Sunday, December 30, 2012

Resolutions Recap for 2012

These are my 2012 Resolutions. I crossed out the ones I am happy with when it comes to my progress. I had an incredible year. It was busy and exciting.
1. Lose the baby weight
2. Read 2 (or more) books per month
3. Get back on Goodreads, keep up pintrest, project 365 and instagram
4. Be a better blogger
5. Have a date night at least once a month with out the baby
6. Practice monthly Random Acts of Kindness
7. Make a bucket list
8. Try 24 new recipes this year (2 or more per month)
9. Continue on my cookie and crochet journey see where it leads
10. Make good spending and saving habits
11. Be a great spouse, mother, friend, sister, daughter and family member
12. Take 2 trips
13. Do a 5k. (maybe this year ;) haha!)
addition to my list:
14. Read the bible. I found a reading plan for the Methodist Church and I'm going to try to do it.

I love making goals and resolutions. I may not complete them all but I think it is important to have goals. I am making my new goals for 2013. I always aim to complete as many as possible but I am not disappointed in my progress.

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Halloween on Long Island

I have never been a huge fan of Halloween. I loathe scary movies, will not go into a haunted house and scare easily. But I enjoy seeing the creativity in costumes and the decorations.
This year there were few trick or treaters compared to the past due to power outages and Sandy related issues around Long Island. 


           

Rocco had a crochet black hat made by me and he was Nemo! There was even a little gimp fin on one side of the costume. Greg and I did not dress up and we didn't take him trick or treating. My husband had the entire week off and we were able to see both of our extended families and show off our little guys first Halloween. My only regret is that we didn't get a family picture together. Live and learn! 


Another October pic with a Pumpkin hat I made for the baby

 This year Greg and I decided to carve our first pumpkin. We have NEVER done it! 10 years together and not 1 pumpkin carved! We had a lot of fun. Greg did most of the work. I baked the seeds and entertained Rocco while we all hung out in the kitchen. The picture below is out lit Jack O Lantern. 


I had a lot of cookie orders for Halloween. I made almost 400 mini cookies and presented them in many ways. I put this little group of photos together for my instagram. 



With October in the books now it is time for November and for me to attack my goals and get ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I can't believe the year is coming to a close. This is my favorite time of year. I love layers, scarves and the feel of fall! 

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Hurricane Sandy

Hurricane Sandy



This monster storm, nicknamed "Frankenstorm" hit the coast of New Jersey on Monday evening. 
New Jersey and parts of New York were just devastated. Breezy Point Queens, NY lost over 50 homes in a fire that spread quickly through a few blocks of that community. Manhattan was blacked out from power losses and had 4 tunnels and it's subways flooded. The Jersey Shore - Seaside Heights lost most of its boardwalk. Fire Island, Long Island NY had a ocean breach and ALL of it was under water at some point. It is scary to see all the trees down, wires down, gas shortages and neighborhoods with out power. There have been almost 70 people killed in storm related deaths.
My family has basically made it through the storm with no major damage. My heart aches for all the people who are struggling right now and I am praying for them all!


Thursday, October 18, 2012

Taking Responsibility

I have a bunch of excuses on why the past week wasn't good for working out, eating right or weight loss.
1. It was my husbands birthday weekend
2. we were celebrating our anniversary
3. I had 4 cookie orders this week
4. I had no time to buy fruit and veggies
5. eating out was easier
6. it was girls night
I could go on and on....

BUT I am not going to. I could have made a tiny bit of time and got things done. YES I have been busy and it was really tough but it is not that tough. I have credited my self with making the time to get fit these past 3 months and LOVE my progress,  I am not letting my goals get away from me. I should have done more.

I am making up for the squats and crunches that I have missed. I am going to try to get some walking in at some point, drinking water and really need to start tracking my food intake again. 

I did not weigh in yesterday. I decided to wait until next week to see how it goes. It is what it is. I am responsible and proud to make these changes.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

10 Years Together

This weekend marks 10 years since Greg and I made it official and started dating. I can't believe how much we have gone through in that time. 

Greg and I met at work when we both worked at Wal-Mart. We were not even friendly at first, then we became work friends. After a while we decided to grab dinner at the diner and work on college homework with out anyone one else around. - still wasn't a date. LOL We were hanging out a lot as friends and then finally Greg took me on a date. We went to Olive Garden and it was semi awkward. All of a sudden I was nervous and things were different. With in weeks I said a phrase which was way to soon, but out of my mouth it came "I love my boyfriend".  Greg smiled and we joked about it, but it was true. I knew from that day on I loved Greg and still do. 

I just knew it was meant to be. We dated for years before we moved in together and then we were engaged for Christmas of 2006 and Married in November of 2008.

We are now a family of 3 with Rocco's birth in 2012. I feel so lucky to have a man like Greg. 
From Rocco's Baptism in May 

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

My First 5k!

In July I decided it was time to do something about my health. I saw a pic of myself and thought it had to be someone else. I wished it was someone else, but no it was me. My body has changed with having my son. I wouldn't give him up for the world but I would like to change how my body is reacting to weight and bloating. 

So with that picture (which I may share someday) I decided to join weight watchers went for a walk the next day. I didn't get far. I made it about a 1/2 mile with Rocco in his stroller. But I did it again and again until now where I can walk a lot further with out feeling like kneeling over. 

My friend Kim P over at Gettingfabuless.com has been a huge inspiration for me over the past few years. She told me she was doing this 5k back in August. I had just started getting into working out and walking and wash't sure if I could do it. I was thinking about it and thinking about it then finally I just clicked the link and signed up. I had a goal; to FINISH. I knew I wouldn't be first, I would be ok with last place, but I just wanted to FINISH. 

And FINISH I did! I beat my own personal times and felt like a rock star. 


My friend Kathy (blue hat) came to cheer me on. As well as my husband and our son. The lovely lady in black with me is Kim P. HUGE thanks to her for being so supportive and being there for me at the finish to welcome me in! 

I am considering another 5k next month on Thanksgiving - called a Turkey Trot. What a way to start the day that most people eat thru. Also, I might try the Couch to 5k program to help me with my speed and running thru more of the 5k then I did on this race. 

Sunday, October 7, 2012

October Goals



I have completed making a list of my October Goals and wanted share them. I changed it up and categorized the areas of things to complete.

Fitness
Complete first 5k
Do the Crunch Diva challenge for October
Complete 41 miles in October
Lose 10lbs
Consider / sign up for Turkey Trot

Leisure / Craft
Read 2 books
Complete block of month for Crochet Class
Make Rocco a hat for his Halloween costume
Pumpkin Hat for Rocco
Pink / White hats for Kylie
4 scarves for the Church Sale
Have 2 Date Nights with Greg
Update Book Blog

Baking / Cooking
Make 20 cookies for Church sale
Try 4 new recipes
Complete all orders for October
Host Coffee Hour for Church

Household
Clean out my closet
Childproof all areas
Make Christmas shopping / crafting list

Pretty ambitious for this month but fingers crossed having my new planner and being organized I can get it all done!

Monday, October 1, 2012

Friend Making Monday


I haven't participated in Friend Making Monday from All The Weigh in a long time and wanted to join in. If you want to join in just copy and paste the questions on your blog, add your answers and then link it back to All The Weigh. 

Uniquely You


1) Do you prefer to talk or text? Texting! 
2) How often do you make your bed? I wish it was everyday but more like every other day. 
3) What sounds do you hear right now? My dog snoring and the TV has Bones on it right now
4) List three things that you always carry with you. iPhone, chapstick,  2 quaters (since I was a kid my mom / grandparents insisted I have money for a pay phone.. lol still do it to this day just incase!)
5) What are your favorite TV shows? Walking Dead, Bones, How I Met Your Mother, Ellen, New Girl, Vampire Diaries, CSI (vegas and NY), Criminal Minds - and more. 
6) Is there a hobby that you’d like to devote more time to? If so, what is it? Reading and crochet. I haven't had enough time for either lately. But I love both! 
7) What is your favorite drink? Coffee and Iced Tea
8) Share a couple of cool facts about your family. My Papa and I go to church together, my sisters are 9 and 14, we have always had a dog in our household.
9) List one thing that you will do for yourself today. Work out!
10) Share something that you’re thankful for today. My Husband and his dedication to our family.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Weighing In

Dieting is not easy. After having a baby it is not easy at all! Your body works differently and it takes a long time to adjust to having a baby. Occasionally things just don't go back to the way they used to be. For me my weight and how I am carrying it changed. 
After seeing a photo of myself in July I decided it was time for a change. I believed that things would go back to normal and I wouldn't have any of this baby weight. Well I was wrong. I joined Weight Watchers a few days after seeing that photo. Since then I have lost 13.8 pounds. I am grateful for that. But, I know I have a journey ahead of me.  

I made some goals for my self for the month. Not all of it worked out the way I wanted but I still worked hard. Next week I will share that. 

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

My Apologies!

I have been an awful blogger this summer. Actually I haven't been so great since my son was born. 

There are a lot of things going on in my life right now. I have started a weight loss journey, been cooking a lot, taken a position in my church on the council and working on my cookies.
I have made some goals and list for myself and plan to share a lot of that with you soon. 

I appreciate all of you that have been readers of my blog and look forward to sharing a lot more in the future. 


Sunday, July 8, 2012

Baking Through A Heat Wave!

I am lucky enough to not have lost power during the last heatwave a little over a week ago. I know a lot of people in the surrounding states did lose power for almost a week. My heart goes out to all of them.

With the air conditioner blasting, I baked a lot of cookies this week. Here are a few the VERY different orders I had to complete this week

KISS cookies for the ultimate fan! 

Real Estate Thank You cookies for a great Agent 

Cookie Monster and Elmo!

I love how many different cookies I had to make this week. What a blast! 

Monday, July 2, 2012

Goals


Goals for June Recap:

1. Read 2 Books - Done! (Swim & Is Everyone Hanging Out With Me)
2. Organize my cookbook area - Done! 
3. Make 6 new recipes - ok, so I am not sure about 6, but I got a few new ones completed.
4. Go for at least 1 family walk a week Not once a week but again we got a few in as a family and Rocco took a few walks with me alone this month
5. Finish crochet blanket - Done!! 
6. Find ways to save some extra money this month - Done! Ebay'ed a few items and had a garage sale
7. Try 3 new cookie decorating ideas Done!
8. Blog books read since beginning of year Ehhh didn't complete this yet. 

It is easy to say I failed for June being that I didn't complete everything I wanted to. But I am happy that I got a lot done since it was a busy month. 

July Goals:

1. Weekly family walks
2. Boost our savings account
3. Finish a crochet blanket
4. Read 2 books
5. Try 4 new recipes



Thursday, June 21, 2012

Rolling The Dough!

Lately I have been putting more effort into my cookie baking and designs. I haven't shared anything about cookies since May of 2011! A lot of that has to do with my lack of blogging and taking a break from baking when I was pregnant. Now that I am 'back' at baking I wanted to share some of my newest creations. 

This Mickey themed platter was made for a little boys 3rd Birthday

Took a shot at Hello Kitty for a Thank You favor


I made these for a contest for my Facebook page for my cookies. They are bite sized at 1'' each. 

I have a bunch more and will add them along the way. It is great getting back into the swing of things and rolling out the dough. If you want to take a peak at some more of the cookies I am creating take a look at my facebook page under Kim's Cookies 

Sunday, June 3, 2012

June Goals

For the first time in months I have made monthly goals. I hope to keep up and get these done. 

1. Read 2 Books
2. Organize my cookbook area
3. Make 6 new recipes
4. Go for at least 1 family walk a week
5. Finish crochet blanket
6. Find ways to save some extra money this month
7. Try 3 new cookie decorating ideas
8. Blog books read since beginning of year 


Any one else have goals for the month?

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Meet Rocco

After my first post about Rocco I thought it was time to tell you more about our little guy. The first month was tough! After a month we started getting 5 hours of straight sleep, then we found our groove. Now Rocco is almost 4 months old. He is a smiley baby, giggles, starting to roll and has me wrapped around his finger. We have transitioned Rocco to his crib and he is sleeping 7 - 8 hours a night. I am hoping he will love his sleep like I did when I was a kid. 


Rocco at 5 days old
Rocco at 3 months old
We are having Rocco baptized this weekend in our church. My husband, Greg and I have been working hard to get the party all together. We had planned for Rocco to wear Greg's baptism outfit, but it is way to small on Rocco! Luckily I found one for him to wear from Children's Place on clearance!

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

What's on my DVR

I one of those people who give new shows a shot. I love all types of TV, reality, talk shows and drama.  This year I have fallen in love with a few new guilty pleasures. 



The Secret Circle is a Teen Drama. I checked it out because of it following my favorite Thursday night show "Vampire Diaries". It was kind of boring at first, but I gave it a few more tries and now I am hooked. Cassie (blonde center front) is the main character in a group of witches in a small town. They find each other and build their Secret Circle. If you are into Sci-fi teen drama's check it out!


I am bummed about this second one. GCB stands for Good Christian Bitches. This show was on ABC- I say 'was' because it has been cancelled! BOO!! This show is adapted from a book by Kim Gatlin. I have not read the book, but it is on my list to read. The characters are rich Christian Texans who are still holding some grudges since High School although they now have teenagers of their on. There is some great country music in this show and great one liners. I really hope that it is picked up by another network. You can watch the entire season on ABC.com. 


And finally, Duck Dynasty. There is nothing funnier than a family of rich country rednecks. This is the Robertson Family, they are the inventor of Duck Commander (a duck caller used for hunting). They have made a TON of money and this is a reality show about them. The show spans 3 generations of the Robertson clan. They fish, hunt, cook, build their duck callers and show their family antics. It is fantastic. But keep in mind, if you don't want to see animals being killed then maybe this is not the show for you. You can find this on A&E. 

Friday, May 4, 2012

It has been a while!

Yikes! It has been 3 months since my last blog post! 

There have been a lot of changes around me and my family in the past few months. Biggest thing for my husband and I was deciding that I would not go back to work Full Time and I would stay home with our son. I am loving it, but it is hard at the same time. I have friends who are expecting and a bunch of girl friends with babies under 1 year old.

There are some things I have planned for the blog and for life in the next few months. I want to get back on track with goals, book reviews, recipe trials and what products / things that I love. Also there will be some "baby" kid blogs.

With all of this it reminds me of the new Burger King commercials! 

See you soon! 

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

We Had A Baby And It's A .....

We had a baby and it's a BOY!! 

Here is the first decent shot of me and my son at the hospital.

On February 2nd, 2012 our son Rocco was born. We did not know the gender until he arrived and it was amazing to here the word "BOY" after 9 months of wonder and guessing. Rocco was born 9lbs 10oz, 21" long. 

From the last time I blogged I had some complications with blood pressure and a pretty bad cold. Now, Rocco is almost 2 weeks old and mommy is a little sleep deprived! Hope to check in again soon, but if not you know why - Rocco has me busy!

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Oh Baby! Time is flying!

With Baby Goz being just about 3 weeks away, I have been "nesting" like crazy. It seems every day I have more on my 'to-do' list. But I checked off a major item this week and get the crib all ready.

Big shout out to my Husband, Greg for getting the crib, dresser and glider all put together!

The pattern is called Bunny Meadow by Kids Line and was a clearance find! I am all about the deals! I had to do some repairs on the mobile being that the bunnies were attached oddly and looked nothing like the picture. But now it is all set. We don't plan on using the bumpers in the crib, but they looked cute for the pictures. We are thinking of framing part of one for some DIY artwork.


And this is me at 36 weeks pregnant. I have to make a collage of all of my pictures and progress. It is amazing how your body changes. Oh and we are still "team green" and do not know what the gender of the baby is :)


Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Janurary 2012!

Wahoo! It is a new year and I want to get off on the right foot, so with out further adieu here are my monthly goals:

1. Use the reading plan from Unity Chapel  and meet reading goals.
2. Read 2 books
3. Try 4 new recipes
4. Finish all work projects on my to do list before my maternity leave
5. Get my licence information changed
6. Finish 3 crochet hats for Baby Goz and 1 blanket for a friend
7. Turn in my application for the Lay Reader program
8. Wash all of Baby Goz's clothing and put away in new dresser
9. Find and download apps for baby 'tracking' of meals, naps and bowel movements
10. Get a Mani & Pedi before the big day!

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Resolutions 2012

Here we go a new year and a new list!

1. Lose the baby weight
2. Read 2 (or more) books per month
3. Get back on Goodreads, keep up pintrest, project 365 and instagram
4. Be a better blogger
5. Have a date night at least once a month with out the baby
6. Practice monthly Random Acts of Kindness
7. Make a bucket list
8. Try 24 new recipes this year (2 or more per month)
9. Continue on my cookie and crochet journey see where it leads
10. Make good spending and saving habits
11. Be a great spouse, mother, friend, sister, daughter and family member
12. Take 2 trips
13. Do a 5k. (maybe this year ;) haha!)
addition to my list:
14. Read the bible. I found a reading plan for the Methodist Church and I'm going to try to do it.