A Mom's Year

Creating a comfortable life one moment at a time

Lexie’s Heart-on-a-String Hat

Lexie's Heart-on-a-String Hat

Do you remember the link to the free Heart-on-a-String hat pattern from the folks at Spud and Chloë? Well, I gave it a try and here it is! I think it turned out really cute. I love the yarn—the colors are delicious and the texture is somehow heavy and springy all at once. It’s the closest a hat can get to being a spongecake.

The kids don’t have school today, so we’re off to the Science Museum after lunch. I love days like this that are a nice balance of getting stuff done in the morning and then having fun in the afternoon. The Science Museum is in the midst of its annual OmniFest so we’re going to head to the giant theater and imagine we’re sweltering on an African safari instead of freezing in the upper midwest.

The Best Workout

(image from Shape)

Do you know which workout is the best? Wait for it. The best workout is the one you’ll actually do. It’s true, isn’t it? The experts can argue about what method of exercise is most effective, but at the end of the day if the best workout in the world doesn’t fit into your life, you won’t do it.

Long ago, I had lots of time to exercise. Things have changed a bit. Since having kids, I work out mostly in our basement. My equipment consists of a treadmill, a gizmo that turns a regular bicycle into a stationary one, a bunch of free weights, a jump rope, and an exercise ball. And a dozen or so fitness DVDs.

If you already have a plan that’s working for you, awesome! Mazel tov. But if you need something quick but highly effective so you can feel good about yourself and still have time for all the other things you want to accomplish in your day, read on.

My program consists of three parts:

  • Strength training. I spend 15 minutes (yes, only 15 minutes) doing exercises using heavy-ish weights and/or body weight three times a week. I get a new workout to download from the wonderful and talented Holly Rigsby at Club FYM every month, but I also like to try out DVDs like Jillian Michaels’s 30-Day Shred or workouts from magazines.
  • Interval training. I spend 15-20 minutes doing intervals using an exercise bike, treadmill, hill, jump rope, or body weight three times a week.
  • Yoga. I do about 20-30 minutes of yoga 2-3 times a week.

I’m trying to add some formal stretching into the mix. More on that later. And of course if we’re healthy, active people we jump at the chance to move our bodies in other ways, right? So we walk, play tennis, dance, ski, or shoot hoops if we get the chance. Just for fun and because we feel so energetic and fabulous.

Here’s my plan for this week:

  • Monday: 15 minutes of strength training. Here’s a typical Holly Rigsby-style workout.
  • Tuesday: 15 minutes of intervals. Nothing fancy: jumping rope, high knee jogs, jumping jacks, butt kicks, squat thrusts, burpees, mountain climbers, and jumping lunges. Holly has a video of these, too. If you need less impact, you could modify most of these exercises. When I pulled a calf muscle playing tennis a couple of years ago, I was still able to ride my “stationary” bike. Holding a squat position while doing jabs in the air is really effective, too.
  • Wednesday: 15 minutes of strength training. Tap class in the evening.
  • Thursday: 15 minutes of intervals on the exercise bike. (Warm up, bike hard for 1 minute, not-so-hard for 1 minute, repeat sequence eight times, then cool down). Yoga DVD for 20 minutes after kids go to bed.
  • Friday: 15 minutes of strength training.
  • Saturday: 15 minutes of intervals. Maybe this one from Shape magazine. Take the kids skiing.
  • Sunday: Ice skating is a possibility. Yoga in the evening.
  • And how could I forget the 100 Push-Ups Challenge? Today we’re on 24. This is serious business.

And remember: The greatest enemy of a good plan is the dream of a perfect plan. All we can do is give it our best shot!

Stuffed Shells Recipe

This recipe from Aunt Karna is a family favorite. It’s super easy to make and works equally well for regular dinners at home or parties (with a nice salad and garlic bread). It’s also a great dish to bring to someone with a new baby or recovering from illness.

Aunt Karna’s Stuffed Shells

1 large jar Prego (pick your flavor)

1 lb. bulk Italian sausage*

3 cups mozzarella cheese

1 large container cottage cheese

2 cups finely shredded parmesan cheese

1 package large pasta shells

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook the shells according to package directions. Meanwhile, fry the sausage until it’s cooked through. Drain the shells and let cool a little so you can handle them. Drain the sausage (break up into smaller pieces with a spoon if necessary) and mix in a large bowl with the cottage cheese and mozzarella. Stuff the shells with the meat and cheese mixture and place in a 9 X 13 pan. Cover the shells with Prego and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for  about 40 minutes or until cheese is nicely browned.

* You can substitute frozen spinach (thawed and drained) for a lower fat alternative.

Our kids have a two-hour late start for school today because it’s so cold. Can those of you in warmer climes even get your minds around that? I hardly can and I grew up here. At any rate, we’re enjoying the extra time this morning. Andrew is still sleeping, Lexie is sewing whalebone stays for her American girl doll Elizabeth, Will is researching giant cargo ships online, and Lily is making popsicle sticks into little people. I have a list of things to do myself, but first I’m going to read a chapter from next month’s book club selection, The Forgotten Garden, by Kate Morton.

I hope you have a great weekend!

  • Take Them a Meal is a free online service that makes it easy for family and friends to deliver meals to someone in need.
  • Interesting list of favorite romantic movies. Does it include yours?
  • Lily lives in flowery knit dresses. Garnet Hill is having a sale on these.
  • Day 21 of the Push-Up Challenge.

A Little Visit to Denmark

Thank you Sarah Jane at Sarah Jane Studios for introducing us to House Doctor, a Danish home decor firm. You can peruse their entire 2011 Everyday catalog here. In the meantime, here’s a sampling of what they have to offer. Enjoy!

  • Lettergirl is having a sale on all items in her Etsy shop—address, bookplate, gift tag stamps and more.
  • These beluga whales can blow bubble hearts!
  • Always looking for healthy ideas, so I need to sit down and read through this blog.
  • Day 20 of the Push-Up Challenge. One-fifth of the way there! Whoo-hoo.