May 2011 bring you what 2010 couldn't!
Have a Safe & Happy New Year!
Cheers to a Wonderful 2011!!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Happy New Year Quote
“Look at life through the windshield, not the rear-view mirror” Byrd Baggett
This quote is perfect for the New Year. You can not go back and change what 2010 was but you can look forward to what 2011 will be! Let go of the past and look forward to the future and remember to live for today because you never know what tomorrow will bring!
This quote is perfect for the New Year. You can not go back and change what 2010 was but you can look forward to what 2011 will be! Let go of the past and look forward to the future and remember to live for today because you never know what tomorrow will bring!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
StillTasty.com
This is the coolest site! I had an opened bottle of Smirnoff VanillaVodka and was not sure if it was still good so my girlfriend told me to look it up on this site. http://stilltasty.com/
This site is a shelf life guide to food and beverages. Some of their cool features are to check out how long something can last in the freezer or the shelf life of products. Great source for any food question! Try it today!
This site is a shelf life guide to food and beverages. Some of their cool features are to check out how long something can last in the freezer or the shelf life of products. Great source for any food question! Try it today!
Blue Teeth
I love when we have to get ready for parties and my daughter and husband are all ready and I am still running around trying to look presentable. So one day I am running up and down the stairs trying on different outfits, I assume my husband is in the living with my daughter when all of sudden he comes to me and asks "What did you give her that made her mouth all blue?!"
For a quick second I looked at him like he had two heads and ran to find my daughter. Yep, she got a hold of her blue crayon and decided to gnaw on it. So I did what every mom would do, and no I did not call the poison control, I got a wash cloth and her tooth brush and spent the next 20 minutes getting her teeth white again while shaking my head and holding back laughter at my blue faced little monster.
For a quick second I looked at him like he had two heads and ran to find my daughter. Yep, she got a hold of her blue crayon and decided to gnaw on it. So I did what every mom would do, and no I did not call the poison control, I got a wash cloth and her tooth brush and spent the next 20 minutes getting her teeth white again while shaking my head and holding back laughter at my blue faced little monster.
Yep...just another day in the life of being a mom!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Easy Cocktails
If you are like me and stay in on New Years but still like to have a party then these are the perfect cocktails to serve!
*Beer Limeade:
*Red Sangria:
Mix all together, squeeze in fresh lemons and oranges and add chopped fruit. Best if sits overnight
* Drink responsibly and never drink and drive!*
*Beer Limeade:
- 1 can Minute Maid limeade
- Beer
*Red Sangria:
- Gallon of Merlot- I never end up using the whole thing
- Half Gallon of gingerale- I use less than half
- 3 shots of Stoli Orange
- 3 Shots of Brandy
- lemons and oranges
- 2 tsp splenda
- Chopped apples and grapes (only if you have grapes)
Mix all together, squeeze in fresh lemons and oranges and add chopped fruit. Best if sits overnight
* Drink responsibly and never drink and drive!*
Monday, December 27, 2010
The Ultimate Hot Chocolate
My mom always made this for us when we were kids. It is the ultimate hot chocolate recipe. YUM!
- Cup of milk
- Table spoon of real cocoa powder
- Teaspoon of sugar
Snowed In!
I love being snowed it. It is so cozy and even though I work from home and do not have to drive to get to work I still take some time out to take advantage of these quiet days. The wind was really strong but once it died down I took advantage of this snow day and went out side with my daughter, even the dogs ran around with us.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Inspiring Weather Quote
"Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather. " John Ruskin
Let it Snow!!!
Happy Day after Christmas Everyone. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and Santa was good to you all!
We have a HUGE blizzard in my area and I must say I am loving it! I love how the snow always brings out the kid in everyone. It is super windy so I'll wait until tomorrow to bring my daughter out tubing and sledding. Maybe if we are lucky we'll be able to build a snow man. Even my dogs love the snow. They run around and bury their nose in the snow. It is hysterical.
My husband loves to plow so he is usually out and about with his buddies plowing our families drive ways and having fun. Before I had my daughter I would go with him too. It would be fun to help unbury cars or help cars that got stuck in the snow. For those in our area please do not go out unless you really have to and be safe out there!
I am just cozy by the fire and watching the snow fall outside. It's always nice to be snowed it, especially after two days of eating and partying! Be safe everyone and enjoy the rest of your Sunday!
We have a HUGE blizzard in my area and I must say I am loving it! I love how the snow always brings out the kid in everyone. It is super windy so I'll wait until tomorrow to bring my daughter out tubing and sledding. Maybe if we are lucky we'll be able to build a snow man. Even my dogs love the snow. They run around and bury their nose in the snow. It is hysterical.
My husband loves to plow so he is usually out and about with his buddies plowing our families drive ways and having fun. Before I had my daughter I would go with him too. It would be fun to help unbury cars or help cars that got stuck in the snow. For those in our area please do not go out unless you really have to and be safe out there!
I am just cozy by the fire and watching the snow fall outside. It's always nice to be snowed it, especially after two days of eating and partying! Be safe everyone and enjoy the rest of your Sunday!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Merry Christmas to You all and Your Families! May today and everyday you fill your life with love and laughter and cherish the ones you love!
Happy Holidays!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Holiday Wishes Quote
"May your walls know joy, may every room hold laughter, and every window open to great possibility "Mary Anne Radmacher
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE!!!
Christmas Eve is HUGE in my family. It always has been. We always go to my parent's house for an all time eat feast and stay until mid night opening gifts with about 30 family members. I love Christmas Eve because it is my Christmas with my family and then of course now that I have my own little family I have Christmas Morning and Day to look forward to with my in-laws.
Christmas Eve always starts off with way too many appetizers, so much that normally when the main course comes out we are already sneaking into the dessert. My mom always has the seven different fishes and has added meat to the menu since we have people in the family who are now either allergic or do not eat fish. The main course usually consists of king crab with pasta or lobster tails and sauce, a non fish pasta, goat and salad. Yep... then there's dessert. Which we always have way too many but of course we all sample everything. Between all the food and spiked egg nog opening gifts is a sight!
We always made my mom the elf and in charge of handing out gifts. By then she had one too many glasses of wine and without her glasses she can not see so she is constantly reading off the wrong names to everyone. It is hysterical! My pop doesn't have the patience so he is normally no where to be found to give him his gifts and is walking in and out of the living room. I bet he never really knows who bought him what since he always opens his gifts half way and says "Did you get me the right size?!" but he always acts like he LOVES everything you got him, even if it ends up in his closet with the tags still on.
I try to get the love seat by the fire so I can make my pile near the couch and be cozy. We usually take a break for a drink, for those who smoke and to munch on more dessert. An hour into opening gifts the crowd usually dies down and the laughing turns into yawning.
I always pause and look around at everyone when we are all in one room opening gifts and take that moment in for as long as possible and am grateful to share another year with everyone. Family traditions are so important and as the years have come and gone we have gained and lost people but best of all we've been there for one another.
I am looking forward to tonight, like every Christmas Eve and hope you all have a wonderful night too and cherish those memories with loved ones, regardless of the fights and loud relatives, cherish one another because as we get older things change and those rare moments when we all can be together may change!!
Christmas Eve always starts off with way too many appetizers, so much that normally when the main course comes out we are already sneaking into the dessert. My mom always has the seven different fishes and has added meat to the menu since we have people in the family who are now either allergic or do not eat fish. The main course usually consists of king crab with pasta or lobster tails and sauce, a non fish pasta, goat and salad. Yep... then there's dessert. Which we always have way too many but of course we all sample everything. Between all the food and spiked egg nog opening gifts is a sight!
We always made my mom the elf and in charge of handing out gifts. By then she had one too many glasses of wine and without her glasses she can not see so she is constantly reading off the wrong names to everyone. It is hysterical! My pop doesn't have the patience so he is normally no where to be found to give him his gifts and is walking in and out of the living room. I bet he never really knows who bought him what since he always opens his gifts half way and says "Did you get me the right size?!" but he always acts like he LOVES everything you got him, even if it ends up in his closet with the tags still on.
I try to get the love seat by the fire so I can make my pile near the couch and be cozy. We usually take a break for a drink, for those who smoke and to munch on more dessert. An hour into opening gifts the crowd usually dies down and the laughing turns into yawning.
I always pause and look around at everyone when we are all in one room opening gifts and take that moment in for as long as possible and am grateful to share another year with everyone. Family traditions are so important and as the years have come and gone we have gained and lost people but best of all we've been there for one another.
I am looking forward to tonight, like every Christmas Eve and hope you all have a wonderful night too and cherish those memories with loved ones, regardless of the fights and loud relatives, cherish one another because as we get older things change and those rare moments when we all can be together may change!!
Merry Christmas Eve!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Wine, Chocolate and Girlfriends Quote
"There's nothing better than a bottle of wine, chocolate and a night in with girlfriends!"
THANKS CD XO
Sammy Meow...
I have two fury friends, a Rat Terrier dog named Spice and a long haired Chihuahua named Sammy. Now Spice, being a girl, always looked like a boy so when my daughter says "Spice...good boy" I could understand where the confusion may take place but when she looks at my 8 lb Chihuahua and says "Sammy Meow" I can not hold back the laughter!
No matter how much I try to tell her that Spice is a girl and Sammy is a dog not a cat, she insists on saying what she wants to say!
No matter how much I try to tell her that Spice is a girl and Sammy is a dog not a cat, she insists on saying what she wants to say!
Tough life these dogs have!
Yep...Just another day in the life of being a mom!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Prevent Stress This Holiday Season
There is always so much pressure and stress around the holidays. We always think we have all this time to buy gifts, make cookies, wrap everything, work, keep the house and kids in order but the reality is that no matter how prepared we are the pressure can add stress to something that should be enjoyable.
With the holidays just two days away I thought it would be good to share some useful tips I found to help me get through the pressures of the season.
With the holidays just two days away I thought it would be good to share some useful tips I found to help me get through the pressures of the season.
- *Stick to a budget. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. We all set a budget and then at the last minute spend so much money on last minute items!
- *Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list. Plan Plan Plan and stick to the plan! It is ok to not go to every party and gathering. It is ok to pick up dessert instead of making it. You can not do everything all in one day so plan ahead!
- *Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. We all need a time out. Even if it means just going for a ride or getting a coffee alone. Take the phone off the hook and relax!
Blocks...blocks
My daughter loves to play with blocks. She usually drags the bag they are in around the house until I open them for her. Once they are opened she dumps them ALL out and asks me to build her a tower- which she will eventually knock down.
So one morning I am trying to get ready and she starts with the "blocks...blocks" she comes into the bathroom and hands me the bag. I tell her I will open them only if she plays with them in the playroom so I can finish getting ready. She looks up with me and says "blocks...blocks."
Being the good mom that I am I open the blocks and go back into the bathroom to finish blow drying my hair. I then feel this little tug on my leg and look down. She hands me a block, so I put it on the sink and continue getting ready. Before you know it she is handing me one block after another. I eventually run out of room on the sink and have no choice but to build her a tower while I blow dry my hair. My masterpiece is below:
So one morning I am trying to get ready and she starts with the "blocks...blocks" she comes into the bathroom and hands me the bag. I tell her I will open them only if she plays with them in the playroom so I can finish getting ready. She looks up with me and says "blocks...blocks."
Being the good mom that I am I open the blocks and go back into the bathroom to finish blow drying my hair. I then feel this little tug on my leg and look down. She hands me a block, so I put it on the sink and continue getting ready. Before you know it she is handing me one block after another. I eventually run out of room on the sink and have no choice but to build her a tower while I blow dry my hair. My masterpiece is below:
Yep...Just another day in the life of being a mom!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Easy Recipe: Sugar Cookies
I enjoy baking, although I prefer cooking, but every Christmas we make sugar cookies and cut them into shapes and decorate them...it would not feel like Christmas without sugar cookies. Below is an easy and yummy recipe.
Roll out dough, dip cookie cutters in flour and cut out shapes. Brush milk on cookies and add sprinkles. Bake for 12-15 mins at 350 degrees. Makes 2 dozen
Now I always end up covered in flour some how, and end up having to clean up sprinkles all over the floor, but they are fun to make and a great way to get into the holiday spirit!
- 3 tbsb. Butter soften
- 2/3 cup Sugar
- 1 Egg- room temperature
- 2 tsp. Vanilla
- 1 tbsp. Milk
- 2 cups of Flour
- 1/2 tsp. Baking Soda
- Sprinkles for decorating
Roll out dough, dip cookie cutters in flour and cut out shapes. Brush milk on cookies and add sprinkles. Bake for 12-15 mins at 350 degrees. Makes 2 dozen
Now I always end up covered in flour some how, and end up having to clean up sprinkles all over the floor, but they are fun to make and a great way to get into the holiday spirit!
Enjoy with a tall glass of milk!!
Baking vs Cooking
"Why is it that if I cook for 2 hrs I could feed an army, but if I bake for 2 hrs I only get two trays of cookies!"
This Week's Hot Holiday Deals-3
Christmas is around the corner...
Best Buy: Nintendo DSi $149.99 & get a $10 GC, 40" Sharp LCD HDTV $499.99 save $200 http://www.bestbuy.com/
P.C Richards: Keurig Mimi Single Serve Coffee Maker $99.97 http://www.pcrichard.com/
Staples: Garmin GOS $119.99 save $100, Amazon Kindle $379 http://www.staples.com/
Walmart: Kodak Digital Frame $69, Cannon Digital Camera $109 www.walmart.com
Happy Shopping!!
Best Buy: Nintendo DSi $149.99 & get a $10 GC, 40" Sharp LCD HDTV $499.99 save $200 http://www.bestbuy.com/
P.C Richards: Keurig Mimi Single Serve Coffee Maker $99.97 http://www.pcrichard.com/
Staples: Garmin GOS $119.99 save $100, Amazon Kindle $379 http://www.staples.com/
Walmart: Kodak Digital Frame $69, Cannon Digital Camera $109 www.walmart.com
Happy Shopping!!
What We Want Quote
"Sometimes we act as if we are not sure of what we want, other times we know exactly what we want we just don't know how to get it!"
Monday, December 20, 2010
Friends Quote
"A loyal friend laughs at your jokes when they're not so good, and sympathizes with your problems when they're not so bad." Arnold H. Glasgow
Love Quote
"Love isn't a decision. It's a feeling. If we could decide who we loved, it would be much simpler, but much less magical." Trey Parker and Matt Stone
This Week's Hot Holiday Deals-2
Best Buy: 32" LCD Toshiba HDTV $299.99 save $100 http://www.bestbuy.com/
Kohl's: 55-70% off Fine Jewelry & Sterling Silver Jewelry http://www.kohls.com/
Walgreens: Toys for Boys & Girls $9.99, Portable DVD Player $79.99 www.walgreens.com
Walmart: Huffy Bicyles $49.97, BMX Freestyle Bike $88 was $84.98 www.walmart.com
Kohl's: 55-70% off Fine Jewelry & Sterling Silver Jewelry http://www.kohls.com/
Walgreens: Toys for Boys & Girls $9.99, Portable DVD Player $79.99 www.walgreens.com
Walmart: Huffy Bicyles $49.97, BMX Freestyle Bike $88 was $84.98 www.walmart.com
Sunday, December 19, 2010
This Week's Hot Holiday Deals
Dell: All in One Printer $69.99 save $30.00, Xbox 360 $369.99 save $30.00 http://www.dell.com/
Old Navy: $10 for Adult Sweaters, Toddler Thermal Shirts $5.00 http://www.oldnavy.com/
P.C Richards: Cannon 12.1 MP Camera $109.65 save $75, 28 Bottle Wine Fridge $169.97 save $50 http://www.pcrichard.com/
Staples: Kodak Easyshare $79.99 save $20, FlipMino $149.99 save $30 http://www.staples.com/
Toys R Us: $15.00 off Wii Games, iHome $44.99 save $15.00
Christmas is less than a week a way! Happy Shopping!!
Old Navy: $10 for Adult Sweaters, Toddler Thermal Shirts $5.00 http://www.oldnavy.com/
P.C Richards: Cannon 12.1 MP Camera $109.65 save $75, 28 Bottle Wine Fridge $169.97 save $50 http://www.pcrichard.com/
Staples: Kodak Easyshare $79.99 save $20, FlipMino $149.99 save $30 http://www.staples.com/
Toys R Us: $15.00 off Wii Games, iHome $44.99 save $15.00
Christmas is less than a week a way! Happy Shopping!!
Stocking Stuffers
I grew up in an Italian household where we celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve so we never got stockings to wake up to. As I grew up and started dating I started doing the whole stocking stuffer ordeal. While we all know it can be pretty costly and add up fast, I also learned quick what were the top stocking stuffer items to purchase. So if you still haven't gotten those stocking stuffers yet check out a list below to help you out!
Happy Stuffing !!!
- Scratch offs- this is my top stocking stuffer item. You can get $1-$20 scratch offs and who doesn't enjoy a scratch off?!
- Gift Certificates- yes fellas this is the ONLY place giving your significant other a gift certificate is appropriate for the holidays. Spa certificates, Mani/Pedi certificates and even certificates to Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts are always fun to have!
- Toothbrush-always nice to have a spare.
- Candy/Gum- easy, cheap fillers
Happy Stuffing !!!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Easy Recipe: Tuna Melts
This is so easy, with a little twist to your standard tuna sandwich
Toast bread, add tuna, top with cheese and put back in toaster. Your tuna melt is now ready. YUM!
- Can of tuna
- Mayo
- Lemon
- Salt
- Pepper
- Onions
- Cheese- American, Cheddar or Swiss
Toast bread, add tuna, top with cheese and put back in toaster. Your tuna melt is now ready. YUM!
Holiday Wishes Quote
"This is my wish for you: peace of mind, prosperity through the year, happiness that multiplies, health for you and yours, fun around every corner, energy to chase your dreams, joy to fill your holidays!" D.M. Dellinger
Love to all of those in my life, who have touched my life, and who have made my life a happier place!
Love to all of those in my life, who have touched my life, and who have made my life a happier place!
Friday, December 17, 2010
Lil Lady Picks- Beyoncé
My daughter loves this song.
"Through every tear there hides a beautiful smile!"
Sisters
I have been so blessed to have two wonderful sisters. As a child you fight, disagree and do not realize how or why you are in each other's lives. As an adult you grow to appreciate one another for each other's differences, flaws, love and support. We do fight, we do disagree but we bring out something in each other that makes us the amazing people we are.
Our bond is something that makes us realize that no matter what we will never be alone. We tell each other when we are wrong, we cry and laugh with one another. We help each other see what we do not want to see. We bring out the worse and best of eachother. We help eachother grow to be stronger and independent women .
I love my sisters ,they are my best friends and I am grateful for the wonderful bonds I have with them.
Our bond is something that makes us realize that no matter what we will never be alone. We tell each other when we are wrong, we cry and laugh with one another. We help each other see what we do not want to see. We bring out the worse and best of eachother. We help eachother grow to be stronger and independent women .
I love my sisters ,they are my best friends and I am grateful for the wonderful bonds I have with them.
JCF, CC & OJC
"A sister can be seen as someone who is both ourselves and very much not ourselves - a special kind of double." Toni Morrison
Thursday, December 16, 2010
White Fudge Covered Oreos
If you have yet to try these then you are missing out! Nabisco only has these oreos out for the holiday season. These White Fudge Covered Oreos are amazing!!
I remember when I first saw them, a decade ago...wow I so just aged myself, I was in college and my roommate and I bought them. Every night we ate one, they are so rich one is all you need. So I found them again at Walmart , and I am in heaven!
Try them...even if you are not a huge white chocolate fan, they are heavenly!
I remember when I first saw them, a decade ago...wow I so just aged myself, I was in college and my roommate and I bought them. Every night we ate one, they are so rich one is all you need. So I found them again at Walmart , and I am in heaven!
Try them...even if you are not a huge white chocolate fan, they are heavenly!
No Regret Quote
“I have no regrets in my life. I think that everything happens to you for a reason. The hard times that you go through build character, making you a much stronger person.” Rita Mero
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
This Weeks Hot Holiday Deals-3
CVS: Buy 2 toys get 1 free http://www.cvs.com/
Old Navy: Women Wool Pea coats $30 http://www.oldnavy.com/
P.C Richard: 42" LCD HDTV $493.56 save $306 http://www.pcrichard.com/
Petco: Aqueon 14 Gallon Fish Tank $39.99 save $50 www.petco.com/holiday
Staples: Cannon Powershot Camera $109.99 save $70 http://www.staples.com/
Walmart: Nikon Coolpix Digital Camera $129 http://www.walmart.com/
Old Navy: Women Wool Pea coats $30 http://www.oldnavy.com/
P.C Richard: 42" LCD HDTV $493.56 save $306 http://www.pcrichard.com/
Petco: Aqueon 14 Gallon Fish Tank $39.99 save $50 www.petco.com/holiday
Staples: Cannon Powershot Camera $109.99 save $70 http://www.staples.com/
Walmart: Nikon Coolpix Digital Camera $129 http://www.walmart.com/
Happiness Quote
"The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance; the wise grows it under his feet." James Openheim
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Don't Wait Quote
“If you wait to do everything until you're sure it's right, you'll probably never do much of anything." Win Borden
This Weeks Hot Holiday Deals-2
Old Navy: Kid and Toddler Jackets $20-$25 http://www.oldnavy.com/
P.C. Richard & Son: Sony HD Flash Camcorder $279.97 save $120.00 http://www.pcrichard.com/
Rite Aid: 50% off Holiday Cards http://www.riteaid.com/
Staples: TomTom GPS $119.99 save $140.00 http://www.staples.com/
Walgreens: Sony DVD Plater $29.99 http://www.walgreens.com/
P.C. Richard & Son: Sony HD Flash Camcorder $279.97 save $120.00 http://www.pcrichard.com/
Rite Aid: 50% off Holiday Cards http://www.riteaid.com/
Staples: TomTom GPS $119.99 save $140.00 http://www.staples.com/
Walgreens: Sony DVD Plater $29.99 http://www.walgreens.com/
Gain Something Quote
"For everything you have missed, you have gained something else, and for everything you gain, you lose something else." Ralph Waldo Emerson
Monday, December 13, 2010
Happy or Unhappy Quote
“It isn't what you have, or who you are, or where you are, or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about.” Dale Carnegie
A Day in the Life of Being a Mom
Growing up I never understood why my mom always showered with the door open. Once I became a Mother myself I understood perfectly well why!
So the other day I am in the shower and I keep popping my head out to check on my daughter. I am lucky that I am able to see into my living room while I am showering. I pop my head out and notice she is holding a pink ribbon.
100 thoughts were going through my head, I could not figure out where she got the ribbon from but I knew I better hurry up in the shower to find out. Just then it dawned on me that the ribbon was part of the chocolate favors my sister gave away at her wedding.
All I envisioned was this box of chocolates all over the floor and my dogs eating it. So what did I do, I did what every mother would do, I jumped out of the shower, ran into the dining room, soaking wet with shampoo still in my hair and cleaned up the box of chocolates on the floor. Luckily I got there before the dogs noticed.
So the other day I am in the shower and I keep popping my head out to check on my daughter. I am lucky that I am able to see into my living room while I am showering. I pop my head out and notice she is holding a pink ribbon.
100 thoughts were going through my head, I could not figure out where she got the ribbon from but I knew I better hurry up in the shower to find out. Just then it dawned on me that the ribbon was part of the chocolate favors my sister gave away at her wedding.
All I envisioned was this box of chocolates all over the floor and my dogs eating it. So what did I do, I did what every mother would do, I jumped out of the shower, ran into the dining room, soaking wet with shampoo still in my hair and cleaned up the box of chocolates on the floor. Luckily I got there before the dogs noticed.
Yep, that is just another example of a day in the life of being a mom!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
This Weeks Hot Holiday Deals
Best Buy: Samsung Blu-ray Disc Player $159.99 Save $90 http://www.bestbuy.com/
Kohl's: Food Network 10 piece Cookware Set $129.99 save $70 Sunday & Monday Only http://www.kohls.com/
Old Navy: "Jammies" only $8.00 http://www.oldnavy.com/
Walmart: Xbox 360 $299 and get a $75 Walmart Gift Card http://www.walmart.com/
Kohl's: Food Network 10 piece Cookware Set $129.99 save $70 Sunday & Monday Only http://www.kohls.com/
Old Navy: "Jammies" only $8.00 http://www.oldnavy.com/
Walmart: Xbox 360 $299 and get a $75 Walmart Gift Card http://www.walmart.com/
Your Life Quote
"One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure its worth watching.” Similar Quotes
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Easy Recipe: Chocolate Truffles
These truffles are amazing and great to stick in a little baggy for holiday gifts!
Use a double burner to melt the chocolate. When melted add a shot of hot espresso or coffee. Mix, once cooled spoon out little balls and roll in nuts, smashed gram crackers or sprinkles.
- Bag of chocolate chips- Ghirardelli are best
- Shot of espresso
Use a double burner to melt the chocolate. When melted add a shot of hot espresso or coffee. Mix, once cooled spoon out little balls and roll in nuts, smashed gram crackers or sprinkles.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Easy Recipe: Goat Cheese Spread
I love this spread, and never thought I liked goat cheese until I had this spread. It is a little costly to make but it is a crowd pleaser!
- Goat Cheese
- Cream Cheese
- Pesto
- Roasted Peppers
- Pinoli Nuts (optional)
- Bagel slices, chips or crackers
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Regret Quote
“Regret for the things we did can be tempered by time; it is regret for
the things we did not do that is inconsolable.” Sydney Smith
Never Live in Regret
I am sure we all have done plenty of things in our time that we are not happy with but what we fail to realize is that at the time there was a reason why we did what we did. At the time it felt like the right thing to do or say.
I am a true believer in never living in regret. I am happy to admit that I do not regret anything I have ever done and said. Now with that said it does not mean I wish certain things did not happen or that I wished I handled certain situations better, but I have learned that the results of all our actions make us who we are.
You hear stories of people who get divorced and say they regret meeting the person they married. What people fail to admit is that they would not be who they are after the divorce if the marriage never happened. They experienced love, they experienced sharing their life with someone else and what compromise is all about. Some people had children, they got to experience being a parent. Some marriages fail because people find someone else they felt they were meant to be with. Other marriages fail because people can not get along. Yes, in the end it did not work out and no one wants to get a divorce, but you can not regret the lessons you did learn from it.
Another example is some people say they regret staying at the same job after getting laid off, but we all know we all are creatures of comfort and change is hard. Our job becomes a big part of our routine. Most of the hours of our lives are spent at our job. How many of us can really say we have a resume filled with different work experiences because we choose to? Not many, most of us left our company because of a reason, not to expand on our experiences.
We can not live our lives regretting things we have done in the past, the goal is to learn from the things we have done and move forward.
Wishing we did something different is not the same as regretting it happened. Look at each experience in life as a lesson. Maybe good things will come out of it down the road, maybe not. Maybe we will see the results of our actions maybe we won't. But never regret anything because the reality is it's too late to go back and fix it anyway and you can only change going forward!
I am a true believer in never living in regret. I am happy to admit that I do not regret anything I have ever done and said. Now with that said it does not mean I wish certain things did not happen or that I wished I handled certain situations better, but I have learned that the results of all our actions make us who we are.
You hear stories of people who get divorced and say they regret meeting the person they married. What people fail to admit is that they would not be who they are after the divorce if the marriage never happened. They experienced love, they experienced sharing their life with someone else and what compromise is all about. Some people had children, they got to experience being a parent. Some marriages fail because people find someone else they felt they were meant to be with. Other marriages fail because people can not get along. Yes, in the end it did not work out and no one wants to get a divorce, but you can not regret the lessons you did learn from it.
Another example is some people say they regret staying at the same job after getting laid off, but we all know we all are creatures of comfort and change is hard. Our job becomes a big part of our routine. Most of the hours of our lives are spent at our job. How many of us can really say we have a resume filled with different work experiences because we choose to? Not many, most of us left our company because of a reason, not to expand on our experiences.
We can not live our lives regretting things we have done in the past, the goal is to learn from the things we have done and move forward.
Wishing we did something different is not the same as regretting it happened. Look at each experience in life as a lesson. Maybe good things will come out of it down the road, maybe not. Maybe we will see the results of our actions maybe we won't. But never regret anything because the reality is it's too late to go back and fix it anyway and you can only change going forward!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
My Lil Lady Feel Good Song: Laurie Berkner
My daughter loves music and when I am posting on my blog she'll sit next to me
and say "Song...1-2-3 Day" so this video is for my lil lady.
Did You Know: Vitamin C Helps Improve Moods
I was reading this magazine my husband picked up on fitness and health and there was an article from the journal Nutrition, explaining how they did a study on Hospitalized Patients and Vitamin C. It states that they noticed a reduction in mood disturbances when they increased the amount of Vitamin C the patient received. I found this to be very interesting. Read full report here.
I extended my research since recently I have been giving my daughter a lot of oranges since she loves them so much and I started having a glass of Orange Juice every morning with breakfast.
Below is what else I found.
I extended my research since recently I have been giving my daughter a lot of oranges since she loves them so much and I started having a glass of Orange Juice every morning with breakfast.
Below is what else I found.
- There are 45 mg of Vitamin C in your average sized orange. This is about 75% of your recommended requirement . Read more here
- An adequate intake of Vitamin C may protect against stroke and heart attack. Read more here
- Large amounts of Vitamin C will lower Manganese levels and aid greater insulin which may be beneficial for Type II diabetics, but it would worsen people suffering from hypoglycemic. Read more here
- Taking 1000 mg of Vitamin C twice daily will help boost your immune system, but beware it may upset your stomach Read more here
- One glass of Tropicana Pure Premium OJ has 120% of your recommended daily Vitamin C in take. Read more here
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Who I am
If you happen to bump into me on the street you may only see me for what you think I am. If you come into my home you'll have to watch your step because there will be blocks, and toys in your way. You'll notice my office is now a play room filled with toys. If you sit on my couch I am sure if you lift a cushion you'll find goldfish or Cheerios hiding below.
I never watch the news nor know what the weather is like because Nick Jr or Dora is always on. My cabinets are filled with tiny forks, sippy cups and plastic little bowls. My pantry is filled with snacks that are bite sized.
Every night before I go to bed I pull up the sheets and find a tiny little sock or a Dora doll. On the nightstand where my books once where now have toddler books stocked up high. I fall asleep watching the baby monitor and every morning instead of waking up to an alarm clock I wake up to a tiny voice calling my name.
See I am a mother, those gray hairs on my head are from old age and bags and wrinkles under my eyes are not from being "me", they are from being a mother, they are my marks from laughing so much and the smile my face always has on when I am with my daughter. I am a mother, and when I am not home or when I am alone I can be "me", but that is not who I really am. I am really a mother who has been blessed with a child.
So if you see me on the street and I happen to not smile, it is not because I am not happy, it is probably because I am thinking of my daughter and all the things I have to do before I get home. From the day my daughter was born I was no longer "me" I became a mother and I am grateful for that everyday!
I never watch the news nor know what the weather is like because Nick Jr or Dora is always on. My cabinets are filled with tiny forks, sippy cups and plastic little bowls. My pantry is filled with snacks that are bite sized.
Every night before I go to bed I pull up the sheets and find a tiny little sock or a Dora doll. On the nightstand where my books once where now have toddler books stocked up high. I fall asleep watching the baby monitor and every morning instead of waking up to an alarm clock I wake up to a tiny voice calling my name.
See I am a mother, those gray hairs on my head are from old age and bags and wrinkles under my eyes are not from being "me", they are from being a mother, they are my marks from laughing so much and the smile my face always has on when I am with my daughter. I am a mother, and when I am not home or when I am alone I can be "me", but that is not who I really am. I am really a mother who has been blessed with a child.
So if you see me on the street and I happen to not smile, it is not because I am not happy, it is probably because I am thinking of my daughter and all the things I have to do before I get home. From the day my daughter was born I was no longer "me" I became a mother and I am grateful for that everyday!
Goya Yellow Rice- Great Side Dish
I love arroz con pollo, for some strange reason I crave it once in a while and this dish helps satisfy my craving- now the best arroz con pollo I ever had was at my buddies' house in high school. His family would always make it at their gatherings so this recipe does not do theirs justice but it is the closes I can get to making a quick and easy sided dish/dinner.
Side Dish Recipe:
Saute' the chopped up onions, add peas, salt and pepper. Once cooked pour into the yellow rice mix before you cook it. Follow instructions on back of the Goya Yellow Rice package. Serve as a side dish with any meal * You can always add shredded chicken and this side dish is now a complete meal, making it taste even more like arroz con pollo! YUM!
Side Dish Recipe:
- Package of Goya Yellow Rice
- Half a bag of frozen peas
- Chopped up onion- about a two tablespoons
- Tablespoon of Olive Oil
Saute' the chopped up onions, add peas, salt and pepper. Once cooked pour into the yellow rice mix before you cook it. Follow instructions on back of the Goya Yellow Rice package. Serve as a side dish with any meal * You can always add shredded chicken and this side dish is now a complete meal, making it taste even more like arroz con pollo! YUM!
Holiday Deals This Week-2
Dell: Canon PowerShot Digital Camera $249.99 save $50.00 www.dell.com/camerastore
P.C Richard & Son: Wii Sports Pack $149.96 save $50 http://www.pcrichard.com/
Rite Aid: Toys and Plush buy one get one Free http://www.riteaid.com/ ALSO PERFECT DEAL FOR TOYS FOR TOTS
Staples: Flip Mino II Camcorder $149.99 save $20 http://www.staples.com/ (If you do not own a flip, you need to buy one, I love it and it is so small and easy to use. Every mother should have one!!)
Sales good until December 11th
P.C Richard & Son: Wii Sports Pack $149.96 save $50 http://www.pcrichard.com/
Rite Aid: Toys and Plush buy one get one Free http://www.riteaid.com/ ALSO PERFECT DEAL FOR TOYS FOR TOTS
Staples: Flip Mino II Camcorder $149.99 save $20 http://www.staples.com/ (If you do not own a flip, you need to buy one, I love it and it is so small and easy to use. Every mother should have one!!)
Sales good until December 11th
Monday, December 6, 2010
Friends Quote
"Good Friends don't bail you out of jail...they're right there with ya!"
(That's for you KG xo)
Fat Ass Fudge Coupon
I love this fudge and I especially love the name of the company! So if you're looking for a great gift to send to a loved one, friend or colleague this is the gift to give!
Coupon below:
Fat-Assfudge.com is offering 20% off of your next purchase. Order online to receive the discount and enter FUDGEFAN at checkout. Order $100.00 worth of products, and get a Free Fat Ass Fudge mug!
Coupon below:
Fat-Assfudge.com is offering 20% off of your next purchase. Order online to receive the discount and enter FUDGEFAN at checkout. Order $100.00 worth of products, and get a Free Fat Ass Fudge mug!
200th Post
WOW This is my 200th post and I must say it is great to have a place to share my life, experiences and great deals and recipes with everyone. Thank you to all my readers and for following.
Here's to another 200 posts and sharing my life with you all!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Walgreen's HOT BUY Perfect for Toys For Tots
Walgreens special this week is buy 2 toys for $6.99 get one free. This is perfect for giving items for Toys For Tots! Check out your local Walgreens today and help give to back to the children this holiday season! http://www.walgreens.com/
This Week Holiday Deals
Best Buy: $40 off Nikon Coolpix Cameras, save $90 on Garmins http://www.bestbuy.com/
Kohl's: 40-50% Frames http://www.kohls.com/
Old Navy: Buy One Sweater get one Free http://www.oldnavy.com/
Toys R Us: 30% off Games, Buy 1 get 1 50% off all Video Games http://www.toysrus.com/
Happy Shopping!
Kohl's: 40-50% Frames http://www.kohls.com/
Old Navy: Buy One Sweater get one Free http://www.oldnavy.com/
Toys R Us: 30% off Games, Buy 1 get 1 50% off all Video Games http://www.toysrus.com/
Happy Shopping!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Patience
I read the chapter today in "One Day My Soul Just Opened Up" about Patience and it was right on point. I lack patience, I am a reactor, I do a lot of things without thinking first and later try to go back and fix what I have already done.
Patience is more then giving things time, it is about looking at the situation and processing what is really going on to really realize what the outcome will be. I would love to believe that at my age I would have already known what is right and wrong for me, but I don't, I am still learning, reacting and growing.
I thank god for my mother, she is my "go to person" with every conflict I have encountered in my life. I always tell her "too" much but she helps guide me in the right direction, most importantly she makes me see things in a clear picture. I always feel bad when I vent to her because I know, even though she won't tell me, it stresses her out. But I am a talker and when something is bothering me I need to talk about it, even though deep down I know what the right thing to do is.
It is like when you were a child and you wanted to touch something hot, you knew you would get burned but you did it anyway. As adults we still do things like that. We do things knowing what the outcome "will" be even though we want them to be something else. We know if we play with fire we'll get burned.
I do that with work too, I know if I do not meet deadlines or follow up there will be disappointments, I know what the outcome will be before I even do it and yet I still press myself for time. It is as if we are so caught up in the moment that we do not want to realize that the end results will not be in our favor.
So I know what I need to work on and I know at my age I have to use better judgement and know that a plan is a plan, we all have a plan in our life, whether we try to alter it or not it will play out the way it should play out!
Patience is more then giving things time, it is about looking at the situation and processing what is really going on to really realize what the outcome will be. I would love to believe that at my age I would have already known what is right and wrong for me, but I don't, I am still learning, reacting and growing.
I thank god for my mother, she is my "go to person" with every conflict I have encountered in my life. I always tell her "too" much but she helps guide me in the right direction, most importantly she makes me see things in a clear picture. I always feel bad when I vent to her because I know, even though she won't tell me, it stresses her out. But I am a talker and when something is bothering me I need to talk about it, even though deep down I know what the right thing to do is.
It is like when you were a child and you wanted to touch something hot, you knew you would get burned but you did it anyway. As adults we still do things like that. We do things knowing what the outcome "will" be even though we want them to be something else. We know if we play with fire we'll get burned.
I do that with work too, I know if I do not meet deadlines or follow up there will be disappointments, I know what the outcome will be before I even do it and yet I still press myself for time. It is as if we are so caught up in the moment that we do not want to realize that the end results will not be in our favor.
So I know what I need to work on and I know at my age I have to use better judgement and know that a plan is a plan, we all have a plan in our life, whether we try to alter it or not it will play out the way it should play out!
It's the Holiday Season
Happy December 4th! I can't believe Christmas is 3 weeks away! We had our first Holiday gathering with friends last night and it was a great way to start off the Holiday Season. We have four more Holiday gatherings prior to the big day!
My husband is like Clark Griswold and put up all our holiday lights outside. We even have a music box to have the lights synch to the music playing. It is pretty awesome. He has the patience to put everything up, I am usually inside making him coco.
With the busy weeks ahead of us it is great that most radio stations are filled with the holiday songs, old and new. So to help our readers get in the spirit I will be posting some of my favorite holiday songs and deals!
Enjoy and try not to let the stress of the season get to you.
My husband is like Clark Griswold and put up all our holiday lights outside. We even have a music box to have the lights synch to the music playing. It is pretty awesome. He has the patience to put everything up, I am usually inside making him coco.
With the busy weeks ahead of us it is great that most radio stations are filled with the holiday songs, old and new. So to help our readers get in the spirit I will be posting some of my favorite holiday songs and deals!
Enjoy and try not to let the stress of the season get to you.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Children Quote
"While we try to teach our children all about life, Our children teach us what life is all about." Angela Schwindt
First Day of Preschool
Today's my daughter's first day of preschool. We decided to enroll her in a preschool program once a week so she can be with other kids and learn different things from what I am teaching her at home.
I am overwhelmed with emotion. At first I did not make a big deal of it until it hit me she is getting so big so fast and after this will be full time preschool, then school then....ok I know I am getting in over my head now but today will be the first time she goes some place without me or someone she knows.
She is with me or my mom throughout the day so now I am trusted her with someone else. Luckily she is going to an in house preschool and I have known the woman for years and trust her. When I dropped her off she gave me a kiss and said "Bye Mamma." I was happy to see she was happy to be there.
So I will sit tight by the phone in case it rings but from the look of it I know she will be just fine and so will I!
I am overwhelmed with emotion. At first I did not make a big deal of it until it hit me she is getting so big so fast and after this will be full time preschool, then school then....ok I know I am getting in over my head now but today will be the first time she goes some place without me or someone she knows.
She is with me or my mom throughout the day so now I am trusted her with someone else. Luckily she is going to an in house preschool and I have known the woman for years and trust her. When I dropped her off she gave me a kiss and said "Bye Mamma." I was happy to see she was happy to be there.
So I will sit tight by the phone in case it rings but from the look of it I know she will be just fine and so will I!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Easy Dinner-Baked Ziti
I know what you are thinking, "how is baked ziti an easy dinner" well I made it tonight and between making the fresh sauce, cooking the pasta and baking it my dinner was ready in 45 minutes.
In a pot pour olive oil in the pan, saute chopped onion and garlic. Once a little golden add the can of puree. Using the puree can fill it up twice half way with water and add to the pot (by doing this you get the extra puree that is still in the can) add salt simmer for 20 mins.
Pasta:
While sauce is simmering boil water, add salt and pasta. Cook until 'al dente' about 15 mins. Do not over cook pasta since we will be baking it.
Combine sauce in pasta, chopped mozzarella, mix, add in a baking dish which I spray with cooking spray first to make clean up easier. Top with extra sauce, parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella. Bake at 350 for 25 mins or until sauce is boiling and cheese is melted. YUM!
Serve with garlic bread and salad. See dinner was ready in 45 mins. Enjoy!
- Can Tomato Puree
- Box of Ziti
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt
In a pot pour olive oil in the pan, saute chopped onion and garlic. Once a little golden add the can of puree. Using the puree can fill it up twice half way with water and add to the pot (by doing this you get the extra puree that is still in the can) add salt simmer for 20 mins.
Pasta:
While sauce is simmering boil water, add salt and pasta. Cook until 'al dente' about 15 mins. Do not over cook pasta since we will be baking it.
Combine sauce in pasta, chopped mozzarella, mix, add in a baking dish which I spray with cooking spray first to make clean up easier. Top with extra sauce, parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella. Bake at 350 for 25 mins or until sauce is boiling and cheese is melted. YUM!
Serve with garlic bread and salad. See dinner was ready in 45 mins. Enjoy!
Signs
I am a true believer of signs, sometimes we don't realize what they mean, other times we tend to over look them but after today my belief is even stronger.
My husband and I have been talking about having another baby. Our daughter is two and it is about time for her to have a sibling. Two nights ago I dreamt of a little boy. He is my little boy in my dream. He was so cute and happy. He had black hair like my husband and my hazel eyes. He is playing with my daughter who looked a little older and the dream felt so real that I did not want to wake up. The little boy made me feel overwhelmed with joy.
So today I am meeting a client for coffee and as I am waiting for a parking spot a little old man backs out of a spot and hits my car. For those who have never been in a car accident I have to tell you no matter how bad it is it is not a fun experience. The police came, we exchange numbers and I hurry home to get ready for my next appointment.
At my next appointment I am sitting there still a little annoyed about the whole accident when it dawns on me that 2 years ago before I got pregnant I was involved in a car accident. Now I am not pregnant, I know that for a fact, but the feeling of knowing that I will be soon made my whole mood change. Maybe the dream and the accident are both signs, maybe not. But it has made me a stronger believer that good things are around the corner and instead of mopping around about the damage of my car, I am getting excited that their may be a baby in my future!
Don't overlook the signs when you see them. Listen to them, follow them, they are their for a reason. You may not know why when they happen but you soon will find out!
My husband and I have been talking about having another baby. Our daughter is two and it is about time for her to have a sibling. Two nights ago I dreamt of a little boy. He is my little boy in my dream. He was so cute and happy. He had black hair like my husband and my hazel eyes. He is playing with my daughter who looked a little older and the dream felt so real that I did not want to wake up. The little boy made me feel overwhelmed with joy.
So today I am meeting a client for coffee and as I am waiting for a parking spot a little old man backs out of a spot and hits my car. For those who have never been in a car accident I have to tell you no matter how bad it is it is not a fun experience. The police came, we exchange numbers and I hurry home to get ready for my next appointment.
At my next appointment I am sitting there still a little annoyed about the whole accident when it dawns on me that 2 years ago before I got pregnant I was involved in a car accident. Now I am not pregnant, I know that for a fact, but the feeling of knowing that I will be soon made my whole mood change. Maybe the dream and the accident are both signs, maybe not. But it has made me a stronger believer that good things are around the corner and instead of mopping around about the damage of my car, I am getting excited that their may be a baby in my future!
Don't overlook the signs when you see them. Listen to them, follow them, they are their for a reason. You may not know why when they happen but you soon will find out!
Quote
"When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love." Marcus Aurelius
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
The Blackberry Addiction
For years, before I started to work from home, I had a simple cell phone, no email, I never texted, you were lucky if my phone was even on. Since I started working from home and bought my blackberry it is amazing how much use I get out of it. Good and bad news is that I am constantly on it.
I have 5 emails accounts connected to this one device-for work and personal purposes- and it is constantly going off. The good thing is that I am always connected to clients no matter where I am. The bad news is that I expect a fast response from others since I give a fast response.
I even work on Marketing emails for clients and make sure that they are PDA accessible. The reality is that most of us have an iphone or blackberry and hardly go on our desktop to check our email.
One day I was laying in bed and my husband got mad that I turned my blackberry on to check my mail. He thought it was ridiculous, I on the other hand made it so much part of my routine that it is normal to me. With our phones we communicate with one another at all hours of the day, around the clock we are working, checking our emails, scheduling meetings, reconnecting with friends, it is crazy how years ago I had a simple plan and today I am constantly upgrading because I am running out of minutes.
I use my phone so much that even my daughter yells at me when I am on it. It is always on, always charged and always full of unread emails that I am trying to catch up on. This blackberry addiction is insane! It is so insane that I sometimes have to turn it off or put it on silence just to distress.
I have 5 emails accounts connected to this one device-for work and personal purposes- and it is constantly going off. The good thing is that I am always connected to clients no matter where I am. The bad news is that I expect a fast response from others since I give a fast response.
I even work on Marketing emails for clients and make sure that they are PDA accessible. The reality is that most of us have an iphone or blackberry and hardly go on our desktop to check our email.
One day I was laying in bed and my husband got mad that I turned my blackberry on to check my mail. He thought it was ridiculous, I on the other hand made it so much part of my routine that it is normal to me. With our phones we communicate with one another at all hours of the day, around the clock we are working, checking our emails, scheduling meetings, reconnecting with friends, it is crazy how years ago I had a simple plan and today I am constantly upgrading because I am running out of minutes.
I use my phone so much that even my daughter yells at me when I am on it. It is always on, always charged and always full of unread emails that I am trying to catch up on. This blackberry addiction is insane! It is so insane that I sometimes have to turn it off or put it on silence just to distress.
Easy Dinner: Greek Pitas
I love Greek food, I love it so much that my husband thinks I was Greek in my past life. This is a VERY easy recipe and VERY yummy!
- Grilled chicken
- Pitas
- Salad
- Feta
- Black Olives
- Balsamic or greek dressing
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