Christmas Cooking

My family has this HUGE Christmas Eve tradition.  We get together at my moms house for a Christmas glutton feast! That's the only time I get my mom's famous pot roast (a favorite).  The schedule's changed a bit over the years but it consists of church, family photos and tons and tons of food. This year was going to be a big one since all the babies were going to be there (sister's 2 boys, cousin's 2 girls, cousin's 1 boy, cousin's boy and girl).  We were the only ones not able to make it.  

This was our first Christmas that alone.  This was my first Christmas that I hosted a small dinner and cooked everything all by myself.  We invited over my hubby's cousin and his niece for dinner.  The menu I planned was a 8 lb. roast made with a dry rub, steamed vegetables, scalloped potatoes, rice and blueberry pies for dessert.  I started cooking around noon since everything was for the oven and I have a few dishes to prepare.  I was very pleased how everything turned out.  Next time I would get a bone out roast.  Trying to slice it with the bone in was a pain and the slices came out uneven.  I would get an elevated baking pan so the roast doesn't sit in the fat that comes out.  The fruit pies were easier to serve and cut after they've been refrigerated.  The last thing I would change is when I started cooking the roast.  The guest didn't show up until three hours after I finished cooking and I would have like for them to try it hot instead of microwaved.  How did your Christmas meal turn out? 

Tears Don't Describe

I wanted to share something with you today that our family has been dealing with for the past year and a half. Ever since I started Izzy on solids we've had a love/hate relationship with the potty. Initially, it was just constipation but now it's developed into a psychological problem. She was so afraid of it hurting that she started holding in her poop as long as she could. It just made she problem worse because by the time she would finally poop it was hard as a rock.

We've been working with her old pediatrician from the beginning by changing her diet, increasing her fluid intake and even adding fiber supplements. No matter how many times I went to my pediatrician about it she opted for a conservative approach. Every well check, every drop in for colds I always told her Dr. that she still was having painful poop. She kept assuring me that I was doing everything right and she didn't think it was a good idea to be too aggressive.

I felt SO helpless. Every time Izzy would try to poop she would scream in pain. All I could do was rub her back and tell her "mommy was there". It's been a year and a half of everyone ELSE (family) telling me what I was doing wrong. DON'T YOU THINK I F-ING KNEW THAT ALREADY?!?!?!?!  I did everything the doctor told me and still I couldn't convince my baby girl that it was okay to poop.  I could tell that all the changes I made to her diet made a difference.  I could see every time she felt that urge to push and she would stop and wait until it passed.  I could see all the looks of fear on my baby's face every time she couldn't hold the urge to push any longer and she was scared of the pain. I felt so frustrated that I couldn't make it better.  I felt so angry that EVERYTHING I was doing wasn't working.

We have a new pediatrician since we moved and I brought her in for a cold this past Wednesday. Fortunately, I mentioned to her Izzy's poop dilemma. The Dr. gave me a plan and explained why the other one didn't work.  She explained the WHY! Within 36 hours she has her 1st poop without tears.  At day 5 she's poops SOFT stool every other day. I can't begin to explain how relieved, grateful, and emotional I feel. It doesn't hurt anymore.  She's still a little scared right before she starts pushing but she doesn't SCREAM in pain. That has been the BEST Christmas present I could have gotten.  Merry Christmas!

Wordless Wedsneday

Influenster Holiday VoxBox: Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-On Manicure

Right before bed I decided to try out another product from my Influenster Holiday Vox Box.  This one is the Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-On Manicure.  First off, it's so rare that I have my nails done and this was a great treat for me.  Every time I've tried to paint my own nails one hand comes out great while my right hand is a huge mess.  I tried press on nails in the past but the mess from the glue was too much of a hassle to use them frequently.

Before

My first impression when I pulled them out was how pretty they were.  I got the Chic Mystique style which is a neutral blush color with a white and silver design of a flower.  The design still allows some expression while the blush color is professional enough for the office.  The length is also perfect for me.  They're short enough to type on the keyboard, button or zip up my pants and do chores around the house in. The glue holds through most daily activities and even a gentle upwards pressure.  The only thing I've done that made me concerned was trying to peel an orange.  I also noticed that they don't feel heavy.  Hmm, that's going to take a bit to explain.  When I used acrylics or other press on nails they felt heavy on my real nails.  With the exception of my thumbs these feel the same weight as using regular nail polish.  The only thing I would do next time is do my cuticles first so it looks more like I went to a nail salon.

After

My final verdict?  I think the Broadway imPress Press-On Manicure would be a great to add to my beauty arsenal.  They are perfect for someone that can't paint both hands without messing up.  They will come in handy for a last minute "finished" look when I don't have time to spend at the nail salon.  Have you ever rushed out the door to a job interview, a date, or a night out and looked down to find you forgot to do your nails?  So have I! This blogger plans on having a few packs for "just in case".  What about you?

Broadway imPress Press- On Manicure comes in 36 different colors and patterns which retails for $5.99 for colors and $7.99 for patterns.  They are available at CVS, Rite Aid, Duane Reade, Kmart, Walgreen's, Walmart to name a few.  For a full list of online and in-store retailers, visit imPressManicure.com.  You can find a "How To" video at the site and if you stop by now there is an exclusive coupon available to try out your first set.  Also check out my vlog review on Broadway imPress Press-On Manicure.

I received this product complimentary through Influenster's VoxBox program to review.  All opinions are 100% my own. To learn more about Influenster please visit Influenster.com.

Influenster Holiday VoxBox: Mentos Pure Fresh Gum Review

Mentos Fresh Gum
Quick Take: The box is really hard to open. I had to use my molars when the tag ripped off.

Usage Tips: Love the container with the pop off lid. Small enough to fit in your pocket or purse.

I was really excited to try this gum. I'm a huge fan of the original and loved the crunchy outer shell.

The Verdict: The outer shell isn't as crunchy as the original. Otherwise, gum's flavor lasts a long time. Love it!

I received a full sized package of Mentos Pure Fresh Gum to review as a member of Influenster's VoxBox program.  Please check out Influenster.com for more information about the VoxBox program.  All opinions are 100% my own.

I'm a Believer!

Okay I'm going to totally gush on this post so if you ever thought about ways to save money keep on reading.  Here's my check list: I'm a stay at home mom, we just moved to a different state and we just bought a house.  All three of those things could probably tell you that we recently spend a HUGE bulk of our savings and we need to save every new penny that comes in our doors.

I save $70.44 on this trip.

The hard part? My hubby and I are admittedly impulse buyers. It doesn't matter if it's the grocery store or the mall we tend to walk home with things we weren't planning on coming home with.  It didn't matter very much before while we working but now that kind of spending is just asking for trouble.

I've always been interested in couponing. I've seen the shows and read other mom's blog and I was always amazed that they could find such great deals.  I've kept an eye on a really great blog called The Coupon Project for the past year but I was never serious about trying all the tactics.  I really tried out her tips this week and I'm AMAZED.  On average at each shopping trip I save about 50% from my bill.  My refrigerator and pantry are completely stocked with food.  I even have meats and produce too!  The best part is I'm under $80 for the grocery budget I set for this month.  So besides milk, fruit and orange juice we're good for the next month.  I love the fact that I can provide my family healthy meals, save money in the process and not have to run to the store all the time.  Her blog is really easy to follow, she provides the place, deal, coupon link, making and keeping to a budget.  I highly recommend her site if you've ever been interested.  I can't wait to see what kind of savings I'll see after I've been at this for a few months.  Are you a couponer?  What's the best deal you've gotten?

Influenster's Holiday VoxBox

Just received my Holiday VoxBox from Influenster! Open it up with me.  This is my 2nd VoxBox from Influenster.  I received this product complimentary to test through Influenster's VoxBox program.  To learn more information about Influester please visit: Influenster.com.

The Holiday VoxBox includes:

Impress press-on manicure by Broadway nails
Softsoap Coconut Scrub Bar Soap
Montagne Jeunesse Face Mask
New York Color Liquid Lip Shine
Mentos Pure Fresh Gum
Larabar
Bonus - Garden Botanika Heart Fragrance Sample

Settling In

Wow! I can't believe almost a month flew past since my last post.  I'm still alive and kicking in the Greater Northwest.  We recently relocated here towards the end of October due to my hubby's job.  The two of us took our time and really thought about where to choose for his next assignment.  We wanted to move to a place that we could see ourselves permanently settling down and raising our child (+ potential future children).  I won't go through how we made the decision but I will update you on how we like it.

I ABSOF-ing LOVE LOVE LOVE it here.  I can honestly tell you that I haven't been this happy in a long time.  I love the cold, wet, weather.  No, I'm not pulling your leg I really mean it.  I've always preferred cooler weather were I could add layers to be comfortable rather than weather that was so hot you cold sit still in the buff and still be sweating.  It's a slower pace here, the speed limit is 60mph and strictly enforced.  I guess since I know I can sit back and enjoy the drive without worrying too much about other speeding drivers.

It also feels like everything is falling into place relatively easily.  I say that (knock on wood) with my fingers, toes and eyes crossed that it stays that way.  I met and made a new female friend that I can say she's becoming a good friend.  I was able to find two toddler playgroups for Izzy to make new friends.  We found and bought a house that we love and we're excited to move in when it's finished.  We found out that we have family here and they live very close to us.  I was able to endorse my license to this state without any hassle.  The last two pieces are for me to find a job I love and someone we trust to watch Izzy while I'm working.  I hope those pieces fall into place with similar ease.  Thanks for reading!

Keeping Him Safe

Thanks for the post from Sylvester Campbell

Security has gotten even more important to me since I had the baby. Becoming a mom brought out the caretaker side of me and although I’m reasonably responsible anyway, it’s tough being in charge of someone else’s wellbeing. I spent the first weeks as a new mom securing the house, although it was already pretty good. I fixed that window in the back that’s been broken forever and I took some time to look at a site for alarm systems richmond and see if a security system made sense. I child proofed nearly everything in the townhome and even my dog got into the action! I taught him some new tricks and how to alert me if he hears any noises he thinks are out of order. I feel much better now about my ability to care for my son and I know I’m a good mom, although there are times when I nearly have a panic attack thinking about his safety! It’s only going to get worse once he gets a driver’s license!

A Little Less Lonely

I've always lived with in driving distance of my family.  Now that we've moved to a different state I was wondering how I would be able to handle being so far away from them.  I come from a very close nit family and I grew up with frequent "get togethers".  Isabel has also been very close with her cousin Nathan.  From the moment they were born they've seen each other almost every week for play time.  At this point they even have their own language.  

When we moved up here we learned that my hubby has family here.  It turns out that they're only twenty minutes away from where we live now.  We were able to spend Thanksgiving with them and it made living here less lonely knowing that there was family close by.  My hubby's cousin also has a son that is a bit older but is absolutely wonderful with Izzy.  He's patient and plays with her, even when she brings her tea set.  He doesn't push her away or bully her and she adores him.  It amazed me that she not only learned his name the first time she met him but she also was able to say it and call out for him.  What does family mean to you?

Leave My Computer Alone!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Norton Small Business by Symantec for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I count myself lucky that my husband, sister and brother-in-law are all computer savvy.  I can only get by on the day to day things.  If something goes wrong like, it doesn't boot up, it's slow or just won't work.  I can't do anything about it.  There have been a few times were the hardware stopped working and I had to wait until my husband came home.

At least my husband sets up my daily internet surfing so I'm mostly goof proof.  He makes sure that we have a good firewall, virus scanner and more.  I also don't click on everything I see.  My parents however, do.  My parents are are small business owners in real estate.  If something goes wrong on their computer it's more detrimental because of their business.  We might loose a  few pictures while they have the potential to loose important receipts and documents related to their business.

The unfortunate part is that even with computer savvy people in the family my parent's don't listen to their words of advice.  They click on random pop up ads. They don't update their virus software or firewall.  They wait until the computer is on its death bed before getting help.

That's why I think it would be a great idea for them to get the Norton Small Business by Symantec.  Our family has used Norton before and we know that it is reliable.  I think this program would work the best for my parents since it does most of its job automatically.  They can surf the internet and not worry about their files or the computer speed.  It will even tell you if a website or file is safe. This would be the perfect time to pick up either Norton 360 or Norton Internet Security 2012.  The newest versions just launched this past September. The best part is we can get 30% off Norton Small Business Products now.

Are you shopping for a way to protect your computer from your kids, hubby or wifey?  Have you used Norton before?  Which program would work best for you?

Awesomeness = Grandma!

Are you a marathon shopper?  Maybe the one that gets to the stores the night before a HUGE sale for the best deals?  I've seen some amazing pictures of the deals people have been getting from the Black Friday shopping trips and a part of me (a very SMALL part) wonders what it would be like.  Part of the reason I'm not into going shopping on BIG deal days like Black Fridays was because I was dragged along for each one as a kid.  Now in my old (35 years of old) age I'd rather do my shopping in the comfort of my home, in my sleeping clothes and have it delivered right to my door.

Luckily, my mom is still into braving the shopping crowds and her only granddaughter is reaping the benefits.  I want to get Isabel a doll house this year.  I put one on her Christmas list in the hopes that "Santa" will do the honors.  My mom stepped up to the plate and got her this AMAZING dollhouse!  She found a Black Friday deal where she saved about $100 on it.  It's huge and it comes with 34 pieces of furniture.  I can't wait until Izzy sees it.  I know she's just going to go crazy for it.  So Black Friday Shoppers, what kind of awesomeness did you find out there today?

What are you Thankful for?

We all dream big and struggle to work towards our dreams.  For me Thanksgiving isn't about the history of the Pilgrims and the Indians.  It's a day to slow down, look around and be thankful for the people in your life and what you already have.

I'm blessed that I'm surrounded by my family that loves me.  I have a husband that's always been supportive of my goals.  I have a healthy, happy and loving daughter that makes me so proud to be a mom.  I have parents that still look out for me at the age of 35 and only want the best for me.  I have a sister that is more like my best friend who I can always vent to.  I have brothers and sisters-in-laws that looks beyond the "in-laws" and treat me more like a sister.  I have a mom and dad-in-law that support me as a "navy wife" and drop what they're doing to be there for me when my hubby can't.  I have a huge extended family that could fill a football field, almost.

The rest of the material stuff is just the dressing to the people that surround me.  Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  What are you thankful for?

Cooking Memories

I can't cook. Wait! No, I can cook but I'm not a foodie.  I hope I would eventually get there but right now I'm more of a get something on the table to feed my family.  I admire those that can whip up an amazing meal on the spot from scratch.  If you're own of those, this awesomeness is for you.  Do you have all your recipes in your head or written down on flash cards or note book paper?  Wouldn't it be great if you could have them all in one spot, printed and bound like a real cook book? Or if not your recipes, your mom's or grandma's?  Wouldn't be a great gift to give your mother or grandmother something like that.  If you're interested, check out this deal below and tell me what you think.

Wordless Wednesday

Vitabath Video Review

Hello all! This is my first attempt at a video review so go easy on me. It took 9 tries before I was able to talk without stuttering and yes I'm in my bath robe! It's REALLY cold up here right now. Maybe I'll try to look "cute" for the next one. Hahah... who am I kidding? Let me know what you think?

Happy Heart

It's been almost a year and a half since I became a stay at home mom.  We've had to sacrifice a few things for us to be able to afford living on one income.  In my opinion, it has all been worth it.  Today for example, was one of those days.  My daughter has been sick since Saturday.  Nothing serious, just a little cold while we're all getting used to the colder weather.  If you have toddlers than you know what I'm going through here.  She started feeling better today and to keep her mind off the coughing and a runny nose I tossed her up in the air, ran around with her on my back, tickled her, helped her do flips while giving her the raspberry on her tummy and watched her LAUGH!  How awesome is that?  If I had to work outside the home who's to say that I would have the freedom to kiss her boo boos or do something like this when she's sick?  I gotta tell you after seeing how miserable she's been for the pass few days it made my heart happy to see her laugh and dance this morning.

Mommy Snob

Okay, I'm a mommy snob sometimes.  I've read a few blog posts about other moms giving dirty looks or leaving negative comments.  I'm not one of those.  My mommy snobbery comes out when I hear, read or see other moms doing things to their kids mainly for their own convenience without regard to the research proving it's not in the best interest of their child.  Or they take some of these baby training books word for word without using common sense with it.  It makes me wonder why some women choose to be parents.

The biggest problem seems to be around bed time.  Why in the world would you spend hundreds of dollars on the safest car seat, stroller, crib and devote your time to nurture your child during the day just to check out of parenting at night?  Why would parents think it's okay to leave your child crying, screaming, begging for you for minutes or (god forbid) hours until they give up?  I'm sorry but letting your kid cry it out until they give up sounds cruel to me.  Babies cry for a reason.  It's not to piss you off, or manipulate you.  An infant cries to get their needs met, period.

Over the Hump

I just have to share this.  Do you know those motorized rides you see at the supermarket or the mall?  They look like little cars or boats that you have to pop in some quarters for them to start.  They just rock back and forth and play sounds.  Until today Izzy has been deathly afraid of them.  She'll jump on to play with the steering wheel but will completely freak out and scream once those quarters go in.  I've tried a few times as she got older and older hoping that she'll like them one day.  Well, today was the day folks!  We went to Everett Mall for the first time since we've been here and I took her to the tot play area.  Wasn't interested.  She kept pointing at the motorized car and asked to "ride".  For the heck of it I put in the quarters and she LOVED it!  Wanted to keep going for another 3 rides.  Paint me shocked folks!  I don't know what hump she had to get over before she started liking it but she's all for those coin rides now.  Too bad it take 75 cents for a 1-2 minutes ride.

Puppies vs. Babies

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Puppies vs. Babies. All opinions are 100% mine.

Puppies vs. Babies! Which do you think are cuter, puppies or babies?  Our dog was our 1st baby until Isabel was born.  He's an American Eskimo and as a puppy he was a little white puff ball of energy.  We got a lot of compliments that he looked like 'Bolt".  One time some random stranger stopped his car and asked my hubby if he'd sell our dog to him.  

My dog is cute but I think my daughter out shines him with her eyes closed.  I'll be the first to admit that I'm probably a little biased when it comes to my daughter.  Don't all parents think their child is the brightest and cutest one on the block?  She has her dad's full lips that are not as over powering as Angelina Jolie's.  She has my eye lashes and brows and will never have to use falsies, look for "plumping mascara" or deal with plucking.  

You can vote for the cutest puppy or baby on Animal Planet for the Puppies vs. Babies online contest from now until November 23rd.  Who do you think is "top dog" or "top kiddo"?  The winner could go home with $5,000!  If I had to choose between puppies or babies, I'd lean towards the babies.  I could be that my ovaries twitching but that's what I'd vote for.

Who would you vote for?  Don't forget to come back and comment on your choice!