I'm Adorable, I Know

 I have been doing a lot of thinking the past couple of days, as I am sure you can imagine.  One of my main concerns is for my future, and finding a job as soon as possible.  I know there are a million possibilities out there, and I am hoping that it won't be too long until I am a working member of society again.

Another thought I have been having is that I should go back to school.  Bob has been encouraging me to do just that for years, but I was always so scared to take that leap.  Now that I have nothing but a bright future ahead of me, I may end up going.

I know my sister used to make a lot of money as a nurse, but I am not sure if I can handle blood.  There are very cute nursing uniforms these days, so I am not worried about not looking good.  I mean, I am totally convinced these days that I am adorable. There is something crazy about how my husband leaves me, and I have never felt more beautiful.  Crazy, right?  Having to wear nursing uniforms and scrubs wouldn't change that.  In fact, I bet I could find a uniform for nurses that has elephants on it.  I have seen nurses in the hospital and our doctor's office wearing scrub tops with all kinds of cute things on them.

If I could find a purple one with elephants on it, I might consider a nursing career simply so that I could wear it.

We Need To Get Away

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hiltons of Branson. All opinions are 100% mine.

I love food.  I really do.  In my family, every holiday, we are more excited about the menu than about the actual holiday.  This might be why I have a weight problem, but I just can't help myself.  Food is good.

I was reading online that the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing has a Valentine's special going on, and I really wish I had known about it before today.  (the special is good for the entire month of February, so if you like what you see, make sure you check it out for yourself)  I would have wanted to stay at the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel and eaten at the Level 2 Steakhouse.  I mean, check out the menu:

A M U S E   B O U C H E

HAWAIIAN AHI TUNA TARTAR
Caramelized Pineapple Puree | Sesame Sweet Potato Crostini

F I R S T   C O U R S E

VALENTINE SALAD
Aged Balsamic Roasted Figs | Pancetta | Swiss Chard | Red Onion
Maytag Blue Cheese | Blood Orange Avocado Oil

I N T E R M E Z Z O

LEMON SORBET
Fresh Pomegranate Infused Champagne

M A I N   C O U R S E

CHATEAUBRIAND WAGYU BEEF TENDERLOIN
Seared Foie Gras | Tourne Yukon Gold Potatoes
Steamed Asparagus | Foyot Sauce

D E S S E R T

ASKINOSIE CHOCOLATE BUTTER CAKE
Grand Marnier Infused Whipped Cream | Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Warm Crème Anglaise

Thanks to Food Network, I know what a lot of those foods are, and I would love to try it all.  Especially the dessert.  I know my husband would love it, too.  And this is just one of the things we would enjoy.  The romance package also includes in room sparkling cider (or wine if you drink) and in room breakfast (where available.  If unavailable, breakfast will be served in the hotel's dining room).  We can request early check in and late check out, making sure we find time to enjoy the hotel's whirlpool spa and pool.  Or, maybe we just want a little more time in the room, for, well, it is a romance package.

I really think we need some time for ourselves, away from the kids and everyday life.  We have been dealing with a lot of stress this year, and I would love for us to find a way to relax and maybe let go a little bit.

I wonder who would watch the kids for us?

Of Mice And...Well, It's All About The Mice

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Victor Pest. All opinions are 100% mine.

I just found out about a really cool way to get rid of the rodents in your home.  I am excited about this because I have been fighting to get rid of a sneaky little mouse in my kitchen.  This guy found a way to get the peanut butter off the middle of a sticky trap.  I didn't think that was possible, but this guy figured out a way. 

Uploaded with Skitch!

I am at the point where I want to take a defensive stand, and prevent the rodents from coming into my house at all.  Victor, who are specialists in rodent control, have some great products to use for rodent control inside the home.  They have these electronic traps that kill mice in a pretty humane way.  Well, I guess it's as humane as you can get while killing something.  The thing I like best is that I won't have to see the dead mouse.  It enters the trap, is given a shock causing it's death, and a little green light lets you know that there is a dead mouse inside.  Then you simply empty the trap, never having to see or touch the dead mouse.

Victor also has these cool little gadgets that you can plug into any electrical socket and they give off high frequency sound waves which repel rodents, keeping them out of your home.  Both these and the traps can be purchased as part of the Victor® Protect Your Space Combo Kit, which sells for $99.99 with FREE shipping!! The kit includes the following: 
(1) Victor® Sonic PestChaser® Heavy Duty Sonic, (2) Victor® Sonic Mini PestChaser® Ultrasonic Rodent Repellent, and (2) Victor® Electronic Mouse Trap.  All of these products are safe for children and pets, which is a great thing. 

I really want these.  I like the idea of being proactive, and dealing with the mice before they become a problem.

Valentines

 

I wish I could say that I came up with this idea all on my own, but I didn't.  My dad's wife made these for all the grandkids for Valentine's Day, and I thought they would be perfect for the kids in Brandi's class.  

The cups are the little cups that the Crystal Light mix comes in.  Inside is a mini muffin liner filled with m&m's.  The little baggies are the ones that go over lolipops that you can buy in the craft store, and then we tied them with heart ribbon and added a little message from Brandi.

I know the kids in her class are going to love them.

My Birthday And Super Bowl Recipes

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Kenmore Live Studio. All opinions are 100% mine.

This weekend is my birthday.  Most years, just like this year, my birthday falls on Super Bowl weekend.  There are several times it has actually fallen on Super Bowl Sunday.  Though we are not football fans in my house, my extended family is, so they are usually occupied with Super Bowl parties, which means my birthday gets celebrated either early or late.  This has not bothered me in long time, so don't think I am complaining.  In fact, I enjoy spending my birthday with the hubs and the kids.  They spoil me. 

I know a lot of you are going to either be going to or hosting your own Super Bowl party this weekend.  If you are looking for some Super Bowl Recipes, check out the videos below.

The first one explains how to make bacon cheddar popcorn.  Why have I never tried bacon and popcorn together before?  It looks delicious!  I know my family would love it if I made this for our family game nights.

The second video shows how to make a shrimp dish.  My family would love this!  The recipes are easy to follow, and I always do better when I see someone make the dish first. 

We may be having a different kind of party at our house this weekend, but that does not mean we won't have good food.

Buying These Pet Supplies Can Help Save A Dogs Life

My dad has a boat, and two dogs.  When I saw these dog life jackets I couldn't help but think of how cute his dogs would look in them.  I mean, check out how cute these life jackets are:

My dads dogs are golden retrievers, so that is exactly how cute they would look.

The best thing about these life jackets is that 100% of the profits from selling them goes to a Canadian based charity that rescues dogs from California and finds them permanent, loving homes.  These dogs are in kill shelters, and without this charity, most of them would probably be put down.  The economy these days makes it hard for some families to keep food on the table.  It's even harder for them to feed their pets, which means more and more dogs are ending up in shelters.  You can help these dogs by buying some of your pet supplies through their website.  They have all different kinds of things besides the life jackets.

Please check it out the next time you need something for your dog.