"Ain't got no time for that?"

A few years ago the whole "Ain't got no time for that!" phrase was all the craze.

It's not anymore...right?  So why am I saying that?  

Now, clearly life has changed a bit lot for me over the last year.  I went from being a stay at home mom in Scotland to a working mom in Minnesota, after all.

BUT.  That isn't an excuse.  There are still some things that I LOVE doing, like writing on this blog. With that being said, my intent is to write here more.  I know, I know, I've been saying that since the beginning of the year, right?

It's sort of like my weight loss.  "Woulda, coulda, shoulda Jenny."

Point taken.  The proof is in the pudding.  {Speaking of pudding.  Do a lot of people still make pudding? I cna't remember the last time I've had it...but I digress.}

The proof is in action, so I'm going to take the action of being more faithful to the blog. My hope is that there is a side benefit and I choose to use my time writing blog posts when I'm feeling hungry or bored (which makes me hungry) or lonely (which makes me hungry) or if I have something fun to share (which makes me hungry).  Are you seeing the theme there?

It's a win-win, as I see it.  My fingers stay busy on a keyboard and you get something to read.

That is, if you are there. Are you there?

Hello.  :: knock, knock ::   Is this thing still on?

Coming attractions...

Hey ya'll.

First of all...there was question after yesterday's post about whether or not this bloggity blog would still be up when Intend to Live makes its humble entrance to the world on Sunday.

The short answer is, yes.  It'll always be here for history's sake, but the answer that you were probably looking for? I won't be updating it much.

The idea behind creating the new home was to cut back on my blogging time so I can focus on other things.   But the best part of the new home?

There are two of us, so much more {and better!} content.

Tracey knows her way around a kitchen a bit better than I do.  Which means more recipes, like sauerkraut and ideas for picky eaters.  {Guessing sauerkraut won't be on that list.  Hehe.}

I'm going to get back to my roots a bit and talk about bucket lists, and how to start one in case you've been thinking about it.  There are a ton of resources out there, so I'll be sharing some of that.  Not even that, but there will be more coming about healthy living.

And who knows....we might even drop a giveaway or two in there.  So make sure to follow here or at Tracey's home, to make sure you are there for the big launch!

Intend to Live: the Details

In just under a week, my new bloggie home with Tracey from Control the Chaos will launch!

So excited.  And now it is time to fill you on some of the details.  I bet you were just sitting there, drinking your coffee, wondering, what exactly are you guys going to write about?

Well, you asked {okay, maybe you didn't} and I answer.

Mondays and Wednesdays will be my domain.  Mondays will be for bucket list updates, photography fun (maybe even some challenges?) and other memory making and keeping thoughts.  Wednesdays will be my weekly update on my healthy life/weight loss journey and any other great tips about living well that we want to share.  

Tuesdays and Saturdays Tracey will be filling us in on simplifying and making more time for living.  Essentially living naturally.  Living simply.  

Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays we'll toss it back and forth.  Sharing projects that we have pinned on pinterest {and then actually completed!} and other favorites we want to share with you.  Like fun new blogs, books, products....you get the idea!  

So what do you think?  It's in just six short days!

It happened one night...

It happened one September evening...two American girls in the Netherlands went out for a fabulous dinner and a chance to catch up before one of them moved to another country.  They talked about a wish to stay close and grow their friendship, even though they would physically be distant.

They both have a passion for blogging; and through blogging, hopefully helping people to live a more natural, simple life.  To live life in the moment.  AND they both also have goals that they want to accomplish that take time.

And the light bulb went off.

* * *

Last Thursday, I hinted at a change that is going to be taking place.

No, I'm not moving again {for all of those MN friends that expect that to be the sentence following anything about "change"}.

But I am making a change that is going to allow more time for me to make progress on some of my ways to be brave {like writing a book and continuing on my healthy life journey}.

Tracey and I are joining forces.  Coming to a computer near you April 1st, will be our new blogging home:  Intend to Live.

Because isn't that what we all want to do?

* * * 

Here's how I see it.

Tracey: Has run a marathon.
Me: Starting Couch to 5K over again.

Tracey: Mom to 3 kids, the youngest being just about 3.
Me: Mom to 2 kids, the oldest being 3.

Tracey: Has been serving and eating natural and healthy foods for a few years.
Me: Has all of the equipment to bake my own bread, but haven't used it yet.

Tracey: Has had a container garden for a while too.
Me: This is my FIRST attempt at gardening:

What I'm trying to say...she has A LOT to offer.  And you'll STILL get my updates on living healthier, making my way around Scotland and completing items on my bucket list.

What could be better than that?  Keep following along here as we give you more details.  I can't wait for you to see what we are cooking up!

200 posts?!

This, my friends, is my 200th post.

One of the items on my bucket list is to have a blog for one year.  That would have actually been back on January 4. But, I felt like I wasn't really IN this until at least April (probably later).  But with 200 posts?

I'm crossing the "year of an active blog" off my list.

Source: honey-and-bee.tumblr.com via Jenny on Pinterest

And I'll continue to tell my story.  And be happy.

Blogs...the new book?

I have this list of 100 books that I want to finish reading.  See it up there?  Up along the top of the page?  I'll read them too.  But...I am often pulled away.


By blogs.


I am on a never ending cycle.


I find blogs I like, and a few that I love.  And I keep finding more and more to read. And then my google reader list of blogs becomes overwhelming, so I unsubscribe to a bunch.  But then I find NEW (to me) blogs to follow.  And so on and so on.


There are a few that remain constant.  A few that I have read since I discovered this blog world, about a year ago.


And then there are a few that I find (the ones that I mentioned loving above?), that I read from the beginning.  And they read like a book.


In the last few weeks I have found two that I wake up each morning hoping they have posted something...






Laura is quite literally a hollywood housewife.  Her husband is the mind behind the Jacka*s series (and more), and she started her time in California as a production assistant on movies and television.  Which would lead me to believe that I wouldn't be able to identify with her.  at. all.   But, quite the contrary.  I am amazed at how down-to-earth she is.  


And get this.  I linked up to her blog with my post about my "one word" for the year.  And she came to my blog and commented.  For realz.   The times where the link-up hosts actually visit my blog?  Few and far between.  And then actually comment?  Slim to none.   


Love her.  She is funny, a mom of two, and has interesting and varied posts.  Right now she is in the middle of a story about her faith.  If you have a minute or two, check her out.   


The other awesome blog I am addicted to right now?  

Momastery.    You know that "Don't Carpe Diem" post that has been very quickly been finding its way around Facebook, Twitter and the like?  First published on Momastery.  I went to check it out, and then stayed.  


Glennon has one of the most intriguing and inspiring (to me) stories that I have heard in a LONG time.  Seriously, read her story on her "about me" page.   What she created with her blog is a community, a network of friends...and I hope with the new found fame that her "Don't Carpe Diem" post garnered, that doesn't change for them.  


Alright...so there you go.  A few new blogs to add to your reader.   


You're welcome.  

Have you ever?

Have you ever checked out Bloglovin?

My google reader has gotten a bit out of hand, but I do check through it for: the blogs I consider must read, interesting titles, or posts specific to whatever topic is closest to my heart at that moment.

But the must reads?  The blogs I have to read as soon as there is a new post? I thought I would try to use Bloglovin to keep track of them.


And then I found out that you could "claim" your blog on Bloglovin.  So, that's what I'm doing {and the reason that I happen to be writing this post}.  Follow my blog with Bloglovin

SO, back to the blogs that I just HAVE to read.  You know the ones, right?  The ones like Meg's, and Kelle's and Edie's.

Have you ever wondered how that happens?  How those specific blogs become "the" blog to read?  I do.

I have to think it has something to do with their mad writing skills and awesome photos.

Seeing as how it is 11 p.m. on Friday night, I am guessing that this post is probably a fail in the "mad writing skills" department, but maybe this photo can earn me a point or two in the "awesome photos" category?

And just for the cuteness factor {even with the low resolution}, maybe this photo could garner a few more points?

Have you ever seen such a cute 10 month old girl?  Oh, I'm sure you have.  But I sure haven't.

Okay...well...maybe her brother....about 23 months ago.

{Insert extreme sarcasm here} But I'm not bias or anything.

Challenge Wednesday #11: Question's cont'd!

It's Wednesday.  Again.  Funny how it comes around every week, isn't it?

But, I've got it easy this week.  Here's Tracey with our Wednesday challenge, which is a question {since we decided to take it easy on the "challenges" during the holiday season}.  Smart, right?

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Last week, Jen asked me this question:


What is the one thing about entering this blog world that has surprised you the most? 


And this week, I get to hop on over and answer it.  The answer to this question is simple, because I am still surprised and amazed by it every day.


When I first started writing Control the Chaos, I wrote it as a way to keep track of the ideas in my head and a place to put into action the life changes I wanted to make.  My family has always been on board, but I have been the driving force on this adventure.

I never once thought that people would be interested in my own story. On how I got here, to this place in my life where I am writing about simple, intentional living, and about all the things that entails.  

Fitness, family, food.  Fun.

It goes on.  Of course, I am happy that people like what I have to say about these topics, but I'm shocked that they are just as interested in my journey to get here.  I still struggle with that sometimes.  I tend to keep my blog somewhat impersonal; I have only recently begun putting up photos of my family or talking about our lives.


What I am learning is that people enjoy stories.  We always have, and likely always will.  It's how we understand those around us, and it's often how we define ourselves.  I too gravitate towards blogs that tell me a story, even as I'm searching for the best recipe to make my own deodorant or granola bars.

It's in our nature, and keeps this blog world going.

Thanks for the thought provoking question, Jen.  Next week, I'd like to know

what was the hardest part of your 5k training and how did you keep motivated to continue in spite of it?

I have a few fitness readers, and I'd love for you to share your thoughts on starting and sticking to a new fitness routine.

Tune in next week at Control the Chaos to read Jen's answer.
#   #   #

Eeek!  Guess I won't have it so easy next week!

What's this "pinterest" thing all about?

Source: cousezparfait.wordpress.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

and 

Source: delightfulorder.blogspot.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

These are just a few of the things that I have "pinned".  Right now they are in my board called "J#3's world " because they are ideas for his future birthday parties.  {Note: need to add "learn how to decorate cakes" to bucket list}. 


You know when you are surfing the 'net and find something you love?  And then you realize you need to save the link so you can find that something again?  Happens to me all the time.  


I tried a few different things to keep track of all of my favorites.  


First, it was bookmarking all of the pages that had recipes I wanted to try or decorating ideas.  But what about when I change computers?  Then I won't have those bookmarks. 


Then, I tried copying and pasting links into a word document.  But that just seem archaic. 


Finally, I heard about Pinterest.  

Source: thepleatedpoppy.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

When I first tried to join, there was a waiting list.  So I was on the edge of my seat, waiting for my invitation.  It finally came, and wowza, 30 boards and 344 pins later, I think I am sucked in.  


It is as simple as adding a little "Pin It" button to your bookmarks bar, and then  you are set to go.  


Some of my favorite people (real life friends and bloggers) are part of pinterest.  One of my favorite things is seeing what they have pinned.  


That's the deal.  You can either just pin stuff from websites you visit, or  you can spend time on the pinterest website checking out what others have pinned.  So many options.  


The thing that I had found and pinned awhile back that has definitely gotten the most "repins"? 

Source: knittybitties.blogspot.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

and here is one of my favorites.  Someday, someday (like when we settle back in the U.S.) I WILL have Fiestaware.  

Source: liferearranged.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Intrigued? 


Already using pinterest?  Tell me how much you love it! 


If you are intrigued, but not experiencing the pinterest phenomenon yet, it looks like I have six invites to send out.  Let me know if you are interested.  But just a warning...it can be addicting!