- Stainless Steel roll from EZ Faux (PR and Giveaway for FFF)
- Bacon T-shirt (PR and Giveaway for FFF)
- Disney Family magazine – Feb (freebie)
- Toilet Tree Fogless Shower Mirror (PR and Giveaway for FFF)
- Coupon and Sample from La Roche-Posay (freebie)
- Prom Dress from Promgirl.net (PR for FFF)
- Cardstore.com Valentines card (freebie)
- Smiley 360 box of Infants Advil product and coupons (freebie)
- Birthday stuff for Destin’s birthday in a couple weeks (I got free shipping using Shoprunner)
- Max and Ruby rings from Amazon (free with my giftcards)
- Dr. Sharp Dentistry package – came with toothpaste, mouthwash and more (PR for FFF)
- Skincare by Feleciai cream x 2 (PR and Giveaway for FFF)
- Dapper Snappers belt (PR and Giveaway for FFF)
- “Ready to Rumble” green shirt (PR for FFF)
- Box of goodies for Destin’s birthday from Amazon
- Camera Coat (PR and Giveaway for FFF)
- Frizz Ease samples (freebie)
- Valentines card from TinyPrints (freebie)
- Zevia t-shirt (part of my Moms Meet package)
- “I’m Irish! Do I get a FREE Beer?” T-shirt (PR for FFF)
- “Potty Time” DVD (PR for FFF)
- FlipSize bag (to mail my girls' clothes in for points)
- Backpack from 03USA (PR and Giveaway for FFF)
- Green Mountain Coffee K-Cup 12 pack – Hot Chocolate (freebie)
Monday, January 30, 2012
Mail Call: Jan 16 - 28 {2 Weeks Worth of Goodies}
I am always getting mail and packages each day...Here's what came in my mailbox the past two weeks:
My girls are growing...
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in awhile, you just might it" ~ Ferris Bueller
Its hard to believe how fast time goes by. Looking back, I can still remember my childhood days, loving school, and trying to discover what I wanted to do in my life. Little did I know, that my greatest accomplishment would be becoming a mama.
Definitely NOT my best picture...but this is one of the first ones I have of me with Destin. Now almost three years later, we have been busy making plans to celebrate her 3rd birthday. Destin is learning how to read...she can already sound out the letters and recognizes all of her letters, so I say its time!
Here she is when she turned ONE. She looks so much like Arwen, it's not even funny! Look at a recent pic of Arwen...
Where has the time gone? I took Arwen today to her 18 month checkup. I couldn't believe how much she has grown. Now weighing in at 23 lbs and measuring at 33.5 inches tall...she is quickly catching up to her big sister. She is talking so much now, and constanly on the go all the time. Thank goodness she still takes a nap each day. Destin stopped at this age, and I think that is why she can get what she wants to this day.
They are such sweet girls...but boy, do they ever stress me out! Always fighting, constantly wanting me/something...they definitely keep me (and daddy) on our toes all the time. I just wonder what would happen if we threw another baby into the mix. We are definitely not trying or planning for one right now, but I am just not so sure I am ready for another one any time soon. Having two is just fine with me...and my sanity!
For those of you with more than two, how did you know when you wanted more? How did you or how are you handling having more than "what you can handle"? I just worry about being outnumbered.
Its hard to believe how fast time goes by. Looking back, I can still remember my childhood days, loving school, and trying to discover what I wanted to do in my life. Little did I know, that my greatest accomplishment would be becoming a mama.
Definitely NOT my best picture...but this is one of the first ones I have of me with Destin. Now almost three years later, we have been busy making plans to celebrate her 3rd birthday. Destin is learning how to read...she can already sound out the letters and recognizes all of her letters, so I say its time!
Here she is when she turned ONE. She looks so much like Arwen, it's not even funny! Look at a recent pic of Arwen...
Where has the time gone? I took Arwen today to her 18 month checkup. I couldn't believe how much she has grown. Now weighing in at 23 lbs and measuring at 33.5 inches tall...she is quickly catching up to her big sister. She is talking so much now, and constanly on the go all the time. Thank goodness she still takes a nap each day. Destin stopped at this age, and I think that is why she can get what she wants to this day.
They are such sweet girls...but boy, do they ever stress me out! Always fighting, constantly wanting me/something...they definitely keep me (and daddy) on our toes all the time. I just wonder what would happen if we threw another baby into the mix. We are definitely not trying or planning for one right now, but I am just not so sure I am ready for another one any time soon. Having two is just fine with me...and my sanity!
For those of you with more than two, how did you know when you wanted more? How did you or how are you handling having more than "what you can handle"? I just worry about being outnumbered.
Losing weight with MyFitnessPal
I have always been a little overweight, with the exception of my first year of college. For reasons that I don't remember, I decided to be a vegetarian and lost a bunch of weight when I was a freshman. Then I met my now-husband the following summer, and started to put the weight back on over a period of almost 9 years.
This is a photo from November 2003, when I took Patrick to meet my Dad & step-mom who were living in Colorado at the time. I think I was a size 8 then.
Now, many sizes higher and many years later...I have decided that losing weight needs to be something that I challenge myself to do. My 10 year high school reunion is coming up, and I would really like to be smaller NOW than I was THEN.
For the past three weeks or so, I have been calorie counting. Meaning that everything I eat, gets "wrote down" to monitor how much I eat each day. This really allows me to feel that I am not really dieting. I can still eat what I want, but just in moderation and UNDER a certain calorie amount.
Thanks to an APP that a friend recommended, I have been using MyFitnessPal. Its completely FREE for any smart phone owner. I have a Droid. You can even just use the program on your computer...you don't even need a smartphone. And what it does is helps you keep track of everything, from how many glasses of water you drank, to snacks, to meals, and even when you exercise. Simply do a quick search for what you ate for breakfast or lunch, and it will provide you with several options to choose from. I absolutely LOVE it!
It even says what your goal weight will be if you eat healthy, exercise after each day. And for me, I challenge myself to eat less, then reward myself later. That is my motivation for now. Or if I eat something not so good, I can use our "new" treadmill (that our Aunt gave to us - Patrick picked it up last week) to get rid of all those bad calories.
I would highly recommend anyone who doesn't like to diet/exercise, to try this APP/program. Or for anyone who is just curious about how much you eat everyday. I was very surprised by how much I actually eat each day...its crazy how many calories are in what you eat/drink. Like a slice of cake, or a even your fav. piece of pizza. Sigh...I will have to start saving those for special occasions.
Are any of you trying to lose weight? Tell me, what has worked for you? What is your motivation? I am thinking I need to go buy a little black dress in size 8...and hang it up by the treadmill. What do you think?
This is a photo from November 2003, when I took Patrick to meet my Dad & step-mom who were living in Colorado at the time. I think I was a size 8 then.
Now, many sizes higher and many years later...I have decided that losing weight needs to be something that I challenge myself to do. My 10 year high school reunion is coming up, and I would really like to be smaller NOW than I was THEN.
For the past three weeks or so, I have been calorie counting. Meaning that everything I eat, gets "wrote down" to monitor how much I eat each day. This really allows me to feel that I am not really dieting. I can still eat what I want, but just in moderation and UNDER a certain calorie amount.
Thanks to an APP that a friend recommended, I have been using MyFitnessPal. Its completely FREE for any smart phone owner. I have a Droid. You can even just use the program on your computer...you don't even need a smartphone. And what it does is helps you keep track of everything, from how many glasses of water you drank, to snacks, to meals, and even when you exercise. Simply do a quick search for what you ate for breakfast or lunch, and it will provide you with several options to choose from. I absolutely LOVE it!
It even says what your goal weight will be if you eat healthy, exercise after each day. And for me, I challenge myself to eat less, then reward myself later. That is my motivation for now. Or if I eat something not so good, I can use our "new" treadmill (that our Aunt gave to us - Patrick picked it up last week) to get rid of all those bad calories.
I would highly recommend anyone who doesn't like to diet/exercise, to try this APP/program. Or for anyone who is just curious about how much you eat everyday. I was very surprised by how much I actually eat each day...its crazy how many calories are in what you eat/drink. Like a slice of cake, or a even your fav. piece of pizza. Sigh...I will have to start saving those for special occasions.
Are any of you trying to lose weight? Tell me, what has worked for you? What is your motivation? I am thinking I need to go buy a little black dress in size 8...and hang it up by the treadmill. What do you think?
And I thought exzema was bad...
I don't remember how old Destin was exactly, but I know that it has been almost 2 years or more that we found out she had exzema. For those of you that don't know, exzema is a skin condition that causes dry, flakey, red, itchy, and pretty much uncomfortable skin. Its definitely not fun...especially when it comes to moisturizing her skin (which means chasing her and holding her down, on some occasions).
As we entered into our third week of Chicken Pox, I started to worry. The spots were getting bigger, and spreading everywhere. And since both girls had it, I knew something must be wrong. I feel so bad for waiting this long, but decided to go ahead and make an appointment to see the girls' pediatrician.
I have always loved our pediatrician...but there have been times where I do question things she has said. I can't seem to think of any at the moment, but I know there were some occasions, that I didn't really reflect on a good note.
Back to our trip...for insurance purposes, you are only allowed to schedule one child at a time. I suppose that is so everyone can get the money that they want. So I scheduled for Destin to be seen, since hers is the worst of the two of them. The pox/rash took over her entire left side of her back, armpit, bottom, arms, and legs. It just didn't even look like spots anymore, but rather a big rash that was spreading at warp speed.
The Dr. came in, took a culture, prescribed some cream and oral meds, which she said to give to Arwen as well (just the cream)...and in two days time, they called and said Destin had a staff infection. We both came to the conclusion that her chicken pox somehow got infected, more than likely from itching her spots with non-clean hands. Its almost impossible to keep my girls clean these days, and my house too!
So...this was Wednesday, and now after five/six days, the rash/spots/pox/staff infection is finally going away. I am so glad that we decided to keep the girls home for as long as we did. And thankful even more so, that I took them into the Doc, even when they said NOT to in the beginning stages of the chicken pox (the second week of January). UGH!
I am not a nurse, or have any experience in the medical field whatsoever. And to tell you the truth, I don't think I could handle it. Having both my children with chicken pox at the same time, is pain enough, and breaks your heart knowing that there was nothing you could do for them. It literally took your breath away, at how awful it really looked.
No pictures...sorry...but for those of you that did have a chance to see them, they are doing MUCH better. Thank goodness for modern medicine and our medical professionals.
As we entered into our third week of Chicken Pox, I started to worry. The spots were getting bigger, and spreading everywhere. And since both girls had it, I knew something must be wrong. I feel so bad for waiting this long, but decided to go ahead and make an appointment to see the girls' pediatrician.
I have always loved our pediatrician...but there have been times where I do question things she has said. I can't seem to think of any at the moment, but I know there were some occasions, that I didn't really reflect on a good note.
Back to our trip...for insurance purposes, you are only allowed to schedule one child at a time. I suppose that is so everyone can get the money that they want. So I scheduled for Destin to be seen, since hers is the worst of the two of them. The pox/rash took over her entire left side of her back, armpit, bottom, arms, and legs. It just didn't even look like spots anymore, but rather a big rash that was spreading at warp speed.
The Dr. came in, took a culture, prescribed some cream and oral meds, which she said to give to Arwen as well (just the cream)...and in two days time, they called and said Destin had a staff infection. We both came to the conclusion that her chicken pox somehow got infected, more than likely from itching her spots with non-clean hands. Its almost impossible to keep my girls clean these days, and my house too!
So...this was Wednesday, and now after five/six days, the rash/spots/pox/staff infection is finally going away. I am so glad that we decided to keep the girls home for as long as we did. And thankful even more so, that I took them into the Doc, even when they said NOT to in the beginning stages of the chicken pox (the second week of January). UGH!
I am not a nurse, or have any experience in the medical field whatsoever. And to tell you the truth, I don't think I could handle it. Having both my children with chicken pox at the same time, is pain enough, and breaks your heart knowing that there was nothing you could do for them. It literally took your breath away, at how awful it really looked.
No pictures...sorry...but for those of you that did have a chance to see them, they are doing MUCH better. Thank goodness for modern medicine and our medical professionals.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Our Weekend: BBQ and Chicken Pox x 2
Not a real eventful weekend...but it was a nice one. Saturday, we hung out most of the day, and Patrick and I went out to celebrate our anniversary (while my mom watched the girls for us).
We ended up going to Jack Stack BBQ, which is the place that Patrick and I went to 9 years ago (and he proposed to me afterwards on top of the Halls building on the Plaza). Ahh, memories. I cannot believe it has been almost 9 years!! Wow!
Last week, we discovered Destin had the Chicken Pox. They still look awful, and I am thinking that Arwen is getting them too. She has a few spots on her tummy, and one on her arm. So...we will probably be on lock down yet again this week.
It really stinks..but I can only hope that we won't have to go through this again. Anyways...I hope everyone out there had a wonderful weekend! Have a great week!
Here's what came in my mail box last week:
We ended up going to Jack Stack BBQ, which is the place that Patrick and I went to 9 years ago (and he proposed to me afterwards on top of the Halls building on the Plaza). Ahh, memories. I cannot believe it has been almost 9 years!! Wow!
Last week, we discovered Destin had the Chicken Pox. They still look awful, and I am thinking that Arwen is getting them too. She has a few spots on her tummy, and one on her arm. So...we will probably be on lock down yet again this week.
It really stinks..but I can only hope that we won't have to go through this again. Anyways...I hope everyone out there had a wonderful weekend! Have a great week!
Here's what came in my mail box last week:
- 2 pair of Sunglasses from Sharp Shades (Free w/Voucher from SaveMore Daily)
- Thermal Cinch Tote from Thirty-One Gifts (Previous PR & Giveaway at FFF)
- Wine-Wall Wine Rack & No Drip Stop (PR & Giveaway for FFF)
- Personalized Photo Thank You card I made from CardStore.com (freebie)
- Parents magazine (February)
- Zevia Package from Moms Meet (came with a free cooler and coupons for free Zevia beverages)
Friday, January 13, 2012
Website Review: StyleFind.com
- Expert StyleFind editors add featured and trending favorites regularly, so you can always find what's popular easily
- You can search 500,000+ shoes, handbags, clothes, accessories and more from the top retailers you trust most
- Brought to you from the publishers of InStyle
I am always up for finding a good deal online, but not when the deals are over $100. That's a little high for my personal budget. And to my surprise, I did not see very many children's items...which is what I usually like to look at anyway. For those of you are fashionistas, then this is a site you will definitely want to sign up for, and discover if you like it for yourself.
The Number 13
13 has always been a good number for our family. The day Patrick proposed to me (Dec 2003). The day our fur babies, Daisy & Duke were born (April 2007). Destin's birthday (Feb 2009). Arwen's due date (Aug 2010 - she was born in July though).
Many people think of this being a superstitious number. And to top it off, put it on a Friday...which mades you think of the scary movie from the 1980s.
Have any of you had a weird number that has done good/bad things for you or your family? I would love to hear about it.
I know there are several thousand people out there who play the lottery with their "favorite" numbers. Patrick and I are always saying "those are my numbers" each time the lottery comes on each week :P Sigh...maybe we will win someday.
Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! Looks like we will be staying in for the most part. Patrick and I are supposed to go out on a date night this Saturday ~ YAY!
Many people think of this being a superstitious number. And to top it off, put it on a Friday...which mades you think of the scary movie from the 1980s.
Have any of you had a weird number that has done good/bad things for you or your family? I would love to hear about it.
I know there are several thousand people out there who play the lottery with their "favorite" numbers. Patrick and I are always saying "those are my numbers" each time the lottery comes on each week :P Sigh...maybe we will win someday.
Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! Looks like we will be staying in for the most part. Patrick and I are supposed to go out on a date night this Saturday ~ YAY!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
What a week: Chicken Pox, Snow and Big Girl Beds!
This week has been full of events in our neck of the woods...first off, we have decided to get Destin a BIG girl bed (a twin size bed). We ordered last weekend from Nebraska Furniture Mart, and it is supposed to be delivered next week. I know its crazy...but maybe, just maybe this will encourage her to actually sleep in her own bed.
If you have read this blog for awhile, you know that my oldest has never enjoyed sleeping in her own bed, let alone her own room. This has been something we have struggled with since Day One with her. Around Thanksgiving time (I think??) something clicked, and she wanted to sleep in her toddler bed (IN HER ROOM), which lasted for about two weeks.
And for whatever reason...be it, not enough encouragement; or realizing she has complete control, Destin is now BACK in our bed every night. Ugh!! I love that she wants to be with us, but really wish she would find that INDEPENDENCE to sleep in her own bed. So...we will just see what happens when we get the NEW big girl bed.
In other news this week...Destin has the Chicken Pox. Yikes! Both girls have been vaccinated, but thanks to our niece having them at New Years (and no one knew it then)...Destin now has them. They aren't really bad, and to my surprise she hasn't been itching them as much as I thought she would. She has hardly any symptoms (no fever, sickness, other than just a cold/cough - which we are all still trying to get over). It just stinks. We literally don't go anywhere, or see anyone, and then when we finally do...coughing, sneezing, runny noses, and now...chicken pox. :(
Hopefully after another week or so, the spots will go away (which are only on her back right now). Has anyone ever heard of people selling suckers with chicken pox infested children who licked them? Its true. But don't come knocking on our door for a platdate, or used cup/lollipop! No, we are staying inside, and locking the door!! Oh, and play the waiting game for Arwen to get it.
Sometimes I really wonder if vaccines truly do what they are supposed to do. In this situation, our Doctor (who did NOT want us to come in) told us that they will just get a mild case of the chicken pox.
Do you remember when you had them? How old were you? I remember getting them when I was about 9 or 10 years old. Of course, back then they didn't have a vaccine. They were awful! I was staying with my Gma in Kansas, and she thought they were just bug bites (as it was summer, and I was always outside).
Here are some pics of the girls I took this morning...chicken pox and all. They don't seem to be bothering Destin...
One last tidbit to share, before I find something productive to do around the house...It snowed! So much in fact, that they closed our local school district today! Patrick said the roads were pretty slick driving into work this AM, and he could understand why they closed our schools. But what's really strange?? NO other school closed but ours. I mean, we don't live in the country, we are considered the city...and have thousands of children in our school system. I just wonder why no other "sister" districts closed today.
I am so much in love with Patrick. He is my soulmate, my best friend, and my partner in everything. It's hard to believe that 5 years have gone by since we said our vows on the beach that day...I will never forget.
And for those of you who are interested, here is what came in my mailbox last week (1/2 ~ 1/7):
If you have read this blog for awhile, you know that my oldest has never enjoyed sleeping in her own bed, let alone her own room. This has been something we have struggled with since Day One with her. Around Thanksgiving time (I think??) something clicked, and she wanted to sleep in her toddler bed (IN HER ROOM), which lasted for about two weeks.
And for whatever reason...be it, not enough encouragement; or realizing she has complete control, Destin is now BACK in our bed every night. Ugh!! I love that she wants to be with us, but really wish she would find that INDEPENDENCE to sleep in her own bed. So...we will just see what happens when we get the NEW big girl bed.
In other news this week...Destin has the Chicken Pox. Yikes! Both girls have been vaccinated, but thanks to our niece having them at New Years (and no one knew it then)...Destin now has them. They aren't really bad, and to my surprise she hasn't been itching them as much as I thought she would. She has hardly any symptoms (no fever, sickness, other than just a cold/cough - which we are all still trying to get over). It just stinks. We literally don't go anywhere, or see anyone, and then when we finally do...coughing, sneezing, runny noses, and now...chicken pox. :(
Hopefully after another week or so, the spots will go away (which are only on her back right now). Has anyone ever heard of people selling suckers with chicken pox infested children who licked them? Its true. But don't come knocking on our door for a platdate, or used cup/lollipop! No, we are staying inside, and locking the door!! Oh, and play the waiting game for Arwen to get it.
Sometimes I really wonder if vaccines truly do what they are supposed to do. In this situation, our Doctor (who did NOT want us to come in) told us that they will just get a mild case of the chicken pox.
Do you remember when you had them? How old were you? I remember getting them when I was about 9 or 10 years old. Of course, back then they didn't have a vaccine. They were awful! I was staying with my Gma in Kansas, and she thought they were just bug bites (as it was summer, and I was always outside).
Here are some pics of the girls I took this morning...chicken pox and all. They don't seem to be bothering Destin...
One last tidbit to share, before I find something productive to do around the house...It snowed! So much in fact, that they closed our local school district today! Patrick said the roads were pretty slick driving into work this AM, and he could understand why they closed our schools. But what's really strange?? NO other school closed but ours. I mean, we don't live in the country, we are considered the city...and have thousands of children in our school system. I just wonder why no other "sister" districts closed today.
Destin was pretty excited about the snow. She has been begging me to build a snowman, but there really isn't enough to make anything. Plus, she is sick. Plus, its freezing outside. And last, staying inside is MUCH nicer than trailing outdoors I think.
OH! And how, could I forget...today is our 5th Wedding Anniversary. Patrick and I got married today on January 12, 2007 in Destin, Florida. Yes, that is why we named our daughter Destin.
And for those of you who are interested, here is what came in my mailbox last week (1/2 ~ 1/7):
- Octopus Legs from Inredibum (PR & Giveaway for FFF)
- Raise Armpit Stain Remover (large 12 oz bottle ~ PR & Giveaway for FFF)
- “Thriving Family” magazine (freebie)
- Stickers from Rafflecopter (freebie)
Product Review: Purex UltraPacks
Earlier last month I received another Purex Insider package, which included a full-size sample of Purex's latest creation (coming to a store near you). Please read my post below to learn all about this new product and how you can try them for free as well!
In February 2012, Purex® will be launching new UltraPacks™ laundry detergent, yet another innovative new laundry product from Purex. We’ve brought you Purex 3-in-1®, Purex with Zout®, and Purex Crystals™ (which I reviewed last March 2011)…now we are taking laundry to a whole new level.
Available in:
Mountain Breeze® and Free & Clear (as shown above)
What are Purex® UltraPacks™?
- New Purex UltraPacks are convenient pre-dosed liquid detergent packs that make doing laundry easier than ever.
- Purex UltraPacks manage to squeeze all the performance of our new Triple Action liquid formula into just one powerful pack.
- Finally…No more mess. No more spills. No more heavy jugs. It’s Laundry Simplified.®
- Each Purex UltraPack contains powerful 2x concentrated liquid detergent, giving each UltraPack double the cleaning power in every drop*.
- Purex UltraPacks dissolve quickly once the washer is started—even in cold water.
- Purex UltraPacks are formulated and safe for all machines, including high-efficiency (HE).
- Dry your hands before handling the UltraPacks – water dissolves the film.
- Put (1) pack in the washer before adding clothing (the more time they spend in the water, the faster they dissolve). For larger or heavily soiled loads, use an additional pack.
- If you have a front loader, make sure to put the pack directly into the drum, not in the drawer.
For this review, I was sent a full-size sample of the Purex UltraPacks ~ Free & Clear. The product came with 18 small packets, and were visibly clear (as shown below).
There are many reasons why I LOVED this product...
1. Our oldest daughter has very sensitive skin, and we already use Purex's Free & Clear liquid detergent everyday..so making the switch to the UltraPacks was very easy for us. The quality of the detergent was exactly the same - and it still provided 100% free of perfumes and dyes.
2. I was very impressed by how well these small packets cleaned our clothes. At first I wasn't sure how well they would clean, so I used two packets with the first two loads I tried. But then I decided to try just one packet, and it still worked wonderful for a full load.
3. "No more heavy jugs." I absolutely love that I no longer have to measure out how much liquid detergent I need to use for each load of laundry. The packs are already pre-dosed with just the right amount of liquid needed.
4. "No more mess. No more spills." Both my daughters love to help me with daily chores around the house, and now they can help me do the laundry by "putting in" the laundry soap. I no longer have to worry about them getting liquid soap on their hands, or all over the place when putting it into our washing machine. These little packets are so wonderful!!!
5. This product is definitely going to save many families time, money and even encourage some extra helpers when it comes to laundry time.
Okay, so I have some exciting NEWS for all of you...
FreeSamplePurex.com is Back!
Given the huge success of the sampling program, Purex with Zout did launch last year, we will be bringing back free samples for this launch as well! We know consumers are skeptical of manufacturer claims about performance, so Purex wants consumers to know they can prove it to themselves! The premise of our marketing plans for next year, including this sampling program, is based on the motto, “Don’t take our word for it. Take your word for it.”
So beginning in mid February 2012, FreeSamplePurex.com will be back up and running, offering you (my readers) and other Purex enthusiasts an opportunity to get their own FREE sample of Purex UltraPacks and prove it to themselves. As a Purex Insider, I will let everyone know when these samples will be available!!
To learn more about Purex UltraPacks, be sure to visit their website, like them on Facebook and/or follow them on Twitter.
Disclosure: Purex provided a free sample of their UltraPacks laundry detergent so I could write a review. However, all of the opinions expressed here are my own.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
A New Year...A New Look!
Happy New Year! Over the weekend, we remembered our favorite (and not-so favorite) memories of 2011, and brought in the New Year ~ 2012. We stayed home on New Years Eve, watched Dick Clark for a few minutes and then went to bed. Then the next day celebrated Christmas with Patrick's mom and family. It was nice to see everyone...it had been almost 2 years since we saw all of his aunts, uncles, cousins and grandma. {Not the best picture of us below, but its the most recent one we have}
In 2011, our family had many highlights to remember...our beautiful daughter, Destin Paisley turned 2 years old. Patrick went on his first vacation (by himself) to Colorado, where he skied the weekend away. Our (very furry) twin "babies" turned 4 years old. Our many, many trips to the Zoo (we definitely put our "Friends of the Zoo" membership to good use!). Our summer playdates with friends. Our first family vacation to Colorado, to visit Grandpa Todd and Grandma Julie. Our baby girl, Arwen Kinsley turned 1 year old. My plunge to finally get Lasik Eye Surgery (something I have wanted for the past 10 years!). And many more memories I don't ever want to forget.
Now as we bring in the year 2012, we have so much to look forward to...and I hope that I will be able to just keep up. The whole point of this blog was to share my thoughts, experiences and of course keep track of the daily adventures of my life. And although they aren't exciting, they are mine - and that's what keeps me going. My life as a mommy and a wife.
So since it is a New Year, I thought I would change up the look of my blog a little bit. Its still a little bit in-progress, as the header (located at the top) looks a little blurry for some reason. I will have to work on that later this week. And maybe this post will encourage me to get a "new look" for myself as well. What do you think? {I am finding it really hard to believe that I have over 100 followers, since no one ever comments or shares their thoughts. Maybe I need to work on that for this year...see my media goals below!}
I have had such a hard time finding the right motivation to lose weight, eat healthy and really value myself as a person. I find myself wearing makeup only a couple times a month, and becoming more of a hermit. I really hope that this new year allows me to open up a little bit more, explore more about myself, and encourage me to interact more with the world. Maybe that can be one of my resolutions?
Does anyone keep track of resolutions any more? Maybe if you write them down, you are more pressured/challenged to finish them. Well, here a few of mine: 1) Eat healthy & lose some weight; 2) Get out of debt (slowly but surely we will find a way); 3) Be a more patient and understanding person (with the girls, Patrick and everyone in my life). I think sometimes I take life too seriously, which is why I can be some what of a %#!*@. But then again, maybe everyone is.
Also, I know that many may think its boring...but I do like to share/keep track of my weekly mail calls. So I may just include a snip-it at the end of a weekly post, for the sake of my job at Frugal Fabulous Finds. I really enjoy working with that blog, and hope to continue to do so during this year as well. Most of our Christmas, birthdays and parties were success because of career as the Product Review and Giveaway Specialist. I am so excited to get the mail everyday, and I love being able to share new products/companies with my friends and family, and of course my readers.
What came in the mail this week?"How We Love Our Kids" (BR via Blogging for Books at FFF), MotoGP 10/11 PS3 game (payment for a blog post via FFF via IMS), 2 packages from SAMHSA.gov (a large box of kid activities & 2 big Books about healthy living), Necklace I ordered (back in October via Accessories Direct ~ a freebie I received via SaveMore Daily), Foldable/recyclable grocery bag from National Consumer Panel (freebie), AND Carefree samples and coupons from SheSpeaks.
Media GoalsMy (Social) media goals for this year are to get more fans on FB, more followers on Twitter, and more comments/interactions for my so-called followers via Google Friend Connect. I would also like to challenge myself to comment more on the blogs I follow. I know that I don't always share what I am thinking with others, and I need to do that more.
I am also going to challenge myself to write more on the blog. Last year, I only posted about an average of 4 posts/month. I would like to at least double that if possible. I may even get a few blog prompts via BloggyMoms. They have 366 challenge going on right now, which I may take participate in.
If you have a blog, and would like me to check it out - please share it in a comment below! I would love to read about your life, as a mommy, dad, grandma, teacher, whatever...
Professional GoalsI hope that this year I will be able to finally take my place in an educational setting. I have had lots of pep talks from family (mostly, my dad) and friends. And I know that my Bachelors and Masters in Education need to put to good use someday/year...and this might be the year. I would really like to find a job that I love as a teacher, whether that be online, in a classroom, or in some other format...I know that it would be good for me as a teacher, a mom, and a person to have those goals in place/practice.
Family GoalsFor many reasons, my family (on both sides) has become strained. We no longer communicate. I would really like to talk with my family (cousins, aunts, grandparents) more often. I miss them, and wonder sometimes if they do too. I also would like to challenge myself to work on the Family Tree more. I started a personal site via Shutterfly all about family history (for both Patrick and I) and would really like to find some answers. Maybe someone out there can help me figure out a way to find things out (without having to pay a lot of money - which we don't have!).
Until next time, I hope you have a wonderful week. I am off to my 3 Month Lasik checkup tomorrow and library story time with the girls...
In 2011, our family had many highlights to remember...our beautiful daughter, Destin Paisley turned 2 years old. Patrick went on his first vacation (by himself) to Colorado, where he skied the weekend away. Our (very furry) twin "babies" turned 4 years old. Our many, many trips to the Zoo (we definitely put our "Friends of the Zoo" membership to good use!). Our summer playdates with friends. Our first family vacation to Colorado, to visit Grandpa Todd and Grandma Julie. Our baby girl, Arwen Kinsley turned 1 year old. My plunge to finally get Lasik Eye Surgery (something I have wanted for the past 10 years!). And many more memories I don't ever want to forget.
Now as we bring in the year 2012, we have so much to look forward to...and I hope that I will be able to just keep up. The whole point of this blog was to share my thoughts, experiences and of course keep track of the daily adventures of my life. And although they aren't exciting, they are mine - and that's what keeps me going. My life as a mommy and a wife.
So since it is a New Year, I thought I would change up the look of my blog a little bit. Its still a little bit in-progress, as the header (located at the top) looks a little blurry for some reason. I will have to work on that later this week. And maybe this post will encourage me to get a "new look" for myself as well. What do you think? {I am finding it really hard to believe that I have over 100 followers, since no one ever comments or shares their thoughts. Maybe I need to work on that for this year...see my media goals below!}
I have had such a hard time finding the right motivation to lose weight, eat healthy and really value myself as a person. I find myself wearing makeup only a couple times a month, and becoming more of a hermit. I really hope that this new year allows me to open up a little bit more, explore more about myself, and encourage me to interact more with the world. Maybe that can be one of my resolutions?
Does anyone keep track of resolutions any more? Maybe if you write them down, you are more pressured/challenged to finish them. Well, here a few of mine: 1) Eat healthy & lose some weight; 2) Get out of debt (slowly but surely we will find a way); 3) Be a more patient and understanding person (with the girls, Patrick and everyone in my life). I think sometimes I take life too seriously, which is why I can be some what of a %#!*@. But then again, maybe everyone is.
Also, I know that many may think its boring...but I do like to share/keep track of my weekly mail calls. So I may just include a snip-it at the end of a weekly post, for the sake of my job at Frugal Fabulous Finds. I really enjoy working with that blog, and hope to continue to do so during this year as well. Most of our Christmas, birthdays and parties were success because of career as the Product Review and Giveaway Specialist. I am so excited to get the mail everyday, and I love being able to share new products/companies with my friends and family, and of course my readers.
What came in the mail this week?"How We Love Our Kids" (BR via Blogging for Books at FFF), MotoGP 10/11 PS3 game (payment for a blog post via FFF via IMS), 2 packages from SAMHSA.gov (a large box of kid activities & 2 big Books about healthy living), Necklace I ordered (back in October via Accessories Direct ~ a freebie I received via SaveMore Daily), Foldable/recyclable grocery bag from National Consumer Panel (freebie), AND Carefree samples and coupons from SheSpeaks.
Media GoalsMy (Social) media goals for this year are to get more fans on FB, more followers on Twitter, and more comments/interactions for my so-called followers via Google Friend Connect. I would also like to challenge myself to comment more on the blogs I follow. I know that I don't always share what I am thinking with others, and I need to do that more.
I am also going to challenge myself to write more on the blog. Last year, I only posted about an average of 4 posts/month. I would like to at least double that if possible. I may even get a few blog prompts via BloggyMoms. They have 366 challenge going on right now, which I may take participate in.
If you have a blog, and would like me to check it out - please share it in a comment below! I would love to read about your life, as a mommy, dad, grandma, teacher, whatever...
Professional GoalsI hope that this year I will be able to finally take my place in an educational setting. I have had lots of pep talks from family (mostly, my dad) and friends. And I know that my Bachelors and Masters in Education need to put to good use someday/year...and this might be the year. I would really like to find a job that I love as a teacher, whether that be online, in a classroom, or in some other format...I know that it would be good for me as a teacher, a mom, and a person to have those goals in place/practice.
Family GoalsFor many reasons, my family (on both sides) has become strained. We no longer communicate. I would really like to talk with my family (cousins, aunts, grandparents) more often. I miss them, and wonder sometimes if they do too. I also would like to challenge myself to work on the Family Tree more. I started a personal site via Shutterfly all about family history (for both Patrick and I) and would really like to find some answers. Maybe someone out there can help me figure out a way to find things out (without having to pay a lot of money - which we don't have!).
Until next time, I hope you have a wonderful week. I am off to my 3 Month Lasik checkup tomorrow and library story time with the girls...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
