I love to decorate my house. Wait. Let me rephrase that: I love the idea of decorating my house. Like other busy moms and full-time professionals I don't always have the time to do what I'd like to do in the home decor department, but have recently been plugging away at little nooks and crannies in my home and am pretty happy to share my latest haul with you.
So I have this table in my kitchen that is right off of our back hall entrance. It's a great table and is the one place that I can easily change up as holidays come and go or when seasons change. About a month ago I took down my Christmas decorations and that table stood sad and bare for a good week and a half before I even began to think about what I was going to do next with it.
During Christmas I created an arrangement of three mason jars and filled them with candy and candy canes. Next to the jars I had a bowl of pinecones and holly berries and a picture of the girls and I. I loved the mason jars so I decided to keep them but just couldn't figure out what I wanted to do. One day my oldest daughter came up to me and was begging to do an art project. I was probably cleaning the kitchen or something at the time so I couldn't get her the supplies right that instant. Then it hit me. I decided to fill the mason jars with random arts and crafts items. One holds a collection of washable markers, the second is full of buttons we use to make sock puppets or to glue on other projects, and the third has a bundle of multi-colored pipecleaners and a few feathers. I placed a bowl with a couple of cookbooks inside and kept the picture of the girls and I.
I was pretty proud of this little arrangement when I was finished it and became even more excited when it was actually utilized by the girls. Success!

Picture
Picture
 
Tonight was just like any other night at our house. I got home from work, went on a run, played with the girls and helped Rob with dinner. He usually works on dinner while I get my late-afternoon workout in. We were making Hulu Pizzas (an Unger household favorite from The Biggest Loser Cookbook). As always, I was also running around the house picking up, putting things away, changing diapers, etc. - you get the point. Now, before I go on, I'd like to preface this with the fact that I pride myself on my multi-tasking abilities. I have it on my resume, I talk about it in interviews and I do it daily. But tonight I had to ask myself, "Am I really that good at trying to do everything at once?"
I had to ask myself this tonight because I burned the pizza! I know this happens to everyone, but it's proof that, tonight, I wasn't a good multi-tasker. Then I got to thinking, "How often do I do this?" You know, where I think I have everything under control but end of burning the one thing that needed to get done. Tonight, I ended up wasting more time re-doing our dinner instead of making my hungry kids happy in the most efficient way. I haven't figured out the solution to my problem and I don't think I ever will. I will always have a million things to do and a short amount of time to do them. I think the biggest thing I have to take into consideration at home and work are my priorities. What is the most important thing on my list? Are my kids screaming because they are hungry? Then making dinner is the most important thing. Is my marketing department swamped with projects because I don't have enough employees to keep up with the work? Then I need to hire another graphic designer.  I guess this is part of my New Year's Resoultion to effective time-management practices.
Well, Rome wasn't built in a day, right? What are your multi-tasking secrets? Let me know!
 
 If you are anything like me, then you probably had your New Year's resolution list created long before the clock struck midnight. If I think back real hard, I was probably 12 years old when my last resolution didn't involved some kind of health and body intervention.
Fast forward to New Year's Eve 2010 and I am steering clear of those goals.   This year I am going to focus on time management and organization - specifically in my morning and evening routines. The other day my husband and I were getting ready to head out to a New Year's Day gathering and he mentioned that I "took forever" to get ready. So, I did what any self-respecting wife would do. Merely scoffed in his direction and continued to apply my second coat of mascara.
Was he right? Maybe. Would I admit it? Never. Instead, I devised an action plan to prove him wrong. As I thought more about his accusation, I realized that my biggest problem in the morning is not my three-year-old who refuses to wear anything but the green dress with pink flowers and swirlies on it, or my 18-month-old who likes to think she is a koala bear and cling to me from the minute she wakes - which I love by the way. It is actually the indecisiveness I have each morning with what to wear, should I go on a run, how should I do my hair or can I fold another load of laundry before I leave?
This all may sound silly to you but it's the truth in my life. I'm not sure about you but I have a million and one things in my closet and bathroom that clutters my life and potentially makes me late each morning if I can't find them. So, I spent the weekend organizing these personal spaces in my life and cherry-picked a few things that I know I "cannot live without" each day and placed them in an easy-to-locate place.
Wondering what my must-have products are?  
Mary Kay Timewise Firming Eye Cream - This cream is, quite simply, the bomb. Did you know the area under your eyes is unable to produce oil because there are no glands there? That is why the skin becomes dry and wrinkly as we age. I love this cream and am thankful I have a sister who sells the product. If you're looking for a consultant (shameless plug) check out her website.  
Vaseline Petroleum Jelly w/ cocoa butter - After I use the MK eye cream, I seal it in with Vaseline. Call me crazy - and I don't care if you do - but it's what I do. This product is meant to keep your natural oils in and the elements of the world out. Not only do I use it around my eyes but it's been known to grace my lips, hands, feet (no double-dipping) and my youngest daughter's body. There's a reason it's been around for ages.  
Beautiful Sheer by Estee Lauder - Who doesn't like to smell nice? This is my go-to scent. 'Nuff said.  
Baby Wipes - I keep these in my purse and car because I am constantly on the go and they work out great for wiping up spills or freshening up after a lunch work out session.  
Eyewear - I hate wasting time trying to fix a faulty contact so I also bring extra specs, contact solution and a contact case with me.  
Phone - These days our phones are so much more - camera, clock, MP3 player, video play, and communication tool. I don't know why I haven't done this before but starting this morning I bring my phone into the bathroom with me to keep tabs on time and listen to some music while I get ready.  
Accessories - One of the biggest culprits of my dominating my time is figuring out my outfit for the day. By organizing my scarves, jewelry and hats I am able to take basic wardrobe items and add fun pieces to them without much thought or planning.  
These are the things I incorporate into my daily routine. By de-cluttering my workspace I feel as though I can be much more productive in getting ready in the morning. Obviously getting up earlier and allowing yourself more time is part of the process, too. My plan was well-executed this morning and I had a whole hour with my two girls before I trotted off to work. Bliss.  
What are your time-saving tricks?
 
As I reflect on 2010 I have so much to be thankful for. Although I cannot include all of the people or things in my life that have contributed to my success as a wife, mother, woman and professional, I do want to narrow it down to a humble top ten.
Enjoy and please comment on your favorites of 2010!

10.) Social Networking - If I had to choose two words to describe the existence of my being on this earth, it would have to be busy and social. If you are my friend and I haven't talked to you in a while, please, accept my deepest apology and look me up on Facebook or Twitter. Where else can you simultaneously update your 76 year-old grandfather on your most recent accomplishments and comment on your friend's latest profile pic. We are in the age of multi-tasking and these sites are the main enablers of this shift. Embrace it or fall behind. I choose the former.
9.) My Treadmill - Running and working out keeps me in check. If I have had a long day at work or a rough night with my kiddos, I turn to my treadmill. What it allows me to do makes me feel independent, stress-free and strong. I am a better person because of it.
8.) College classmates and professors - Never underestimate the power of who you know. I graduated college in 2006 and I still interact with my core group of friends - who have now moved on to become successful marketing pros. I bounce ideas off of them, challenge them and allow them to challenge me. To the same credit, I also keep in touch with my professors. Dr. Sara Hansen is my mentor and I am forever grateful for her knowledge and advice. 
7.) Mohammed Bey - As a recent addition to the Reeve Union team (Reeve's Diversity & Inclusion Program Manager), Mohammed and I quickly learned that we have something in common: he has a story to tell and I want to write one. As a result, he has graciously allowed me to poke and prod into his life and past and we are now collaborating on a book project of his life. Thank you so much for this opportunity to grow in a field that is my passion.
6.) My two nannies - When you have children and you work full-time, you need daycare. My husband and I have been blessed with two nannies (one being my sister) and they are the center of our universe. These women practically raise our children for us and we could never pay them enough to compensate for the amazing jobs they do. A million thanks to Mimi and Michelle.
5.) Reeve Memorial Union - How could I have a top 10 and not include Reeve in my top five!? This building is my second home and I love every minute of it. From ridiculously entertaining student employees and full-time co-workers to challenging projects and never-ending professional development. I have found my dream job of the moment.
4.) Reeve Marketing Department - Let's narrow this down a bit more. My department rocks. I have four graphic designers, one marketing assistant, one social media coordinator and three social media interns. Each of these students have contributed to my success as an individual this year. Thank you so much, I truly appreciate you and all your hard work.
3.) My daughters - What would a mom be without her children? These two girls are hilarious, sassy, sweet and naughty. I thank God every day for them and the opportunity to raise them.
2.) My husband - Rob is the man behind everything in my life. When I am busy with work projects, he covers my household chores when all I want to do is come home and play with the girls. He makes my egg sandwich every morning and takes out the garbage every Wednesday. I love and appreciate him daily.
1.) God -   What can I say? I'm religious. Without him, nothing is possible.
 
I recently had the honor of receiving second place for my article, "Reeve Union Gets Connected,"  in the 2010 Outstanding Articles for College Services magazine contest. If that wasn't enough, shortly after learning about the award, my boss informed me that she was sending me to Colorado Springs, CO to accept the award at the 42nd-annual conference of the National Association of College Auxiliary Services!
As excited as I was to travel to such a beautiful area of the country and accept an award, I was a little nervous when I saw my travel itinerary. I was scheduled to fly out of the Milwaukee airport on the morning of Sunday, November 7 and fly back into Milwaukee by 1:30 p.m. on Monday, November 8. You do the math - that's less than 20 hours of being in Colorado. I had to plan ahead, be prepared and pack light. I rarely have to travel for my job but when I do, I need to be on top of my game because there is just no room for errors when you are traveling on a tight turnaround and you're on your own. 
My first impression of Colorado was memorable - to say the least. The unseasonably warm weather coupled with the luxurious hotel accommodations made my short, business trip refreshing and relaxing. Although trips like this can be fun, you are traveling for business and there are a few things you need to keep in mind:

Pack light and smart.
When you are traveling for just a few days at a time, it's best to pack light so you can move quickly if you need to and save the extra money so you don't have to check your luggage. If you choose not to check your bags, make sure you follow the 311 rule for carry ons. I made sure to pack wardrobe staples like dark-wash jeans, solid colored shirts and cardigans for layering in varying temperatures, my LBD (little black dress) and two pair of shoes that are both comfortable and professional for different occasions and events.

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
I know it sounds silly but when traveling by plane, all that recycled air takes a toll on your skin, hair, eyes, sinuses, etc. Be sure to drink a ton of water and pack facial moisturizer as well as body lotion and some sort of eye lubricant like Visine in your purse or carry on. This will make it easy for you to stop in a restroom and freshen up on your way to the baggage claim.

Don't forget your business cards.
You always want to have your business cards on hand but when traveling for work, make sure you have them stored in an easy-to-reach location so you don't look unorganized when you're meeting someone for the first time.

Do your research.
Regardless if you book your own flight or the office manager does, you need to know what the layout of the airport looks like, what the address of your hotel is and how you're going to get from point A to point B when your plane has landed. Understanding all of these things upfront makes you more observant when traveling alone and a much more informed person. Take a few minutes before you leave and figure these things out.

Carry rations.
You never know how your schedule will change or when you'll be able to eat your next meal. I prepared for this by making sure to pack ZonePerfect bars, almonds, fruit and water.  Be aware of what you can take through security and plan ahead for what you should purchase after you pass through it.

Have you recently traveled for work? What worked well for you as you prepared for your trip? Leave a comment and let me know!








 
Arizona Day 2
Walking down the streets of Tombstone and brushing elbows with men dressed up like Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp made me feel like I walked into a scene of an old Western movie. Aside from the tourist-y boutiques this place was as authentic as it comes.
We stopped and had lunch at Six Gun City but our experience was a little less than impressive. Although we were the only group in the restaurant at the time, it took almost 45 minutes to get our food. When the waitress finally brought our order out, she announced, rather unapologetically, that three of us were out of luck because she dropped our food on the floor. Of course they brought out a new order - 25 minutes later. Wasn't the best experience but the food was pretty good.
After we left Tombstone we drove to Kartchner Caverns State Park and spent the next two hours exploring narrow passageways, learning about how the cave was discovered in the 70's and gazing at 45,000 year-old bat guano. There is 99% humidity in the cave all year round so even though the guano was old, it was as fresh as the day it was dropped on the stones - interesting, huh? At some points, the tour was unbearable for me because I wanted to touch the stones and formations but the tour guide gave us strict instructions to not touch ANYTHING on the tour because the bacteria on our skin would cause mold to grow on the rock and eventually wreck the formation.
After we left the cave we traveled to Green Valley where we visited my grandpa and went out to dinner at his favorite place, Manny's. Now, I'm not a huge fan of Mexican food but this was, by far, the best I've ever had.
We finished off the night by coming back to the house, the ladies played a game of Twister and we watched a movie. It was a long day but totally worth it for everything I got to see and learn. Looking forward to what today will bring. The crystal ball shows a lot of sun, laying by the pool and heading out to dinner tonight when my parents come in from their flight. Can't wait!
Related Links:
http://www.tombstonechamber.com/Historic-Sites
http://www.pr.state.az.us/parks/KACA/tour_info.html
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g31236-d511074-Reviews-Manuel_s_Restaurant-Green_Valley_Arizona.html
 
Arizona, Day 1
As I'm perched in seat 19A, I peer out the window at the patchwork of fields below me. What state are we flying over right now? Where is the closest emergency exit? Will the woman next to me notice if I snatch up her Prada bag? Taking a vacation is always fun and exciting but it doesn't go without its moments of anxiety. There are plenty of things to worry about when traveling: arriving to the airport on time, making it through security, lift off, turbulence, using the bathroom on the plane (need I say more?) and the list goes on and on. It's been over four years since I've been on a real vacation so I'm trying to take everything in stride. My husband and I need this vacation and we are so lucky to have close friends and family to stay with our girls while we're gone. So, after many months of planning, we're on our way to Arizona to celebrate my cousin's wedding and to spend the week with loved ones. There are about ten of us who rented a house in Tuscan and then at the end of the week, we'll hike over to Phoenix to finish off the vacation with a fabulous wedding. Add some pool time, a trip to Tombstone, cave tours and a spa day and we've got a great getaway! Have you ever been to Arizona? What is your favorite memory or place to visit? Give me some traveling tips in the comments!
To find out how the rest of the week goes, check in on my blog as I'll be posting regular updates as well as pictures and video.
 
So I just read my last post and it started out the same way this post will. I'm so busy and have no time to post to my blog! So, rather than complain about all the excitement in my life, I should share it, right? Here we go:
The last you heard from me, my husband was going out of town and I was concerned about my ability to parent solo. FYI: The girls and I made it through the week alive and no one was hurt. Looks like I can do it on my own if need be.
Last week my co-workers and I got together for our annual staff retreat. As a member of the professional development committee at work (yes, you may be entering into an episode of the office) my co-members and I planned a nice day discovering our strengths through a StrengthsQuest assessment and visiting Evergreen Retirment community.
As part of the visit to Evergreen, we scheduled a lovely session with a laughter coach where we did outrageously silly excercises which forced us to laugh until we cried. Or at least I did. Picture a group of 25 plus professionals walking up to each other, shaking hands and exclaiming, "Aloha ha ha ha ha!" Apparently your body cannot tell the difference between a real laugh and a forced one. Inevitably the latter resulted in the former. We learned more than we cared to know about laughter, completed several more exercises and continued to talk about the experience for the rest of the day.
Our staff retreat is something we do each summer to gear up for the academic year (if you don't know, I work as a marketing manager for Reeve Memorial Union at UW Oshkosh) and set some expectations and goals for our overall mission. Extremely productive.
Speaking of productivity, contrary to what my older sister, Liz, thinks, my personal life has been getting pretty productive as well. Almost a year into our new house and it's starting to feel pulled together and more like a home to us. Despite our busy work schedules we've been able to take the girls to the park and the library. Sam just loves to read books - which makes my heart croon like a happy bird. We go to the library at least once a week where Sam periodically makes new friends and rearranges the shelves so that the books are in absolutely no order whatsoever - some days I see the librarian cringe behind her glasses as we loudly walk through the door and make our presence known to the entire children's section. On our last library excursion, Claire and I were playing with the puzzles, Rob was looking up a couple of books at the computer and Sam was by a section taking each book off the shelf, looking at the cover and then proudly announcing that each character in the picture had rectal flatulence. "This ladybug is not happy because she has rectal flatulence!"

This, of course, had Rob and I rolling on the floor laughing. One of her favorite books right now at home is called Walter the Farting Dog. At one point in the story it does discuss the unfortunate condition and refers to it as yes, rectal flatulence. It's quite humorous if you like that sort of thing which Sam clearly does. We like to be supportive that way.
So, the next time you make your way into Barnes & Noble or any other bookstore of your choices, check out Walter the Farting Dog and think of my little Sam exercising her new-found vocabulary.
 
It's been way too long since the last time I submitted a post. What can I say? June was absolutely busy and July is a duplicate. Summer days are long and seem to run into one another, which leave me tired and feeling like I never will catch up.
In June I started writing for an online publication/magazine called gather.com. That's been keeping me busy and, unfortunately, took the place of my Baby & Briefcase writing slot. But alas, tonight is the night where I can finally sink into the couch and write for this blog.
So, what do you want to know?

Well, today my hubby left for a quick out-of-state training for the week - which leaves me with Sam, Claire and Sadie (our black lab) to hold down the fort. I'm not going to lie - I'm a little nervous. Rob is extremely helpful with the girls and I'm afraid I'm not going to keep up with our normal routine and fluidly as I'm hoping to. All you single moms out there are probably scoffing at my inexperience but, for me, it's the truth.
The girls usually go down at 8:00 p.m. but in an effort to get groceries bought and put away, I ran behind and they didn't go down until 9:00 p.m. No biggie, right? The funny thing about today, though, is the amount of times I've had to call Rob for ridiculous little things that I couldn't figure out myself. "How do you turn off the air conditioner? How do you work the remote? What kind of coffee should I buy?" It's amazing how much he really does around this place when I'm not looking! Now, granted, those reasons I mentioned are pretty insignificant but they can be down right annoying if you need to do something and are incapable of figuring it out on your own.

This week is definitely going to be the ultimate Baby & Briefcase challenge because I'm going to be juggling the kids, work, dog, day care, etc. all by myself. Hopefully ll and I won't lose my patience too swiftly. Count to ten, count to ten, deep breath, count to ten.

Do you have any good advice for me? How do you get it all done when you're on your own?
 
I am coming to terms with life and how it happens to you. I now know that I will never reach a place where I feel satisified because there is always "one more thing" that still needs to be attempted. Achieved. Conquered.
Sometimes I forget to stop, sit back and realize all the blessings I have right in front of me: loving husband, two beautiful daughters, fabulous job, great family...the list goes on and on. The problem - for me at least - is that it is so easy to compare myself to other people and become discouraged. Enter my husband, Rob.
He always has a way of putting things into perspective and helping me to realize what I really have. This quote describes his outlook on life to a tee: “Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses.”
Tonight I spent an hour playing Hide and Go Seek with Sam and Claire and it was the most enjoyable, innocent fun I've had in a long time. Although Claire kept giving me away when it was my turn to hide, the look on Sam's face every time she "found" me was indescribable. I never thought a child could shake so much out of pure excitement.
It's very easy to get caught up in material things and difficult to see passed what really matters. So, although having two children has changed my body enough for me to declare that my bra cups are not over-flowing, my life cup surely runneth over.
Thank you to all who have helped me realize this along the way and who will continue to keep me accountable for what truly matters in life.