Are We There Yet?

Random thoughts one has while driving 700 miles at 4:12am in the morning!

~Hope the dishwasher doesn't stink when I get back.

~Did that lady at Target give me my change?

~Someday I think I'll call the "How's my driving" phone # on the back of a truck.

~Kel's was right, the hot dog he had for lunch was a weird color.

~I really don't want to have to buy a new computer; did I pay the Comcast bill?

~Stay awake...stay awake...stay awake.

~Is this the right way? (accidentally took a detour through downtown Boise-whoopsie!)

~What is SPAM anyway?

~Is that pooh I'm smelling? (while crossing the Oregon/Idaho border:D)

~I hope our new renters don't call us while on vacation.

~I'm going to be careful in the sun at Powell this year. I'm getting lots of moles in my old age.

~99 bottles of beer on the wall

~I could eat some shrimp cocktail right now.

~My toe hurts.

~Mullets....LOL

~ARE WE THERE YET?

"Hello...God...I promise I won't display any negative feelings towards any family member during my stay if you'll make my children sleep for the next 5 hours." Deal?

Get This: We were standing in a gas station staring like zombies at the crap food and Jeron in a panicked voice says, "Where's Lucy?" Umm...he was holding her! Lil' bit loony!!

Cool Tune! Download This: Our vacation roadtrip song~ Five Years Time by Noah & The Whale

So Long, Farewell, Alveidersein (sp?), Good Bye

Family, family everywhere

I'm staying THREE weeks...Do I DARE?

3 weeks of massive amounts of family

3 weeks of some serious roadtripping

3 weeks in someone else's bed

3 weeks of a non-napping 3 yr old

3 weeks living out of a suitcase

I must be out of my FREAKIN' mind!
This is going to be one of those "I need a vacation from my vaction" vacations.

BUT...we're so Freakin' excited!!

And where am I going you may wonder...

A. LakePowell

B. Utah

C. Idaho

D. All of the above

Adios Princesses!

P.S. I shall be traveling with my only-works-on-tuesday-piece-o-crap-drives-me-insane-laptop. So I will periodically update the blog for your reading enjoyment!

{Sigh}

Oh Geez...
I quit.
Motherhood is freakin hard.
I'm tired.
My nerves are shot.
No mood to smile here.

My house is a wreck.
Positive tude's in the trash.

My children are driving me nutty.
Endless "To Do" list awaits.
Hmm...and life still continues goes on.

I called my BFF to whine to her for a moment about my so-called life and you know what she said? "Tomorrow's a new day." I told her to shut up!:D

Yup, tomorrow is certainly a new day. Big deep breaths.

p.s. The Dollar Store apparently just got a lifetime supply of Douches in case you're out! Oh.... I think I just found my smile. And you? Douche...there's a word for ya.

It's Trendy Tuesday...Do You Dare?

Just how much pain are you willing to endure to pull off the latest TREND?

No pain no gain is what my Lulu is learning already. She will not let her green jewel shoes die. They are her favorite and I swear the things make her feet numb. Have you ever had a pair of shoes that made your feet numb? I have!

Although it may not be cool to have FLAT hair, it is super trendy cool to wear FLATS in the summer. There are so many fun colors to choose from. Embellished, bowed and jeweled...take a moment to check out the summer sassy flats. Pair with a knee length skirt and all the 2yr olds at the pool will want to flirt with you. Here are a few to take a peek at. TREND ALERT: Steer clear of boring old black and go for some color. They will be the perfect pop of color your outfit's looking for!

LOVE THESE and THESE!

WARNING: When removing flats after a long day at the zoo, do so with caution. STANKY!:D

P.S. The Fall 2009 Ugg Trunk show is in. Check it out HERE. The navy stripped ones are going in my virtual shopping cart. Adorable!!

Mrs. Princess Pookie's Social Calendar

And what a weekend it was!Happy first day of summer! Welcome to Washington!

Here it is June 22 and the official start of summer and my poor son is STILL in school. Once again...Welcome to Washington! There is something not right about being in school for so dang long! The stinkin' school district has added so many stupid "school break days" that next thing we know we'll be doing our sparklers during recess for the 4th of July. GIVE ME A BREAK! Get me out! One more day then we're done. However, I better watch it cuz I predict an "I'm bored" by 2pm Wednesday! Thank goodness we leave for vacation on Friday.

Our Father's Day weekend at a glance.

Swimming at the pool. It was NOT warm. Thank goodness for Dad's who take the children swimming in 65 degree weather! We sat in our jackets and observed.

Exploring at the beach.

Mr. Crabs and Patrick.

My rain gear. We live in Washington and never seem to have an umbrella!

Me having a heart attack as I watched my family cross the log. Motherhood has turned me into a basket case when it comes to potential danger!

Waterfall we hiked to...in the RAIN!

Lucy's weekend phrase: "You're freakin' me out!"

On top of the world!

We hope you had a great weekend Dad!

Our Mr. Incredible!

HOT... hunky...handsome, PERFECT smile, HOT, caring, patient, funny, silly, HOT, rhythm, singer, fixer, HOT, kind, concerned, honest, thoughtful, HOT, smart, hard worker, style, happy, HOT, playful, dedicated, lover, friend and let us not forget "MANLY"!

OUR DAD

our "Buddy Chelly"

Happy Father's Day! Your are better than the BEST!

Love You Forever

xoxo

Silly Magilly Cutty, Best Buddy and Pookie

P.S All those "hot's" were from me, not the kids. ;D

Smelly!

Why does my house smell like a fart?
Why am I using the word fart? (We use "toot"!)
Why does the word fart still make me laugh as a grown woman?
Why does my son think farting is the funniest thing on the face of the planet?
Why is it that when men fart we think it's disgusting and when women fart we giggle?

I'd much rather "fart" around than deal with the realities of my life right now!


Hope everything SMELLS pretty in your life today! Wallflowers are on sale at Bath and Body Works!

My Favorite Wallflowers Scents: Blissful Blackberry (everyone comments on this one who comes to my house), cinnamon stick and french vanilla. Check the $4 ones HERE. Fresh Lemonade is an excellent scent as well!

Do NOT buy THIS one. Barfola headacheness city!

SYTYCD Update: Johnathan and Karla dancing to Falling Slowly by The Frames choreographed by Stacy Tooty ROCKED MY WORLD last night! AMAZING stuff princesses!! The week prior...Kupono and Ashley~crash dummy dance~choreographed by Wade Robson (one of my FAVORITE choreographers!!!!) I'm pretty sure in the next life I'm going to be able to dance like that.:D

P.S. Good news, so far so good on the computer. We'll see what tomorrow brings?!

P.S.S. I love how I did a whole week's worth of posts for Mom's Day and have yet to even mention Father's Day. Whoops...stay tuned...I guess.

SEASON MUST HAVE!

My ever-so fashionable niece reports to us directly from L.A. on the following fashion icon:

ADVERTISEMENT: While experimenting with going bagless, you’ve discovered that ankles are liable to blister when subjected to loose change-filled socks and that the coffee guy is under obligation to accept all forms of payment — even the soggy $20 he watched you fish from your sports bra. (Aw, he’s blushing.)

The logical next step? Cap-sac, the fanny pack for your head.
In an array of cheerfully blinding bright colors and ever-sophisticated black, the nylon toppers look like sporty old baseball basics but have a sturdy zippered pouch up front for stashing whatever pocket-size items you want to carry on your person.
Now you can jog with ease knowing your once-jangly car keys are squared away, shield your lip balm from sand and your face from sun at the beach, or stash beer money at your next outdoor show.

That’s using your noggin.
Available online at cap-sac.com.

NOTE: This was copied directly from THIS website. Find the city near you and sign up for it. It's fun!

My niece and I will be getting matching ones for our vacation together in July. Aren't they just marvelous? Stylish, hands-free, SUN protective shopping! Now that's what I call CLEVER!:D

Paging Dr. Cyber

BONJOUR Princesses. Are you alive out there? Did you survive without your daily dose of Mrs. Princess Pookie? :) Did you think I had strangled myself with my wrap dress? Or perhaps you thought I might be recovering from a black eye due to a cat fight over the last Betsey Johnson baby doll dress on clearance. Well actually, the truth is I hopped on the red-eye Friday night to Paris to do a little weekend shopping. It was absolutely fabulous and the street-side crepes were delectable. The weather was more than superb and there's nothing more romantic than carrying all those pretty little boutique packages back to your hotel room. Okay, enough already! I'll spare you. THIS is what's really wrong and THIS is how I feel! My gem of a computer has already been to see Dr. Cyber once and now she must go back for a much more invasive operation, as in a complete wipe out! Let us all pray that she comes back with all her parts! YIKES! Please do check back for more ridiculous fashion fun!! In the meantime... SHOP ON PRINCESSES!

XOXO

Mrs. Princess Pookie

Just Lighten Up....

Smothered Green Chile Chicken
8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
lime juice
3 T. reduced-sodium taco seasoning
8 canned whole green chiles, drained
1/2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Arrange chicken breasts in a baking dish. Sprinkle each with lime juice and taco seasoning. Slice chiles lengthwise, cutting to, but not through, other side; open flat. Place 1 chile on top of each thigh. Cover dish with foil and bake 30 min. Sprinkle with cheese and bake uncovered until cheese is melted.

Pretty Tasty!

And For Dessert: Heck, it's Friday....eat cake!

It's "Sanny" Time

Oh how I love a good low-fat sandwich! When I was an itty bitty princess my daddy-o used to call a sandwich a 'sanny'. During the summer months I'd hop on the back of his motorcycle and we'd tootle on down to Damn Yankee (yes, that was the name of the restaurant!). They made the best ham sandwich in town! The restaurant doesn't exist anymore but the memories sure do. Thanks Dad!

Grilled Ham Sandwiches
8 slices crusty Italian bread (Costco's is stellar for this sanny.)
8 ounces THINLY sliced lower sodium deli ham
4 slices reduced-sodium Muenster cheese
2 c. fresh baby spinach
1/4 c. mild chowchow (What the crap is chowchow? Heck if I know! We used a low-fat sandwich spread.:D)

Directions: Build your sandwich with all the above ingredients. Coat a skillet with cooking spray. Cook on each side for 2 min. or until brown and cheese melts.

Serve with...

Green Apple Waldorf Salad
2 large Granny Smith apples, chopped
1/4 c. dried cranberries
1/4 c. light mayo
1 T. fresh lemon juice
1/8 t salt
2 1/2 T chopped walnuts toasted

Directions: Combine all ingredients except walnuts then sprinkle the walnuts on top. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

TIP: Life is busy. We are always on the go. If I know I'm going to be out and about during the lunch hour I rarely leave my house with out a sandwich in tow! Even it's a PBJ-on whole wheat that is.:)

Question: Are you a pickle princess? Gotta love the extra crispy dill!

P.S. After I eat my sandwich may I take a nap today even though my house is exploding with laundry in need of folding? I hate folding laundry! Maid?

Because Diet Matters...A LOT!

Pardon the delay in posting today. Once again my computer has decided to take a non-working vacation. If posts do not show up for the rest of the week you will know I chucked my computer out the nearest window!

When people come to me thinking they have reached their "fitness plateau" and are frustrated because they are still working out but not losing weight, 9 times out of 10 they are stuck because they are not being honest about what they are eating. Thinking you're eating healthy and actually eating healthy are two completely different things~obviously. Think about the following: portion sizes, what are you adding to food (salt, butter, dressings, etc.), ask yourself "Is this really healthy?" and your liquids!

Recipe of the Day...
Taco Beans and Rice
{Makes an excellent mommy lunch.}
1 T. olive oil
1 1/2 c. chopped bell pepper (red, green and/or yellow!)
1 can red kidney beans rinsed and drained
1 c. onion
1 package taco seasoning (low sodium preferred)
Brown rice (Uncle Ben's make a great microwavable one.)
1/2 c. reduced-fat shredded sharp cheese.

Directions: Heat oil in a skillet, add peppers and onion. Cook til lightly brown. Add beans and cook til heated thoroughly. Remove from heat and add HALF of the taco seasoning. Cook rice according to package directions. Add remaining taco seasoning to cooked rice. Serve bean mixture over rice. Sprinkle with cheese.

Other random eats I'm enjoying from COSTCO!

Yoplait smoothie mix. My 3:00pm pick me up. Don't forget to add a banana!

Smart & Delicious Tortillas. They make a GREAT bread substitute for sandwiches. Suggestion: Say goodbye to cheese on sandwiches. That is if you're getting a decent amount of calcium from another source. However, instead of getting it from a fat-full cheese...try nonfat yogurt, cottage cheese and skim milk

It's Trendy Tuesday...Do You Dare?

I double dog DARE you! Here's a TREND~For the rest of the week (Tuesday-Saturday) I challenge you to rid yourself of a food related indulgence you enjoy. For example, the soda you "only" drink on Wednesday's at the park, the cookies you bought for "school" lunches :D, your Starbucks obsession, the butter on your toast in the morning or that little 9PM snack attack. Whatever your downfall may be, I challenge you to test your own will power and prove to yourself how strong you really are! Why? Because I KNOW you can do it! What's my indulgence? Juice in the morning. Just a little itty bitty glass of juice. What has helped me to overcome the guilty juice drinking? EASY!~I just don't buy it.

Today's Recipe:

Chicken Caesar Salad~What?? A healthy caesar?
Dressing (suggestion-double this-just don't double drizzle it on your salad!)
6T. light mayonnaise
3 T. fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 T. water
1 1/2 t. anchovy paste (I know, probably not in your cupboard!)
3 large garlic cloves minced
1 t. dried oregano
1/2 t. freshly ground black pepper
Directions: Combine all ingredients in a small bowl stirring with whisk.

Salad
Grilled chicken-Tip: baste with a little with dressing!
1 (10 oz) package of romaine salad
2 tomatoes, cut into wedges
1/4 c grated fresh Parmesan cheese

Black Pepper Garlic Flatbread
2 garlic cloves minces
1 T minced fresh oregano
1 1/2 t coarsely ground black pepper
1 can refrigerated pizza crust dough
cooking spray
Directions: Combine first four ingredients in bowl, unroll dough, coat with cooking spray and sprinkle with garlic mixture. Bake according to package directions.

Don't kid yourself princesses. Ordering a caesar "salad" from a restaurant is like ordering a Big Mac, fries and a milkshake...supersized!

Tip: ALWAYS ask for the dressing on the side and pass on the croutons! Hard as a rock bread really isn't that great anyway!:D

Good Luck with your new TREND for the week!

Lil Side Note...

House For Rent!

Our home in Puyallup, WA just became available for rent. If you know anyone out there in need, send them my way. E-mail: mrsprincesspookie@hotmail.com. Click HERE to view all the details. It will available as soon as June 26. THANKS!

A Week of Healthy Recipes!

Princess Pookie's Social calendar at a quick glance....





Baseball game (I love cotton candy! I ate too much~nasty film on teeth-yuck!), parade, Starbucks hot cocoa {peppermint}, Maritime festival, etc.....

AND...

This week of postings is dedicated to all you crazies who attend my Friday class.

Here's to you, your health and an occasionally sore tushie!!:D
Bon Appetit!

THIS cook book recommended.

More than once I have mentioned that I HATE (yes HATE) to cook and HATE (yes, HATE again) to grocery shop and REALLY HATE (did you get that? REALLY HATE!) to plan what to eat. However, having said that, my hubs gave me a really GREAT cook book (recommended by my Queen Sis~thanks!) that I am LOVING. Yes, LOVING. Note: I still hate to cook, shop, and menu plan! As much as I enjoy eating out, I would never have to eat out again if Mr. Chef magically appeared and cooked me HEALTHY, TASTY meals. In fact, I think I'd even consider going vegan if someone would do the cooking for me! Anyway, this week I am going to pull recipes from my new favorite cookbook to share with all of you. Remember, healthy eating can be an "acquired" taste. We get so used to eating salt and other icky additives. I hope you will step outside of your recipe box and try something new.

Speaking of vegan...

Portobello & Black Bean Quesadilla

Fat free flour tortillas (we love the ones from Costco you cook. Located in the refrigerator section~not fat free though.)

2 portobello caps, chopped
2 T light balsamic vinaigrette (Newman's is delicious!)

1 c. no-salt-added black beans, rinsed and drained

1 (2 oz) jar of diced pimiento drained

1 c. reduced fat preshredded Mexican cheese blend

1/4 c. thinly sliced green onions

Salsa and fresh chopped cilantro

Directions: Coat skillet with cooking spray. Add mushrooms; saute 2 min. or until tender. Add vinaigrette, beans and pimiento; cook 1 to 2 minutes stirring constantly until liquid evaporates. Mash it slightly with a potato masher.

Spoon about 1/3 c. mixture onto each tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, add onions and fold in half. Wipe skillet out, add more cooking spray and over medium heat cook quesadillas until golden brown and cheese is melted. Serve with salsa and fresh cilantro. Viola!

For the most important course, serve this...

Broiled Pineapple

1 cored fresh pineapple or if you're lazy like me, pineapple chunks!

2 T melted butter

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/3 c. Sweetened coconut

Place pineapple slices on pan. Drizzle with butter; sprinkle with sugar. Broil until sugar melts. Sprinkle coconut and broil until coconut is toasted. Serve with fat free vanilla frozen yogurt. YUM!

Do jumping jacks while waiting for pineapple to broil!:D

NOTE: A GOOD HEALTHY COOK BOOK WILL PROVIDE THE NUTRITIONAL INFO.

Turn your Manic Monday into a MARVELOUS one! See you tomorrow.