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I Bet You Thought I was Finished Talking about Listen To Your Mother

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Since my performance at the Listen to Your Mother Chicago Show, I have been busy and in definite summer mode. I was getting a lot of questions about LTYM day and how things went, but I was waiting until a.) I could put exactly into words how the experience went and b.) I wanted to be able to show you something awesome.

Well, to put Listen to Your Mother into words took a little time but,  in a nutshell the day was absolutely wonderful. I have never felt that kind of excitement before, and it was perfect. Also, it was a dream come true for me. I had always wanted to do something like that, and now I can say that I was a part of something so amazing and I made a bunch of new gals pals to boot! I can cross performing something I wrote off my bucket list, and really to be honest, I think I found something that I really like to do, and I might try for something like this again.

As for showing you, well thanks to all of the following wonderful organizations like our National Media Sponsors BlogHer and One 2 One Network, and National Video Sponsor The Partnership at Drugfree.org, specifically their The Medicine Abuse Project microsite, and our local Megaphone sponsor, Dom Itp. I am able to share this video with you!

To see the rest of the Listen to Your Mother Chicago cast perform CLICK HERE and I promise you won’t be disappointed. Just make sure to be prepared with some tissue, oh and you might have to pause and run to the bathroom from laughing to hard too. If this show was a movie, these women would all earn Oscars.

If you would like to read more about my awesome adventures, Gardening, DIY, Cooking, Baking and all other things domestic you can check me out on Facebook or become a follower of Home Everyday here. 

 

It’s a Blogiversary!

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Today marks one year of blogging at Home Everyday! I know that the last two weeks have been sporadic in posting, but I was working on some blogging goals for the upcoming year. Rather than view today like a birthday (who am I kidding I might have some cake), I am treating this like New Year’s Day.

 

At the beginning of any New Year, I like to think back at everything I have done. Just like looking through a scrapbook, I looked back through many of my posts, and thought about what is to come on Home Everyday.

So far, I have written over 215 posts for this wonderful site that I started myself. Those posts consisted of over 60 recipes, around 50 home projects and crafts, not to mention several posts on household tips, organization, family, and just my random thoughts.

Starting this blog has been one of the most wonderful things I have ever done for myself. Because of this wonderful space in the blogosphere, I have been introduced to the wonderful world of writing, I have made countless new friends, received a 2013 Homie Nomination, have been featured on several other blogs, started another blog called South of I-80 for ChicagoNow, began classes at the esteemed Second City in Chicago for writing, and (my personal favorite) participated in the 2013 Listen to Your Mother Chicago Show.

Thinking about all that was accomplished is making me so excited (and exhausted) thinking about what is to come in year two had me giddy.

Thank you so much readers! I am so excited to be continuing on this awesome journey, and cannot wait to see what my second year of blogging will bring.

 

HERE’S TO ONE AWESOME YEAR and MANY MORE TO COME!!!

If you would like to read more about DIY, Cooking, Baking and all other things domestic you can check me out on Facebook or become a follower of Home Everyday here. 

 

I’ve Got Mad Skills: Photography Skills

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I don’t really have mad skills, but I have to say, I am getting much better at using my Canon Rebel. We purchased this bad boy back in the fall, and I have been playing around with it a little bit.

One thing I know about myself is what kind of learner I am. I have to say that instruction manuals and tutorials online can be helpful, but I do much better with YouTube videos, someone explaining something to me, or fiddling with a gadget.

Sometimes, I will just take the camera outside, and play with the different settings. I also have learned how to take photos from different angles.

Since the weather has been much warmer we have been spending more time outside and making more trips to the zoo and other outdoor locales. Here are some favorite shots so far.

This is my absolute favorite. I may frame it. I actually turned the camera to be underneath the tree to get blue sky as the background.

I love how the bubble is in the foreground of this picture. Bubbles move quickly and sometimes can’t be captured, but I finally got one complete with my little one chasing it.

This one is of our first day to the zoo when the weather broke.

This is an Okapi. The kids love this animal, and always ask to see it when we go to the zoo. They are very shy though and kind of stay in the trees and are hard to see. I finally snapped a picture of one at just the right time.

Any pictures of flowers this time of year, make me happy.

Has anyone else been honing their photography skills?

So excited: Listen To Your Mother

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Typically, I drink tea, but today I had coffee. Plus with the nerves of what is to come I’m a little jittery.

SUNDAY is the big day! I will be performing in Chicago’s 2nd Annual Listen To Your Mother show.

For those that cannot make it, I will be sure to post lots of pictures and details regarding the event next week. Also, later on I will be able to share a video.

If you are coming, I couldn’t be more thrilled, and I am so excited to see you all.

If you are thinking about coming, CLICK HERE for more information.

I just want to take a minute to thank Brian and the kids for all the support in this process.  Brian was wonderful and the kids, while they cannot attend, have been so excited that “Mommy is in a SHOW!” Also, thank you to my wonderful family and amazing friends who didn’t think twice about buying tickets to the show, and have moved plans, cleared their schedules, and flown in to see me. Knowing you are all going to be in the audience really is going to make all the difference.

To my fellow cast members, LET’S DO THIS THING! (Honorable mention to Samantha Schultz for driving me everywhere because I don’t like to).

PS If you’d like to see yet another post I’ve writing about Listen To Your Mother, CLICK HERE!

Listen To Your Mother… OUCH!

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I was going to write a wonderful post about grilled steak fajitas, but while cooking last night, I cut my finger. It is definitely not serious, but is definitely making it hard for me to type.

I was chopping cilantro for the guacamole while simultaneously steaming corn, occasionally stirring peppers and onions, taking photos of food, going in and out to the grill, telling Brian to come in from doing yard work because dinner was almost ready, and  saying something to the effect of, “If you jump on that couch one more time, there will be no playing outside after dinner!”

So, lesson learned. That kind of craziness… I mean multi-tasking is going to lead to injury.

I cleaned it up, applied lots of pressure, and had Brian bandage it up for me.

As I said earlier, it isn’t serious, but I know I will have to keep a bandage on it for a few days.

As most of my readers know, on Sunday, it is Listen To Your Mother Chicago of which I am a member of the cast. I hope I can find some cute bandaids that will match my red peep toe wedges.

 

I guess I will have to get to the fajitas another day.

 

A Word on Running and Those in Boston

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I wasn’t sure if I wanted to write about what has happened in Boston. While I am having a hard time gathering my thoughts regarding this horrific tragedy, I, quite honestly, don’t think I can write about much else today.

I have been running since I was 13 years old. Running with my Dad. I was a member of both my high school cross country and track teams. I continued running through college, and into adulthood. I have done countless 5K and 10K races, and have even completed a marathon in my lifetime.

I love running.

When I think about running, I know my times are slow, and sometimes the road is rough for me, my focus is always on moving forward. In that moment in a race when I am through the worst, and I see those I love cheering for me, my mind goes to a place of complete peace.

When I was thinking about those in Boston, I know that healing, grieving are slow processes and the journey ahead for those affected will be rough. With the help of all of us, I hope we can help those affected somehow find peace.

You are in my heart, Boston.

LTYM Rehersal #1, Lucky Pants, and Family

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When I think family, I think stories. Growing up, I used to beg my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, whoever I would be around to please tell me stories. I would want to know what it was like when they were kids, where they got married, what they ate, where they shopped, how they met, where they lived, where they worked, all their travels, all their jokes, all of their stories (when I think back on this, it is starting to make sense that I love writing stories now).

On Sunday, I walked into what unexpectedly seemed like a family reunion.

Why?

On Sunday, I met (in person) for the first time the rest of the cast members of the 2013 Chicago Show of Listen to Your Mother, and let me just say, I’m blown away. Not only by their words (which by the way were amazing, get your tickets, people!), but also because these women are awesome at life.

My niece, Emily has this saying, “I am awesome at life.” When she says it I smile, and agree with her. She is living her life her way, tries her best in whatever she does, and even if she fails, she is learning from the journey.

That is what I mean when I say these women are awesome at life. They are living life on their terms successfully and learning from the trials. These women who have shared a portion of their journey with me, carry themselves with such poise, humility, humor, grace, strength, and kindness. They are all extremely talented writers to boot (here is my second time reminding you to get tickets).

I was so nervous and scared walking into this room of women. I have to say I was pretty intimidated. I’ve only been “writing” for a short time, and I know there is a great deal I still need to learn. Also, after browsing some of their work, I was amazed by the talent, and thought, “Wow, I’m kind of not worthy, and definitely not funny or talented enough to be around this crowd.” (TICKETS!)

I bet you are all wondering what this has to do with my GREEN WEEK! Well, I wore my favorite kelley green pants. I wanted to wear something casual that would give me a little confidence, and since they are one of my new favorite things to wear, I thought they would do just the trick. After Sunday’s rehearsal, I’m thinking of calling them my Lucky Pants now. These women liked what I had to say.

While, the pants are cute, the kindness of the ladies was overwhelming, and it was these wonderful writers that helped me feel a little more relaxed an confident. Upon meeting just a few when I walked in, I knew I could take a deep breath, relax, and pretend I was at a family reunion.

To me, our little LTYM group is just that… a family. An eclectic and unique group of individuals with a nut (me) sharing our stories.

And to me, stories are family.

For more information on Listen to Your Mother click here. FOR TICKETS to Chicago’s May 5th Show, click here.

Trying: Listen to Your Mother

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The past few weeks have been overwhelming for sure. I am still finding remnants of paint in my hair from painting the upstairs bathroom, I have also been doing the regular day to day. While I’d like to say that my house is immaculately clean and I cooked a home cooked meal every day and all the laundry is folded an put away, I cannot say that today. I might be able to say that Monday, but not today. Life has been too busy and too good to worry about laundry.

Why is life good?

My kids are healthy and happy, Brian has a little time off work, and I have been busy with some projects.

Also, a few weeks ago, I submitted an essay to the producers of Listen to Your Mother Chicago which you can learn more about here. While I was hopeful, I feel like my writing is still in the early stages and was understanding that there are some more eloquent people out there.

Then, I got an email in my inbox asking me to audition.

So, I practiced, I dressed up, and I gave it my all.

Then, I got another email.

I am a part of the 2013 Chicago Cast of Listen to Your Mother!

 

I am amazed and overjoyed  and extremely honored to be a part of this show.

I am a person who overthinks things and sometimes is afraid to try. I tried, and I am so very glad I did.

For more information about Listen to your Mother, you can check out their National Website here or watch past shows here.

Today, I have to try and get some laundry done. Hopefully, that will be as big of a success.

Happy Weekend, Readers!

Linking up at Mom of 6 as part of Sharon’s weekly share your life series!

Cha… Cha… Changes

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Good Morning! Welcome to the new Home Everyday. What do you think?

A few months ago, I had decided that I wanted Home Everyday to seem more custom and reflect more of my style. I knew that I could probably handle some minor changes like social media icons, layout, and background design, but I am no way a graphic designer. I knew that I would need an expert.
Because of Brian’s area of work, he knows a few graphic designers, and referred me Kevin West of Visique Production. Thank goodness I didn’t have to go far to see help.
I must say I was concerned to hand over the reins to someone who might not see my vision or understand my creativity. However, this was not a probably with Kevin.
We talked about design ideas, things that I liked, things I didn’t. We talked color, shape, and sites I admire. Once we talked it through, Kevin took over, and created a beautiful header. We also did a little tweaking to make it perfect. I was so happy when it was finished.
I really like that it looks like a cozy place in our home. I love that Kevin incorporated a family photo into the mix. I really love the texture of the frame and wood table, and the lamp. I wish I could find one just like that.
I’m starting to feel that Home Everyday is a little more personal, and a little more my style. There may be a few more tweaks in the coming weeks, so please bear with me.
I hope that you find this a little easier on the eyes, and continue to make visits to Home Everyday.

The 2013 Homies

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For those that read Apartment Therapy, you know it is Homie time. This is one of my favorite times of year, as it is a perfect way to discover amazing blogs and incredible inspiration. I was nominated this year, which that alone is a great honor. I know that few weeks ago, I expressed how much I appreciate my readers, but I just wanted to say THANK YOU again.

If you still would like a chance to vote, click here. Thank you for supporting Home Everyday.

Also, back in September Jocelyn Delk Adams of Grandbaby Cakes was a guest blogger here and shared her awesome recipe for Lazy Chai Cinnamon Rolls. She is currently in the top six for Best Recipe Blog. Let’s show her some support. Click here.

PS I wrote a little something on South of I-80 today too!