Christmas Will Be Here Sooner Than You Think

Did you know that Christmas is less than five months away?  Whenever I think about that, I get really stressed out.  This is the first time that I am going to have to get the kids things on my own, and I have no idea where the money is going to come from.  My only option is to start buying things now, and hiding them from the kids.

One of the things I know I want to get for Kasi is art supplies.  She can sit for hours with a pencil and paper and create the most beautiful pictures.  She loves drawing out designs for clothes, as well as pictures of animals. Heck, she likes drawing just about anything.  I am curious to see what she would come up with if I got her some paints and canvas' for under the tree.  

I have no idea what to get for Ryan and Boo, though she likes to draw, too.  I have several of her creations hanging on my fridge right now. One of them is a tribute to me, which I absolutely love.  I know some day she will outgrow making me pictures, and that makes me especially sad seeing as how she is my youngest.

Community is My Favorite!

Thanks for the post from Stan Atkins

Community' is hands-down my favorite television sitcom. I watch it every week on my Chevy Chase, and the character is perfect for that funny actor. I've watched Chevy Chase since he was originally on 'Saturday Night Live', and he's just gotten funnier over the years.

The women on the show are also funny as well as intelligent, and they seem to be women I'd enjoy being friends with. These characters might not have much in common with each other, but they have become true friends over their time together in their Spanish class and study group. It's a really fun show to watch.

Start While They Are Young

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PBM Products for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I am a mom.  Most of you know this already.  Since I started my job a few months ago, I have become friendly with the people who work at the businesses I deal with on a daily basis.  Today, I had one of the guys ask me how many kids I had after hearing me on the phone with Ryan.  He was shocked when I told him I had a 15 year old son.  He said I looked too young.  I think he was trying to get on my good side.

Ryan will be graduating high school in a few short years, and I wish I could say that I have a college fund waiting for him to use.  There was never enough money to put some aside for him, or for either of the girls.  They will have to apply for student loans and scholarships.  If you have a baby, you can enter the Parent’s Choice Infant Formula Savings Sweepstakes.  The sweepstakes, created in partnership with PBM Products, LLC, a Perrigo Company, will provide one lucky winner with a $10,000 college scholarship in the form of a College Savings 529 Plan.  It runs until 11:59pm on August 1, 2011, so there is still plenty of time to enter.

Why I Love Walgreens

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I have used several different pharmacies over the years, and recently I switched to Walgreens.  I am so glad that I did.  I love their Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products.  I recently tried their triple antibiotic ointment on Brandi's ears, and it worked really well.  And it was cheaper than the name brand stuff.  My philosophy is, why pay more for something just because of it's name? 

Walgreens also has this thing called the Walgreens Way to Well Fund™.  This fund will provide free preventive health tests as well as other health and wellness services and education to local communities. Some of those services will include preventive health tests through the National Urban League Health & Wellness Tour and vouchers redeemable in select stores.  I think this is an awesome thing.  As someone who is financially challenged, I have benefited from free healthcare in the past.  In fact, I had my breast reduction done through a free clinic, and it didn't cost me a thing.

Right now, there are several bloggers doing giveaways of Walgreen's gift cards.  If you enter and win one, you could use it to try out some of the Walgreens Brand Health and Wellness Products.

Formula Is Formula, No Matter Who Makes It

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of storebrandformula.com for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

We all know breastfeeding is best for babies, but sometimes, that just isn't an option.  There are many different reasons women choose to bottle feed their babies, and like me, sometimes that reason is because they are unable to breastfeed.  Left with no choice, it is nice to know that baby formulas can be just as good for babies. 

I was always under the assumption that the more expensive formulas were more nutritious for babies, and like millions of other people, I was wrong.  In fact, "Store brand infant formulas won a major victory this week when a U.S. Circuit Court upheld a $13.5 million false advertising claim against Enfamil maker Mead Johnson".  It seems they were trying to convince moms that their formula was better, when in reality, all formulas have to meet the same guidelines for nutrition, no matter who makes them.  You can find more information at storebrandformula.com. 

I don't plan on having any more babies, but someday I hope to be a grandmother.  Someday in the future.  The distant future.  The far, far distant future.  My girls are nowhere near ready to have babies of their own, but when they are, I will make sure they know they can save money and still give their babies nutritious formulas.

Teen Mom Is My Guilty Pleasure

Posted by Heriberto Fuentes

I'm shamefully addicted to the hit reality drama, "Teen Mom." I watch the show on my awesome cable from www.direc4u.com and I cannot stop watching, no matter how hard I try. "Teen Mom" airs on MTV and centers around the lives of four teenage mothers. It is a spinoff of the network's hit "16 and Pregnant." There is my favorite couple, Caitlyn and longtime boyfriend Tyler, who gave their baby, Carly, up for adoption. They struggle with their decision but they genuinely love one another. Then there is Amber; she and sometime-boyfriend Gary have a daughter, Leah. They are a violent, toxic combination and have no business even being around one another. Amber is actually facing assault charges after attacking Gary in a common fit of rage. Another character is Maci. She and her ex-boyfriend Ryan share joint custody of their son, Bentley. Ryan just kind of "checked out" after the baby was born. She is struggling with being a single parent but she is a wonderful mother with a heart of gold. Finally, Farrah is raising her daughter, Sophia on her own. The child's father was killed in a car accident and Farrah has a restraining order against her mother after a fight the two had. She tries to do the right thing and I hope she finds the right person to share her life with.

Now I Know What Not To Wear

Contribution by Odis Chan

I am a television fanatic. I love to watch television, and any time that I can find a show geared toward fashion, you can bet that my TVbyDirect is tuned in. I have recently found a great new fashion show that is fantastic and now a can't miss in my house. The show is called What Not To Wear, and it is, without a doubt, the best show that has came on in a long time.

I watch What Not To Wear on my satellite television each week. The show takes fashion-challenged people and puts them to the ultimate test of finding self-esteem and confidence, in part to what they have on. The show is awesome. Some of the people come on the show wearing some pretty radical things, and they have no clue. I love the transformations of these people at the end of the show. It is so amazing!

Lisa Butcher and Mica Paris host the show. They have such an incredible sense of style, they are perfect to host the show. The pair keep the show fun and exciting, and always make me laugh! If you haven't seen it, you are missing out! You will love it, too!

Feels Like SpringTo Me

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Pier 1 for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

The weather today was beautiful.  Here in South Carolina, we made it well into the 70's.  The girls and I spent the day at the park with my best friend, and my son spent the day fishing with one of his friends.  Weather like this makes me really look forward to swimming in mom's pool.

Since we will be living with her come summertime, I want to make a contribution to her yard.  I thought about maybe getting a piece of furniture for around the pool, but she pretty much has everything she needs right now.  I was on the Pier 1 website, and I found these really pretty garden stools. 

I love the bright colors, and I think they would look great on the grass in the pool area.  I also think they would make a great plant table for inside, too.  I might have to get one for me when I finally get a place for me and the kids.  I can see my huge peace lily sitting nicely on op of the stool.

While I was on their website, I signed up for the Pier 1 Outdoor newsletter.  You should, too, because you will find out about an in-store special going on the weekend of March 18-20.  You should also try and meet up at one of their upcoming Pier 1 Tweetups that will be held in Dallas on March 22nd, Atlanta on April 5th and NYC on April 20th.  I wish they were having one closer to me, because I would definitely try to make an appearance.

Art Supplies For My Girls

I took the kids to therapy on Monday, and it ended up that only Brandi and I had time with Elizabeth.  I was having a hard week, and a had a lot to talk about, so by the time I was done, there wasn't enough time left to talk to each of the kids.  I felt that Brandi benefits the most from therapy, so she spoke to her after me.  Next week, Ryan and Kasi will get their turn.

Elizabeth told me she was going to ask Brandi to do some art therapy by drawing a picture of her family, and then describing each person in three words.  It was quite funny to see how she drew each of us, and of course, I was the prettiest.  Elizabeth suggested that I encourage Brandi to start keeping a journal where she can write or draw whenever she is feeling particularly down.

I mentioned this to Brandi, and while she loves the idea, she wants to take it to the next level.  She wants me to look into easels and art supplies so that she can have her own little art studio.  I was a little surprised when Kasi didn't pipe up and agree with her, since she has always loved to draw.  I believe that someday, Kasi will be a famous fashion designer.  She sketches out some pretty nice outfits and dresses.  She would definitely benefit if I got some art studio furniture and made her a little corner where she could pursue her dreams.  I could put her right beside my desk and we could spend time together as I worked and she drew.

I think we need some girl bonding time.

Who Knew?

I learned something today.  Some of you might find that shocking, as I pretend to know everything most of the time.  Just kidding.  I don't know everything.  Yet.

Today, I learned that the pants that people wear while riding a horse are called jodhpurs.  I am not even sure how to pronounce it, but they are cute.  I had no idea that you needed all kinds of things to ride a horse.  I just assumed that all you needed was a good pair of jeans and strong leg muscles.  The only time I have been on a horse was when I was little and a park we used to go to offered rides.  I have never been on a horse as an adult.

I have heard that riding can be good therapy.  They say that grooming a horse can be relaxing as well.  I am sure you all know that I am trying to find ways to relax and release some of the tension in my life.  It seems like no matter what I try, I can not seem to get rid of this huge weight that I am carrying around on my shoulders.  The good news is that I have a job interview this Friday, and I think once I am working again, I will feel better.  Part of my stress comes from knowing that my husband is giving me way more money than he can afford to, making sure the kids and I are taken care of.  I want to be able to take some of that burden off of him, and provide for my family as well. 

Now I just need to find someone who has a horse who would be willing to let me ride it.  Thankfully, living in South Carolina, that shouldn't be too much of a problem.  I see horses everywhere.

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.

I Love This!

I found the cutest elephant decals for laptops on etsy today.  The one in the picture is my favorite!  The laptop I plan on buying next week is black, so I bought this decal in a lavender gloss finish.  I'm not getting a MAC, so I don't know exactly how I will place the decals, but I do know it's going to look awesome!

I Want These!

I want a new purse.  The one I carry is a couple of years old and it's falling apart.  It's pretty small and doesn't hold everything that I normally carry with me, so I am looking for one that is just a bit bigger.

I am really loving this one:

It's a fendi bag, and the dimensions seem to be exactly what I am looking for.  I love the little tassel thing on the front, and the fact that it comes with two different straps.  The short one (seen in the picture) is the same length as the strap on the purse I carry now, and it works well for me.  This purse also comes with a longer strap so that you can carry the bag across your body.  I am not sure I would ever do that, but I know that is a popular feature these days.

I also love this bag:

I love the different colors in this one.  I can't remember a time when I carried a purse that wasn't black.  I always seem to gravitate towards that color. 

The only thing keeping me from buying one of these fendi handbags is the price.  They are unbelievably expensive.   One purse would be the same amount of money as two months rent.  But, if I ever win the lottery and money is no object, both of these purses will be mine.

Just For Fun...

...I typed "weird" into etsy.  Since finding those poo and toilet paper earrings, I have been curious about all the weird stuff on there.  Holy cow was there some strange things that showed up.  One thing was crocheted lungs...yes, lungs. 

My favorite thing was the toilet tank monster.  Is it odd that I want one?

Will We Be Dealing With Car Dealers Again?

We were driving home from running some errands today when Bob informed me that he is going to have to sink some money into the van to get it back to running right.  I asked him how much money, and he didn't commit to an actual number, which kind of freaks me out a bit.  I know it needs tires and plugs and wires and a bunch of other stuff, but I guess in the end it will be worth it.   I mean, we own it.  I don't want to have to deal with Car Dealers again while trying to find a new car, and I definitely don't want a car payment right now. 

Bob has become kind of addicted to online shopping, and I wouldn't put it past him to check out Net Car Dealers.  I mean, car shopping online has to be less stressful.   There are no pushy salespeople to deal with, and you can take your time while looking around.  The downside of online Car Dealers UK would be not being able to test drive the cars, but I guess when you find the right vehicle, you can always go and test drive it before making a final decision.  

For now, I guess I'll just have to let Bob spend the money to get our van running right.  It's got to be cheaper than investing in another vehicle.