Interested? (Giveaway)

Boon Spoon recently contacted me and asked if I would like to do a review or giveaway on one of their products. I, of course, said I would happily do a review because I have heard so many great things about it and thought it may be a great tool for traveling. When I emailed them back to let them know this, they let me pick the product and color. I chose the Cherry Boon Spoon. They shipped it out that day and let me know. I, of course, emailed them back thanking them.

Then came another email... they asked if I would like to do a giveaway as well. They said that they allow bloggers to do both, review and giveaway. So before I email them back with an answer, I thought I would ask if any of you are interested in a giveaway from the Boon company?

Comments have gone down a lot in the past few weeks. I know it's summer and everyone has better things to do then be cooped up in their house, so I completely understand. I guess it does not mean that people are not reading, which is why I need to know the interest level on this before I give an answer.

If you want more information, you can check them out here! They have a variety of products, and they may even let you chose your own!

Half way - 069

 We are officially halfway over with this deployment. It is so crazy to think that Mr. Man has been away for a couple of months now. Time has flown by so fast for me, and I hope it has for him too.

Things are still the same here, but what comes with deployment 50% over, comes Baby A 4 months old. In a week, she will officially be 4 months old. Seriously, it does not feel like 4 months ago that I gave birth to her. I have to say that time has not necessarily gone too fast where I can't remember her as a newborn or when she first smiled or little milestones like that. I can remember when she fit into newborn clothes, and I can remember her teeny tiny little feet. Which I am appreciative of. But everything else is going by so fast. I guess she keeps me busy and days fly by.

We are ready for Mr. Man to come home and see her everyday achievements. This little girl does something new every single day, and every single new achievement amazes me more and more. I can not believe how amazing she is and every little accomplishment brightens my heart more and more.

Her 4 month appointment is not until August 18th, where she will actually be 2 weeks over 4 months, but I will be sure to update on weight and height. Maybe even get some pictures for ya'll.

Speaking of pictures... I had her 3 month old shots done. Did I ever show those?? I guess I should go back and look because they are so adorable!!

101 in 1001 Days - Update

I wanted to update you all on my progress with 101 in 1001 Days. I have accomplished a few things within the last couple of months, so I thought I would update it while I am thinking about it. My end date is the middle of February of 2013. I can't wait to see how far we have gone in life and how much of these I actually accomplish. This will be an exciting next few years. 

If you want to join in, you can create your list at http://www.dayzeroproject.com. I hope you enjoy my list and get inspired to create your own!

My Project:

1. Go horseback riding.

2. Get a job.

3. Go to a concert.

4. Go camping.

5. Dance in the rain.

6. Visit Egypt.

7. Buy a car.

8. Try 5 new foods.--Main dishes. 

9. Visit Italy. 

      -Rome

      -Florence

      -Siena

      -Pisa

      -Milan

      -Verona

      -Venice

10. Visit Germany.

       (Planning a trip now)

11. Visit France.

       (Planning a trip now)

12. Try 5 new vegetables.

13. Visit an aquarium.

       Will do once Mr. Man is back! He's never been to one! :O 

14. Go biking.

15. Use only reusable grocery bags.

         -working on that.

16. Crochet a scarf.

17. Eat at 5 new restaurants. 

        -Gandhi's (Indian Restaurant)

       -Teri-aki's (Sushi Bar)

18. Finish a scrapbook.

19. Buy new couches.

       -Purchased on Monday, June 28, 2010

20. Graduate from college. 

21. Donate to a charity.

        -East Anglia Hospice

22. Learn how to make sushi.

23. Visit 5 castles.

        -Dover

        -Tattershall

        -Oxford

        -Leeds

        - Framlingham

24. Try 10 new wines. 

        -White wine  from Siena.

        -White wine from Siena.

        -White wine from Milan.

        -Red wine from Venice.

        - 3 from a friend (JL)

        - 1 from a friend (BM)

25. Visit Ireland.

        -Dublin

26. Paint a painting.

27. Host a BBQ.

      -Fourth of July

28. Stretch everyday for a month.

29. Start a family.

        - April 5, 2011

30. Learn to Crochet.

31. Redecorate a room.

       -Started on our living room. (CHECK!)

       -Started on baby's room. (CHECK!)

32. Learn how to eat with chopsticks.

       -Teri-aki's.

33. See a musical in London.

34. Go scuba diving.

35. Swim in a large body of water.

        -Lido, Venice, Italy.

36. Find 100 things that make me happy.

37. Make 5 New Friends.

        -AW

        -SY

        -AF

        -SG

        -SM

38. Clean out my closet and donate the things I don't use.

39. Run a 5K with others.

40. Go to church every Sunday for 3 months straight.

41. Have 2 sets of family photos done within 2 separate years.

42. Go on a last minute mini vacation.

        -Wales.

43. Read 5 books (not including my school books).

        -What to Expect When you are Expecting

        - Week by Week Guide

        -Hypnobirthing

        -Breastfeeding book (forgot the name)

        -Rick Steve's Germany

        - Rick Steve's France

       - Eat, Love, Pray (Something like that)

44. Go on a fossil hunt.

45. Attend 10 museums.      

46. Pass the teaching certificate test.

      - 1 down 3 to go. 

47. Climb to the top of something high.

        -I did a lot of this in Italy. I will name the places once I gather their names.

48. Make all A's and B's in school.

        -So far all A's!

49. Build a sand castle with Mr. Man.

50. Visit Snowdonia.

         -October 2010.

51. Print out pictures of vacations and put them in memory books.

52. Touch an animal that I am scared of.

53. Get a second Miniature Schnauzer.

54. Find 50 things that inspire me to be a better person.

        -Obseity

        -Teen Moms

55. Support a cause.

        -We actually support many every year. We do Christmas Operations. I write to military members from other branches that are deployed. Etc.

56. Collect refrigerator magnets or postcards from major places. 

       -Italy-(Siena, Rome,  Pisa)

       -Wales

       -Dublin, Ireland

57. Drink protein shakes regularly for a month.

58. Send care packages to troops from other military services.

59. Write a story about how I see and want my future and open it later in life.

        -Will do this before baby is born.

60. Say No to people who ask me for favors when I am already busy.

        -Now that I am pregnant, I have no choice.

61. Go to the eye doctor every year.

62. Celebrate my birthday in style.

63. Have movie night once every 3 months.

        -Doing this.

64. Get lost somewhere and find my way back.

65. Get fit! (The way I see it.)

66. Sell/Pay off our house.

67. Do not complain for a week.

68. Do not eat ice cream for a full summer.

      -Doing this now.

69. Submit 5 photos to a digital photograph school.

70. Start Master's Program.

71. Renew our wedding vows in a Catholic Church.

72. Open a TSP or IRA.

73. Keep $10,000 in savings.

        -So far, so good.

74. Start a separate savings for our children.

       -Done now that there is a baby on the way!

75. Lay out at night with Mr. Man and look at the stars.

76. Crochet a pair of booties.

77. Attempt to learn how to play a PS3 war game. 

       -Accomplished on  June 9, 2010. I'm HORRIBLE at this.

78. Only buy necessities for a month- 3 times.

79. Stay on Mr. Man's butt to finish school.

80. Take a fitness progression picture every couple of months.

81. Make 5 baby blankets.

82. Attempt to Ski or Snowboard.

83. Go hiking again.

         -Snowdon.

84. Try 3 new fruits.

85. Learn how to use the weed wacker.

86. Drive somewhere using only a map.

87. Take professional bodybuilding pictures.

88. Give 10% of income to church for 5 months.

89. Recycle a Christmas tree.

90. Go canoeing, kayaking, or paddling.

91. Use no butter for a week.

92. Make homemade cards for an event or holiday.

        -Christmas 2010

        -Announcement/Thank You Cards

93. Cook 26 dishes in a row from A-Z.

94. Do not eat Chinese Food for 6 months straight.

95. Volunteer at a local school or nursery.

96. Commit to a date night every 3 to 5 months.

97. Do morning cardio outside during the summer months.

98. Let 5 people know how much I appreciate them.

99. Go to Disney World, Disney Land, or Euro Disney.

100. Learn a new dancing style.

101. Donate a dollar for every thing on this list that I do not accomplish to any organization of my choice.

Recipe: Red Beans & Rice

You've been asking... and I am delivering! 

Red Beans and Rice

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dried red beans, rinsed and sorted over
• 3 tablespoons grease
• 1/4 cup chopped tasso, or chopped ham
• 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onions
• 3/4 cup chopped green bell peppers
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch of cayenne
• 1/2 pound smoked sausage
• 1 pound smoked ham hocks
• 3 tablespoons chopped garlic
• 10 cups chicken stock, or water
• 4 cups cooked white rice
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions, garnish
• garlic powder, onion powder to taste
• Tony Cachere's Seasoning to taste

Directions:

Place the beans in a large bowl or pot and cover with water by 2 inches. Let soak for 8 hours or overnight. Drain and set aside.

In a large pot, heat the bacon grease over medium-high heat. Add the tasso and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the onions, celery and bell peppers to the grease in the pot. Season with the salt, pepper, and cayenne, and cook, stirring, until the vegetables are soft, about 4 minutes. Add the sausage and ham hocks, and cook, stirring, to brown the sausage and ham hocks, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the beans and stock or water, stir well, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and starting to thicken, about 2 hours. (Should the beans become too thick and dry, add more water, about 1/4 cup at a time.)

Remove from the heat and with the back of a heavy spoon, mash about 1/4 of the beans against the side of the pot. Continue to cook until the beans are tender and creamy, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and remove the bay leaves.

Serve over rice and garnish with green onions.

Cloth Diapering: Are you interested?

If you are, be sure to check out this!

D³ Diaper Junction’s Daily Diaper Deal!

Diaper Junction is where I have the majority of all of my purchases. They carry the most popular diapers and accessories, and there shipping is super fast! Even to APO addresses!

Look them up if you haven't already! They will personally get to know you and work with you to make some awesome deals for your cloth diapering needs!

Diaper Junction <--- Click here for their website. 

Wordless Wednesday: Breastfeeding is Natural.

Sometimes... School Sucks!

It's one of those days. One where I get so frustrated with school and feel like the teacher and assignments are unfair.

Let me explain. Most of you know I am a full time student with University of Phoenix. In the new program that I was accepted into, they have Learning Team Assignments. Our teachers put us in learning team groups and we must complete assignments throughout the course. I have always not been a fan of these assignments because 1.) I am a control freak. 2.) I can't stand to wait to submit an assignment last minute. 3.) I always feel like I put forth much more effort than anyone else in my team.

Let me refresh your memory. I am an Elementary Education major. I love children, and I do believe education matters.

Lets fast forward to last week. I am in a class where I have to make lesson plans. I have no problem with this whatsoever. Afterall, teaching is what I want to. My problems comes when my other 3 teammates do not even acknowledge our assignment until 2 days before it is due when I have been working on it since 5 days prior. We recently had to complete an objectives assignment as a team. I worked my butt off because my team had not replied to our discussion on how we would complete it. I assumed that since it was the first week in class, and most other classes were a bit different that they had not realized that there was an assignment. I accepted this and did my best to complete the assignment. They, later on, submitted some information and the assignment was turned in.

Now lets fast forward to today. This week is no different. This time we have to complete a whole lesson plan on cooperative learning. It is so easy, so I took the time to read and research before I put in my two cents. Actually discussions are required for this class. Needless to say, my teammates never "discussed" anything. The assignment is due tomorrow, and I am the only one who has worked on the assignment (once again). I ended up just completing the whole assignment by myself to have for just in case. My teammates think it is ok to submit the final assignment for grading 2 hours before it is due. I think differently. I am always one step ahead of the game, always a day or more early on completing my assignments. Here we are, the assignment is due tomorrow, and I am the only one who has done a thing. On top of all this, we received our grade for our last assignment. Lets just say it did not go well. But... and I emphasize this.... all of my contributions were correct, which was over half of the assignment. Everyone else's was a totally screw up. The assignment got submitted while I was in bed, since I am 6 to 8 hours ahead of everyone. Not a happy camper considering I have all A's, and I have to pass this class with a 3.0 or higher. Yep, you guessed... I notified my teacher once again. I say once again because in the first week I notified her to let her know I had not heard from my teammates. She is aware of my problems. Yet, I receive the same grade as them.

This is where I would love to protest Learning Team assignments because I set a high standard for myself, but it's obvious that others do not. I feel disrespected and unappreciated.

Now, who cares about all that... Lets think about our majors. We are all in it for the same thing. Elementary Education. For those of you that haven't thought of all this while reading through my post..... these are the teachers of our future, the teachers of our children - the next generation. Lord, please save my daughter!

Seriously, makes me consider homeschooling, although Mr. Man won't  have it. I guess that will depend on where we are located and the type of schools that are available because I want my daughter to be offered more than I ever was.

Now, these "students" (might I mention are all in their 30s and 40s) need to get their ducks in a row before I karate chop someone.

Jus' sayin'....

Newborn Pictures

I finally got the Thank You and Announcement cards done and sent off. I believe that people have received them already, but if they haven't it would be soon. So now I am free to show everyone the pictures. I uploaded them to Facebook today, and I can not believe how much she has grown and changed. She still is so tiny, yet so big. All at the same time. She's so sweet, and the most precious little girl that God could ever give us!

She was 10 days old in these pictures. Isn't she so precious?!

Yesterday

So yesterday was my birthday. Not much of anything exciting, but it was in fact my birthday. Baby A and I lazied around the house because it rained all day. I did catch up on clothes and all the cleaning, which made me happy. Then I finished my school work for the week so I could have a worry free weekend. No school work until Monday, so on Monday I think I may take Baby A out somewhere fun. I'm not sure where, though. One day I want to go to the beach. That is until I realize I have no clothes I feel comfortable wearing to the beach. Then another day I want to take her swimming since she loves water. Well the only swimwear this Momma has is bikinis... and I'm not sporting that. Well today, it hit me!

Baby A and Mr. Buttons love one another so much. Mr. Buttons is always right on top of Baby A, and Baby A allows laughs and giggles at him. Then today while we were taking out the trash, I noticed Baby A checking out the birds. She loved them. She laughed at them, she stared them down. She definitely was zoned in to them. At that moment I realized what I wanted to do with her! TAKE HER TO THE ZOO! Not sure how I didn't think of that on my own since I love the zoo myself. So I 'think' sometime next week on a pretty day and a day that she is not acting all tired I will take her to the zoo. They have a little petting zoo too, which is good because she really has to be close to the animals to really get excited over them. Hopefully, it works out. I know she's only 3.5 months, but I am hoping it will interest her enough to make us both happy and giggly for the day! And now.... I can't wait to go!! That is.. if we go.

I did it!

I recently have became more into crafting again. I am unsure of why or what made me decide to get back in to it, but I am excited to learn new tricks and be creative. 


I was really big in to making blankets and scrapbooking when we lived in Texas. I had the space to do it, and I enjoyed it. When we moved to England, we did not have the space for the extra stuff. I rushed through my scrapbooks I was working on and that was the end of it. However, I really miss it, and I am finding more things I want to create. 


For Baby A's announcements and Thank You's, I made the cards myself. I had stamped them and wrote personal notes to each person. I think that is what got me back in to scrapbooking because I enjoyed doing it and seeing the outcome of it. 


With having Baby A, I really want her to have a scrapbook of her first year to look back on. One of just her, so that is where the scrapbooking came back in to play. Then after that first year, I will continue to make them but as a family. Unless there are more children, then of course they would get one dedicated to them for their first year. I started purchasing things and printing pictures to get started, and I can not wait. I can not wait to get started! 


Then, as I was searching for ideas for her scrapbook, I started realizing how easy some things were to make for ourself without purchasing them. So then that all began. My main thing was to make Baby A a new and much larger bow holder because her collection is getting huge. I wanted something that would be decorative and lots of fun for her room. Something that she would never outgrow, but would fit her room and hair bows. I, of course, purchased that material and can not wait to get started. 


Then while thinking about bows, the spark of making bows came back to me. So I decided to take a plunge and buy some ribbon to do that. However, I only bought ribbon for now to play with to see what I think about it. If making the bows does not work out, I can always use it for the scrapbooks. If I do find that I have the patience for making hair bows, then I will finish purchasing the rest. Another thing that I am anxious to try out. 


Then comes the headbands, blankets, onesies, bibs... the whole lot. But shhhh, don't tell Mr. Man. 


I am going to take it one project at a time so I'm not overwhelmed. I just want to enjoy it as a hobby, and I can not wait to get all my stuff in to get started on each project!! 


I will post pictures as I do things, whether they are a piece of success or a major fail! 

Wishful Wednesday: Husband vs. Wife

Mr. Man wants one of these.

But I will settle for one of these.

He wants to do this!

But I would do this!

He would need this! -YUCK!-

All I would need is this!

Don't forget about Baby A!  

She would need this.... 

And this.....

And last but not least... THIS! 

Disclaimer: I do enjoy fishing, and I go and actually fish. We both grew up in Southwest Louisiana, and we both grew up hunting and fishing. However, I refuse to touch those yucky cricket he uses, and I also refuse to ride in one of those little bity boats where alligators can get me!! AHHHH! 

Cloth Diapering: My Stash

This is one of the final posts of the cloth diapering series. There will be one final post on detergent and other natural products to use with your cloth diapers.

For now, I thought (as I promised) I would give you a list of the diapers I have or have tried. If anyone would like some pictures or more information on any of these diapers, feel free to let me know. I know how hard it can be to make a final decision on diapers, especially if you are in it to save as much money as possible. I have even added in a few eBay diapers to my stash just for this purpose. Surprisingly enough eBay diapers are often compared to the highest brand names out there.

This list is going off of my memory, so I apologize if I leave something out. I am always adding and taking away from our stash as I find new things that fit our daughter better. Baby A can still fit in the newborn sized diapers, which is why I wanted to post this now. So here's the list....

Lil Joey's
Blueberry Fitted Pocket - Bamboo
BumGenius All-In-One (AIO) Fitted
Happy Heiny's One Size (OS) Pocket
BumGenius 3.0 OS Pocket
BumGenius 4.0 OS Pocket
Blueberry OS Pocket - Bamboo
Swaddlebees OS Pocket - Bamboo
Rumparooz OS Pocket
Kawaii OS Pocket
Grape-Apple OS Pocket - eBay
iCute OS Pocket - Bamboo - eBay

Best Bottoms OS Hybrid
Grovia OS Hybrid

Thirsties Duo Wrap - Cover - 2 Size
Tweedlebugs OS Cover

BumCheeks OS All-In-2 (AI2)

Diaper Rite Flats
Indian Unbleached Prefolds

Kanga Care Fleece Liners
BumGenius Doublers

GroVia Disposable Liners
BumGenius Disposable Liners

PlanetWise Wetbag - Large
Rumparooz Wetbag - Large
Grovia Travel sized Wetbag
Kushies Travel sized Wetbag

Wondering which are our favorites? Wondering why I chose a diaper I did? Want to know which ones are best for a particular reason? Want to know which ones I like to travel with? Want to know which ones dry faster?

Feel free to ask!

Recipe: Black Magic Cake

Recently, I was on the hunt for a simple dessert that I could take to a gathering. I was suppose to bring a dessert, and for me.... I do not make many desserts. Different recipe sites became my best friend. I came across this one. I just had to make it because of it's name. All the reviews were 5 stars and family tested and approved. I thought I had to give it a go. 

I actually had never made a homemade cake before. Normally I do cookies, cobblers, pies, etc. Never a cake. I have also never done a homemade frosting. This recipe is super easy and delicious. Many people raved over it and asked for the recipe.... when I had to confess that I found it "somewhere" online. Here is the saved document to my computer, and I wish I could show you where it came from but I can't remember. However, if you google the name of it, different variations will come up! I hope you enjoy!

And I must add, before you freak out over the addition of coffee in it. You can NOT taste the coffee at all. I hate coffee and I can always smell it and taste it from a mile away. Not this time! 

Ingredients

1 3/4 c	all purpose flour
2 c	sugar
3/4 c	cocoa powder
2 tsp	baking soda
1 tsp	baking powder
1 tsp	salt
2	eggs
1 c	strong black coffee, cooled
1 c	buttermilk
1/2 c	vegetable oil
1 tsp	real vanilla extract
CHOCOLATE FROSTING
1/2 c	margarine, softened
2 oz	melted unsweetened chocolate, cooled
3 c	powdered sugar
3 Tbsp	milk
2 tsp	real vanilla extract

Directions:

 Combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl or stand mixer.

 Add eggs, coffee, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla.

 Beat at medium speed for two minutes. Batter will be thin.

 Pour batter into a greased and floured 9x13 pan or two 9 inch cake pans.

 Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes for a 9x13, or 30-35 minutes for layer pans.

 Combine frosting ingredients and mix with a hand or stand mixer. Spread frosting on cooled cakes.