The Random Rantings of Shaina Jo

I have been thinking these past few weeks about what I would like to accomplish this year.  By ‘this year’ I mean my thirtieth year of living.  I’m very excited to be thirty!  I’m still not sure why and everyone tells me that I am nuts for wanting to grow older.  It’s more opportunity to do different and new things.  I think it boils down to that. 

During my third decade, I would like to do the following (in no particular order):

1.  Go to New York City – One of the great loves of my life, my friend Dayra, lives there…well for now at least…and I would love to go visit her in her native surroundings.  Besides, I think it is good to see different parts of the country in which you live.  I want to do all the touring and site seeing my eyes and feet can handle.  I think it goes without saying that I want to experience all of the amazing food I can consume as well.

2.  Go to Chicago – Ah, the Windy City.  I want to go see a Cubs game at Wrigley Field with my husband and go to the Navy Pier and eat an Italian Beef Sandwich at Portillo’s.  I want to take a tour of the city on the river and eat some deep-dish pizza!

3.  Learn to speak Italian – I took French in school and can still understand and speak a little.  However, considering that my family is part Italian, and the fact that it is a beautiful language, I would love to learn it.  I already love the food and the decor, might as well speak the language to match.  I would love to go to Italy, but that’s for another list.

4.  Play the guitar – This was going to be ‘play an instrument’, but considering that we have a guitar and a bass in the house, it makes sense for it to be more specific.  I love the sound of the guitar about as much as I love the piano.  Besides, I think being able to play a musical instrument is good for the soul.  And, it is something you can pass along to your children.

5.  Pay off all credit card debt – This is a goal everyone should have.  We are currently working with the Dave Ramsey plan.  Save your money and then start paying your debt down.  We have paid off 8 credit card/department store card accounts this year.  It’s a great feeling!  We have 3 to go.  Once the cards are done, we will start working on the cars.  After those, the house is next in line.  I pray we keep the focus to stay on track.

Happy National Watermelon Day!  Seriously.

August 3rd is the day we all stop and appreciated the delicious, juicy summertime favorite.  Did you know there are over 1,200 types of watermelons grown in 96 different countries?  I had no idea. 

When I was a kid, we had parties at our house with my mom’s high school buddies.  I remember them throwing the whole watermelon in our pool.  Strange, but I’m sure they had a good reason.  Maybe trying to keep it cold?  Who knows.  I never liked it much.  Still don’t have a taste for it today.  My kids and husband love it though so we have it in the house from time to time.  Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, dessert.  They aren’t picky.  The only watermelon I am partial to is the one in that country song ‘Watermelon Crawl’ by Tracy Byrd!  It’s also a dance for those who don’t know.  Check it out here.

For those who love it, you could celebrate by having watermelon at every meal today.  Try out these interesting recipes:

Breakfast:  Plain watermelon slices

Lunch:  Watermelon Pork Tacos in Lettuce Shells 

Appetizer:  Tomato, Watermelon and Basil Skewers

Drink:  Watermelon Mojitos

Dinner:  Grilled Shrimp, Orange & Watermelon Salad in Zesty Citrus Dressing

Dessert:  Watermelon Ice

Bon Appetit, Ya’ll!

I’ve added a new addition to the storefront.  Little Diva and Dude Designs.  Very cute and affordable online kids boutique.  The owner, Kristi Demeree, and her mother started a business making unique accessories and custom clothing for little tots.  Kristi is a local girl and has three beautiful children to use as her inspiration.  They have everything from head to toe; hair accessories to shoes.

You can visit her site by clicking on her button up top or you can visit her here .  She also has an Etsy store and you can follow her on Facebook.

Day 8 and feelin’ great!  Sorry, I’m channeling the woman from last night’s workout video.

Activities conquered in the last week – Running on the elliptical, water aerobics, strength training and a walking video that wore me out.  I’m serious.  That walking video was no joke.  I was sweating like a … well, we’ll just skip that part and you can insert your own simile.  It probably didn’t help that I was doing this outside.  In July.  Late afternoon.  However, I felt like a million bucks when I was done.  4 miles.  That’s an accomplishment, I don’t care who you are.  I’m aiming for the full 5 next time.

I keep getting told ‘you aren’t supposed to workout every day’.  I know that – I am just making sure I don’t quit.  My way of dealing with this is doing something active each day.  Even if it’s only 15 minutes of lifting weights or doing lunges or whatever.  Its only requirement is that it has to be something I don’t normally do throughout the day.

Now, I need to get my mouth under control and I’ll be right as rain.  I’m typing this while shoving a handful of popcorn into my mouth.  Terrible.  At least I am drinking water and not a giant soda.  Although, I did have a coke with lunch.  It’s only my second soda in 8 days.  What is this – confession?  I can’t help myself!  You know what that is, don’t you?  Guilt.  Seriously though, I need to take my alloted amount of calories and break them up on a per-meal basis.  You know, breakfast (x calories), morning snack (x calories), etc.  Make it realistic so I don’t feel like I am starving.  I think that will help keep me on track. 

If you have any good suggestions, I’d love to hear them!

My eldest little is getting ready to go on an annual trip out of town with his Aunt, Uncle and cousins.  I was really excited when he called and told me he was almost done packing.  Then it hit me…I have no clue as to what he is shoving into his duffle bag.  So I did what any good mother would do in this day and age of technology.  I Skyped him.

That’s right.  I created an account for him and I Skyped him.  I have to be very mindful when he packs because he could end up at the condo with four pairs of socks, one pair of shorts, seven shirts, goggles and no underwear, no to mention board shorts.  He logged on and showed me everything in his bag.  I must say, he did a great job.  He’s growing up.  After all, like I was told at the beginning of June, he’s officially a 7th grader now.

Before we ‘hung up’, he sent me a kiss face emoticon.  About melted my heart right onto my shirt.  Love that boy.