:: UMMMM ::

Have you seen the Avengers yet? If so, you know that scene toward the end where the Hulk grabs Loki and flings him back and forth into the ground? I feel a little like the Hulk today and am rather irritable.

Source via

Am I alone in this? I remember day 3-5 of this diet being the hardest. I'm drinking a lot of water today just to stay on top of it. My energy is shot. It gets better... I PROMISE!

I've had several emails/calls/texts asking for more recipes. I'm at a loss today... sometimes chicken and veggies is just that... chicken and veggies. This is what I had for lunch today:

I sauteed two chicken tenders in about a tsp of olive oil and lemon pepper and minced garlic. When they were pretty close to done I added chopped zucchini and bell peppers and the juice of 1/2 a lemon.

A marinade that I made up and call "Mojito chicken" was a favorite among the kids.
4 chicken breasts - pounded flat
1/4 cup olive oil

Juice from 6 key limes (you can use regular limes, too)
2 TBSP raw honey
2 cloves minced garlic
chopped mint leaves
salt & pepper

I put the tenderized chicken in the marinade for about an hour and then grilled it. Cohen loved it and ate a second helping (which never happens).

Other chicken marinades:
Pretty Chicken Marinade - I only used about 3 TBSP of olive oil and omitted the liquid smoke (because I don't like it).
Italian Chicken Marinade - I used a packet of dry Italian seasoning (prepared like the instructions on the packet) because the salad dressing I had in the fridge contained high fructose corn syrup. There a ton of oil and vinegar based dressings out there that are okay to eat. You could separate some out and marinate some mushrooms, zucchini, peppers, and onions kabobs and this would be SO tasty.
Apple Cider Marinade - I've never made this one, but it looks tasty. You could skip the wine.


I use a lot of Lowry's Seasoned Salt, lemon pepper, citrus, cumin, parsley, and pepper on my chicken (not all at the same time). Share your marinade recipes with me.

:: SAY NO TO DRY SALAD ::

In my opinion, a green salad is best smothered in ranch dressing. Preferably Hidden Valley. Sadly, Hidden Valley Ranch is now a thing of the past. Just as I was about to throw my dry salad out the window, I found this book at the library. Everyday Paleo is written by (what I feel) is a pretty hardcore lady. Sarah Fragoso also has a great website full of recipes and motivation and workouts. Although I would never follow the Paleo diet 100% (too much meat and I love my beans), this cookbook is full of so many wonderful recipes that will help you prepare meat and veggies in a way that you may have never thought about. I've loved EVERY recipe I've made from this book and promise to buy it soon.

Two recipes that I found to be lifesavers were the 'dressing' recipes. I have had salad for almost every lunch for the past two months, and these dressings were welcomed (and probably over used). I adapted the recipes just a little to satisfy my taste buds.

CHIMICHURI (adapted from Everyday Paleo)

1/2 red onion
4 garlic cloves (or 4 tsps minced garlic from a bottle)
2 cups fresh cilantro
1 cup fresh parsley (I like regular parsley better, but I had flat leaf on hand and it still tasted just fine)
Juice from one lime (I added juice from  1 1/2 lime because I had a 1/2 in the fridge)
3/4 cup olive oil (I only used about 1/2 cup and it seems fine because of the extra lime juice)
1 tsp salt

Put it all in a food processor and mix until nice and smooth.

*NOTE - We ate this over grilled chicken on the first night I made it and it was divine. The next day leftovers were even better. I've had this batch in the fridge for over a week now, and it is tasting just fine. Because of the oil, there is a high fat content. Use only on TBSP for a large salad. It is so packed full of flavor that you really don't need much.


AVOCADO DRESSING (adapted from Everyday Paleo)

2 ripe avocados
4 tsps Olive Oil
2 garlic cloves
1 TBSP lemon juice (I used juice from 1/2 a lemon and a few squirts from a bottle)
1/2 tsp pepper
pinch of cayenne pepper
1 cup mild green salsa (I used some salsa verde that I canned last summer but there are plenty of store brands that are safe. Just avoid added sugar and high fructose corn syrup)

Put it all in a food processor and mix until nice and smooth.

*NOTE - This is great on taco salads. I made some fish tacos on Saturday (you can use iceberg lettuce as a taco shell until you get to week 5 - then corn is okay) and this was a great topping.

Anyone else have a good 'cleanse safe' dressing?

:: MONDAY MONDAY ::

Today has been crazy and I am just finding a moment to sit down. I have a love/hate relationship with days like this. They go fast, but then it is 4:30 (time to start thinking about dinner) and I haven't accomplished what I exactly needed to (work).

I'm pretty excited with my comments on Facebook and the general interest y'all are showing toward this 'cleanse'. I have had many great conversations about my reasons for losing weight, my eating plan, my exercise routines... It has been extremely therapeutic. It has been fun to reconnect with people that I haven't seen in years. I woke up this morning so happy and that has been a long time coming. I have good friends! It is also comforting to know that I am not alone in this diet.

So those that are joining me on this, now that you are nearing the end of day 1, how are you feeling? What kind of stuff do you need from me to help you be successful in your endeavor?

I am going to share with you my favorite marinara recipe that I personally think knocks the socks off of any homemade sauce EVER (if you've got something better, send it my way!)

(this recipe was adapted from the 1998 Jr. League of SLC 'Always in Season' cookbook. pg. 116. I'm not sure if you can still get this book or not?? I inherited it from my Grandma Seegmiller when she passed 10 years ago)

Magnificent Marinara

1 medium onion chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed (or 2 tsp pre-minced from the jar)
1 cup chopped parsley or flat-leaf Italian parsley (fresh)
1 cup mushrooms (add more/less if you love/hate them)
1/4 cup olive oil
1 (28 oz) can chopped tomatoes, or 8 large fresh tomatoes (I use 1 quart of puree that I canned last year)
2 (6 oz) cans tomato paste
1 1/2 cups red wine or beef broth (I only add this when I use store canned tomatoes. The fresh tomatoes and home canned tomatoes have plenty of liquid)
1/2 water
1 1/2 tsps each dried oregano and basil leaves (fresh is good, too)
1/2 tsps each garlic salt and pepper (or more to taste)

Saute the onion, garlic, parsley and mushrooms in the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender.
Add undrained tomatoes and tomato paste. Bring to a boil and stir in 1 cup of wine broth (if using). Reduce heat to low and add the water, basil, oregano, garlic salt & pepper.
Simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in remaining 1/2 cup wine/broth (if using) and simmer for 10 minutes longer, or until desired consistency.

I love to add ground turkey (cooked in another pan) or Italian turkey sausage in the last ten minutes. In the fall season, I add squash, zucchini, and eggplant to it. You can add any veggies when you add your mushrooms. You can also add 1/4 cup kalamata olives when you add your spices. I can get about 3 meals out of this recipe for my family of four.

In the good ol' days we ate this over gobs and gobs of angel hair pasta, but recently I've eaten it over spaghetti squash. To prepare a spaghetti squash, I cut it in half and clean the guts out. Then I bake it in the oven for about 30 minutes at 400*. When it is done, you can shred it with a fork. It is good! I usually prepare the kids regular pasta because mine won't eat squash (although 1/2 the time I sneak squash into the sauce anyway). Leftovers will keep in your fridge for a few days.

Other uses for this sauce:

I take 4 large chicken breasts and pour about 2 cups of sauce over the top. Bake it in the oven for about 30-40 minutes at 375*. I used to add mozzarella to the top in the last 10 minutes. If that would make your family more excited, add it.

It is good over roasted eggplant. Just cut your eggplant in slices and dry them out for a bit on a paper towel. Add a little olive oil and garlic salt to both sides. Roast in the over for about 10 minutes at 400*. Flip the eggplant circles and top with sauce and cook for a few more minutes.

Mix it with ground turkey and make meat loaf.

I know we all want to dip cheesy breadsticks in it, but resist! I promise it does not taste like a healthy food!

I just returned from the grocery store. I really try to avoid the grocery store on Saturdays, but sometimes I must suck it up and do it. There is a bonus to Saturday shopping... I can leave the kids with Mike! Woot!

I was asked a few questions about what I actually eat and buy each week. This is a brief list of how I prepare and make quick meals for the week. Mike has to pack his lunches in the morning, too, so we do a lot to get make it as easy as possible. We  chop everything in bulk so we can assemble quickly.

Breakfast (during week 1 & 2):
 We buy about 5 dozen eggs. YIKES! We love our eggs and that lasts about 2 weeks. Mike usually boils 1/2 of them so he can take them for breakfast at work. I usually eat one egg and one egg white. I fry it up in a little oil. I like to add deli lunch meat (if you eat lunch meat just check the label to make sure it is mostly meat and not mechanically separated turkey drowned in high fructose corn syrup) to the pile. I never thought I would eat grilled veggies for breakfast, but I actually love it. I like to saute about 2 cups of fresh kale with lemon juice and garlic. Spinach is also good this way. Other commonly used breakfast items are mushrooms, chicken or turkey sausage (again - read the label), bell peppers, salsa for the eggs, and onions.

Lunches 
I have a salad almost every day. I buy two heads of lettuce at a time. I'm a bit picky about my lettuce (I figure I can be because I sure eat a lot of it) so I'm willing to run to the store more often for it. I chop one head of lettuce at a time. I use a lettuce knife (it is hard plastic) because supposedly that makes the lettuce less wilty. I don't know if it is true, but I have one so I use it. When all of the lettuce is chopped, I put it in a gallon Ziploc bag with a damp paper towel. It stays good for a week. I also buy a bunch of spinach and do the same thing. I include carrots, celery, banana peppers, beets, pickles, cucumbers, almonds, tomatoes, avocado, peas, broccoli, cauliflower, and anything else that is on sale that week. (side note: I noticed this afternoon at the store that the produce is getting more affordable. YAY for summer. Take advantage of Farmers Markets & road side stands and just the general joy of fresh produce!) If I have grilled chicken or fish left over from the night before, I'll add that. Usually I add tuna fish or canned chicken (a little gross) or chopped up lunch meat. Sometimes my salads are so big that I don't need the meat. I dress my salads with red wine or balsamic vinegar, juice from the pepperoncini jar, salt and pepper. I've got a recipe for chimichuri and I like to add a dollop of that for dressing.

Dinner
I HATE making dinner! After hanging out with Piper all day and trying to squeeze exercise, work and church stuff in, I'm spent. At lunch I will I will put the meat in the fridge to thaw. Now that the weather is nice, I've started using the grill more often. I like to put mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, and onions on the grill with a little olive oil and garlic salt. My kids are even willing to eat it. We eat a lot of broccoli and cauliflower because they like that, too. Cooked carrots are a favorite, too. Besides grilled chicken, fish and turkey burgers, we also eat other stuff because you'll find out really quick that meat and veggies can get really boring really fast. I make marinara sauce from scratch and put it over roasted spaghetti squash instead of noodles (I usually boil some noodles for the kids). Season ground turkey and have taco salad (minus chips and cheese). We've made tacos and used lettuce as our 'shells' (corn shells can be eaten in week 5!). I bake the chicken in left over marinara sauce in the oven and it is good. Shred a few lbs of chicken in the crock-pot and have leftovers during the week. The good thing about chicken is you can make it taste like whatever you want. If you get desperate for something different, marinate your chicken breasts in lime juice, chili powder, and a dab of honey. I like to make meatballs, too. Jenni-O has some turkey Italian sausage that is quite tasty.

So, hopefully this gives you a little more hope that there is a lot of ways to eat the same thing. So, tonight have your "last drunk" (family reference of one last crazy night) or eat 10 dinner rolls on Sunday at your in-laws. Then say a little prayer that you'll make it through until Thursday. If you make it to Thursday, you will be totally golden.

I WORK OUT (read in the LMFAO voice)

I have been blessed with many great people in my life. Finding an exercise partner has been crucial in my "sticking with it". I look back at the times that I have been faithful in my exercising and there is always someone else with me. So here is a SHOUT OUT to all of my buddies.

At Ricks College, I worked out with Kirstin at the Raquetball Club at free aerobics classes. The teachers were students at the college and we warmed up to "Cum on Feel the Noise". I also dabbled a bit in running with Kim Eckman. On Saturdays we'd run (well... she would run and I would walk) up to the Rexburg water tower and then run home (downhill). Lets not forget the countless hours of longboarding either.

On my mission, I tried to run along Erin Enke. She was always about a block ahead of me. Sometimes we'd run on the beach (at 5:30 am). I played tennis in Gainesville with CJ Christensen, and walked around St. Mary's with Megan and some ladies in our ward.

After my mission, while still single, I worked out at the gym with Melanie Landon-Hays and Bev Pecoraro. Then I talked Mike into joining the gym (he was a terrible gym partner).

After Cohen was born, I went "Stroller Striding" with Kim Borchert and Lindy Funaki. While I was working at 1-800-Patches I met Genell Brunhart and Stephanie Berg at Kaylene's freakin' insane 5:00 am class of million weight reps Power Flex class. Lindsey Smyth joined us often.

I hired a personal trainer and it was  waste of money, but I learned a little. He was NOT a good gym buddy.

Since I've moved to Taylorsville, I've started meeting Lindsey again for classes and weekly chat on the treadmills. Kimmie Clark joins up often. I started going to K-34 Zumba at the church on Mondays with Ashle Powell, Mandi Sanchez, Candice Bohne and everyone else.

Thanks for working out with me... because being a fat girl in a exercise class is about as comfortable as your tight jeans after Thanksgiving dinner. It takes a lot to put yourself out there and get to a class. I've been the most successful when I have a class to attend (like I need to leave in 15 minutes for Jackie's spin class - my favorite class of the week).

My goal is to burn about 3500 calories a week exercising. For some that doesn't seem to hard, but for me it is. I'm a beginner... This takes me about 5 workouts to accomplish. Most weeks I take two spin classes, one Zumba workout, lift weights once, and walk once. I need to incorporate more weight lifting into the mix (side note: I went to a sculpting class yesterday. Every inch of me is sore. I've been working out regularly for 6 months.) This goes to show that I needed a switch up.

I've also started treating my workouts like important appointments. I wouldn't skip a dentist appointment to go with friends. I wouldn't skip a work meeting. Now, I won't skip a workout. Having my kids in the gym daycare helps because I have to make an appointment for them. 

What kind of workouts do you do? How do you stay motivated? Tell me all about your workout buddy.

8 Week Kick Start

So many have asked what my eating plan is. This plan is basically an 8 week cleanse, of sorts. As I mentioned in my last post, my spin instructor was prescribed this eating plan to help rid her body of something that was causing allergic/intolerant reactions. I decided to go with it because she said her husband lost about 15 lbs... and I was willing to try anything. Also another side note, at the time I started this 'cleanse',  I was meeting with a licensed nutritionist at Intermountain Healthcare and following a plan called "The Weigh to Health". (You can find out more information about it here.) I asked her about it all and she said it was a sound, well-rounded eating plan. I am not a doctor. I am not a nutritionist. I am not an expert. But it worked for me, so it may work for you. Leave any questions you may have in the comments.

Drink 8+ glasses of water each day (8 oz.)

Try to consume no more than 1500 – 1600 calories a day. (If you are smaller already, you may have to eat less. But you  should  at least 1200 calories each day). 

Meat servings should be between 4 oz – 6 oz. only. If you are a vegetarian or vegan, you should probably eat beans & soy from the very beginning for added source of protein.

I also didn't eat anything after dinner unless I was absolutely starving. However, I tried to cut myself from all food about 2 hours before bedtime.

WEEK 1-2: You  may eat only chicken, eggs, turkey (ground or breasts), fish, shellfish, eggs, and veggies. You can use olive oil and seasonings in your cooking. You may have almonds and cashews (in moderation). Almond milk and almond butter are okay if they contain no added sugar. I used a lot of red wine vinegar and pepperoncini juice for salad dressing. You may have avocados and tomatoes and sweet potatoes. 

WEEK 3-4: Add fruits. YUMMY. Strawberries will never taste this good in your life again. Fruit almost tasted like candy after 2 weeks of savory veggies. Make sure to eat more servings of veggies than fruit each day. I also tried to stop eating fruits before dinner. 

WEEK 5-6: Add legumes and lentils. Quinoa, and one serving of starchy veggies each day. You can add other nuts as well, but go easy on the peanuts. Popcorn is now on the list. It is a good treat (just steer clear of the butter).

WEEK 7-8: Add a 1-2 portions of whole grains. Oatmeal, steel cut oats, wheat tortillas, whole grain toast with your eggs. 

At the end of week 8, add back in anything else you may be missing. I chose to stay away from dairy all together. Leafy green veggies have plenty of calcium.  Your cravings should be gone and hopefully you'll want to continue eating this way on a regular basis. My one downfall is having Diet Dr. Pepper each day. I think I've almost convinced myself to quit drinking it (after the case in my fridge is gone, of course).

If you follow this plan, you should be able to kick-start whatever goal you have set for yourself. I lost almost 30 lbs in 8 weeks eating this way. I am starting again on June 11 if you want to join me.  I've found some pretty great recipes so it doesn't feel like you are always just eating a grilled piece of chicken with a salad. I'll share those, too. 

Start mentally prepping yourself. We can do it together! 

100 lbs Less of Lori

I recently posted my weight loss success on my Facebook wall and I feel like a rock star! I never get any posts. I'm not witty or controversial or (too) braggy when I post a status update. But, I've been working my butt off and I'm proud to tell people. This does freak me out a little. Now I feel if I ever see my Facebook friends in real life, I have to be super good (maybe you shouldn't invite me to any BBQ this year). AND... most of my Facebook friends haven't seen me since I've gained 100 lbs, so they would probably be like "What's the fuss?"

PEEPS... this is HUGE deal. I talk about losing weight all of the time (if you know me in real life) but I never do much about it. I feel like if I bring up the fact that I am fat, no one else will have to state the obvious. It is strange insecurity. Last October I had a miscarriage and hit a pretty low point in my life.  I talked to my sister's brother-in-law about weight loss and food addictions and something clicked. I decided to make a change. I started meeting with a nutritionist at the hospital and got a physical. She suggested I lose approximately 100 lbs. Good heavens! What had I done to myself? I started reading books and I quickly lost 15 lbs and then gained a few back (dang Disneyland!). Then in February, a friend of mine talked me into going to a spin class. I thought my heart might explode within the first 15 minutes. It was a nightmare... but, I left 60 minutes later feeling better than I had felt in a long time.

Well, one day the instructor (by the way - this class is tough... She makes me cry every time I am in there. Sometimes from pain and exhaustion, but mostly from her motivational speeches. I credit a lot of this to her, even though I'm not sure she even knows my name) was talking about a cleanse that her doctor suggested to her. She begged us all to join her in her endeavor, as she talked about how terrible it all was, and I wasn't really that interested. After she admitted defeat, I figured I could give it a try. 8 weeks later, I have lost 29.5 lbs doing what she told me to do. I was so excited that I just kept going. Since all of this started a few months ago, I have lost 41 lbs and I feel fantastic. I have 60 more lbs to lose (which is daunting), but 60 is better than 100 right?

My official 8 week date ended yesterday (June 4, 2012), but I am going to start over starting on June 11. It isn't rocket science. It isn't a gimmick. It makes perfect sense and helps me think twice about what I am putting in my body.

I hope I can keep up with everyone who asked "what are you doing?". I don't care if someone has 5 lbs or 500 lbs to lose... trying to lose weight just plain stinks. It is hard and emotional and lame. By posting all of this on my blog, I feel like I am putting myself ALL OF THE WAY out there, which I don't normally do. I'm accountable to others. I'm no expert on the subject. I learn a little here and there and I'd like to share what is working for me. It might work for you, too, and it might not. But being in charge of yourself feels pretty good and that is what I am promoting.

(Fattest Day of my entire life... right after Thanksgiving dinner 2011)

So - this blog is my new platform for "100 lbs Less of Lori". HELP KEEP ME MOTIVATED! LET'S KEEP EACH OTHER MOTIVATED!

:: 2012 ::

As I have been blog hopping this morning, I have seen so many "Year in Review" posts out there. I'm not going to write one of those. I will tell you this, I am SO HAPPY to leave 2011 behind. It wasn't a bad year...I don't want to forget it... I just have no desire to have that many personal revelations about myself again.

Sounds selfish? You are correct. I've had a great life. I've never had to endure anything that was so difficult I thought I might die. Things have always come naturally easy for me. For the first time in my life, they didn't. I actually had to figure out what was worth doing and achieving for myself. I AM 33! Shouldn't I know this already? I should, but I didn't.

Although I've always struggled with my ever increasing weight, this year I've actually started to battle it. I've always been an active member of the church, and this year I've actually started to work on building a testimony to figure out if it was correct. I've always known I wanted to be a mother, but this year I'm learning how to be the correct mother for my children... and shocked that they each need a different kind of mother. I've actually learned to say no. I've made decisions about being a working mother that I haven't come to a conclusion about. I've actually realized how much money we make and how much we spend and found out how much we should be spending... and am almost okay with it. I've figured out what I can live without, and what makes my life easier (Diet Soda and evenings out with friends). I've become an adult and I can't do anything about it.

So anyway, I guess I just wrote a year in review of the things on my mind... and with that being said, I'll set my same resolutions that I do every year:
1. lose weight
2. get organized
3. spend less money
4. be happy

... and this year I may just accomplish them.

:: IT WAS HALLOWEEN... A FEW MONTHS AGO ::


Cohen wanted to be a knight and Piper wanted to be a pink princess. I was happy to find an inexpensive costume for Cohen that he thought was so cool. Sadly... it was that cheap store bought costume fabric and I knew he would be so cold while out trick or treating. But, I didn't know how to make him one, so I decided to just get it. The weather was mild so a long sleeve shirt and sweat pants underneath did great.


He is so cute. But most importantly, he felt awesome.

And then there was Sissy's dress. I wanted to make it, but I knew I would need a lot of help because I don't really know how to sew clothing. Good think my mom and sister are costume seamstress extraordinaire!


It took 12 yards of fabric... 12 YARDS! Sheesh that is a lot of fabric. But I really enjoyed making it, even if Lyn was not that stoked to help. They were both so cute walking around together.

:: THANKSGIVING POINT YEARLY PASS GIVE-AWAY ::

I'm not giving it away... Petit Elefant is. You should go enter!

In the meantime, I've decided one of my 2012 resolutions is time management which includes resurrecting this blog. Will I stick to it?

:: LOST ::



Life is so busy. I thought I'd be back to normal by the end of August. Maybe next month. I refuse to let September be seen out of the window, though. After all... it is my most favorite month of all!

:: BABY YOU'RE A FIREWORK ::



I LOVE July 4th decor. Love it! I don't really love it on a daily basis, but I do appreciate and embrace it for the entire summer. I started making this wreathe over two years ago. I lost interest in making those darn pinwheels and when the patriotic decor got put away, I packed up the project. Last year we were moving the week of July 4th, so I ignored it again. I recently got the Martha Stewart Crafts score board thingy (I have no idea what it is called) and decided it was time to finish it off. I scoured the craft room and found other dood-dads and what-nots and just glued them all on there.


WAHOO! I absolutely love the way it turned out. It looks like fireworks and I've had that Katy Perry song in my head for a week now.

Linked up here: http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2011/06/sunday-showcase-party-with-mama-j.html
Linked up here: http://craftomaniac.blogspot.com/

:: IF YOU WONDER WHY I ACT LIKE I SOMETIMES DO ::




It is because I was raised in Idaho-oooooh000h0h0h0h0h!

I'll be back soon. I'm trying to figure out how to manage my time.

:: DAY 4 ::

My addictions and bad habits are many... sadly... but I am confident enough with myself to admit that.

#1... take a big FAT guess what I might say. I don't want to explain it any longer.



#2 Netflix: It is the best and worst $10 we spend each month. I have caught up on so many dumb shows that I didn't even know existed that I have NEEDED to watch. I figure my queue will run out eventually, but until then I'm watching it.


These are the two biggies right now. I really have no intentions of stopping either. They are making me a little lazier, but if I watch Netflix on the iPod touch while drinking a Diet DP and going on a walk, I see a brighter future.

:: I'M ROCKIN' THIS CHALLENGE ::

HOLY SMOKES... I'm really good at follow through, eh? Day 3 stumped me because all of my photos of myself with friends are on our desktop that currently doesn't have a monitor connected to it (I stole the monitor for my work laptop). I'm to lazy to climb under my desk and unplug it and take it about 20 feet to the desktop and climb under that desk. Whew. Just wears me out thinking about it.

In the meantime, our oven broke. It is prehistoric so we are very happy. We decided we'd go through our home warranty and they are replacing it with a new one. We only have to pay about $30 for a new stainless range that matches our dishwasher. WOOT! If only I could get the fridge to break before July 1st. We can't even have the oven plugged in because the alarm saying something is wrong won't stop beeping. If I can't cook it on an electric skillet, we aren't having it. The new oven should be here by the end of next week.

I've worked almost 40 hours this week. Crazy...

My church Primary calling has become a full-time job this week, too.

My brother Jeff is in town with his family so we're going to my parents for a nice warm meal. With a broken oven we've eaten a lot of grilled cheese and pancakes. They better bake something!

I started drinking diet soda again. I went 2 weeks without it. I totally missed it. I've cut out all processed sugar from my diet and I don't miss it at all. But all I think about is Diet DP. I need to go to rehab. SO... I am allowed one a day. If I make it to 4:00 pm without one, I won't drink one. It is working pretty well so far. Moderation is best anyway right?

I feel really bad for the Japanese people. Last week I couldn't pull myself away from the videos showing the waves carrying buildings away. So sad.

I'm currently addicted to past seasons of ANY show that has aired on ABC Family. It is rather pathetic how quickly I cruise through these shows. They are always on in the background while I work.

That is all... my life is the same as always.

Now back to the regular blog silence that you are used to. Woot!

:: DAY 2 ::

At the time I started this blog (almost 5 years ago) I was just discovering the land of craft blogs. Within the first 6 months, I realized that most of them were just copying whatever someone else was doing, or reposting some fabulous project from another blog. ALSO, I was doing a lot of craft boutiques (selling my goods) at the time. I came home from a particularly bad show (I sold like 2 things) in total frustration. Everyone EVERYONE (read: except the two that bought something) made the comment, "Oooh. I can make that." or "Did you just use ____?" or "Where did you buy the ____ to make _____." I was so mad.

Let me back up. My craftiness was inherited from my parents. My mom and dad were both very willing to let us use their stash to make what we wanted. I sewed a little in home ec, but as a youth I was always covering things with sequins and fabric scraps. My mom let me do with my room what I pleased. She let me draw on my shoes. My friends, Ris and Kim, used to draw stories of us doing amazing things (and kissing hot boys - I still have some of them Ris) and I would plaster my walls with them. Then Ris asked me to sew fabric panels in the sides of pants. We did that for a year and I made a few tank tops and Halloween costumes. My freshman year of college, my roommate Kirstin got me started on scrapbooking. My sophomore year in college I started working at a mill end fabric/craft store called Piece Goods. I had rows and rows of vintage trims for like 17 cents a yard. I started my craft supply collection then. When I was serving my LDS mission, making things is what I missed the most. Crazy huh. When I got home, I modge podged a dresser, and then married an artist. I like to make things... or think about making things.

Fast forward... Utah is an extremely crafty and 'mend and make do' kind of state. Crafty is part of the LDS young women's and Relief Society programs. We are taught to be resourceful and make things. So, after a while with just my name at the top of my blog, I decided to mimic the millions of crafty ladies in this state and just exclaim "I CAN MAKE IT". Originally I thought I was going to make this blog about craft tutorials and things I'd like to knock off, but I lost interest in it. There are so many other blogs out there doing the same thing. So for now, I'll just keep hoarding crafting supplies and make things when I can.

However... the lesson in all of this is, sometimes it isn't worth going home and making it. I appreciate artisans and I am willing to buy stuff from them that I can make because they are out there making an effort to make money off of their wares.

Make sense?

:: DAY 1 ::

EEEK! That is really close up picture of myself. Do I have a big chin? This pic is very Jay Leno-esque... It was taken on 10/31/10 as we darted from house to house trick-or-treating in the pouring rain.

Today is the day I start blogging again (see post below). I'll try... really I will. But I am not known for finishing very many things. Okay, 15 things about myself.

1. I'm amazed that I am 32. I remember once asking my mom how old she was. She said she was 34. I was only 4 at the time. That is only 2 years away. I think I am still 19-21 year old Lori.

2. I really really like my hair. It is never "done" but it is strait and so manageable. I don't even really have to blow dry it. When I was younger I kept it long because I was secretly quite vain about it. The long hair didn't really bother me until I was at the end of my LDS mission. I was in FL and it was hot. Plus I had gained a lot of pounds and I was headed home in 3 weeks. I needed something to distract everyone from my new found girth. So I cut 2 entire feet off. 2 FEET! Amazingly enough... I've done that twice and donated it to Locks of Love.

3. I always say I love making things, but in reality I love planning to make things. Figuring out the design and shopping for supplies is my favorite part of the entire project. I really don't have time to make things.

4. I work from home. A LOT. I enjoy it. I enjoy the free quiet time in my "mom cave" as I work away. Working part time is harder than working full time. Balancing work and home is hard, but I really am so glad that I have a job.

5. I have a hard time getting pregnant. I wish I didn't because I'd like to have more kids before I am 35.

6. When I am in a bad mood, all I want is a Maverick mug full of Diet DP and to listen to Rancid. I don't think I was an angsty teen, but when I am grumpy I revert right back to the way I was when I was 18 (except I was drinking regular DP).

7. I love live music but (read: in my old age) I hate going to concerts. I've become to uptight about being in bars, and getting hit in the head with an elbow, and screechy microphones. I need a suite in the top of the Energy Solutions Arena where I can sit in a comfy chair and enjoy the music.

8. Speaking of music, I haven't listened to any of my CDs in years but I refuse to load them on my computer and get rid of them. I have about 300. I have made a few exceptions when I need new workout music and when I am in a bad mood (see #6).

9. I want my house to be an Anthropologie display.

10. I want my closet to be an Anthropologie store.

11. I want to be rich (and stick thin) so I can shop guilt free at Anthropologie.

12. That being said, I only own a few small items from Anthropologie.

13. I hate cooked fruit. I love desserts, but will never eat a fruit pie.

14. I want to go to Japan only to buy fabric and little silly trinkets.

15. If I had all of the money in the world, I would only wear a pair of socks one time. I absolutely love brand new socks. LOVE!

:: BACK ON THE WAGON ::

I saw this challenge on my cousin's blog and I thought it might help me get back into the habit of blogging. I've just been so busy with so many things that I forget to do what I enjoy. So... it starts tomorrow.

The thirty day blog challenge...

day 1- recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
day 2- the meaning behind your blog name
day 3- a picture of you and your friends
day 4- a habit that you wish you didn’t have
day 5- a picture of somewhere you've been to
day 6- favorite super hero and why
day 7- a picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
day 8- short term goals for this month and why
day 9- something you're proud of in the past few days
day 10- songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad

day 11- another picture of you and your friends
day 12- how you found out about blogger and why you have one
day 13- a letter to someone
day 14- a picture of you and your family
day 15- put your ipod on shuffle: first 10 songs that play
day 16- another picture of yourself
day 17- someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
day 18- plans/dreams/goals you have
day 19- nicknames you have and why you have them
day 20- someone you love
day 21- a picture of something that makes you happy
day 22- what makes you different from everyone else
day 23- something you crave for a lot
day 24- your last five facebook status'
day 25- what I would find in your bag
day 26- what do you think about your friends
day 27- why are you doing this 30 day challenge
day 28- a picture of you from last year and now, how have you changed since then?
day 29- in this past month, what have you learned
day 30- your favorite song