Toddle Along Tuesday: Mommy-to-be Advice

Mama G over at Growing Up Geeky said this week's topic for Toddle Along Tuesday would be advice to new moms-to-be and like so many other "veteran" moms out there I was happy to share my advice even if you all didn't directly ask for it :)

I remember reading a book in the 4th grade called "How to be a Perfect Person in Just 3 Days" (yes, can you believe even in elementary school I was analyzing how can I be perfect?)  Anyways, I'm so glad I read it because the lesson from that book has always stuck with me even to this day and is really fitting for motherhood.  So here is the lesson:

Nobody is Perfect because Perfect is boring.

If you reflect on the times in your life that mean the most to you and the times that you really learned the most about yourself, all of them probably came along with some sort of struggle or hardship.  Motherhood is no different.  That isn't to say you might not be blessed with an "easy" baby, but even if you are, you'll still find your challenges, worries, and fears. 

But when it is all over you can pat yourself on the back because like everything else in life, you know going by your gut is way better than the book.  It won't be perfect, but I can promise you it will be the most cherished, demanding, and draining time of your life--- and it will have been anything but boring.

Don't strive to be the perfect mom, because the perfect mom is boring.  Have a little faith in yourself and enjoy the out-of-control moments.  You'll find your way before you know it!

A Very Hungry Caterpillar Birthday

This theme came to me about a year ago thanks to the ever popularly shopped Target.  I was in there last February and they had all of the Very Hungry Catapillar party items on clearance so I cleaned up since the book is one of my favorites to read with the boys and the colors are great.  I think I got plates, napkins, stickers, cups, invitations, and the table cloth all for about $7!  Score! With help from Pinterest, this party quickly took shape.

Invitations: I ended up creating the invitations and thank you notes from another blogging mom.  Here is how the thank you card turned out.

Decorations:
Here is my high chair ribbon banner.  I simply cut the ribbon to length to go around the tray then cut different ribbon strips about 1 ft. long.  I used about 7 different ribbon pattern.  I don't sew, but I love steam-a-stich so I just used that on my backing layer, applied the cut ribbons on top, ironed on a backing piece of ribbon and that was it.  This project should easily cost you no more than $10 and could be cheaper if you use coupons combined with a sale at the craft store and/or other supplies on hand.  I'm pretty sure we've all got some ribbon lying around. I just used tape to adhere it to the tray for the party.

The Finished Banner














This next project came to me while in Bed Bath and Beyond rummaging through the clearance bin.  I saw these place mats for $1.99 and thought, hey that looks like a caterpillar.  A little hot glue and about 10 minutes later I had a great big caterpillar to hang on my wall behind the buffet.

The ever popular month-by-month banner.  I just printed off pictures of the dot images from the book and cut them out to make the pennants.

The cakes  I got the idea for this off Pinterest from this website.  Here is my rendition.  It is just a simple bundt pan cake cut in half, then the other half cut again to form the head and back end.  My 4 yr. old suggested the sprinkles on top which happen to match the "hairs" on the caterpillar perfectly.  The antenna are some straws we had.  The eyes and nose I made from rice krispy treats I had in the pantry that I just iced.  This was my first time also using Wilton icing color gel versus food coloring and it turned out so much better that way.

The Smash Cake that didn't get smashed, lol.

Food:
I tried to make the food follow the theme of the story as close as a could with the fruit, meats, and cheeses.
I also made signs for the items and embellished them with stickers that I had picked up from Target.

This was the favor for the party, little bags of "caterpillar food" aka M&Ms

The complete table setup including some of the tissue pom poms I made. Those were also great favors to give away to some of the guests.

I thought the party was a great success and so colorful. I can't believe my little guy is one!

You might also like ideas from these other Very Hungry Caterpillar birthdays:
Moments that Take My Breath Away
Polkadots and Puppies

Slimming Down Sunday

Week 4

Weight Change:  - 1.2 pounds :)
Total Difference: -8 pounds since post-Thanksgiving
Goal Progress:  2.2 pounds to go before mini-goal #1 on February 1st.

Notes:  I did great this week on lowering my caloric intake.  I'm sick too, so that is this weeks excuse for not working out (I'm noticing a correlation of excuses and not working out, are you?). Anyways, we did awesome this week not eating out, including the weekend which is also helping me stay on track.  I've got three days to make it to mini-goal one.  I'll see what the scale says then, but so far I am really happy with how I've been doing and have not felt defeated. **Bonus** I wore a pair of pants to work this week that had been hiding out in my closet since before I got pregnant.  Score!

Blog hop.

Chasing Fireflies and Blissful and Wishful have teamed up for Slimming Down Sunday!


Do you have a post about weight loss tips/tricks/struggles/etc, nutrition, fitness, or related? Link it up!

2 rules:
1. You must be a follower of Chasing Fireflies & Blissful and Wishful via Google Friend Connect.
2. Link directly to any weight loss/nutrition/exercise related blog post. (No weigh-in necessary!)

That's it!

Then feel free to visit as few or as many of the other linked blogs to help find some extra motivation for the week!

You Won't Be Single For Long Vodka Cream Sauce

I made this dish for my husband, then fiance, years ago for a Valentine's dinner.  I'm a sucker for pasta and vodka, so I thought this was a win-win.  I thought I'd share it with all of you in case you are searching for a dinner to serve your sweetheart soon.  Pair it with crusty bread, a salad and wine and a smooch from your sweetie--but beware you'll have garlic breath!  You might even want to double the batch and freeze it.


You Won't Be Single For Long Vodka Cream Pasta 
by Rachel Ray of FoodTV

Witty Wednesday

My DH received this book as a Christmas gift and it has given us some teary-eyed laughter.

You might have seen some of his work circulate through an email, but this book includes a lot of new additions.

It is a great gift for anyone with a twisted sense of humor like myself, especially for those hard to buy for guys in our lives.

Check out his website too. I AM BETTER THAN YOUR KIDS

Sponsors

Want to get in on the awesomeness that is my blog?  Check out my Sponsor Ad packages below.

My blog has been growing consistently since officially launching it this past January.  Take a look around and see if you'd be a good fit for my readers.

Winter Needs

I do much better in cold winter weather than hot, humid summer weather that tends to make me cranky.

I love to be cozy, especially in the winter.  I picked up this cozy blanket after Christmas for myself from Kolhs (sorry no link) and I am so glad I did.  I debated on if I really needed to add another blanket to the hundreds I already seem to own, but I caved in the end unable to resist the lure of linens and I really liked the design.
It is safe to say that I have been cuddled up with ever since then.  It has one side that is microfleece and the other is a sherpa I think.  It is doing a fine job of keeping me warm this winter and it is so soft. Here you can see my little pup trying to make it his own, lol.















In addition to a cozy blanket I must moisturize multiple times daily in the winter.  I find that my skin gets horribly dry and itchy if I don't.  Ahava is one of my must have lotions to keep away the dry skin. I love their entire line of products!



What are your winter needs?

Slimming Down Sunday

Week 3

Weight Change:  - 2 pounds :)
Total Difference: -6.8 pounds since post-Thanksgiving
Goal Progress:  3.4 pounds to go before mini-goal #1 on February 1st.

Notes: This week was pretty good.  I'm really not sure how I ended up doing so well, but I'll take it.  I tracked food 4/7 days, but I have a good idea of my caloric intake so I was very conscientious of that even though I didn't get a chance to log it.  I only got to work out 1 day this week, but that is better than nothing.  I really don't know where people find the time to work out.  I know it gives you energy, but I'm exhausted during any free time I do have which usually is after 8 or 9pm.  Working out after work is ideal, but I've got things going on usually at least 3 days a week between doctor appointments and work related things.  

I'm one week out from my mini goal #1 but I'm moving in the right direction.  Stayed tuned to see if I meet it or not!

Happy Birthday Cameron!

Happy Birthday to my little man!

Every Mom is Crazy about a Sharp dressed baby

As a girl of course I dreamed of having a little girl someday to adorn with pink frocks, but who knew dressing boys could be so much fun too?

My favorite spot for boys fashions is generally Gymboree.  I love the quality of their clothing and they have amazing deals when you get them at the right moment.  I also like how the clothes coordinate with colors more than anything.

My other go-to spot for the boys clothing is TJMaxx, Marshall's or Burlington Coat Factory.  There I have been able to score lots of brand name items for mere dollars.  Again, I don't have to sacrifice quality for price.

If my wallet was a bottomless pit that just loved to refill itself, I'd shop all the time and Janie and Jack.  Their clothes are so adorable.  Practical, perhaps not, but there is nothing cuter in my opinion than a little baby boy dressed up looking like an old man and when you can buy a blazer with suede elbow patches, that is exactly what you get.

These are a few of my favorite outfits for my boys

 What you get when Daddy does the shopping

 These bunny slippers are so adorable!

An adorable seersucker Ralph Lauren romper from TJMaxx

Clothes from Janie & Jack and Target













Photo by Jennifer Rose Photography

Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka

Chicken Tikka is a new dish that I'm adding to our dinner rotation.  I don't have too much experience with Indian food, but this sauce  looked yummy.  It is a mild curry sauce that didn't disappoint and helped change up boring chicken. Bonus -- my 4 yr. old thinks it has a funny name so he was eager to try it and it was mild enough for him.

Ingredients:

1 Jar of Tikka Masala sauce
3-4 Chicken Breasts (boneless)
Basamati Rice (cooked)

Preparation:
Place Chicken in slow cooker, add 1/2 jar of sauce, cook on low 6 hours.
Add remaining sauce once chicken is cooked and serve once warmed through
Serve with rice 

Can you get a dinner any easier than that??

The manufacturer of the sauce also has this non-slow cooker traditional recipe.

Traditional Chicken Tikka Masala

Witty Wednesday

Slimming Down Sunday

Week 2

Weight Change:  +.6
Total Difference: -4.8 pounds since post-Thanksgiving
Goal Progress:  5.4 pounds to go before mini-goal #1 on February 1st.

Notes:  So I started off the week with a loss and then Friday came.  Lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings and a late dinner with drinks at TGIFriday's is not what I recommend doing before a weigh in.  :(  I also wasn't able to workout after work this week as I ended up having a meeting ever.single.day.  Excuses, excuses.

I have better hopes for this week but I also want to keep my goals and lifestyle realistic for me.  I did succeed in tracking all my food this week.  The good.  The bad and the ugly.  I didn't go over on any of my days except Friday.  (cue sad trombone).

Meanwhile, DH has been doing awesome and is down 6+ pounds.  I'll have to write about this later, but I'm convinced different sexes handle weight differently.

Don't forget to join my link up!





Do you have a post about weight loss tips/tricks/struggles/etc, nutrition, fitness, or related? Link it up!

2 rules:

1. You must be a follower of Chasing Fireflies & Blissful and Wishful via Google Friend Connect.

2. Link directly to any weight loss/nutrition/exercise related blog post. (No weigh-in necessary!)

That's it!

Then feel free to visit as few or as many of the other linked blogs to help find some extra motivation for the week!

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken

I love spicy Buffalo Chicken and this tasty recipe was a snap to make.

 

I found this on Pinterest originating from here but below is my own variation and recommendations.

Ingredients:
3-4 Chicken Breasts (I used fresh)
Franks Red Hot Sauce (regular or buffalo)
Dried Ranch Dressing Mix
2-3 tbsp. butter

Preparation
Place Chicken in Slow Cooker
Pour approx. 1/2 bottle of sauce on top
1/4 to 1/2 of the dressing mix.  (I used 1/2 and found it to be too salty)

Cook on low for 6-8 hours

Shred up the chicken, add more sauce or a little water if necessary, but the chicken will shred up perfectly.
Put butter on top for about 15 more minutes, stir and then serve

**I think adding a little cream cheese to this recipe also might be a nice addition, but I'd melt that in the slow cooker prior to adding the chicken**

This is so yummy and very versatile to serve with anything.  I especially love it mixed in a cool salad with a little ranch dressing.  With the Super Bowl coming up too this would be a great serving option for your party too.

Witty Wednesday

I love to laugh.  I mean who doesn't?  So I decided since I get so much humor from the interwebs that I'd take Wednesdays to share things that have made me smile.  Hopefully they make you smile too.

This one has been floating around pinterest.  WDYT?  Do you agree?

Toddle Along Tuesday - Playroom Sanctuary

Our starter home was a great place to live, but with only one child at the time we soon realized that our house was being taken over by toys.  We've pleaded with family and friends that they boys don't need anything, but to no avail.  DH and I are not good at saying no to things either, so when we were looking for a new home, a basement/playroom area dedicated solely to the mess was at the top of our list.

We love the layout of our current house which includes this sweet 400 sq. foot space.  We had the unfortunate issue last spring with the basement that we are still dealing with the county over, but we really wanted to get it back to working order ASAP, especially now that we had 2 little monsters to tear it up.

I will admit there was a wee bit of staging for these pictures, but mostly just toys were put in their places and not all over the floor.  I've been able to find some awesome things at garage sales for just a few dollars that the boys love(table, car/train table, fire station).

The Playroom also serves as our guestroom so we have a nice new sleeper sofa down there which I've told myself I won't cry too much about when the first stain appears on it.

<<<---this shelf is full of my oldest son's toys and the one in the lower picture with my youngest son's toys that are geared towards infants more.  Craft items (workbooks, crayons, paints, paper, etc.) are stored in the white container on top.

I've got some of the bins organized with toys, but I find that things still get mixed together.  I don't mind that as long as it is put away.

My go to organization units are the Expedit Shelves from Ikea.  I can't rave enough about them.  They are a great value for the price, sturdy, and extremely versatile.  I'll admit that I own 5 of them in my house.  (Bonus--If you are a scrapbooker, they fit 12x12 albums perfectly)  I do wish they offered some better colors for the bins though.

Last but not least, here is my favorite feature of our playroom -- The Door.  I can shut it and keep all of the chaos and clutter out of sight, out of mind!

I'm Linking up with Mama G at Growing up Geeky! for this post today so head over there to see some more playrooms.

Slim Down & Shape Up Sunday

I like most women today struggle with my eating habits and being over weight.

I am changing my behaviors and I know this is a great challenge ahead of me, but I know the reward at the end will be worth it.  And no, that reward is not just reaching some magical number on the scale, but I am seeking mental freedom more than just physical changes.

Freedom from guilt.
Freedom from shame.
Freedom from embarrassment.
Freedom from past habits.
Freedom from the reflection that I don't love.

I hope to obtain confidence and release of the mental anguish I have been experiencing about my self-image for more than two decades of my lifetime.  That is a lot of wasted energy that I have to make up for.

This Week's Info:
Weight Change: I'm down .2 lbs. this week but it is that week of the month, so I'll take it :)
Total Difference: -4.2 pounds since post-Thanksgiving

Goal Progress: only 4.8 pounds to mini-goal #1 by 2/1/2012 which also happens to be my 1st goal for 2012

Notes: DH has decided to also join me for this new direction of lifestyle so look for periodical updates on him.  I'm thrilled he is joining me because I think it will really help me attain my own goals. We will be tracking our intake and exercise online. Also, I hope to return to working out after work.  I'm starting with the small goal of 30 minutes of cardio 3x a week.  And, or course, water, water, water!
Join me along my journey.

I love reading blogs about people's journey with weight loss, exercise, eating right...you name it!  Each Sunday I will post my regular Slim Down & Shape Up Sunday with a link-up at the bottom.   Do you have a post about weight loss tips/tricks/struggles/etc, nutrition, fitness, or related?  Link it up!

2 rules:  
1. You must be a follower of Blissful and Wishful via Google Friend Connect (over there ------ > in the right sidebar).
2. Link directly to a weight loss/nutrition/exercise related blog post.

That's it!

Then feel free to visit as few or as many of the other linked blogs to help find some extra motivation for the week!

Hello 2012

It is no secret that I fail at following through with most things in my life.  My self-discipline is the area in life I wish to improve the most, however I'm pretty sure it is a personality trait I'm stuck with.  That said, I'd like to accomplish some of the following things this year.

I've heard some people complain about the celebration of New Years, but I really like it.  Nothing like a fresh start and anticipation of what lies ahead in the next 365 days.

So here is what is on my list for 2012 goals:

1. obtain my pre-pregnancy weight by February
2. obtain my wedding weight by October and my 7 year anniversary
3. participate in at least one 5k walk/run
4. take a vacation with just the hubby
5. read 3 "fun" books
6. de-clutter this mad house
7. start saving for the kitchen remodel (this goal I hope to have in 2017)
8. retire wearing my judging pants.  I wear them far too often and I'll probably post about them later.
9. Blog more.  I love reading blogs and I really want to put more out there in the blogosphere, but for the right reasons which is what I sort of struggle with currently.
10. Adopt a family next Christmas

Nothing too unattainable above, but we'll see how I come out this time next year.

What are your resolutions and / or goals for 2012?

Let's get this blog rollin'

New Year New Followers Fest!

So for the New Year we thought it would be fun to do a major blog hop with lots of hosts! Hopefully everyone can get some new followers, and we can find some new awesome blogs to follow ourselves!

This super awesome blog hop is hosted by the amazing blogs below:

Krista from ArmyWife-Style

Kacie from Chasing Fireflies

Whitney from Everything Happens for a Reason

Nykki from Another Day In Paradise

Katie from The Life of an Army Wife

Nancy from The Chrancy Family

Victoria from Smiles 'n' Snuggles

Stephanie from Moments That Take My Breath Away

Nicole from Our Pregnancy RoadTrip And Beyond

Stephanie from My Messmerized Life

Kelli from The How To Mommy

Annie from Letters to Mo

Don't forget to follow me too and grab my button :)

So the rules are:
* Visit each host, and any of the people linked up that you find interesting. The more you follow, the more followers you get in return, leave a comment telling them you found them from the New Years New Followers Fest!

* Link to your favorite blog post of 2011. Do not just link directly to your blog. We want to see your favorite post!

* Write a post about this blog hop on steroids and include the button in your post. Spread the word!