we're both trying to impress with flattery!

“Just turned four.”

Cool.  We’ve got kiddos close to the same age. 

“Do you live here?” Remember, we live in a highly touristy town-so this is a mandatory question!

“Yes, we moved here a couple of years ago.  We’re Air Force. You?”

“We just moved here a couple of months ago.  It’s great!”

“Yeah, it is.”

Quiet.

That uncomfortable silence.  We both pick up our phones.  I’m checking my e-mail, trying desperately to be cool.  I glance up, she’s looking up.  Good, maybe she’s interested.

“Where did you move here from?” She’s asking me this!  Yay, she wants to talk!

“Charleston, South Carolina.”

“Oh, it’s beautiful there!”

“Yes, it is!  We really enjoyed it there!  But it’s gorgeous here!”

And over the next 20 – 30 minutes we talk about our kids and schools and friends and church and other playgrounds in the area.

“Emma Jane, 5 more minutes and we have to go pick up your sister.”

That’s when the panic sets in.  Do I ask for her number?  Will she ask for mine?  We’ve got cell phones now, we can easily type it in.  No pens or paper needed.  What if I never see her again!

We chat a few minutes more. 

“Emma Jane, put on your shoes please.  It’s time to go.”

I decide I’m not going to ask for her number- that’d be desperate.

“Thank you so much for all the tips you’ve given me on this area.  I can’t wait to start checking out preschools!”  I say, a little too peppy.

“Absolutely!  We’re here every week, usually Mondays or Thursdays.  I’m sure we’ll see you again!  It was nice to meet you!  Emma Jane, let’s go.”

And she warmly says good-bye. We tell our kids to say good-bye to one another too.  They leave.

I feel good about this one.  She was sincere.  Sweet.  Whose got time for numbers anyway with raising our kids!  I pack up my boys and we head out to our car.  My son says, “when are we going to see Emma Jane again?” 

“Soon, baby. Soon.” And I say this with great faith. 

p.s. Did you know you can turn in your unopened "toy" from the kids meal and swap it for a small ice cream.  May be at participating stores, but it worked at ours in Destin.  Yum!