tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58312573498235543812024-02-20T07:23:19.684-08:00Trying To Be Super MomTrying to raise two boys to be loving responsible young men, one day at a time.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger142125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831257349823554381.post-37799691781733961002013-10-09T17:04:00.000-07:002013-10-09T17:04:00.592-07:00What do you mean I'm out of Maple Syrup?!?<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-3357524899837226718" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 546px;">
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Don't you just love breakfast-for-dinner night with those fluffy pancakes or crispy waffles that are just begging for that slathering of butter and dousing of maple syrup? The smell of bacon or sausage sizzling away, getting ready to make a new home in your belly?</div>
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There is nothing better than breakfast-for-dinner on a busy night when you really are craving something filling, tasty and <i>BAD </i>for you!</div>
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The plates are piled high, the kids are flabbergasted that Mom is making <i>BREAKFAST! </i></div>
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<i>Hold up! What's missing? Where's the syrup?!?</i></blockquote>
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Sometimes I could really kick myself. I mean full on insert-foot-in-backside kick myself!</div>
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I forgot it. Me. <i>Mea culpa.</i></div>
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Heres a quick fix to get your food on the table with a minimum of complaint about <i>"Hey, Mom! Where's the maple syrup?"</i></div>
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INGREDIENTS</div>
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2 cups sugar</div>
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1 cup boiling water</div>
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1/2 teaspoon Mapleine or other maple flavored extract.</div>
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METHOD</div>
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Bring water to a boil.</div>
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Add all of the sugar. Stir until boiling and mixture starts to turn clear.</div>
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Add the Mapleine and stir.</div>
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Remove from heat and let cool before storing in the refrigerator.</div>
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I re-purposed an Ovaltine jar for this and keep in the refrigerator. The jar I use actually holds the equivalent of two batches, so I usually just make a double batch, cool, then store. If you like your syrup warm over your pancakes and waffles, no need to cool!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831257349823554381.post-36134137240256947512013-10-08T14:39:00.000-07:002013-10-08T14:39:53.873-07:00A Fish Tail (part deux)Last week I told you all about <a href="http://tobesuper.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-fish-tail.html" target="_blank">how we acquired a few new pets</a> and all of the trouble that goes with having them.<br />
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NOW...<br />
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I am sad to announce that Fire Flame 2 has died.<br />
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WHAT IS IT ABOUT GOLDFISH, MAN?!!<br />
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While Choo Choo Train was chugging along, it seemed that Fire Flame 2 was a survivor as well. We kept the tank clean, fed them normally (no more fishies going <span style="background-color: red;"><b>KA-BOOOOM</b></span>!) and even "played" with them a bit.<br />
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<i>Did you know that goldfish like to play follow the leader? They'll follow your finger if you trace it over the side of their tank!</i></blockquote>
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Anyhooooo -<br />
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I took Logan to school last Friday and when I got home, I realized that the boys had forgotten to feed their fish that morning. I fed them the usual amount and both Choo Choo Train and Fire Flame 2 were ready to eat! About a half hour later, Fire Flame 2 was floating in an... <i>awkward</i> position in his tank.<br />
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And trust me, this time I made sure that he was dead before his "Burial at Sea."<br />
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Logan decided the next time he gets a new fish (this Friday?) he wants a Beta.<br />
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Hopefully this one will be hardier than these silly little feeder goldfish we've been getting!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831257349823554381.post-74592665299851685622013-10-01T10:34:00.001-07:002013-10-01T10:34:54.387-07:00A Fish Tail<p>Last week was the Great Kern County Fair. As always happens, we went on one of the last weeknights of the fair to avoid the pressing crowds and weirdos and we were pretty successful. It was busy of course, bit not near as busy as it could have been had it been a Friday or Saturday Night. <p>The kids enjoyed corndogs, lemonade, and a few rides (are those things REALLY all that safe?) and while Hubs and Logan went off to enjoy some of the “big Boy” games and rides that Caleb was too little for, I took him around by myself for a few kiddie rides and games. <p>One of the games was the an obvious dollar drainer; for $5.00, you get a small bucket with 30 ping pong balls and have to attempt to land one in a teeny tiny goldfish bowl to win… well, a goldfish. <p>Believe it or not, Caleb sank a ball after about 8 throws. In an attempt to just keep him busy for a few minutes and avoid a melt down at not being able to join Hubs and Brother on some rides, we ended up taking home a goldfish, complete with mobile home. <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-icik3hDPO_M/UksHpoUW-pI/AAAAAAAABWU/r_5W7yAFy7M/s1600-h/1380564_695913173770372_419106810_n%25255B16%25255D.jpg"><img title="1380564_695913173770372_419106810_n" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1380564_695913173770372_419106810_n" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-54FWB8bHg5g/UksHqkoPlVI/AAAAAAAABWc/dcoh5drt4VE/1380564_695913173770372_419106810_n_thumb%25255B14%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="278" height="331"></a> <p>If I had EVER thought that he would have been able to ACTUALLY win a goldfish, I probably never would have taken him to that game booth. Dime store stuffed animals are one thing, but a $0.29 goldfish you paid $5.00 for screams SUCKER!!!!! <p>He named it Helicopter. <p>After Caleb won his goldfish at the fair on Thursday, Logan was bummed that he didn't have one. So Saturday we loaded up the family and made a trek to the pet store to get Logan his own goldfish and a tank.</p> <p>Sunday night, Fire Flame (Logan's goldfish) bit the proverbial dust and we "buried" him at "sea" IYKWIM. He was fine with promises of a replacement when he got home from school, Fire Flame 2.</p> <p>Thank goodness he wasn’t scarred for life.</p> <p>Then Monday morning, Helicopter, Caleb's goldfish also had to endure the same treatment. </p> <p>Unfortunately for Helicopter, the damned fish started flipping around in the bowl of the toilet as it was flushed.</p> <p>Oops.</p> <p>Caleb's new fish is named Choo Choo Train. Lets hope this one puffs along longer than Helicopter.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-w1PwR9T6Aww/UksHsPT471I/AAAAAAAABWk/LjqVL2R3e8U/s1600-h/image%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-A6gggD89U3M/UksHs2oOYTI/AAAAAAAABWs/NK6RmB2fuKk/image_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="277" height="331"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_hLanitSQeo/UksHuhYIcII/AAAAAAAABW0/wutzWiU7gig/s1600-h/image_1%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="image_1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image_1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-G4BpVeIRGiE/UksHvCFLRFI/AAAAAAAABW8/sIcJiSSspiM/image_1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="277" height="331"></a></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831257349823554381.post-83026128990549947812013-09-13T08:13:00.001-07:002013-09-13T08:13:04.801-07:00A note from author Daisy Prescott about National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month<p align="justify">Instead of my usual Feature Friday post, I thought it would be a better idea to remind you all that September is <strong><font style="background-color: #4bacc6" color="#000000">National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month</font></strong>. It’s as important in the month of September as it is in the next month and the month after that one that every woman is screened regularly for all types of female cancers, including Ovarian Cancer.</p> <p align="center"><font size="5" face="Copse"><strong>A personal note from Daisy Prescott!</strong></font></p> <blockquote> <p align="justify"><em>“As you may or may not know, September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Ovarian cancer, like all cancers, sucks. It especially sucks because I lost a friend to the disease last October. ALE, as she is known to many, was the inspiration for Lizzy in Geoducks. And like Lizzy, she died way too young from fucking cancer. Readers may remember Lizzy as the friend who died five years before Geoducks takes place. She makes a few cameos in the book, including being the brunt of a Kevin Costner corpse joke that ties in with The Big Chill.</em></p> <p align="justify"><em>I'm rambling.</em></p><em> <p align="justify">In honor of ALE and Lizzy, and the numerous other women in this country to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer, I'm donating 50% of my royalties in September to Ovarian Cancer National Alliance. Both ebook and paperback. </p> <p align="justify">Let's pretend it's September 1st and I'm starting this campaign on time...</p> <p align="justify">Buy the book, gift the book. Let's raise some money for ovarian cancer research and kick cancer's ass.”</p> <p align="center"><font style="background-color: #ffff00" size="4"><strong>Added bonus, Geoducks' ebooks will be on a flash sale this weekend for 99 cents!</strong></font></em></p></blockquote> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GTzsS0MpZh4/UjMrc7yo4rI/AAAAAAAABA8/AzbDjGkiFXw/s1600-h/1235482_405546349567207_1183519271_n%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="1235482_405546349567207_1183519271_n" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="1235482_405546349567207_1183519271_n" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-E1Hho2h6Fmo/UjMrd5rf7qI/AAAAAAAABBE/18-ekRnn6Lw/1235482_405546349567207_1183519271_n.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="480"></a></p> <p align="center"><strong><font style="background-color: #4bacc6">If you don’t have this book already, get it. You’ll love it as much as I do and it’s for a great cause, <em>National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month</em>. If you already have a copy, that’s fantastic! Leave her a review at Amazon or on Barnes and Noble and then gift a copy to a friend!</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font style="background-color: #4bacc6">You can buy Daisy Prescott’s book, <em>Geoducks Are For Lovers</em> at</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><a title="Click to Buy" href="http://www.amazon.com/Geoducks-Are-Lovers-Daisy-Prescott/dp/0989438732/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379046050&sr=8-1&keywords=geoducks+are+for+lovers" target="_blank"><img title="amazon-button" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="amazon-button" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RqqLt1g6sp8/UjMreqIc-UI/AAAAAAAABBM/RQ0YvS4xnME/amazon-button8.png?imgmax=800" width="188" height="210"></a><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/geoducks-are-for-lovers-daisy-prescott/1116307986?ean=9780989438735" target="_blank"><img title="2-Barnes-Noble-Buy-Button-Small" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2-Barnes-Noble-Buy-Button-Small" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PQKEpdINtbg/UjMrfLTtAEI/AAAAAAAABBU/AwuYZO1ppMc/2-Barnes-Noble-Buy-Button-Small9.png?imgmax=800" width="188" height="210"></a></p> <p align="center"><strong><font style="background-color: #4bacc6">Click below for more information about National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month or the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.ovariancancer.org/"><img title="OCNA" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="OCNA" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-o0TdRnJTdF8/UjMrfzSMewI/AAAAAAAABBc/xvwb0TBKbmA/OCNA6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="274" height="100"></a></p> <p align="center">**Cross posted with <a href="http://nightreads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><u>Night Reads</u></a>**</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831257349823554381.post-18582935077355302832013-07-26T10:55:00.002-07:002013-07-26T10:55:59.973-07:00Why Legoland Could be Better Than Disneyland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm not gonna lie. I LOVE Disneyland! I love the rides, the characters, the corn dogs! But we recently returned from a trip to Legoland, and let me tell you, Legoland beats Disneyland in several ways.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiD_1OMynM4VDJFk0DQVVaEY5x7pT0VvAY-PqBejl5vz5kWv2iHgfl4u_U2EIMqqsgwYOs0islrvqe1Q8fVenCVe-FRjHl0HAiFbpOeP7TKp9kGqowXrJK7UojFzAZhURNoekWmZMtBsey/s1600/077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiD_1OMynM4VDJFk0DQVVaEY5x7pT0VvAY-PqBejl5vz5kWv2iHgfl4u_U2EIMqqsgwYOs0islrvqe1Q8fVenCVe-FRjHl0HAiFbpOeP7TKp9kGqowXrJK7UojFzAZhURNoekWmZMtBsey/s200/077.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
#1 The majority of the rides at Legoland are more accessible for little kids. Having kids under the age of four is a hard thing to deal with when you want to enjoy rides with the whole family, and with the exception of a few, most rides are perfectly acceptable for the smallest of kids. Of all the rides we enjoyed, there were only one or two that our almost three year old couldn't ride. Plus they're scattered around the park, as opposed to being concentrated in one area.<br />
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Another great thing that Legoland has that Disneyland doesn't are the activity areas in the longest wait lines. Each line on these rides has a central Lego play area packed full of Legos, Duplos, tables, benches and race tracks that keep your kids occupied until it's time to ride. (Parents are welcome to play, too!) Another bonus? The boys asked for less snacks while waiting in line because they were kept busy and not bored.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9zKJUdbg96LoZ4AtZVTkgyIW60yQjFRCCSqOkLhJ_ZJR33OL_A2fD1MwrKxsR4Y0HZSG3v8YB0A7GMcpx0dsYvU2ze_9bFatLvTES_Mf5AOcxurUd0WiCkFT4xMUCj5vgV22BNpThIvw/s1600/091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9zKJUdbg96LoZ4AtZVTkgyIW60yQjFRCCSqOkLhJ_ZJR33OL_A2fD1MwrKxsR4Y0HZSG3v8YB0A7GMcpx0dsYvU2ze_9bFatLvTES_Mf5AOcxurUd0WiCkFT4xMUCj5vgV22BNpThIvw/s200/091.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUWw7XbMHonqHMi1XRiSKe-gkEGvwkAjhUzze9YFknzqeDQ5cZhjyU66ySZw0RX1YljPbs0VPhO8pS0lYxX-jbGLzvV3jzOMt3MtwuD6xAUv9R_ucz6zLgcHJ1U2Z0IF4Tx8RZxmI0jWF/s1600/185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUWw7XbMHonqHMi1XRiSKe-gkEGvwkAjhUzze9YFknzqeDQ5cZhjyU66ySZw0RX1YljPbs0VPhO8pS0lYxX-jbGLzvV3jzOMt3MtwuD6xAUv9R_ucz6zLgcHJ1U2Z0IF4Tx8RZxmI0jWF/s200/185.JPG" width="200" /></a>#2 The whole park is full of Lego characters that your kids will instantly recognize if they're huge Lego fanatics. From the simple yellow mini-figure Lego man and Cop to Darth Vader, There are plenty of mama-razzi photo ops around the park.<br />
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#3 You are not going to find your typical theme-park food here. Legoland seems to have a much more healthier bent on their food choices, so you can easily find fruit cups, sandwiches, and grilled meat dishes more readily. We started out our morning in the park with a couple of fruit cups split between the four of us. Fresh strawberries and watermelon anyone? And here's a secret: after 5:00 PM children's meals are free at select eateries in the park. That's right! A typical kids meal in the park costs around $8.25, but dinner for the kiddos is free. EXCELLENT!<br />
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#4 Occasionally you'll find when traveling through a theme-park with kids, they start to get restless and cranky. Legoland has solved this issue with it's GIANT centrally located play structure. It's three stories of rope ladders, stairs, slides, tubes and midget heathens running their little butts off. We stopped here twice and both the of our boys said that it was their favorite part of the park!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4fCG7eIgNyLc4MXdCPqNZl59d_8x-lM_ZUoudI6kdzTxiTlcnC_z1UiAOYw-RqD-GnvD9OCQDOB9V_PljNxednSwqu-D5zxl9K2SjNiVEBLw35KQ_JZ2Jl5T3NChlv3Fyr2N2oEuuSrV/s1600/104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4fCG7eIgNyLc4MXdCPqNZl59d_8x-lM_ZUoudI6kdzTxiTlcnC_z1UiAOYw-RqD-GnvD9OCQDOB9V_PljNxednSwqu-D5zxl9K2SjNiVEBLw35KQ_JZ2Jl5T3NChlv3Fyr2N2oEuuSrV/s200/104.JPG" width="200" /></a>#5 Probably the most important part of spending time in a theme park is locating easily accessible bathrooms. Again, I think Legoland has done a great job in making sure they are highly visible and CLEAN. I swear that at no time I used a bathroom was there any mess in toilets, no toilet paper strewn across the floor, or messy diaper change areas. Not even an overflowing trash can could be found. Also, the restrooms smelled nice, a plus on a hot summer day in a full park.<br />
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Despite my love for Disneyland (and I love it A LOT!) This turned out to be a great choice for us. It's obviously more boy friendly (princesses are few and far between!) as well. Give it a chance and I bet you'll want to go back like we do!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831257349823554381.post-18722608428275786592013-07-12T18:57:00.000-07:002013-07-12T19:02:38.490-07:00The Sunshine Vox Box from Influenster!<div>
Normally I would do a vlog on this, but since the kiddos are rambunctious and the camera does crappy videos, y'all will just have to settle for this, m'kay?<br />
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This summer <a href="http://influenster.com/" target="_blank">Influenster</a> sent out what they call the Sunkissed Vox Box. You'll remember that last year, I received <a href="http://tobesuper.blogspot.com/search/label/Influenster.com" target="_blank">two Vox Boxes</a> from them.<br />
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First up is the Dr. Scholl's for her inserts for high heels. I RARELY wear heels, so I don't think I'll even use these.</div>
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Next up we have this nail polish from SinfulShine, available exclusively at Walgreens. I received a full-size sample of their color called Manhunt; it's kind of a camo-green color with some sparkle. I'm not really a fan of the color, but at only $2.99 a bottle, I think I'll pick up a shade that I prefer at a later date.</div>
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Next up is the Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream. It's a tinted moisturizer with SPF 25. Supposedly you can go without makeup and get similar coverage effects if foundation without it feeling heavy and caked on. I've tried this several times and found that it went on quickly and easily however didn't seem to provide enough moisture.</div>
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Last, but certainly not least, we come to the Goody Ouchless Ribbon Elastics. This is probably my favorite thing this time around and I LOVE THEM! I have super fine slippery hair and these actually hold my ponytail in place through chasing after the boys and jumping around in the backyard. They haven't left funky creases in my hair and are gentle on my scalp. Usually with even the smallest of hair elastics, after about 15 minutes of activity, they're sliding out unless they're wrapped so tightly they give me the look of a face lift. Plus when you wear them around your wrist (because what girl hasn't dropped that habit; remember Scrunchies?) they're colorful enough to dress up a T and jeans and not lose your hair elastic. I bet you could untie these, put a little bling on them, and make them even cuter!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831257349823554381.post-13715884344491329382013-06-28T19:23:00.000-07:002013-06-28T19:41:59.218-07:00Confessions of a Ranch-aholicHello. My name is Stephanie and I’m a Ranch-aholic.<br />
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I love Ranch on anything.<br />
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Hell, everything!<br />
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But what I don’t like is the ranch you buy at the grocery store that’s so full of ingredients that are impossible to pronounce and that taste like a chemical reaction gone bad in my mouth.<br />
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So I've been searching, hoping, and waiting for a homemade ranch mix to drop into my lap and I finally found one!<br />
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<a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/16184879883115229"></a>
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I made this myself from ingredients I already had in my spice cabinet. I only left out the chives she listed, simply because I didn't have them and it’s not something I keep around.<br />
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It was DE-LISH and is better than anything you can find in a bottle!<br />
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Gwen has even listed a recipe for a “Try It” sized amount, so you can make a quick batch for dinner and try it before committing to the full recipe. Check it out and tell me what you think!<br />
<script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831257349823554381.post-77656199785716798242013-02-27T13:14:00.001-08:002013-02-27T13:15:56.981-08:00Got buttermilk?<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lj1rLaoy-JU/US53SOcdTVI/AAAAAAAAAV4/Mq_bzD2_vVM/s1600-h/buttermilksub%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="buttermilksub" border="0" alt="buttermilksub" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WnaOzF1wKmY/US53TIeOI6I/AAAAAAAAAWA/x1hb0UNMPeo/buttermilksub_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="374"></a></p> <p><a href="//pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" data-pin-config="beside"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png"></a></p> <p>I love Ranch dressing, especially when it’s homemade with buttermilk!</p> <p>And you’d think that as much as I love my Ranch, I’d keep a container of buttermilk in my fridge, but alas, it isn’t so. So here’s a quick “how-to” you can use when you run out or just don’t feel like spending money on an ingredient you rarely use.</p> <p><strong>What you’ll need:</strong></p> <ul> <li>1-cup measuring cup <li>1Tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice <li>Milk (any kind should work, my family drinks 2% and it works great!)</li></ul> <p>In your measuring cup combine 1Tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and a scant enough milk to fill to the top. Let it sit on your counter for <em>at least</em> five minutes and use as you would in any recipe calling for buttermilk. Don’t freak out when you see the fat from the milk floating on top. That’s the point!</p> <p>Yep. That easy!</p><a href="//pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" data-pin-config="beside"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png"></a> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831257349823554381.post-7609597237274366452013-02-26T09:17:00.001-08:002013-02-26T09:17:33.913-08:00DIY: Room Deodorizer and Air Freshener<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o4bz6qRxeaM/USzt91rlaYI/AAAAAAAAARU/8Vr_yZfg58g/s1600-h/PicMonkey-Collage3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="DIY Room Deodorizer and Air Freshener" border="0" alt="DIY Room Deodorizer and Air Freshener" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zU-dc25-KWk/USzt-oxajvI/AAAAAAAAARc/twHXATbMaxw/PicMonkey-Collage_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="361"></a></p> <p><a href="//pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonBookmark"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png"></a></p> <p>One of the pitfalls of living in a house full of men (little or otherwise) is learning to deal with <em>stank</em>. That’s right, stank; more than stink and well on it’s way to <em>rank!</em></p> <p>I’ve spent a lot of money the last few years on air fresheners, smelly candles, and scent boosters for the laundry, but they’ve all been a fairly temporary solution to a continuing issue. So what’s a mom to do? </p> <p>I have seen some pretty neat and quick ideas for making your own air fresheners at home, either by melting or warming with your Scentsy warmer or by using essential oils mixed with baking soda to make a custom scent for your home.</p> <p>Rather than keeping my Scentsy warmer on all day in the stinkiest of places (the hall bath) I decided to combine two pins I saw on Pinterest this week and make my own with what I already had on hand!</p> <p>To make one of these for yourself, you will need the following:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-v-lcyq7lW4Y/USzt_47APoI/AAAAAAAAARk/UNCqYISYI-8/s1600-h/0035.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="003" border="0" alt="003" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0or43qZ4rIE/USzuAUFUX6I/AAAAAAAAARs/-yDUZTBL7MY/003_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="274"></a></p> <ul> <li>1 empty, clean, DRY jar with a lid <li>Baking soda, enough to fill your jar half-way <li>In-laundry scent booster of your choice. I used <em>Downey Unstopables</em> in <em>Fresh</em> because it was what I had. <li>Spoon <li>Dry-erase marker <li>Hammer <li>Small nail, like a finishing nail <li>Piece of scrapbook paper cut to fit the lid (optional)</li></ul> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-J__aXStz6_w/USzuCPQCJbI/AAAAAAAAAR0/LxzNmp1l63s/s1600-h/0084.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="008" border="0" alt="008" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5ApBap9KJx0/USzuCpPE-3I/AAAAAAAAAR8/0thcHBgLy0g/008_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="266"></a></p> <p>Start by filling your jar about halfway with baking soda. I used a small canning jar, so it only took about three tablespoons of baking soda. The baking soda acts as a deodorizer by absorbing odors from the air.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-U-Iq_a5Xi-U/USzuD_wfhNI/AAAAAAAAASE/aJmDKZ126u8/s1600-h/0113.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="011" border="0" alt="011" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Oxs5mVjSV8I/USzuEONpUaI/AAAAAAAAASM/7QwdAV2Bz3U/011_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4tFs8p91HwQ/USzuFSnHL4I/AAAAAAAAASU/d-goIp9S9zA/s1600-h/0123.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="012" border="0" alt="012" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WeAoceWurAo/USzuGIzJMII/AAAAAAAAASc/ziUByle6bQM/012_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>Next pour in enough of your scent-booster beads to cover the top of the baking soda. At this stage you can either choose to mix them in with the baking soda or leave them “floating” on top. I left mine on top because I like the layered look. The scent-booster beads give off a really refreshing amount of scent without being perfumey.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CqLzscfihnE/USzuHAdedWI/AAAAAAAAASk/LOhgsjaa8o0/s1600-h/0144.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="014" border="0" alt="014" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-h0Uh7iqO3bU/USzuIPN5C1I/AAAAAAAAASs/943dh2BAYZI/014_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="266"></a></p> <p>Put your lid on the jar and start marking out a piercing pattern with your dry-erase marker. If you don’t have a dry-erase marker, a Sharpie is fine to use as well, you’ll just need to wipe it off later with rubbing alcohol.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6cIjx0rx1oY/USzuJJPcwWI/AAAAAAAAAS0/gXF4ZBFjuVI/s1600-h/0174.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="017" border="0" alt="017" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PaGL07XLEo4/USzuJiIRTkI/AAAAAAAAAS8/Dx4iQqEJNEk/017_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="266"></a></p> <p>With your hammer, gently tap the nail over each dot you drew for your pattern. You do not want the nail to go all the way through the lid, just enough to make a tiny hole for the air to filter through. <em>Be careful of wayward thumbs and fingers!</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3MSbBpEIKEE/USzuKhiuX3I/AAAAAAAAATE/xZ5mQYAtgGM/s1600-h/0184.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="018" border="0" alt="018" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oG6yVrOFIw4/USzuLPeQYjI/AAAAAAAAATM/cMLyu70_LAs/018_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="266"></a></p> <p>When you have finished piercing all of your holes, give the top of the lid a wipe down to get rid of the dry-erase marks. You can either leave the jar like this, or decorate with scrapbook paper and ribbon to make it pretty! I recommend that if you use a piece of paper over the lid, carefully pierce the paper with the nail over the lid through the same holes you made earlier; that way, the airflow stays uninterrupted.</p> <p>I made four of these this week; one for each bathroom, one for the master bedroom, and one for Hub’s office at work! So far these seem to work best in a warm environment, like on a window sill or on a high shelf near a heating vent.</p> <p>If you like this tutorial, let me know by pinning or leaving a comment! And if you happen to make one for yourself, make sure to show it off!</p><a href="//pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonBookmark"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png"></a> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831257349823554381.post-55757423602170422942013-02-21T11:23:00.000-08:002013-02-21T11:23:25.249-08:00Crockpot Chicken and DumplingsA few weeks ago, I told you about a new recipe (at least new to me!) that I found for Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>.<br><br> <div style="padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/16184879882937317/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/16184879882937317_xqL8L6Tg_c.jpg" width="209" height="157"></a></div> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px"> <div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px">Source: <a style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline" href="http://busycooks.about.com/od/chickenrecipe1/r/cpchickendumpli.htm">busycooks.about.com</a> via <a style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline" href="http://pinterest.com/stephabelle77/" target="_blank">Stephanie</a> on <a style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline" href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div> <p> </p> <p>As good as my house smelled all day, it was an unfortunate bust for us. I’m not sure if it was the combination of seasonings, my crockpot or what, but neither the boys or I were very impressed with this dish.</p> <p>But Hubs ate it.</p> <p>Probably just to make me feel better.</p> <p>Do you have a favorite Chicken and Dumplings recipe that turns out great every time? Let me know so I can try it out too!</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831257349823554381.post-20885505508562581872012-10-23T11:57:00.000-07:002012-10-23T11:57:21.453-07:00What do you want more of?So I know I've completely neglected the blog in the last few months, other than the occasional review or giveaway I think that's because my focus on what I wanted to do here has become muddled. So this is where you all come in! Over on the sidebar (over there --------->) is a poll. Pick one, pick them all to voice your opinion. If you want something else completely different, let me know in the comments. You can also tell me if you enjoy reading and the giveaways or not; feel free to comment on anything. Thanks!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831257349823554381.post-73182306608771670582012-10-23T11:39:00.002-07:002012-10-23T11:39:22.272-07:00Latte@Home Winner!Congrats to Julie (#6) She won the <a href="mailto:Latte@Home">Latte@Home</a> giveaway! You have 48 hours to respond to collect your prize!<br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6a47be18/" id="rc-6a47be18" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831257349823554381.post-31260638434829131692012-10-12T20:21:00.000-07:002012-10-17T15:12:32.970-07:00What makes my morning with my latte better!<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As many mommies do these days, we have many places we go to look for helpful advice, something to commiserate about, or just something to help start our day off with a smile.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of my favorite blogs to check out is the <a href="http://www.oneboredmommy.com/" target="_blank">One Bored Mommy blog</a>, run by friend of mine from high school. I always check in every day (and sometimes several times a day!) for a daily dose of inspiration, a funny story about her family, or just to see the newest reviews she has going.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For an extra dose of humor, and as a way of reassuring myself that I'm not crazy (and neither is she!) is<a href="http://thatblondmom.com/" target="_blank"> That Blond Mom</a>. With a real flair for writing and a stinging wit, I always know exactly where to go for a great laugh.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thanks to <a href="http://thebreakfastproject.com/" target="_blank">The Breakfast Project</a> and <a href="http://themotherhood.com/">themotherhood.com</a> I have a great new mug to drink my morning coffee with while enjoying my morning reads!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I received this little (actually it's quite big!) gift in the mail and you can win a <a href="mailto:Latte@Home">Latte@Home</a> package too! Also if you visit <a href="http://thebreakfastproject.com/">TheBreakfastProject.com</a>, enter the Latte Love Sweepstakes for a chance to a Latte Lovers Essentials kit or the latest Keurig brewing system to make your mornings even better!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Enter my <a href="mailto:Latte@Home">Latte@Home</a> giveaway below! Good luck!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXL2pn7M7kehycigi4f4zentAS1W2rdEGyZsUTjaPlLnisj8cUHOZ93g2PYSteTLDnIS2d4_64dyvSNKFcozHyV6E9hymIcH2S9QUXP1yP6m0zXzVLZxu9L1V5bQdMx_Fqn6BRpdljl4mJ/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXL2pn7M7kehycigi4f4zentAS1W2rdEGyZsUTjaPlLnisj8cUHOZ93g2PYSteTLDnIS2d4_64dyvSNKFcozHyV6E9hymIcH2S9QUXP1yP6m0zXzVLZxu9L1V5bQdMx_Fqn6BRpdljl4mJ/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6a47be18/" id="rc-6a47be18" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831257349823554381.post-12901177051752855942012-10-04T09:25:00.004-07:002012-10-04T09:25:37.181-07:00Latte Love Twitter party!<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em>What:</em></strong> I am co-hosting a Twitter party to talk about making your breakfast better with an at-home latte! Americans love their lattes, and with one serving of fat free milk adding nine essential nutrients but only 80 calories and no fat, lattes love you back. Join us to chat about how you can get a nutritious and delicious start to your day.<br /><br /><b><i>When: </i></b>Thursday, October 4, at 1 p.m. ET. It will last one hour.<br /><br /><b><i>Where: </i></b>The party will take place on Twitter, using the <b>#LatteLove</b> hashtag.<br /><br /><b><i>Who: </i></b>@theMotherhood, @CooperMunroe, @EmilyMcKhann will be hosting.<br /><br /><b><i>Prizes:</i> </b>We will give away five Latte Lovers Essentials prize packs throughout the Twitter party! Each one will include a Bodum milk frother, Latte Love mug, 8 oz. Lavazza coffee, Torani syrup, McCormick spices, recipe card & coupon. <br /><br /><b><i>Twtvite: </i></b>For more details, and to RSVP, click here! </span><span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://www.twtvite.com/lattelove" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">http://www.twtvite.com/<wbr></wbr>lattelove</span></a></u></span><b><br /></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Want a sneak peek? Enter the Latte Love Sweepstakes on Facebook - <span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MilkMustache/app_374172189320016" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>MilkMustache/app_<wbr></wbr>374172189320016</a></u></span> - now through October 9, for a chance to win a Latte Lovers Essentials kit or Keurig brewing system! You can also find easy tips, recipes & ideas for making lattes, cappuccinos or other coffee drinks at home on The Breakfast Project, <span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MilkMustache" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>MilkMustache</a></u></span> or </span><a href="http://www.milkmustache.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">http://www.milkmustache.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<br /></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>For at-home latte recipe ideas and inspiration, check out these links:</b><br />Nine-Nutrient Boost: </span><span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://www.milkmustache.com/recipes/nine-nutrient-boost/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">http://www.milkmustache.com/<wbr></wbr>recipes/nine-nutrient-boost/</span></a></u></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Morning Pick-Me-Up: </span><span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://www.milkmustache.com/recipes/morning-pick-me-up/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">http://www.milkmustache.com/<wbr></wbr>recipes/morning-pick-me-up/</span></a></u></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ooh La Latte: <span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://www.milkmustache.com/recipes/ooh-la-latte/" target="_blank">http://www.milkmustache.com/<wbr></wbr>recipes/ooh-la-latte/</a></u></span> </span><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831257349823554381.post-46632766019413792672012-10-02T11:57:00.002-07:002012-10-02T11:57:32.850-07:00Progresso Prize Pack Winner!Congrats Shay!<br />
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<strong>Shay</strong><a href="http://tobesuper.blogspot.com/2012/09/new-progresso-light-soups-prize-pack.html?showComment=1348169200207#c4707068428531049079"><strong>September 20, 2012 12:26 PM</strong></a><br />
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<strong>Baked potato? omnomnomnom!</strong></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831257349823554381.post-65292448490790612372012-09-20T11:46:00.000-07:002012-09-20T11:46:46.590-07:00New Progresso Light Soups Prize-Pack Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQu5gXQppGv8XrsszFtxtpu3xzyxIStqptqnesvbxcuFbpaGnu6lvICBiaMWEv9qLVpxssNO6GzVvO7oHNVOizIsSDvGe2AnH8KRQvwYT9oIT2FDaFQjvvXN_nHNiTTFmDeCDn293y2Ys0/s1600/PROG_4Color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQu5gXQppGv8XrsszFtxtpu3xzyxIStqptqnesvbxcuFbpaGnu6lvICBiaMWEv9qLVpxssNO6GzVvO7oHNVOizIsSDvGe2AnH8KRQvwYT9oIT2FDaFQjvvXN_nHNiTTFmDeCDn293y2Ys0/s320/PROG_4Color.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Craving rich and creamy flavors, but don’t want to splurge on calories? With two new creamy flavors, <a href="http://goo.gl/lK6CS" target="_blank">Progresso</a>® Light soups are giving those who are managing their weight a new reason to celebrate! At 100 calories per serving, now you can indulge in warm, creamy soups like Light Creamy Potato with Bacon and Cheese* and Light Chicken Pot Pie Style* without feeling guilty. Packed with indulgent, satisfying flavor, these two new Light creamy soups are the perfect way to make thoughtful eating decisions without sacrificing incredible taste. <div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2NFfeVQwGxHmZMKv9WD7Nk63pqjI0D7apjkHStwN9iD3NbEPJL4IxMnLZ-sf5Fqk0F1ujoY2yEXIIH_qfsd3_GEZbO3SHi5m1jC7vnUYDpqot7EmqDNak3v1KrshLxClb2HezRcZVJPj/s1600/Progresso_boards_v10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2NFfeVQwGxHmZMKv9WD7Nk63pqjI0D7apjkHStwN9iD3NbEPJL4IxMnLZ-sf5Fqk0F1ujoY2yEXIIH_qfsd3_GEZbO3SHi5m1jC7vnUYDpqot7EmqDNak3v1KrshLxClb2HezRcZVJPj/s320/Progresso_boards_v10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li>These two new <a href="http://goo.gl/lK6CS" target="_blank">Progresso</a> Light creamy soups are joining the lineup of more than 40 flavorful soups that are 100 calories or less per serving </li>
<li>These Weight Watchers® endorsed soups have 100 calories and a 2 PointsPlus® value per serving </li>
<li>The Creamy Potato with Bacon & Cheese variety boasts pieces of potato with savory bacon and rich cheese flavor </li>
<li>The Chicken Pot Pie Style variety exudes a home-style essence with cuts of white-meat chicken, hearty potatoes and classic vegetables* </li>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Light Chicken Pot Pie Style: At least 33% fewer calories than regular ready-to-serve soups. Light Creamy Potato with Bacon & Cheese: 50% fewer calories than the leading potato, cheese, and bacon ready-to serve soup. See nutrition information for sodium content.</span> </div>
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In addition, visit <a href="http://goo.gl/WbbPS">http://goo.gl/WbbPS</a> to download a printable coupon for $1.25 off the purchase of 4 cans of <a href="http://goo.gl/lK6CS" target="_blank">Progresso®</a> soup. Be sure to share this coupon with your family and friends so they too can take advantage of the savings and try Progresso Light creamy soups today!</div>
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I get the honor of sharing something fanatstic with all of my readers too! You can receive a prize-pack just like I did! Just leave a comment on this post with your thoughts on which<a href="http://goo.gl/lK6CS" target="_blank"> Progresso</a> Light creamy soup you
are looking forward to trying. For an extra entry, like <a href="http://goo.gl/2WZKV" target="_blank">Progresso on Facebook</a> and comment back on this post that you did. Easy Peasy!
I'll randomly pick a winner on September 27th and your prize-pack will be mailed out to you. As always, the winner has 48 hours to respond.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqizCaIvdaIkyZZkXFQ9-45j0XXry9RBsh9xCx6Wz0k-KwKalb9QiUb3LTVGAap7nWQcdz9k9A4aV9NrXnasBB22Hok8g0yFG2CScI3SLXUBQH9xrizA40mZhvHcIfi1WhZQ9yWwTK44M/s1600/Progresso_Light_Creme_Prize_Pack_Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqizCaIvdaIkyZZkXFQ9-45j0XXry9RBsh9xCx6Wz0k-KwKalb9QiUb3LTVGAap7nWQcdz9k9A4aV9NrXnasBB22Hok8g0yFG2CScI3SLXUBQH9xrizA40mZhvHcIfi1WhZQ9yWwTK44M/s320/Progresso_Light_Creme_Prize_Pack_Photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;"><strong>**I was not compensated in any
way for this giveaway, except for the prize-pack I received courtesy of MyBlogSpark.com and Progresso. All opinions are my own and that of my family.**</strong></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831257349823554381.post-60678776726055413132012-09-05T11:07:00.000-07:002012-09-05T11:07:21.691-07:00That Moment When......you realize you're babies are all grown up.<br />
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It's time for this momma to realize that there are no more babies in her house. Logan is officially a Kindergartner. He has no problems being away from me at all; in fact, he can't wait for me to drop him off at school and leave. Every morning though, he still asks for me to walk him to the Kindergartner's playground, so that still makes me feel needed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSbopCdXmoBR0uk0GSAdjJjQDGCKXpB7oh5WMk0UKhqyKXN5af90p0i2R1J5LutozcEhR0l9-vJ6t1jn0u-O7slHblVcL6y-t0L3u1T84Vhgm19ZQ3TyR9OZ9AGDNJp8u5A9Llr7MuNIT/s1600/First+Day+Of+Kindergarten+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSbopCdXmoBR0uk0GSAdjJjQDGCKXpB7oh5WMk0UKhqyKXN5af90p0i2R1J5LutozcEhR0l9-vJ6t1jn0u-O7slHblVcL6y-t0L3u1T84Vhgm19ZQ3TyR9OZ9AGDNJp8u5A9Llr7MuNIT/s320/First+Day+Of+Kindergarten+004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Until he wipes off my kisses and shrugs out of hugs.<br />
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Caleb just turned two this past weekend. He's officially a toddler now. This makes me sad because it signifies that I am not a mother of a little boy and a baby, but I now have two little boys that are growing rapidly.<br />
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<a href="http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac42/Stephabelle77/53C6D93D-6A73-4F24-A922-38EACF0D52A6-742-000000849DAEAD76.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac42/Stephabelle77/53C6D93D-6A73-4F24-A922-38EACF0D52A6-742-000000849DAEAD76.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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And things are changing quickly around the house too. Caleb is sad every time we leave Logan at school, so much that some days he's inconsolable until after lunch. I guess a good meal cures everything, right?<br />
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Trying to establish a new routine around Caleb has certainly been a challenge. He refuses to take his naps when he usually does, so this puts a damper on things. We're trying to find our way together at home, just the two of us.<br />
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Until it's his turn to start Kindergarten.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831257349823554381.post-9170858228279238992012-08-27T08:49:00.001-07:002012-08-27T08:49:11.813-07:00Nature's Sleep Memory Foam Slippers Giveaway Winner!Congratulations to Taylor (#128) for winning the Nature's Sleep Memory Foam Slippers Giveaway! You have 48 hours to respond!<br />
<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6a47be17/" id="rc-6a47be17" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831257349823554381.post-75593990979653049872012-08-16T10:55:00.000-07:002012-08-30T08:37:27.254-07:00Win $750.00 Worth Of Art Supplies For Your Child's School from Snikiddy!It's back to school time! Schools are in dire need of support from parents and this giveaway from Snikiddy is your chance to make a difference in your child's classroom!<br />
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Snikiddy was founded by Mary Schulman and her mother, Snikiddy® was created for families actively looking for healthier foods that satisfy their snack cravings.<br />
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We did a product review and giveaway for Snikiddy back in <a href="http://tobesuper.blogspot.com/2012/04/snikiddy-snacks-review-and-giveaway.html" target="_blank">April</a>, so I know you all want a chance to get in on this chance too! The <a href="http://tobesuper.blogspot.com/2012/04/snikiddy-snacks-review-and-giveaway.html" target="_blank">April giveaway</a> was our most successful to date!<br />
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Snikiddy is offering a fun sweepstakes on their<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/wf/18772174880?sk=app_180407758759034&app_dat" target="_blank"> Facebook page</a> August 29th-September 19th. They will offer one (1) winner $750 worth of art supplies that they can give to a school of their choice. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://tobesuper.blogspot.com/2012/04/snikiddy-snacks-review-and-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbBu06NSahyphenhyphenK-vGgrqNIaq6UNn4ApCWuqe73MpAWaX95D5U0i1fgMMLPw1x0HOXDAPgNtW7uPlPcwQg8-8OPVwvYaO9iQLUUpXY3QL6JAJB3bbNwlD35JNYQlCQXAAjMfnydCZrGHcDav/s400/art+contest+image.png" width="400" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831257349823554381.post-51663556577232681982012-08-13T12:31:00.000-07:002012-08-13T12:31:41.137-07:00Back To School GiftingSchool is back in session sooner than you know it and what better way to show your appreciation for your child’s teacher than with a great Back To School gift! There have been TONS of great ideas on Pinterest lately for teacher gifts, ranging from "Teacher Survival Kits" and plants to boxes of pencils and packages of paper for use in the classroom.<br />
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Below are some of the cute ideas I've come across in the last few weeks, but what ALL parents really want to know is: What do our children's teachers REALLY want/need?<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/16184879881837363/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/65372632061252728_N09hwJLZ_c.jpg" width="174" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://everydayscrapbook.blogspot.com/2011/08/new-teacher-gift.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">everydayscrapbook.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/stephabelle77/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stephanie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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A reusable cup to keep the teacher hydrated + a bunch of pencils for the classroom = dual purpose gifting! A simple and inexpensive idea, especially if you have several children in school.<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/16184879881837439/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/53409945551231648_bWrxnnL5_c.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/3Steps.ADHD" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">facebook.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/stephabelle77/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stephanie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Personalized classroom decor!
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/16184879881678613/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/239887117621988061_kDTfIBmp_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://triplenap.blogspot.com/2010/08/teacher-survival-kits.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">triplenap.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/stephabelle77/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stephanie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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The "Teacher Survival Kit" could include pain reliever, hand sanitizer, lip balm, vitamin C drops, and a meal replacement bar to help get them through the first hectic week and beyond.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831257349823554381.post-17275437543539036152012-08-10T12:01:00.002-07:002012-08-10T12:47:10.525-07:00Nature's Sleep Slipper Review and Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRvyYh0PUYetDvC3DoU0DaHuRQB4bf0fXssPCn_77s5g1whLWy6Gbz7TloezzqqavptduY4ItfpuUy3Qw4kIuyENeWjmYaF3maErIqAchGpi5rdJsQbgNKfLR6SVLvkjmr6QHghc-BgVx/s1600/naturessleep.png" /></div>
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As a mom-blogger and sometimes reviewer, I get quite a few things sent to me have the boys try out. This time though, it’s all about mommy and comfort! <br />
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<a href="http://www.naturessleep.com/" target="_blank">Nature's Sleep</a> is known for their memory foam mattresses and pillows, and now they have a line of luxury goods they’ve introduced by adding slippers and pet beds with the same memory foam technology as their mattresses, pillows, and toppers. <br />
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As part of being a <a href="http://www.naturessleep.com/" target="_blank">Nature’s Sleep</a> blogger, I received a pair of their memory foam slippers to review, free of charge. I chose the closed toe design in Sand, which is also available in Pale Blue and Pink and retails on their website for $30.00. They also have an open toe version of the same slipper in Lavender, Pale Blue, and Mocha which retail for $25.00. <br />
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It took me a while to wrestle these slippers away from my boys; after trying them on for myself, I soon realized why! They’re cushy, smooshy, and comfy. <br />
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<a href="http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac42/Stephabelle77/cf067422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac42/Stephabelle77/cf067422.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love how lightweight these feel, not like you’re dragging an extra ten pounds around on your feet. They have a hard bottom sole, making it easy to take a quick run to the mailbox or the curb to put out the trash can. <br />
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Even better, these look great too; I know I’ll have no issues putting these on with my jeans this winter for a quick jaunt to the grocery store for milk and still look great doing it. <br />
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You can find Nature’s Sleep’s slippers and their entire range of products on the web at <a href="http://www.naturessleep.com/">www.naturessleep.com</a>, on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/naturessleep" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, on <a href="https://twitter.com/Natures_Sleep" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and even on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/naturessleep" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Buy Them!</strong></span> <br />
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Nature’s Sleep Closed Toe Terry Slippers with Memory Foam retail for $30.00 at the Nature’s Sleep at <a href="http://www.naturessleep.com/">www.naturessleep.com</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Win Them!</strong></span><br />
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One of my lucky readers can win a pair for themselves! It’s easy to enter by using the Rafflecopter form below!<br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6a47be17/" id="rc-6a47be17" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831257349823554381.post-71998813410607819312012-08-06T12:01:00.001-07:002012-08-06T12:01:33.861-07:00Help Target Help Your Local Public School!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://apps.facebook.com/givewithtarget/schools/73949" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchDSqAeKCDWMek1RUGp-rNc18IymrjTWswdQllSP7LSch8i3zaI7g3wGHOIaQmjyDshkX__bIJwhvMAdiIZM71JOSOGug7I0oQP6QoRIIT7dLwuef46DOuK09L6uGQpXvaDqBb8rSFGJk/s1600/Target-WebBanner-300x250.jpg" /></a></div>
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Want to help our kids? It’s easy. Our school can receive up to $10,000 in Target GiftCards® for books or any supplies we need. Wouldn’t that be great? All we need to do is vote for our school each week until September 8. It’s part of Give With Target®. For every 25 votes our school receives, Target will send a $25 gift card. Find out more and vote at <a href="http://apps.facebook.com/givewithtarget/schools/73949" target="_blank">Facebook.com/Target</a>. Vote now until 09/08/2012!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831257349823554381.post-80146284449911737172012-08-01T08:02:00.002-07:002012-08-01T08:02:57.662-07:00The Final CountdownI can't believe it's already August 1st! In about three more weeks, my little baby Logan will be an official public school student when he starts Kindergarten this school year.<br />
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I'm so thankful that we had him in a summer pre-K in June and July; I know he's ready for anything and there should be <em>no</em> anxiety when it comes to first day of school jitters!<br />
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On the flip side of that though, is that it will be the first time that Caleb and I will have long stretches of time, just the two of us. With Kindergarten going full day this year, I'll have to come up with more ideas to keep Caleb entertained while his big brother is in school all day.<br />
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That, fortunately has yet to become a problem, since all I've really had to do is find something both boys could do together when they weren't playing independent of each other. Unfortunately, I never had to keep a two year old entertained for such long stretches of time before; when Logan was the same age, I was working full time and he was in daycare.<br />
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Any recommendations, folks?<br />
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P.S. Happy Birthday, Sissyfuss!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831257349823554381.post-36721634132547032612012-07-26T07:41:00.002-07:002012-07-26T07:43:23.718-07:00MyMemories Suite Winner!Congratulations to Valerie C. (#18) on winning the MyMemories Suite digital scrapbooking software giveaway! You have 48 hours to respond!<br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6a47be16/" id="rc-6a47be16" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js">
</script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5831257349823554381.post-18545765738036545962012-07-24T10:58:00.000-07:002012-07-24T10:58:00.584-07:00Menu Planning Week of 07/22/2012Yay! Internet connection is back and we're finally getting into the swing of things when it comes to meal planning. This week, we're taking it easy, still recovering from allergies, Disneyland, and hiding in the house from the heat.<br />
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<strong>Sunday</strong> - Turkey, Bacon, Avocado Croissant Sandwiches<br />
<strong>Monday</strong> - Mc Donald's (yes, we cheated!)<br />
<strong>Tuesday</strong> - Lasagna, Garlic Toast (another cheat, Stouffer's to the rescue!)<br />
<strong>Wednesday</strong> - <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/16184879881694218/" target="_blank">Mini Meatloaves</a><br />
<strong>Thursday</strong> - <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/16184879881518268/" target="_blank">Melt In Your Mouth Chicken (new!)</a><br />
<strong>Friday</strong> - <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/16184879881476835/" target="_blank">Walking Taco Casserole (new!)</a><br />
<strong>Saturday</strong> - <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/16184879881325016/" target="_blank">Maple Dijon Chicken</a><br />
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You can see the recipe's pinned from pinterest below:<br />
<br /><strong>Mini Meatloaves</strong><br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/16184879881694218/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/16184879881694218_CPIkJk5m_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://taste-for-adventure.tablespoon.com/2011/09/12/mini-meatloaves/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">taste-for-adventure.tablespoon.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/stephabelle77/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stephanie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<strong>Melt In Your Mouth Chicken</strong><br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/16184879881518268/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/195765915022107350_S7Sry2Ve_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/melt-in-your-mouth-chicken-breast-37336" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">food.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/stephabelle77/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stephanie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<strong>Walking Taco Casserole</strong><br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/16184879881476835/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/266908715385551916_YPXX6V1w_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.blogger.com/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;"></a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/stephabelle77/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stephanie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<strong>Maple Dijon Chicken</strong><br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/16184879881325016/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/191966002836668395_1XqUGkwS_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.wittyinthecity.com/2011/08/man-pleasing-chicken/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">wittyinthecity.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/stephabelle77/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stephanie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3