This is Five

Right now, I have a 4-month-old babe and a 4-year-old big girl. In the next couple days, I'll have both a 5-month-old and a 5-year-old. Phew.

Of course, it's Ada's birthday that's taking center stage. Five is a biggie. It's this milestone I've been thinking about for quite some time. I hear people still call their 4-year-olds toddlers (I'm not one of them!), but when your tiny one reaches five . . . there's absolutely no denying it. You have a KID. A full-fledged kid on your hands.

The other day as I watched the news in horror about the election results, Ada was being particularly quiet and absorbed into her drawing. She loves to doodle before school as I mix up her instant oatmeal breakfast. Stephen and I were having some pretty intense discussions about the state of the country -- feeling hopeless and confused and angry (these are sentiments for another day).

And when Ada hands me a piece of paper that says "I see the house."

I suppose I had heard her in the background going "I, I, I s-sssss-seeee tt-thhhh-the how-how-house." Apparently her class is starting to write sentences at school. Whether well-practiced or not, I don't think I've ever been more proud. She beamed with confidence. I'll never forget her face!


We have been very hands-off with reading and writing at home. We read tons of books just for fun. We play around with writing letters. And we know it's important, but we also have always known that our daughter is 2, 3, 4. To us, that stuff could come in time . . . and we wanted it to come when SHE was driving the interest, not us.

Well, now that she's basically five? It's happened. She's interested in all things reading and writing. She asks how to spell words, scrawls them on the page, and then illustrates her work. Consistently for the last year she tells us she wants to be an artist. Now that she's started school, this career aspiration has morphed into art teacher. She brings home thick folders full of drawings every single day.

Anyway, I'm feeling all the feelings about Ada turning five. We are having a small party for her on Saturday. She went back and forth and back and forth on wanting or not wanting a party. In the end, I suggested she just invite a couple of her closest friends. We'll have pizza, cake, and celebrate this gigantic milestone.

She certainly has grown into quite an amazing little lady.

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National Running Day

Happy National Running Day!

Stephen is out for a jaunt with some of our runners club friends as I type this post. I, on the other hand, had other plans for how I wanted to celebrate. I woke up early, suited Ada up, and drove to our local rail trail. I was going to run seven stroller miles, pushing a mile past my farthest distance with her at one time.

The weather was gorgeous: mid-50s and sunny. The path, straight and smooth. Ready, set, go. I got a quarter mile or more into it and she started crying. It's typical, so I kept on another tenth of a mile or so.

SCREAMING. I stopped to see what was the matter. Nothing? So, I put her back in the stroller.

SCREAMING. More SCREAMING. So, I jogged back to the car as quickly as I could, trying my best to avoid the stares of strangers who were probably judging me for making my baby come along for the ride when she obviously found the activity akin to being burned at the stake or something equally horrifying.


She settled down for the rest of the day -- her hatred for the BOB, at least while I'm driving, is still a complete mystery. Stephen took her for 8 to 10-milers almost every day last week without so much as a peep. But I guess I'm happy I got out on my own this afternoon.

I completed speedy run through the neighborhood that completely helped de-stress me.


7:20 is my 5K race pace goal for this summer. If I could maintain it, I'd be close to my old PR -- a time I haven't chased in years. So, we'll see. I have my sights on a race coming up in late July that's a women's distance festival. That way I could have the chance to be the star runner for the day, not Stephen. Hah!

I already told you guys about the reasons why I run. Many of you shared your own, too! I think it's incredible that a single, simple sport can be so meaningful, helpful, and positive for so many people.

I know I always pull it out, but here's me at my first race ever. Socks, big cushioned shoes, and all!


And now? Stronger, wiser, and with a bit more on my plate.


Tomorrow's post will focus on 10 things that have changed since I started running. 10 years means lots of tweaks and modifications. That's for sure.

What has changed as you've grown as a runner (or cyclist, swimmer, yogi, etc.)? Just leave a comment or email us at neverhomemaker [at] gmail [dot] com.

And today on Writing Chapter Three, I'm focusing on marriage and how it has changed (more change!) as two has become three. It's not exactly champagne and roses, but we're managing.

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Happy, Happy . . .

Today's our 4-year wedding anniversary. Four years! First, here's an embarrassing photo. But it's one of the first of the two of us together . . . way back in 2005!

Fast-forward to this same date in 2007:


I can't believe how much has happened since these photos were taken. We graduated college (and Stephen, graduate school). Changed jobs -- some of us (cough, ASHLEY) several times. We moved cities. We bought a house. We almost completely changed everything inside that house. We started (never home)maker. We trained and completed our first marathons. We've gone fun places. Made great food. And now we're expecting our first child.


We look pretty different, too!


I'd say they have been the most action-packed four years of our lives. Likely only to pale in comparison to the next four (or so) years.


But we're ready and excited for it all. Thanks to all of your for helping to make the last two years extra fun with all your comments, suggestions, and support!

And here's to 4,000, er, 40 more years!


Pssst: Today on on (never home)maker, baby! I wrote all about my recent at-home workout experience. That actually kicked my preggo butt! It's not running . . . but there are definitely other ways to get a sweat on in the third trimester!

Like what you just read? You can subscribe to the feed of these posts or follow us on Twitter or Facebook to be the first to know what the (never home)makers are up to. And we’ll love you forever!!

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Operation Beautiful: Giveaway

It's only appropriate on the day we post all the new info about the Foodie Book Club to announce a book giveaway, right? We're celebrating a pretty big milestone for us: This week, we passed the 2,000 subscribers mark (2,218, to be exact)! I can't even begin to tell you all how thrilled we are that you guys and gals are liking the site. We're changed it quite a bit from the early days back in November 2009 . . . from a Home/DIY blog to one dedicated to Fit Foodies.

We really feel we've hit our stride. Posting content that is near and dear to our hearts is so much fun. And we love all the emails, comments, and tweets about your own journeys toward healthy lifestyles. Keep 'em coming!

Anyway, here's a big THANK YOU. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. We hope you'll continue to read (never home)maker and enjoy our recipes/fitness tips/etc.


I'm sure most of you have heard about Caitlin Boyle's recently released book (image source), Operation Beautiful: Transforming the Way You See Yourself One Post-It Note at a Time. If not, here are some reviews from the Amazon site:

"Operation Beautiful is an amazing book and movement that greatly helps women take control and start slicing out self-hate, stitching up self-esteem, and finally start healing from all the body drama that's making us sick!"
- Nancy Redd, New York Times bestselling author of Body Drama: Real Girls, Real Bodies, Real Issues, Real Answers

"In a time when so many people have their self-esteem and inner sense of wellness determined by plastic and often unrealistic standards, Operation Beautiful guides the way to loving oneself in a wholesome sense and to being the healthiest, best you can be!"
- Jennifer Ashton, M.D., CBS News Medical Correspondent and author of The Body Scoop for Girls

"Operation Beautiful is tea and sympathy, a kick in the pants, and a pep talk from a trusted friend all in one. Caitlin walks the walk and expertly weaves her own deep-held secrets in with life-changing stories of women from all around the world...should be mandatory reading for women everywhere."
- Stepfanie Romine, SparkPeople.com

Even if you already own a copy of this book -- it'd make a great gift! Entering isn't hard -- and selection will be at random (using Tara's Random Number Generator).

Here's the scoop:

THE GOODS: One (1) copy of Caitlin Boyle's book titled Operation Beautiful. Value: Approx $17. Really, though. The stories are priceless.
TO ENTER: Leave a comment with the word BEAUTIFUL somewhere in the mix.
IN ADDITION: Tell us about one random act of kindness that has impacted your life.
GIVEAWAY CLOSES: Friday, September 3rd at 9:00PM EST
PRIZE SHIPS: USA and Canada only.
ALSO: To win, I need your email address -- so please provide it (or your blog link so I can find it -- just some way of contacting you) or, unfortunately, you cannot win.
PS: One entry per email address is allowed. The winners will be selected using Tara's Random Number Generator and announced Tuesday (9/7) morning.

GOOD LUCK!

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Budget-Friendly Valentine's Day Ideas

Beloved reader Alaina wrote us recently to ask a GREAT question: "Do you have any ideas on making Valentines Day special and meaningful, but on a budget? My boyfriend and I like to do something small and sweet, but this year especially we're on a tight budget. Any suggestions?"

Of course, we put our thinking caps on immediately and starting coming up with ways we'd choose to celebrate the day on any price point under $100. You can also thank Alaina for coming up with some fantastic ideas, too. My favorite is the all-HIS movie marathon. I never let Stephen pick the movies we watch (mostly because he's into sci-fi, horror, and action -- all genres that don't exactly mix with my comedy, romantic-comedy, more comedy, and drama taste). But maybe that'd be a good gift for him this year.

Hmmm . . .



$100: One-Hundred Dollars and Zero Cents

• Of course, the classic drinks ($25), dinner ($50), and a movie ($25) date is always appropriate for Valentine's Day. But I challenge you to patronize local establishments only. In this economy, the little guys are hurting -- so it's better to visit your local Giuseppe's than Olive Garden. Or the corner arts theater instead of Regal Cinema.
• Take a day trip somewhere. This somewhere can be 30 minutes away or 2 hours away. But try to stick close to save on gas money. We did this recently and it didn't cost very much. Just break it down. If you stick within an hour of your hometown, you need only spend about $20 on gas. Coffee for two while you walk around town will set you back $10. A lunch or casual dinner is another $40 . . . and that leaves a hefty $30 for miscellaneous expenses, like stuffed-animal bears with the name of the town plastered on a T-shirt. Etc.

$75: Seventy-Five Dollars and Zero Cents

• Take this day as an opportunity to spiff up your space. A fresh coat of paint on your bedroom walls is a mere $35. A couple new throw pillows? $30. And some sexy scented candles can be snagged up for $10. The romance generated by giving your bedroom a little TLC . . . priceless.
• In the spirit of pampering yourselves, use your cash to book yourselves spa appointments . . . IN! You can go to your local TJ Max or Home Goods (Marshall’s, etc. discount stores) and pick up everything you need (towels, bathrobes, peppermint foot lotion, bubble bath, you-name-it) for $75 (or less, really). So why spend that – each – on a single spa treatment? Plus, it’ll give you incentive to clean your bathroom :)

$50: Fifty Dollars and Zero Cents

• Staying in is something we’re totally into. So, cook a lavish dinner IN. Grab your favorite cookbook and make a meal you’ve been meaning to take a stab at but haven’t had the time. That's what we did last V-day (as pictured above). Plus, if you visit your local wine and spirits store, you’ll find tons of great wines for under $10 a bottle. That leaves $40 for all the fixings you’ll need for a feast for two.
• Since V-Day is on a Sunday this year – why not start the day off right by grabbing brunch? Diners are great places for cheap, but delicious brunches. And on your way home, you can stop by a museum or catch a matinee.

$25: Twenty-Five Dollars and Zero Cents

• Like to give gifts? Being on a budget doesn’t need to hamper your fun. But make it a challenge. Budget only $12.50 for each other, and see what thoughtful item you can get that will make the other’s day. Stephen bought me a grocery store bouquet for $10 a couple Fridays ago . . . made me smile, and didn’t set us back like roses would have. Plus, gerbera daisies were our wedding flowers and, therefore, more personal. It forces you to get creative, too. And the grocery store is a great place to find all this stuff, by the way. You can go, split up, and then exchange your goods on the way home.
• And who says you have to go out for a full meal to celebrate your love? Dessert’s the thing on the 14th of Feb that has everyone mushy and gooey. Dine in for the main event and then treat yourselves to dessert OUT somewhere divine. You may even have enough cash left over to rent a few flicks for the night.

$0: Zero Dollars and Zero Cents

• Oh, we’ve been there. But love is free, and you can certainly do more with less . . . or nothing at all. Look around the house and see what you’ve got. Have an evening of unplugged games (get some ideas in our board games for pennies post) – no Wii allowed. Learn a new cooking technique together (and if you’re looking for a new cookbook, go check out our giveaway). Give each other a massage. Have him paint your toenails. Whatever. But just do stuff together with what you have. Because when it all boils down . . . you really only need each other. Awww.
• Along this same vein – do something for you partner you might not usually do. Like wash the dishes, in our case. Maybe make up one of those little coupon books and fill it with tasks and treats you can give for free. Stephen loves banana cake, and I hate it. So, I’d make a coupon that says “Good for ONE tasty Banana Cake” (That’s what she said? Ohhhh . . . sorry, it’s the bananas. Should have come up with a different example.). 

What does Alaina suggest? Check 'em out . . . 

• Make an apple pie -- my boyfriend's weakness -- and dust off the good old Super Nintendo for a night of old-school video games. 
• Gift him different kinds of beers -- it's fun to surprise him with new ones, but it seems the best ones are the most expensive ones. (We hear you, Alaina!)
  
• Go to our favorite Chinese place and each buy the other one dinner. We both love Chinese so much, and it would be our 'gift' to one another. 
• Have a movie marathon. There are so many movies that he says "I can't believe you haven't seen that!" or "You HAVE to see that!" so I also thought about having a movie marathon that he's 100% in charge of. 

Bottom line: No matter your budget, you don’t need any dough to bake up some romance on Valentine’s day this year. Just be smart, stick to your budget, and remember that it’s really just a made-up holiday . . . so no need to spend big. It’s the little things, really, that make an impact.

Do you folks have any budget friendly activities to suggest? We'd love to hear 'em. Just leave a comment!



If you have a question you'd like us to answer, just email us at neverhomemaker@gmail.com -- and we'd be happy to get back to you -- soon. And be sure to check out the details about our Something for Nothing Giveaway of Martha Stewart's Cooking School cookbook -- to celebrate 500 (and now 612) followers :)

Like what you just read? You can subscribe to the feed of these posts or follow us on Twitter or Facebook to be the first to know what the (never home)makers are up to. And we’ll love you forever!

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