We all know someone who can cook but when you can taste their passion for food through their cooking is when it truly becomes a gift. Karla Sorrentino is a wonderful, talented, chef who offers her services for catering and personal cooking in Fairfield County. Not only is her food exceptional, her charsima is overwhelming. Karla is a one of the kind person who makes you feel good and puts love and passion into her food. Please take advantage of this wonderful service and visit her site to contact her for your next event!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Thank You Mom
I am lying on my couch watching the Daytime Emmy Awards and love how everyone thanks their Mother's when they receive an award. It never really hit me until now how much we, as Mother's, influence our children and how our children recognize us when they become successful. Showing us their appreciation, is truly a beautiful thing.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Who's the real victim here?
I want to begin this blog by apologizing if I offend anyone after reading what I am about to write. I come from a family who taught me that in life you get what you work for. My parents were foreigners that made themselves who they are today by working hard, not complaining and having others do for them. So again, if you are offended I am sorry but my voice needs to be heard.
After becoming a mom it became clear to me the importance of providing for your family. It isn't about the number of shoes you have or the nicest clothes you wear it was about taking charge and providing for what mattered, your family!
Lately I have seen many things I have not or choose not to see before. I see married couples living off their parents and having children year after year while playing the victim because they can't take the best vacation or have the newest cars. I've seen educated people have family worry about how they are going to raise their unborn children. I have even seen my family and friends give to us over and over again and our daughter having more than she could image. And then I began to see the young mom's who have a child without insurance and make the best of their situation and I ask myself this ,and I am truly trying to be as genuine as possible, who is the real victim?
Why would someone want people to pity them when they don't want to help themselves?? Why are we the ones worrying about them when they aren't making an effort to worry about themselves. They cry poor me, they have their children ask others to buy them things but yet they are the ones home every weekend and by 5 every night? And we the fools tend to help them FIRST over the REAL victims. The real victims are young girls who made mistakes and got pregnant without even having the proper education to get a decent job.
I am frustrated because for years I fed into the "non victims" playing victims so they wouldn't have to do for themselves. I've seen us run to them the minute someone gives us something they could use. Reality is the people who need these things are making the best of their situation so their voices are not being heard.
I think more importantly I am mad at myself for not helping the people who really need the help! I came across a high chair and thought I would hold on to it in case a family member needed it and I know my family members are not the ones that need these things.
I was pissed at myself for not thinking about the real reason you help people. You help people that need help because it makes you feel good. My family and friends are capable of buying these things so now I am going to give it to some one who could REALLY use this. Someone who borrowed a friends with pride, some one who would appreciate it, not expect or demand it.
The whole point is we are raising the children of the future. We are their teachers. The young mom and dads are raising their children to work hard and be depend on themselves, while the educated, financially stable are teaching them to rely on others. People wake up!
It is time to take responsibilities for ourselves and our actions and most importantly our children. Yes, accidents happen, yes we have unplanned pregnancy, but for those who know already what it's like to have children if you can not handle more then stop having more. Stop depending on others because the reality of this whole message is one day your children will need YOU and if YOU can't even help yourself then how can you help them!
After becoming a mom it became clear to me the importance of providing for your family. It isn't about the number of shoes you have or the nicest clothes you wear it was about taking charge and providing for what mattered, your family!
Lately I have seen many things I have not or choose not to see before. I see married couples living off their parents and having children year after year while playing the victim because they can't take the best vacation or have the newest cars. I've seen educated people have family worry about how they are going to raise their unborn children. I have even seen my family and friends give to us over and over again and our daughter having more than she could image. And then I began to see the young mom's who have a child without insurance and make the best of their situation and I ask myself this ,and I am truly trying to be as genuine as possible, who is the real victim?
Why would someone want people to pity them when they don't want to help themselves?? Why are we the ones worrying about them when they aren't making an effort to worry about themselves. They cry poor me, they have their children ask others to buy them things but yet they are the ones home every weekend and by 5 every night? And we the fools tend to help them FIRST over the REAL victims. The real victims are young girls who made mistakes and got pregnant without even having the proper education to get a decent job.
I am frustrated because for years I fed into the "non victims" playing victims so they wouldn't have to do for themselves. I've seen us run to them the minute someone gives us something they could use. Reality is the people who need these things are making the best of their situation so their voices are not being heard.
I think more importantly I am mad at myself for not helping the people who really need the help! I came across a high chair and thought I would hold on to it in case a family member needed it and I know my family members are not the ones that need these things.
I was pissed at myself for not thinking about the real reason you help people. You help people that need help because it makes you feel good. My family and friends are capable of buying these things so now I am going to give it to some one who could REALLY use this. Someone who borrowed a friends with pride, some one who would appreciate it, not expect or demand it.
The whole point is we are raising the children of the future. We are their teachers. The young mom and dads are raising their children to work hard and be depend on themselves, while the educated, financially stable are teaching them to rely on others. People wake up!
It is time to take responsibilities for ourselves and our actions and most importantly our children. Yes, accidents happen, yes we have unplanned pregnancy, but for those who know already what it's like to have children if you can not handle more then stop having more. Stop depending on others because the reality of this whole message is one day your children will need YOU and if YOU can't even help yourself then how can you help them!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Oh Baby Baby
When my daughter was 4 months old I turned to my husband and said "I WANT ANOTHER BABY." His grin grew ear to ear with excitement. But as my baby got a little older I found myself wanted to give HER my undivided attention. I became excited when she did something new or as her reactions and expressions changed. So she is now 9 months old and the thought is popping back into my head.
I am under the age of 30 so I have plenty of time and for all who don't know it took me over 2 years to get pregnant with my first. I thought of going back to the doctor but the thought of retesting again makes me want to cringe! It isn't a fun process and we haven't began to try hard enough to even know if we would need to see the doctor anyway.
My husband wants 3 or 4 babies. I go back and forth. I would love a sister for my daughter but would also love a little boy. So it seems like 3 may be the goal. However, every time I watch Brother& Sisters the number of children I want grows!
I was lucky enough for my parents to provide a wonderful life for me, they paid for college and my wedding and I want to do the same for my children.
Today I baby sat my nephews and watched the 3 children play and thought this is a glimpse into my future. And it was actually really nice. They played, I was relaxed and thought yeah I COULD handle this.
The thing is I believe in signs and lately people have been giving us extra baby stuff, ex: someone gave us an extra high chair and we even got two double strollers. I asked my husband "Does this mean Twins are in our future?!" He smiled with delight, as I got short of breath.
I guess now you are all wondering are we trying and my answer is "we aren't preventing it." I want to see what ever happens happens. I believe God gives you what you can handle and when you can handle it! But when it does happen I will be very happy to share the news and know my little girl will be the best big sister out there!
I am under the age of 30 so I have plenty of time and for all who don't know it took me over 2 years to get pregnant with my first. I thought of going back to the doctor but the thought of retesting again makes me want to cringe! It isn't a fun process and we haven't began to try hard enough to even know if we would need to see the doctor anyway.
My husband wants 3 or 4 babies. I go back and forth. I would love a sister for my daughter but would also love a little boy. So it seems like 3 may be the goal. However, every time I watch Brother& Sisters the number of children I want grows!
I was lucky enough for my parents to provide a wonderful life for me, they paid for college and my wedding and I want to do the same for my children.
Today I baby sat my nephews and watched the 3 children play and thought this is a glimpse into my future. And it was actually really nice. They played, I was relaxed and thought yeah I COULD handle this.
The thing is I believe in signs and lately people have been giving us extra baby stuff, ex: someone gave us an extra high chair and we even got two double strollers. I asked my husband "Does this mean Twins are in our future?!" He smiled with delight, as I got short of breath.
I guess now you are all wondering are we trying and my answer is "we aren't preventing it." I want to see what ever happens happens. I believe God gives you what you can handle and when you can handle it! But when it does happen I will be very happy to share the news and know my little girl will be the best big sister out there!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Baby Girl FINALLY Got It Right!
I am always amazed how no matter what I give my daughter it goes directly into her mouth. They say that is how they learn. The funny thing is every time I give her food, the only thing that SHOULD go in her mouth, it seems to make it's way every where else but there.
My doctor suggested that once her index finger and thumb could hold a piece of food that was when she would be ready to feed herself. You'll notice children before then will pick up a fist full of food and by the time they try to make it to their mouth it has normally fallen or has gotten stuck between their buggy fingers. My doggies LOVE when my daughter gets a fist full because that means the food normally makes its way all over the floor and THEY are the ones who get a mouthful.
But this morning my baby girl FINALLY got it right! I made her scrambled eggs and when she was about half way done some dropped onto her try. I just left them there thinking she'll love to smash them between her sticky fingers like usual. But to my surprise she picked up one little scrambled egg between her index finger and thumb and made it into her mouth.
HOORAY!!! I felt a HUGE sense of accomplishment and praised her over and over again as if she won the noble prize. And yes this is a huge sign that my baby girl is growing up and instead of feeling sad I am beginning to feel that my hard work is finally starting to pay off!
My doctor suggested that once her index finger and thumb could hold a piece of food that was when she would be ready to feed herself. You'll notice children before then will pick up a fist full of food and by the time they try to make it to their mouth it has normally fallen or has gotten stuck between their buggy fingers. My doggies LOVE when my daughter gets a fist full because that means the food normally makes its way all over the floor and THEY are the ones who get a mouthful.
But this morning my baby girl FINALLY got it right! I made her scrambled eggs and when she was about half way done some dropped onto her try. I just left them there thinking she'll love to smash them between her sticky fingers like usual. But to my surprise she picked up one little scrambled egg between her index finger and thumb and made it into her mouth.
HOORAY!!! I felt a HUGE sense of accomplishment and praised her over and over again as if she won the noble prize. And yes this is a huge sign that my baby girl is growing up and instead of feeling sad I am beginning to feel that my hard work is finally starting to pay off!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Hello..what about me?!
The dishwasher needs emptying, the dogs are barking and the baby is fighting her afternoon nap. I find myself needing a time out and wondering if I am the one who tends to my husband, my daughter, the dogs and my house then who is left to tend to me??
I woke up this morning hitting the snooze button after having my sleep interrupted not ONCE but TWICE last night. I hoped into bed at 9:15, very early for me but my body needed to rest, at 11:30 the thunder started and my dogs hoped into bed in fear of the noise. My oldest dog panted for a good 30 minutes. Not sure how I feel asleep again but I did. I awoke again at 4:30 a.m to a hungry little baby. She ate, and slept until 7. Up we go to start the day.
An hour later I drop her off to my mother's head to my interview and try to relax on the short ride. An hour later, I am at the grocery store, I stuff everything into the car, run by my mom's to pick baby up and go home to unload. As my stomach rumbles I make my husband and the baby their lunch, let the dogs out, and put away all the groceries.
I look over the sink is full, the dishwasher needs emptying while I scarf down my sandwich. It's 90 degrees and my husband finishing his lunch before he heads back to work is questioning why aren't I at the pool. Well, buddy oh pal, how will the groceries get home, dogs go out and baby get fed if I was floating around on a raft right now?
Funny but he is right! Why can't I clean later, why do I have to do things now. I guess because I know if I don't do them NOW no one else will do them later. So that is my mood right now. Hot, tired and cranky. Maybe I should jump into the crib with the baby and have her rock me to bed or better yet, say the hell to everything and go into the pool to cool me down a bit.
That'll solve all my problems!
I woke up this morning hitting the snooze button after having my sleep interrupted not ONCE but TWICE last night. I hoped into bed at 9:15, very early for me but my body needed to rest, at 11:30 the thunder started and my dogs hoped into bed in fear of the noise. My oldest dog panted for a good 30 minutes. Not sure how I feel asleep again but I did. I awoke again at 4:30 a.m to a hungry little baby. She ate, and slept until 7. Up we go to start the day.
An hour later I drop her off to my mother's head to my interview and try to relax on the short ride. An hour later, I am at the grocery store, I stuff everything into the car, run by my mom's to pick baby up and go home to unload. As my stomach rumbles I make my husband and the baby their lunch, let the dogs out, and put away all the groceries.
I look over the sink is full, the dishwasher needs emptying while I scarf down my sandwich. It's 90 degrees and my husband finishing his lunch before he heads back to work is questioning why aren't I at the pool. Well, buddy oh pal, how will the groceries get home, dogs go out and baby get fed if I was floating around on a raft right now?
Funny but he is right! Why can't I clean later, why do I have to do things now. I guess because I know if I don't do them NOW no one else will do them later. So that is my mood right now. Hot, tired and cranky. Maybe I should jump into the crib with the baby and have her rock me to bed or better yet, say the hell to everything and go into the pool to cool me down a bit.
That'll solve all my problems!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Breast Cancer Bracelet
Being a BRCA gene carrier, having a strong family history of breast cancer and loosing my grandmother 3 years ago to this horrible disease I am always delighted when I can donate to a cause that supports organizations to help fight breast cancer. My husband bought me a bracelet from the "Friends of Mel Foundation." For only $15 you too can purchase this wonderful bracelet for a wonderful cause. www.friendsofmel.org
1ST Family Vacation
I arrived back home yesterday from our 1st Family Vacation. We went away to Cape Cod for a week and had a blast. Our baby girl was sooo good. It was nice to be with my family 24/7 for 9 days. How lucky am I!! We ate out, went for ice cream, visited museums, did a duck tour, laid out on the beach and did a ton of shopping. It was great!
I think 8 months was the perfect age to take our baby away. My daughter doesn't walk so I am still in control, but she can sit up and use a high chair. Her naps aren't too inconvenient and she can stay up til 8- 8:30 tops. She loved the beach and didn't complain at all, especially since she can't really talk yet.
In the beginning of the week I would constantly try to prevent her from putting her sand toys in her mouth. By the end of the week her shovel became her new teething toy. What can I say, she is going to do it whether I go crazy or not. And dinners, my word I started ordering stuff off the menu because she wanted to be like the adults. At one restaurant I couldn't take the menu away from her so I let her play with it while we ate.
She went on a boat for the first time, ate ice cream and loved every minute of it. Looking at the pictures made me realize how lucky I am. I have this perfect little family, and by perfect I mean of course not PERFECT to everyone but perfect for me. I have a husband who adores me and my baby and a baby who adores us.
I am looking forward to the many family vacations we'll have together. It is great building memories and being away from the daily duties. We tend to get caught up in everyday life that is nice to take a break from them once in a while and really enjoy one another.
So now it's back to reality. The mail is all sorted, the bags are unpacked and put away. Tomorrow is another day, back to the daily grind, but for now I'll just enjoy the last hours of my day!
I think 8 months was the perfect age to take our baby away. My daughter doesn't walk so I am still in control, but she can sit up and use a high chair. Her naps aren't too inconvenient and she can stay up til 8- 8:30 tops. She loved the beach and didn't complain at all, especially since she can't really talk yet.
In the beginning of the week I would constantly try to prevent her from putting her sand toys in her mouth. By the end of the week her shovel became her new teething toy. What can I say, she is going to do it whether I go crazy or not. And dinners, my word I started ordering stuff off the menu because she wanted to be like the adults. At one restaurant I couldn't take the menu away from her so I let her play with it while we ate.
She went on a boat for the first time, ate ice cream and loved every minute of it. Looking at the pictures made me realize how lucky I am. I have this perfect little family, and by perfect I mean of course not PERFECT to everyone but perfect for me. I have a husband who adores me and my baby and a baby who adores us.
I am looking forward to the many family vacations we'll have together. It is great building memories and being away from the daily duties. We tend to get caught up in everyday life that is nice to take a break from them once in a while and really enjoy one another.
So now it's back to reality. The mail is all sorted, the bags are unpacked and put away. Tomorrow is another day, back to the daily grind, but for now I'll just enjoy the last hours of my day!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Wish Life Could Stand Still For A Little While
Tonight I cried holding and rocking my baby to sleep. It wasn't a sad cry, or a happy cry. It was a "wish life could stand still for a little while" cry.
I remember when I was pregnant sitting in her room wondering what type of person she would be, what she would look like, what color hair she would have. And tonight there we were. My eight month old and I rocking back and forth. I thought about how heavy she had become, how in four months I will be planning her first birthday. Soon she will be too heavy for me to rock, she will be too indenpendt to need me to rock her nor would she want me to.
I know one day I'll have other babies, but she is MY baby, my first, my experiment for the other children to come, my test of what type of parent I will be. She choose me to be her mommy, provider, protector, and teacher. I love this little girl so much that the thought of her not needing me one day made me cry.
She hung onto me tonight so tight as if she knew she was growing up to fast, she knew soon she will become less dependent on me. We had a special moment, a mother daughter moment that reminded me of how much I loved every minute of these last 8 months. Regardless of the weight gain, endless sleepless nights, and sore breasts.
I know the best is yet to come, I know we will always be buddies, but for now I will allow myself to cry. Because those 8 months came and went as if they were only weeks and days. Those 8 months I can't ever get back. Those 8 months made me the mommy I am today!
I remember when I was pregnant sitting in her room wondering what type of person she would be, what she would look like, what color hair she would have. And tonight there we were. My eight month old and I rocking back and forth. I thought about how heavy she had become, how in four months I will be planning her first birthday. Soon she will be too heavy for me to rock, she will be too indenpendt to need me to rock her nor would she want me to.
I know one day I'll have other babies, but she is MY baby, my first, my experiment for the other children to come, my test of what type of parent I will be. She choose me to be her mommy, provider, protector, and teacher. I love this little girl so much that the thought of her not needing me one day made me cry.
She hung onto me tonight so tight as if she knew she was growing up to fast, she knew soon she will become less dependent on me. We had a special moment, a mother daughter moment that reminded me of how much I loved every minute of these last 8 months. Regardless of the weight gain, endless sleepless nights, and sore breasts.
I know the best is yet to come, I know we will always be buddies, but for now I will allow myself to cry. Because those 8 months came and went as if they were only weeks and days. Those 8 months I can't ever get back. Those 8 months made me the mommy I am today!
Inspiring Quote
"Life isn't about finding yourself... Life is about creating yourself."
by George Bernard Shaw
THANK YOU
WOW it's already been a week since I created this blog. It's been a lot of fun and I want to give a big THANK YOU to all my followers, supporters and motivators. I am a mommy like everyone else and want to tell my story so everyone knows that you are not alone. It is OK to feel how we feel, as our children grow so do we. I also want to give some love and support to all the Dads out there, your job is just as hard as ours!
I truly feel if I've touched one person than it's been worth it! Please stay tuned because the best has yet to come!!!
I truly feel if I've touched one person than it's been worth it! Please stay tuned because the best has yet to come!!!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Mommy DOES Know Best
I had my first lesson with "Mommy Knows Best" with my 8 month old daughter. She's at that age where she wants to touch EVERYTHING and as I watch myself saying "no" or "don't touch" she seems to do it anyway. Until yesterday when she finally learned.
I was making sauce. I decreased the temperature on the stove, turned the sauce with a spoon and as I began to take the spoon out of the pot I watched my daughter eagerly embrace the opportunity to grab it. I said "no" and tried to give an explanation of why she should not touch it but by then it was too late.
The spoon grazed her hand and the tears started to stream out. I lifted her up, made eye contact and said in a normal tone of voice "See I told you not to touch it for a reason. The spoon was too hot and now you hurt your hand. You have to learn to listen and trust me. Always trust me."
We had a brief moment of understanding between the two of us. It kind of made ME want to cry. For the first time it really hit me that I was not only her mother, I was her teacher. I will have to shape this little girl to be who she is. Yes, she will still do things even when I tell her not to, but I will have to be there to do my best to explain what's right and wrong and why it's right or wrong.
I watched how fast she changed when I made my way back to the pot to finish turning the sauce. This time she kept her hands in and leaned forward to watch what I was doing. My job for the day was done. I succeeded in teaching her one of many lessons in life to come. I was proud that day to be her mom!
I was making sauce. I decreased the temperature on the stove, turned the sauce with a spoon and as I began to take the spoon out of the pot I watched my daughter eagerly embrace the opportunity to grab it. I said "no" and tried to give an explanation of why she should not touch it but by then it was too late.
The spoon grazed her hand and the tears started to stream out. I lifted her up, made eye contact and said in a normal tone of voice "See I told you not to touch it for a reason. The spoon was too hot and now you hurt your hand. You have to learn to listen and trust me. Always trust me."
We had a brief moment of understanding between the two of us. It kind of made ME want to cry. For the first time it really hit me that I was not only her mother, I was her teacher. I will have to shape this little girl to be who she is. Yes, she will still do things even when I tell her not to, but I will have to be there to do my best to explain what's right and wrong and why it's right or wrong.
I watched how fast she changed when I made my way back to the pot to finish turning the sauce. This time she kept her hands in and leaned forward to watch what I was doing. My job for the day was done. I succeeded in teaching her one of many lessons in life to come. I was proud that day to be her mom!
SMILE
Have you smiled today? Have you smiled at someone today?
Have you smiled at a STRANGER today?
Try it and see what they do.
You'll be shocked with how they react!
There is no better feeling than bringing happiness into some one's life!.
Help Ease Teething Discomfort
My daughter is teething and I feel so bad for her. I always catch her gnawing on something from the corner of my eye. So to help ease her teething discomfort I came up with some "chilling" tips.
- Cut an apple & freeze the core. Make sure to leave some apple on it in case when they are gnawing on it if it defrosts there will be some apple left. My daughter loves this!
- Keep baby orajel in the fridge so when you apply it's nice and cold.
- Add one ice cube to their sippy cup. The cold water feels great on their gums.
- Freeze big slices of watermelon and let your baby gnaw away!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Restaurant Deal
My husband, the pizza junky called me tonight at 5:45 to tell me about this awesome deal.
If he called a little sooner I wouldn't have bothered to cook dinner.
So for all you late night snackers out there check this out.
Tuesdays at Italia's Restaurant in Norwalk large cheese pizza's are $6.00.
$6.00 for a large cheese.
You know what we'll be having for dinner next Tuesday night!
Recycle Tip
Did you know that the Playtex Drop In Liners are Recyclable?
Once I found out I just left an empty recyclable container on the counter and every time I used a liner I put them in the container until it was full.
Once I found out I just left an empty recyclable container on the counter and every time I used a liner I put them in the container until it was full.
I wanted a place for them since they aren't the best looking things to be floating around in your recycling bin. So now every time you make a bottle you can feel good that you are helping the earth by recycling.
Do your part and Recycle :)
Cooking Tip
Have ripe fruit you just don't feel like eating and don't want to throw out?
Why not cut it up and freeze for later recipes.
You can:
Why not cut it up and freeze for later recipes.
You can:
- Defrost the fruit and make a mixed berry pie
- Boil and make baby food
- Buy a bottle of Jose Cuervo Margaritas and add it in a mixer, no need for ice since the frozen fruit is cold and adds thickness
Crazy Week
This Photo Represents the Type of Week I've Been Having...
Seems like my daughter feels the same way.
Funny how one photo can put a smile on your
face and make everything better!!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Baby's First Italian Word
My husband and I are both 100% Italian and coming from a household that spoke Italian it was very important to us that our children did too. I must say I am not the best Italian speaking woman out there but I do understand it extremely well and if it wasn't for my sisters teasing me I would probably be less self conscious when I spoke it. I know that is what sisters are for.
My parents both came from Italy at the age of 16. They became young parents and basically learned English when we did so they focused more on teaching us the proper English language than Italian. They regretted not pushing the language on us, although we always followed the culture. But once my baby girl was born they were determined to teach her the beautiful language we all love. They even bought her Italian cartoon DVDs.
So this past Sunday morning my sister was trying to teach my daughter to say Zia, Italian for Aunt. She shook her head "NO" and said "Nonna", which is Italian for grandma, four times loud and clear.
Yep, I did miss it but she said it again today when we went to visit my mom. Nonna lit up of course. I am proud of my little girl. She doesn't realize it now but one day she will be happy she knows a different language. Especially the beautiful Italian language.
My parents both came from Italy at the age of 16. They became young parents and basically learned English when we did so they focused more on teaching us the proper English language than Italian. They regretted not pushing the language on us, although we always followed the culture. But once my baby girl was born they were determined to teach her the beautiful language we all love. They even bought her Italian cartoon DVDs.
So this past Sunday morning my sister was trying to teach my daughter to say Zia, Italian for Aunt. She shook her head "NO" and said "Nonna", which is Italian for grandma, four times loud and clear.
Yep, I did miss it but she said it again today when we went to visit my mom. Nonna lit up of course. I am proud of my little girl. She doesn't realize it now but one day she will be happy she knows a different language. Especially the beautiful Italian language.
DEAL Finder
SIMILAC ADVANCE EARLY SHIELD:
I went shopping at Costco today with my mom and figured I would check the infant aisle to see if they carried any formula. I knew they carried Enfamil but I use Similac Advance Early Shield and to my GREAT surprise it was there.
So ladies you get a 34 oz container for $27.95.
So ladies you get a 34 oz container for $27.95.
This has got to be the best price I found yet. The cheapest I ever found this formula for was at Toys R Us for $21.99 and that was only for a 24oz container. This comes to be about 10 cents cheaper an oz, that is $3.40 cents cheaper to be exact. I know you may think $3.40 is not a big deal but for all you mommy's who know how much formula we go through the savings add up!
You can also purchase it online at Costco.com but the min is 3 containers.
Stay turned. I am waiting for a coupon link from Similac but was so excited with the deal I found that I had to post it!!
You can also sign up on similac.com to receive coupons in the mail!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Cooking Tip
Tips when making Pesto Sauce:
- I always like to add some spinach in with the basil.
- Today I tried something new and added some leaves from my garden celery.
- I can't take credit for this tip I heard but it is clever. Add the parmigiana cheese at the end so the heat from the blender doesn't melt it and you get a richer flavor.
Surving Baby's First Sleep Over
Last night we survived our first night without the baby sleeping home with us. My husband and I thought it would be best for her to sleep out since we had plans that would run very late. Although she was staying at my parent's house I must admit I wasn't thrilled with the idea.My husband was not 100% about it either and found it even hard to drop her off at the house to say goodbye so I had to do it alone. Luckily we knew she would sleep through the night and would not realize we were gone, but waking up this morning with out her was tougher than we thought.
I think when you become a parent you tend to judge other people's parenting skills less. YES LESS. And I will tell you why.
Before children many people I knew would leave their babies very young- and young I mean a couple of months old for the night with family when they didn't have any plans and would stay in. At the time I didn't agree with it. I felt if you were home why would you leave a baby so young with someone else. Today, being a parent, I now think it was something they needed at the time and it worked for them. When I first became a parent I realized that my husband and I needed to raise our daughter the way that worked best for US! Not the way other people did but the way we chose.
The reason I say this is because people may think that 8 months old is an appropriate age to sleep out. Some people may say it's too young. I say we discussed it and decided that we both needed a night with old friends and we both didn't think having a babysitter stay till early morning would be fair to them.
However, will I have her sleep out this young while my husband and I stay home on a Saturday night? NO. I enjoy having my baby home, I enjoy waking up to her in the morning and laying with her in bed and watch cartoons. I believe those kind of nights are for when they are 5years old and can appreciate the sleepover as a special treat. Granted they are staying with family but growing up I never slept out as a young child unless my parents where out late. Sleepovers were not common before the age of 5 and by then I think I was sleeping over my friends house.
As for surviving not having her home for a night, of course we did. But as soon as we woke up I picked her up while my husband showered. As soon as I pooled into the drive way I found my husband was waiting for us. Even the dogs missed her. She slept through the night and was wonderful for my parents. We were very grateful to be able to have enjoyed a late night out without worrying about how she was- even though we still did. Not having her for one night reminded me how much I love having a family.
I think when you become a parent you tend to judge other people's parenting skills less. YES LESS. And I will tell you why.
Before children many people I knew would leave their babies very young- and young I mean a couple of months old for the night with family when they didn't have any plans and would stay in. At the time I didn't agree with it. I felt if you were home why would you leave a baby so young with someone else. Today, being a parent, I now think it was something they needed at the time and it worked for them. When I first became a parent I realized that my husband and I needed to raise our daughter the way that worked best for US! Not the way other people did but the way we chose.
The reason I say this is because people may think that 8 months old is an appropriate age to sleep out. Some people may say it's too young. I say we discussed it and decided that we both needed a night with old friends and we both didn't think having a babysitter stay till early morning would be fair to them.
However, will I have her sleep out this young while my husband and I stay home on a Saturday night? NO. I enjoy having my baby home, I enjoy waking up to her in the morning and laying with her in bed and watch cartoons. I believe those kind of nights are for when they are 5years old and can appreciate the sleepover as a special treat. Granted they are staying with family but growing up I never slept out as a young child unless my parents where out late. Sleepovers were not common before the age of 5 and by then I think I was sleeping over my friends house.
As for surviving not having her home for a night, of course we did. But as soon as we woke up I picked her up while my husband showered. As soon as I pooled into the drive way I found my husband was waiting for us. Even the dogs missed her. She slept through the night and was wonderful for my parents. We were very grateful to be able to have enjoyed a late night out without worrying about how she was- even though we still did. Not having her for one night reminded me how much I love having a family.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Superstitions
Happy first of the month!
Hope today is a GREAT day for all of you!!
I always believed however your day was on the first of the month was how the rest of the month would be. I know, I know what can I say?! I am superstitious.
For Fun Give it a try!!
I always believed however your day was on the first of the month was how the rest of the month would be. I know, I know what can I say?! I am superstitious.
For Fun Give it a try!!
Cooking tip
Have left over eggs & don't know what to do with them?
- Add them to soups
- Fry them up with some green peppers. (Try this with italian green peppers- yum!)
- Hard boil them and top your salads with them
- Mix them with rice and chicken
Breakfast for Two
I always enjoyed a hearty egg white sandwich in the morning. I always felt so wasteful tossing the yoke in the garbage. It's not that they aren't good for you, it's just I never really liked the taste of them. One day it dawned on me, why not keep the yokes and scramble them for the baby! So that's what I did. I didn't want to add any salt or oil in case she had a reaction. They say babies can be allergic to eggs and so I wanted to add as less as possible to them. So needless to say as I practiced I had to threw them out quite a few times, until I finally got them right. Here's how to make them:
I always coat a frying pan with no stick cooking spray. I fry the eggs whites and leave the yokes aside in a separate bowl. Once my breakfast is done, I remove the egg whites and lower the heat. With a fork beat the yokes with a tablespoon of water. Add them to the frying pan and start scrambling. Once you see the pan getting a little dry add another tablespoon of water. This helps cook the eggs while keeping them nice and moist. Once complete enjoy your breakfast for two.
How easy was that! You just made an easy, hearty, breakfast for two with the mess for one! I must say my daughter is a huge fan. Enjoy!!