Miscellany Monday

I am linking up for Miscellany Monday @ lowercase letters.

 

 

1) I have created 5 things on my TO DO list for October.  Of course there are many other things that I could've added to it, but I decided to start with 5 in hopes I will get through all five.  I bought a dresser at Ikea over the summer.  It is unfinished.  I REALLY need to get it painted.  I love pumpkin rolls and would love to bring one this year to Thanksgiving dinner, but I need to do a practice one first.  I have started the invitations, but I need to get this party planned and pulled off by late October.  I do not want to wait until December to take our photos, I would like to get them down this month.  I stink at reading books. I want to finish 2 this month.

 

2) One word to describe our weekend would be relaxing.  I love a weekend with no plans and nothing to do.  Our weekend consisted of lots of football, cooking (footballs snacks and homemade pizzas), baking (pumpkin bread), and family time.  My mom will be in town next weekend, so that will be fun.   Sunday morning we got up, ate breakfast, and got dressed to take Madison to cheer in her game.  Chris already had the car started and Maddie and I were headed to the car when her coach called to say the game was cancelled due to the weather.  So thankful she caught us before we piled in the car.

 

 

3) I am about to follow this pin to clean out my dishwasher.  I sure hope it works.

Source: onegoodthingbyjillee.com via Melissa on Pinterest

4) I went grocery shopping this morning at 7:45.  I love going early in the morning.  The shelves are usually stocked and there are rarely ever any other shoppers or lines to check out.  I have been doing much better going with a meal plan for the week and a detailed grocery list.  Tonight I am making this recipe I got off of Pinterest.  I hope it tastes good - it only requires 3 ingredients.

Source: foodforahungrysoul.blogspot.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Miscellany Monday - Back to School Edition

 

(1) Madison starts 8th grade tomorrow... my oh my... where did the time go?  I am not one of those moms who longs for back to school, although I am happy to be back on more of a schedule and to focus on work during the day instead of making sure Madison is entertained.  So while I am excited for her to start a new year of school... I also love having her at home.  I took the day off of work today so we could spend the day together.  We ran by her school to get a few items from the book store we needed, went out to lunch, and went grocery shopping.  

 

(2) My husband and I have been having lots of hard discussions about our life, our marriage, and our future.  We are trying to focus more on improving things we have let fall to the wayside.  Last night we ended a great weekend with a dinner date out - we had drinks - great seafood and good conversation.  It was much needed and enjoyed.

(3) Maddie is cheering for the first time ever and loving it.  She is just cheering for the local league.  The other weekend they had photos scheduled.  We got up and ready only to find out when we arrived they had been cancelled.  I love this photo I took of her.

 

 (4) I have been trying like crazy to cook more at home.  Today I made these green monster smoothies for my husband before he went to the gym.  Last week I made this roast - but I wasn't a fan.   We made soft pretzels again - always a hit.  Last week I also made carne asada tacos, a lighter version of chicken parmigiana, and homemade pizzas.
 

 

Miscellany Monday

1. I haven't blogged in what seems like forever.  We had an amazing vacation - trip to Virginia Beach, VA and Duck, NC and I hope to blog about that this week and to share some great pictures from our trip.

2. I also haven't baked in forever.  I have a Pina Colada (no alcohol) cake in the oven now and I hope to share that recipe later today or this week.  It it so good.

3. Am I the only one that feels the grocery store prices are crazy?  It seems since our vacation I cannot get our weekly groceries under $100.  I spent $160 this week and last week.  Things are just so expensive.

4.  I was promised a new position at work.  When my job offer arrived - it wasn't the job title or the pay I was expecting.  Also the job responsibilities are very close to the ones of the position I was promised.  So I am in "negotiations" to get at least the pay I want and hopefully the position/title as well.  I feel confident we can come to an agreement - if not I am fine with keeping my current position/pay and am willing to decline the offer.

Miscellany Monday

I am linking up at lowercase letters for Miscellany Monday.

{1} I added the cutest new custom Instagram magnets to my etsy shop this week.  You can use coupon code, FREESHIP to get free shipping off of any order from now until the end of June.   If you have your own blog and would love a free magnet to blog about and a chance to offer a chance for one of your readers to receive 2 free magnets,  send me an email at instamagnet {at} gmail.com.

 

{2} I took a three day weekend (minus a thirty minute team meeting this morning) from work and it was much needed and fabulous.

{3} We had a busy, fun, and productive weekend. Saturday we went to Connecticut where we went outlet shopping, mall shopping, Home Goods shopping, and out to lunch. Sunday I did stuff around the house while Chris and Maddie went hiking and then we grilled out, went to Target, and then watched a movie. Today we CLEANED like crazy people and I know have a bag of clothes to donate to my cousin's daughter and two bags of assorted clothes I need to find some local organization to donate to. I also cleaned out our washer and did laundry; we went out to dinner, and went grocery shopping.

{4} Saturday night I ordered new bedding. I cannot wait for it to arrive. We went with a new duvet, duvet cover, fitted sheet (we don't use a top one) and pillow cases. I googled a promotion code and ended up getting 20% off. My goal this week is to work on a piece of art which will go over our bed once our new bedding arrives.

Source: thecompanystore.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Miscellany Monday

I am linking up for Miscellany Monday.

1. The Best Easter Yet

We had such a fabulous day from beginning to end. We did Easter baskets when we woke up... and even might have had a peanut butte egg for breakfast.  Afterwards we picked up my mother in law and we took her to lunch at Not Your Average Joe's.  We had a fabulous, but very non traditional meal... which included Rhode Island Calamari, for an appetizer,  Chicken Enchiladas with Poblano Crema for me, Mediterranean Chicken for my mother in law, a pork chop dish for my husband, grilled cheese for Maddie, and Hot Apple Cinnamon Sticks for dessert.   The service and the food was excellent and we really enjoyed ourselves.   I was so glad I decided not to stress about making a big meal and to just treat ourselves to an Easter meal out.

2. Hunger Games

I started reading the Hunger Games Friday morning in the car on our way to Maine.  I finished it Saturday evening.  So on Sunday after lunch, we dropped my mother in law off, and headed to the movies. All three of us enjoyed the movie.  Madison is trying to convince Chris to read the book.  I am hoping to move on to Catching Fire very soon.

3. Bloom

My book arrived Saturday evening.  I started it last night...and enjoyed it with a little cup of peanut m&ms.  I got well over 100 pages read.  I cried.  I love how the photos add so much to the story.  I cannot wait to read more this evening.  

Miscellany Monday

I am linking up for Miscellany Monday today.

~Madison is going on Friday to see the Hunger Games with the book club at school.  She is super excited to go.  I think I am going to start reading the books too.  I have become such a slacker when it comes to reading... but I want to see what all of the hype is.

~I ALWAYS work Monday nights...except for tonight.  So when Madison comes home we are going to Panera (we haven't been in awhile) for an early dinner and grocery shopping.  I typed up my grocery list last night on the computer and sent it to our new wireless printer.  I love how easy that is. I am looking forward to it.   I also plan on making this Starbuck's Iced Lemon Poundcake tonight.

~We have decided to go out for an Easter brunch. I need to choose a place to go ASAP and make some reservations. 

~Let's just say we are running out of time for a 2012 baby... this month was another disappointment. Yet, I know it could be way worse.  It just stinks when you did everything right and didn't get the results you were hoping for. So after a brief meltdown yesterday, I have picked myself up and we will keep on trying.

~ I started two new crafts this weekend... I am hoping to finish them soon so I can share them. 

Miscellany Monday

It is time for Miscellany Monday.

1. Madison and I drove to New Jersey (only 4 hours away... not bad) to visit my friend, Erin, and her family for her daughter's christening.  We had a fabulous time and I cannot wait to share some photos and to tell you about our trip and the yummy food and cupcakes I made for the brunch Erin and her husband hosted after the church service.  My only complaint... the trip was so easy and so much fun... I am kicking myself for not having gone sooner. 

2. Today I went grocery shopping.. at 1:30 PM... without having any lunch.  It was a bad idea.  I went with a meal plan and a grocery list... but ended up with so much more.  I didn't really stick to a budget today... and that really goes make grocery shopping so much more fun. A few months back when we were on a tight budget, I couldn't always get everything I wanted.  So it was nice today to fill up the cart with everything we needed... and some other things I would normally pass up due to cost.  I am loving that the grocery store has whole pineapples for $2.99! What a bargain.

3. My husband is temporarily working the 12-8 shift.  The pros are - more money for this shift and mornings together (although I am usually working... but it is from home).  The cons are - not being able to eat dinner together as a family and him not being able to spend much time with Maddie in the afternoons.  It is nice to know it is only temporary.

4. I will share that one of the things I made over the weekend was my Cheddar Ranch Cheeseball.  It is one of our family favorites and so easy.  So today I picked up the ingredients to make it. It is super simply - one 8 oz brick of softened cream cheese, 1 bag of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 envelope of Hidden Valley Ranch dry seasoning salad dressing mix.  I throw it all in my Kitchenaid mixed on high.  Then I line a small bowl with plastic wrap, scoop the mixture in, wrap it with the plastic wrap and mold it into a ball.  Chill for two hours and then serve with Wheat Thins (it really tastes the best with those).  I promise you this is so easy and a BIG hit whenever I make it to bring somewhere.

5. The weather has been AMAZING!! I am so thankful.  I love not needing a coat, not looking like an idiot wearing my beloved flip flops, and having the windows open.  Hello Spring! I am working tonight on getting my spring decorations out.

Miscellany Monday

I am linking up with Carissa at lowercase letters for Miscellany Monday.

1. After some recent rough times, I am happy to say things are way better than they have been in a long time.  It feels good to be so happy again.

Source: graphicshunt.com via Amanda on Pinterest

2. Madison and I are traveling to New Jersey this weekend for my friend's baby's christening.  I am helping her with the food for the brunch and making the cupcakes - strawberry with cream cheese frosting and white with vanilla butter cream.  I am also make some super sweet pink and white toppers for them.

3. I was off during the day today (and I am never off on Mondays) and it was GLORIOUS.  I think I am going to request more Mondays off.  I did have a meeting at 9am this morning, but afterwards I folded laundry, watched Real Housewives of Atlanta, went to CVS, went to the grocery store, and picked up a sandwich for lunch from a local bakery.  The weather was beautiful, my windows were rolled down, and I thoroughly enjoyed my morning/afternoon off.

4. I am learning to let go of a family relationship I hoped would be more than it has been.  I am tired of the pretending and the fakeness.  Letting go is bringing me peace about the situation. 

5. I am excited to try out PicMonkey now that Picnik is closing.  Has anyone else used it? What are your thoughts?  I cannot wait to try it out.

Miscellany Monday

I am linking up for miscellany monday today over at lowercase letters.



{1} No Baby Furniture For Us

On Saturday we drove to Cape Cod for the day.  After having lunch we stumbled upon an unfinished furniture store, where we proceeded to buy a pricey dining room table and four chairs.  We also picked out a custom stain/paint for them.  It will be ready in about a month.  On the way home... I started to cry.  Dammit... we should have been out today buying baby furniture not a dining room table.  I want a crib... not a dining room table.

{2} Working on a Holiday

Today is a holiday. Chris is off of work.  Madison is work at school.  I have a 9 hour work day ahead of me.  I MUST start remembering to ask off of work on holidays.

{3} Kelle Hampton's Book

I love Kelle Hampton's blog. She wrote a book.  I pre-ordered it last week... along with 25 pregnancy tests and a kit to frost cupcakes because mine is broken and has missing parts from Amazon.  It was probably my weirdest order from them ever. 

{4} Soft Pretzels

Per Madison's request we made homeamde soft pretzels yesterday afternon.  They were so good.  We made some with salt and butter and some with cinnamon sugar.  She made them in her cooking class at school a few weeks ago and has been asking to make them at home.  They weren't ready until after 6 PM so they basically became dinner.  I will be sharing the recipe tomorrow.

{5} I Won Something

Bright Modern Circus Greeting Cards

There is a great etsy shop, Two Poodle Press, that I have ordered from before.  She has some great designs, they are high quality, and affordably priced. Every Tuesday on Facebook she has a giveaway for the first person to comment with their email under the item up for grabs.  This past Tuesday I won these fabulous notecards and they arrived on Saturday.  So check out her Facebook  and keep your eye out for her Tuesday giveaways. 

Two Poodle Press has no idea who I am...other than a crazy Facebooker who has won many giveaways and an appreciative customer.  She has no idea I am even mentioning her on my blog.

Miscellany Monday

- My weekend was pretty busy.  We had lunch with my mother-in-law to celebrate her birthday, went to Home Goods, and watched 50/50 (good movie) on Saturday. Maddie and I traveled to Massachusetts for the day to visit family, have lunch, go shopping, and then we stayed for dinner. I wasn't home much at all. My house is a wreck.  I never made a weekly meal plan.  I need to grocery shop.

- I made these fabulous Reese's Pieces White Chocolate bars Saturday night and I cannot wait to share the recipe this week.

- I picked up Peanut Butter Cheerios at Target yesterday after reading about them on a blog and I cannot wait to try them.

- I bought a new rug for my entry way and a new canvas painting for my living room this weekend.  I love them both.

- I need to work on my goals for February... it should be pretty easy as I will just transfer over many of the January ones I didn't do.

- We have an informational meeting this week for an overnight field trip for Madison.  This makes me a little very nervous (the trip... not the meeting).

- I don't care for Mondays.  It is my long day "at" work. I work a 9-3 shift and then a 5-8 shift.


I am linking up at lowercase letters today.

Miscellany Monday

1. Birthday Treats - This morning I baked a chocolate fudge chip bundt cake in honor of Andrew. I frosted half in peanut butter chocolate frosting and the other half in a vanilla butter cream with sprinkles. His mom and dad love dessert and they felt like a great way to honor their son on his birthday would be to enjoy desserts.  I "met" Andrew's mom through blogging.  I have never spoken to her other than commenting on each other's blogs and emailing one other about lots of things... but I've still mourned her losses and celebrated her joys with her.  I think about her often... and especially today she is in my thoughts.  I am wishing much happiness in the upcoming months for her.   {The star on the sign Madison made comes from the potato print art we did this past weekend}

2. Successful Party Food -  I woke up yesterday morning expecting there to be leftover food from the UFC event my husband hosted.  Guess what? The guys ate it all.  These party ham sandwiches were fabulous and I hope to have them again soon.  I actually used the 12 pack of the Martin's Potato mini rolls.  Other than that I followed the recipe as is.  I plan on making them again this week, but with turkey so Madison will (hopefully) eat them.  I shared the recipe with my friend Erin yesterday morning and she ended up making them Sunday evening for her family and they loved them too.  You HAVE to make them. 

3. Annoyances - I loved  the blog post I read today which was entirely devoted to morning sickness... Seriously? You basically sneezed and became pregnant and you want to bitch about a little puke? I would feel sick, tired, and puke every.single.day if it meant I was still pregnant.  Then Madison comes home and brings in the mail.. my issue of US WEEKLY has Kourtney Kardashian on the cover and a nice big article about how her and her douchebag husband are having another baby and how it "just happened"... then she goes on to say how happy Khloe is for her... guess what Kourtney K... I am pretty darn sure your sister who has been trying forever for a baby of her own wants to punch you in the face.  Not to mention Kourtney feels "confident" telling the world at 9 weeks... well Kourtney K... I sure hope that doesn't come back to bite you in the ass.

4. I LOVE COUPONS - It probably has been a year since I ordered anything from Tiny Prints.  This morning I had a coupon code for $20 in my email.  I chose 3 sets of labels - two sets of address labels... one for the family and one for Madison (she likes to send handwritten letters to friends) and these cute holiday square labels to use for packaging baked goods for Madison's teachers this year.  I only had to spend $4.55 out of pocket (for shipping and tax)... what a great deal!

5. My Art - My husband hung the sign I painted last night.  I love it.  It looks great hanging in our entry way above our coat closet.

I am linking up for Miscellany Monday over at -

Miscellany Monday

I am linking up for Miscellany Monday.

1. I haven't blogged in a week... some things have been going on here with our family... that really could go either way... positive or negative... of course we are hoping for the positive and should have some definite answers on Thursday... when I will share more... either way.

2. My blog design is ready.  I am just waiting for it to be installed. Miranda from Little Sailor Design did it.  I cannot wait to see it live on the blog...hopefully within a day or so.  It is a total new look and name for the blog. 

3. Last week was my first full week at my new job... meaning I worked 19 hours.  I am only part-time so my maximum will be 20 hours a week.  I really enjoy it.  Today I logged in 6 hours and 20 minutes.  This morning I was dreading it... because it was pretty much all day while Madison was at school and I didn't have time to get much else done (like watching TLC or napping) but it went by pretty fast.  I really caught on quick and I am so thankful to be working from home.

4. I bought my first Christmas presents this weekend... finally.  I got 3 tank tops for Madison she had been wanting.  I have some other items saved in my online shopping carts that I need to order this week.

5.  My husband is obsessed with Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 on the Xbox and football... I am annoyed by both.

6. I am so thankful the weather the last week has been slightly warmer.  Yesterday I didn't even need my jacket when we walked out of Target and today I worked with the front door open to let in the fresh air.  I am going to be sad when we have to start cranking the heat up again and lighting fires.

7. My reality TV obsessed self watched Real Housewives of Atlanta (where I SWEAR I saw Kim...who is pregnant drinking white wine while out to dinner with Sheree), Kendra, Sister Wives (I swear I love this show more and more the longer it is on), and All-American Muslim last night.  I can pretty much watch a reality TV show on just about anything.

Miscellany Monday

I am linking up over at lowercase letters for Miscellany Monday.

{1} I am making this crock pot chicken for dinner tonight.  Just cut up an onion, place it on the bottom of the crock pot, rinse a whole chicken, place it on top, and sprinkle with spices.  That's it.  In the crock pot for 5 hours.  I am serving it with mashed potatoes and corn.

{2} Yesterday I tried to take Madison to Panera in downtown Newport.  My husband told me I wouldn't have to pay to park there.  He was wrong.  They were charging $5 cash... which I didn't have.  To say I was annoyed... is an understatement.  I hate that Panera is so far away here... and the one that is 20 minutes away requires you to pay.  How foolish...

{3} I found someone to redo my blog design... so I am hoping to have that new design up and going by the end of the week.

{4} Who watched The Real Housewives of Atlanta last night? I am obsessed with all of the Real Housewives shows... so of course I thought it was great.

{5} I am done training with my job and actually start working "real" shifts this week.  I am kind of excited.  I hope I continue to enjoy it.

{6} We are going to my aunt's in Massachusetts for Thanksgiving.  I told her I would bring appetizers and desserts... so I have been busy looking on Pinterest for some fabulous things to make.  I have a few ideas.

Miscellany Monday

I am linking up at lowercase letters for Miscellany Monday.

 

1. Tonight I served Madison and Chris Bagel Bites and Pizza Rolls for dinner...both from the freezer section and both on sale at the grocery store today.  I had an apple with peanut butter.  I just didn't have the energy to make a real meal.

2. Madison decided not to go trick or treating this year.  Instead she passed out candy to the kids who came to our house.  I think our door bell rang about 5 times.

3.  Tomorrow I am making this Cafe Rio pork in the crock pot.  I have never been to this restaurant...but my sister told me it is fabulous....so it's tomorrow's dinner.  I cannot wait to try it.

4. I won FREE Shutterfly Christmas cards this week by entering on other blogs.  Woohoo!! I've got a great idea for them up my sleeve...and knowing I won them for free makes it even more exciting.  I have applied to offer free codes to my blog readers...so hopefully I will hear back from Shutterfly soon so I can pass the freebies along.

5. I failed at my 31 days of blogging challenge for myself.... BOO.  Oh well...  I think I did 26 posts...

6.  I haven't bought one single Christmas present.  I started a list though. 

Day 16 & 17 - Monday Morning Ramblings....

I'm combining days 16 and 17  because I forgot to blog yesterday.... it just slipped my mind.

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*My first meeting for my new job is today at 9:15.  I think I will just have to introduce myself and then it will be a lot of listening... I have to call in from my phone and log in from my computer. 

*After my meeting ends I am taking a nap.  I was up most of the night last night because I didn't feel well and couldn't sleep and I am exhausted.

*I had a repeat customer place an order last night from my baking business.  That makes me super happy.  I am making these little goodies for Madison's school's bake sale... how cute are they?  I made a sample one last week.  It is a split chocolate cupcake layered with butter cream frosting, sprinkles, and a candy pumpkin.

*My mom is flying into town on Friday.  I am letting Maddie stay home from school and we are going to pick her up from the airport.  Then we will do lunch and some shopping.  Saturday we have to go to my cousin's bridal shower in Boston... so that should be fun. 

*Sunday we are taking Maddie to the Melting Pot for her birthday dinner.  She won't be 12 until Tuesday but we wanted to celebrate while my mom was here.  She is currently obsessed with anything French so I ordered these candy molds on Amazon last week.  They should arrive tomorrow.  I am going to make little Eiffel Tower candies to use as toppers for birthday cupcakes.

* I am beginning to think of Christmas card ideas for this year.  I am not sure if I want to order them or if I want to design my own.  I am kind of holding out to see if Shutterfly does that great deal for bloggers again... where if you blog about their Christmas cards you get a free set.  Has anyone heard anything?

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I am linking this post up over at lowercase letters for Miscellany Monday.

  

*This morning once Madison left for school I put this BBQ chicken in the crock pot.  I hope it turns out good. 

Source: justgetoffyourbuttandbake.com via Nichole on Pinterest

Day 3 - Miscellany Monday

I am linking up with Carissa at lowercase letters for Miscellany Monday.

1. Fun New Photos

Here are some fun photos I took this past weekend when Madison and I stopped at a farmer's market for some pumpkins.

Here is a photo of Madison reading in bed on Saturday night.   I love that she is 11 and acts 11.  I love that she is not boy crazy.



2. Facebook Weirdos

I would say just about every day I am stunned at some of the stuff people post on Facebook.  Stunned.  Imagine my surprise when this morning as I was checking Facebook I saw this status update from a girl I went to high school with.  Who says this kind of stuff? Who posts this kind of stuff on Facebook? Who says they had awesome *1@? Eww.... TMI... Names have been blocked out to protect the trashy. 

3. Early Morning Grocery Shopping

I took Madison to Dunking Donuts this morning and then dropped her off at school.  Then I headed to the grocery store at 8 AM.  Nobody is there at 8 AM, everything is stocked, and there is no line at the deli counter.  I like to grocery shop at 8 AM on a weekday morning.  I spent too much money... like usual.... but we have groceries for the week and snacks for lunchboxes and I have a meal plan which consists of steak and cheese subs - made with real steak...not that Steakum mess...and mine are better than any one you will get at a sub shop, chicken souvlaki, rigatoni with meat sauce, and chicken tacos for the next 4 days.

4. Credit Card Fraud Stinks

I went to the post office this morning to mail two boxes - one to my niece and nephew (filled with all sorts of Halloween goodies - books, stickers, candy, etc...) in Las Vegas... which by the way shipping a measly 2 lb box to Vegas is $$$ and another box to Kara @ Happy Go Lucky and my debit card was denied.  So of course my mind starts racing... and I know that there is money in the account (this is my side account... the one I use for etsy and random purchases of diet cokes at McDonalds or Starbucks so that my husband doesn't think I'm wasting money).  So I use our other debit card and head home.  I check online and there are two purchases I did not make.  One to a hotel and one to Wal-Mart.  Both in Texas... which I have never been too, nor do I know anyone there.  So I call and they take care of it all for me, but until my new card comes there is a hold on my account... which means no secret etsy purchases, diet cokes, or Starbucks for 5-7 days.

5. Job Interview Jitters

I have had two real adult  jobs.   Both of them were teaching jobs, one in 2002 and one in 2003.  My interviews were easy and painless and I got both jobs.  I have an interview tomorrow at 11 AM.  YIKES! I was pretty sure it was going to be a phone interview... great... easier... no big deal.  Nope... its via Skype.  YIKES! That means I need to be showered and dressed in something work appropriate (at least from the waist up) and ready to go at 11 AM tomorrow.  Wish me luck... I need and want this job.

Miscellany Monday

I am linking up at lowercase letters today for Miscellany Monday. 

 

1. Craiglist Find - I have been wanting some sort of sofa table thingy for my entry way.  Saturday night I looked on Craigslist and found one!! So Sunday we piled in the car and took the 40 minute trip to pick it up.  I love this table - it's actually called a country server.  It is made out of solid pine and still is sold in the store for $179.99.  I have plans for some fun paint for it and some new knobs - I cannot wait to share it when it's finished.

2. Reality TV - This morning after Madison left for school I crawled back in bed and watched Sister Wives and Kendra from last night.  I love both of those shows.

3. Our Pet Free Home - Poor Maddie pouted and cried all day Saturday.  She announced at lunch she wanted a puppy.  After reminding her of their cost and care not to mention the fact that Chris and I are so not pet people she pouted and ignored us for most of the day. 



4. I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant - I will admit in my obsession of trash reality TV I have watched this TLC show before.  My sister got quite the kick out of the text I sent her the other day in regards to it.  Although I was 100% serious... sometimes I do really really wish I was pregnant and didn't know {not sure how that really happens} and that I would one day have a baby in the bathroom. 

5. Bridesmaids - We watched this on Friday night.  It was okay.  I did not think it was as funny as everyone tried to make it out to be.

6. Car Seat Safety - It makes me cringe when I see photos of parents using car seats incorrectly.  I see it all of the time - on Facebook, on blogs, or on TV shows.  This blog post gives some great and easy to follow tips on car seat safety. Here are 7 Ways to Keep Your Kids Safe.   This is NOT how your baby should be in the car seat!  This is wrong.  If your baby rides around in the car like this, this is just one of the wrong ways parents put their kids in car seats. 

The chest clip is too low.  It needs to be between the nipples and the sternum.  It is not doing ANY good down over your baby's tummy.

Miscellany Monday

I am linking up over at lowercase letters for Miscellany Monday.

{1} Spending Money

Last Thursday I posted some weekly goals for myself in regards to saving/spending...let's just say it has only been 4 days...and I am not doing as well as I had hoped.  I spent almost $90.00 at Target today...which included lunch at Chick-fil-a before...and I bought a Groupon on my IPhone while waiting for Madison to finish her cooking class.  I could give a long list of explanations...such as the Groupon was only $10...and I needed toilet paper...let's just say I need to regroup and try way harder.

{2} Panera

I love Panera...and today while at Target I noticed they now carry Panera salad dressings in their grocery section.  I cannot wait to try some of them.  Yum!!

{3} A Great Movie

This weekend I started watching a movie on cable. It was called Mother and Child and it starred Annette Benning, Naomi Watts, and Kerry Washington. I stayed up until almost 2 am watching it. It was excellent.  The movie was about adoption and the links each of these three women had to it - one through giving up a baby up for adoption, one through having been adopted, and the third woman wanting to adopt.If you have seen it, I'd love to hear your thoughts, if not, I recommend you watch it.

{4} Baking

I have been baking my a** off lately.  This weekend I made whiter chocolate peanut butter fluff bars, almond cupcakes, Heath cupcakes, coconut cupcakes, and chocolate chip cookie dough cupcakes.  They cupcakes were mainly for a tasting appointment I have this Thursday.  I am doing wedding cupcakes for a friend's July wedding...so I am going to offer her several choices.  This week I need to work on chocolate cake and carrot cake samples.