#AskAwayFriday with @BethAtStructure

                          

It's been a few weeks since I've participated in a good Q & A via the ever-so-popular #AskAwayFriday. I'm happy to jump in and swap questions with one of my bloggy gals Beth of Structure in an Unstructured Life. Beth, is a sweetheart. Trust me, you'll love what she's blogging, tweeting, and Instagraming :) Beth is filled with great tips, annnnd she is such a sweet loving mother with two super adorable boys.
Don't forget to check out Beth's blog to see what I asked her and how she answered.  Want to see other Q&As?  Click the image below for my blogger #AAF linkups.

Q&A 

1. Your kids are 12, 8, and 5. What are your favorite and least favorite things about these ages?

Okay, this one is a toughie because I love these kiddos the good, bad, and ugly. However, as much as I love them, I know they are of me, which means they're not perfect but perfect enough.  Their love is perfect.  Their laughter, perfect. Their hearts, perfect.  Cuddles, hugs, and entertainment-factor…. you guessed it, perfect :)

12 Favorite: We're creating a new relationship, we can talk, laugh, and she still gives me hugs :)

12 Not so Favorite: As much as I do enjoy the newer mature relationship, I do miss her just being my baby girl that needed me.  There are days she is okay with just reading a book and listening to music, instead of hanging out with me.  If I'm being completely honest…. I don't enjoy the tween sass. I can do without it.  

8 Favorite: Exploration. My daughter is loving learning more, she is always asking why.  I love her need to learn and explore more. Bonus: She holds my hand on occasion, cuddles me often, and she gives me free sugars :)

8 Not so Favorite: I don't know if this is my daughter being 8 but she's getting a little bit of sass.  This is new for us because she's our little love bug. We think she may possibly be mirroring someone else's sass….

5 Favorite: The excitement of each day.  My little guy is excited about each day, he cannot wait to tell me about his day.  I of course love the endless I love yous, handholding, cuddles and sugars.

5 Not so Favorite: He has become a bit more independent, and as much as this is good, it scares me. #Boys

2. I know you've lived in Texas, the Chicago area, and now South Carolina. Do you consider yourself a big city lady, or a small town gal?

I use to think I was a small town girl.  I do still enjoy the country and I can see myself owning land with my own family farm. Nonetheless, I miss walking down the streets of Chicago, having everything at my disposal in the Chicagoland 'burbs.  I guess that's why I love my visits to Downtown Charleston, there is a slight feeling of city there :)

3. With this weekend being Mother's Day, what has surprised you the most about motherhood?

How much I love it! I was a young mother, therefore I was an insecure mother.  I always felt I had older mothers looking down and judging me. 

I wasn't sure if I was going to be a good mother or if I was going to enjoy it.  I remember seeing other mothers look defeated.
Yes, at times I've felt defeated but I LOVE MOTHERHOOD.
And as much as I'm hard on myself, I know I'm a damn good mother :)

4. If you had to predict what careers your kids will go into, what would be your best guesses?

Hmmm.. this one is fun!

My 12 year old: She's good at arguing a point she could possibly be a lawyer. She enjoys helping people, which also makes me think she would make a loving teacher. 
However she's also into the stock market (because she's a Daddy's girl) I could totally see her working on Wall Street and then leaving Wall Street, to return to her true passion… baking.  She loves to bake.

My 8 year old: She's the artist. She loves creating. She doesn't mind getting her hands dirty. She LOVES HGTV.  I could totally see her working on refurbishing old homes or running the bakery with her big sister :) 

My 5 year old: He's a numbers guy and Lego builder.  I think he could be an architect, perhaps working with his big sister. He really wants to go to the NBA but I'm his Mama the odds are kind of against him, however anything is possible.

5. One of the things I love about being a mom, is the entertainment factor you get from kids! What is something your kids have done that has made you laugh hysterically?

These kids make me laugh everyday.  They are super witty, I have absolutely no idea where they get it…. eh hem.

Although, I have plenty funny stories, I love when they are matter of fact.  I always think it's funny when they make a grownup WTH face, at the right time.  It cracks me up!

6. You are definitely a positive person! I consider myself a glass-half-empty girl, who desperately wants to be a glass-half-full girl. During challenging times, what helps you to remain optimistic?


Thanks Beth! I do not see you as glass-half-empty girl at all.  I actually consider you to be quite similar to me, someone trying to stay happy & positive.
Trust me I'm not always positive and I'm quite snarky.

I take myself to my grateful spot. It may sound weird but I just remind myself I have plenty to be grateful for. When my kids complain I always ask them "Did you wake up this morning?" Followed by, be grateful. I do the same, I remind myself I woke up and I have my beautiful life. Life is good, tough at times, but good.

7. I read you donate your hair every few years – that's awesome! I donated once, but have to admit I have not done again because I hated my hair short! Which do you like best – long hair or short?

My daughters and I have made it 'our' thing to donate our hair.  I'm a sucker! When I cut my hair I want long hair and when I have short hair I want long hair.  I'm currently in a civil war within, I feel like I "need" to do something with my hair. I want to cut my hair but I also want beachy hair this summer…. oh decisions decisions.

8. If you had to choose one cause you are most passionate about, what would it be?

I'm passionate about our Troops and their families.  We have soldiers fighting our battle daily; they bring that home with them.  I don't think most people realize we still have our troops overseas fighting for our freedom.  War effects not only the soldiers but their families.  I know this firsthand

For the longest time I have wanted to put together art kits for military children.  When their parents deploy it's hard, I believe art, whether it be drawing, writing or painting can help express their feelings of sadness. 

9. I know you love to read, too. What has been the best book you've read so far this year?
Shameless plug for my girl Becca.  Her book Everything But The Posts is such a great book for anyone thinking of creating a blog or someone like me who didn't think they were going to blog :) I have learned plenty of great tips thanks to Becca. (Now, I need to implement them)

I'm currently enjoying Stephen King's book, On Writing.

I just wish I could find more time to read..

10. What are you most looking forward to this summer?
More of the beach! I cannot wait to build sandcastles, bask in the sun, read, countless library visits, SLEEPING IN, and lazy days.

Thanks for swapping with me Beth!

Ask Away Friday with @UpliftingFam {Q&A}

It's Friday, which means it's time for Ask Away Friday!

If you're new here, #AAF is a great way for bloggers to get to know each other better.

Bloggers swap 10 questions and answer via their respective blogs.

This week I have the pleasure of finally swapping with Christy from Uplifting Families.

I'm quite sure I *meet* Christy through #AAF.

However, Christy and I do most of our chatting via… yup, you guessed it TWITTER :)

Christy, is quite an interesting lady, she has a lot going on with kiddos, educating home pre-schooling  and sharing numerous helpful tips on her blog.

I'm a fan of anyone who shares their heart with parents the way Christy does.  She has some truly great advice on her blog.

Okay, okay, I've kept you waiting long enough.

Christy: I noticed that your daughter just turned 12 a few months ago, do you feel like kids are expected to learn more at school and don’t get enough time to be a kid? What is your take on this?

Me:Hmmm…. I have mixed feelings.  For one, I'm behind on this post because I was helping my daughter with her Honors Math >< gah! 
Daily, she comes home with tons of homework! I feel bad for her because I want her to enjoy her "down" time although it just doesn't seem like she's getting as much these days.
On the other hand, I do feel our nation is lagging and we need to improve our skills.  I'm not sure if so much work is the way to get there…..
My eldest daughter is in a STEM school, I'm beyond thankful for that.  As a little woman it's important to me that she possess a great education especially in areas were women are needed. 

Christy:  I remember when I was growing up my parents let me play outside unattended with my friend as long as I told them where I was going. I never let my kids go outside unattended, do you allow your children to play outside by themselves? If they are still too young, will you let them play
outside when they are older by themselves?

Me:Back home {Illinois} I use to go outside with the kiddos and chat with the other Mamas in the culdesac. It was nice, I loved that other parents were always outside keeping an eye on the kiddos. On occasion I would let the girls go out and play without my supervision.
Now, that we've moved, I don't think I will feel safe enough to let them out.  Don't get me wrong, we live in a great community, with one of the lowest crime rates, but I still worry.  I don't let my guard down… especially when it comes to my kids.
I haven't seen parents seating out front watching the kids like back home.


Christy:  What is your best advice for a new mom?

Me:Take care of yourself. Love that baby, care for that baby, but ultimately you cannot take care of that sweet baby, if you don't take care of yourself.
When your baby is napping give yourself a break, relax, watch trashy television, do some yoga, drink some tea, or take a hot shower… DON'T FORGET TO EAT! A healthy mama is essential!
Tweet: New Mom advice:Love that baby,care for that baby,but ultimately you cannot take care of that sweet baby, if you don't take care of yourself
Christy:  You are so smart and plan freezer meals to heat up during the week. What inspired you to start freezing meals?

Me:A few things:
Pinterest
My kiddo's sports schedules
I wanted to have healthy meals on the table everyday
My husband and I were tired of wasting food

Christy: What is your family’s favorite freezer meal?
Me: Hmmm.. if you ask my family, they'll tell you enchiladas.  It's definitely not Paleo but the kids love when I make them a pan of enchiladas.
Christy: What is your favorite brand and color of nail polish?

Me:Surprisingly, I don't have a favorite brand.  I know, I know, I'm the nail polish swap lady, but if it works, it works :)
I'm a simple kind of gal. 

Christy:  I want my youngest son to enjoy reading books. How did you introduce reading to your children?

Me: I started when the kids were babies.  I read to them before they could even understand.  Going to the library has always been huge here and I think that helps to get kids excited. It's a treat!
My youngest started trying to read at 3.  Now, he's reading me books in Kindergarten. 

Christy: What is your favorite children’s book?

We LOVE Marc Brown!!!

We loved meeting Kristi Yamaguchi, she was so sweet! 

Me: Yikes! One book!!
I love children's books.  I have so many favorites.
Growing up the original Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs was my favorite. I don't know if I can pick just one book now, there are so many books we love! 

Christy:  You told me that you were from TX, where in Texas are you from?

Central Texas, Born and Raised!

Christy:   Advice for a new blogger: If you could start blogging all over again, would you continue to use blogger or find your own self hosted domain?

Me: My advice is be yourself.  You don't have to create a new you to fit in, just be... authentically awesome you.  Also, blogging is more than writing it's about connecting, reach out to other bloggers. 
Currently, I'm reading studying this book by Becca Ludlum, Everything But the Posts, she shares some seriously superb advice! Becca breaks blogging down and shares templates!!! Plus Becca is a sweetheart and if you purchase her book, you're contributing to a kindhearted, hardworking blogger. :)

I would totally host my own domain. I didn't even start this blog to become a "blogger"-- I wanted to sell tutus :)
Looks like I'm selling myself these days… wait… I mean my.. eh.. you get it!
I plan on switching things up, get ready for a move and a facelift!

Thank you Christy for you awesome questions! Please make sure you head over to Uplifting Families to see what I asked, and how Christy answered :)
Also, check out the linky….

Want to know what kind of girl I was at prom?

Ask Away Friday Questions by @Scruggbug

It's Friday!!! This week, I'm swapping questions with Herchel of Scruggbug Corner for another installment of Ask Away Friday.  Herchel, is such a sweet lady with a FABULOUS blog and two precious babies.    She truly is a dear, when I needed Disney advice she was one of the first people to put her hand up in the air!  Okay, she was one of the first to tweet me a link.  I love catching up with Herchel on Twitter :) I'm quite sure that's where we connected…. my memory is slipping me…

Herchel: You’ve gone Paleo!  I love your motivating tweets.  I know that cookies are your weakness (Krispy Kreme and baked goods are mine.)  What helps me stay on track is having readily available “fake treats”  like low carb, low sugar, cheesecake or almond butter cookies with no flour or sugar.  Do you have a favorite Paleo fake treat?

Me: Yes, banana nice cream :)

Frozen bananas, crushed ice, almond butter, almond milk, and pieces of dark chocolate blended together, it's so YUMMY!

Herchel: To be honest, I haven’t, been sticking to my eating plan or my workouts the last two weeks.  When I don’t have time to prepare meals ahead or when I am super stressed out this always happens.  I like to keep in shape so I never have to take the tram and can walk the full length of the Magic Kingdom parking lot pushing our stroller… even at the end of the day.  I also want to tighten up before swimsuit season.  

Are you incorporating a workout with the Paleo?  If so, do you have a favorite workout routine?

Me: Yes, right now, I'm loving my medicine ball. I've actually turned to Pinterest for workout routines and this one is one of my favorites

Mrs_ AOK's pin on Pinterest.

Herchel:  I’m kind of a Hunger Games junkie.  If you were a tribute in the first book, which one would it be and why?
Me: Oh dear... I'm not a Hunger Games junkie, my daughter is.  I haven't seen the movies or read the books, just my husband and daughter have.
However, I do like Effie's style :) My daughter is always doodling Effie-style fashions in her sketchbook. 

{Source}

Herchel: My sister has been trying to convince me to move to Charleston for over a year.  What would you say is the best thing about your new area?
Me: THE BEACH! We're grateful that we live so close to the beach, we cannot wait to spend many lazy days basking in the sunshine, listening to the waves, and collecting seashells.

Herchel: What is the worst? 
Me: Okay, to be fair to the Low Country, I've only been here for a few months.  I'm still becoming familiar with things here. 
Unfortunately, I'm always comparing here to there.  One thing that is irking me lately…. the new law that was passed here allowing people to carry guns in bars.  It just doesn't settle well with me.  I think…

{Source}

Herchel:  What outfit do you put on when you have to go out in a hurry?  {Pictures!}
Me: I'm a jeans and t-shirt-kind-of-gal.  I know my Pinterest closet looks waaaaay better right? 
If I'm in a hurry, it's always jeans and shirt. 

This picture was literally me running out of the house, my 8 year-old took this picture right before we ran some quick errands.

Sometimes… I can get gussied up.

Date lunch with my honey.  

I love this dress I found at Kohl's it has pockets!

I belted it to dress it down :)

Yes, I know I'm an addict…. 

Herchel:  I find myself singing “I feel better so much better.  Thank you Doc for taking all my ouchies away…”  Is there a kid’s song that you get stuck on?

Me: For awhile it was "Everything is AWESOME"- LEGO Movie
However, I'm always singing....

Herchel: Favorite coffee? 
Me: Starbucks. I pick it up and brew it up. I love Starbucks coffee! Cinnamon dulce latte, carmel macchiato hot or iced, Pumpkin Spice Latte, Medium House blend, and Thanksgiving blend are some of my favs :)

Okay, maybe it's an addiction...

Herchel: Rocky Road or mint chocolate chip? 
Me: Geee... that's tough I haven't had either in forever. I've been pretty much lactose-free for almost 8 years with some cheating here and there.  I think I'm going to say Rocky Road!

Herchel: What is the weirdest/grossest (to other people that is!) food that you love to eat?
Me: I don't know if it's weird or gross, but people always, question this.... PICKLES & POPCORN!  I think this is a Texas thing.

Don't forget to check out Herchel's answers to my questions and see all the other #AAF linkups.

Happy FRIDAY FRIENDS!!!

Ask Away Friday with The Frill of Life Part 2

It's been a while since I have done an #AskAwayFriday, I'm happy to say #AAFs are back here on my blog. I'm starting off  Ask Away Friday with my girl, Heather from The Frill of Life.  Heather is such a sweet, supportive, and caring blogger, I'm grateful for her friendship.  If you haven't had the pleasure of "meeting" Heather yet, please go check out her blog.  This is our second time swapping, because us two gals just needed to catch up :)

1. I know you moved recently. I hope that's going well. What's one thing you love about your new hometown that wasn't available in Chicagoland? Buckets of sweet tea, the beach, and New York Style pizza?  :D

2. You've gone Paleo! My hat's off to you! Although I cannot relate on that level, I totally relate on drinking greens! I'm in love with my morning green smoothie... Do you have any favorite recipes yet? 

I actually made the best smoothie the other day, and I CANNOT wait to make it again.

I've kind of slacked on the challenge since taking care of my honey and catching his cooties... I'm all out of greens :(

3. You and Courtney have been hosting the Sorry, Not Sorry Social forever! How do you choose which platforms to link up each week? 
When Courtney and I were in the planning phase, we decided we would rotate the 4 out 8 social platforms {that's including your blog url}

For instance, this week we're linking up Blog, Instagram, Twitter, Bloglovin and next week we will link up Blog, Facebook, Google+, and Pinterest. 

However, my most favorite Sorry, Not Social was our Random Acts of Kindness Week Sorry, Not Sorry Blog Share.

4. Back in October you swapped questions with Amber and I was pleased to learn that you and I were both taken with the same book in high school: The Great Gatsby! I loved it. For a long time, it was my "favorite book of all time." Have you read it since high school?

Sadly, I have not.  I wanted to read it before the movie came out and never did.

5. I was also super excited that it was made into a movie. I made the hubbs take me on opening night, I was that excited. But in October, you still hadn't seen it. Have you now? If so, what did you think???
I still have only seen the original Gatsby :( 

My husband and I were going to buy the new one, but I heard it wasn't that great.  So, I plan on renting it, but I still want to reread the book.

6. I love books-turned-movies. When I hear they're coming out, I like to read (or sometimes re-read) them right before they hit the big screen, that way it's fresh in my mind. Do you do this as well?
Yes, that's another reason why I still haven't watched The Great Gatsby.  I have not reread the book, I need to do that. 

It's also a rule in our family for our kiddos.  My daughter {12} is a huge Harry Potter fan, she had to read the books before she could see the movies.  She's read them all about 10 times each :)

{This is her acting the like the Prisoner of Azakaban}

And even though I hesitated, we let her read The Hunger Games series. My husband and my daughter went to see a double header at the theater.  The theater played the first one and then Catching Fire, one on opening night :) 

7. You're a freezer meal queen! Do you have a favorite freezer meal recipe to share?
My favorite make-ahead is meatballs, I can pop them in the kiddos' lunches with veggies and applesauce.  I don't use breadcrumbs instead I sneak in veggies.  I use my NINJA to chop up veggies and add those into the ground beef, bison, chicken, or turkey.  
I like to make a variety of meatballs and flavors.
For turkey meatballs I may make them buffalo style, adding buffalo sauce, onion, celery, garlic, and carrots.
For chicken meatballs I may add onion, garlic, salt, pepper, pineapple, splash of soy.
For beef I may use Italian seasonings basil, oregano, salt, pepper, bell pepper, onion, garlic, celery, and carrots.
And for bison I can spice it up Mexican style chili powder, salt, pepper, onion, garlic, jalapeno, bell pepper, and carrots.

8. I love the Nail Polish Swaps that you've been initiating. So much fun, not to mention I've met some pretty amazing ladies through it! So when can we expect the next one??? I need something to look forward to after April!

Probably, June/July time frame, because we all need cute Summer toes... am I right?

9. You're a busy mama settling in a new area, taking care of a hubby and kiddos. You always seem to have it together so well (see #7 and your Twitter feed last Saturday making perfect Paleo muffins while supervising the kiddos helping you bake them AND attending #SITSSharefest.?. You're officially on my list of heroes). 
So what happens when Mama AOK starts to not have it together? What do you do to "regroup"?

Aw, did you get the $50 I slipped you?  
Seriously, thank you for that, I honestly don't believe I have it all together.
Actually, I find myself doing exactly what I know I shouldn't do, comparing myself to other mothers/bloggers who seem to have it all "put together."  I know that's bad, when I find myself doing that I stop myself and remind myself this is my life and we are happy.
What do I do...
I make a list.  If I feel like everything is spinning out of control... I make a list and prioritize.  It's just gratifying to scratch things off a list.
How do I regroup...
Well, I take a deep breathe, hot shower, cup of coffee or tea, and move forward. 

10. I guess since we're both bloggers,  I'll throw in a blogging question: What's the thing that surprised you the most about blogging? And you cannot say relationships or friends you've made because that's what everyone says. If that is the thing that surprised you the most (which I would totes agree), then pretend the question is the thing that surprised you second most!
Okay, I'm going to get deep here.  Blogging helped me with my anxiety.  It's been a great way to channel my thoughts in a positive manner.  My mind is now focused on family, life, blogging, and being positive. 

Bonus:

Answer one question you asked me!

I asked Heather:

7. What does your son think of Mommy's blog?  Does he ever, help you with your blog?

My son is five, he thinks it's cool that mommy has a blog. On occasion he'll say "I love you Mrs. AOK" it's cute. He tells me on occasion I should take a picture of something and put it on my blog.  He's actually taken pictures with my iPhone and said can you put this on your blog. 

Thanks Heather for swapping with me! Don't forget to check out The Frill of Life. *Disclaimer: I'm sick while writing this up, I'm on medication; hopefully this post makes sense.  Thanks for stopping by!