Ramblings from a Midwest Gal

30 Days of blogging challenge- Day 4

2011-11-09T18:19:00.000-08:00

Day 4- A habit you wish you didn't have

(and yes, I know I am late...I'll make up for it somewhere)

I am an overthinker, I can what if all day in certain scenarios. Especially troubling for new relationships, I guess I need a lot of reassurance at first. I am not as bad as I used to be, but I rather not go into this in detail. Not something I really feel like sharing extensively!

30 Days of Blogging challenge- Day 3

2011-11-07T17:44:00.000-08:00

Day 3- A picture of you and your friends!

This is so hard so I picked a few that were readily available on my desktop

My college girls! I'm in the blue and the girl in the pink was my roomate freshmen year and we are still great friends!!

Another college friend, we became friends when she came to the "fort" we built in our dorm. She was my partner in crime! For the record we are at an 80's wedding here!

Halloween 2011 with my fave hometown gals!

Girl's night out with my co-workers who make me laugh everyday.

The day my best friend got married! Isn't she gorgeous? And I got to be her MOH.

More with my co-workers this summer at Celtic Festival. The girl in my orange is my twinfriend!

30 Days of Blogging challenge- Day 2

2011-11-06T17:14:00.001-08:00

Day 2- The meaning behind your blog name

I am a very detail oriented person and talk a lot, sure sometimes I'll skip the small stuff but other times it is actually REALLY important you know the crazy solicitor at work had bright green mermaid eye shadow and pig tails.

I live in Ohio, so there is the midwest part of it. A midwest girl who rambles a lot.

As for the rest, I like to keep things simple. It seems there is less drama that way. I am 100% snarky, so if there is an issue with deciphering sarcasm on your end we probably won't get along well because you probably think I am mean. Finally satisfying, I like to leave others satisfied including those things they read or discover.

I have been contemplating a name change though, still under wraps!

30 days of blogging challenge- Day 1

2011-11-05T07:51:00.000-07:00

So on a whim I decided to follow in the footsteps of Sassy Mama in LA and try the 30 days of blogging challenge. As you can tell I really only blog about giveaways, and I will probably be good at this at first and I'll get distracted! I have self diagnosed myself with internet A.D.D. oooo shiny thing, shiny thing!

Okay so Day 1 is: Recent picture of yourself and 15 facts

**the picture above is from Halloween and I'm on the left!! If you don't get it, I'm one of those annoying family stickers you see on the back of cars (sorry I hate those)

1. Halloween is now my 2nd fave holiday. I have developed an obsession with witches, hey after all they have the BEST shoes out of all the Halloween characters.

2. Christmas would be my FAVE holiday we put up 2 big trees a small tree, and last year I put up a full size tree at work. That makes 3.5 trees put up and decked out in a week!

3. I LOVE shoes, it is a serious obsession, I have bought 7 pairs in the past 2 months....oops.

4. I am OCD about how I fold towels, HAS to be the tri fold.

5. My biggest pet peeve is the speed of windshield wipers, has to match the speed of the rain or snow.

6. I am best friends with half the people I work with, not sure if this is a good or bad thing.

7. I LOVE politics, I get all kinds of crazy obsessed, foam at the mouth during campaigns. Election day is like the freakin superbowl for me.

8. I invented the term intellect porn (or so I say) as I am more likely to mull you down in a passionate rage if you can have a nerd inspired convo with me. (Iporn for short)

9. I'm writing a book with my work husband, I should probably contribute to that more often.

10. I SERIOUSLY believe in my horoscopes, I read cainer.com and check my daily horoscope on my phone, and they are seriously accurate.

11. I recently went through a SERIOUS life change, I have made a lot of POSITIVE changes.

12. I love to bake and cook, I wish I could just do that all day. I am a Betty Crocker protege!

13. I have an over abundance of friends named Sara(h).

14. I have guy humor and a very sarcastic personality, why am I still single? I am a serious great catch!

15. Finally, I always get complimented on how well I am "put together" in regards to accessorizing, BY MEN!! Seriously, the shoe and jewelry obsession pays off. Honestly, it is one of the best compliments someone can give me. Don't get me wrong I love my sweats!

2 great giveaways for YOU!! (Adult)

2011-11-05T07:06:00.000-07:00

So the Holiday's are around the corner and I can't think of a better way to relieve the stress of it all than in the bedroom! Whether by yourself or with a partner these are 2 giveaways you cannot pass up!

First visit my fave gal Boobies and enter to win a Pirate vibe. She says you definitely won't be disappointed. The giveaway makes me laugh as when it was "talk like a pirate day" we found a pirate name generator at work to figure out our pirate names. A friend's name had swallowing in it, so we shortened it to "Arghhhh swallowin". This ends on 11/23. Btw, it's Boobie's bday month so look for other great giveaways!

Then hop on over to Scandal in the Choir loft to enter her 200 follower giveaway. Don't be shy now! She keeps it real over there! Lucky for you she is giving away not one but TWO amazing prizes!! You can win a liberator posh throw or the liberator wedge. I have had my eye on that wedge for a long while now, just haven't wanted to throw down the money for it! Enter this giveaway now before it ends on 11/20!

There ya have it ladies, a little pre holiday present for yourself!

Giveaway: In Honor of the Tata's Great prizes

2011-10-23T08:51:00.000-07:00

The start of a great blog giveaway at Boobies, Babies & a Blog!! You can enter to win a Charm Factory awareness bracelet along with other great prizes.

All the entries for this event are rafflecopter, making it very easy plus each blog has a link to all the other blogs participating!

Go see Boobies to enter to win this great prize along with eden fantasies, cupcake cuties and fantasy jewelry!

Giveaway: 2 days left, Great Prizes

2011-10-23T08:20:00.000-07:00

As I am entering these giveaways I have noticed that Freschetta is a BIG sponsor of many of them. They will donate up to $50,000 to Sloan-Kettering Medical center.

At Sarah's blog of fun you can enter to win a Freschetta prize pack. In addition to the other great prizes! This includes a coupon for a free pizza and 2 earbuds in pink. Now how great is this? You can keep one and share one with a friend. Or you can leave one at the office and one at home. Hey they also make great stocking stuffers

REmember you only have until 10/24 to enter!

Giveaway: Blog hop continues

2011-10-22T19:50:00.000-07:00

Since I find myself at home on Saturday I am checking out all the great prizes that are offered on the Honor the Tata's blog hop!! This one is definitely worth checking out, not only are you bound to win a great prize....there are so many awesome and informational blogs out there.

Oh and did I mention fun? Check out Sarah's blog of fun to win some great prizes:

tata tattoo
freschetta pizza pack
tank top

The sweet thing is that the top winner gets all 3, and another 4 will get the tata tattoo. Hop on over to check those out on her blog because I'm not gonna lie I would be so happy with just that, kinda fun to spice things up!!

Ends 10/24 like all the others YO!

3 days left for this GREAT giveaway!

2011-10-22T08:54:00.000-07:00

Hurry hurry! Only 3 days left for you to enter the Save the Tata's giveaway event at Boobies!

Remember you could win one of 4 prizes, or if you are lucky more than one. Now how awesome would that be?

One prize is a $25.00 gc for Fantasy Jewelry box, with so many items to choose from you will surely find something! I am a serious ring junkie, there are so many to choose from. I love this turquoise one!

dont' forget this ends in 3 days!

Giveaway: Win one of 4 prizes

2011-10-21T16:39:00.000-07:00

One of my fave bloggers Boobies, Babies & a Blog is doing the mother of all giveaways in honor of the Save the tata's month!!

She has teamed up with other bloggers to do some fab giveaways, this stuff is too good to pass up. You have probably seen the companies before, they are probably your faves and you probably enter the giveaways for them any chance you get.

There are MEGA ways to enter, so definitely worth your time plus you could win: (click to enter)

Awareness bracelet from Charm factory
Cupcake cuties breastcancer awareness kit
Fantasy jewelry box $25 gc
Eden fantasy's $55.00 gc

But hurry this is only going on until 10/25! Be sure to check back I am sure she has some other fab stuff.

Giveaway: Pearl Paradise

2011-10-15T20:50:00.000-07:00

What lady doesn't love jewelry? I'm not a big pearl person, but I surely won't pass up a deal when I see one! I have entered many Pearl Paradise giveaways with no luck. Maybe this will turn it around. They do have some gorgeous items! This is one of my faves (above)

Visit Menopausal New Mom to enter for your chance to win a bracelet from Pearl Paradise! Multiple ways to enter and ends on 10/26!

Giveaway: Alexa's Angels necklace

2011-10-15T20:38:00.001-07:00

About a year ago I was determined to win a piece of Alexa's Angels jewelry! I was so happy to see a recent giveaway for it!

Menopausal New Mom has some great giveaways going, the best part is that you aren't signing up to win a box of granola bars. I mean that's great and all but she has high end, worth your time giveaways!

The great thing about Alexa's Angels is that their jewelry has a great meaning and story behind it! You can enter now to win your very own piece! Hurry you only have until Oct. 19!

Giveaway: Naturalizer shoes!!!!

2011-10-15T17:35:00.001-07:00

ATTENTION PLEASE!!! Shoe giveaway........HOOOORAY!

It is your chance to win your choice of Naturalizer shoes from Thanks, Mail Carrier. Seriously, how many times have you wanted to hug your mail person because they have delivered your prize winning giveaways!!

Go check out the giveaway here! You have until November 3rd, but there are already A LOT of entries!!

Giveaway: Mixer

2011-10-15T15:42:00.000-07:00

Oh boy it's been a hot minute since I have blogged or posted about a giveaway. I hope I can be better about it all going forward. Basically I did a big life re-evaluation and that sucked out all my energy, but it was the best thing I could have done.

Anyway moving along I found a great new blog, Life is a Sand Castle. Immediately I got excited because she is giving away a Rival Hand mixer. I SOOOO soooo need this! We have a kitchen aid but sometimes I don't want to get that giant thing out. Our handmixer now has 1 of the spindle things, JUST ONE....it is so annoying! Anyway checkout the mixer giveaway, best wishes!

Giveaway: Essential Swimwear

2011-05-09T16:41:00.000-07:00

Hey ya all this kinda a 2 for 1 deal!!

BB&B is having yet another fabulous giveaway just in time for summer. If you are anything like me you are dieting and working out in preparation to show your stuff at the pool. (might I add break up diet is amazing for this). Essentially there is a month or so until it's GO TIME.

Be sure to check out her latest giveaway: Essential Swimwear! One lucky lady will win the swimsuit of her choice, and they have so many flattering styles I am sure you can find something. This ends 5/17. This would also be a good time to give my own little PSA: WEAR SUNSCREEN, YOU, YOUR KIDDOS, YOUR MAN, EVERYONE!!!

Oh and the 2nd fab part, check out Essential Swimwear's blog to win a $15.00 credit towards a swimsuit of your choice. Ends 5/10.

Last Minute Giveaway: $50 Gift card to Thongs and More

2011-02-21T14:24:00.001-08:00

Continuing with sharing the love from Jen and her blog Love me or hate me! I have entered a lot of undies giveaway in my time as a giveaway addict. But this one for sure is the best one I have seen, usually you can win a $20 or $25 gift card which is great and all but......

Now is your chance to win a $50 gift card to Thongs and More!! And their website has some pretty hot items ladies! So head on over to check out Jen's birthday giveaway for the $50 gift card!

Last Minute Giveaway: Babeland Toys Gift Card

2011-02-21T14:05:00.001-08:00

I'm pretty sure the title explains it all! Just discovered another fab female blogger over at Love me or Hate me. Right now she is doing a blog birthday giveaway, how awesome is she to give away stuff for HER birthday??

But you have to hurry!! Go check out one of my favorites a $25 gift card to Babeland toys. What you could purchase from babeland is endless! And let's face it now is the time to buy something for yourself if you had an extra disappointing Valentine's day or to pass the time until Spring is here!

Giveaway: Get in the Kitchen Bitches cookbook

2011-02-15T08:32:00.000-08:00

In case you don't know I LOVE to cook and bake. I am fairly independent woman, but I suppose I could be considered a bit of a stepford wife when it comes to the kitchen. As my boyfriend would say, "Ash + flour + yeast + 350 degree oven = happiness". It couldn't be more true I pretty much will go to all lengths to make the best dish that will wow your tastebuds, and I am always disappointed when something isn't as great as I thought it would be.

So I was thrilled when I found this Get in the Kitchen Bitches cookbook! Finally something as snarky and amazing as myself! The first line on their website say sit all I am an honest person but I am also mean. Hello bitch books, have we met? I think a lot of people mistake honesty with being mean, so put on your big girl panties I am just telling you the truth!

But on with the fun, be sure to pop over to Life with the Dietrich's to check out out her review and enter to win your very own copy of this amazing book! She has a pretty sweet blog and lots of awesome giveaways. There are lots of ways to enter and it ends on 2/19!

Wordless Wednesday: The Princess turns 4

2011-02-02T07:04:00.000-08:00

A case of the Mundays

2011-01-24T06:08:00.001-08:00

After some delightful rangtang vodka saturday night, a roller coster of a conversation until 3 am and overly productive Saturday afternoon I made the executive decision that I would stay in bed all day yesterday. Of course getting up to get Diva lunch and snacks or change the channel to something she wanted to watch. Luckily with little begging she thought it would be fun to snuggle up with Mommy in her bed and watch one of the many tween shows on tv, precisely one hour into that fun we were both napping.

That was yesterday, and this is today. Should have returned to work but the evil weather/car/ruin your life gods had other plans. I just bought a "new to me" car in December as my last car was in the repair shop more than I am in the shoe store. (okay maybe I exaggerate) Sure enough today I go to start it and nothing. After lots of phone calls, father, work, dealer, repair dealer, AAA it is on its way to be diagnosed and ruin my life for the next week until I find something else to immediately be pissed about.

Is it wrong I now have the same plans as yesterday? Except I will probably do some laundry and maybe bake something with the Diva to keep her entertained. But as always I am counting down the hours until I can bribe her into a nap. Until then it's me, my cozy bed and trashy tv!

Giveaway: OhmiBod

2010-11-30T18:29:00.000-08:00

I can't remember the last time I was THIS excited about a giveaway. It was one of those drop everything and start entering moments. When I first heard about this product I laughed, but then when I thought about it it could be the most useful, fun and satisfying thing you own in that secret little drawer/box/closet (depending on how fun you are!).

As my girl J says "Listening to music has never felt so good". Tell 'em girl! While it pulsates to music it also pulsates to general sounds in the room (god where was this during those boring lectures in college, haha?) So you should all pop over to BB & B to win your very on OhMiBod. You have until 12/11 to enter. If you cannot wait another minute visit the OhMiBod website to get your own!

For the record, at one point I may have made a bet about the top 10 songs to play with your OhMiBod, based on title. I am ashamed to say I lost to much more creative boyfriend. So to get over that tragic fact, I am determined to WIN!

Saturday Six

2010-10-23T14:31:00.000-07:00

From my girl J at BB&B!

So for Saturday Six...tell us how you get down in the bedroom. (All about your sleep style sickos! Get your mind out of the gutter!)

How many hours per night/day do you sleep? 6-7 and usually a couple nights 9 (when I go to bed super early)
Night owl or morning person? Night owl, but morning's aren't hateful as long as I have coffee.
What do you wear to bed? usually a tank or tshirt
Sleep crutches? (Sleep with a radio, fan, t.v. on? Have to have something particular in order to doze?) fan on!
Do you remember your dreams when you wake up? almost always and they are usually pretty whacked out.
Any strange stories about sleepwalking/talking or anything of that nature? My Grandma used to tell me when I was younger that I would sit up straight in bed or my legs would be up in the air. But maybe that was her dementia setting in.

Fawk you Friday

2010-10-22T15:17:00.001-07:00

Hosted by my girl J at BB&B and I'm Just Sayin'. Wow oh wow what should I rant about today.

My Fawk You's for the week:

Everyone dipping out early today at work, how am I supposed to be entertained with out my work partners in crime?

Those Pioneer Woman Cinnamon rolls I made on Wednesday, and all the fat that went straight to my ass.

This pay period lasting forever, because of that I had to pay 3 weeks of childcare out of the last check versus 2, which is less shoe money for mama!

Little Diva for being sick Tuesday, she fed my giveaway addiction and now I have cut off nearly all communication after her bedtime so I can get my tweets in!

Saturday Six

2010-10-02T06:55:00.000-07:00

I'll give it a whirl...first time for everything right??

You get a million dollars, what's the first thing you buy? A Master's Degree, call me crazy but even if I won a trillion dollars I want to further my education. I cannot tell you what I would go back for either Counterterrorism or Web design.
What do you consider to be the best things about yourself? (Your best qualities, what you like about yourself etc.) I'm going to go with my girl Jana on this one, the ability to fit in with multiple groups of people. I'm a chameleon when it comes to social situations, you can take me to a classy dinner with your work peeps and an hour later I can be drinking beers on your back porch.
What do you consider to be your weaknesses? Confrontation, I will let shit "go or slide" for a long time until it gets unbearable and then snap at you for the stupidest thing because of all the previous drama. There is ONLY one person I am not like this with, and whatever the issue is it comes out immediately...but that is a WHOLE other can of worms.
Have you ever made a scene in public? Elaborate! Hmmm, I used to be quite the party girl but I am pretty good at keeping it dramafree. But when wine is involved it's a whole other story. One time at a hotel I went off on a bunch of people in the hallway while only wearing a tank top and thong, Jerry Springer style. The next morning we all had to get on a 7 hour bus trip back home...but I think everyone was over my BS as some other kid puked in the sink, lol.
Any annoying quirks you possess? I get SOOO annoyed when windshield wipers are not the correct speed for the rain, it drives me up the freakin wall.
Are you more aggressive or passive in your personality? I would say passive but I tend to play the passive aggressive card with snarky comments all the time.

Giveaway: Miracle Body Jeans

2010-10-02T06:40:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't want to look 10 lbs lighter on any given day? Well Miraclebody jeans to the rescue! Don't you worry these aren't your granny's jeans they are very stylish!!

Right now It's Me Melbie is doing a giveaway on her blog! There are multiple entry methods (okay that's kinda dirty, lol) and you have until Oct 27th! Which means if you win you could use the jeans to hide the holiday lbs from yummy treats!! So go check out this AWESOME GIVEAWAY and enter!

Giveaway: Saucy Mama surprise pack

2010-09-26T12:19:00.000-07:00

Let's face it we all can't be Betty Crocker every night of the week and whip up a homemade masterpiece. The easy way out is tv dinner's. But the more delicious easy way out is marinades and pre made sauces!

So I was thrilled when I ran across Carrie's Rambles blog via my girl Jana! Right now she has a Saucy Mama giveaway for a surprise pack. The package Carrie got to sample looked amazing and personally I have my eye on the garlic wing sauce!

You all should go check it out and enter you have until October 2nd! I personally can't wait to check out Carrie's blog and other giveaways!

Giveaway: Fantasy Jewels

2010-09-19T07:55:00.000-07:00

For months and months I have been determined to win a Fantasy Jewels giveaway!! Problem is that there are always SO many dang entries. Which means they must have awesome products b/c everyone is after that awesomeness!

Right now my girl It's Me Melbie has a Fantasy jewels giveaway for product of choice up to $35.00. To enter go pick out what you want...way easier said than done I could look for hours and still not decide. BUT I found this ring and was just IN LOVE! I am well known for having unique funky pieces of jewelry and I MUST have this one!

So go check out her Fantasy jewels giveaway now thru Oct. 13!

A new blog & Giveaway: CSN Stores $20 GC

2010-09-19T07:08:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone one of my friends just started doing product reviews and giveaways on her blog! Everyone welcome Chaotic Cilla to the group!! She's the proud mom of 2 boys and one girl and is going to school to finish her degree = AWESOME!! So like most of other mom's she can do it ALL. I imagine that she will have great success and offer many great products that will make all of our lives easier...well hell or at least a bit more fun! Welcome girlie!

So for her first giveaway she has a CSN stores $20 GC up for grabs. She's looking for more followers so tell everyone you know! Go check out her CSN post HERE to enter. Multiple ways to enter and daily tweet entry! CSN offers SO many great products I guarantee you can find something you love or something for someone else (Christmas is less than 4 months away). Personally I have my eye on a yoga mat. I recently became health/gym nut again and would love to take Yoga next session to calm my nerves!

Giveaway: Good Nite Lite

2010-09-04T10:13:00.001-07:00

I cannot tell you how ecstatic I am for this giveaway and want to win it SOOOOOO bad. Since May (pretty much around the spring time change), my daughter has become an awful sleeper. She would sleep through the night no problems and then BAM she went from perfect angel to being up 3-4 times a night. I've tried everything from bribes, a sleeping chart, moving her to a twin size bed, taking away her water cup, buying new sheets and blankets and we are still in the same spot.

I saw the Good Nite Lite many months ago and thought it was pretty cool. At that time my sweet princess was sleeping just fine. The Good Nite Lite is lit as a moon when it's sleep time and a sun when it's okay to get up. I'm probably a bet naive thinking that one little nite lite will solve all of our problems but it'd sure be nice.

Luckily It's me Melbie is giving away one of these sweet nite lites! There are multiple extra entries and it ends on Sept. 28th!

Giveaway: Bad Idea tshirt

2010-08-24T17:34:00.000-07:00

A girl can NEVER have too many tshirts, ESPECIALLY snarky ones! So I was BEYOND thrilled when my girl J at BB & B listed the giveaway for bad idea tshirts. Per any normal giveaway entry you are supposed to browse the stock and pick your favorite one! Oh gosh I fell in love with so many I didn't know where to start. Of course the political tees were some of my faves.

The one on the left ended up being my choice.

So if you love politically incorrect tees go see J HERE to enter. On 9/9 a winner will be chosen to win a RANDOM (oh boy that's fun) tee of their size choice!

Giveaway: Lisa Leonard designs

2010-08-24T16:58:00.000-07:00

Hi, my name is Ashley and I am a jewelry addict. (everyone: hello ashley). Okay there I admit it, I am addicted to jewelry and especially one of a kind pieces.

So when I saw in my email that New Age Mama was having a Lisa Leonard giveaway I was delighted! Her pieces are just gorgeous, and I bet any woman in your life would love to have one. I absolutely fell in love with so many necklaces. The corner heart necklace is my favorite!

Be sure to visit New Age Mama to enter this giveaway. Multiple extra entries until 9/13 when you have you chance to win $50 gc to Lisa leonard!

Giveaway blitz: Patriotic Pillow pet

2010-08-02T17:43:00.000-07:00

Okay another great giveaway brought to you by New Age Mama! I had to share this because I have a little story about Reagan and pillow pets. I tried the bribe trick with her to get her to stay in her bed at night, it worked for a bit and after 7 sleeps she got a dora umbrella. A week or so passes by and she sees a pillow pet commercial while watching Dora (good marketing pillow pet peeps) and she runs up to me VERY excited and says "Mommy if I sleep in my bed ALLLLL night you can buy me a pillow pet". Muhahahaha the kid is too smart for my own good. OBVIOUSLY this didn't happen but she would be thrilled to have a pillow pet.

This is a special Patriotic Pillow pet giveaway. And if you know me Patriotism should be my middle name! Everytime you purchase the patriotic pillow pet $5 will be given to the scholarship fund for military children (everyone this is a great cause!!) more details can be found here. The giveaway ends on August 6th!!

Giveaway blitz: Affordable Scarves

2010-08-02T17:13:00.000-07:00

Ever since I started my blog giveaway madness (Okay true I took a hiatus, but I'm back) I have LOVED affordable scarves! I am actually surprised I haven't broken down and bought a few, but it always slips my mind!!

So I was naturally thrilled when I ran across all the great giveaways at the New Age Mama blog. Not only is she trendy and hip she has a great summer giveaway event going on!

Here is the good stuff, you can enter to win an affordable scarf of your choice right HERE . There are so many to choose from! Lately I have been in an orange phase so I chose the orange pashmina. It's bright and cheery but will be great for fall! You have until 8/20 to enter and there are many bonus entries!! US residents only!

Giveaway: Episencial sunscreen

2010-06-12T18:27:00.001-07:00

If you all don't know I am pretty much the sunscreen nazi, all with good reason. My mother died from melenoma when I was young, and we are all fair skinned. Melenoma is one of the most genetic forms of cancer so I have a much higher rate of getting it at some point in my life. So the best thing for all of us to do is preventative measures.

So when I saw that only 39 sunscreens out of 500 were found to be effective I was shocked. Immediately I pulled up the list to see what I should be buying.

Just so happens that my friend Melanie is doing a giveaway on her blog for Episencial sunscreen. But you have to hurry because it ends at 11:59 MST. We all know sunscreen isn't cheap, and I would certainly pay high dollar for a great product that is proven effective, but also would love to win!

I am still alive! + a fab giveaway from my girl J

2010-03-28T08:09:00.001-07:00

Hello? Is anyone still lurking around here? I have just been one busy mamacita for the past month. Kicked it off with celebrating my quarter century crisis (i.e. 25th birthday). Wonderful girl's weekend in Cincinnati.

Took my spoiled 3 year old daughter to Yo Gabba Gabba in Cincinnati a few weekends ago. Wow she loved that, and of course wanted all that over priced junk they sell (I'm in the wrong business). We both did get tshirts, so pretty jazzed about that. I recommend the show to any of you hip parents whose kids love it.

Went on the relationship rollcoaster thanks to boyfriend taking Chantix. But happy to say that things are back to normal and still as amazing as before.

Lastly, finalized my job on friday and I am not an OFFICIAL employee at the organization. Best aspect of that is that my health insurance kicks in on Monday. 100% covered by my employer, and I'll pay 1/2 for my daughter.

So anyway yadda yadda yadda enough about me! I of course haven't had much of anytime to do anything but my girl J is having an awesome giveaway on her blog right now. Guy and Eva is one of those that I am determined to win. They just launched their spring/summer catalog and there are so many great pieces for under 30 bucks. I am on a ring fetish right now and there are tons of adorable and eccentric rings...naturally I was in heaven.

If you pop on over to Boobies, Babies & a Blog you can enter to win the Hayden Necklace! The colors are perfect for spring. And i'm gonna say right now if I win this I will be shopping for a hot pair of green or yellow pumps! (yeah you see how I get one thing and it leads to a shoe purchase....boyfriend does NOT get that ;0) )

Best of luck ladies, hurry it ends April 10!

Sunday Shout outs!!

2010-02-28T09:33:00.001-08:00

I took an unplanned blogging hiatus for a bit. It wasn't just blogging it was giveaways too, I am struggling a bit to strike a balance between my newfound priorities. But I do have some exciting things I would love to share!

NUMBER 1

Two great gals have started their own reviews and giveaways, they snazzied up their blogs and have some AMAZING GIVEAWAYS. So you should all check them out, they really are two of the biggest sweethearts I know (well in cyberworld for now).

Boobies, Babies and a Blog Right now J has a Music Legs lingerie giveaway (ends today and I am determined to win), Yoyo lipgloss (ends tomorrow) and a Rachel Ray skillet, Huephoria wine glass and 15 mineral basics sample! Those all end later this week or next.

It's me Melbie! Has a charm factory that ends today. Eundies, Alex and Ani. I am excited as I have one charm factory and eundies already so I can finally enter one of her fab giveaways (what can I say I am an "ethical" giveway enterer)

NUMBER 2

One of the first giveaways I won was this FABULOUS Nivea/aquaphor/Eucerin basket from Ellen at Love that Max! A big thanks to Ellen and Nivea for such a great basket of stuff. There is so much in it I don't know what to do. I will be sharing some of the aquaphor baby stuff with a friend. I feel like the basket was destined for me. As some of you may know my mom passed away from skin cancer 11 years ago. Many of these products include the recommend daily SPF 15, and are designed for skin care protection and CARE! Ladies and gents I cannot emphasize this enough for you and your children, SUNSCREEN will save your life. I know everyone has their cause and this is mine. It takes one bad sunburn when you are young to develop into melenoma later in life. Melonoma is also one of the most genetic cancers out there, so if someone in your family has had it you should be getting checked every 6 months! Okay off my high horse, go check out Ellen's blog she keeps it real with some very uplifting and funny stories!

NUMBER 3

My final shout out goes to 6pm.com . I possibly cannot tell you who exactly told me about this site, but I know it was from someone's blog. I received my first paycheck and I haven't been shopping in honestly 2 months so I needed some form of retail therapy and naturally I gravitated towards shoes. I was browsing there and at my other fave smartbargains and ended up with 3 pairs of EXCELLENT shoes from 6pm for the price of the one pair of Carlos santana shoes I wanted from smartbargains. I am sharing the love because I don't think I have ever spent 55 bucks (including the shipping) on 3 splendid pairs of shoes! I'm not talking cheapos either, Steve Madden, Nine West and Hale Bob. Extra validated by the fact I spent that much on 3 amazing products and boyfriend spent the same amount on dinner and drinks that night that lasted all of 3 hours...hot shoes last years and have far more benefits...will not go into that!

Okay happy sunday dolls!

Giveaway: Music Legs Lingerie

2010-02-18T18:22:00.000-08:00

So I am totally thrilled to tell you about a friend's blog!! She's an awesome mom, friend woman and I'm so thoroughly excited she is starting to do her own reviews and giveaways. So you should definitely go check out Boobies, Babies & A blog and show her some love!

She just launched her first giveaway for the Music Legs Lingerie. Might be too risque for some, so if you aren't 18 or that's not your thing...well then I'll tweet extra times in your honor so I can win!! bow chicka wow wow!

No no just kidding, I want her to have great success so get your cute little butt over there and enter!

Want to Impress? Chicken Recipe

2010-02-14T06:08:00.000-08:00

I had to own up to my Betty Crocker skills this past weekend. I love to cook but not as much as I love to bake. Either way it's a trial and error process with recipes and I hate to be disappointed. After lengthy conversation of What do you like? Oh wait more importantly what do you hate? The consensus was chicken. Okay chicken I felt like I could handle. But I honestly wanted to make something pasta...but pasta was by no means a favorite so off I went to find a recipe.

And gosh it was AMAZING, and easy and impressive. Even my father who thinks he should qualify for iron chef said it was perfect. So here ya go:

Chicken Provolone Rollups

4 pieces Chicken Breast, Pounded Thin
8 slices Provolone Cheese
8 Tablespoons Seasoned Bread Crumbs
8 teaspoons Parmesan Cheese, Grated
1 bottle (8 Oz. Bottle) Italian Dressing

Prep and Instructions: Mix bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese together. Set aside. Put 2 slices of provolone cheese on each chicken breast. Roll breasts up jelly roll fashion; dip each in dressing, then in the bread crumb mixture. Place in a Pyrex dish sprayed with non-stick spray. If necessary, to keep the chicken from unrolling, place a toothpick in each chicken breast. Bake at 450 degrees F for 25 minutes.

Now I made the above as is, but if you wanted to make it low fat you could use FF italian, reduced fat parmesan cheese and either whole wheat bread crumbs or fiber one bran cereal in the food processor with italian seasoning.

I also think it would be great made with pepperjack cheese! Either way, it's easy and impressive!

*Oh and I might add after my hour of searching...I find out last night that he loves lasagna..okay well you could have told me that and it would have been easier! lol

Last Minute Giveaway: Eden Fantasies

2010-02-10T06:45:00.000-08:00

Okay ladies, single or hitched this giveaway is JUST for you and well, it might delight your partner too! BUT you have to hurry because it ends TONIGHT AT 9PM EST.

Again it's over at Bella So Savvy (I mean she really does have fab giveaways). And it's for a $25 Gift card to Eden Fantasies and some Chocolate fantasy body powder (now does that not sound FUN?)

The great thing is that Eden fantasies has so much to offer for bedroom fun! But I won't recommend anything, I'll let you do the exploring on your own!

Happy winning dolls!

Giveaway: Shoes (they really are a girls best friend)

2010-02-10T06:27:00.000-08:00

You are all in luck, I have the day off of work today which means I get to spend some extra time devoted to giveaways. Yup this is the part where I tell you the latest and greatest in giveaway land.

Secret no more: one of my favorite blogs is Bella so Savvy. It is very neat, doesn't take forever to load and easily navigable. Yes, I am a sucker for efficiency! What make's the blog so much better is that she always has some AWESOME giveaways! Oh and I'm not done yet, there are multiple ways to enter everyone, including the tweet everyday (my favorite!).

Now onto the good stuff, right now she has a SIXTY DOLLAR SHOEBUY GIVEAWAY! If you aren't a shoe whore like myself, well I am sure someone in your family is need of a new pair of shoes, you know how quick those children grow! But me? Well I'm selfish and if I win this I am going to buy some hot new shoes for spring/summer/in the bedroom. I don't know but you know they will be for moi! You can visit Shoebuy.com and check out their options. You can search by style, brand, size, the optio

ns are limitless!

My two faves are: The Jessica Simpson Josephine! and BCBGeneration Model-Passion Suede. (okay not springlike, but I have been dying for a pair of eggplant boots!)

Wordless Wednesday: Mother Nature's Cooler

2010-02-10T05:01:00.000-08:00

My blog has been neglected

2010-02-05T19:23:00.000-08:00

Oh how will I find the time!! So great news, I went back to work this week. It's amazing how things just worked out as well as they did. I wasn't all over the finding a job scene, and I think it may have fallen into place thanks again to wonderful connections. Although temporary, hopefully it leads to something full time. I am determined to prove that I can do the job and more when needed. The pay isn't exceptional but the benefits would be off the hook. Plus I could be making the same amount of money working 60 hours a week on a campaign, so the trade off is wonderful. All because it works with Reagan's schedule.

After 3 days I am exhausted, it is friday night I am laying in bed and yawning because I just need to get to sleep. I am sure after a week or two it will all fall into place, work, home, 'the relationship, giveaways, free time etc.

In the mean time I will just enjoy the moment.

Wordless Wednesday: A little late

2010-02-03T20:17:00.001-08:00

Celebrity Collage by MyHeritage

2010-02-01T10:40:00.001-08:00

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebs - Collage - Morph

Reagan's 3rd Birthday

2010-02-01T04:55:00.001-08:00

Someone is having trouble with the turning 3 thing, and it that would be me! I just cannot believe how much she has grown. She is 3 going on 15, throwing dirty looks left and right (no idea where she gets that) and pure girly attitude. As my friend Lauren, who teaches preschool, said: "I don't teach preschool, it's more like a room of 3 year olds who think they are in high school". For example here was one of our convo's last week:

Me: "Reagan, I'm busy and you will just have to hold on a minute"

Reagan: (stomps feet, crosses arms, pouts). "Ughhh, whatever Mom"

Me: (trying not to bust into hysterics) "excuse me, young lady *giggle* we do not talk like that"

Enjoy the pics from her party!

Giveaway: Eshakti

2010-01-30T06:37:00.000-08:00

I just love this company, they have adorable fashionable clothes at reasonable prices! I am always on the prowl for Eshakti giveaways and I am sharing the love!

Misadventures in baby raising is having a tickle her pink valentine's blog party! That probably means there will be lots of giveaways! To enter the Eshakti $20 giftcard giveaway go here. Just so happens that there will be 2 winners. (so that means me and you, right? lol) There are multiple ways to enter!

Two of my favorite items are Embellished scoop neck top, I'm partial because I think I look amazing in blue! Also love the Drapey Cowl neck pullover, but I don't have shoes to go with these, darn would have to find something!

Best part is that Eshakti is for every beautiful lady out there with sizes available from 0-26w!

Unique Giveaway: The Vintage Pearl

2010-01-30T06:01:00.000-08:00

It's a good thing I have NO money because I have found so many handmade items I just adore. And yes, I have a list of "to purchase" items once I do have money. (sorry checking account) I recently found another unique set of jewelry I am in love with!

So I'll fill you in, it's The Vintage Pearl where there are items from necklaces to bracelets to earrings. I love so many of the necklaces! A few of my favorites are Large Layers necklace (right) as well as the I love you to the

moon and back (left).

If you like what you see, and how can you not? Just go visit Scary Mommy. To enter a giveaway for a $50 gift certificate to the vintage pearl! The contest will end February 8th at midnight.

Workin it out

2010-01-30T05:35:00.001-08:00

Wow someone has been neglecting blogging duties? Well that's what happens when you get a little busier I suppose.

Yesterday while I was doin my elliptical thing (by the way friday evenings at the gym are awesome, because no one is there). I realized, I've been at this for a little over a month now. I have made it to the gym at least 3x a week, but I aim for 4. From the time I started I am down 6 lbs, so needless to say I am pretty jazzed. I like having the hour to myself, to clear my head and witness all the strange things one sees at the gym (revert back to tuesday though process). Not to mention, there has only been one time Fox News has not been on one of the tvs. As if it is some sort of Y law that it must be on at all times. To be honest, one hour with Glenn beck and a few clips of Robert Gibbs bumbling like an idiot really does wonders for increasing your heart rate. I have concluded that is probably all Gibbs is good for, besides being the worst press secretary ever.

Looking back, this month has been pretty much amazing. I feel like I am in a lot better "place" in life and the journey to "know thyself" shall continue.

Wordless Wednesday: But with Words

2010-01-27T06:31:00.000-08:00

So what is more important to you today, Itablet talk or SOTU?

Wordless Wednesday

2010-01-20T06:37:00.000-08:00

Tuesday Thought Process (at the gym)

2010-01-19T15:46:00.000-08:00

This is pretty much now it went:

Why am I here, I am so tired I don't want to do this?

(while weighing on scale) I weigh 2 lbs less than last week, the scaled lied to me yesterday, okay let's do this

Oh hello hot army guy, you do not match today

(10 mins into workout) man I am sore, and tired and why am I doing this again?

Oh yes, beach body, beach body. MILF status again, clothes fitting, long hair

Let's find that maneater song, that outta get me motivated

Gosh I love that fox news is always on here, it's like a "rule"

Hey I haven't seen any of the hot workers lately, did they stop cleaning the machines?

Wonderful I am the only one on the elliptical now, and everyone is watching my giant ass

Turn around snarly lady on the treadmill, yes my machine is making weird noises but I am not stopping 25 mins in when I have a rhythm....

AGAIN, crazy why are looking at me, turn up your ipod!

Oh tiny asian girl, wonder if she runs marathons. Why does she wear eyeliner to the gym?

Awesome crazy lady will now stare at her instead of me.

I wish I had more water, but I am not getting off this machine until I am D-O-N-E.

Great, person #7 I've seen from high school, awkward.

Hot army guy is stretching too, score!

Okay he isn't that hot, kinda looks like a bird, I like his tattoos.

(back to lockeroom) Please do not let me be the 80 year old naked woman changing right when you walk in, ever.

And do not let me wear giant mumbo granny panties either.

(leaving locker room) Hot army guy again, wonder what his last name is, inspect back pack, nothing maybe he's a poser. Actually he could be a guido, I should rethink this.

(getting DD from nursery) Dang it the ladies here are talking about cheeseburgers, I want one, no I don't, yes I do, blah!

In Honor of the Massachusetts election: An Open Letter to Democrat Politicians

2010-01-18T20:47:00.000-08:00

I'm having a political moment here. A facebook friend posted this video a few weeks ago,

and then it mysteriously disappeared from youtube. Hmmm wonder why?

It's pretty powerful, and I wish the GOP would grab hold of ideas like this!

Handbag giveaway: Spring is almost here check out Parazul

2010-01-18T19:08:00.000-08:00

As the season's change so does your wardrobe, down to the shoes and accessories. Start 2010 off right and enter to win this gorgeous handbag!!

Baby Dickey, milftobe's blog (and honestly that name rocks!) has this awesome giveaway for a Parazul designer handbag. The bags are inspired by destination vacations, namely the Caribbean and Alaska. For us busy mom's this is about as close as some of us will get to a vacation until those kids grow up! You can win a very neutral beige bag that will go great with any outfit, retails at $250. There are multiple ways to enter so get on over there! She also has other great giveaways for mom's and mom's to be, oh and you get extra entries for entering those as well!

Ends Jan 22nd at 11:59 CST!

Jewelry: Pure Pearls giveaway

2010-01-17T19:10:00.001-08:00

Did you seriously think I was done with the jewelry giveaway blogs? Just. you. wait.

So adding to the list of things for you to do New Age Mama has a Pure Pearls giveaway. You should definitely check it out because there are multiple entries and the beloved "tweet everyday". You have a choice between 2 prizes too, the "Pure Hearts" coin pearl pendant OR Pure Hearts bracelet. Which one do you like better? I think I am leaning towards the pendant right now!

You have until 2/3/10 to enter, and it is for US residents only.

Jewelry: Pearl Paradise giveaway

2010-01-17T18:51:00.000-08:00

As I frequent blogs and read tweets from the tweeps, I notice many products or brands and then I become hell bent on winning that product! Can't say that I have been successful yet, but one day it will happen. One of the current giveaways I am loving is Pearl Paradise. I honestly, have no pearls, but I can see where they would come in handy. As I enter the real world of the working people pearls would be a great accessory. Gawd, and I just love jewelry!

Right now Jacqueline from Blessings Abound has a Pearl Paradise Giveaway. To be exact you can enter to win the Enter to win a 7.0-8.0 mm White Freshwater Pearl Necklace!!! There are multiple ways to enter, so it is definitely worth your time. You have until January 27, to enter by 11:59 PM (alaska time folks!) Check out all of her Giveaways, because you get extra entries for entering them too!

Jewelry: Tear drop earring giveaway

2010-01-17T18:40:00.001-08:00

Alright ladies, and gents (I doubt there are many) it is getting close to that time of year, Valentine's day. So I am starting to see some fabulous giveaways pop up related to this holiday and many of them are jewelry! I am all about entering these since I do not have a person other than my adorable daughter to celebrate this holiday with. Mama, wants win herself a little somethin pretty! But you should too, and if anything it could be a great gift for someone else!

The Networking Witches have a beautiful teardrop earring giveaway. These are great because they can be dressed up or down, they are basic and simple without being boring. One would be surprised how something so simple can make such a statement! The earrings are from the Turtle Love Co. . They have some wonderful other products.

There are multiple ways to enter and this giveaway ends on February 1st.

Last Minute Giveaway: Butterfly Pendant

2010-01-14T18:42:00.000-08:00

Recently I have been entering some great handmade giveaway's. Most of the products are on Etsy and very pretty. Something about wearing something actually made by someone by hand makes me feel all kinds of special.

Right now you can drop by K S Jewellery Designs and enter to win a beautiful butterfly pendant. It is a perfect piece for everyday wear! 3 ways to enter

But you must Hurry the winner will be drawn 1-15-10

So this workout thing!

2010-01-14T13:17:00.001-08:00

Isn't all that bad. Now that I am in a groove I guess I am here to stay. For example, today I was going to take a rest day, and the more I sat on the couch the more I though "just get up and go do something". I didn't go full steam ahead at the gym, but I did get in a decent workout.

The way I look at it is, that I can either wallow in what I don't want to do, have a sluggish workout and not get anywhere. Or get there and devote all my energy for the next hour to have the best workout possible. The result is I feel great afterwards, and I don't feel guilty if a sneak a potato chip later from Reagan.

Speaking of eating, I really do not want to count calories. Mainly because I don't want to have to count calories for the rest of my life. Don't get me wrong I look at the nutrition labels and have a roundabout number as to what I'm consuming but I am by no means tracking. I hope this continues to work for me. I'm living by Bethenny's "your diet is like a bank account". If I want a cookie I just know that I'm going to have to make smarter choices the rest of the day into the next day to make up for eating the cookie. It makes it all pretty easy.

And the result was that last week I lost 3 lbs. I was pretty stoked, seeing that I went to Olive Garden and McDonald's last week, and again just made smart choices. The 6 or so beers I consumed Friday night, probably not so wise. Really want to try the ne

w expresso/coffee flavored vodka...although that get could

be dangerous.

So wanted to share, this is how I am keeping track of everything. I plug in my miles and calories after my workouts and I total them up for the end of the week. I am already seeing improvement!

Wordless Wednesday: Reagan's favorite Game

2010-01-13T13:39:00.001-08:00

Snow: Then and Now

2010-01-10T16:59:00.000-08:00

I am constantly amazed by the experiences Reagan has as she grows up. Playing in the snow is no doubt one that I have seen a big change in as she gets older. The first time she went in the snow she was just a little over a year old. She was interested in looking at it, but when it came to sitting in it or playing in it she was down right terrified (not like the Santa Clause issue though). Unfortunately, we did not play in the snow last year. It was just too cold, and on the days it was warm enough for her to play she was sick. Yes, it was a rough winter for us all.

This past week after begging and pleading I finally took her out. Immediately she plopped down and made a snow angel and threw the snow in the air. Which, she learned from the ever so annoying Max & Ruby show, and oddly enough she can LEARN from that show. She went sledding down the dip in our backyard, helped mommy shovel and jumped in the piles of removed snow from the driveway. The difference a couple years make is just amazing. She is going to be SO ticked when we can't go out tomorrow

because it's too cold!

For some comparison here are pictures from when she was 1

And this is from this week!

Handmade giveaways: Raggedy Ann

2010-01-10T16:40:00.001-08:00

Okay, time to let you in on a little secret about me. Ready for this one? I LOVE LOVE LOVE Raggedy Ann and Andy. I have been collecting the dolls since I was young with my Mom (who has since passed). We have one special Raggedy Ann that started it all, Annie Bananie. I handmade doll given to my mom in college from one of her friends. No coincidence my daughter loves Annie just as much as I did. It is a tradition I hope to carry on with her.

So you can imagine the joy on my face when I saw this Raggedy and Andy giveaway! It is a 13 inch Raggedy Ann and Andy Valentine's Day lamp. For more details you can pop on over to Willowtree Treasures blog. This giveaway runs thru January 28th. Be sure to check out her shop on Etsy as well, for other finds for your home!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-01-06T06:34:00.000-08:00

Get a head start: All I wanted for Christmas giveaway

2010-01-05T06:04:00.000-08:00

So you didn't get what you wanted for Christmas? The fruitcake is now a door stop, you have a closet full of things to "regift", your MIL proved to you again that she'll never understand your tastes. Well I am here to direct you to Happily Blendid to solve your problems. She is going to start an after Christmas giveaway blitz and you can earn 10 extra entries for every giveaway before it even begins!! Yeah isn't that the coolest news of 2010 thus far?

Pretty simple too, just pop on over to her blog and snag her button to post on your blog for 5 entries. Then spread the news to your readers in a blog post and receive another 5 entries! 3, 2, 1 GO!! (click links or button!)

Amazing Recipe Blog

2010-01-02T05:22:00.000-08:00

I have been browsing through her stuff and she has some amazing recipes. At first I was super excited because there were lots of desserts (you know me I love to bake!) but that was just for the holidays. But the two things I have made from her blog are delicious. So I think you all need to go check out Fake Ginger.

The first thing I made was Pumpkin Caramel Coffee Cake. I love pumpkin, I love sweets what could go wrong. There were a lot of steps but it was definitely worth it. As noted in the recipe spreading the batter the 2nd time was more challenging, but i used an icing knife and it went okay. I shared this with my bff and he said it was a keeper. I don't let family judge, because they don't like sweets.

Then this morning I made Vanilla Spice Oatmeal. I like oatmeal and I am trying to get on the eating healthy bandwagon. I don't like raisins though so I skipped those, and I was too lazy to do the walnut thing (and I can do without those calores: comparable worth) But it was very easy to make and is delicious. It just sweet enough, not overpowering. Now if I would have used the splenda brown sugar I am sure it'd be a bit better, but oh well beats eating the coffee cake for breakfast like I did yesterday.

I think you must be convinced now to check out her blog and read about her. I was excited to see she is my age and a SAHM, so i think it's totally sweet she loves to cook, don't find that often most people my age are eating ramen and sofa pizza. Be sure to check out the other food blogs she loves. I have already snagged another recipe from one of those!

So it's 2010, what will it bring?

2010-01-01T10:06:00.000-08:00

To be honest what I am looking forward to the absolute most about 2010 is the Midterm Election. Yes *beware* the following will be a short political rant. I am by no means afraid to discuss politics (hello it's my life) but I think there is a time and a place. So if you don't want to read it then you can skip past this red section and onto my other 2010 plans. Whether, I agree with the party in power or not I love election season. It's the time I become so engulfed by the constant news cycle and every development that it's unbearable for some. By Thanksgiving I have to go back to watching crappy mtv reality shows to give my brain a break. Trust me this year will be interesting to watch unfold, hopefully there will be some movers and shakers emerging (Hello Rubio). Over the past year America has been transformed and there are numerous people not happy with the projected outcome, and they will be silent no more.

Okay well enough of that before I lose my 4 followers I have. My other big goal is to lose at least 30 lbs. I plan to achieve this through healthy eating and exercise. In order to keep on track I am pledging to run/walk/bike at least 400 miles this year. Yes, that is a lot but it is a goal that will keep me working out all year long. A great motivator is the vast wardrobe of clothes I have in my closet that no longer fit properly. I am just dying fit in them again, and it will be like getting a bunch of no clothes all over.

Aside from that I absolutely must find a job. Which means I must finish my resume this week and start looking. I am leaning towards a campaign but I am afraid to commit to that time commitment being a single parent and all. So we'll just have to see what it brings, I am sure it is out there waiting for me. Secondly, I need to decide if/when I am going to grad school and what I am doing. I am still heavily drawn towards counter terrorism, and learning Arabic. With, the latest developments of underpants bomb guy it is just another tally on the reasons I think I should do it. It is a field that needs a lot of attention and is not going away anytime soon. Whether, combatting International terrorism or domestic terrorism I think it is a field that would enjoy. Much like campaigns you have to be on the ball with new information, the adrenaline of that makes for an interesting, informative and growing career.

Holy Schnikes!!

2009-12-30T08:38:00.000-08:00

I just got on the scale and wowza I was NOT HAPPY in the slightest bit. I guess that Y membership came at just the right time. I definitely added on some additional fluff during the holidays...no wonder none of my clothes fit.

But I have been getting back in the groove, while not being TOTALLY good when it comes to eating healthy I have made drastic improvements. Back to eating a big salad for lunch, drinking more water, saying no to certain things. For example yesterday I was still a bit hungry after my salad so I had a very small bowl of homemade mac and cheese, about 1/2 way thru I realized I wasn't hungry anymore so I stopped eating. Then I met friends for dinner at Bw3's, not very many smart decisions on that menu. While not stellar I only had 6 boneless wings with celery and ranch, skipped the fries and only had 2 beers. Later I went and met a friend and didn't drink at all and just had water. I did really good with the water yesterday because at dinner I matched each beer with a glass of water.

I went to the Y yesterday and Reagan loves the drop in nursery. The lady who was working it was SOOOO sweet, she was pregnant with her 2nd. Along the way Reagan must have said she slept in a big girl bed now. She is transitioning her daughter to a bed, so she asked how that was. I did 30 mins of cardio on the elliptical and 20 mins walking on the treadmill following.

I am setting some goals for 2010, and not just small ones, ones that will last me all year. So look for that post soon!

End of the year deals

2009-12-30T07:50:00.001-08:00

I still cannot believe it is almost 2010. It will most certainly be another election/news junkie year for myself with midterm elections in November. Anyway here are some last minute deals for you!

Puma footwear & apparel 60% off at 6pm.com.

Sports Authority: Coupons for $10 off 50 or more or $25 off 100 or more thru Dec 31

Ann Taylor: 40% off purchase, use code "SALE40"

Save $20 on Your Shape for Nintendo Wii

20% off SALE items at Sephora with promo code EXTRA

Okay well if I find more I will let ya know!

First workout in forever: Stake it

2009-12-26T13:24:00.000-08:00

I got a gym membership for Christmas and whatever other holiday you get gifts for an entire year. Well worth it in my book. I jumped on the elliptical (the only machine I can tolerate, not a fan of working out) and suddenly all I could think of was the episode of Will and Grace when Jack yells "Stake it" at the gym and is going to market it and the trainer lady used it as well.

I will probably be a bit sore tomorrow but I got in my 30 mins of cardio, didn't want to overdo it on the first day. My plan is to do the same course on the elliptical for a week and then decide what to do next...yeah I don't have a real concrete plan and I'm okay with that.

My short term goal is to lose 10 lbs by March 9th (my 25th birthday). This should ensure I fit in my old "skinny clothes".

My long term goal is to lose 30 lbs, or fit comfortably in a single digit size.

Stake it....I will.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-25T19:24:00.001-08:00

Will mark the first Christmas that my daughter really got into. Despite her lack of enthusiasm upon seeing presents under the tree she was more than excited to play with all her new presents. I spent most of the day playing board games, which she was into for all of 3 minutes and then my sister and I duked it out for the rest of the game. By the way, I lost more than once today to dear sister. Reagan also wanted to explore the land of play doh worms and cookies, only to be followed by barbies and a bazillion little parts to be tracked now.

I think she had a great day, she was giving many hugs and saying "Happy Christmas" all day. She went to bed with her 3 new friends, Woody, Buzz "lightchair" and spongebob and 2 new blankets in her new toy story pajamas.

There are other aspects of this holiday season that I wish were different. But I took control of the one thing I could, Reagan's happiness and did the best I could, and for that my heart is full of joy. Despite the above picture she had a good day, that picture screams mommy get away from me. Of course no time for pictures when we have "ice to break". I think the next month will mark a time for me to find "myself" again...but I'll spare you that we have 1 and half hours to be Merry!

Stay tuned for another baking blog entry, it's worth it, her treats look delicious!

Disney on Ice: Ohio giveaway

2009-12-23T16:38:00.000-08:00

One of my delightful memories from my childhood was going to see Disney on Ice. I was extremely young and don't remember much but that I always made my parents buy me one of those overpriced toys that broke an hour after the show.

I was delighted to see a fellow blogger from Ohio, Saving in Akron. Although, Akron is way on the other side of the state it will be interesting to see if there are any deals I can apply to my life. Or how often I call my family on that side of the state and beg them to go out and get me something! I was even more thrilled to see that Disney on Ice is coming to Cleveland in January and they this blog is giving away 4 tickets to Disney on Ice. Simply click the link and it will take you to the entry process, there are 7 ways total for you to enter.

This would be PERFECT if we won since Reagan's 3rd birthday is at the end of January. Especially because she is really getting into Disney stuff. The girl is going to be thrilled when she gets Buzz and Woody for Christmas! But hurry and enter now! December 28th is the last day and then a winner will be chosen.

These rolls are easier than you think

2009-12-23T15:22:00.000-08:00

So it's about time I probably blog about SOMETHING other than a giveaway. I hate to admit it, but I have a life outside of giveaways.

Last weekend I was finally able to make these rolls and they were delicious. The only downfall is that I had to cook them in the toaster oven so they didn't cook all the way through, so I had to put them in longer after realizing that. Moral of the story do them ahead of time in the big oven if you have other cooking to do at a different temperature. If you are lucky enough to have a double oven...well you are on my frenemies list now.

This is yet another recipe The Pioneer Woman. Sadly, I have been neglecting her sweet blog because of other web distractions. Here is the recipe for the Easy Parmesan Knots. Who doesn't love carbs? And this will certainly impress your guests and/or family. I even have a request from my sister to make them again before she leaves for college. I made 2 batches because I had an inkling they would be a hit!

Win a Sealy Posturepedic: You Pick the Size

2009-12-21T17:10:00.000-08:00

Can't sleep? Back hurt? Need an extra bed? Funny I keep running across chances to win a bed. Since I have a friend who is pretty set on getting a new bed and I am sure there is a day of matress shopping in my future. Unless someone wins a bed!

Now is your chance to win a Sealy Posturpedic Innerspring Signature 11 Series, and you can pick any size except for the California King. So what's the fuss? Well all the details can be found at the Sealy website . I like that it has true form that absorbs and disperses pressure while providing back support.

So now what should do? Go over and visit MommyMandy and check out her giveaway. You can enter multiple ways after the mandatory entry, and can tweet everyday until it ends on January 20th.

Easy Giveaway Entry: Coach handbags

2009-12-21T15:25:00.000-08:00

Usually in my giveaway entry findings I tend to skip the ones that have thousands of entries, same reason I don't play the lotto. Which, in turn means I am usually skipping out on the GOOD prizes. But this one is so easy you might as well take the 10 seconds and do both things and cross your fingers.

Here we go: So go check out the Bag Snob and see what is up for grabs. Basically you just need to follow them on twitter and fan them on facebook. Then at midnight on Jan 1st they will use random draw to select a winner from each place!

Charge yourself a little happy (after entering this giveaway)

2009-12-21T06:37:00.000-08:00

Just a little Karen Walker quote time for you all. (love her!) Anyway, as we all run around with last minute Christmas to do lists how about you take a few minutes and enter this giveaway. And actually spend the money on yourself!

Over at Our Ordinary Life she is giving away not 1, not 2 not even 5 but TEN $50 Amex gift cards!! So you should definitely go check it out, yo! Comment with what you would buy for yourself and then see the other extra ways you can enter. Hurry though, because this ends on December 24.

Spreading a little Christmas Cheer!

Have a great weekend!

2009-12-19T08:51:00.001-08:00

I have a lot to do this weekend in prep for Christmas parties and a family gathering tomorrow. (please pray I make it through this) So I will be cooking this afternoon and cleaning, then donning my ugly sweater Christmas apparel. Which is delightfully tacky.

Everyone have a safe weekend and have fun (esp. if you have snow).

My daughter is singing jingle bells very loudly while going potty, it's a trip!

Hurry Win A Coach Wristlet (tick tock)

2009-12-18T19:32:00.000-08:00

You are in luck my friend because you have a little over an hour to enter a contest to win a Coach Wristlet at Multiple Blessings. See she has tried to giveaway these wristlets time and time again and has had problems with people claiming their win. Are they crazy? This is COACH, what woman doesn't want to sport a new Coach bag? Especially around the holidays! She has Multiple ways to enter, so get in there and give it a whirl. Wow I am so exhilarated it's like black friday shopping x10.

Here are the goodies:

Nifty Product of the Week: Belle Dangles Jewelery Organizers

2009-12-18T18:59:00.001-08:00

Introducing something I hope to do every week. Recommend a sweet product I have found during my interesting blog hunts of the week. So this is my first one, and honestly I think Santa should bring me one (hey santa do you blog?)

I first found out about this product from the Because I said So! Mom Knows best! blog. She wrote a nice little review on this product and is having a giveaway. So if you love it, be sure to enter! She loves this product and now I am eying it myself. You can enter her contest until Jan 22nd, and per her rules must be in US and 18 and older!

Funny thing is that I kinda had this idea myself a few months ago. I hung up a shelf in my room that had round pegs that I formerly had put scarves on. The shelf itself has religious trinkets on it. I started hanging my necklaces, bracelets and a couple rings up there so I could stop digging through my jewelry box.

Belle Dangles offers this lovely idea that holds 110 pieces of jewelry, and tangle free. It is so reasonably priced 34.99! And they even offer a demo on how to hang it once to receive it in 5 easy steps.

If you are anything like me and hate digging through your jewelry box this perfect. I have a friend who sells jewelry and the one thing that suck with me is to avoid the 4 S's: Shower, swim, sleep and I forget the 4th...spray? maybe because I think it had somethign to do with perfume and hairspray. Anyway, this would be great to have right next to the door of your room.

And I know you all have some gorgeous jewelry you'd love to display it's an added bonus!

Gotta Go, Gotta Go

2009-12-18T18:42:00.000-08:00

So Reagan has been potty training for a little over a month. For the first few weeks she still wore pull ups when we went out running errands. The past 2 weeks we have left the pull ups at home and she gets to wear her big girl panties out. As her mother, I of course, take a couple changes of clothes just incase. Especially when we are going to be out all day.

I am proud to say that my little princess has been doing great. Although, I have to be able to locate a bathroom at any time, or pull off the road to run into Burger King so she can go. Which I might add, as soon as we walk in she wants fries. Only on a couple instances she has told me she has to go and didn't. You know the time we drove 3 miles away from the highway to find a gas station.

What really helped us was the "Potty dance" which is now more of a victory lap for her around the living room furniture. And getting a pom pom for her jar each time she went potty. So this body dance business has been great, but she has now started to sing it to me when I use the restroom. You know that fowarded email of the mom and her son in the public restroom and he is carrying on about her "business". Well ladies and gents that is my future, only on a couple instances has it happened, but trust me it is looming is ugly head around the next corner.

Thursday To do List

2009-12-17T07:32:00.000-08:00

I have let so many things go all week, and now I am quickly running out of time and being asked to do other things that are much more fun! So these are the things that must be done by saturday

1. Christmas cards (mine and family)

2. Finish rum bon bons

3. Get sister bday card and wrap gifts, and get one last gift

4. Return items to various stores (going to do today)

5. Find ugly christmas sweater

6. Get stuff to make appetizers for saturday

7. Find sweet potato crock pot recipe for Sunday

8. Super clean the house for Sunday

Saturday I have 2 Christmas parties and cooking and baking to do. Sunday is christmas here with dad's gf and her kids, who we have only met one time in the past 4 years and that was a year ago....and 20 bucks I am hungover from Saturday night events.

But what would I rather do with my time? Enter giveaways, watch crappy shows like Jersey shore, facebook, help my friend Jimmy decorate for his christmas party, go over there and bake cookies, and bake more cookies for my friend Tom!

Which reminds me! HELP: In need of a cookie recipe with PEANUT BUTTER included. I was thinking the peanut butter blossoms (hershey kiss cookies).

Vintage Lingerie

2009-12-15T07:37:00.000-08:00

What lady doesn't feel totally hot in some lingerie? But some of the modern stuff feels chintzy and looks like it should be worn by a 2 cent corner worker. I found this great blog that specializes in vintage lingerie and her picks are down right classy. I myself always love classic style when it comes to fashion, think 50s, Jackie O, etc.

My recommendation is that you go check out A Sli p of a Girl by click the link or button.

And you are in luck because there is a giveaway right now for the sexy curvy girl. Brought to you by Hips and Curves. You should definitely check it out, even if you aren't a lingerie person they do have sleepwear, shapewear and other fun stuff. I am IN LOVE with these boots (since I have Polish legs and all). And the Printed sequin lace corset is cute too, just because I think I look good in blue.

Hurry over there because Entries must be received/posted on or before noon, central time, December 16th.

They are habits that become rituals

2009-12-14T06:06:00.000-08:00

We all have them! Something we do everyday or frequently that is just a habit. If it isn't done, then it throws you for a loop and takes you out of your comfort zone. I was thinking last night that most of my habits are related to sleeping and the process of going to bed. Aside from being OCD; bedtime rituals probably ranks up there with the worst of them. I only say this because for me if one important aspect is missing then falling asleep is a bitch and a half. I generally have 2 bedtime rituals and just added a third.

1. Sleeping with a fan

I prefer a ceiling fan but I am not that picky, a small fan will do in a pinch. Traveling with a fan isn't always doable. Let's face it I rather squeeze in one more pair of shoes that I probably won't wear than a fan when it comes to vacationing. Such a nasty littl

e habit to get into. Doesn't matter if it is -20 degrees, this girl is gonna have the fan on.

2. Falling asleep to the TV

At the very least I have to watch some tv before bed, but I wish I could be one of those people who said "no tv in the bedroom" bahahaha, YAH RIGHT. Generally I catch Chelsea Lately and an episode of Will and Grace and I'm ready to roll over and sleep. If I am up later than the 12 am hour then there is always Roseanne. See the problem here is that sometimes I get so enthralled in watching some show that I can't go to sleep and it just continues.

3. Moisturizing my feet

Okay I will admit this is a new one, and actually 1/2 a nuisance to me. So how did it start anyway? Well I am fulling going to place the blame on my friend Jana (hey, girl, hey!) She is a big pedi/mani girl (and she does them herself, that frugal son of a bitch!). Jana had mentioned how she lathers up her feet with lotion or vaseline and sleeps with socks on. Just my luck I have this pair of Bath and Body Works Moisturizing Socks. What do you know I am channeling my inner Jana and lotioning up my feet and crawling into bed. And here lies the problem I pretty much HATE socks unle

ss I am wearing shoes. So about an hour into my tv watching or in the middle of my slumber the socks come off. I figure 60 mins of treatment is better than nothing...right?

There you have it, my habits or rituals that are bound and determined to drive my future significant other up the wall, but even with these I promise I'm worth it!

A Website with it all

2009-12-13T13:48:00.000-08:00

It isn't very often I find a website that I want to read everyday, let alone that isn't packed full of news and political stuff. But alas, I have added a new bookmark. In my search for giveaways I have come across some interesting sites, and this is my new favorite.

Pop sugar, see there is a "sugar" for every aspect of your life. Pop sugar, covers the celeb gossip and includes guessing games as to which celeb was spotted where (and I almost always get them wrong).

Bella Sugar, is your beauty guide. And what girl doesn't love make up and beauty products. From reviews, celeb fashion and polls there is a lot to learn.

And to my surprise I love Geek Sugar, who is your techy gal. I'm not a tech person at all, as long as my internet and MAC are in working order and my ipod is charged I am pleased. Did you know that December 17 is free shipping day for online orders? Over 700 retailers have committed to doing free shipping. And check out this cool colorful LED keyboard.

Point is no matter what you like or want to know there is a little sugar out there for you at this site.

Someone's gotta be "The Boss"

2009-12-13T11:01:00.001-08:00

Reagan has a knack for taking things that I tell her, or her teachers and re-illustrating that point with her dolls or animals. Most of the time she is telling Annie Bananie what to do but sometimes she has a new learning subject. Today it happened to be her elephant.

Since it is Christmas time, Reagan and I have had many talks about not touching the tree. Just looking at the ornaments and no playing around the tree. This afternoon she took a liking to her elephant and I found her kneeling around the tree giving the elephant 'the business'.

I told you elephant, no touching the tree just looking. Remember I said no touching.

If that wasn't enough she then started to put necklaces on the elephant and telling him/her that it was beautiful and a movie star. I snapped a picture of the two of them, which she instructed the elephant to say cheese. When the elephant did not say anything she made me take the picture again with a "I told you to say cheese".

Food Network here I come

2009-12-12T18:21:00.001-08:00

Lately I have been enthused about cooking and baking, more so trying NEW recipes! Tonight I tried my hand at Shrimp Linguine Foil packets. Another divine recipe by The Pioneer Woman. Seriously, check out her recipes and blog and you will not be disappointed.

Of course, I had to improvise due to my lack of precise planning and laziness to go to the store. I did not have 3 cans of diced tomatoes, just 2. So I had to use tomato sauce, which means the noodles were a bit saucier and less good hearty tomatoes thrown in. Secondly, we have 3 or so precooked bags of shrimp (thank you BOGO) in the freezer. I used that instead of fresh, and ya know I think it turned out alright. We'll see what the critics say tomorrow. Next time I would like to try the fire roasted diced tomatoes, bet that will be delish! Cooking is a trial and error process, so far this recipe rocks and the kitchen isn't a roasted tomato mess!

Gifts from your children

2009-12-12T06:26:00.001-08:00

The handmade gifts from your children are simply the best Christmas gifts. Our tree still dons a few ornaments I made my mom when I was younger. I am happy to say that I have received my first ornament from Reagan. And might I add she looks absolutely adorable in the picture. I found it in her folder from daycare and she ran up to me and said "Mommy I made that for you" with her face beaming of joy. Those are the moments that make all the meltdowns and tantrums worth it.

Blogging round 2

2009-12-11T18:12:00.000-08:00

I started to blog back in the day, well not that far back in the day but a year or so ago. I just did not have time with school and my other online fascinations (message boards and facebook). So now I want to make a larger effort to spread the love. And by love I mean the giveaways, good recipes, general knowledge and fun stories!