It's been a while

I don't know if anyone actually reads my posts, but I write anyway. It's been a while since I have had the words, motivation and energy to write. My life is completely different now. I moved to a carribean island with my husband and son, started an entirely new, unexpected carreer, and have been confronted with situations I never thought I would face. I am standing.   Change is downright frightening (even good change) but, it is also essential for growth. In the last 8 months, I have lost 25lbs, I have become a college professor and I have established a real relationship with myself and God. A relationship based on honesty and reality. For those that know me well, know that I have a tendency to be a little (a lot) imaginative and disconnected from reality quite often.   Living in a new country, the country that birthed my parents, has been an adventure of self-discovery; I have discovered my real strenght, my real-self and courage. The physical came about as a result of my priorities taking their correct places in my life, I became first. That may sound twisted for many with children, because usually they are first. But, I have learned that that is a false sense of reality. We can't truly love anyone, if we do not kow how to love ourselves first. So, i got up, shacked it off and did something about it.   My marriage has been challenged. For the past 7 years of my relationship, i have consistently made it first and put aside personal dreams, goals and expectations. I thought that's what you did in a marriage. Came to realize (the hard way) that that is the last thing you do in a marriage. My husband needed encouragement and support with his career, and I did just that. However, in the process, I put myself aside and on-hold. He never asked that of me, but I felt that I had to do it. Today, I am angry at myself and for a while blammed him for it. The more I analyse it, the more I realize that I didn´t do any of it, because I am an awesome, selfless and devoted wife. I did it, because I was a chicken-shit looking for any excuse in the book to put myself on-hold. It was just too scary to get up and do something, and everyday that passed made it even scarier.   The first 2 months I was here, I cried a lot. I was alone (no friends or family), without a car, a job or money. I was given a dose of reality, i was not ready to take. But, I am thankful that I decided to leap and take on this adventure. I found myself. I cried out all of my fear. I leaped and I am here.    

booby escapades

So, yesterday I'm playing with my kid all over the living room, i run after him he runs after me and this goes on for like 30 minutes... suddenly, i get on all fours and start to crawl after my little man and bark and have a great time.. and then it happens.. 
my BOOB fell out of my tank top, and I didn't even notice, BUT GUESS WHO DID? my son, and he just went for it and yanked it! lol.. and he thought it was the funniest thing on earth, and I laughed so hard... and we both laughed like crazy people.. and then i started to laugh hysterically as I looked at his two little pearly whites shinning through his gummy smile.. 
I realized in that very instant, that boobs are just BOOBS! they should not be taken so seriously. so we just kept on laughing.   

postpartum body Blues

The birth of my son is by far the most miraculous and amazing experience of my life, but preceding the most wonderful experience of my life, was also the most shameful reality. The first time I decided to look at my naked body following the birth of my son was a truly traumatizing experience, though I have been told numerous times, by endless people that it is natural to feel that way and to feel so ashamed, embarrassed, and down-right ugly. This isn’t one of those sappy, feel-good articles with a happy ending…this is a real description of the emotional rollercoaster my physical appearance has taken on me these past 9 months. My son brings infinite joy to my life each minute of every day, and although I have not felt depressed in any way because of motherhood, all of the contrary, I have felt nearly suicidal due to my twisted body image. I knew stretch marks, cellulite, loose skin, and blotches were all to be expected, but hell who am I lying to? I never expected it to happen to me. Particularly, because my mother had 4 children and doesn’t have a single stretch mark on her body and my grandmother, get ready for this, had 10 and has immaculate, YES immaculate, evenly toned GORGEOUS skin! So, why me? I was the girl that wore string bikinis to the beach, and tight little short shirts.. My breasts, GOD!! MY BREASTS!!! (I am not saying that in a good way) were never perky, flash-worthy tatas, but they were ok. NOW, HOLLY BANANAS! Lets just say that they have decided to head south like a flock of geese facing an impending winter. Anyway, the day I decided to take a good hard look at myself in the mirror, I was about 5 wks. Post partum, I looked and looked, thinking  that I was looking at some 60 year old grandma’s body, I got stretch marks in places that I never thought stretch marks were even possible. Yes! RIGHT THERE were your thinking!! And, oh how I cried… It took me 3 months to even bring myself to have sex with my husband (fully clothed too, and all lights out!) I wouldn’t let him touch me, unless absolutely necessary.  lets just say, I am sure he is traumatized now too.  I felt so bad for him that 1 day I decided to put something sexy on (about 18 weeks post partum) and was so humiliated at the sight of myself in pink lace with ruffles on that I sobbed for about 1 hour in the privacy of my bedroom floor. My husband finally got concerned I was taking forever, went in and comforted me, he reassured me that every little line was beautiful to him because it reminds him of the sacrifice I made to bring our gorgeous (and yes, he is gorgeous) son into the world. I appreciate his good intentions, BUT WHATEVER!!!! Who is he trying to fool?! Then you hear the story of how it takes 9 months to put weight on and that it will take about 9 months to get it off… ITS BEEN 9 MONTHS!!! Lol... I have come to terms with my stomach and whenever I am miserable about my appearance, I just remind myself of those women that would give up their right arm to have a shot at mommy-hood, stretch marks and all,  and for that I am thankful! It is difficult to go from a size 5/6 to a size 12 in such a short period of time, to find that you cant lift your arms to reach something on the top shelf at a supermarket because you are too embarrassed someone might get a glimpse of your torn stomach, to look down at your chest and see deflated balloons in place of breasts, and above all to find yourself in a complete physical rut. You want to do something about it, you have the energy and the desire, but you lack the courage, because at the end of the day…no amount of gym or diet will change the stretched, scarred skin, and the sad breasts.   
So, I have stopped complaining and started to be thankful for all of the good things I have. I decided to exercise in my home because it might not take away stretch marks, but it will give me a longer life so I can take care of my son. Most importantly, I decided to pray, because it stirs my heart away from vanity and helps me focus on me and the important things. Though, I didn’t find the magical cure for looking like poo, I have begun to accept me as I am. THIS BODY is MAGICAL! It can procreate and give life, and nourish and hold my son and take care of him. So, Ill hold on to that….if nothing else, ill resort to plastic surgery! Lol.. 

DIY LAMPS

I have been looking for DIY lamp ideas and found these that are absolutely awesome. I am thinking that I want to make #1 in two different sizes and in some green tones for my bedroom and #2 with a funky shaped bottle (preferably a turquoise one) for my Living room side table, and #3 a little larger and paint the cardboard yellow for lamps in my guest room.

1. Pickles' Whirl It Lamp Shade Tutorial2. Planet Green's Wine Bottle Lamp tutorial3. Madison Avenue Baby's Cardboard Tube Lampshade Tutorial

BIG PLANS, BIG CHANGES!

It seems that life is always throwing curve balls here and there, some you hit, some you miss and some you hit right out of the park. We are hoping that the many changes taking place in our life at this moment are definitely a Homer! My husband and I might be moving to the Dominican Republic, (its all up to God at this point) we are hoping to embark on an adventure of self-growth, new opportunities and stability (something hard to get on a military lifestyle).  My father in law was awesome enough to hook us up with a pretty great apartment over there, its all ours to do with it as we please, and I couldn't be any more excited. Its really gorgeous, but needs lots of little changes to make it our own. I was checking out Sherry over at Young House Love (love her blog) and saw her mood boards...they are AWESOME! so, i decided to work on one of my own for my new Living Room. Here it is, tell me what you think.  Ill post the other ones as i make them (for the kitchen, bedroom, nursery, etc) 

MY BABY BOY'S NURSERY

My little boy's nursery is something I had GIANT ideas for; I started on it, but this whole military life hasn't allowed me to quite get it all done. The uncertainty of moving in a few months, after only being here 4 months, has kept me from making my home pretty and taking the time to put the final touches on the baby's room. To me, my baby's nursery was right up there with dreaming of my wedding day...well, I had to cancel my wedding, (3 years later my dress is still hanging in the closet untouched) and ended up having a local judge marry us in Biloxi, MS under a 100 year old tree (SANS DRESS). Now, I have to hold of on my nursery too. (yes, I am pouting and stomping my feet) Nonetheless, I am hopeful. It appears that fate is inclining us to take a new direction, and we are listening to her...then we may very well stay in one place for longer than 2 years, and I will get to have my own place. Within my limitations, I have managed to do a few things for the nursery though...I painted that little bird over the lamp (RANDOM THOUGHT:  I am thinking of painting kids' pictures and selling them on etsy) I wanted to do a cute, colorful, animal-filled room that doesn't feel overwhelming or crowded. 
here are a few pictures of the things I have done with the nursery: 

 My little thrift store monkey hanging from the lamp

 I got these adorable farm animal bookends from a consignment sale

 These gorgeous little gators are from a thrift store

Cocalo Alphabet Soup bedding

These little wooden cutout animals are from walmart, they were .49cents each. I stuck them to the ends of the finials

Ikea Mobile

I got the rocking chair on Craigslist for $20...I love CL!

Dollar tree frames with dollar tree animals

HOMEMADE BABY FOOD

Making my own baby food is something I really enjoy, particularly watching his little face get all excited while eating it. I try and make 2 different meals at once (while I am making dinner, so i kill 2 birds with 1 stone), and enough to make 8 or 10 meals. Yesterday I got a little creative and made my own version of Pasta Primavera and a Fall Veggie Soup. Both YUMMY! I try and buy as many of the ingredients organic, after reading this article 16 fruits and veggies you should buy organic.  My son is six months old, but we started him on solids around 4 months, he sits up all by himself, crawls, and stands up while holding onto things.  (not bragging, just to clarify why I give him such advanced foods)  In addition to that, I am one of those people that feels that introducing a baby to flavorful foods, spices, and a diverse menu will ensure an appreciation for things outside of the French-fry and mac and cheese pool. well, at least I am hopeful. 
Here are the recipes and a few pictures:
Pasta Primavera1 cup of whole grain pasta (i use rotini)1-2 peeled roma tomatoes (peeled and seeded)1/4 cup red bell pepper (diced)1 spoonful of chopped red oniona few sprigs of cilantro or parsley1 clove of garlic-masheda little drizzle of olive oil (i know, people say no oil, but its healthy and flavorful)pinch of oreganoand about 1 cup of yellow and green zhuchinni ( peeled and sliced)
bring 1 qt of water to a boil, then add everything. cook until its all soft (not too long since overcooking depletes nutrients)... then blend gradually until you reach the consistency your baby likes (I use my electric kidco baby food mill). I freeze it in  kidco baby food freezer trays (they are great because they have a lid, otherwise you can use regular trays and wrap in a freezer bag), once they are frozen I remove the cubes from the trays, and place them in labeled freezer bags until i need it. To thaw it, I heat up a glass pot, then add the food in. mix, turn it off and it thaws perfectly.

 Cooked pasta in the food mill

 Pureed pasta in trays

 frozen and ready for bagging

Fall Veggie Soup1/2 of a large sweet potato-peeled and cubed1/2 a large Idaho potato-peeled and cubed1/4 cup green beans2 large carrots, peeled and sliced1 cup cubed butternut squash1 yellow and 1 green zucchini (peeled and sliced)2 stalks of organic celery-slicedsome parsleysome white onion*you can add a little spinach if you have (i forgot to add it) a handful of thin soup noodles
add all of the ingredients to 1 qt of boiling water, cook until all is tender. Then blend. (you can adjust the liquid as you see fit to reach your desired consistency) This yields about 5 cups, I prep for freezing in the trays, and pack like I did the pasta. ENJOY!  Thin soup noodlesall in the potIn the blender, ready to goPoured and set to freeze.  Have fun!

ONESIE EXTENDER TUTORIAL

Hi Everyone! 
If your kid is outgrowing his onesies way faster than you can make money to buy new ones? or, if the baby is too long and the onesie too short, but if you size up they swim in the thing? Then, this tutorial is for you. 
I put together a onesie extender tutorial after realizing that I am indeed NOT made of money. FYI, this is definitely not all fancy and cute, since it is going on my son's butt I figured it just needed to be easy and functional. :O)   Let me know if there is something you don't understand or need help with. Good luck! link back to me if you make some.  Took about 4-5 minutes from beginning to end to make 2, total costs: .50cents ( i got 2 carters onesies for .25cents each at my local thrift store..you may be thinking, "why make an extender if you can find them so cheap?" Because they hardly ever have the right size. 
Materials: 

 First, I cut out the area were the snappies are (about 3" high), crop it a little so its straight

 

 second, i attached one to the other with pins.. make sure that they are facing the right direction (look at the picture)

 Thirdly, i sewed about 1/4" in from the edge... i sewed it twice to reinforce it. 

 VOILA!

THAT'S IT! Here is my little man using his. (check out those cute thighs!)

DIAPERS.COM REVIEW

I am usually not someone that buys many things online, since my favorite part of shopping is the getting out of the house part. However, since my husband and I had to downgrade to one vehicle so that I can be a SAHM, sometimes leaving the house to do just about anything becomes a hassle. So, I decided to give diapers.com a try since they had a 15% off promo for new customers and free shipping on orders of 49$ or more. OH MY! what a GREAT EXPERIENCE!!! It was quick and easy to look for things and place my order, in addition to that the prices are comparable to Bj's for the super sized boxes of diapers and wipes. I purchased a soothie teething pacifier, some silicone nipples, munchkin teether, pampers wipes (720ct box), pampers baby dry diapers(176 count box), vicks vaporizer (since its flu season I figured I should be prepared) and an antimicrobial cartridge for the vaporizer all for $84.09. Their sister site soap.com shares a cart with them and has just about everything you would find in a pharmacy, and the cleaning aisle of the supermarket.

My package arrived via Fedex the next day, everything was perfect and I saved $14.84, and some of the things were already on sale. In the package they also sent me some pretty cool envelopes (see below) to enclose coupons and send them back (free of charge) they will then keep these in my account to be used on any of my future purchases on either diapers.com or soap.com (don't be fooled they sell everything on soap.com). In addition to that, i also received a 15% cash back code for all future diaper purchases for 6 months with a 25$ purchase on soap.com (and i got a 10% off coupon for that site too).

Overall, my experience was EXCELLENT! I really loved purchasing from them. HERE IS A DIAPERS.COM COUPON JUST FOR YOU!!! (as a thank you for reading my page, btw it can also be used on soap.com which is equally awesome)

A THRIFTING I SHALL GO

I really really love to thrift! Its like therapy for me. I make it a point to look for thrift stores whenever I move before anything else (i move a lot since my husband is in the military). From the ones I have been to so far in Washington, DC, Indian Head Hwy Thrift is my absolute favorite. They have color tag sales (50% off, and usually more than one color tag is on sale at any given time, particularly on Saturdays when up to 3 tags can be on sale) everyday. In addition, they offer 25% off to military with id. They have an awesome selection of just about everything, but so far I have done super well with toys, i mean top of the line expensive toys. I have bought Chicco, Fisher-Price, Vtech, melissa & Doug, , Leap frog, and a whole lot more, the most i have spent on a toy is 3$ on the Chicco farm (which was brand new in packaging). The area can be a little intimidating for some, but do not let your prejudices lead you wrong... the staff is AWESOME, and so is the community. I love that they have a HUGE parking lot, and if you take public transportation the bus leaves you like 100 yards up the street.

THESE ARE MY FINDS TODAY: (LOVE THEM!)

These are some K's kids cars they retail for 24.99 on Amazon.com, i got them for $1.20

I seriously love this Carter's Dots bumper (got it for my sister) retails for $29.99, and I got it for 5$ in new condition.

This IQ Baby puzzle is AWESOME! Cant even tell you how much it retails for since its sold out EVERYWHERE.. I got it, in its packaging for $1.25

Playskool Old MacDonald Farm Tractor got it for $1.00

and lastly, my favorite little animals EVER.. they are from the Animal alley collection at toysrus got them for .75cents each

IT WAS A GREAT SHOPPING DAY!!!!!!!!!

10 things about me not many people know

I found this game on Louandjane's blog (super cute btw) and thought it would be fun to play along.

10 things you may not know about me...

1. I am crazy about my son

2. I am OBSESSED with thrifting (its like therapy to me)

3. I love to cook, and eat just about ANYTHING...

4. I too believe that there is no greater calling in life than motherhood.

5. Crafting is my third favorite pastime.

6. I have a bachelor's degree, and was a total nerd in HS,

but I only dream of being a Stay at home mom.

7. I learned to swim at age 26.

8. I do not believe in religion, though i believe in God.

9. I have the heart of a hippie

10. I wish I could sew my own clothes.

Babies grow way too fast

My son is a big boy for his age... he is 6 months old, 21lbs(last time we checked) and 28 inches long...and already wears a very fitted size 12 months. He has gone through a gazillion onesies and PJs since he was born (I have two HUGE totes full of 'em to prove it), and quite frankly this whole onesie business is gonna break the bank. So, I heard something about a ONESIE EXTENDER... looked around the net, found some but I do not feel like spending 10$ on 3 of those things. So, i did a little research for a tutorial and cant find that either.(if anyone has one please send it my way) I have decided to make a tutorial myself... WEEKEND PROJECT COMING UP! I will definitely put up pictures and try to be as detailed as possible. I am currently working on the details...

now, onto the PJs... those footed pajamas are excellent, HOWEVER, my kid's feet are all squished inside of it. Many of them he technically still fits into except for the length (mainly because of the feet) and I wanted a tutorial for removing them and maybe adding something to them.. I think i might have to work on that one too. Well, check me out Sunday night... ill have my tutorial up by then.

IM BACK!

Well, its been a while since the last time I wrote. In the past year i had an absolutely PERFECT, GORGEOUS, HAPPY baby boy. He is 6 months now and just AMAZES me a little more each minute of each day. I whinned a lot a while back about needing adventures, travel, excitement... WELL PEOPLE, I GOT IT!! and, its MORE than i could have ever asked for. I have honestly never known love, until i met my son for the first time. He took my breath away. After 2 hours and 43 minutes of active labor (pushing) he was born, a perfect 8lbs 1oz. He is the happiest, silliest, FUn-loving kid EVER and he has helped me find who I am... a mommy.


I have been thrifting a LOT lately.. its like therapy for me! and of course, cant say enough about my dollar stores. :O) LOVE THEM!

I actually found this awesome tutorial over at dollarstorecrafts' blog.... for making hurricanes for 2$ (they look great!) I think thats a project for next weekend!

WEll, bloggers, ill be here! looking forward to writing for you.

We are Expecting!

My husband and I found out 8 wks ago that we are expecting...WE are so umbelievably excited. After trying for about 6 months (which were really like 2 since he was sent away 3 times during our attempts) we finally have a baby on the way. My poor husband freaked out in the great way, and then reality struck him hard.. the poor guy had to call his parents for reassurance to ask them if they think he will be a good dad...well babe, You are going to be a GREAT DAD!!! i have never seen a man more concerned, excited, attentive and happy about his baby. He sings to our little beans, and talks to him/her and kisses the tummy in the morning and at night... I couldnt have picked a better daddy to be. I love you babe!!Though i must say that I HATE all of those pregnant women that are constantly talking about the magic of pregnancy and how great they felt, and how much they loved it... I AM NOT A GRACEFUL EXPECTANT MOTHER AT ALL!!!!!! I have been sick everyday since before I found i was pregnant and finally at 13 wks its begun to ease up during the day, but yesterday it was serious; projectile puke and all!! it got all over the walls, the floors, everywere EXCEPT the toilet. lol.. NOT COOL when I had a steak sandwich for lunch.

anyway, we have seen the bean twice and heard its little heart beat and daddy even has pics all over his office. Everyone thinks its a girl, but Im clueless.. Whatever you are, I LOVE YOU BEAN!!!!

I WANT IT BAD!!!!

I need a steam mop... Ironically enough i get online today to search for a steam mop and there on my search is Cat over at 3kidsandus whom is giving one away thanks to Reliable. OF course, I want IT BAD!!!

My husband has the worst allergies EVER and nothing i do seems to help, we change the filter 2x per month and we get the super duper good one thats like 22$ each. We also have an air purifier, I have the cool mist humidifier on all of the time to help soothe the air, and i clean EVERYTHING a gazillion times...NOTHING HELPS! so, we have decided to forego the chem-squad and let our cleaners go. WE figure that with his allergies and trying to make a baby we should really help mother nature and our family by ridding ourselves of NASTY chemicals.

SO, I Want THIS MOP! Steam clean your way to a greener life with the Steamboy T1 Steam Mop. Chemical-free cleaning with the power of steam just got easier. Read about the experience mom blogger Cat at 3 Kids and Us had with her Steamboy T1 and enter to win a steam mop for your house too! Giveaway ends May 31st.

:O) GO GREEN EVERYONE!!

Freebies (or nearly free)

Its been a while, I have been trying to find a thing amongst the cunnundrum of things in my head to sort of make a primary focus off on the blog. As a result, I have decided to have a freebies section every monday. HOPE YOU ENJOY! :O)

Sooo, after searching the net I have stumbled upon a few quite FUN freebies, that appear to be legitimate in nature. I do try and order some of the freebies as they pertain to me, however, I cannot assure you that all of them are good. :O) So, Fill out at your own leisure. I DO!


MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

1)April 29th: Baskin Robbins is offering .31cent scoops in honor of America's Firefighters from 5-10pm. http://www.baskinrobbins.com/

2)April 30th: Carvel is offering free icebergs from 3-7pm, Click here for additional information

3)May 12th: get a free scoop of Hagen-daz ice-cream Bee-Built flavors from 4-8pm Click here for a location nearest you


TODAY ONLY:

1) Try a free piece of Kentucky's grilled chicken (http://www.unthinkfc.com/)w/coupon

FORFOR THE KIDDIES:

1) This is a great find, 3dayblinds will send you as many chord kits as you need to protect your children from possible choking/hanging hazards with blind chords. (http://www.3dayblinds.com/ServiceCenter/ChildSafetyOrder.aspx)

GET THEM WHILE THEY ARE HOT!

1)Free subscription to organic gardening magazine (http://www.stonyfield.com/specialoffers/organicgardeningSubscriptionform.cfm)

2) free gillette fusion razors, 500 given out daily (http://www.gillette.com/en-US/#/entertainment/strut-viral-video/en-US/index.shtml/)