A new me

I haven't blogged much this year because I have been busy recreating myself. I seem to have my anxiety beat back enough that I could finally see myself clearly for the first time in a long time. I realized that a major part of my mental health being so bad, was that my physical health was out of control.
So I decided it was time to make some changes. I started walking in January, but kind of lost steam, like I usually do when it comes to these things. But I had an ah HA! Life changing moment at the end of February, my kids had a fundraising week all related to physical fitness. The staff of their school is very fit and my kids came home raving about how awesome crossfit was and how much they wanted to do it. On the final day they had a fun run, I watched the teacher that did the crossfit class with the kids run lap after lap, laughing and never tiring. I knew this was the last year I was going to stand on the sidelines tired and sore from just watching.
After that day I decided to switch to a paleo diet and start walking in earnest. The weight started coming off and it was a little easier to move. By the beginning of April I was down 25lbs and decided to give a boot camp class a try. I thought I was going to die, but I was hooked!
Flash forward to today. I am down about 65lbs and still eating very clean. I do boot camp 3 days a week and jog at least 2 more. I am going to try my first cross fit class soon!
I still have a ways to go, but I am a lot better off now than I was before.

Sweet Potato Pie! This is the best!!!

I combined about six recipes to get this one, but hot damn is it good!

Sweet Potato Pie.
yield 2 pies

2 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust
4 cups ROASTED and mashed sweet potatoes (about 3-4 lbs)
4 tablespoons butter, softened
4 eggs, beaten
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2. Mix together mashed sweet potatoes, butter, and eggs. In a separate bowl, mix together sugar, flour, and salt. Mix in spices. Add to sweet potato mixture and stir well. (I just dumped into my beloved Kitchen Aid Mixer)

3. Mix together buttermilk and baking soda. Add to sweet potato mixture and stir. Mix in vanilla extract. Pour filling into pie shells.

4. Bake in preheated oven for 70 minutes, until set in center.

Tips: I normally cover the edges of my pies with foil to prevent burning, but the pie got stuck to it and didnt look so pretty at the end. If you do that take the foil off before the half way mark.

I have peeled, cubed, and boiled the sweet potatoes, then mashed or baked them til soft. I prefer the roasted version since they have a better flavor.

A New Addition

We had no plans for a new dog, but she kinda just fell into our house and stuck. She and Milo are best buds already.
She isnt used to little kids, so we are teaching Bella how to be gentle and her how to not be terrified!

Pumpkin Carving

Disney on Ice Winner!!

Congrats Sarah (comment 5)!!!



Dont forget you can still see the show! You can purchase tickets using the code MOMDOI on Ticketmaster.com for a $4 discount per ticket. This discount is only valid for the Sat 11am, Sat 7pm and Sun 5pm shows. Offer not valid on Front Row or VIP Seats. Also not valid day of show.

End of Summer (Break)

We still have a few months of oppressive heat here, but summer break is officially over. The boys all went back to school today. Part of me was ready, but the other part... is going to miss this

Pictures of the first day of school coming soon!

Disney on Ice Princesses and Heroes- A Giveaway and and Special Offer- Orlando Exclusive

Enter a world of wonder where heroes and hearts prevail. Join Ariel as she yearns to explore the world above the waves and Prince Eric breaks Ursula’s slithering spell to reclaim his one true love. See Prince Philip defeat the evil Maleficent as she transforms herself into a fire-breathing dragon in a race against time to rescue Sleeping Beauty’s Aurora. Be there to discover a whole new world with Jasmine and Aladdin. And, watch in awe as the dreams of Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, Rapunzel and Tiana all come true. High flying jumps, daring acrobatics, breathtaking skating and lovable Disney friends are just a wish away! See Disney On Ice presents Princesses & Heroes where believing is just the beginning!

Disney On Ice presents Princesses & Heroes will be at the Amway Center from September 13-15, 2013.
Friday, September 13: 7:30 PM
Saturday, September 14: 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM
Sunday, September 15: 1:00 PM, 5:00 PM

We have been lucky enough to attend Disney on Ice the last several years and LOVE it. Even my preteen boys are super entertained, especially my son with autism. He has loved the show every time! This year our little princess is almost two and I can't wait to bring her!

Here's your chance to win a 4 tickets to see this awesome show!!! Make sure to LIKE Disney on Ice on Facebook and follow them on Twitter! And leave a comment on this blog telling me who your kids are most looking forward to seeing! I will choose a winner at random on Sunday August 18th at 11:59pm. Please leave your email in the comment!

Even if you don't win, you can still see the show! You can purchase tickets using the code MOMDOI on Ticketmaster.com for a $4 discount per ticket. This discount is only valid for the Sat 11am, Sat 7pm and Sun 5pm shows. Offer not valid on Front Row or VIP Seats. Also not valid day of show.

"In exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events. Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine."