Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Saucy Secrets

Well today is THE day.

It's my SITS Featured Blogger day! Whoo-hoo-yahoo and all that stuff! Exciting times my friends. See that cute button on the side-bar? That's where you'll find tons, I mean tons of wonderful bloggers, who share the love by visiting and commenting on blogs that they discover by joining the Secret Is In The Sauce community.

Too bad it comes at a time when my time for blogging is at an all time low and I am often too tired to even yawn. I'll have to admit that lately I've resorted to posting pictures of my shoes and wardrobe again. You'll notice if you pop around a bit that I have somewhat of an addictive personality, especially when it comes to shoes and shopping.

But enough excuses in my pre-amble...

WELCOME to my blog.

I'm Karen, wife to one, mother of two, and as my tag line says, I'm living in the burbs and trying to stay urban. Which is kinda hard to do when you're driving around in a minivan - parking spots in the city are not exactly minivan friendly. And from the title of my blog, I do like to drink preferably alcohol, although lately it's mostly coffee to stay awake!

I started this blog on Mother's Day 2005, about 5 months into my maternity leave with baby #2. I was still pretty amazed that I was a mother of two, as we had a number of difficult years dealing with infertility. In actual fact, I had made the decision to be a SAHM for a bit, and subsequently decided to capture the time and life's precious moments via this thing called a blog. I didn't even know that you could share it - I just wanted to write for myself, so that one day I would have something to look back at and remember the little things that I knew I would forget. Little did I know how important this vehicle would become to me in a very short time.

And here we are coming up to 5 years later, and boy, oh boy have things changed. My kids are no longer babies. After doing the work-from-home thing for a couple of years, I took the huge leap back into the corporate working world. Yup, as of 8 weeks ago, I'm a career gal again. Finding the balance is tough and it will take me a little while yet to really get the hang of it.

This blog, and more importantly, the community that I found through my voice here, has helped me tremendously, especially this past year. 2009 has had to be my most difficult year to date. I lost my beloved father to cancer in January. I had some health issues (gall bladders and knee sprains will forever be associated with hitting my mid-40s) that made me fear that I would not be able keep up with my beloved hip-hop aerobics class. (But fear not, I have hit the Bodyjam classes again with a vengeance). And a highlight of my year was attending the ultimate blogger fest - I rocked BlogHer 2009 Chicago in July and would do it again in a heartbeat.

So let me take you on a tour of my more recent favourite posts. It's been hard to choose, as at last count I have about 629 in total...sheesh. I guess I like to write, eh?

First up, a post about the dynamics between my boy and girl... and how sibling love lasts a lifetime, as I've seen through my mother's eyes.

Next, a memorable afternoon at the ballet.

And then, a more recent post about getting back up and moving on ...

And finally, as added bonus, just so you don't think I always write like a Hallmark card, a little ditty about man boobs.

Thanks again for stopping by my little abode in the blog world. I hope you stick around for a while, and better yet, come back for more. I can't wait to read your comments and visit you right back.

Cheers!

166 comments:

Unknown said...

Congrats on your very special day!

Been a delight to hear about your life! Hope to see you around!

Julia said...

Congratulations on being the featured blogger and good luck in the corporate world!

Carrie said...

Happy SITS day to you! Looking forward to seeing what the future holds for you - Good Luck!

Erin Bassett said...

Happy SITS day!! Your kids are adorable!

Chrisy said...

Congrats on your SITS day! I am a new blogger, and you inspire me! Your kids are adorable. I think my favorite post that I have read so far was the "man boobs". Although, we have all been there, you made the experience funny and entertaining.

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Happy SITS day!! Hope it's fabulous. : )

Shannon said...

Congrats! Enjoy your day in the SITS spotlight!

floreta said...

here thru sits. congrats on the feature :)

Brandi said...

Happy SITS Day! I hope you enjoy every moment of it and the flood of comments!

Katie said...

Yes... juggling a job and kids is always tough. :) Best of luck to you! I'll definitely be back to say hi again!

(here through SITS)

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your SITS day! :-)

Karin aka perpstu said...

Woohoo! Featured blogger? Congrats! Your posts have been piling up (with everything else in my Reader) but I was so excited to see you listed as the SITS girl today!

Formerly known as Frau said...

Congrats on your SITS day! I really enjoyed reading your posts today!

Mesina said...

Congrats on your SITS day!!! Sounds like a pretty tough year you've had. I am hoping that you and your family have a much smoother 2010 x

Jennifer C. Valerie said...

Congratulations on your day in the SITS spotlight. Enjoy every minute of it. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Ghada said...

Happy SITS day! I enjoyed browsing around :)

Margaret said...

Congrats and I am now following you!

Chocolate Lover said...

Happy SITS Day!

Quasi Serendipita said...

Happy SITS Day! I really liked the picture of your children walking to school - so cute!

Amy DM said...

Happy SITS day. I love the post about the man boobs. My hubby could use a mirdle.

Rachel Cotterill said...

Sounds like you've had a busy few years! Off to look around now... thanks for sharing :)

Karen, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry" said...

Congrats on your SITS day! My sincere condolences to losing your father to Cancer this year.

Melissa B. said...

Congrats on your FB status. Enjoy your SITS Day in the Sun!

I'm a full-time mummy said...

Congrats on your SITS day! Wow! 600+ blog posts!! Salute salute!! :D

Nice blog you have here btw... :D

The Blonde Duck said...

Happy SITS day!

Emily said...

I know the feeling of living in the 'burbs and trying to maintain my urban inner-self! Congrats on your SITS Day.

Elizabeth D. said...

Happy SITS day to you! So nice to "meet" such a prolific blogger who's been around for a while! Can't wait to look around!

Tara R. said...

Congrats on the SITS feature!

Jess @ Frugal with a Flourish said...

Happy SITS day! And welcome back to the corporate world! Managing that and a blog is a little hectic, but you will get the hang of it back in no time!

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your sits day!


I'm so sorry for the loss of your father. :(

Sherri said...

Happy SITS Day Karen! I hope your day is fabulously wonderful. I am looking so forward to reading more....

Sarah Brown said...

Happy Sits Day to you! You certainly have your hands full right now! Loving your page and great posts. I wish you and your a wonderful holiday season!
~Sarah

Queenie Jeannie said...

Happy SITS Day!!

I love your sense of humor and I'm sure I'll be back! Enjoy your special day in the sun!!!

Shell in your Pocket said...

Enjoy your SITS day...it's so very fun!

Sandy Toe

The Grasshoppa:Triplets Plus Two Momma said...

I seriously need to pull up a chair and pick your brain about fine wine.

The last I had to buy a bottle--I posted a status update on my Facebook for suggestions from the car parking lot!

Something about Menegia Trios? That was the response I got back.

Can you imagine going in the store and asking for THAT?

I mean, they don't even have them on the shelf in alphabetical order, so I was forced to ask.

I need help. Real bad.

Looking forwarding to parusing your lovely blog.

Have a wonderfully fun Tuesday.

leigh hewett said...

Happy SITS day! It sounds like you are ready for for 2010. Sorry that it's been a hard year for you!

I'm off to explore!

XO
Leigh

Stephanie Faris said...

Happy SITS day. You sound like a fun woman! I'm off to read the other blogs now.

confused homemaker said...

Congrats on your SITS Day! And I feel on trying to bring the coolness while driving a mini-van is a challenge.

said...

Congrats on your SITS day! I'm off to read your featured posts. :o)

JennyMac said...

Congrats on your SITS spotlight day! So happy for you and looking forward to reading your special posts.

The Black Sheep said...

Happy SITS Day! I look forward to reading your posts. And don't worry about the blog haitus of sorts----you are the CEO of your family, it's impossible to stay on top of blog things all of the time!!!

Geezees Custom Canvas Art said...

Enjoy your SITS day today :)
look forward to reading your post!

Maggi said...

Congrats on being the SITS FB! Your blog is so fun! I am sorry for the loss of your father.

Have a great day!

KimMalk said...

Congrats today! Phew, I don't know how you are going to manage doing it all- good luck!
@cheapchichome.blogspot.com

Hannah said...

Glad to hear you survived infertility.

Congrats on your SITS day!

A Fist Full of Dandelions said...

Congrats on making it to 5 years blogging! That is a long time.

Stopping by from SITS!

Anonymous said...

pk @ Room Remix

Happy SITS day! I'm off to read your other posts - enjoy your day!

Molly said...

wow, we have much in common, I moved from NYC to upstate NY four years ago, and I'm STILL adjusting! I have a five and three year old, so no more baby stage...going to go check out more posts, happy SITS day!

Ashley said...

Happy SITS Day!

Planning on reading your posts now.

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your day as the FB @ SITS:)
I thoroughly enjoyed my visit...you rock!

Confessions From A Work-At-Home Mom said...

Happy SITS day!

I loved hearing the story of how and why you started your blog!

~Elizabeth
http://confessionsfromaworkingmom.blogspot.com/

Frogs in my formula said...

Happy SITS day. So nice to meet you and your blog!

LisaLisa said...

Happy SITS day. Great post and I'm glad to have meet you. Wishng you the best in the blog world.

Susie said...

Congratulations on your SITs feature! I hope you enjoy your day in the sun:-)

Anonymous said...

Good luck with your return to the working world.

I went back to school full-time this year and I can relate to the adjustment it takes. :)

Half of a Duo, Raising a Duo said...

Congrats SITSa!

Loved your blog entry and added you to the blogroll on my blog.

Hugs and have a phenomenal holiday season.

May you get a thousand glowing comments on your blog!!!!

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

Happy SITS Day! :) I've had gallbladder issues too...no fun!!!

Unknown said...

Congrats on your SITS feature. Hope you are having a great day. I love your blog. I am following you and off to read some other posts.
Sheri
http://miraclemomas.net (new blog)

Angelia (Texas) said...

Congrats on your SITS day!

I broke my wrist last year. I totally get how hard it is to get back up there and keep going. Excellent job!

Robbie S. Redmon, LPC said...

Happy SITS Day!

Anonymous said...

Happy SITS day!!

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your SITS day!! I just read the blog about your children and it almost brought me to tears. You are such a beautiful writer!!

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your SITS day! I especially enjoyed the pictures from your recent trip :)

Jennifer Juniper said...

Happy sits day! I can't wait to read about man boobs!

Cid said...

Congrats, working certainly hasn't cut into your blogging time. Maybe I should get a "real" job!

Lindsay Rudolph said...

Happy SITS Day! I look forward to reading your posts!

Cheryl said...

Congrats on your SITS day! Love your blog and children. Good luck with working again.

Jenn said...

Congrats on being FB for the day!

It sounds like you have been through a lot in the last year. I loved your posts!

Anonymous said...

You have a great blog. Happy SITS day. My blog Parenthood for Me is about my non profit to help people with infertility and those adopting. I too struggled to conceive and am now a proud adoptive mom trying to help other people become parents or build their families. Come check us out! Enjoy your day and I look forward to visiting again.

Grace @ Ruby Moon Designs said...

Haha...kids say the darndest things! Nice to "meet" you!

-Grace

Kari said...

Happy SITS day for you. Looking forward to reading through your blog! Enjoy YOUR day today!

Allison said...

Congrats on being the FB today! Can't wait to check out more of your blog!

Quincifer said...

Happy SITS day :)

Jenn Erickson said...

Congrats on your SITS day! I love your energy and enjoyed your SITS day post ~ what an excellent "get to know you"! I've only been blogging for about a year, so it's very inspiring to see how you've thrived and proliferated despite the many personal challenges you mentioned. I'm looking forward to reading many more of your 600+ posts (awesome!). Warmest wishes, Jenn

xoxoKrysten said...

Happy SITS day!

A Nerd and A Free Spirit said...

Congrats on your blog! Good luck in the corporate world. I bet that is quite the adjustment for you!!

~Kathryn

Not Everyones Mama said...

Happy SITS day to you! I know how you feel about your blog. Mine has been my journal through the good times and the bad, whether anyone else was reading it, it was there for me, my outlet.

Good luck with the new job! I plan on returning to the corporate world when my kids are all in school. Back to suits rather than yoga pants. LOL

Shell said...

You definitely got lucky in how your kids treat each other. Mine love each other, but show it by beating the snot out of each other. And that man boobs post was funny- reminds me of when my oldest asked my Hubs if he was having a baby, too.

Happy SITS day!

AmericanTribal said...

Congratulations on your SITS Day!! Your kids are very cute :).

Anonymous said...

Love your subtitle: One glass at a time! I need to remember that.
Mary

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Congratulations on your SIDS day!

Alissa Grosso said...

Great blog! I don't know how you manage to do balance it all. You must be part super-hero.

Mimi said...

Congratulations on your SITS day. Enjoy every moment of it!

Sarahviz said...

Enjoy your SITS day! I too, am a career gal and I write A LOT about trying to (unsuccessfully) find that work/life balance!

Sassy Chica said...

What a darling blog you have here, love the title!!

HAPPY SITS DAY, enjoy all the love!

Smooches,
Sassy Chica

Marshmallow Circus said...

Man Boobs, ha ha. :)

Twincerely,Olga said...

congrats. on your SITS Day!!!!!!!!!!!! You rock!! I already love your blog! please stop by

Wisconsin Parent said...

Hello There. Happy SITS day. I lost my dad to cancer this year too. It totally sucks, doesn't it. Blog Her in Chicago ruled!

Kmama said...

Congratulations on your SITS day. I'm sorry 2009 has been so rough. I'm hoping 2010 is better for you!

Anti-Supermom said...

I had to look through all your BlogHer pictures - wondering if we crossed paths at some point, which we did.

Happy Featured Blogger day - enjoy the full email box and increased stats :)

That'll wake you up in the morning.

Unknown said...

Congrats on your SITS day! I, too, was infertile and never had my own kids. I raised my 3 stepsons, tho, and now have been blessed with a beautiful 2 yr old grandson. I call him my ice cream after eating brussel sprouts for 18 years.

thatgirlblogs said...

5 years is a long time to blog! happy sits day.

Karen M. Peterson said...

Happy SITS day! Live it up!

Jesslyn said...

Congrats on SITS day! That Moobage post was funny. Kids are amazing in how they interpret the world.

www.imageinterpreters.com
Fight The Frump!

Peggy said...

Congratulations on your very special SITS day! I loved you article about moving on and getting back into the swing of your routine (I'd be lost in a Bodyjam class...I'll stick to Thai Kickboxing...)

Enjoy your day!
Peggy

Carla said...

Happy SITSday!! (cute kids:)

Robin said...

Congratulations on your day in the SITS' sun! Wishing you a most beautiful day today....

Heather said...

Congrats on your SITS day! Very exciting. I can't wait to read more.

Star Forbis said...

Cute Blog. I'm liking the way you write. Congrats on being the featured Blogger today!

Kathleen @ Measuring My Life said...

Happy SITS day! Hope it's a great one.

Brandie said...

Enjoy your day in the sun...evidently with some wine:)!

Helene said...

Congrats on your SITS day!

tiarastantrums said...

I'm with you you - an urban girl stuck in the burbs!

congrats on your feature today!

Tiaras & Tantrums

Kristin said...

Congratulations on your special SITS day! Can't wait to read your favorite posts!!

Mammatalk said...

Much congrats today! Enjoy!

Bibi @ Bibi's Culinary Journey said...

Happy SITS Day. It was very nice to get to know you a bit.

Enjoy your return to the corporate world.

Anonymous said...

Happy SITS Day! I hope you have a great 2010.

The Only Girl said...

Hope you're enjoying your SITS day!

Brodie said...

congrats on YOUR day~ look forward to reading your blog

Busted Kate said...

Whoo hoo is right, chica! Congratulations!! I'm so happy to have found your blog, so thanks to the SITS ladies (as always, you rock). I'm even more happy to find another IF success story, especially when those adorable kids were the outcome. I'm following you now, and looking forward to getting to know ya. Way to go!

Geezees Custom Canvas Art said...

Congrats on your SITS feature!

Alisa: a pina colada said...

I enjoyed your blog and stories. You write very well and it was fun to hear little tid bits about your life! I've got 4 of my own so I totally know how it is...
can't wait to follow and hear more!

Carrie said...

Happy SITS day! Congrats!

Kimmy said...

Congrats on your SITS day!! How exciting :o)

I'm sorry about your dad. I'm not looking forward to that day for either of my parents :o(

And the gallbladder, yeah, my husband had his removed a few years back. Not fun for the poor guy. Hope you're able to still eat the things you love.

Now I will poke around here!!! Have a wonderful day :o)

brokenteepee said...

Enjoy your day in the SITS sun.

Hmmm, ballet and man boobs. Eclectic to say the least.

Clarinda said...

Congrats on your SITS day! Hope you feel all the comment love!

Sarah K. said...

Happy SITS day! I really like your blog, I'm following you now and I've snagged your button. Love thew wine theme. I also like fine and sometimes not so very fine wine, haha.

I Wonder Wye said...

Congrtas to you from SITS...off to read some posts now......

Cathy said...

I'm impressed with how long you've been blogging and how many posts you have. I'm just a newbie. Hope you have a good SITS day.

Liz Mays said...

Congratulations on your SITS day!!!

Ria @ Life as a Wife! said...

Congrats! So fun to be featured and in the spot-light. I am new to SITS... so far... I am really enjoying it! Thanks for your honesty - It shows through your words!
-Ria
www.mrsriathurston.blogspot.com

Erin said...

Hi SITS sister :-)

I found your blog to be honest and funny and sad and refreshing all at the same time! Love the man boob story! Kids are TOO FUNNY!
Congrats on being featured! Keep up the good writing!
-Your newest follower-
Erin

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your SITS day! Love your blog.

Balboa said...

Happy SITS day, I am knew to SITS and enoyed your post. I will definately keep reading.

Karen

Shawn said...

Great to meet ya! I too have been blogging since 2005---and feel like an oldie, but goodie! Congrats on your SITS day! I am beginning to think that mine will never come....sigh....

Have a great one!

Dori said...

Happy SITS Day! :)

Conquer The Monkey said...

happy happy day in the sun!

thank you for sharing your story!!!

Charlene Juliani said...

Happy SITS Day!! Hope it's a great one!

Jenn brockman said...

Balance, what balance? please tell me if you figure it out!

Congrats on the feature for Sits.

SurferWife said...

are you making it through all of these comments ok? LOL! You have a very cute blog here!

Julie said...

Congrats on being the Sits Blogger of the day, and it was fun getting to know you!

Melissa Haak said...

I am an urban mom exiled in suburbia too! Although I haven't succumbed to the Minivan yet, the amount of time I spend in a car....sigh, maybe we can start a support group?

Happy SITS day!

Kathleen said...

Hey there. I'm new to the sitsahood. Your kids are adorable and I love your sense of humor! Nice to meet you!

Anonymous said...

Happy SITS day! Love your blog - following now - I'll for sure be back!!!

Lorri S said...

Congrats! It has been fun learning a little about you and your family.

Enjoy your day :)

Chatterbox said...

Congratulations on your SITS day.

WoW! 600+ posts is a great achievement. Loved reading through some of your fantastic posts.

Keep up the good work. Hope to stay in touch.

See you around.

Cheers!!

Kristin @ Meanbean said...

congrats on your SITS day! and wow, 600+ posts! nice work, I'm off to read the fun stuff :)

Working Mommy said...

HAPPY TUESDAY SITSTAH!!!! Congrats on your feature!

~Working Mommy
Come on by, stay for a while and leave a comment or two!!

Bianca @southbay rants n raves said...

Congratulations featured blogger! I was very intrigued by this intro post alone, I'll add you to my reading list! Have a good day!

SITS girl
Bianca

Florrie said...

Happy SITS day.
I am so loving this blog.
And look at you....becoming a blogger before blogging was even cool. I don't know ANYONE that's been blogging since 2005....your like a blogging pioneer or something.
Can't wait to look around....

Unknown said...

Congrats on your day, hope you have a nice glass lined up for today :)
T.

Jessica said...

Congratulations on your special day!

Lisa Johnson said...

Happy SITS Day! ; )

Nicolasa said...

I am pulled right in by the way you write, it is a good think you like to write a lot because I'll be back time and again for more!

Good luck getting back into the corporate world!

Happy SITS Day!

Charlene said...

I love the title of your blog - so perfect! Happy SITS Day!

Cougar Tales said...

Enjoy your SITS Day. I am going off to visit your blog now....I am sorry for the tough year you have had. Sorry for the loss of your father too. Keep him close in our heart always. I hope 2010 brings some peace and lots of happiness.
- Cougs
www.cougar-tales.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Congratulations on your SITS day! Best wishes on your jump back in to the corporate world!

Kim
http://mytoesareclaustrophobic.blogspot.com/

Marilyn (A Lot of Loves) said...

I just left the corporate world so we're on opposite ends of a similar path. I expect that I'll be returning to work in about 4 years or so when my youngest is in school.

Emma said...

Congrats on your day!

By the way, I'm a total shoe addict myself.

Unknown said...

Congrats to your big SITS day and good luck navigating back through the corporate world!!

Anonymous said...

Hey, when we look back at those hard years, they never really seem that hard at all. Sending lots of love your way!!!

tattytiara said...

Wow. Your little girl is very blessed to have such a wonderful big brother indeed. Someone must have raised him right, eh?

You've reminded me that I used to love the ballet. Alas, I am an urbanite adrift in the suburbs as well.

Anyway, hello from sits and hope you've enjoyed your day!

Momma Chick said...

Happy SITS day! I have been blogging for almost 2 years and I am in awe that you have done it for 5 years!! Sorry about your loss of your father! I went through the whole gall bladder thing... NOT FUN!

I absolutely love your blog! Will be coming back for sure!

rjs mama said...

congrats! enjoy your day :)

RJ's day to day activities
Journal of RJ's mom

Unknown said...

What a fun blog! Congratulations on getting back out there in the corporate world again... It's so different than working from home, isn't it? I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. So very sorry.

BLOGitse said...

Congrats being in the SITS spotlight!
I'm trying to find out how SITS work - so I started exploring blogs here!
Nice to meet you,
I'll be back!
Have a nice day, Greetings from Cairo, Egypt!

Lora said...

Congratulations on your special day! I may very well just be your last visitor of the day :0) Running late as usual...

Marie said...

I look forward to getting to know you more and of course read on about "man boobs"!

Maggie, dammit said...

Um.

Sooooo, I don't know anything about SITS. All I know is I was thinking about you, wondering how you were, remembering our blogher lunch chat, and thought I'd pop in and say hi. I didn't know I'd have to get in line behind 38574477 people! Wow.

Anyway, I've met you and I'm pretty sure you're like 25. Are you trying to be serious about the mid-40's thing or was that a crazy joke?

Hope all is well my dear.

xo

Nicole @ WhenDidIBecomeMyMom.com said...

Happy SITS FB day! (I'm late I know. But I'm here!)

scrappysue said...

happy sits day - i hope it was a blast!

yadda yadda said...

Hello from SITS!! Looking forward to reading more. I'm your most recent follower!

Jill of All Trades said...

Happy SITS Day!

Traci said...

Congratulations on being featured with SITS. That's how I found you.

I'm so sorry for the loss of your Dad, I hope that the new year brings you health and happiness.

You have a terrific blog. :-)

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your big day! Sorry I'm like a week late. I feell of the SITS bandwagon months ago and I think it ran me over. A few times.

Anonymous said...

very cool! hope to be back and read some more, sent over here by @rockdrool

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