Things I'm loving this week

1. Tropical Trail Mix
2. Curried Rice
3. Creamy Potato Soup
4. This snuggle bug5. Hannah's hair in big pigtails6. My camera memory card being completely cleaned off! I've had the same 500-or-so pictures in there since September-ish!
7. Buying another laundry basket
8. This handy dandy workbook storage solution.

beforeafter

9. Our tax refund.

10. The sun, warmer temps, and the snow melting!!
11. Sleep.
12. First baby smiles.13. The kids going without TV all week!
14. A close friend of mine's preggers with their first baby!
15. I finally got to catch up on the phone with my best friend Angie!
16. My brother's moving back next week!

Target dollar bin

I'm such a sucker for Target's dollar bins! We're over an hour from the city, so we don't go to Target much, but when I do I always find great things! Take a look at a lot of what's there right now, all for $1 each: 3 Precious Moments books, 2 journals, Easter/Spring stickers, Go Fish cards, oh and a Curious George puzzle I forgot to throw in this picture! Fun stuff!

I just saved $40!

...Off of a $60 order of photo birth announcements at SeeHere.com! I did a quick search for a coupon code before finishing checkout and found the code newbaby for 50 free cards + free shipping! So my total ended up only being $20! How cool is that!

Imagination.

Which is it?

The Lorax?

A bunny rabbit?Or just a plain ol' ceiling fan.

The thing about bras.

Warning: This post is not for guys to read. Simply because you just won't understand any of what I'm talking about.

They (Oprah Show maybe?) say that what 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size. And you know what, it's not our fault. It's because companies make them the wrong sizes!

Literally one of the best things about living in Connecticut for awhile was that I found an actual bra boutique where I could get measured and fitted and they actually carried my correct size! And guess what, it turns out I'm a 32HH (pregnant or nursing anyway, 32G normally)!! Sounds crazy, but that's more like the sizes we should be wearing. The scale needs to majorly be shifted because culture thinks that a DD woman is huge, but really, it's not at all! Yet that's all we see in the stores. Nothing bigger than a DD really and by then they've moved the band size all the way up to 40, which is totally wrong and hikes all the way up my back, not supporting me in the front at all. When all wrong sizes is all you can find in the stores, then what?

My life was changed in a big way when I found the right bra size. Seriously! Before I had NO support and if I bent over or jogged to catch a frisbee, I totally fell out of my bra! I constantly had to find ways to discreetly readjust, and that's just not cool. In CT, however, I was fitted with a proper bra and I discovered a whole new world! I had proper support, was lifted and could actually do active things like play frisbee or volleyball or simply bend down to pick up something without having to hold myself in. It was great! You have no idea. But it costs big bucks to find a 32HH bra, averaging probably $50-80 for just a bra that fits. But for me that's worth it, hands down. There's still not a big selection, but at least I've found some stores online that carry the size (since I'm no longer near my favorite boutique in CT), providing for my bra-wearing needs and giving me a freedom that really is priceless. Check out Her Room, Bare Necessities, or Fig Leaves.

Except when it comes to nursing bras. *sigh* Now we have to get even more specific. There are three bras to pick from in my size. Two still aren't quite big enough (I bubble out the top) but don't come in any larger sizes. And the third is OK, I've worn it before. It does the job but doesn't give you a very attractive look. Hard to explain. Bras are shaped differently, and this one isn't a shape or lift I really care for, but it just might have to do. Yay. So I guess this is the life for the next year while nursing. I know, it seems so petty. But a woman likes to feel attractive. And how a bra fits also makes a HUGE difference in how shirts fit.

So. I'm frustrated. I want to go in the bra-making business so I can just help offer the right sizes for women like me. I don't really feel like I'm that abnormal, so I don't quite understand why it's such a struggle. How can we get companies to start making the right sizes and offer a better selection in normal stores? Does anyone else even share these problems??

Don't forget coupon codes!

I was just online ordering some new nursing bras and remembered during check out that I should just do a quick google search for a coupon code. ("bare necessities coupon code") In one click I found one and saved $15 just like that! So don't forget those coupon codes! They're easy to find and so worth the save!

Break the rules!

No milk for cereal today and no eggs or bread, so there's nothing to do but have strawberry oatmeal bars breakfast! Oh darn... =)

Learn something new every day.

Kevin was watching random videos with Eli this morning and came across this one. It's so fascinating I thought I'd share...

(can't get the code to post it here, so here's the link.)

Calling all you domestic folk!

Can someone PLEASE answer this lifelong question I've had?!! What is with kitchen towels?? Are they not the most non-absorbent towels ever?? When you use them to try dishes they just smear the water around, instead of actually drying like normal towels do. Why are they made like that? Why are they specific for kitchen when that's probably where you dry things or wash your hands the most? Anyone?? Please!

Fun Party Idea

In an email I just got from a friend she mentioned about a party she was going to that night, and it was such a fun idea I just had to share it here on my blog... an "Iron Chef" party. Based off the TV show, everyone is told 24 (or 48) hours before the party what the featured ingredient is, and then you bring at least one dish with that ingredient. There is judging in three categories--appetizer, main dish, and dessert--and also a prize for best presentation. Sounds fun and creative, and I hope I can try this some day!

New Years Meme

I've been CARDED by Amy! What's that, you say?

Here are the rules:
1. Each player starts with 5 gifts that they would want for the New Year.
2. People who are “CARDED” need to write their own Blog about their 5 things & post these rules.
3. At the end of your Blog, you need to choose 5 people to get “CARDED” and list their names.
4. Don’t forget to leave them a COMMENT telling them they’re “CARDED”, and to read your Blog.

It's going to be a whirlwind of a year, FILLED with lots of big changes! With that in mind, here are 5 gifts I would want for the new year...
1. A healthy baby girl.
2. For Kevin to get a job in a good location close to family and friends.
3. A house.
4. Find a good home church after we move.
5. Spiritual rejuvenation from daily Bible times.

And the 5 people I'm "carding".... Angie at The Knightly News, God's Child at Seeker of God, Living Beyond, Bella Mama, and Servant Becca.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, dear friends!

We're Back!

From our vacation to Iowa, that is. We went home early this year to actually avoid Christmas celebrations and trying to plan so much into just one week. We just wanted to visit, so that's what we did. It was a packed a week, and even though we didn't get to see nearly as many friends as we would have liked I still think we over-extended ourselves. It was very tiring going here, there, and everywhere and packing up our gear twice every single day. We spent the mornings with my parents, afternoons with Kevin's family (30 minute drive), and then back to my parent's again for bedtime. Just doing that meant packing up the pack n play, blanket, video monitor, booster seat, toy basket, snacks, and diaper bag every day. Ugh! Needless to say, with all the running around we did and new people and places, Eli missed at least one nap almost every day. But he was really good about it anyway. We were able to visit Kevin's sister and her husband in Minnesota (4.5 hr. drive) and stay with them over the weekend. And while we were up in that area we visited with a crew of all my college friends (and their babies). It really was a great week seeing family and friends, just exhausting. And that's not including the flights it took to get there and back. We got Eli his own seat this time because he's squirmy and strong, doesn't sit in our lap well, and the last time I tried it was miserable. He did pretty good, but both going and coming we had at least one big tantrum and it was frustrating. It's those moments when I really see how much work we have to do yet in parenting! So I'm VERY GLAD we're moving back next year and we won't have to make those big trips anymore!

It's good to be back home! Kevin still had today off yet so we could just relax and recoop, for the most part. Still have errands to do though. Gotta feed the family! And with that being said, I should get going, but wanted to let y'all know I was back! I missed you!

Come on over!

...for some hot chocolate and cookies (virtual style of course)! Just sharing some winter love!

And some music, while you're here...

Thanksgiving Prayers

At one of our discount stores I found this mini-box of cards called "52 Ways to Say Grace" for only $1 so I picked it up and opened it already, but I'll probably put it in my own stocking for Christmas. haha Anyway, it's filled with prayers of different cultures, and here are some of my favorites that I thought I'd share with you today, in case you want to use them at all tomorrow...

To God who gives our daily bread
a thankful song we raise,
and pray that He who sends us food
may fill our hearts with praise.
--Thomas Tallis, 1505-1585
~*~
Be present at our table, Lord
Be here and everywhere adored
Thy creatures bless and grant that we
May feast in paradise with Thee.
--John Cennick, 1718-1755
~*~
Now thank we all our God
With heart and hands and voices,
Who wonderous things hath done,
In whom this world rejoices;
Who, from our mother's arms,
Hath blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love,
And still is ours today.
--Martin Rinkart
~*~
We thank thee, Lord, for
happy hearts,
For rain and sunny weather;
We thank thee, Lord, for
this our food,
And that we are together.
--Traditional Mennonite Blessing
~*~
Bless these Thy gifts,
most gracious God,
From whom all goodness rings;
Make clean our hearts and
feed our souls
With good and joyful things.
--Traditional Christian Grace
~*~
Lord Jesus, be our holy guest,
Our morning Joy, our evening rest,
And with our daily bread impart
Your love and peace to every heart.
--Traditional Christian Grace
~*~
Thank you, kind Father, for
giving us food to make our
bodies grow stronger. Dear God,
teach us to share with others
what we ourselves have. Amen.
--Chinese Child's Prayer
~*~
When I'm worried and I can't sleep,
I count my blessings instead of sheep.
And I fall asleep counting
my blessings.
When my bankroll is getting small,
I think of when I had none at all.
And I fall asleep counting
my blessings.
--Irving Berlin, 1888-1989

Week of Thanksgiving

Be blessed.

"Thankful" Josh Groban



Some days, we forget to look around us,
Some days, we can't see the joy that surrounds us,
So caught up inside ourselves,
We take when we should give,
So for tonight we pray for,
What we know can be,
And on this day we hope for,
What we still can't see,
It's up to us, to be the change,
And even though we all can still do more,
There's so much to be thankful for,
Look beyond ourselves,
There's so much sorrow,
It's way to late to say, I'll cry tomorrow
Each of us must find our truth,
It's so long overdue,
So for tonight we pray for,
What we know can be,
And everyday, we hope for,
What we still can't see,
It's up to us, to be the change,
And even though we all can still do more,
There's so much to be thankful for,
Even with our differences,
There is a place were all connected,
Each of us can find each others light,
So for tonight, we pray for
What we know can be,
And on this day, we hope for,
What we still can't see,
It's up to us, to be the change,
And even though this world can still do so much more
There's so much to be thankful for.

Extra Income

A few months ago I discovered a way to make a little extra cash from home....

Treasure Trooper
Cash Crate

They're both survey sites where you can do daily surveys and free offers and get paid for it.

Daily Surveys
You get $0.75-$0.80 for each daily survey about all kinds of topics from car insurance companies to cat litter to chip flavors. It's the most reliable way to make money because it's guaranteed, but you can only do one survey a day at Treasure Trooper ($0.75) and two surveys a day at Cash Crate ($0.80 each). And occasionally there are days where I just don't qualify for any surveys, regardless of how many time I try throughout the day. But just doing three surveys a day for 30 days would give you at most $70.50! How easy! It takes a little while to just get into a survey and then about 20 (sometimes 30) minutes to complete the survey. I give myself about 30-45 minutes some mornings, and then again in the evening while we're watching something on TV. It's mindless work and easy cash.

Offers
There are also offers you can do. Mostly free offers, and that's mostly just clicking "No, thanks" to signing up for things and those pay about $0.50 each. But they don't always approve. Or you can do free trials for things like Netflix and Blockbuster for a month and get paid like $10. You just have to remember to cancel the service before the trial period ends.

Referrals
You do make money off referrals. In Treasure Trooper you can win pearls when you complete offers. And once you get 8 pearls, you can trade them in for 2 referrals (the next two people who sign up for Treasure Trooper, so they don't even have to be people you know). Right now I have 5 first level referrals (I make 20%) and 8 second level referrals (I make 5%), and last month I made $12.74 just off of them! Now THAT'S an easy $12! Treasure Trooper also has VIP status for people who make $500 (lifetime earnings, not in just one month) and one of the great benefits is that every month you get 20 free pearls! So every month I could trade them in for 4 new referrals and still have some pearls to carry over until the next month! So that's my goal with Treasure Trooper, to make VIP status so I can start making a lot more money just off of referrals. Cash Crate has referrals too (earn 25% first level and 10% second level), but they don't have the pearl game, so you actually have to refer people you know, and that's harder.

I've been doing Treasure Trooper for a few months and have made $192 so far and I just started Cash Crate last month and am waiting for my first check to come for $21. If I actually remembered to do the surveys regularly I could make even more. It's not a ton of money, not enough to count as a full-time job (or even part-time probably), but it's definitely a GREAT way to get some extra cash to go out or put in a jar for something special or for REAL savings too, of course! haha


*TIPS*
1. Set up a bunch (5-6) of "fake" email addresses so all the junk mail goes into those and you don't have to worry about it. They are real addresses you set up at Hotmail or Gmail, just not email that you actually use for anything other than for doing offers.
2. If you do a trial offer though where you enter your credit card info (like Netflix or something), then DO use your normal email address, so you have all your information easily accessible and you don't forget to cancel the service!
3. After doing each free offer, clear the cookies on your computer. That's supposed to help the offers approve.
4. Don't do too many offers in one day. (maybe just 5 or so)
5. Click "No, thanks" to everything. And "Skip" all the pages you can.
6. For doing free trials on products or services where you enter credit card info we got a Green Dot Mastercard, put $20 or so on it, and just use that for trials to protect putting our actual credit card out there.

I don't do that many offers because I don't have much luck getting them to approve, for the time it takes to get through them. Cash Crate is a little better though.

There is also another survey company called Send Earnings, but I just started with them and have barely made anything yet. So I don't have much to say about them.

Anyway, I'd encourage you to check it out! And if you do, use the links from this post, and you'll be counted as one of my referrals! And if you have any questions, just leave a comment, and I'll get back to you! Hope this helps!

To-Do List

Okay, this week was supposed to be the start of 3 more weeks following my cleaning schedule (Goal #84), but I haven't been keeping up very well. Kevin working nights and sleeping during the day throws things off a bit, but still, that's no excuse. So today's catch-up day. I've made a to-do list for myself. It looks long, but if I really get to it, it could take less than an hour! So here we go....

1. Spray shower.
2. Put up new towels.
3. Wash towels. (afternoon)
4. Mop bathrooms.
5. Dust upstairs.
6. Clean bedroom.
7. Empty bath trash.
8. Organize hat box.
9. Pack away Eli's shoes.
10. Go to Babies R Us. (afternoon)

Daily Schedule

Over the weekend someone asked me if I'm a stickler for naps or if I'm more of a go-with-the-flow person and do I ever get bored being at home. And I guess I'm the stickler for naps. I love routine and I love schedules, and I believe adults and children function better with a fairly predictable day. So for those of you who might care, here is our daily schedule.....

6:40-7:00 Eli wakes up, get dressed
7:10 bottle
7:30 breakfast, read Bible (we've been through Proverbs, now we're going through the Gospels)
7:45 free playtime, check email
8:30 Eli helps Mommy get ready for the day
9:00 morning walk
9:45 pick up toys, vacuum
10:00 nap time, Mom does chores
11:00/11:30 Eli wakes up
11:30 bottle
12:00 lunch
12:30 errands/free play
1:30-1:50 "church time", listen to MP3 message from Revive Our Hearts, Eli plays with book and learns to sit in my lap
2:30/3:00 nap time, Kevin usually gets home sometime during this time
4:00/4:30 Eli wakes up
4:30 snack time
4:45 free play outside, watch learning video, go somewhere if we haven't been out yet
5:00 Mom starts dinner, Eli plays with Dad
5:30 bottle
6:00 dinner
7:10 bath time
7:20 in jammies
7:30 bed time

Tuesdays and Thursdays is our stroller exercise group, so we shift nap time up 30-45 minutes and lunch is a little later.

This is really the routine we keep most days. I can flex it when I need to do, but generally-speaking this is what we do! Of course, it will change as Eli gets older and especially when Baby 2 comes. And then we'll find a new routine that works for us! But with a schedule I never get bored because I know there are specific things we do throughout every day, and that's what makes it fun!

Celebratory Shopping!

Now that we know the gender of the baby, I got to go pick out one outfit for the new baby. We did the same thing after our ultrasound with Eli and I picked baby booties. Just a fun little tradition. Here's what I picked out for my our baby girl...