The Great Pantyhose Debate: The Duchess of Cambridge

The Duchess of Cambridge is now known for her impeccable fashion taste and like her husband's fashion icon mother, Catherine will be watched, I mean scrutinized, for every outfit she wears publicly.  One of the great debates of late is her almost daily wear of sheer pantyhose.  (By the way, I hate that word: pantyhose).  I suspect that the Palace may require her to cover her legs out of modesty but there's no proof of that anywhere.  I would have a problem wearing them in the summer like she has and I can't imagine how hot and uncomfortable it might be for her.

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I for one haven't worn any for years.  I can't remember truly the last time I wore a pair with the exception of tights but I think that those are in a different category.  As nice they make ones legs look, I could be persuaded to jump on board myself to start wearing them again especially in the fall when it is chilly but I'd still like to show my legs.

What is your stand on the great pantyhose debate?  Are you for them or against them?  Will the Duchess of Cambridge bring them back into style?

Favorite Things: For Breakfast

While on vacation a couple of weeks ago, I started a new breakfast routine.  For some time now, I've wanted to better incorporate a protein into my first meal and I've struggled with it.  I've stuck mainly to toast or a toasted English muffin with peanut butter and preserves but I needed something a little more.

I wish I could have a croissant every morning...(Source)

In Hawaii, I started eating a soft-boiled egg with a daub of butter, salt and pepper with a piece of very lightly buttered toast and some fruit.  It is oh so good and fills me up until lunch!

Actually, truth be told, I ate this way while we were in Europe last year for our wedding and honeymoon.  I got out of the routine when we came back and school was in session.  I didn't have the time to fix this in the morning.  But, now that I'm at home, I have more time and I'm going to make the effort to eat a more balanced meal in the morning.

What's your breakfast routine?  How do you incorporate protein into your first meal of the day?

What is Montessori?

Having spent the last two years volunteering in a Montessori school in a class with 3-5 year olds, I often struggled to explain the concept and philosophy of Montessori.  I found it a challenge because the traditional thought of education is so divergent from Maria Montessori's philosophy that those who haven't been in a Montessori classroom find it hard to believe and understand.

I came across this video and it cleverly explains Montessori that I wanted to share it with you.  I realize that Montessori does not resonate for all parents but I know my future kids will attend at least through kindergarten.  Enjoy!  I hope that it helps bring Montessori to light for you.

Music to My Ears

It is high time that I update my iPod playlist.  I'm tired of the music that I have on it.  It probably hasn't been added to in at least six months.  How boring, right?!  It is sad especially because I have about $20 worth of music that could be purchased.

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I LOVE listening to music but I'm severely deficient in the music area.  Luckily Mark is very interested in music and knows a lot because I always can use some more help.  Any suggestions?

Here are some of my favorite musicians/bands to get a sense of what I like:

• U2
• The Limousines
• The Killers 
• Keane 
• Alicia Keyes
• The Foster People
• Kings of Leon

I also love classical music from my days playing the violin.  I listen to it in the car so I'm less aggressive (seriously, it helps - try it).

What are you listening to that you think I should add to my playlist?!  I'm open to any and all ideas.  I love music but am terrible at figuring out what's new.

Wedding Video Help!!!

Nearly one year ago, Mark and I exchanged wedding vows in Hintertux, Austria - twice.  First in a civil ceremony in an old farmhouse followed a few hours later in a Catholic mass in an even older church.  Mark's brother-in-law kindly video recorded both ceremonies and some of the other fun wedding activities.  We were given the mini-DV cam tape (I think) and we have it.  BUT, we can't watch it or share it.  

We need to find a way to get it moved to a CD or digital file so that we can actually use it.  Any ideas on how we can get this video transferred to a CD or digital file?  We would love to share these fun memories with our friends and family not at our special day.

HELP!!!!

#Reverb11 - Trying Something New

Reverb11's July prompt is to write about something new that I'm willing to try in July.  I just don't know.  In the past I've said that I would push myself to try spicier food.  I have - much to the delight of my husband who gets a kick out of watching me when my mouth is on fire (he does give me water but not before getting a good laugh).

So, I've challenged myself to try something not just for July but something that I want to achieve every day through the end of the year.  I'm going to challenge myself to start following those new dietary guidelines put out by the USDA earlier this year.  I need to incorporate more vegetables and fruits and fewer grains (I love my carbs, what can I say?!).  My plate is probably about half carbs/grains, a quarter protein and a quarter vegetable/fruit.  It clearly needs to be altered.

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Funny how both of the challenges are food related for me?  Clearly, I love food.

What is a challenge that you're willing to take on for the month of July?  Through the rest of 2011?!  Share your thoughts in the comment section.

Restocking the Kitchen

Mark and I just returned from some quiet time away - an early celebration of our first wedding anniversary.  I'll tell you more about our adventures another time.  For now, I thought I'd share with you one of my favorite rituals when I come back from time away from home: restocking my kitchen of the foods and drinks that we love and rely on each week.

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 We each have our favorite foods and I like to take my time building a list of meals that I'll make for the coming week.  As much as I love eating out as often as possible during a holiday away, I truly miss cooking a satisfying meal for the two of us.

Some of the must-haves on our list include:

• Yogurt - Greek for me and various flavors for Mark
• Milk
• Juice - Mark calls me the juice monster because I love juice so much
• Fruit - today I picked up strawberries, peaches, grapes and bananas
• Vegetables - I always must have lettuces for salad, tomatoes, cucumbers, etc.
• Bread and crackers - today I picked up a loaf of buttermilk and French (for dinner tomorrow night)
• Cheese - Manchego and cheddar - and Salami, so I can fix myself one of my favorite lunches
• Organic chicken - I got leg and thigh pieces for one meal and whole legs for another meal that I'm making tonight
• Canned tomatoes - both whole and diced
• Fresh herbs - thyme (I have a pot of basil and rosemary in my kitchen, which is lovely but I sometimes need extras)
• Garlic - I love to make fresh Italian pasta sauce and it requires a lot of garlic
• Peanut butter - my husband would go nuts if we didn't have peanut butter in the house
• Preserves - raspberry to go with the peanut butter!
• Pasta - 'nuff said!

What are the staples of your pantry and fridge?