This and That

First Love - Last Love

2011-11-25T15:00:00.000-08:00

I saw an adorable quote on Pinterest and I thought I would alter it a little to suit my needs = ) Nothing fancy....

New email siggy for me....

2011-10-12T14:50:00.000-07:00

I made a new siggy for my outgoing email today....
Darling right?

New Siggy for my Momma

2011-10-11T15:40:00.001-07:00

I made a new siggy for my Momma's email....

Earn FREE Stuff for Your School!

2011-09-19T08:07:00.000-07:00

Earn FREE Stuff for Your School!: Learn about e-labels and ways to get free stuff for your school
If you don't have a school to support Bradoaks Elementary School in Monrovia California would love your support.

2011-08-08T12:38:00.000-07:00

Find garage sales
in San Gabriel, CA

Febreze Home Collection Wooden Wick candles = YUMMMMMOOO

2010-12-10T12:39:00.000-08:00

HAVE YOU TRIED THESE YET?

I just received a fabulous package from Febreze through
MyBlogSpark...and when I opened it up - I had a GORGEOUS gift box with three of these inside. WOW - Do they smell wonderful...

I just LOVE candles and these not only smell wonderful but they are beautiful to look at. I caught myself staring at them and sort of zoning out....VERY relaxing...lol

No fireplace, no problem. Breathe a sigh of relief because the new Febreze Home Collection Wooden Wick candle has you covered. Bring the calming crackle of a burning fire into your home anytime of year with 80 hours of “ahhhhhhhh.”

Available in nine premium scents, these tranquil candles are specially designed with a wooden wick to recreate the ambiance and sound of a crackling fire indoors. Offering a brilliant range of everyday fragrances, Febreze Home Collection Wooden Wick candles can help inspire a scent and design transformation in your home.

Be sure to look for Febreze Home Collection Wooden Wick candles at your local Walmart in fragrances like Green Tea Citrus, Pomegranate Mango, Cranberry Pear, Orange Honeycomb, Rosewood Plum and Willow Blossom; as well as seasonal scents that include Anjou Pear Spice, Gingersnap Vanilla, and Yumberry Sangria.

Disclosure :
I received the product package from MyBlogSpark on behalf of Febreze

Please help Support Bradoaks School

2010-07-16T09:37:00.000-07:00

Please vote for my Son's new school. Khol's is giving away $500, 000.000 to schools and Bradoaks Elementary could sure use it. Teacher's are being let go....class size is GROWING from 21 to 31 students per teacher with only ONE aide....

Big Photo Challenge : Week Four Theme...

2010-05-20T11:59:00.000-07:00

OLD

For this challenge I chose a photo from a trip my Husband and I took to Boston a few years ago. We went on am exploration and came across the old State building. Isn't it BEAUTIFUL?

Come on over and join us for this weeks challenge....

Big Photo Challenge : Week Three Theme...

2010-05-20T11:44:00.000-07:00

THREE

For this challenge I chose a photo of my "adori"ble Son posing with one of his favorite things to play with...lol

He is constantly getting out Daddy's cones and when he isn't wearing them, he is setting up obstacle courses in the yard.

Week 4 starts today and the new theme is OLD

Head on over and join in on the fun!

UPDATE : COMMENTS

2010-05-14T12:39:00.001-07:00

For some WEIRD reason my comments have been disabled and I can't figure out how to get them back on. I am getting help - so please come back to comment - THANK YOU

The wonderful Louise of Adori Graphics and Adorible Photography has helped me get my comments working again.
THANK YOU SO MUCH....If anyone is in need of some fab Blog tutorials or backgrounds, you should really check out her blog. She is a WIZARD....lol

I (heart) Faces Fix-It Friday

2010-05-14T11:26:00.000-07:00

I discovered a new photography community called I heart faces, and decided to give the Friday Fix a go....
The challenge is to take a photo and well....fix it! lol
Here is the original...

and here is my "fix".....

That was fun - I enjoyed playing along - You should check it out.

VOTE FOR MY KIDS

2010-05-13T12:57:00.000-07:00

My Kids are in the running for the Parent's Magazine Cover Photo Contest. They are gaining momentum every day - the problem is - I don't have a BAZILLION friends to ask to vote for them - So I thought I would reach out to you all - My Family & Blogging friends. PLEASE VOTE...lol

Click on the photo to be taken to the voting page and remember that you can vote EVERY day...Spread the word.

Michael

Dylan

Big Photo Challenge : Week Two Theme...

2010-05-13T10:38:00.001-07:00

I am participating in the Adorible Photography Blog's Big Photo Challenge and this weeks these is....

BLUE

We can interpret this however we'd like so I thought I would go with this photo of Dylan showing off his beautiful BLUE eyes....

Today is the last day - so if you'd like to play along - hurry on over and leave a link to your post. She will be posting a new Theme today for week three.

SO EXCITED.....

2010-05-04T08:46:00.000-07:00

I stumbled across an "adorible" new photography blog that I am LOVING.

She is hosting a weekly photo challenge, and I am going to try to participate as often as I can to try to get a little more experience.

This weeks challenge is "ABANDONED"....Her instructions are as follows...."Remember to think outside the box a little. This could be anything from an abandoned building or car on the side of the road, to something that hasn't been used in a very long time. So get into your attic and garage, or wherever, and start snapping!"
I was having a little trouble with this one and ran out of time considering my Hubby went out of town and TOOK MY CAMERA WITH HIM ( can you believe that?) lol- So I had to CHEAT just a little bit and dig through my stash.

I came up with this picture that I took at the River of our favorite bar "Fox's". This picture was taken in the early morning as the sun had just come up and the bar is "ABANDONED". In just a few short hours this place is hoppin'....

I am sure anyone is welcome to join, but HURRY - this weeks deadline is Thursday when she will be posting the next challenge.
I can't wait to see what's next.

Easter 2010

2010-04-09T07:55:00.000-07:00

A few pics of my cuties from our Easter portraits....
and a couple I took in the back yard.

UPDTAED : Just a quick post to tell you.....

2010-04-06T12:00:00.000-07:00

Ok - I was WONDERING why nobody commented to try to win this...Apparently my comments got turned off - nut they are working now and there is still time to enter....I will leave this up through Wednesday....

...Just a friendly reminder that today is the last day to purchase Betty Crocker SuperMoist Cake and Traditional Brownie Mixes at the special price of $0.69 at the Safeway family of stores. WHAT A STEAL..... Be sure to run out and grab some so that you can come back here in a few days and enter the upcoming GIVE AWAY for a prize pack provided by Safeway and Betty Crocker through MyBlogSpark.

Run out and grab yourself a SUPER CHEAP and undoubtedly delicious box of brownie mix or even a cake, then be ready to let me know which one was your Family's favorite and why.
Check out this awesome prize package....combined with the steal on the yummies....what more could you ask for?

MMMMM....I am DROOLING over these yummy treats just thinking about them and can't wait to get home and whip up a batch of brownies. I MIGHT share them with the kids...lol

Go ahead and start leaving comments once you have tried them and let me know which one is your families favorite. I will be back to choose a winner.

ENJOY!

Super Bowl Pool

2010-02-05T15:47:00.000-08:00

Hi all

I am really looking forward to the game this weekend...Not for the actual game, but for the good food and friends...and the beer too of course...lol

I have created a little football pool spreadsheet in excel if anyone is interested. Please feel free to download and print it out.

(click image to start download)

HAVE A FUN and SAFE weekend everyone!

UPDATED : SAFEWAY & Fiber One DEAL &Give Away - ACT FAST

2010-02-05T10:52:00.001-08:00

I have recently had the opportunity to try the new Fiber One yogurt thanks to Safeway through MyBlogSpark. My girlfriends and I are trying to get healthy and eat better and this came at the perfect time. It is DELISCIOUS. It has only 50 calories and 5 grams of fiber (20 percent of the Recommended Daily Value). Isn't that GREAT? Fiber One is available in a variety of flavors including, Strawberry, Peach, Vanilla and Key Lime Pie...YUMMO

Even better - there is a special going on. You have until Tuesday, February 9th to take advantage of the special Safeway (or Von's) deal where you can purchase two 4-packs of Fiber One yogurt for only $4.00....This is a STEAL - let me tell you.

So - You want to try this yourself?

Post a comment below and let me know which flavor you are most excited about - and you will be entered into a drawing to win a $50.00 gift card to Safeway (also good at Dominick's Tom Thumb, Randall's, Von's, and Genuardi's).

Please Note that the gift card, information, and giveaway have all been provided by Safeway and Fiber One through MyBlogSpark.

So what are you waiting for?
Leave a comment now....

I will pick one lucky winner at random on February 9th.

SORRY SO LATE!!!!

WE HAVE OUR WINNER......
The winner is Angie Cruz....
Please send me an email with your address so that I may forward it to my contact at MyBlogSpark in order for them to send you your prize.
CONGRATULATIONS, and thank you for taking the time to play along.

Scrap Pals Week 3 Challenge : Easel Card

2010-01-25T15:46:00.000-08:00

I had a lot of fun with this one.
It was so much easier than it looks - Trust me....
(I had help from Tee herself though...lol)

We had the opportunity to make three cards for a total of 15 points - but I have NO TIME, so I just did the one for the learning experience.

Hop on over to Tee's blog where she has already posted week 4's challenge.
This is one EVERY scrapper can relate to. This week she challenges you to finish something you started. It could be a project you started and set aside, using a kit you purchased with something in mind and never did, it could even be paper you bought with something special in mind and never used.

UPDATE - Week 2 Scarp Pals Challenge - Sketch Challenge

2010-01-11T14:22:00.000-08:00

I can't WAIT to get started on this weeks challenge. This will be my FIRST two page layout. I love these challenges, they really CHALLENGE me to do something I have never done before - and isn't that the whole POINT of a challenge? lol

Here are the rules Tee has posted over at her blog.

This week’s challenge comes to your straight from one of her old magazines – the July 2009 issues of Creating Keepsakes using Becky Higgins multiphoto sketches.

This week’s challenge is to create a two page layout using one (or more) of the sketches below for 5 points per two page spread for a maximum of 3 two page spreads (or 15 points).

Won't you join us? The quarterly winner gets a special badge to wear on her Blog AND Tee sends out AWESOME prize packages!

***UPDATE***

Here is my FIRST layout for this challenge...Done Digitally using Melissa Bennett's adorable new kit called "Heart Whispers" available at the Sweet Shoppe....This is a GREAT kit to show off some love - or for a Valentine's Day layout. I will be seeing some amazing Hybrid projects with this kit in the future as well, I think.

Scrap Pals 2010 Challenge - Week 1

2010-01-08T15:35:00.000-08:00

The Scrap Pals have started their challenges for the New Year with a BANG.
Tee has come up with a FUN one this week.

Week One challenges us to create anything having to do with BIRTHDAYS.
We all love Birthdays right? And we all know people who HAVE Birthdays.
The challenge was to create birthday cards, birthday layouts, birthday gifts or any other birthday ideas you come up with. Each project is worth 3 points to a max of 5 projects. (total of 15 pts)

Bonus points: You can earn an extra 10 points if you make 5 projects using all the same paper line or design line if you do digital like I did.

I had SOOOO much fun doing this one and can't wait to actually PRINT these out and use them. I created my cards and things in Paint Shop Pro using the fabulous kit "What a Boy Needs" by Heather Roselli of the Sweet Shoppe.

So without further ado - here are my creations...

The Invitation

The Birthday Card

The Thank You Card

A Bookmark for Party Favor

And some Cupcake Picks

Won't these be DARLING for aliitle guys Birthday party?
I had so much fun with this and can't WAIT for next weeks challenge.

I hope you'll join us. Everyone is welcome.

TEST

2010-01-07T12:33:00.000-08:00

This is a TEST

Scrap Pals - Week 2 - Layout Challenge

2009-11-25T21:27:00.000-08:00

Here is my first layout contribution to the Scrap Pals Week 2 Layout Challenge.

The challenge was to take a sketch and make a layout - most of the scrappers will be doing paper scrapping but Tee was kind enough to let this digi gal play along. ;)

Here is the sketch we are using...

I hope to have time to do more. I am allowed to do up to three for a total of 9 points.

To find out more about this challenge visit Tees Blog.

And here is my layout - no pictures yet - I am waiting for this years Christmas pics.

What do you think?

Scrap Pals : Week 2 Layout Challenge

Kit Credits
Last Christmas by Baers Garten Designs / Studio Baers
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/

Sketch Credits
Alicia Redshaw

Scrap Pals is a wonderful group of women who gather in their love of scrapping and friendship. Special thanks to Teresa Angel (Tee) for letting me be a part of this challenge.

Tee's Scrap CARD Challenge

2009-11-16T07:56:00.000-08:00

Ok - I realize I am WAAAAAYYYYYY out of my scrap comfort zone here by trying to make a greeting card with PAPER scraps. We all know I am a digital scrapper...lol

My co-worker Teresa (Tee to her friends) is hosting a challenge and I just really wanted to try something new. This tr-fold card is ADORABLE. Well the ones SHE made are anyway...lol

You can find the links to the directions and a video on how to make it on her blog. I promise it looks wayyyyy more intimidating than it is. And if I can do it - ANYONE can do it...lol

Here is my first try. I am NOT thrilled with the outcome - but I AM thrilled that I gave it a try - learned something new, and I had fun doing it. Pink is really not my color scheme - but I have several girlfriends and Family members who would LOVE this. I am working on another one - that I will call "Hybrid" because I plan to use some of my digital scrap kits and print out the elements and papers to use on this card.

My only fear is that I will begin to LOVE paper scrapping so much that I will have to go out and buy TONS of stuff (which I have already started.....)

Anyhoo - here are my results...I would LOVE to know what you think.

If you know of any other fairly easy card making tutorials out there - please point me in the right direction. = )

Gearing up for the Twilight - New Moon Party

2009-11-10T08:52:00.000-08:00

Preparations are in full swing.

We have been shopping away for decorations and party ware for our New Moon party....

I would say this party is going to be "Classy" - Definitely an ADULT version of your typical Teenage New Moon Party. My Girlfriend Karyn and I (co-hostesses) are going all out.

Here are a few things we have in the works. Feel free to snag some of these ideas for your own party and please leave me a comment if you have any more fabulous ideas that we might incorporate into our party.

DEFINITELY wear your heart on your sleeve. We all plan to wear our Twilight and New Moon T-Shirts, even going as far as to declare our Team status. (I am Team Edward - OF COURSE) Here is what the shirt I am wearing looks like - I got it at Torrid on clearance with an additional 50% off - it was like THREE BUCKS! Can't beat that. I also bought an awesome layered CROSS necklace in silver and black that is going to go GREAT with this.

And here is my necklace - HOT RIGHT? lol - Also from Torrid.

I also bought us some FUN Vampire Bite Tattoos to wear on our necks...lol - These little beauties were on eBay and I spent about four bucks. I bought these from eBay user carcar1047 - The items came promptly and were packaged SO CUTE. I will definitely be shopping with her again. She even threw in a little gift for me! What a sweetie! Another find on ebay is this super fun Scrabble Necklace that says "Twilight Mom". Can't wait to get this and see how cute it is. I got this from eBay user sns_creative_bowtique. She has a lot of really cute stuff.

And my last eBay purchase, I have to admit - is quite silly - even for me- But I saw it and HAD tohave it...lol - Check out this adorable Bella & Edward BELT BUCKLE....lol CUTE right? Anyone know where I can find a BELT with no buckle on it? I got this from eBay user kyrielkustomkollection94 and I can't wait to get it.

I think I am going to have my nails painted in a french manicure style but black with red tips. That should look good I think...lol - and RED LIPSTICK of course.

We will be decorating in a red & black "gothic" type theme with Twilight accents thrown in as well, apples, glitter, etc.

I have ordered some lovely black acrylic goblets from Target through Amazon.com. Aren't these cute? I look forward to using them for Halloween's to come as well.

We also plan to rim our Martini glasses with candy to look like blood. We found this fabulous idea the "Hostess with the Mostest" Blog. I LOVE her blog - so many fabulous party planning ideas.... You must check her out.

We plan to make the cocktail "Vampire's Kiss" in these adorable glasses - I can't wait to drink one of these - it sounds delisc. Here is the recipe...

VAMPIRE KISS

Ingredients:
1.5 oz. Finlandia Vodka, chilled
1.5 oz Korbel Champagne
.75 oz Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur

Directions:
Pour vodka and half of the Chambord in a martini glass, top with Champagne and pour the remaining Chambord over the back of a spoon to make it float.

We plan to have food - beverages - cocktails - the WORKS!

Check out these apples we plan to make. Aren't they PERFECT? We fouund these over on MattBites.com Blog and just couldn't resist. I hope ours turn out this well. They are called Adam's Scary Apples.

Karyn has put together an amazing Trivia for us to play complete with PRIZES!!!
That is going to be FUN to try to wrack our brains to remember the books - it has been awhile since I read them.

We have black tablecloths, red lacey platemats, red, black, silver candles, blood red drink cups, black plasticware, and of course the New Moon party plates, etc.I plan to strew silver glitter around the tables because well - hello? - Edward Sparkles....lol. OHHHHHHH - I need some RHINESTONES - Adding that to my list now. We will also hang red ribbon around the room. Oh Karyn also bought one of those Room Scene Setters it is of creepy looking woods - PERFECT to have a photo op in front of.

I also have a few projects up my sleeve.... I have made everyone a New Moon bookmark, I will show a pic when they are done. Also Karyn found these awesome Vampire label printables that we are going to put on bottles of Hawaaiin Punch, as well as some water bottles that I ordered online. We will use the water bottles for our cocktails while we stand in the loooong line to watch the movie. You can find these adorable labels at the Hostess Blog as well.....see - I told you she has great stuff. Here are what her labels look like.

And here are the water bottles I orderd for us - Mine will be blank of course and I will label these myself. I may even personalize them with the guests names and some Twilight icons like Apples, chess pieces, etc.

She also has some printable movie quotes that would be FAB to hang around the house or dress up in frames to display about the tables. She has Twilight AND New Moon version. I will be using them ALL! The more the merrier I always say.

And lastly - I bought a variety of jars, a couple bottles of different wines in red and black and used some from my fridge at home that I plan to label with some of these awesome potion labels I found courtesy of Flickr user Love Manor. This is going to be SO FUN! I can fill them with fake blood, or candies, snacks. I haven't decided yet. Here is one of the labels I plan to use. Isn't it GREAT!

Here are a few "Before Shots" I took of some of the stuff I bought - I can't wait for the party and to show off some "After Shots". Mostly - I am looking forward to spending silly girl time with my Best Girls.

I am SURE that I am forgetting something - we are doing so many different things.

I am looking for a really reasonable candelabra or black candlesticks if anyone can point me in the right direction, and please be sure to share YOUR fabulous party ideas with me.

(everything you may want to explore further should be clickable with links to the sites we found these great ideas on.)

HAPPY PLANNING
Have a great day!

Freebie New Moon Party Invitation

2009-11-08T14:33:00.001-08:00

So...My Girlfriends and I are going to "nerd out" and have a New Moon party. We are going ALL OUT. From blood rimmed drinks to vampire bite tatoos....YES - NERDING OUT.

It is going to be so much fun though - to act like a teeneager again...lol

Here is the invitation I made using things found around the net....
Feel free to snag it for your own New Moon Party!

BLOG IN PROGRESS

2009-10-26T21:31:00.001-07:00

I am working on a friends blog so I am using mine as a test page
- please bear with me in the transition....

Freebie Quick Page

2009-10-12T12:10:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I posted here....I was off having a baby five weeks early and I am sure you all know how time consuming a baby can be....lol.

I recently had the pleasure of working with one of Pamela's newest kist Boo To You Too, an absolutely adorable Halloween kit. This kit is not in the traditional bold colors of Halloween which is one reason I love it SO MUCH. You can pick up the kit for only FIVE bucks over at the Polkadot Potato. I know.....a total STEAL.

Anyhoo - I hope you enjoy the QP and be sure to leave a comment...Pamela LOVES to hear feedback from her fans - it helps to inspire her to keep on creating these fab kits for us!

Here is the QP for YOU

And here is what I did with it!

ENJOY

Michael James has arrived

2009-07-28T09:57:00.000-07:00

Well my little guy decided to make an appearance FIVE WEEKS EARLY. I woke up Thursday morning around 2am - my water had BROKEN. I was rolling to the other side when I felt it- and thought - NO WAY - So I waited a few minutes - rolled to the other side and yes - indeed - my water had broken. I am SO NOT PREPARED. I did not have a bag packed, I didn't have my maternity leave set up yet - I have no basinette - no car seat - and to top it all off my Work was holding my baby shower that afternoon. HOLY COW. I woke hubby up - threw some things into a bag, and off we went to make sure my water had broken. We arrived at L&D and the admitted me to the triage to have a look - well by the time they had me in a gown we were positive as my water was running down my legs....lovely. lol Doctor admitted me right away to start the pitocin as my body was not actually in labor and we wanted to avoid infection to the baby. Started pitocin around 5 am - had my epidural around 11 am - FINALLY started dialating around 4:15 - I was at about 5 cm when she checked me. HUbby and I tried to get some rest for a bit - and then the nurse came back in and asked me if I was feeling any pressure (I was indeed) so she checked me again and I was at 9 1/2 - 45 minutes later - WOW - that was FAST - She called the doctor and told me we were getting ready to start pushing. NOW I WAS NERVOUS....I had been calm the whole time, but started to have a little freak out. I wasn' too worried about the pain since my epidural was so good I could not even feel a thing. A slight tingle in my toes but that was it - WEIRD. It wasn't that good with my first born. Doctor arrived and we pushed for maybe TEN MINUTES and my giant preemie was born.

Michael James7/23/09 - 5:18 pm
6lbs. 14 oz. - 21 inches

Yes almost SEVEN POUNDS - can you imagine if I had carried him to term - holy moly. My little sweetie was placed into my arms for about five minutes before they took hom back to check him out a little better. My poor little guy is having some trouble breathing. His lungs are not quite developed, and they have placed him in the NICU to help him along until his lungs can mature. He is still in there - and we have been going back and forth to visit every day, several times a day. It is so hard to leave the hospital without your baby. I am very emotional. I wnat to hold him so badly. They have every arm and leg hooked up to IV, etc. He has a tube in his throat to give him oxygen, and a feeding tube as well, he has a tube in his belly button that they can draw blood from, he has not had any breastmilk or formula - he is on a liquid IV. My poor little guy. Now he has jaundice and has a mask over his eyes and bright lights over his bed. It is so hard to see him like this. I know how fortunate we are that he is a good size and I know he is in great hands but for it is just HARD. My four year old has not even seen his Brother and he just doesn't understand. But we don't want him to see the baby that way - I think it would really scare him.

Please keep us in your prayers - I will keep you all posted.

Family & Friends Baby Shower

2009-07-20T14:49:00.000-07:00

My baby shower was this past weekend with my Friends & Family. My Mother-in Law, and Mother hosted it at Mimi's in Monrovia. It was REALLY nice. The flowers, tables, decorations, cake, diaper cake, everything was BEAUTIFUL. We had a lovely time other than it being SO HOT in the room....the restaurant didn't turn on the air until we got there. Ugghhhh - I wanted to pass out.

I really enjoyed spending time with my friends and Family and I made out like a bandit. I hate being the center of attention and especially when all the gifts are for me, I felt so guilty. Everyone was SO GENEROUS. Baby no-name is truly blessed to have so many people that already love him.

Here are some pictures of the big party. I am the GIANT COW in the black and white dress...lmbo

THANK YOU EVERYONE!
WE LOVE YOU

34 Weeks - Only 6 more to gooooooo...yipes

2009-07-13T09:23:00.000-07:00

WOW - this pregnancy is going by SO FAST - yet SO SLOW at the same time. I can't believe I am 34 weeks....Only 4 more to go - I am so over it - I can't WAIT to have this baby. We still have not decided on a name though - I wsh we could find the perfect name - poor baby no-name. I am looking forward to my Showers this coming weekend and next week - that will be FUN! I will be sure to post pictures.
Have a great week.

How your baby's growing:

Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.

See what your baby looks like this week.

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

How your life's changing:

By this week, fatigue has probably set in again, though maybe not with the same coma-like intensity of your first trimester. Your tiredness is perfectly understandable, given the physical strain you're under and the restless nights of frequent pee breaks and tossing and turning, while trying to get comfortable. Now's the time to slow down and save up your energy for labor day (and beyond). If you've been sitting or lying down for a long time, don't jump up too quickly. Blood can pool in your feet and legs, causing a temporary drop in your blood pressure when you get up that can make you feel dizzy.

If you notice itchy red bumps or welts on your belly and possibly your thighs and buttocks as well, you may have a condition called pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP for short). Up to one percent of pregnant women develop PUPPP, which is harmless but can be quite uncomfortable. See your practitioner so she can make sure it's not a more serious problem, provide treatment to make you more comfortable, and refer you to a dermatologist if necessary. Also be sure to call her if you feel intense itchiness all over your body, even if you don't have a rash. It could signal a liver problem.

Pregnancy Update ; 30 Weeks

2009-06-16T09:52:00.000-07:00

I am absolutely HUGE and very uncomfortable - I really need to STOP growing now...lol - Can I really be expected to go TEN more weeks? YIKES

Scott, Dylan and I all went to Baby's R Us this weekend to pick out our crib, mattress and bedding set. That was FUN and a total WEIGHT off my shoulders. The crib will be in - in about a week. I can't wait to get it and out it together. The crib set we got is really cute. It is called ABC 123 and it is really colorful and just darling. I had planned on doing the Disney "Cars" theme for the bedding so that it would match Dylan's stuff since they will share a room - but Scott felt the baby should have something more baby-ish. lol - It IS really cute - so I am glad we went with it. Here is a picture...I will take some more when we get the crib put together.

Things are all starting to fall into place and this little boy will be here before we know it. I am starting to get more excited now. I have been feeling so big and blah that I just want it to be over with, but now I am getting excited. I hope these last ten weeks go fairly quickly.

Now we just have to come up with a NAME for this poor kid. We have gone through THOUSANDS of names and nothi9ng is "right". When we came up with Dylan's name it was just PERFECT and we knew that was the name for him, so we will keep searching until we feel that same fit with poor ol' baby no-name. He just be called "Baby Brother" until he is old enough to pick his own darn name...lmbo

Here are two photos my little 4 year old photographer took of me....
Poor kid could hardly hold up my big ol' heavy camera...lol
I look a little psycho because I was afraid he would drop my camera and I was like "hurry up Dylan"....lol

28 Weeks - June 1st, 2009

29 Weeks - June 6th, 2009

Silver Lake

2009-05-19T17:01:00.001-07:00

DSC_0079-1, originally uploaded by Stokes Family Photography.

The Sierra's
May 2009

OH MY GOD - 96 Days ?????

2009-05-18T11:03:00.001-07:00

I am so not ready for baby no name.....

Make a pregnancy ticker

25 Weeks and growing.....

2009-05-13T12:42:00.000-07:00

How your baby's growing

Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but she's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start to look more and more like a newborn. She's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.

See what's going on in your uterus this week.

How your life's changing

Your baby's not the only one with more hair — your locks may look more full and lustrous than ever. It's not that you're growing more hair, but thanks to hormonal changes, the hair that you'd normally shed is sticking around longer than usual. Enjoy the fullness while you can — the extra hair will fall out after you give birth.

You may also notice that you can't move around as gracefully as before. Unless your caregiver has advised you otherwise, it's fine to continue to exercise, but follow a few safety rules: Don't work out when you're feeling overly tired and stop if you feel any pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Don't lie flat on your back and avoid contact sports as well as any exercise where you're apt to lose your balance. Be sure to drink plenty of water, and make time for both warm-up and cool-down periods.

When you have your glucose-screening test at 24 to 28 weeks, a second tube of blood may be taken at the same time to check for anemia. If blood tests show that you have iron-deficiency anemia (the most common type of anemia), your caregiver will probably recommend that you take an iron supplement.

Have you started thinking about baby names yet? Choosing a name is an important decision, but it should be a fun one, too. You may want to consider family history (Great Grandpa Zeb), favorite locations (Venice, where you honeymooned), or cherished literary or film characters (Greta, Meg, or Atticus, for example). Check out a couple of baby-name books to help you brainstorm, too.

I am 23 weeks along.....and growing....

2009-04-27T09:21:00.000-07:00

How your baby's growing:

Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With her sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that she's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango), you may be able to see her squirm underneath your clothes. Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as your dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze her when she hears them outside the womb.

See what your baby looks like this week.

How your life's changing:

You may notice that your ankles and feet start to swell a bit in the coming weeks or months, especially at the end of the day or during the heat of summer. Sluggish circulation in your legs — coupled with changes in your blood chemistry that may cause some water retention — may result in swelling, also known as edema. Your body will get rid of the extra fluid after you have your baby, which is why you'll pee frequently and sweat a lot for a few days after delivery. In the meantime, lie on your left side or put your feet up when you can, stretch out your legs when you sit, and avoid sitting — or standing — in one place for long periods. Also, try to exercise regularly to increase circulation, and wear support stockings (put them on first thing in the morning) and roomy, comfortable shoes. You may be tempted to skimp on liquids to combat swelling, but you need to drink plenty of water because staying hydrated actually helps prevent fluid retention. While a certain amount of edema in your lower extremities is normal during pregnancy, excessive swelling may be a sign of a serious condition called preeclampsia. Be sure to call your midwife or doctor if you have severe or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles, more than slight swelling of your hands, swelling in your face, or puffiness around your eyes.

Happy 4th Birthday Dylan

2009-04-14T11:27:00.000-07:00

My Son is having a great day today - I got him some Pancakes from McDonalds as a special treat and I sang Happy Birthday to him all the way to Grammie's house this morning in English, Cat Meow, Dark Bark and Birdie Noises...He LOVED it - then we pulled up to Grammie's house and she and Uncle had the house all decorated for him with Birthday flags and balloons outside and Happy Birthday signs in the grass....he was so excited, then when he went into the house where they had hung streamers all over the ceiling and more balloons, he said it looked like Spider Man's webs on the ceiling. Then Uncle called to wish him a Happy Birthday and he got a special call from Auntie Lori as well as this AWESOME Birthday video from his cousins (that made me cry because I miss them so much and I know how much Dylan misses them) You gotta watch this .....- Tonight we will be having a little BBQ at Uncle & Grammie's house - just us and Granny, Grammie & Uncle - to celebrate his actual Birthday. Sunday is his actual party. I am so proud of my little man, he is so special to me. I can't believe he is growing up so fast.

21 Weeks

2009-04-13T11:12:00.000-07:00

How your baby's growing:

Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long — the length of a carrot. You may soon feel like she's practicing martial arts as her initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to her activity as you get to know her better. In other developments, your baby's eyebrows and lids are present now, and if you're having a girl, her vagina has begun to form as well.

See what your baby looks like this week.

How your life's changing:

You're probably feeling pretty comfortable these days. You're not too big yet, and the usual discomforts associated with early pregnancy are, for the most part, gone. If you're feeling good, relax and enjoy it while you can — the third trimester may bring with it a new crop of complaints.

That's not to say you won't have some minor glitches to deal with now. For example, increased oil production may contribute to the development (or worsening) of acne. If that's the case, be diligent about washing well with a gentle soap or cleanser twice a day, and make sure that any moisturizer or make-up you use is oil-free. Don't take any oral acne medications — some are very hazardous during pregnancy — or use any topical acne products without first checking with your practitioner.

You're also more prone to varicose veins now. As your pregnancy progresses, there's increasing pressure on the veins in your legs; higher progesterone levels, which may cause the walls of your veins to relax, can make the problem worse. You're more likely to get varicose veins if other family members have them. Also, they tend to get worse with each successive pregnancy and as you age. To help prevent or minimize varicose veins, exercise daily, prop up your feet and legs whenever possible, sleep on your left side, and wear maternity support hose.

You may also notice so-called spider veins (a group of tiny blood vessels near the surface of your skin), particularly on your ankles, legs, or face. They may have a spider- or sunburst-like pattern with little branches radiating out from the center, they may look like the branches of a tree, or they may be a group of separate thin lines with no particular pattern. Though they may be a bit unsightly, spider veins don't cause discomfort and usually disappear after delivery.

Were back from the BIG Ultrasound and....

2009-04-09T18:59:00.000-07:00

....the minute she put the ultrasound to my belly she declared "Whelp - I know what your having"....Well it was THAT obvious. Were having a BOY. I am slowly coming to terms with this...lol I was doing great - I didn't cry in the Doctor's office although I was really dissapointed....I was fine until I told Dylan he was getting a brother and he said "awwww.......but I wanted a sister"...then I lost it and had a good cry with my Mom. I am feeling a little better now. Scott was so great in the ultrasound and I can see that he knows how much I wanted a girl. He said - Well we can try again...lol. I know Dylan will LOVE having a baby brother and two boys is going to be SO MUCH FUN! I am looking forward to it - it is just not what I was expecting.

Here are some videos the doctor gave us...
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

I'm Half Way There : 20 Weeks Pregnant

2009-04-06T11:15:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe how fast this is going and I am already halfway there...I get to find out (hopefully) what were having on THURSDAY - only three more days - I am so excited.

How your baby's growing:
Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. He's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana. (For the first 20 weeks, when a baby's legs are curled up against his torso and hard to measure, measurements are taken from the top of his head to his bottom — the "crown to rump" measurement. After 20 weeks, he's measured from head to toe.)

He's swallowing more these days, which is good practice for his digestive system. He's also producing meconium, a black, sticky by-product of digestion. This gooey substance will accumulate in his bowels, and you'll see it in his first soiled diaper (some babies pass meconium in the womb or during delivery).

How your life's changing:
Congratulations! You've hit the halfway mark in your pregnancy. The top of your uterus is about level with your belly button, and you've likely gained around 10 pounds. Expect to gain another pound or so each week from now on. (If you started your pregnancy underweight, you may need to gain a bit more; if you were overweight, perhaps a bit less.) Make sure you're getting enough iron, a mineral that's used primarily to make hemoglobin (the part of your red blood cells that carries oxygen). During pregnancy, your body needs more iron to keep up with your expanding blood volume, as well as for your growing baby and the placenta. Red meat is one of the best sources of iron for pregnant women. Poultry (especially the dark meat) and shellfish also contain iron. Some common non-meat sources of iron include legumes, soy-based products, spinach, prune juice, raisins, and iron-fortified cereals.

If you haven't already signed up for a childbirth education class, you may want to look into one, especially if you're a first-timer. A structured class will help prepare you and your partner for the rigors of labor and delivery. Most hospitals and birth centers offer classes, either as weekly meetings or as a single intensive, one-day session. Many communities have independent instructors as well. Ask your friends, family members, or caregiver for recommendations.

First Catch

2009-04-03T09:30:00.001-07:00

First Catch, originally uploaded by Stokes Family Photography.

A page I made of Scott & Dylan on their first fishing trip together. I haven't scrapped in a long time, that was fun! I came across the perfect kit for the perfect pics and I couldn't resist.

I am 19 weeks - Almost halfway along! YAY

2009-03-30T12:31:00.000-07:00

How your baby's growing:

Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.

Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now. Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.

See what your baby looks like this week.

How your life's changing:

Think you're big now? You'll start growing even faster in the weeks to come. As a result, you may notice some achiness in your lower abdomen or even an occasional brief, stabbing pain on one or both sides — especially when you shift position or at the end of an active day. Most likely, this is round ligament pain. The ligaments that support your uterus are stretching to accommodate its increasing weight. This is nothing to be alarmed about, but call your practitioner if the pain continues even when you're resting or becomes severe.

You may be noticing some skin changes, too. Are the palms of your hands red? Nothing to worry about — it's from the extra estrogen. You may also have patches of darkened skin caused by a temporary increase in pigment. When these darker patches appear on your upper lip, cheeks, and forehead, they're called chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy." You may also notice some darkening of your nipples, freckles, scars, underarms, inner thighs, and vulva. That darkened line running from your belly button to your pubic bone is called the linea nigra, or "dark line."

These darkened spots will probably fade shortly after delivery. In the meantime, protect yourself from the sun, which intensifies the pigment changes. Cover up, wear a brimmed hat, and use sunscreen when you're outdoors. And if you're self-conscious about your "mask," a little concealing makeup can work wonders.

Now for a bit of fun - Go to my Facebook page and help us name the baby!
http://apps.facebook.com/babynamer/ShortListed.aspx?profile=591361923

Fiber One Chocolate Mocha Chewy Bars GIVEAWAY

2009-03-27T09:34:00.000-07:00

I was recently asked to participate in a Fiber One Giveaway from MyBlogSpark...They sent me a WONDERFUL Gift Basket full of chocolaty goodness....Let me just tell you this basket made a PREGGO very happy....lol

Not only are the bars delicious but the fiber was just what I needed....if you know what I mean....lol

My basket included the snack bars, a bath pillow, chocolate scented soap, lotion and bath salts and a coffee scented candle. Everything you need for an indulgent spa treat.

The BEST PART is that I get to give away THREE of these gift baskets to my lucky readers.....All you have to do is leave a comment below and let me know what YOU do to relax.

GOOD LUCK!

I will announce the winners next Friday - April 3rd.
The Gift baskets will be mailed to you FREE of charge!

New Fiber One Chocolate Mocha Chewy Bars combine a rich chocolate taste and smooth coffee flavor with the benefits of fiber in one delicious snack. Each great tasting, chewy bar provides 35% of the recommended daily fiber intake and also is a good source of calcium.

Did you know?

Fiber can help you satisfy your appetite and manage your weight

Research suggests that people who have high fiber intakes tend to have healthier body weights

Fiber can help keep your digestive system on track

9 out of 10 Americans aren’t getting the recommended amount of fiber

Do you want to know if you are getting enough fiber? Check out the Fiber-O-Meter at: http://www.webmd.com/diet/healthtool-fiber-meter

GIVEAWAY WINNER

2009-03-23T15:33:00.000-07:00

Well I guess there was not a huge response for the My Fruit Roll Up giveaway lol - so Krisi is our lucky winner....

Here is her response :
What a great giveaway. I would love to get some made up for party favors for my daughter & husbands birthday (they share the same day).

THANK YOU Krisi - Send me an email at stokes@avinc.com so that I can give you the redemption codes for your prize. Thanks for playing along and have a wonderful party!

Dr. Appointment today....

2009-03-12T10:19:00.000-07:00

I had my 17 week Dr. Appointment this morning and got to hear the heart beat - it was so loud- and she found it right away. WOW - It was 145..... My weight and everything looks great. They drew some blood for the second half of my triple screen and that was it. We will HOPEFULLY find out the sex of the baby at our next appointment on April 9th. When I was leaving the Doctor's office they asked me if I was hoping to find out the sex of the baby at my next appointment, I said "Oh YES please, I would like to find out TODAY if that is possible"lol - all the girls just laughed.....Can't blame for trying right? Scott took me to the Dr. today - I had a really bad morning - I woke up around five am with an EXCRUCIATING headache - It was so bad - I was crying, and moaning in my sleep - that was what woke me up - I could not get back to sleep - so I went to take some Tylenol and then instantly - my stomach was turning and I felt like I was going to gag - I ran into the bathroom and started throwing up. It was terrible - I was hoping to sleep in this morning since I didn't have to get to work so early. I feel much better now - thankfully. It was SO WEIRD.

*******************************************************************************

Baby Gender Prediction Based On Baby's Heart Rate

One of the popular theories on baby gender prediction is based on the baby's heart rate.

The theory states that if your baby's heart rate was 140 beats per minute and above, you would be having a girl. If the heart rate was under 140 beats per minute, then you would be having a boy.

While this would be a quick and easy baby gender prediction method, there is actully no evidence that this theory is accurate. There is recent study, "Sex, Heart Rate, and Age" from Terry J. DuBose, M.S., RDMS; Director Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, which indicates there is no correlation between fetal heart rate and the gender of the baby.

Extreme cheapskates: Tightwads revel in frugality

2009-03-11T11:38:00.000-07:00

Make your own detergent? Tightwads embrace frugality to new extremes in recession

Anne D'Innocenzio, AP Retail Writer
Tuesday March 10, 2009, 4:46 pm EDT
SOURCE

NEW YORK (AP) -- Amy VanDeventer has always been a cheapskate. The recession is taking her to new extremes.

Before the economy tanked, she was still wearing maternity clothes from her last pregnancy, clipping coupons and using hand-me-downs to dress her daughters, ages 2 and 3. Now, she's salvaging bagel scraps left on their plates for pizza toppings and cutting lotion bottles in half so she can scrape out the last drops.

"I was already cheap," said VanDeventer, a 36-year-old mortgage loan underwriter from Broomfield, Colo. "Now I am neurotic about it."

If you thought those cheapskate friends and relatives couldn't pinch pennies any tighter, think again. The recession is making tightwads like VanDeventer cut back even more. They're going way beyond sharpening their coupon scissors, replacing already cheap store-brand fabric softener with vinegar and even making their own detergent. VanDeventer was drying her hair in front of a fan after her portable hair dryer broke -- until her friends bought her a new one.

The recession is radically changing behavior among many different types of people, from the Wall Street bankers who are now waltzing into Wal-Mart for the first time to buy their groceries to teens who are now thumbing through the piles of status jeans at secondhand shops to save money. And experts say that such behavior could linger long after the economy recovers.

What surprises frugality bloggers is that many cheapskates such as VanDeventer haven't lost their jobs and are not in danger of losing their homes. Many have stashed a good chunk of cash away. But the economic uncertainty is catapulting them to new levels of thriftiness.

"I do it out of fear because I would rather put that money in the bank or purchase something we really need," said VanDeventer, who now saves about 50 percent of her take-home pay, up from 25 percent before the recession began more than a year ago.

The trend is disturbing for merchants, who are already reeling from the sharp pullback by spenders. Such extreme miserly behavior could only worsen the decline in consumer spending.

"Frugal people are now looking at more ways not to spend money," said Lynnae McCoy, who runs a blog called beingfrugal.net, which attracts seasoned penny pinchers. In January, her site received 110,000 hits, up 30 percent from a year ago. What intrigued McCoy was the interest among frugal folks to save even more money by making their own detergent and other household goods.

Elizabeth Schomburg, a credit counselor from Roscoe, Ill., is now replacing store brand softener with vinegar in her laundry. The 31-year-old, who used to comb the 80 percent off sales racks, said she has stopped doing any "recreational buying."

"I am questioning every single purchase," she said.

She's also not stockpiling discounted groceries because she wants to limit how much money she puts out for each trip to the supermarket. That kind of behavior is showing up in fourth-quarter results at companies including foodmaker H.J. Heinz Co., whose sales suffered as consumers are cleaning out their cupboards before buying new items.

Jeff Yeager, author of The Ultimate Cheapskate's Roadmap to True Riches, sees a silver lining to the economic downturn.

"Whatever you do to simplify your life is a good thing," Yeager said. A self-proclaimed cheapskate, he has spent no more than $100 over the past five years on clothing for himself and won't throw anything out until it literally falls apart.

But he's found ways to cut back even more now, such as eating more lentils -- which are cheap and nutritious -- and biking more to save gasoline. His mantra for buying food? Buy not what you want, but what's affordable at the time.

Unlike many big spenders during the boom years, he says he and other cheapskates are "sleeping easy" these days.

They're also getting some respect from the spenders, who even just a few months ago mocked their thrifty ways.

"My friends used to laugh at me," said Jodi Furman, referring to her obsession with 70 percent off sales and her knack for saving money with coupons.

They're not laughing now. The mother of three from Lake Worth, Fla., parlayed her knowledge into a blog called neverpayretailagain.net last fall. The blog helps shoppers save money on fashionable clothing and healthy food.

"If you can't make more money, then you can spend less -- and that's the equivalent of making more money," Furman said.

While she doesn't scrape pizza crumbs or make her own detergent, Furman said she's "laser-focused" when it comes to saving on groceries. She's saving 60 percent to 70 percent off her grocery bills. On a recent trip to Winn-Dixie, she scooped up $63.50 worth of groceries for $16.45. She picked up a box of TLC Cereal bars, regularly priced at $3.99, for $1 -- it was on sale for $3 but she used a $2 coupon. She got a $3.99 package of Equal sweetener for free -- combining a coupon with the sale price.

Many people are embracing the new challenge of squeezing the most value out of every last penny. Who knew you could make household products such as detergent? McCoy says it's not hard: mix Borax with a half bar of soap, baking soda and its relative washing soda, which cuts grease and can be found in the laundry areas of many supermarkets.

"If you have vinegar, Dawn soap and baking soda, you can pretty much make any cleaning product," McCoy said.

16 Weeks - Yay - we are 4 months along...

2009-03-09T08:45:00.000-07:00

How your baby's growing:
Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length. Right now, he's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too. The patterning of his scalp has begun, though his locks aren't recognizable yet. He's even started growing toenails. And there's a lot happening inside as well. For example, his heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as your baby continues to develop.

See what your baby looks like this week. (Or see what fraternal twins look like in the womb this week.)

How your life's changing:
The top of your uterus is about halfway between your pubic bone and your navel, and the round ligaments that support it are thickening and stretching as it grows. You're probably feeling a whole lot better as you settle into pregnancy, too. Less nausea, fewer mood swings, and "glowing" skin contribute to an overall sense of well-being.

Soon you'll experience one of the most wonderful moments of pregnancy — feeling your baby move. While some women notice "quickening" as early as 16 weeks, many don't feel their baby move until about 18 weeks or more. (And if this is your first baby, don't be too impatient — you may not be aware of your baby's movements until 20 weeks or so.) The earliest movements may feel like little flutters, gas bubbles, or even like popcorn popping. Over the following weeks they'll grow stronger and you'll be able to feel them much more frequently.

Tips from Ava

2009-03-06T14:48:00.001-08:00

Hello Ladies!

Sorry I am sooo late responding (partially because I didn't think I had much to contribute). Thank you Shannon, for starting this conversation.

Everyone has such wonderful ideas and I have learned so much from the responses. I am already using the spreadsheet - we have been wanting to create something like that for the longest time. I loved the crock pot recipes website (I just got my first crock pot a few weeks ago) and I am going to get a CVS card! Haven't had much luck with the coupons yet, but I am eager to learn.

The ways that we save are pretty simple and have probably already been mentioned, but here goes:

I read somewhere that in times like these, families tend to gain weight (which lends itself to obesity, high cholesterol and diabetes) because we cut back on those grocery items that cost the most but are also most beneficial to our health - fresh fruits and vegetables, whole wheat and grains, fish and poultry.

So, with the intent of infusing these staples into our diets consistently, I browse the circulars each week for what is on sale/where and that is where I shop for those items. Also, I have save $40-$50 per week by shopping at more than one store. Target is much cheaper than the grocery stores for a lot of items (especially condiments: jelly, miracle whip, salad dressing, etc). The best price for bananas, a bag of organic apples, RBST free milk and eggs is Trader Joes. Otherwise fresh fruits and veggies are almost always cheaper at a farmers market. This requires planning, when I plan our meals for the week and where I will shop it saves time and money. Whenever I can, I duplicate ingredients or plan for meals that will feed us for two days. It also lends itself to healthy meals with some variety. Because when I cook the same thing over and over, I find McDonalds and Del Taco wrappers in my husbands truck

Also, we only go out to eat when/where kids eat free or with some other type of coupon.

We shop for school supplies in July and August when they are half price at Target and Wal Mart.

I haven't graduated to aluminum containers yet (but plan to), in the meantime- we recycle our all of our juice and water bottles each month and usually come away with around $20.

Thanks so much for sharing such wonderful information~

God Bless!

Ava

My Pregnancy - 15 Weeks

2009-03-02T11:51:00.000-08:00

How your baby's growing:

Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple). She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but she is forming taste buds. Finally, if you have an ultrasound this week, you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or a girl! (Don't be too disappointed if it remains a mystery, though. Nailing down your baby's sex depends on the clarity of the picture and on your baby's position. He or she may be modestly curled up or turned in such a way as to "hide the goods.")

How your life's changing:

You've probably gained about 5 pounds by now (a little more or less is fine, too) and are well into the swing of your pregnancy, but you may still be surprised by an unexpected symptom now and then. If your nose is stuffed up, for instance, you can probably chalk it up to the combined effect of hormonal changes and increased blood flow to your mucous membranes. This condition is so common, there's even a name for it: "rhinitis of pregnancy." Some pregnant women also suffer nosebleeds as a result of increased blood volume and blood vessel expansion in the nose.

Birthday Card Annoyance

2009-03-02T11:29:00.000-08:00

So I have an annoyance with birthday cards. Especially when it comes
to children, they are such a waste of money! So here are a couple of
my ideas for solutions:
1. Instead of buying a card, but a small inexpensive book (under $4)
and write a special note to the birthday kid on the front cover.
You're spending the money still, but at least it doesn't get thrown
away the next day and they can read the book over and over again?
2. You can order a dozen birthday cards from places like www.terrysvillage.com
or www.expressions.com and they usually cost around $5 for a dozen and
then save them and pull them out of your "extra cards" box whenever
you need a last minute card. I usually get the Suzie's Zoo ones
because they're cute and not so personal.
3. Skip the card all together and go to the office store and buy a
little box of tags. Tape the string under your bow on the package and
write a little note (ex: Happy Birthday Riley, Love Shane) and it
looks cute and it's sweet and simple!

Ok, there's my spheal about how much I hate birthday cards! Hope you
can use one of these ideas if you want!

- Shannon

----------------------------------------------------------------------

I also like to make my own. I do digital scrapbooking
and have TONS of graphics, so I either make my own...or Dylan and I
make the card as an art project - he LOVES to do that and then it is a
keepsake for the recipient as well.

Another thing we do is - Dylan LOVES his cards, he has to keep them all....so we use the cards later for art projects - cut them up and glue them to something. That's fun too.

Heather Stokes

Fun T-Shirt Design

2009-03-02T11:28:00.001-08:00

Here's another money-saving idea...

I buy inexpensive solid-color t-shirts for my boys and then use puff paint
(buy it at Michael's) and stencils to put a picture of something on the
front.  My two-year-old has a brontosaurus shirt that he loves, and my
four-year-old always wants to wear his frog shirt.

You can buy the t-shirts really cheap at places like T-Shirt Mart in La
Verne.  I just bought several at the 99 Cents Store in Montclair (across
from the mall on Moreno), but they don't always have them.

First put a piece of cardboard inside the shirt.  Then use the stencil to
draw the design with a pen, then go over it with puff paint.  I have tons of
stencils in my scrapbooking stuff.  You can also get clip art from the
internet, cut it out, and trace around it.

It's easy and fun--this even makes a fun craft project for a moms' group.
You can wash the t-shirts in the washing machine.  The puff paint will
eventually start to come off but it takes a long time.  Turn the t-shirts
inside out before washing to extend the life of the puff paint.

-Dana

Another Mom Chimes in with some great tips....

2009-03-02T11:23:00.001-08:00

OK....I got back on the computer after about a week. I'm in a slightly different situation because of where I live, but we lived in suburbia for a decade, and I'm from Orange Co., so those roots are deep. We live on a ranch now, and that brings its own challenges. We have a large family garden. We have before and will this year, grown enough to can for the winter. Its kind of fun. Brandon really liked the blueberry peach jam I made one year. Look forward to it again this year....During the Depression, my Grandmother used to tell me about the Victory Gardens that Eleanor Roosevelt (sp?) promoted for families to help themselves. It was a hugh success, as everyone was living on government 'coupons' for sugar, gas, meat, (yes your meat from your butcher/market), etc. All those things that were in really short supply. And there was no money or work. The Great Dust Bowl was going on then, and farmers couldn't produce enought to live on themselves. Similar to the Central Valley in CA, which produces more that 50% of the entire nations produce. Its has had to cut production from 20-50% of its entire production. Things will be very scarce and expensive. The idea of a family compost pile and garden that someone brought up (I'm sorry I don't remember who, and it will take time to go thru the whole thing again!) is excellant. Your water bill will be higher, and I know Riverside just put in mandatory water rationing for western Riverside Co., and the drought may bring this situation on to most of So. Cal., so we'll see. We are on 2 wells, so we are ok....unless we have well problems.... Check out your local Farmers Markets also, esp. if produce shipped in becomes sparse. The farmers prices will go down with the economy, and you may be able to find things you won't be as able to at the big supermarkets. Plus a lot of this stuff will be shipped in from Mexico, and with the standards they have, and the current unrest they have there, this is personally very scary to me. Also stuff comes from So. America, where again the standards aren't anywhere what we just naturally expect from our government. If you have enough people close to you that have a garden, you can even pool ideas of what to grow and trade. We have a large flock of chickens, a dairy cow (and new calf), and neighbors who will exchange for pigs, goats or sheep. We have several acres planted in pasture for the spring, but contingent on rains. I have way to many horses, who are very expensive to keep, but half of them are rescues, and it they go to auction they will surely go to slaughter. Actually the cow was a rescue, and turned into a wonderful addition, considering the current economic situation. I watch this very carefully, because its even hit my husband's company. Her milk is wonderful (we were already very heavy milk drinkers), and her cheese and butter are as well. My grandmother told me that a lot of the city dwellers also had a few chickens and some raised rabbits (for meat) in their backyards to trade for stuff they couldn't get. I don't think you could get away with it today, but we'll see how bad things actually get. I shop in bulk at Sam's Club, and other places similar......because we live a ways out and running to the grocery store or Wal Greens is not the best option. But I save a lot of $. And shopping time. Get online and there are quite a few really good recipe sites. I cook according to whats in season or what was a good price. Plus I always have certain staples on hand. Rice, beans, flour, yeast, potatoes, onions. And lots of different canned things. I have a lot of good tried and true recipes that I'll get back online with and send. Right now I've got to get outside and plant and weed, and rake, and it goes on and on........

If your new to coupon clipping....

2009-02-27T11:03:00.000-08:00

Thrifty Momma has a post titled "Coupon Basics for Newbies".
SEVERAL great tips for the beginning coupon clipper.

She also has a post called "Coupon Lingo" that I found quite helpful.

CVS Savings Tutorials

2009-02-27T10:45:00.000-08:00

I found some tutorials for saving money at CVS over on a lovely blog I just discovered called Centsible Savings (cute name huh?)....

Check out the tutorials here....

2009-02-27T10:25:00.000-08:00

Goodwill has children's clothes on sale about 6 times a year. all clothes (every piece, even warm expensive jackets) for just 99 cents! my two boys wear the nicest, name brand clothes like GAP and children's place and such because the quality is great! but i only pay 99 cents for them. then they get passed down to the little brother first and then to the cousins of friends. the sale goes on for a whole week and is a most goodwills! i hit about 4 stores when the sale is on and THRIVE on the sales i have made!

Then i come home and bleach the ones i can and use amonia and hot or warmest water with my tide to kill any an all "visitors" and dust smells.

Frugal Mimi

2009-02-27T08:27:00.001-08:00

My Husband is also a Contractor - He runs his own business and the problem with this industry is that you just never know IF or WHAT the next job will be and unfortunately with the economy the way it is - not many people are wanting to spend money on Additions & Remodels. EVERYONE is pinching the pennies. I am a full time working Mom as well - I work outside of the home in addition to my Husband's business. This enables us to have great benefits, medical, dental, 401k, life insurance, etc. We have recently given ourselves a personal budget....let me tell you it is HARD, but with this budget - I am able to sock away about $500.00 a month into my savings account from MY paycheck. This will be used if god forbid - there is no next job for him and should help us get by for a bit with our bills, etc. I allow myself a certain amount to spend each week - NO EXCEPTIONS. It does not allow me the luxuries of new outfits whenever I want, or even that new book I have been wanting to read.....but hey - my Family and keeping a roof over our head are more important to me than the latest gadgets & gizmo's. We have paid off our credit card bills as well so that we will have those to "fall back on" in an emergency situation.

Heather Stokes

2009-02-27T08:26:00.000-08:00

Here is a Blog I have started reading or looking into just recently as well....
Mom's trying to save money....just like us....may be worth a look to some.

Money Saving Mom - Her post yesterday is titled "100 ways to save $100.00 this year".

Here is her list of links to useful money saving resources....

My Contribution to the Mom Tips....

2009-02-27T08:25:00.000-08:00

My Mom does one of these coupon savings sites and saves a TON. I believe it is called the Grocery Game. She pays a small monthly fee and the woman gives you all the specials going on in the store that week - she tells you what coupon coincides with those specials, etc. It takes a little time to figure out (I STILL don't quite get it) and takes some time to cut and save the weekend coupons, but A LOT of the stuff my Mom gets is absolutely FREE. She cuts a bill from over a hundred dollars down to like fifteen sometimes. It is crazy. Here is the website for anyone that is interested.....I think you can try it out for a month for a dollar.
http://www.thegrocerygame.com/

I also have a link of recipes I have been collecting to try here on my Kaboodle list....if anyone is interested or can't figure out how to view the recipes just let me know. :-D
http://www.kaboodle.com/grmnvixen/recipes.html

My Mom and I shop at thrift stores as well. I know some people look down on that - not me - I am ALL about saving money where I can and - hey - children are TOUGH on clothes - So I buy him jeans and t-shirts that he can wear to the sitter or preschool and be rough and tough - and for the price - who cares right? We also find A LOT of great books here - behavioral and developmental that have been in libraries, or classrooms. These are REALLY expensive online...so another great steal.

Another one is being CRAFTY and doing it yourself. I have YET to learn how to sew, but have been collecting craft tutorials and sewing patterns and have a link here if anyone is interested in that as well.
Crafts - http://www.kaboodle.com/grmnvixen/cool-crafts.html
Patterns - http://www.kaboodle.com/grmnvixen/cute-patterns.html

I can't wait to hear more GREAT money saving ideas....

Heather Stokes

Money Saaving Tips from Mommy Savers

2009-02-26T15:45:00.000-08:00

Money saving tips, ideas and resources for frugal Moms.

Another tip from Stephanie

2009-02-26T15:37:00.000-08:00

You can save on meat at Fresh & Easy…..every night after 9:00 p.m. all meat packaged the day before (it is not stuff that expired the day before) is marked down 50%!!!!! I know it is kind of late to go shopping but you can save a bunch of money.

http://www.freshandeasy.com/

Stephanie Chimes in....

2009-02-26T15:35:00.000-08:00

I am a bargain hunter at heart! I found a hotcouponworld.com last year Jan and its become a hobby since the day I learned about it. I hit the financial hardship right after I got married. I have 3 kids that like to eat for some reason!! LOL So getting married and now having to grocery shop for 5 people every week got really expensive and each trip was running around 250, ekk. We couldn’t afford it anymore. Through using coupons I have gotten my grocery bill down to 40 bucks a week.

The website lets you search by store to find sales and even provides coupon match up to sale items, making them even cheaper, but I think more than anything the key is to check ads, use coupons and stockpile.

I buy 6-7 coupon inserts a week. I cut, sort and staple like coupons before organizing them in my coupon folder. (I have a 2 wipe containers that I keep them filed in and the wipe containers have there own purse, and my coupons go everywhere with me) Granted I coupon at a high level and I think most family’s just shopping for them could do 2-3 inserts a week. I ALWAYS stock up when an item is on sale. The key is to never pay full price for items that you can get on sale!

A good site for the new couponer is “THE GROCERY GAME” it’s like 5 bucks a month, but you and a friend could split it and just use the same log in. The site lets you select specific stores and shows when an item is on sale, if there is a coupon for it and also color codes the items. Black items are on sale, but this is not the lowest sale price they offer. Green items are called stockpiling items. That means this is probably the lowest price you will see this item matched with a coupon. The perfect time to buy as many of the item as you think you will need before the next sale. You can also order coupons online if you want to buy more of that item. And green items are free. Who doesn’t want free stuff? It’s free after coupon of course!!!

People will laugh when they come to my house. I always have things on hand like, a mayo in the fridge and 2 in the pantry. (Any type of condiment/rice/bean/cracker, etc or toiletry I have at least 3 on hand, sometimes more? My mom will say why do you have so much. Because it was on sale, I paid 1.60 a piece, well most of us know a name brand mayo can cost upwards of 4-5 dollars. I bought 3 for the price of one. Do things go bad sometimes before I get a chance to use it? I guess this could be a problem but I always find a way to use something if it’s going bad. Example if my mayo was expiring next week, we will be having tuna sandwiches for lunch, making egg salad and potato salad. I will find a way to use it or give it away before I have to throw away money!!!

I also use my crock-pot a LOT. If I don’t plan then we eat out and we all know a family of 5 eating out now is a minimum of $40-50 and this is even take out sometimes!!! EKK

Also stocking up on meat in your freezer. I think this is a big one, because its one of the most expensive things in meals. Buy on sale. Example ground beef usually is on sale for 1.99 and a great sale is .99 I always stock up and have the butchers package them in sizes I would use. I have about 30lbs of ground beef in my freezer all in 1lb packages. (you can freeze meat for a year, says my dad, who use to be a butcher) Do I have a lot, yes, but when there are no good sales I don’t have to go out and pay 3.79 a lb.

People laugh at my addiction, but it works out better in the long run. When my son had to go to the emergency room last month and have CAT scan that was big unexpected expense. Since I have such a big stockpile at home I probably spent 20 bucks on groceries the whole month because we were low on funds and this was just stuff that you have to buy regularly like milk, veggies and fruit. Thank goodness I had a stockpile because didn’t have to touch savings to pay for the unexpected expense or charge my groceries on a Credit card!

My fav deal blogs:
http://www.dealseekingmom.com/

http://www.frugalinvirginia.com/search/label/Kroger

http://jane4girls800dollarannualbudget.blogspot.com/

http://www.iheartcvs.com/ ( get all my stuff from CVS for FREE, I am not lying, Stephanie Bonomo can attest to it!)

http://www.nickels-n-dimes.com/

And my number one Favorite!!!! It’s a group of moms who talk about deals and family. I really feel like we are big bunch of friends. Please join us.

http://community.babycenter.com/groups/a7465/coupon_deals_for_bargain_hunters?

I hope this helps someone!!!

Dana's Tips

2009-02-26T15:34:00.000-08:00

Great ideas, ladies! This is a VERY important topic to discuss right now. In fact, my husband and I talk about the economy and strategize for our family almost daily now. We really believe that we are in an economic downturn that will equal or exceed the Great Depression. The indicators are all there. PLEASE get your families prepared financially. The prevailing wisdom used to be that families should have an emergency cash reserve of three months’ salary. Lately that recommendation has increased to one year’s salary. Sorry to be so scary, but I think it’s important.

Here’s my two cents, so to speak...

Health care: The biggest money-saver I’ve discovered lately is for health insurance. What you do is switch your health insurance to a cheaper plan with a high deductible (at least $3,000 or so) and then open a Healthcare Savings Account (HSA). You put money in the HSA and then use it to pay all out-of-pocket healthcare expenses—anything your health insurance doesn’t cover such as copays, immunizations, and even over-the-counter medicines at the drugstore. The cool part is that you don’t pay income taxes on any of the money you put into the HSA, so you basically get 30% off all your health care expenses (or whatever percentage your tax bracket is). I have an insurance agent that set all this up for me for free.

Tax deductions: Aside from your house or apartment, taxes are probably the biggest expense. Since tax time is coming up, be sure to take ALL of the deductions to which you are entitled. If you do your own taxes, don’t forget about some of these:
--deduct all DMV fees
--deduct property taxes and mortgage interest (if you own your house)
--deduct all contributions to your church or other nonprofits, including clothes donated to thrift stores
--deduct miles you drive for charitable purposes (14 cents per mile)
--deduct miles you drive for medical purposes (27 cents per mile)

My husband owns a business, so we are able to take tons of deductions that employed people can’t take. The benefits are absolutely amazing. For example, his company buys the pricey ink cartridges for my home photo printer because Mark uses it to print out things for work. If we take a weekend trip to San Diego, we stop by one of the stores that carries Mark’s products and chat with the owner for a bit—abracadabra, a deductible trip. However, the “security” of a reliable paycheck is also a big positive, so there are good and bad points to owning a business.

Drugs: Buy generic. As long as the active ingredient is the same, it’s the exact same medicine for less than half the cost. Costco generics are especially cheap. My husband takes a lot of Benadryl for his allergies, so I buy big bottles of generic Benadryl at Costco for about $3.50.

Retirement plans: Move your retirement plan (IRA or 401-K) investments into stable money-market type funds because the stock market is still going down and probably will continue to do so for a while. The news is full of government predictions that the recession will be over by the end of this year, but I don’t believe that one bit.

Groceries: Big Lots and the 99 Cents store are awesome! Vons and Ralphs are the only local grocery chains that double your coupons. Sprouts (in Claremont) has REALLY good deals on produce in their ads, but it’s not cheap for anything else. Costco is great for many things, but don’t assume that Costco has the best price just because it’s Costco. Know the prices of the products you buy. Also, I recently read that the biggest waste of money on groceries is when we don’t use something and let it spoil—especially true for produce. That’s a big argument for planning out the week’s meals in advance, which I’ve always intended to do but it’s never actually happened. Several others have already talked about Couponmom.com, but I want to put in my vote for it, too.

Other coupons: Someone mentioned this already, but I’ve found it very helpful to go to the websites of products I buy frequently and sign up for their email newsletters which often include coupons.

Clothes: Shop the end-of-season clearance sales. A few weeks ago, Kohl’s had racks and racks of clothes at 80% off. JC Penney’s had stuff 70% off. I get a big charge out of showing my husband what I bought and then asking him to guess how little I spent for it. I rarely buy clothes for my boys because my sister-in-law (who has a 6-year-old boy) hands down all her son’s clothes to me. See if you can make an arrangement like that with a friend or family member.

Books: I love books, but I rarely buy them new. There are tons of used book sales—each public library has one or two a year plus random other ones such as the Pilgrim Place Festival in November. Also, each county has a great system where you can request books from other libraries if your local library doesn’t have a certain book that you want to read. You just put the book on hold, the library that has it sends it over to your local library, and they let you know when you can come pick it up. To access the catalog for L.A. County, go to www.colapublib.org.

Activities for kids: Parks are tons of fun and free! I read about great idea. The mom put a map of her city on the wall and marked all the parks. Every week she took her kids to a different park. The kids got to rate the park on different things, and the mom kept track of the scores. They went back to the “favorite” parks on special days. This mom had older kids and did this during summer break, but it sounds fun. Do things close to home to save gas. Hiking in the mountains is a great family activity (but I don’t go without my husband for safety reasons).

There’s a Circuit City in Montclair and a Chick’s Sporting Goods in Upland that are going out of business and have everything discounted. Also, Second Story Books in the Claremont Village.

Keep a wish list of things you’d like to have but don’t really need. Then consult the list when people ask what you want for your birthday.

Keep the great tips coming! Also, let’s not forget to praise God for the blessings he gives each of us in the midst of these hard times and keep an eye out for others who could use some help.

Love,
Dana

Some tips from Katie

2009-02-26T15:31:00.000-08:00

I saw an Oprah show with the Coupon Mom. She has some really wonderful ideas and when I watched her she got $127.00 worth of grocerys for just $37.00. Her website is couponmom.com. Not only does she give you wonderful tips on how to shop and save but also gives sites to get coupons. Oh and did you know that you can also download coupons right on to your club card? I didn't until I looked at her sight and she tells you how to do it. It's really neat.

Also Dave Ramsey is a christain financial debt advisor and I guess is a wonderful speaker. I have never been to one of his seminars but I hear they work wonders for getting debt free. My Father and Mother in law are getting ready to do the course so I will let you know what they think. My church is holding his class right now but it just didn't work with mine and my husbands schedules but we are going to try to get in the next one. So you might want to check with your church and see if they are planning a class or they might know where one is being held. Or you can go to daveramsey.com and buy the kit online.

Have a Wonderful Day,

Katie

Crock Pot Shredded Chicken

2009-02-26T15:25:00.000-08:00

Super cheap, super delicious way to make shredded chicken for burritos, sandwiches, etc .... and it's in the crockpot so fast and easy ....

thinly slice an onion and a bell pepper (whatever you have on hand) and place them on the bottom of the dish.

on top of that, lay 4 chicken breasts (thawed if frozen)

then mix together

1 can tomato soup

1 can chicken broth

1 can water

pour over chicken and you are done!

Set on high until cooked through.

Sheryl has some tips on coupons

2009-02-26T15:23:00.000-08:00

I have been my coupons organized by categories: personal hygiene, household goods (inc paper products), dairy, pets, etc... I have them in envelopes and now graduated to an old wipes container. There is enough room in there to add a pen and a notepad.It closes to avoid the inevitable spill in the car when you hit the brakes and they fall off the seat! I proudly carry my wipes box everywhere. It is labeled mommy's coupons so the stores don't get the security to pat me down. I even keep some coupons in one envelope just for Kylie. Those are her coupons, she has her own list and finds certain items for me (that is her very important job!)
I have two pages on my shopping lists for depending on what I have spent. one list is stuff I have to get right now: tp, allergy meds, milk, dog food things like that. the second list is stuff I'd like to get now, but I can wait til next payday-mostly stock up stuff: a can of furniture polish because the one at home is very low, I am going to need conditioner soon, those frozen dinners are a bargain but I don't have a coupon.

Amanda chimes in with some witty responses....

2009-02-26T15:22:00.001-08:00

Wow! These are all such great ideas! I shop at Children's Orchard almost exclusively for all of my son's clothes and I trade in the ones he has outgrown. They take toys and videos and furniture too! I picked up a double stroller for my in-laws for less than $60.00. I also get an email from them if they have specials like, all the clothes that you can stuff in bag for $5.00.

I also sell things on Ebay and Craigslist that I know I can get money for and don't want to donate. This is a tidy little way to make a profit. That way if I want to buy something, I usually carry a balance over from my Paypal account from things I have sold and I don't need to "spend" anything.

I use my Entertainment book like a bible. I also take advantage of the parks and recs in my town for classes and activities that are free or cheap. The public library has a ton of free things for kids on the weekend. I also get all my books and videos there.

And lastly. Pimp out those husbands! I do this routinely! If your sig other has a skill, or trade, see if you can barter that for something else. My husband helped Heather's husband with something (I cannot recall what now) and her husband came later and painted my whole house! What a savings that was!

Caitlins Tips

2009-02-26T15:18:00.000-08:00

My big hint is www.thegrocerygame.com. It takes couponing to the next level and means that you use your coupons in conjunction with categorical sales in the store, store coupons, and your VONS card sales (I shop at VONS, but they have it for all the major stores). The coolest thing about it is that they keep track of everything so you don't have to guess when the best time is to use your coupons. Plus, they tell you which produce and meats are at their best price - that's great for me because I'm bad at remembering stuff like that. I typically save 50-60% on my groceries every time I go, for a time investment of around 30-45 min a week. Just see how impressed your hubby is when you come home and tell him that you got $150 of groceries for $70!

Then what you do is plan your meals based on whatever you got through The Grocery Game that week. For example, this week I got a huge pork loin. Never have cooked a pork loin before, but I'm going to learn. My second biggest hint is www.allrecipes.com - this is the best recipe site, because you enter in the ingredient you have and all the recipes come up that have that ingredient. The cool thing, though, is that not only is the recipe itself rated out of five stars, you can flag reviews that are really helpful and they move up in the list. So all you have to do is read the top 5 or 6 reviews of the recipe and people will tell you the alterations that are necessary to make it really good! It means that you make the recipe the first time as if it were your 5th time with alterations included. =) Anyway, the combination of these two sites have transformed groceries and meal planning in our household.

A note about cancelling the home phone - if you do that, be sure to program your LOCAL police into your cell phone and use that instead of 911. My friend who is a police officer told me this. The cell phone 911 is not local, it goes to a regional call center and you end up having to wait in line after all the 911 calls in your region - he says it is ridiculous how long people have to wait for cell phone 911. You'll get a faster response on your cell phone if you dial your local police.

Double check your cell phone plan and make sure you're using all of the minutes, and that there aren't any services on there that you don't need. Reduce your plan down to what you actually use based on your historical call volume. Also, a lot of times they'll add "free for the first month" type services at the beginning and then you end up paying monthly for internet or some other service that you don't use. We saved around $50 a month when I reviewed our cell phone charges carefully and changed our plan.

If you have different internet and phone providers, check to see if Verizon's bundled plan is cheaper. We were paying $70 for DSL, and then once our contract was up we researched it and have switched to the Verizon bundled plan - essentially now we get our internet for $5 a month!

If you are good about paying your credit card bills be sure to call them up and ask them for a reduced interest rate.

My hubby started driving a scooter to work instead of the car. He gets approx 70 mpg. That has made a HUGE difference in our gas bill. Also, we have a Vons with a gas station here in La Verne- you automatically get 3 cents/gallon off when you use your Vons card. Also, when you shop at Vons (which I do exclusively because they double my coupons), you earn huge gas rewards. Yesterday the checker told me I'm going to save 70 cents per gallon on my next fill-up.

Double check your insurance policies to make sure the coverage is exactly what you need and no more. I use Farmers and I just told my agent I wanted to try to decrease our payment, and she worked with me to eliminate the fluff from our policy - it turned out there was some stuff on there that we didn't need to pay for (like, we were paying a few bucks per month to have the option of a free rental car while our car was in the shop - well, our Carmax car warranty provides that already, so we were paying for coverage we already had).

We got a water cooler and get water refills from our local water store. WAY cheaper than having water delivered or buying water bottles at the store, plus now we have hot and cold drinking water on demand, and always have several large containers of emergency water on hand just in case.

We do Blockbuster Online instead of renting movies. The cool thing about it is that we always have movies on hand to watch, plus you can exchange them in the store for a rental, so you can be spontaneous on a Friday night too.
For any other ladies out there who play games or have husbands who do, my husband has subscribed to a program called Gamefly.com. It's just like Blockbuster or Netflix except for videogames, so for $25 a month he always has a game to play. This is amazing to us because Playstation Games cost $60 each, and he goes through several of them per month. The awesome thing about it is that it means he tries out all of these games before committing any money to them, and it has brought his gaming hobby down to an affordable level. (They have games for all of the different platforms, Playstation, Wii, Xbox, the handheld ones, etc.) And then, to top it all off, if he likes a game and wants to buy it, he just buys the one they sent him and they sell it at a MUCH cheaper price than retail. I can't even say how much $$ this service has saved us.

If you have to buy anything at all, look on Craigslist.org and Freecycle.org FIRST. Don't go out an buy a new baby gate or bookcase, whatever, look and see if someone else is getting rid of one. Also, try to sell your stuff on Craigslist before giving it to Goodwill. You better bet that someone out there wants it for a bit of $$.

Use a bread machine to make yummy white and french bread for much cheaper than the store.

For an easy, cheap meal, I put pork, chicken, or beef in the crockpot with our favorite BBQ sauce and once it is really soft just shred it and serve it on rolls.

Well, that's it for now! Keep them coming ladies, this is super helpful.
Caitlin

Shannon had Great some tips of her own

2009-02-26T15:15:00.000-08:00

The few things I do and have been doing for quite sometime now is seperating my shopping.

I go to Big Lots for all snacks and cereals. They are sooooooo much cheaper than even Target or Walmart. And they have a large selection. So I stock up there whenever I see good deals. But remember to check the expiration date, usually all snacks and such are still good for about 5 months. But I check dates for everything no matter where I go!

Target, is also my happy place. Whatever I can find there cheaper than the store I buy and finally I make my way to Vons, which I love. Thats my normal stuff like fruit and such.

So taking the time and planning your list and thinking ahead is always good. I have a pantry that I call "overflow" full of cereal stuff, snacks, juice etc..... when there are deals stock up!

Other than that, I just plan reg. everyday meals. The less fancy the meal is, the cheaper it is, so don't try to be Chef Ramsey and be Betty Crooker! Boring but budget friendly!

And as for utilities.... I looked up a while ago, on what draws the most energy....

the four main sources of power are....... Dryer (electric), freezer, dishwasher and flat screen TV's. So doing dishes and laundry after 7pm will cut down costs!

It really is scary right now for most and being cheap is a good thing! Good luck to all and always be thankful for what we still do have!

xoxo

Shawna

Great Tips from Sheryl

2009-02-26T15:14:00.000-08:00

If you shop at Walgreens and do their rebates, get the refund on a gift card. They give you and extra 10% back on the card. You can even reuse the cards. While filing out the rebate form put the gift card number on the form. That way you only need to carry one around. If you send in the rebate and they send you a check, you loose 10%....

register online for diapers, formula etc for babies/toddlers. most companies will send you coupons (some start great and fade to ok, but they still save some cash). I know enfamil started with $10 off and went to $2 but it was something! some stores will not accept internet coupons-have them sent to your home via snail mail

some restaurants offer kids eat free. I know Chevy's offers it on tuesdays and in the paper last week there was a coupon for a meal $3.99 when purchased with one regular meal. Chick-fil-A has family night on tuesday. That means when you buy one meal, you get a childs for free. There is a secret too; if you keep your toy and trade it in unopened, they will give you a free ice cream.

Don't forget Children's Orchard clothing exchange. They send emails that when you bring in clothes, they will give you a percentage off your next purchase. I've been a few times, but not bought anything, so I don't really know what the discount is.

Check your long distance too. we never use our house phone for long distance. We have the minutes on our cell phones and it is actually free for us to call Texas and Boston.

get rid of your water bottles! they are not good for our planet or our wallets. We save $35 a month not getting our Arrowhead delivered. We don't buy plastic water bottles (except for the earthquake kit) we use refillable aluminum bottles (they are eco friendly). for great tasting water we get a filter for our fridge water approx $80 for 6-8 months.

watch for target offers. sometimes they offer a $5 gift card when you purchase certain items. Last time I got breakfast bars they offered $5 if you got 3. With the coupons for the 3 boxes, they paid me to take the bars!

we started composting our organic waste-it is good for my garden and good for the earth too-(kind of fun).-oh and plant a garden. nothing tastes better than fresh tomatoes!

Money saving tips from Mimi w/ recipes

2009-02-26T15:11:00.000-08:00

Mimi had some great tips to help us along our money saving adventure.....

let me share a little of how i save and make meals. dont get me wrong, i still take my family out when i dont feel like cooking but waaaay less often.

1. find out when the local 99 cent store gets shipments and shop there first before you go to the local grocery store. they have fruit and veggies, bread and even frozen stuff. i get most of my produce there. you just have to use it faster than normal. buy for the week. along with my produce, i buy yogurt, name brand 100% whole wheat bread, bagels, tortillas (wheat, flour and corn) regularly.

2. buy kids snacks and crackers at the 99 cent store, dollar tree and big lots. they are MOST TIMES cheaper than even with a coupon.

3. sally's beauty supply carries a brand called GENERIC. I use the Paul Mitchell products that I love and the ingredients are exactly the same and listed on the back for $4.99 - $6.99.

4. water down the kids juice! half to a quarter of juice and the rest water! it is better for them also.

5. only order water when you go out to dinner.

6. buy an entertainment guide and use it when you go out. there are also store coupons in the back. there are even movie coupons! use your 20% off coupon and buy it at bed bath & beyond for $20!

i wish i could stay and write more. i will later but here are some ideas to share. i hope you like them. they save this stay at home mommy LOTS of money! here is a cheap and easy casserole that taste like a corn dog and goes a long way!

cheap and easy casserole

1 large can of baked beans (like 20 oz or so)

1 package of good tasting hot dogs ( like nathans) it makes a difference

1 box of corn bread mix ( i buy the cheap trader joes one)

put layer of beans at the bottom of a casserole dish. cut the hot dogs in small round slices and layer them over the beans. after making the wet cornbread mix with all the ingredients, spread it over the top gently. bake in the oven according to the bread time or until brown. its yummy! let me know when you try it!

ok, here's one more...

we call this spaghetti / fideo at our house. it is so healthy and kid friendly.

1 package of fideo noodles (like broken angel hair pasta)

1 soda can size V8 juice

1 can of chicken broth

2 garlic cloves

1/4 onion

season salt like Lawry's

brown the noodles in a pan with about 1 TB oil. add broth, V8, and season salt (about 1 tsp). throw in the whole garlic cloves and whole onion. stir gently. bring to a boil. bring to a simmer and cover for about 10 minutes. that's it! get your bagged salad from the 99 cent store and your favorite salad dressing and you have a meal!

love and savings,

mimi

Money Saving Tips & Tricks for Savvy Moms

2009-02-26T14:20:00.001-08:00

Shannon - A friend of mine, and Mother of two sent out an email to a large group of women inquiring about the specific ways that they go about saving money. It spawned a GREAT discussion, several useful money saving tips & tricks, and some GREAT recipes to boot. I thought I might highlight some of those here in my blog in case anyone might like some ideas to save a few pennies here and there in this unstable economy....

So be on the lookout as I get them in - I will post some of my favorites.....

Here are some great tips from Liz

-If you have good cell phone coverage & signal, dump the landline. How often do we actually use our home phones anyway these days? And if you do need a landline in an emergency, in most cases you can still plug a phone in and be able to dial 911 regardless of whether you have an active line. If you must have a landline, call your carrier and get the least expensive plan they have...usually $10/month or so and use it for strictly local calls. Don't pick a long-distance plan. Use your cell phones for long distance & toll calls.

-Cable. Cut premium channels. We don't have this anyway, but if you have any sort of premium channels or 'tiers', that can save about $10/mo or more.

-If you or your spouse do see a substantial decrease in income, you can see about qualifying for a level-pay plan with your gas/electric/water utility companies. I don't know much about this, but I always see something about this in the flyers that come with your bill

-I'm sure we all do online bill pay exclusively, but if you don't, this saves so much money in stamps and also assures that your bills are paid on time, thus avoiding any late fees, finance charges, and the like.

-If you must go and grab fast food, skip the combo meals and just buy the main sandwich. Bring it home and have drinks out of the fridge. This saves a ton of $. Also by avoiding the combo meal, you are avoiding the fatty fries full of empty calories.

-Take the time to clip and organize your coupons prior to going to the store. Companies are losing $$$ big time, so the coupons to lure consumers to buy their products are big. I rarely see any coupons under 50 cents anymore and most of them are over $1.00. Ralphs grocery doubles any coupon under $1.00. So pay attention to those coupons.

-Get a free CVS club card. CVS is a great store to shop at for lots of your staple items simply because of the coupons. For instance, just last night I was able to use 3 CVS coupons all at once. Save $3.00 off any purchase of $15.00 or more. Save $2.00 off your next purchase and Save $1.00 off your next purchase...Plus I had a manufacturer's coupon for $1.00 my body wash. Before the coupons, the total was $33.22. I walked out of there paying $26.22, a savings of $7.00. And to top it all off, I had another $8.00 in coupons attached to my receipt for my next shopping trip over $15.00. SCORE!

Now What Baby: A creative end to the animal madness

2009-02-24T14:56:00.000-08:00

Now What Baby: A creative end to the animal madness

How COOL is this...You have to see it.

13 Weeks

2009-02-20T08:34:00.000-08:00

How your baby's growing:

Fingerprints have formed on your baby's tiny fingertips, her veins and organs are clearly visible through her still-thin skin, and her body is starting to catch up with her head — which makes up just a third of her body size now. If you're having a girl, she now has more than 2 million eggs in her ovaries. Your baby is almost 3 inches long (the size of a medium shrimp) and weighs nearly an ounce.

How your life's changing:This is the last week of your first trimester, and your risk of miscarriage is now much lower than earlier in pregnancy. Next week marks the beginning of your second trimester, a time of relative comfort for many women who see early pregnancy symptoms such as morning sickness and fatigue subside. More good news: Many couples also notice a distinct libido lift around this time. Birth is still months away, but your breasts may have already started making colostrum, the nutrient-rich fluid that feeds your baby for the first few days after birth, before your milk starts to flow.

So Sweet

2009-02-13T11:04:00.000-08:00

Baby is 12 Weeks - YAY

2009-02-09T08:46:00.000-08:00

How your baby's growing:The most dramatic development this week: reflexes. Your baby's fingers will soon begin to open and close, his toes will curl, his eye muscles will clench, and his mouth will make sucking movements. In fact, if you prod your abdomen, your baby will squirm in response, although you won't be able to feel it. His intestines, which have grown so fast that they protrude into the umbilical cord, will start to move into his abdominal cavity about now, and his kidneys will begin excreting urine into his bladder.

Meanwhile, nerve cells are multiplying rapidly, and in your baby's brain, synapses are forming furiously. His face looks unquestionably human: His eyes have moved from the sides to the front of his head, and his ears are right where they should be. From crown to rump, your baby-to-be is just over 2 inches long (about the size of a lime) and weighs half an ounce.

How your life's changing:

Your uterus has grown to the point where your healthcare provider can now feel the top of it (the fundus) low in your abdomen, just above your pubic bone. You may already be into maternity clothes, especially if this isn't your first pregnancy. If you're still fairly small and not yet ready for maternity clothes, you've no doubt noticed that your waist is thickening and that you're more comfortable in loose, less restrictive clothing.

You may begin to feel heartburn (also called acid indigestion), a burning sensation that often extends from the bottom of your breastbone to your lower throat. Many women get heartburn for the first time during pregnancy, and those who've previously had bouts of heartburn may find that it gets worse. During pregnancy, the placenta produces a lot of the hormone progesterone, which relaxes the valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach. Particularly when you're lying down, gastric acid can seep back up the pipe, which causes the uncomfortable burning sensation. For many women the problem doesn't begin (or get worse) until later in pregnancy, when your growing uterus starts to push up on your stomach. The discomfort may range from mildly annoying to intense and distracting.

Baby's Growth : 11 Weeks

2009-02-02T08:17:00.000-08:00

How your baby's growing:

Your baby, just over 1 1/2 inches long and about the size of a fig, is now almost fully formed. Her hands will soon open and close into fists, tiny tooth buds are beginning to appear under her gums, and some of her bones are beginning to harden.

She's already busy kicking and stretching, and her tiny movements are so effortless they look like water ballet. These movements will become more frequent as her body grows and becomes more developed and functional. You won't feel your baby's acrobatics for another month or two — nor will you notice the hiccupping that may be happening now that her diaphragm is forming.

How your life's changing:

If you're like most women, you're feeling a bit more energetic now and your nausea may be starting to wane. Unfortunately, you may also be suffering from constipation (caused by hormonal changes, which can slow digestion) and heartburn (hormones again, relaxing the valve between your stomach and esophagus). Just remember, all this discomfort is for a good cause.

Don't worry if nausea has made it impossible for you to eat a wide variety of healthy foods or if you haven't put on much weight yet (most women gain just 2 to 5 pounds during the first trimester). Your appetite will likely return soon, and you'll start to gain about a pound a week.
___________________
Courtesy of Babycenter.com

2009-01-30T08:45:00.000-08:00

Think carefully about what you will be reading...

Mary, had a little Lamb,
His fleece was white as snow.
And everywhere that Mary went,
The Lamb was sure to go.

He followed her to school each day,
T'wasn't even in the rule.
It made the children laugh and play,
To have The Lamb at school..

And then the rules all changed one day,
Illegal it became;
To bring The Lamb of God to school,
Or even speak His Name !

Every day got worse and worse,
And days turned into years.
Instead of hearing children laugh,
We heard gun shots and tears.

What must we do to stop the crime,
That's in our schools today ?
Let's let The Lamb come back to school,
And teach our kids to pray !!!!!!

Baby Stokes at TEN weeks

2009-01-26T08:25:00.000-08:00

How your baby's growing:

Though he's barely the size of a kumquat — a little over an inch or so long, crown to bottom — and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce, your baby has now completed the most critical portion of his development. This is the beginning of the so-called fetal period, a time when the tissues and organs in his body rapidly grow and mature.

He's swallowing fluid and kicking up a storm. Vital organs — including his kidneys, intestines, brain, and liver (now making red blood cells in place of the disappearing yolk sac) — are in place and starting to function, though they'll continue to develop throughout your pregnancy.

If you could take a peek inside your womb, you'd spot minute details, like tiny nails forming on fingers and toes (no more webbing) and peach-fuzz hair beginning to grow on tender skin.

In other developments: Your baby's limbs can bend now. His hands are flexed at the wrist and meet over his heart, and his feet may be long enough to meet in front of his body. The outline of his spine is clearly visible through translucent skin, and spinal nerves are beginning to stretch out from his spinal cord. Your baby's forehead temporarily bulges with his developing brain and sits very high on his head, which measures half the length of his body. From crown to rump, he's about 1 1/4 inches long. In the coming weeks, your baby will again double in size — to nearly 3 inches.

Birthday Clock

2009-01-20T08:03:00.003-08:00

This is very cool....Click on the link and learn more about yourself than you ever wanted to know...lol

CLICK HERE

Here is mine......

19 June 1977

Your date of conception was on or about 26 September 1976 which was a Sunday.

You were born on a Sunday
under the astrological sign Gemini.
Your Life path number is 4.

Your fortune cookie reads:
Love always and deeply.

Life Path Compatibility:
You are most compatible with those with the Life Path numbers 2, 4, 8, 11 & 22.
You should get along well with those with the Life Path numbers 6 & 7.
You are least compatible with those with the Life Path numbers 1, 3, 5 & 9.

The Julian calendar date of your birth is 2443313.5.
The golden number for 1977 is 2.
The epact number for 1977 is 10.
The year 1977 was not a leap year.

Your birthday falls into the Chinese year beginning 2/18/1977 and ending 2/6/1978.
You were born in the Chinese year of the Snake.

Your Native American Zodiac sign is Elk; your plant is Mullein.

You were born in the Egyptian month of Mesore, the fourth month of the season of Shomu (Harvest).

Your date of birth on the Hebrew calendar is 3 Tammuz 5737.
Or if you were born after sundown then the date is 4 Tammuz 5737.

The Mayan Calendar long count date of your birthday is 12.18.3.17.9 which is
12 baktun 18 katun 3 tun 17 uinal 9 kin

The Hijra (Islamic Calendar) date of your birth is Sunday, 2 Rajab 1397 (1397-7-2).

The date of Easter on your birth year was Sunday, 10 April 1977.
The date of Orthodox Easter on your birth year was Sunday, 10 April 1977.
The date of Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent) on your birth year was Wednesday 23 February 1977.
The date of Whitsun (Pentecost Sunday) in the year of your birth was Sunday 29 May 1977.
The date of Whisuntide in the year of your birth was Sunday 5 June 1977.
The date of Rosh Hashanah in the year of your birth was Tuesday, 13 September 1977.
The date of Passover in the year of your birth was Sunday, 3 April 1977.
The date of Mardi Gras on your birth year was Tuesday 22 February 1977.

As of 1/20/2009 10:01:43 AM EST
You are 31 years old.
You are 379 months old.
You are 1,648 weeks old.
You are 11,538 days old.
You are 276,922 hours old.
You are 16,615,321 minutes old.
You are 996,919,303 seconds old.

Celebrities who share your birthday:

Zo‰ Saldana (1978)	Brian 'Head' Welch (1970)	Paula Abdul (1962)
Kathleen Turner (1954)	Phylicia Rashad (1948)	Salman Rushdie (1947)
Gena Rowlands (1930)	Louis Jourdan (1919)	Pauline Kael (1919)
Pat Buttram (1915)	Lou Gehrig (1903)	Guy Lombardo (1902)
Moe Howard (1897)	Wallis Simpson (1896)	Blaise Pascal (1623)

Top songs of 1977

You Light Up My Life by Debby Boone	Best of My Love by Emotions
I Just Want to Be Your Everything by Andy Gibb	How Deep Is Your Love by Bee Gees
Evergreen (from 'A Star Is Born') by Barbra Streisand	Sir Duke by Stevie Wonder
Torn Between Two Lovers by Mary MacGregor	Rich Girl by Daryl Hall & John Oates
Star Wars Theme/Cantina Band by Meco	Got to Give It Up by Marvin Gaye

Your age is the equivalent of a dog that is 4.51585127201566 years old. (You're still chasing cats!)

Your lucky day is Wednesday.
Your lucky number is 5.
Your ruling planet(s) is Mercury.
Your lucky dates are 5th, 14th, 23rd.
Your opposition sign is Sagittarious.
Your opposition number(s) is 3.

Today is one of your lucky days!

There are 150 days till your next birthday
on which your cake will have 32 candles.

Those 32 candles produce 32 BTUs,
or 8,064 calories of heat (that's only 8.0640 food Calories!) .
You can boil 3.66 US ounces of water with that many candles.

In 1977 there were approximately 3.1 million births in the US.
In 1977 the US population was approximately 203,302,031 people, 57.4 persons per square mile.
In 1977 in the US there were approximately 2,152,662 marriages (10.1%) and 1,036,000 divorces (4.9%)
In 1977 in the US there were approximately 1,921,000 deaths (9.5 per 1000)
In the US a new person is born approximately every 8 seconds.
In the US one person dies approximately every 12 seconds.

In 1977 the population of Australia was approximately 14,281,533.
In 1977 there were approximately 226,291 births in Australia.
In 1977 in Australia there were approximately 104,918 marriages and 45,150 divorces.
In 1977 in Australia there were approximately 108,790 deaths.

Your birthstone is Alexandrite

The Mystical properties of Alexandrite

Alexandrite can assist one in centering the self, reinforcing self-esteem, and augmenting ones ability to experience joy.

Some lists consider these stones to be your birthstone. (Birthstone lists come from Jewelers, Tibet, Ayurvedic Indian medicine, and other sources)

Pearl, Moonstone, Opal

Your birth tree is

Fig Tree, the Sensibility
Very strong, a bit self-willed, independent, does not allow contradiction or arguments, loves life, its family, children and animals, a bit of a butterfly, good sense of humor, likes idleness and laziness, of practical talent and intelligence.

There are 339 days till Christmas 2009!
There are 352 days till Orthodox Christmas!

The moon's phase on the day you were
born was waxing crescent.

9 Weeks : My Pregnancy update from Baby Center

2009-01-18T08:56:00.000-08:00

Hello, Heather!

Your new resident is nearly an inch long — about the size of a grape — and weighs just a fraction of an ounce. She's starting to look more and more human. Her essential body parts are accounted for, though they'll go through plenty of fine-tuning in the coming months. Other changes abound: Your baby's heart finishes dividing into four chambers, and the valves start to form — as do her tiny teeth. The embryonic "tail" is completely gone. Your baby's organs, muscles, and nerves are kicking into gear. The external sex organs are there but won't be distinguishable as male or female for another few weeks.
(Notice how they say SHE.....lol)

Here is a picture of the new baby last week at my first prenatal visit, measuring at 8 weeks and 1 day on January 12th.

guess what ???

2009-01-11T18:17:00.000-08:00

Hello All -

I have some news to share with you all. After being really sick with a terrible cold and felling nauseas and fatigued, I decided to take a pregnancy test last Thursday just to be sure....and guess what? I am PREGNANT. Three pregnancy tests later - I was "pretty" sure....lol - I had my Doctor's appointment with an ultrasound yesterday and I am 8 weeks and 2 days today. I will be due on August 26th - ish. We are surprised but SO exited. We had decided we would start planning to try for baby number two at the end of the summer, and God had other plans for us. This baby will be DUE at the end of summer. We told Dylan last night that is he is going to be getting a baby Brother or Sister and that Mommy has a baby in her tummy, and he did not believe me....He said "NO - Not yet" I guess he will believe it when I start to show more...He wants a baby Sister SO BADLY (me too).....So - That is my news - YAY! :-D

Heather

Please join my Group

2009-01-06T11:41:00.000-08:00

Greetings!

I'm inviting you to join me in a group on MomsLikeMe.com called "Mother's of Preschoolers." We can use it to share information and photos, or even coordinate meet-ups. It's a great resource and I would love for you to join me there.

Mother's of Preschool aged Children can get together and share stories, get great advice and support, schedule meet-ups and anything else you want to talk about. For fun friendly Moms and their spunky kids. We are central to Southern California and anyone is welcome who is the mother of a Preschool age child.

Just Click Here to Join the Group

Groups provide a comfortable environment to learn, share, and laugh with other moms who have similar interests or experiences. They really are a faster, safer, easier way to share anything, and a simpler way to get the answers you can trust. I hope you'll join me.

The ADSD "Holidays at Home" Blog Train has ARRIVED

2008-12-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

The ADSD December Colab is here. Hop on the train to collect TONS of freebies. The Designers have come up with their own color palettes this time to reflect what the Holidays mean to them. You will get a huge variety of Christmas fun.

I chose a color palette of blues and reds with a hint of green nd some silver glitter.
Here are my contributions to the kit.

I hope everyone enjoys my Holiday gift to you and have a wonderful Holiday Season.

Download the Paterned Papers Here

Download the Element Pack Here

Download the Glitter Alpha Here

Download the Chipboard Alpha Here

Download the Solid Paper Pack Here

Now hop on the train to grab of the rest of this gorgeos freebie colaboration.

Adele of Blind Sight Designs
Adventures in Scrapland
Amanda of Amandas Scrappy Creations
Amie of Amiebear
Beaconscrap
Beckmoores Scrapalittle
Bits'N'Bobs
Bouquet of Pixels
Brooke at Ahhh Scrap
Busyscrappin
CMB Designs
Creative Digital Scraps by Chiara
Deanna at Flower Scraps
DesignsByAmilyn
Digital Keepsakes
Doodle Designs
Elemental Pixie
EmCee Scraps
Erika {aka PinkuPixie}
HeatherStokes at HSDesigns YOU ARE HERE
Jayden's Mama
Jessie
JIC Creations
Just Another Scrap
Kathy Goldstein
KittenScraps
Lei at Fairydustprincess-Magicmaker
Linda at Linda's Dream Designs
Lynn of Heavenly Crafts
Lynn at TMA
MagsGraphics
Manda at Disaster in Designs
Mariscrap
Merrilee Wheaton Designs
MsBhvin Scraps
My Little Corner of the World
Oase Panda Bear Designs
Pamela Yates at Pammy's Playground
Rachness
Scrapping with Jen
Shabby Tagger
Shel at Shel Belle Scraps
Stacy at Kalo Designs
Teri at Teris Thing-O-My-Jigs
Wendi at Willow Grace Designs
WillowRaven at Purple Dragonfly Creations
Becky at Beckys Scrap
EmCee Scraps

Thanks for stoppin By - I would love your comments and thoughts on this.

Happy Holidays

Dylan's Video Message from Santa

2008-11-25T12:56:00.000-08:00

This is so COOL.

On DisneyFamily.com you can create a photo video of your child's picture for FREE. Take a look at Dylan's and then go and create one for yourself. I can't WAIT to show this to Dylan. He is going to LOVE this.

Just click HERE to see Dylan's video and then HERE to go make one of your own.

FREE SHIPPING AT Toys R Us

2008-11-25T08:21:00.000-08:00

Spend $25.00 and get FREE SHIPPING.
LOVE THIS - I don't have to go out into that CRAZY madness on Black Friday - I can shop fr om the peace and quiet of my home (in my JAMMIES) Woo Hoooooo

Click picture to go to Toys R US
Have fun SHOPPING!!!

My Big Boy

2008-11-24T11:24:00.000-08:00

Dylan had his very first SCHOOL photos taken last month - He looks more like a second grader than a preschooler. He is growing up SO FAST!

WINNERS - Pilsbury "Home is calling" Giveaway

2008-11-21T08:10:00.000-08:00

CONGRATULATIONS

Random.org has helped me select three of your comments at random, and I am happy to announce the following are the three lucky winners. I will be emailing you to get the address you would like your Pillsbury prize kit sent to - so be on the lookout.

Here are our winners, and what they had to say about Dinners at home...

quitecontrary1977 said...

My favorite part of meal time is when everyone pats their full tummies ,and tells me how great a cook I am!

November 17, 2008 8:27 PM

12.
said... (CAROL MIXON)

My favorite recipe has been mentioned several times..... smokies wrapped in the rolls! Wonderful appetizer.

My favorite part of meal time is having my loving family there to enjoy being together and the good meal I have prepared.

November 18, 2008 2:30 PM

15.

Savvy Saving Momma said...

Great Giveaway!!
My favorite recipe is from Pampered Chef called Chicken Dilly Ring. It is delish!!

November 18, 2008 4:26 PM

THANK YOU to everyone who participated. Be on the lookout for another GREAT Giveaway coming soon courtesy of MyBlogSpark.

MAYA ANGELOU'S BEST POEM EVER

2008-11-20T15:27:00.000-08:00

A very dear friend of mine named Karyn sent this poem to my email today. It just reminds you to be true to YOU! I love it and thought I would share it here.

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...

enough money within her control to move out
and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...

something perfect to wear if the employer, or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...

a youth she's content to leave behind....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...

a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to
retelling it in her old age....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...

a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...

one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...

a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...

eight matching plates,
wine glasses with stems,
and a recipe for a meal,
that will make her guests feel honored...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...

a feeling of control over her destiny.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

how to fall in love without losing herself.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

how to quit a job,
break up with a lover,
and confront a friend without ruining the friendship...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

that she can't change the length of her calves,
the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

that her childhood may not have been perfect...but its over...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

whom she can trust,
whom she can't,
and why she shouldn't take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

where to go...
be it to her best friend's kitchen table...
or a charming inn in the woods...
when her soul needs soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

what she can and can't accomplish in a day...
a month... and a year...

Disney Store Online - 25 % Off Site-Wide

2008-11-19T08:35:00.000-08:00

The Disney Store online is holding a holiday promotion good through FRIDAY for 25% off anything in the store. WOO HOO - as an added bonus if you spend over $75.00 you get FREE shipping.

Just click the AD below to go to the sale.

20 Holiday Photo Cards for 20 CENTS

2008-11-18T16:27:00.000-08:00

That's right - 20 CENTS - You can snatch this offer up by clicking the AD below - All you pay is the 20 cents plus shipping and handling.

HURRY - Offer ends November 23rd

2008-11-18T09:43:00.000-08:00

I have just stumbled upon Tip Junkie's Mom-Preneur Shop-Athon Giveaway and every day for twelve days she is giving away FABULOUS gifts and prizes. Today I am hoping for this GORGEOUS holiday decoration from Sign Me Up Signs or a matching clipboard gift set. WOO HOO

So hop on over to the Tip Junky Blog yourself and enter to win this and other fabulous prizes. Happy Holidays!

Be sure to check out the Mom-Preneur Shop-Athon going on as well to help support Women and other Bloggers too. All products are created by Women - Toodle-ooooo...Off to do some SHOPPING!

Pillsbury "Home is calling" Giveaway

2008-11-17T14:04:00.000-08:00

THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED : I am taking no further entries. I will be announcing the winners today!

I am participating in a fabulous new program called MyBlogSpark where I get to try out products, pass on the fabulous information to you - my wonderful readers, and even give YOU a chance to win these great products for yourself.

Today I was so excited to receive a Pillsbury Home is Calling™ gift basket. The basket includes a coupon for Pillsbury refrigerated crescent rolls, a magnetic coupon holder, a house-shaped mouse pad, pot holders, a cookie sheet, a bread basket and a loveable Pillsbury Doughboy figurine. This little Doughboy is so adorable - I had to PRY it out of my Son's little hands before he could snatch it up for himself...lol

And the best news is that I get to give away THREE of these gift baskets to YOU my lucky readers, and all you have to do is post a comment here and tell me what is your FAVORITE Pillsbury recipe OR tell me a little bit about your favorite part of Family meals. It is THAT easy.

I thought I would share one of MY favorite Pillsbury recipes here with you - using the fabulous crescent rolls that you will receive a coupon for.

Savory Crescent Chicken Squares
by Doris CastleTender crescents wrap around a creamy chicken filling in a hot sandwich that took top honors in the Pillsbury Bake-Off® Contest.

INGREDIENTS

1	package (3 oz) cream cheese, softened
1	tablespoon butter or margarine, softened
2	cups cubed cooked chicken
1	tablespoon chopped fresh chives or onion
1/4	teaspoon salt
1/8	teaspoon pepper
2	tablespoons milk
1	tablespoon chopped pimientos, if desired
1	can (8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls or 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations™ refrigerated flaky dough sheet
1	tablespoon butter or margarine, melted
3/4	cup seasoned croutons, crushed

DIRECTIONS

1.	Heat oven to 350°F. In medium bowl, mix cream cheese and 1 tablespoon softened butter; beat until smooth. Stir in chicken, chives, salt, pepper, milk and pimientos; mix well.
2.	If using crescent rolls: Unroll dough; separate into 4 rectangles. Firmly press perforations to seal. If using dough sheet: Unroll dough; cut into 4 rectangles.
3.	Spoon 1/2 cup chicken mixture onto center of each rectangle. Pull 4 corners of dough to center of chicken mixture; twist firmly. Pinch edges to seal. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Brush tops of sandwiches with 1 tablespoon melted butter; sprinkle with crushed croutons.
4.	Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Bake 27 to 32 minutes.

You can find this and many more wonderful recipes HERE on the Pillsbury website.

I would also like you to let you know that Pillsbury is sharing the warmth of home this holiday season by helping stock America’s food banks. Isn't that GREAT!

Visit
http://www.pillsbury.com/HomeIsCalling/Default.aspx?WT.mc_id=partner_blogs_hic
to view the new Home is Calling campaign, which reminds us of how we
all look forward to getting home at the end of the day to reconnect with
loved ones. And of course we also think about the aroma of something
irresistibly warm and delicious baking at home! When you forward along the link to friends and family from the web site, Pillsbury will make a donation to help deliver more than one pound of groceries to America’s food banks!

I would like to thank both Pillsbury and MyBlogSpark for letting me participate in this wonderful give-away.

Comment away -
I can't wait to hear your favorite recipes, or stories about Family Dinners. Make sure to leave your email address so that I can email you for address information when I announce the winners on Friday November 21st.

Better late than never....

2008-11-15T17:20:00.000-08:00

Sorry I was such a slacker and could not get my sh*t together to get my portion of the ADSD November "After Dusk" colab up in time, but I did make a few things and so I thought I would go ahead and post what I head and then start over with a clean slate for the December ADSD "Holidays at Home" Colab.

So here you go - just a few things that you can add to the rest of the ladies fabulous contributions. ENJOY

And in case you missed any of these links here is the list again....

abyscraps by Sheila
Adele of Blind Sight Designs
Anne at Creative Dreams
Arvita's at Elam's Flights Of Fancy
Becky
Brooke at Ahhh Scrap
by God's design
Carolyn at Digi Cyber Scraps
CharmeDivaScrapz
Chiara at Creative Digital Scraps
http://harley310.blogspot.com/
Cyndi, Wetfish Designs
Deanna at Flower Scraps
Deb AKA The ScrappinCop
Debbie at Digital Keepsakes
Diana at Sass n Scrap Designs
Erika {aka PinkuPixie}
Florrie
HeatherStokes ~ HSDesigns
jeanniebs designs
Julia at BeaconScrap
Julie aka Bits 'N' Bobs
Kathy Goldstein at The Scrap Loft
KittenScraps
Lady V dZine
Lei at Fairydustprincess-magicmaker
Lindas Dream Designs
Lois at ScrappinwithLadye
Lori at ScripityScrapDesigns
Lynn at Heavenly Crafts
lynnirene
Mags at MagsGraphics
Manda at Disaster In Designs
Marie at EmCee Scraps
melanie aka sweetasmel
http://www.michelles-angels.blogspot.com/
http://digitalfunplace.blogspot.com/
http://misstykaldesigns.blogspot.com/
Nicole at Digi-Designs by Nicole
Oase
RachNess
Scraping with Jen
ScrappyShannon
Shabby Tagger
Shel at Shel Belle Scraps
Stacy at Kalo Designs
Sticky Kisses Scraps
Teri At Teris-Thing-O-My-Jigs
TerresaS
Wendi at Willow Grace Designs
WillowRaven at Purple Dragonfly Creations

Catch that Train

2008-11-14T09:15:00.001-08:00

Jump on the train - Designers wanted.

If you are interested in participating in a GREAT Holiday Blog Train and getting to know other wonderful designers in a comfortable private forum, then join us over at the ADSD Forum and sign up to design a portion of the "Holidays at Home" blog train. This train will be HUGE. I am sure you have seen some of our other collaborations, such as the "Popsicle Paradise", "Backyard Playground" and many more.

If you like freebies then you will be in HEAVEN when you see this. We have added a new twist to this collab - We are NOT using one basic color scheme. The Holidays mean something different for everyone and we are all designing with the idea of that in mind, so no matter what Holiday you celebrate - there is SURE to be something here for you. Be ready because December 1st the train leaves the station.

Halloween was so FUN

2008-11-05T11:19:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple pics of me and the Family on Halloween.

2008-11-01T01:00:00.000-07:00

The ADSDesigners have another blog train colab.
This one is called After Dusk.
I was happy to have time to make a few things, and my portion is coming soon.

Unfortunately - I am a slacker. I have had so much going on, and I really HATE to let you all down so I promise to have it up very soon. My Son has been sick ,we went out of town at the last minute, I feel like I have been in a whirlwind. SO SORRY! Please don't hate me and check back soon, but in the meantime, snatch up these other great goodies!

Follow the links below to snatch up the rest of the colab.

abyscraps by Sheila
Adele of Blind Sight Designs
Anne at Creative Dreams
Arvita's at Elam's Flights Of Fancy
Beckmoore
Becky
Brooke at Ahhh Scrap
by God's design
Carolyn at Digi Cyber Scraps
CharmeDivaScrapz
Chiara at Creative Digital Scraps
Cindi @ vanjo designs
Cyndi, Wetfish Designs
Deanna at Flower Scraps
Deb AKA The ScrappinCop
Debbie at Digital Keepsakes
Diana at Sass n Scrap Designs
Erika {aka PinkuPixie}
Florrie
jeanniebs designs
Julia at BeaconScrap
Julie aka Bits 'N' Bobs
Kathy Goldstein at The Scrap Loft
KittenScraps
Lady V dZine
Lei at Fairydustprincess-magicmaker
Lindas Dream Designs
Lois at ScrappinwithLadye
Lori at ScripityScrapDesigns
Lynn at Heavenly Crafts
lynnirene
Mags at MagsGraphics
Manda at Disaster In Designs
Marie at EmCee Scraps
melanie aka sweetasmel
Michelle @ Michelles-Angels
Michelle @ My Digital Fun Place
Missty @ Misstykal Designs
Monica at Random Inspirations
Nicole at Digi-Designs by Nicole
Oase
RachNess
Scraping with Jen
ScrappyShannon
Shabby Tagger
Shel at Shel Belle Scraps
Stacy at Kalo Designs
Sticky Kisses Scraps
Teri At Teris-Thing-O-My-Jigs
TerresaS
Wendi at Willow Grace Designs
WillowRaven at Purple Dragonfly Creations

2008-10-31T09:35:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone has a FABULOUS Halloween today and a GREAT weekend. Will have LOTS of fun pics to post after the weekend.
Have a SAFE and FUN Halloween.

2008-10-24T09:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was not a GREAT day for me, so let's hope today is better.

Bug did OK today when I dropped him off at school- not great - he cried a little when I was leaving. He pooped in his pants THREE times yesterday at school. Must have been all that corn he ate the night before. he he he. Today is his Biggest Goal Ever - Do not poop in his pants. I hope he can do it. I may call the director to speak with her about what we can do to stop this problem. He does not do this at home, only at school. I don't know.

Yesterday he had his very first School picture day. I hope they come out good. It was weird to not be there for it - since WE usually take him. lol . I can't wait to see them, and his CLASS group shot. HOW FUN!

He slept "pretty" good last night - until his pull-up leaked - then he woke up crying - I thought he was just crying until I tried to lay him back down and he said "Nooooo it's WET". His pull-up was completely DRY so it must have leaked out the side or something. He had to sleep on the couch after that. Fortunately though - his little mattress pad thing worked GREAT - the mattress was not wet at all.

Last night Scott gave us some money to go the grocery store - because I did not have a thing to make for Dylan's lunch today - and Dylan asked him if he could buy some "Cupcakes" to make. Daddy said of course.....so off to the store we went in search of goodies to make the perfect Halloween Cupcake. Unfortunately - they did not have ONE Halloween cupcake decorating item. We ended up with the standard silver cupcake liners, and he picked out a PINK strawberry cake mix. I could not convince him to get something like chocolate. he says "NO - I LOVE PINK!!!". ha ha ha...Ok - these are HIS cupcakes so whatever he wants - then he picked chocolate frosting, and we bought orange sugar crystals, and brown sprinkles, and some mini marshmallows. He was such a big helper. He poured the water into the bowl, he poured all the oil into the mix and did not spill a drop, he helped me crack the eggs. He even helped me stir up the mix - which - let me tell you made my arm SO tired, and he was stirring then had to stop to say "Mommy - My arm is sleeping"...Ahh ha ha ha ha. I told him he needs to tell Daddy to get Mommy a MIXER for Christmas....lol Once the cupcakes came out of the oven and cooled for a bit - he did not make it to the decorating stage and immediately devoured a plain pink cupcake with a BOWL of mini marshmallows that I had set out to decorate the cupcakes with. We had a great time, and I took plenty of pictures of course.

2008-10-23T09:41:00.000-07:00

One of the WONDERFUL advantages of being on Pamela Gibson’s creative Team is not only the fact that I get to work with such GREAT kits ALL THE TIME, but also the fact that she let’s me GIVE my layouts away to YOU! So really it is a Win, Win, Win situation. In this case a quadruple win – since it is a charity kit.

I get to work with a great kit = You get a free quick page =
The Charity makes money = Pamela get’s promotion

YAYYYYY!!! We all win. I love it! So without further ado (sp?), I present you the QP I made using her adorable new kit called Peachy Keen that she and Jan Crowley worked together to create for the Songbird Ave Charity Kit.

DOWNLOAD

All proceeds from this kit go to The Animal Haven – a no kill shelter. Isn’t that wonderful? A great cause, a great kit, and a great FREEBIE….lol

Check out this wonderful kit over at Songbird Avenue
and be sure to check out the rest of Pamela's kits over at Polka Dot Potato

Marie-Therese Gown GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

2008-10-22T16:41:00.000-07:00

Marie-Therese Gown GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

Oh My GOODNESS this is absolutely GORGEOUS - You have got to see this woman's talents. Beauty on every page. Look at this gorgeous gown she has created. You MUST see for yourself her wonderful creations.