tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87188556866727834382011-12-31T15:27:02.283-06:00This is my Blog. My very first Blog. I will love it, and pet it, and call it George. Oh yeah, I already named it. Well that seems fitting for my life for so very many reasons. Check out my profile for the full low down. So anyhoo -- here we go....FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.comBlogger2201100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-39690699096730179712011-04-15T14:00:00.003-05:002011-04-19T16:27:53.084-05:00

Ok, so its been about six months since I first discovered Shellac and since my friend and I put Shellac and Axxium to the test.  How have they held up?   Allow me to show you my newly Shellac'ed nails in a lovely spring coral (and yes my cuticles are horrid - we'll get to why shortly): As you can see I'm still happily Shellacing.  My friend on the other hand quit the Axxium product not too long

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-19493444843981027912011-02-23T15:37:00.001-06:002011-02-23T15:41:41.881-06:00

My husband is a saint.  Seriously.  Those of you who have hung in there with me over the years would understand why!  I'm about to give you a shining, concrete example. The other night as we were drifting off to sleep, I said aloud - without really giving it much thought - "you know I'm not sure I even have a proper suit anymore. I mean I have jackets and slacks but I doubt I have one suit set

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-72804792927598614492011-01-12T13:26:00.003-06:002011-01-12T13:30:46.239-06:00

I hate running.  Really.  I've tried in the past to love it but I never get that "runner's high".  Instead I get runners angst.  I end up cursing myself, my shoes, my legs, the pavement (or treadmill), the clock, etc etc etc.  However (you knew it was coming, right?) I've decided its the quickest, easiest, most portable cardio I can do.  I loved my Zumba classes but trying to get away from my

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-22172909986166298612010-11-22T08:35:00.000-06:002010-11-22T08:35:34.797-06:00

With Thanksgiving quickly approaching the gravity of my situation is hitting me.  What situation is that?  Well, two weeks shy of my 37th birthday I will be - for the first time - hosting Thanksgiving and preparing my first Turkey.  EEEEKS! Of course, a month ago while planning I thought of all the wonderful things I would cook.  I would brine the Turkey via a 4-day process following Alton

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-53109626977296318472010-10-30T13:10:00.002-05:002010-10-30T21:32:55.433-05:00

When my friend Sarah sent me a text asking if I'd heard about the "CND manicure" I just thought "Urgh - no thanks.  No wasting my money on manicures that last about 1-2 days in mommy land."  While I love the pampering of a mani, I get so disappointed when, after shelling out $30, my polish chips the next day or, if I'm lucky, the day after.  For that reason alone I almost never polish my nails.  

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-19045493538216818952010-07-14T11:47:00.004-05:002010-07-14T15:05:10.557-05:00

Welcome to Cloth Diapering 101.  Below you’ll find an FAQ.  There is much more to know – and I openly disclose I am a newbie – but this should be enough to get your toe in the water.  If you have any questions I haven’t answered, just ask away in the Comments section and I’ll be happy to respond! Q:  How do Cloth Diapers (CDs) work?A:  It depends on the type that you purchase.  I’ll go

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-86985623396791209532010-07-12T14:35:00.001-05:002010-07-12T14:37:25.567-05:00

AIO.  Flip.  Hybrid.  Am I talking about cars?  Electronics?  Cameras?  Nope - I'm talking about diapers.  Cloth diapers to be specific.  We've decided (well I decided, my husband kindly acquiesced) to start using cloth diapers on our 3 month old.  I like being green and not clogging up landfills, but I also like the cost savings.  I figured up the average cost of diapers and wipes for two years

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-48615422572377838552010-07-07T12:03:00.001-05:002010-07-07T12:04:12.186-05:00

What is my newest family addition, if not another reason to shop??  There are so many fabulous things out there - even new goodies since I was in baby shoppin mode 3 years ago - that I have to watch myself.  No really.  In order to help me do that I've become very good friends with two websites that operate similarly but a little different from one another: www.Babysteals.com:  Babysteals is a

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-84631527531893014492010-06-29T12:23:00.002-05:002010-06-29T12:26:42.246-05:00

One trend I haven't been able to get into - literally - is the Skinny Jean.   Not that I don't love the vibe, but trying to put tailored denim on a pear = not a good look.  If the hips fit, the legs would be too wide and look silly.  If the legs fit, well lets just say we all know that muffin tops should relegate themselves to a breakfast food only - they do not belong on 30-something women. 

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-29918305655055085872010-06-24T12:35:00.009-05:002010-06-24T13:01:48.013-05:00

Ok so most of us can't spend a week's paycheck on products like Creme De La Mer every month.  In that vein I wanted to share some of my grocery- and drugstore finds that I love.  And also share a few I wanted to love - but didn't. 1)  Garnier Length and Strength shampoo/conditioner:  I have tried everything from Bumble & Bumble to Fekkai and in general been let down.  Out of sheer rebellious

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-3804200001627590172010-06-23T09:13:00.000-05:002010-06-23T09:13:53.870-05:00

Well my friends I have been busy at work obtaining blog fodder!   I have a package waiting at home for me from Nordy's full of goodies to tell you about.  I have yet another new pair of shoes to discuss (but see, these are athletic shoes, so really its hardly even a shoe purchase at all - more a necessity!) and some great baby finds to tell you about! In the meantime I offer you a present for

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-40668754561638327442010-06-18T08:42:00.002-05:002010-06-18T08:46:58.440-05:00

Ok, so for all the flak I've been getting about skyscraper heels, and for my spending habits, I now present to you, my final shoe of the day: Target's Xhiliration "Saniya" Black Patent Pointy Toe Flats: Flat shoes, rubber flex-sole, and on CLEARANCE for $6.98.  So there!   I do love the rubber flex soles, but right now my heels are not loving the inevitable blisters that are headed their way...

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-47418626842993200812010-06-17T10:05:00.000-05:002010-06-17T10:05:36.415-05:00

Ok so finding a photo of this one was tough.  Its no longer up at Zappos and google was no help!  So you'll have to use a bit of imagination.  I found a photo of the shoe in black, but I have it in "natural calf".  The only photo I could find of that was microscopic.  *sigh* Overall the shoes look wonderful, somehow classy and casual all at once.  But they need to stretch a little - my toes feel

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-36766010278407463432010-06-16T10:14:00.002-05:002010-06-16T10:23:28.836-05:00

As promised here is today's shoe, which oddly enough is the cheapest of all my new heels and by far the most comfortable of the past three! Penthouse's "Rose" Peep Toe Platform Pump in White/Black Patent:

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-66749154960243143562010-06-15T11:34:00.001-05:002010-06-15T14:43:58.435-05:00

Ok so yesterday was my first day back from Mat leave.  Apart from the fact that the baby - who had been a good sleeper with only one night waking around 2am lately - decided it was party time about four times Sunday night, I was still ready to roll come Monday morning. When I was in high school I would mark the return to school in the fall with the purchase of five new outfits. One for each day

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-82772799248378153472010-06-12T16:52:00.003-05:002010-06-15T14:42:56.177-05:00

For many reasons, I've decided to bring the blog back to life!  (Note the lovely new template!) First, my maternity leave is over in two days - and during my maternity leave I learned many things. The foremost of which is: I still have my shopping swagga on!   Let me tell you a little story to demonstrate:  As I was sitting on the couch a few weeks ago, the doorbell rang.  It was the UPS man

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-18830920300446610112009-09-21T17:21:00.004-05:002009-09-21T17:24:57.422-05:00

And to answer that question, I present you with a link to my new blog. One that will, for about the next 18 years, take up most of my time:thecountdownisonhere.blogspot.comSince this info is very private, and since - in this day and age - the world can be a scary place, if you'd like access to my new blog after Oct 1, 2009, please either email me, leave a comment here, or PM me on Facebook with

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-45404840799837107042009-05-22T15:02:00.006-05:002009-05-22T15:19:36.368-05:00

Ok so a while back I mentioned I went on a "research" spree. I've already reviewed my new friends the Bumpits below. The other purchase was a number of flavors of Holey Donuts (www.holeydonuts.net). They purport to be much better for you - in some cases 4x less fat - than typical donuts. AND they're not made with fake out ingredients (no tofu here folks!) - just good old fashioned normal

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-65508795428733395322009-05-12T11:35:00.011-05:002009-05-12T12:21:44.563-05:00

Ok so maybe the review won't be that amazing - but it will be a review of my new Bumpits!  Ok, the technical:Price:  $18.95 + shipping (normally around $19.95 - $24.95 for a full set - you can get cheaper "partial" sets for around $10-14)What you get:  5 "Bumpits" - 2 regular, 2 mini, 1 rockstar/hollywoodWhat they are:  pieces of plastic - we like to call them my "hair scaffolding" - in an arch

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-74700689463751357442009-05-03T20:31:00.003-05:002009-05-03T20:47:28.338-05:00

Ok so for the first time since starting to blog (I think) I've missed an entire month - the entire month of April.  Ooooops.  Ryan and I have had a lot going on and life has just seemed to keep us busy enough that my "on-line" time suffered a little.  I also realized I was getting away from the original focus of my blog.  SHOPPING and all things FABULOUS.  :)   So... purely to support the

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-2631818675176318592009-03-27T19:10:00.004-05:002009-03-27T19:20:17.755-05:00

While there are many, here are currently 10 things I want to have before I die hat I currently do not possess....1) Judith Leiber Crystal Clutch (in some great whimsical shape)  Like this one; Or this one, Or this one,!2) Shoes that cost over $500 and look great on me.  For instance, these.  Or these.  Or maybe these.3) One pair of really great expensive jeans (a la True Religion, Rich & Skinny,

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-63556977447584495262009-03-20T08:12:00.004-05:002009-03-20T08:24:09.144-05:00

Well, I just canceled my membership at NutriSystem and got a return authorization for the remainder of my food. I just can't do it anymore. I weighed in this morning UP 0.2lbs - enough was enough. And for you naysayers who tell me its not appropriate to track weight more than once a week, even if I had just weighed in each Friday, I have officially GAINED since this day last week. I am UP

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-25553098687028189052009-03-19T20:37:00.003-05:002009-03-19T20:51:56.685-05:00

Ok, so almost 2 weeks gone on this little diet voyage.  The problem is that - while I had a nice loss today of 0.4lbs - I'm still not any further than I was a week ago.  And that is a real bummer.  But it seems that my body was really in starvation mode because I ate more yesterday than I had any other day prior and lost more than I had all week.  So we'll just try to stay around 1200 - 1300 and

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-88629563969781891192009-03-18T21:13:00.003-05:002009-03-19T20:36:17.636-05:00

Bottom line here is that I weighed in UP 0.1 lbs today.  *sigh*  However after posting a message on the NS support boards I'm pretty convinced I'm actually not taking in enough calories and my body is in survival mode.  So today I tried to up my cals to at least 1200 and succeeded.  There isn't anything new to review so nothing to comment on below.  I will say that as of today I'm really jonesing

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-34201307075611810342009-03-17T20:17:00.003-05:002009-03-19T20:34:35.834-05:00

Ok - new format here.  I'm only gonna review things I haven't reviewed before.   Today's weigh in was a little better... down .3 but still not what I was hoping for.  All I can do is keep going!  I can say that the cravings are going away quickly and now when I go down to my office cafe to eat don't even bother looking at what's on the menu - just head to the salad bar - and don't feel deprived

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-190970049881789812009-03-16T20:12:00.003-05:002009-03-19T20:35:00.691-05:00

Another pretty disappointing weigh in.  Down exactly 0.0 lbs.  *sigh*  I'm being told that it may be my body going into a little calorie shock but only time will tell.  I didn't have much for snacks today (instead using my lunch entree as my snack) in hopes that the little extra kick would get my weight loss going again. My goal of 20lbs is pretty outta reach now so I'm hoping for 16lbs.Breakfast

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-87240036370482264982009-03-15T20:17:00.002-05:002009-03-15T20:23:36.134-05:00

Today it all came crashing down - my delusion of 5lbs a week weight loss.  At this morning's weigh in - I GAINED .9 lbs.  Curses to yesterdays cheats!  Ok you know how you don't really miss Oreos until you have one.  Then somehow the day AFTER the Oreo is the hardest day to try and NOT have an Oreo.  Well after cheating yesterday... and then after today's REALLY disappointing weigh in ... it was

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-16531519862228359392009-03-14T20:53:00.004-05:002009-03-15T13:19:03.508-05:00

Ok, today I let myself down.  This was the first day I actually cheated.  Twice. The first was totally within my control and a bad choice (m&m cookie after lunch) the second, I did the best I could but went out to dinner (already planned and you can't live life in a bubble) and the menu was not diet-compatible. I did the best I could with a salad but it came with a ton of shredded cheese on it (

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-19481285350798316612009-03-13T20:37:00.004-05:002009-03-15T13:05:54.236-05:00

One week down!  Woo hoo.  Ok its Friday night so this will be quick.  I'll edit tomorrow with deets.Breakfast:NS Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins w/ ICBINB SprayWaterOnce again I was pleasantly surprised at the muffins.  I warmed them in the microwave which helped.  They still had that taste that seeming all NS items have - some kind of weird aftertaste I just can't place.  But I'm getting used to it I

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-27606834817690004462009-03-12T20:23:00.002-05:002009-03-12T20:44:08.331-05:00

Well things are going much better.  Either day 3 really was my low point due to detox, or who knows what.  But since day 4 I've been doing great, not feeling hungry and my energy has been good.  Not even contemplating quitting now.BreakfastNS Cinnamon Squares CerealYoplait Cinnamon Roll Fat Free YogurtWaterI'm not a cereal girl.  Even normal cereal.  Its just not my thing.  So I got a few NS

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-88427208389560770702009-03-11T13:20:00.005-05:002009-03-11T20:37:56.755-05:00

Today was a bummer wake up call. Hopped on the scale this morning and only lost .1 lbs. Point one. As in one tenth of a pound. Argh. That did not set my day off right. Dunno if it was the extra 1/2 a banana, the non-fat-free salad dressing, or merely my body clinging to what is left as a "starvation reflex". Here's hoping tomorrow is a better day.Breakfast:NS Blueberry MuffinsDecaf Coffee

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-61879379669982482272009-03-10T20:15:00.002-05:002009-03-10T20:39:21.022-05:00

Ok - MUCH better day today.  I had always heard that the 3rd day of any major diet change (carb deplete, detox, etc) is the hardest.  Judging by yesterday I hope that is accurate because yesterday SUCKED.  I was very ready to quit, and in fact, "cheated" and ate 1/2 a banana around 9:30 last night.  I just couldn't concentrate on anything else.  Even watching TV was too much effort.  Today is

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-37094996982071483322009-03-09T21:03:00.003-05:002009-03-09T21:11:30.898-05:00

Breakfast:NS Chocolate Chip SconeCoffeeFolks we have a winner.  The scone is the best (i.e. closest to "real" food) I have had so far.  I would give it a solid A.  Its a little dense however that is the normal texture for a scone.  Its not going to have the flaky outside that a bakery scone would so hence no A+ but still darn good. I'd eat it even if I weren't dieting.  Plus the portion was very

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-43797559017249762642009-03-08T22:23:00.001-05:002009-03-08T22:24:35.703-05:00

Peeps, please check out my posting about helping a young man achieve his prom goal by clicking here... we're in the home stretch!!!http://whendidiorderthis.blogspot.com/2009/02/vote-early-vote-often-take-2.html

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-38489221942632916052009-03-08T21:12:00.004-05:002009-03-08T21:15:47.855-05:00

Ok day 2 ... harder than day 1 and unfortunately, more calories taken in on top of that.  Definitely noticed being hungry and had some odd side effects?  Here's the report:Breakfast:NS Maple Brown Sugar OatmealString CheeseMandarin OrangeMaxwell House CoffeeThe oatmeal wasn't what I expected. I'm used to microwaveable instant oatmeal.  This stuff you put the water in but then microwave the whole

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-75139624364841335932009-03-07T20:49:00.003-06:002009-03-07T21:20:25.555-06:00

Ok so I have officially lived through day one.  Overall I feel ok.  I did get hungry a few times but either tried to have "ok" snacks per the meal plan (baby carrots, string cheese, etc) or plied myself with caffeine (yeah not so healthy but yet effective).  I noticed my energy is down, but I knew the first 3-4 days would be a detox or adjustment period since I'm accustomed to eating crap in

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-24708171880485352582009-03-07T09:37:00.003-06:002009-03-07T17:10:40.649-06:00

Once again spring is upon us.  So of course once again that means diet time.  After much consideration and weighing of options, I decided on Nutri System.  I had done NS once before about 2.5 yrs ago with great results weight-wise (13lbs in a month) but not so great results otherwise.  What do I mean?  I thought the food was horrid (cardboard and sand as I called it) and I was so hungry ALL the

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-37624334760660892502009-02-27T08:16:00.004-06:002009-02-27T08:25:00.833-06:00

Ok, loyal readers, and voters. I need your mouse clicks once again! Here is a note below regarding my cousin, Mattie about her son:Alec is wondering if anyone would help his school with their prom? He is in grade 11 and it's his first prom. It's a voting thing where you can vote everyday for his school and the school that wins receives $5,000 to use towards their prom. You can vote once a day

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-55503650019770177592009-02-20T16:02:00.005-06:002009-02-20T16:10:36.569-06:00

Ok, today - feeling a little down about the pudge factor - I decided to try and be good and limit my afternoon treat. I decided on only 2 Dove "Milk Chocolate Promises with Caramel" bites (I mean a "serving is 5 pcs!). They are lovely little chocolate squares with inspirational messages on the wrappers. Or so they claim.As I'm sitting enjoying my first bit o chocoloate love, I glance down at

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-56689181065593793212009-01-29T21:01:00.002-06:002009-01-29T21:08:26.759-06:00

....there are any of you still hanging on (God bless you!) I'm posting to say that it will likely be a while before I post again. Nice huh?To catch you all up: OUR HOUSE SOLD! (can I get a w00t)?! But the new folks needed a quick close so we are getting up and out by this weekend. (By Superbowl time according to hubby). Sooo the last two weeks have been a flurry of packing, packing, packing

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-51996625274369659082009-01-14T13:16:00.004-06:002009-01-14T13:54:06.409-06:00

Ok, if you know me, you know I am not Oprah's biggest fan (can I even say that out loud - will a Harpo Studios helicopter descend on my house at 3 a.m. now??). However, today while perusing CNN I got accidentally linked to an article from her magazine - and LOVED it. To be clear - it was not written by Oprah (thank God). It was written by one Ms. Lisa Kogan. Its a discussion of all those

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-35881743480421812972009-01-12T21:07:00.005-06:002009-01-12T21:18:23.099-06:00

Well the day finally came.  I thought I'd be a lot more excited than this.  Instead I just feel kinda blah about the whole thing and not as filled with anticipation as I figured.  Yup - we sold our house!  After nine months on the market, 3 offers that botched, and I-have-no-idea-how-many showings - our house is under contract and set to close on Feb 3rd.So as if I haven't been an absentee

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-76682178442675796992009-01-06T08:22:00.003-06:002009-01-06T13:10:53.824-06:00

Ok, I will be the first to admit, once HappyTime(tm) has passed I can tend to get a bit down. January just seems so bleak... its cold, I'm pale, nothing fits well (thank you extra holiday goodies) and there just isn't much to look forward to. Or at least that is one way of looking at it.One of my NY resolutions this year is to start looking for the silver lining more instead of just noticing

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-39584246499356861952008-12-31T13:14:00.002-06:002008-12-31T13:23:09.426-06:00

Every year.  I'm serious - just about every year that I can remember, I get sick for the holidays.  Usually right at Christmas but sometimes it comes on around New Years.  Such is the case this year.  I squeaked by CMas for the most part, but am sitting here in my fuzzy robe and socks, hair stringy and flat, nose red as Rudolph's with a mountain of Kleenex next to my keyboard and one stuffed up

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-78393547651918095752008-12-17T20:31:00.003-06:002008-12-17T20:38:34.988-06:00

From time to time (ok most of the time) I feel guilty about the things I don't get done in a day... in a week... in a month. Near the top of that list (kinda near blogging) is keeping in close contact with friends.  The sad truth is that unless I work with or near them, it just doesn't happen on a regular basis.  Luckily a lot of my friends are mommies so they "get it".  They live it.  But some

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-23006116271855402242008-12-15T20:43:00.001-06:002008-12-15T20:45:26.365-06:00

Ok ok ok I haven't blogged in a while.  Like a long while.  Like forever.  But things here have been nuts.  With holiday prep, shopping and baking, and fitting in that work thingie there has not been much room for the ol blog.And tonight is no exception.  I write for no other reason than to tell those who still check in (all 2 of you ... thanks mom) that I will be back soon.  But just not tonight

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-58588341399982379572008-12-10T09:46:00.001-06:002008-12-10T09:47:26.724-06:00

This was too god not to steal from my cousin and post here! Dear Santa, I've been a pretty good mom this year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my children on demand, visited the doctor's office more than the doctor, sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground. Sold enough popcorn and cookies to send a small town to scout camp this summer. I

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-82320119902013973142008-12-08T13:31:00.002-06:002008-12-08T13:35:40.255-06:00

My husband is off deer hunting this week so since Saturday morning at 4:00 a.m. I’ve been a “single mom”. Ever since I had a child, I’ve had a new-found respect or awe for single mothers. This week has only reinforced that feeling.While certainly realizing how much my husband helps in the parenting of our daughter, conversely I realize how taxing it is to do it on your own! Take Saturday for

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-64170413084385864162008-12-01T11:48:00.004-06:002008-12-01T11:54:27.118-06:00

Ok so the only point to today's blog is to point out that HAPPYTIME(tm) has officially begun!!! I love this time of the year. It is by far and away my favorite. I love the snow (only for a bit!), I love the lights, I love the hustle and bustle, I love giving presents, I love getting presents, I love the food, I love the clothes, I love the fact that everyone is nicer to each other - if even

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-91060822112253203282008-11-25T20:38:00.002-06:002008-11-25T20:53:57.599-06:00

As most of you know, Coco went in for tubes a few weeks back. As I mentioned, Coco took it better than Mommy did. But what I discovered during the whole process was a bit disconcerting.After they took Cora away for the procedure, I was told I could wait in the area outside of the recovery rooms until a nurse came to get me. I was told that it would only be about 5 or 10 minutes for the entire

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-62040783295950497032008-11-19T10:15:00.001-06:002008-11-19T10:19:00.707-06:00

For those of you with kids you know what its like trying to teach little ones new words. For those of you who don’t, it’s a tedious process. It seems like the words they latch on to immediately are the ones you had nothing to do with (like the time my little one came home from daycare showing me her “ehbow”). The converse of that, of course, is that the words you try to teach them end up

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-33451699016063493312008-11-17T10:54:00.001-06:002008-11-17T10:57:38.377-06:00

Our moment came this weekend. The one every parent tells you that you will have – and the one you summarily dismiss and think you never will. Our little Coco fell down a full flight of stairs Sunday morning. Thank the Lord she is fine – no major injuries and in fact not even any bumps and bruises – the baby gate we had gently pushed to one side at the bottom of the staircase acted like a net

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-90826715296333668472008-11-10T15:53:00.002-06:002008-11-10T15:55:22.684-06:00

Today a co-worker sent around an adorable video of a young girl being filmed by her mom. The little one was running around the garage pulling out what I believe ended up being about 5 frogs from her hiding place – her underpants. Hey, who needs pockets? As we were all cracking up about it, my father emailed to let me know my “time was coming”. I have news for him … my time is here and going

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-56160259681113666152008-11-06T11:02:00.006-06:002008-11-06T11:09:31.234-06:00

Ok, so normally I refrain from political rantings but today I believe it is appropriate to diverge from my normal path. Its my time to talk about our new President. I know that for a select few he can be polarizing. There are those that disagree with his policy or his background. Those folks I can respect even as I disagree with them. Then there are the fringe few who insist on believing

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-66608982898497400132008-11-03T13:12:00.004-06:002008-11-03T13:21:11.652-06:00

We’re all familiar lately with the ongoing saga of the State of Nebraska. Effective July 1st of this year, they passed what is commonly knows as a Safe Harbor law. Like most similar states’ laws, it allows a parent or guardian of a child to drop the child off unharmed at an approved location (in this case a hospital) without fear of prosecution, thus terminating their parental rights. Unlike

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-35429063049930724182008-10-28T19:46:00.005-05:002008-10-28T19:56:21.424-05:00

Ok, so its been a little under two months after completing the Lactagen regimen. I'm still a fan, but maybe with some slight reservations. While I have not used Lactaid once these past many weeks, I have had a few incidents where I encountered problems. Most of them were mild to moderate and there was one I'm not sure I can link up cause and effect.Basically the times I've had issues were as

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-68191070367531874382008-10-28T14:39:00.001-05:002008-10-28T14:43:29.807-05:00

Two Fridays ago we had a feeling Coco wasn’t quite feeling up to snuff. This usually means a double ear infection. However since we had, just the prior Tuesday, finished up her antibiotics for that very condition we were doubtful. Out of an abundance of caution Hubby took her in to see her doctor. Sure enough – her right ear was “very infected”. I was shocked. I was even more shocked when

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-30295421502815483872008-10-26T17:45:00.004-05:002008-10-28T14:45:26.858-05:00

I was tagged...Here are the rules: 1. Link your tagger and list the rules on your blog. 2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog-some random, some wierd. 3. Tag 7 people at the end of the post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs. 4. Let them know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog. I was tagged by: Amy at http://amy-littletreasures.blogspot.com/

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-49144436490240855932008-10-21T09:54:00.002-05:002008-10-21T09:56:29.193-05:00

I had heard about the terrible twos. In fact I was told the terrible threes are worse. I was not then prepared for the terrible 16 monthses. Our dear sweet little one has discovered the power of the word “No.” She now says “no” approximately a four billion times a day: in the car, out shopping, having breakfast, having dinner, playing with her dolls or her cell phone, getting dressed,

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-65462482375622288012008-10-14T10:39:00.000-05:002008-10-14T10:40:08.908-05:00

I knew yesterday would come at some point. I knew I’d have to face the day that every parent dreads. Yesterday was the day I went to pick Coco up from day care and found that at some point during the day she had been hurt. I walked in to find a little face scabbed and red with scratches. While, by that time, Coco was fine and in good spirits, it took my breath away to see her like that.

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-76832745701311407922008-10-13T16:02:00.001-05:002008-10-13T16:02:46.703-05:00

I went out of state last week for a while - Sunday through Wednesday to be precise – on a business trip. While I did fine being away (no major tears shed) I was very excited to come home and see my family. I even took delight in buying Coco her first “mommy’s trip away” present. (My dad traveled often and for years always brought us something home – until we got older and started getting

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-52343495648916405802008-10-10T08:15:00.003-05:002008-10-10T08:26:55.686-05:00

You would think with fall approaching, I wouldn't be as worried about those few pounds that seem to be way too attached to me. I mean its not bikini season. But alas, even hiding under sweaters and corduroy I can't escape the annoying knowledge that those pounds are there.Enter My Food Diary! Endorsed by the Wall Street Journal and Martha Stewart (just to name a few), for those of you who have

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-78437834318628354762008-10-03T09:49:00.003-05:002008-10-03T09:59:48.402-05:00

Ok, so we'd like our pads to look like something out of a hip design magazine. Unfortunately for many of us that means going horribly wrong trying to hand paint a design on a wall in the kids' room, the rec room or, God forbid, the bathroom. These usually end up looking more like a 4th grade art project than a layout for MoCo Loco.Well never fear - wallcandy arts is here! These great surface

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-36326464009611508282008-09-30T16:07:00.002-05:002008-09-30T16:11:32.632-05:00

Yesterday afternoon I began to feel it. That little tingly feeling in the glands around your throat and that slightly scratchy feeling when you swallow. When I got home from work I grabbed my trusty Maglite flashlight (handcrafted from a single sheet of aircraft aluminum with a patented self cleaning switch and adjustable beam… but I digress) and peeked in the mirror. Lots of lovely red with

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-12487819837688834162008-09-23T10:29:00.000-05:002008-09-23T10:31:22.319-05:00

Ok, so finally the blog about the trip to VA and back (I’ll save the reunion blog for later). I must admit – it will be a pretty boring entry and that is a very good thing. Bottom line is that Cora wasn’t too bad on the trip and we had NO meltdowns – so at least we weren’t “those people” on the flight. We knew it was going to be a long day of travel. Basically we had to be at the airport

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-26912924460470331162008-09-21T08:21:00.011-05:002008-09-22T08:22:11.963-05:00

Every time I think that I'm getting a little on the hefty side I start my usual diet-o-the-week. In order to have motivation (and visualization - which my holistic sister will tell you is very important) to stay on task I usually take a picture of what I want to end up like and put it up in prominent places (bathroom mirror, refrigerator door, etc). I've used everything from the Victoria's

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-8962149012356162722008-09-18T19:00:00.004-05:002008-09-18T19:18:22.785-05:00

Ok so I realize the expected first blog after vacation would be about the dreaded plane ride and the eclectic family reunion.  Normally you would be right, BUT today we hit a major milestone in our household.  It was met with singing, yelling, dancing and laughter.  Was it another pregnancy?  Heck no.  Was it a new pet?  Nope.  Was it potty training?  Yeah right.  No, it was a magical moment I've

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-19318061300327968902008-09-10T10:35:00.001-05:002008-09-10T10:38:09.560-05:00

Tomorrow is a momentous day for many reasons. First, tomorrow is the day we leave for my annual family reunion in Virginia (we are the only “Yankees” in my family). We didn’t go last year because I was just not ready to travel cross country with a 3 month-old. So not only will I get to be with all my family, eat horribly wonderful food, and talk long into the night – but Cora will get to meet

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-22299977373699392242008-09-05T10:30:00.003-05:002008-09-07T16:43:53.461-05:00

Anyone who knows me knows my penchant for funny Tees. My most recent addition is my pink one that reads "Part Time Lawyer - Full Time Ninja". My passion for clever shirtwear is so strong that every Christmas everyone in my family gets a funny tee to fit their personality. Where would I find so many choices and styles?? Threadless!! If you haven't been out there you HAVE to go, and if you

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-24088483343067686932008-09-04T20:13:00.002-05:002008-09-04T20:15:50.636-05:00

Ok folks - I added a link to the right over there (see it, huh huh, do ya?) called "Followers". Its a pretty cool little do-dad that shows those peeps who want to "follow" or keep up with my blog.You will note it is currently empty and the counter is at zero. That is sad. :( Please fix it. :)Also, for those of you who liked the series I did (the Lactagen Blog, my WW days or my CSOTW - which I

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-24356952379875430142008-09-04T19:51:00.004-05:002008-09-04T20:01:56.613-05:00

Ok folks. I will admit it here and in print ... Lactagen works. Even for a cynical midwestern lawyer. It has been a week since I introduced dairy again and days since I was free to eat what I wanted and I've had NOT ONE symptom. Nothing. Nada. Not even a twinge. As if to realllly test it the other day this was my intake:Breakfast:12 Oz Skim MilkEggs with cheeseLunch:Turkey sandwich with Brie

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-38677050075192267472008-09-03T21:03:00.006-05:002008-09-03T21:39:15.037-05:00

This morning was a morning without coffee. Metaphorically and actually. The morning started at about 2:00am when, for the second night in a row Coco decided to wake up crying. She's been 'off kilter' for a few days. We're never sure if she's sick or just going through a spell since, luckily, she's a super happy "sick" baby. She doesn't show a lot of symptoms ever. So recently we've been trying to

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-67662961952022389422008-08-29T22:00:00.003-05:002008-08-29T22:04:32.514-05:00

Ok, so if I wasn't singing from the rooftops before - I am now. Yesterday I had 8oz of milk twice a day. And then - because patience has never been a virtue I adhere to - I had a bowl full (two scoops) of ice cream. Not one symptom. Nothing. Even on my best day that would have put well over the edge of very bad things.Today I've had my 2 servings of 10oz of milk plus pasta with cream sauce and

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-9932113681426616782008-08-29T13:10:00.002-05:002008-08-29T13:13:47.952-05:00

For all you who participated in the WFN contest on behalf of our family friend, Shane (see original blog post HERE...) You'll be happy to you know your efforts made a huge difference!! Shane came in SECOND! Here is the email from his father:Just wanted to tell you all that Shane took second place in the WFN fishing contest you all worked so hard at. They just got a call this morning. He

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-4590306553219963002008-08-28T10:52:00.004-05:002009-01-12T21:20:01.119-06:00

Ok - so here we are... my first "controlled dairy" day. The plan says to have 8oz of milk at breakfast and another 8 at dinner. I can't tell you how nervous I was about this since I'm at work today! I did have a big breakfast to try and coat my tummy (3 pcs bacon, scrambled eggs and part of a sausage patty). I drank my 8oz (give or take - our caf only has 12oz bottles so I had to guestimate)

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-25529395283992119992008-08-25T13:56:00.004-05:002008-08-25T14:06:39.375-05:00

Wooo hooo I am in the home stretch. So far no big issues to report. I am up to 3L/1s with breakfast and 4L scoops with dinner. I even had cheese pizza last night for dinner WITH the Lactagen and no issues. One thing I did notice is that my diet was not so successful recently. I think it may be that the diet calls for very strict food intake from day to day, and two large glasses of dairy

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-89984744531478260612008-08-21T11:40:00.005-05:002008-08-21T13:37:43.427-05:00

The longer my house is on the market the more I realize that selling your home is like dating. Allow me to explain with a narrative...When you become "available", you market yourself as best you can - trying to seem upscale while still desirable. You make sure to play up your best assets while playing down those that you're not as proud of. Sometimes you even enlist the help of professionals (in

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-26514196338505062072008-08-18T09:58:00.002-05:002008-08-18T09:59:45.898-05:00

Today, for the first day in my life, I actually and honestly felt old. It was a horrid feeling - like a cold emptiness that grabbed my heart. I felt it to the core of who I am. Even more than that, I felt out of touch – something that was perhaps even worse. As I was driving in to work today, I passed our local high school and noted, with some nostalgia, that today was the first day of

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-51608691086901830492008-08-17T21:32:00.005-05:002008-08-18T09:20:49.984-05:00

This weekend I realized just how my little apple had not fallen too far from her tree. (Ah I think I just called myself a tree...weird). I had a little video I was going to post that would demonstrate but it started out at 700MB and when I saved it on the lowest possible resolution was still at 169MB (I'm not so good with the movie editing). Sooo that was a no-go. If, at some point, I can figure

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-64767846596359937002008-08-13T13:52:00.004-05:002008-08-13T14:03:54.844-05:00

Ok so I'm away from my handy little chart that tells me what day I'm on but I think its around day 20 somewhere. Bottom line is that I'm up to 1L scoop in the mornings with breakfast and 4L scoops with dinner. Taking the Lactagen with breakfast is tricky for me since I don't sit and eat breakfast at home. I usually get something here at work - so that means I have to take a nice little vial of

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-46596516362717697052008-08-12T09:50:00.004-05:002008-08-12T09:56:48.326-05:00

I was responding to a friend's email this morning and cited one of my own personal "commandments". I figured that would make a nifty blog post, so here ... in no particular order ... are my 10 Commandments. (I'm quite sure there are more than 10 but these are the first ones that came to mind!)1) Thou shalt never pass up an amazing sale 2) Thou shalt never leave thy home looking like a mug shot

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-81982221598582299432008-08-07T12:50:00.002-05:002008-08-07T12:56:10.603-05:00

I just read an editorial written by Steven Curtis Chapman (renowned Christan musician) about the loss of his daughter, Maria, earlier this year. Maria had been adopted - that much I knew. How the Chapman's came to decide on adoption was part of the story I did not know. It touched my heart and I think will yours as well. I've added a link to the article below. But there was one part that I

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-4004816624254318942008-08-06T10:48:00.003-05:002008-08-06T11:05:45.290-05:00

Do dreams have expiration dates? You always hear that you’re never too old to fulfill a dream. But is that really true? The other night hubby and I were in our car driving home from an evening out (a local baseball game). The sun was setting, my tummy was full of junk food (always good), and the evening had been a fun one. I was happy to get home to my little family though – Cora, Summit

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-85150662821103483862008-08-05T20:41:00.003-05:002008-08-05T20:46:04.033-05:00

Ok so day 15 and its a little depressing that I'm not even half-way done yet. Argh. No new news to report really. I'm up to 3L, 1S scoops per serving. I will say that now that I'm up to quite a lot of powder per serving, I am noticing the "faintly sweet" taste they mention. Its not very noticeable and not unpleasant - just ... there. I have had to up the water however from the recommended

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-28636740488400872112008-08-04T14:07:00.008-05:002008-08-04T14:17:11.517-05:00

This weekend I think Cora hit the end of a growth spurt. She had been eating everything she could get her hands on for about two weeks and then, this weekend, spent a lot of time sleeping. Her naps went longer than usual and she got tired sooner. I remember going through these spurts when she was just a little thing but had kinda forgotten about them. So, Saturday, when she slept until almost

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-34527219701083519412008-08-01T14:30:00.003-05:002008-08-01T14:38:19.855-05:00

This morning I did something very, very odd. I got up at 5:30 (normally I get up around 6:20) and went for a run. This is odd for two reasons… 1) I don’t run. Ever. Seriously. 2) I am NOT a morning person and will go through seemingly ridiculous gyrations just to get to sleep an extra 10 minutes. (Its amazing how fast your brain can do math at that early hour of the morning: “Hmmm if I

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-66984660380776311492008-07-31T19:12:00.002-05:002008-07-31T19:18:06.055-05:00

Tonight is day 10. For those you paying ridiculously close attention you'll see that it was supposed to be Day 11. However I had a work dinner last night and didn't feel like bringing out a small vial of white powder to mix into my water. I meant to take the dose when I got home but forgot. Sooo I checked my handy guide and it said to just pick up where you left off. (it also said if you

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-71479518854063321142008-07-30T11:02:00.007-05:002008-07-30T15:20:51.021-05:00

Ok, I am probably the last person anyone would ever guess would blog about the world of sports (unless you count competitive shopping) but I have just about had it with Brett Favre. Here is a man who had conducted himself with grace and dignity for years with the Packers. He retired the same way. Now, for some reason he is choosing to tarnish his legacy by acting like a spoiled

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-43395989289082820222008-07-29T14:37:00.002-05:002008-07-29T14:48:21.258-05:00

Hey all! A rare, but heartfelt request:Can you please check out this link and vote for this young man. Nothing is required, no registering, etc. Just enter your email addy and press "vote". This is a friend of the family who recently underwent a kidney transplant. He is entered in an "adopt a fisherman contest" on the World Fishing Network. If he gets more votes than the rest that are

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-20121185039240731042008-07-29T11:23:00.003-05:002008-07-29T15:03:05.819-05:00

Today my lameness hit an all time low. I was in a meeting in our executive boardroom and in my trance of rapt attention (ahem) I happened to look down at the granite board table. I noticed the huge slabs were held together by a dark substance. I couldn’t tell if it was silicone or grout so I stuck my fingernail in it. It was hard and scratchy – grout. I immediately began to think about how

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-29039043289821873852008-07-26T08:26:00.002-05:002008-07-26T08:29:30.543-05:00

So far so good. No symptoms since day 1 even thought I had cheese pizza for dinner two nights ago (bad girl, I know). Last night bumped up the dose to 3 sm scoops. Still no problems. Tonight will be my first dose of the L scoop... oooooo, ahhhhhh. We shall see. It is, of course, tough to tell if its working since you're strictly told to avoid dairy during the program. But I suppose I'll

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-74716247980238542502008-07-25T12:22:00.001-05:002008-07-25T12:23:20.866-05:00

I don't know how many of you ever heard Randy's "Last Lecture" either on Oprah (the abbreviated version) or on You Tube, but if you haven't yet, I would strongly suggest it - a link is at the bottom of this article. It is one of the few things I can call truly eye opening in my lifetime. He will be missed by so many.http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-randy-pausch-last-lecture,

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-59587471244062445382008-07-25T11:18:00.005-05:002008-07-25T11:54:56.294-05:00

Since I am a self-admitted Sephora junkie, (check out this blog post for confirmation) I went on my quarterly Sephora binge this week and bought a few things. As I’ve learned through the years Sephora could market dust bunnies and make them sound like this season’s “must have”, so for the benefit of… well probably no one really… I figured I’d review the things I bought, things I loved, and

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-15303139584591895652008-07-23T09:48:00.002-05:002008-07-23T09:52:26.462-05:00

Just a quick update on my second day (last night)..I ate:Minute steak with garlic, mushrooms, ham, asparagus and swiss cheese.1 8oz glass water with 1 sm scoop Lactagen1 4oz container of Yoplait "whips" chocolate mousseI'm happy to report that this time around, there were NO adverse effects. No bloating, cramping or gas. Onward and upward!

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-29516835387734444592008-07-22T14:32:00.003-05:002008-07-22T14:39:26.991-05:00

For those of you who don’t know (and I’m guessing that’s most of you) I am lactose intolerant. What that means is that my body no longer has the ability to break down the natural sugar (or lactose) that occurs in dairy. I manage the issue by taking a supplement called Lactaid anytime I have something containing dairy. It usually works just fine, but every once in a while it just doesn’t cut it

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-5887695543345463182008-07-21T10:54:00.002-05:002008-07-21T10:59:26.383-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, I posted a blog about hubby and I going to see the movie Wanted on opening night. The jist was that I was seriously annoyed by two particular parents… one who brought a weeks-old baby (along with all the paraphernalia - car seat, diaper bag, bottles, etc) and worse, a dad who brought his 10-year old daughter. Apart from it being too late for those kids to be out (9:45

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-66141714140134597362008-07-14T15:38:00.002-05:002008-07-14T15:43:27.793-05:00

Everyone will tell you that “kids grow up so fast – you’ll see it happen overnight”. I always thought they meant physically. And while Coco is growing like a weed physically, she is mentally doing hot laps. Last night, as I went to bed, I turned to my husband and said “Ryan, she just grew up in front of our eyes this weekend”. Not grown up as in

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-56805776868607305962008-07-11T11:47:00.003-05:002008-07-11T11:52:19.438-05:00

Weird stuff happens to me all the time. I swear. My dating life alone would make fodder for a NY Times best seller (hmmmmmm....). So when I'm feeling really down about that, I turn to News of the Weird. It helps me feel like I'm not quite as weird, misguided or just plain stupid as some of these folks.Its the online equivalent of watching Jerry Springer or going to the Iowa State Fair. You

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-54605102384733915692008-07-09T11:35:00.001-05:002008-07-09T11:39:03.045-05:00

Teaching. That is what being a parent really comes down to. Teaching about life, love, right, wrong, good, bad … you get the idea. But right now, at 13 months I’m focusing on some more earthy goals – words. Since Cora has been about 9 months old she’s had about five words in her repertoire: Hi, Mama, Dada, Gog Gog (dog), and Uh Oh. Once she moved on to focusing her time on learning to

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718855686672783438.post-7606736598443503292008-07-08T13:34:00.003-05:002008-07-08T13:42:12.581-05:00

I am a complex individual. I get that. I live in Iowa but like to conduct myself like I live in Manhattan. I am a mom but refuse to turn my life over to being ONLY that. I am an attorney but refuse to bend to the stereotype of one. But today I think I unwittingly illustrated the dichotomy that is me quite well. It all started this morning when my friend, Becky, emailed and asked if I

FlippyHolzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828931934513162601noreply@blogger.com3