Mad Jackie

DIY Valentines & My Memory Suite Winner Announced

2012-02-18T23:42:00.000-06:00

I shared our plans for my son's school valentines last week in my My Memories Suite giveaway post. Yes, I'm a tad late in posting about how they turned out but it's been a busy week so please forgive me.

I settled on this idea after seeing this on Pinterest.

Picture Source

It took me going to four stores to find the heart-shaped pan to use, but of course Wal-Mart ended up having it. Whew.

We ended up using three of the four 64-count boxes of crayons that we'd purchased to make 20 valentines.

Friendly tip, if you cut into the wrappers (and into the crayon) with a knife, they're much easier to take off. My genius husband realized this.

So, after taking the wrappers off, we cut them into a few pieces, and tossed them into the hearts and into the oven for about 12 minutes on 230 degrees. If you leave them in the oven too long or turn the heat up too high, your crayons will look brown or black. Our first batch was a dud so you may have to play around with it a bit. But, it's all part of the fun. ;)

Ever wondered what 192 crayons looked like in a bowl?

Well, wonder no more.

Notice there's no brown or black crayons.

The test batch let us know that was a no no.

Ta-Da!!

So relieved that they turned out okay!

In my previous post, I'd considered using this "card" similar to the one in the Pinterest picture that I created using the My Memories Suite software that's my new BFF.

But, I changed my mind. Instead, I decided that I wanted to place the crayons into clear bags, so I created this "card" to staple to the top of the bags.

And, here's how they turned out. Yay!

Madd was really excited to pass out his Valentines and I'm glad that we took the time to make our own. It really was fun AND of course, I'm counting it toward my DIY projects for My 30 Before 30 List. ;)

Oh, AND I'm happy to announce that Jessica H is the winner of the My Memory Suite Digital Software Giveaway. Jessica, I promise that you're going to LOVE this software.

And remember, if you didn't win and you'd like to purchase the software so you can make digital scrapbooks, cards, calendars, and of course... valentines, you can use the promo code STMMMS32327 when you checkout and you'll receive $10 OFF!

Oh, Whitney

2012-02-11T21:07:00.000-06:00

I'm sure you've heard that Whitney Houston was found dead today. Now, I'm not usually one to be personally upset about the death of a celebrity, but I'm really, really sad to hear that she's no longer with us.

I've always loved music. I was in choir in high school, made All Region Choir and All State Choir and even went to college on a choir scholarship (but unfortunately was an idiot and decided not to stick with choir throughout my entire time in college.) In fact, #8 on My 30 Before 30 List is to sing in a choir again. (I miss it so much!)

As soon as I started to realize how much I loved to sing, Whitney Houston immediately became my idol. After all, she had one of those voices that could completely captivate you. I would listen to her daily in awe of her and her talent. I respected her as an artist. And her talent truly touched me, as I'd often turn to her music to escape reality during difficult moments when growing up.

It's been no secret that she's struggled with addiction for quite a while, but just like other artists who've fallen out of the good graces of the public, I've always hoped she'd make a comeback. Knowing now that it won't happen is devastating.

In a society where auto-tunes and Kei$ha pass for music, it's sad to lose someone with such raw talent.

We lost one of the greats today. R.I.P. Whitney.

Picture Source

The Path Not Taken

2012-02-05T11:54:00.000-06:00

It's Secret Sunday! Link up below!

Picture Source

This Post Secret submission is one that I can really relate to. I always over analyze everything and like to play it safe. After all, I'm a mom and I can't just think about myself.

As I've briefly mentioned in previous posts, I plan to start my own business this year. Right now I'm trying to get my business plan in order and I swear with every decision I make, I'm forced to ask myself two more questions that I have no clue how to answer.

It'd be so easy to just go to work for an established firm after I graduate. I'd have a guaranteed pay check. I wouldn't be stressing out right now attempting to define my business's image and the services I'll offer clients.

It'd be unbelievably easier not to start my own business. The only thing keeping me from throwing in the towel is knowing that I'd always regret not taking this risk. I know I would.

And I know that if I don't do this now, fresh out of law school, it won't happen. It'd be even more difficult to justify leaving a firm with a guaranteed salary to venture off into my own business than it is to start one fresh out of school. So I know that it's now or never.

Yes, I'm terrified. But I keep a saying in the back of my mind as I work through all of this that keeps me pushing forward with my dream: I'd rather have a life of 'oh wells' than a life of 'what ifs.'

So, what's your secret?

{New to Secret Sunday? Find out all you need to know here!}

My Memories Suite Digital Scrapbooking Software Review & Giveaway!

2012-02-01T23:44:00.000-06:00

I was contacted by My Memories to share a review with my readers and (the best part) to host a giveaway.

My Memories is a site that is devoted to digital scrapbooking. But because I've never scrapbooked in my life, I honestly thought I'd download the software and think, "Oh, that'd be neat for a scrapbooker."

Um no. It's so much more than that! EEK!!

Look at this Valentine's Day card I'll be mailing out to friends and family! I'm having it printed on card stock. I'll fold it in half, leaving the inside blank to write a sweet little "thinking of you" message.

This scrapbook software is so amazing and it's so user friendly. Here's a screenshot of the software right before I saved this card.

On the right side, (if you squint) you'll see the control panel. It contains all the little things you'll need to go crazy. I used two different background papers and then added the cute little pink ribbon & birdy embellishments. Then I added text and a photo of the cutest little boy I've ever seen. Done!

For my son's school v-day cards, I decided to use this idea that I found on Pinterest. I think it will be a fun project that my little man can help with, and hopefully the kids will actually use the crayons. (Plus, it's ONE less piece of candy they'll eat on that day.)

Picture Source

Rather than handwriting out the phrase, "Happy Valentine's Day for "crayon" out loud!" like the creator did above, I decided to see if I could whip up something using my My Memories Suite software.

Here's how it turned out. Feel free to email me if you'd like to use this.

Even though it doesn't look like it here, this is actually a 5 x 5 square. (That's another great thing about the software--you can pick the exact size of your pages and/or album.) I think that after I print them on card stock I'll cut around the outside, making it a circle.

Seriously, the possibilities are endless. And don't worry. If you don't want to start "blank" you don't have to. There are TONS of pre-made albums and pages for you to use too if you'd like.

And, although this digital scrapbook software comes with a lot of designs, embellishments and everything else under the sun, there's also a page on their site devoted to free digital scrapbooking kits that designers make specifically for their software and there's no limit to how much of the free stuff you can add to your software. Holla!

Okay, so you get the point. Just know that if you want more information on the software, this page on their site has some great information.

Now to the super fun part! My Memories is giving away its scrapbooking software to one of my blog readers! And because the software is downloaded from their site, there's no wait for a disk to come in the mail! YAY!

If you're not the lucky winner of this giveaway, can't wait, or want to buy this as a gift for someone else, use the promo code STMMMS32327 when you checkout and you'll receive $10 OFF your purchase of My Memory Suite.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY BELOW! GOOD LUCK!

If the Rafflecopter widget is not appearing below go to the top of this blog post and click on the title.

For some reason, landing on my homepage is not allowing some to view the widget.

If you encounter any problems trying to use this widget, please contact me!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The following is true of all my giveaways unless stated otherwise in the giveaway rules itself:

One winner will be randomly selected and contacted via email.

It is winner's responsibility to make sure the host has reasonable access to winner's email.

Winner will have 48 hours to respond or else risk forfeiting the prize.

If forfeiture occurs, another random winner will be contacted in the same manner subject to the same stipulations.

Note: I did receive this product at no cost for the purposes of review.

I was not compensated in any way for hosting this giveaway.

All opinions expressed in the review above are my genuine and honest opinions of the product.

Your Daily Dose [Of Motivation]

2012-02-01T14:50:00.003-06:00

I'm in a very unique position right now in that I'm about to end my life as a student (the only life I've ever known) and begin my career (by starting my own business.) To be completely blunt and honest, I'm fucking terrified.

I've always said that all we have in life is time and we're either doing something with it or we're not. And, we all have dreams and goals. It's okay to be scared, but it's not okay to let that fear keep you from achieving something your soul desires. (Easier said than done, right?)

So if you needed a daily dose of motivation today like I did to get you thinking about your life, where you're at, and where you want to be, here ya go.

Picture Source

My only question is, what are you waiting for?

HAH... Good Luck With That

2012-01-30T23:37:00.000-06:00

Okay, so Pinterest has spawned a bazillion people (myself included) who suddenly think they're crafty.

I'm fine with that. In fact, Pinterest is really going to help me knock out #5 on my 30 Before 30 list. I'm all about stealing someone else's creativity and passing it along as my own.

But every once in a while I'll see a pin that makes me angry. Now, if I see it once or twice--okay, mildly irritated. But when it becomes so popular that I see it a dozen times a week, I am angered.

This is one of those pins.

Picture Source

AWWW, look. It's a cute little sand-filled time out stool. Isn't that precious? I can make it and then my child will just sit there like the perfect angel that he is. WRONG.

First of all, the kid's freakin' feet can't even touch the floor. He's going to fall over. And yes, it will be your fault.

Second of all, and most importantly--do you know of ANY CHILD that would sit on a timeout stool, knowing that once alllll the sand gets to the bottom he'll be able to get up, WITHOUT getting up so that he can actually SEE the sand?!

Allow me to answer that for you. You don't. Because that child does not exist.

In real life, your child is going to be ass up, hands on the ground, looking at the sand upside down until he falls over and breaks something. He'll either break his face OR he'll break the stool.

So would you rather clean up blood or sand or bloody sand? Because you're asking for it if you make your kid sit on this.

Yes, the stool is adorable. But this is make-believe, people. Quit pinning this 8,000,000 times a day and for the love of God do not make this.

How My Son Saved My Life

2012-01-29T09:54:00.000-06:00

It's Secret Sunday! Link up below!

Picture Source

When you become a mother, you're giving life to someone else. But sometimes when you become a mother, your child is also giving life to you. Just like this Post Secret submission, I honestly feel like my son saved my life.

I found out I was pregnant when I was 20. Seeing those two lines on that stick changed me forever. So much so, that I can separate the "me" I am into pre-mommy time and post-mommy time.

Pre-mommy time I knew everything (sarcasm) but was doing nothing. Sure, I was enrolled in college classes but each semester I probably ended up dropping or failing a few classes and then barely passing the others. I was in college because, well... that was just what I felt was the next step. You graduate high school. You go to college. But I had no motivation at all.

The moment I found out I was pregnant, my life changed. I remember thinking, "Wow, I'm going to be someone's mommy and this little thing growing inside me is going to need me to have my shit together." I never purposely messed up before I had my son, but I never purposely made sure I was on the right track either.

I always say that having Maddox made me the me I should have been all along.

Post-mommy time, I decided I wanted to go for my dream: applying to law school. I knew in order to do this I had to pull up my GPA up tremendously. The semester before I found out I was pregnant (Fall 2004) I had a 2.41!

I graduated with a 3.08, which is nothing to be proud of ordinarily. But in order to do that, I had to re-take several classes. I had six semesters left when I found out I was pregnant, and five of those I either made Dean's List (As and Bs) or Chancellor's List (All As). The other one, I had one C... grr!

I studied my ass off for my LSAT and ended up snagging a decent score and then I applied to law school. I was terrified. I remember sitting at the computer with all the necessary application documents uploaded, and all I needed to do was hit the "submit" button. But I couldn't do it. I bet I sat there for an hour.

And then I realized that one day my son would have a moment where he would be scared to go for a dream because the odds were against him. I knew that when that moment comes for him, I wanted to tell him that I at least applied to law school, even if I didn't get in. So I held my breath and hit submit.

The rest is history, really. I became the first person in my family to graduate from college in 2008. Seeing my son in the audience as I entered the arena is a moment I'll never forget. In many ways, I feel like it was him that should have walked across the stage instead of me.

I got accepted to law school (although I still have no clue how considering over 1600 people applied and less than 150 were accepted--a 10% admission rate.) And now I'm 111 days from walking across the stage again, this time with a much higher GPA. And I'll be opening my own business soon.

Not only did he inspire me to do my best academically, he just made me a better person. I know that if I want to raise him to be thoughtful, I have to be thoughtful. I know that if I want to raise him to be kind, I have to be kind. All of this has contributed to the post-mommy me.

When I think about the me I'd be without my son I either want to laugh, cry, or do both. He inspires me. He continuously motivates me.

None of the above would be "my story" if it weren't for my son. He saved me.

The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new. ~Rajneesh

So, what's your secret?

{New to Secret Sunday? Find out all you need to know here!}

Bathroom Organization: Before And After Pics [Don't Judge Me!]

2012-01-29T00:43:00.000-06:00

So, one of my New Years Resolutions is to get organized. I've tackled a few little projects since the beginning of the year, like getting rid of appliances that we didn't really use, and cleaning out the "junk drawer" in our kitchen.

But, tonight I (with my husband's help) tackled our bathroom.

It's amazing how you don't realize how much crap you have shoved onto a counter and under the cabinets of your bathroom until you take pictures of it.

How did I never notice that our bathroom counter was in complete chaos? I mean, the rest of our house isn't like this. But for some reason, makeup, medicine, lotions, and who knows what else have just accumulated on and in our bathroom over the past 2.5 years we've lived here. Well no more.

Oh, it's sooooo embarrassing to post these "before" pictures but here they are. Don't judge me.

counter top:

left is my side & right is hub's side

my drawer:

no wonder it takes me so long to get ready

hub's drawer

hub's cabinet

(I forgot to take a picture of my cabinet but it was just as bad.)

the middle cabinet

I went to Wal-Mart and purchased 4 containers (for less than $2 each) so that I could separate our things into them. But, before I could use them, I had to take everything out of the bathroom so I could see what the hell we even had under there.

It took two boxes to haul everything out of our bathroom and into the living room. I could not believe we had that much stuff in there! Where did it all come from?! AHHH!!

I dug in, making different piles for each of the following: prescription medication, over-the-counter medication, dental care, hair care, nail care, lotions, first-aid, and miscellaneous.

Then, I started throwing stuff away! Who needs 18 bottles of lotion?! WHO?! And why did I feel the need to keep the stupid single-use shampoos and conditioners you get in hotels? Obviously because I didn't have enough stuff!

Other stuff, I combined. For example, we had like three boxes of Mucinex. Why? Probably because we thought we were out of Mucinex because we couldn't find any and so we bought some more. I also combined things like bandaids. If they're the same size, there's no need for them to be in two boxes even if one box is Sponge Bob and the other Angry Birds.

Oh, and I learned something tonight: When organizing: zip-lock bags are your friend.

We ended up eliminated a TON of stuff (probably 1/3) that we didn't need and organized the rest. Here are the results.

Look, I have a bathroom counter now!

(And yes, I really take that much medicine to need that weekly pill box. haha)

And the area under the sink is organized so that we can find everything now!

Each container is organized with common items placed together.

No more searching, I now where everything is!

It's a Christmas miracle!

This is my husband's cabinet. So clean!

And my cabinet!

All of my lotions and hair-care products that I use but not regularly are in the pink bag.

All of my finger nail polishes are in the yellow bag above it.

And here is my drawer:

Everything in it, I use daily.

My makeup is in a shallow box lid toward the back so that I can take the box out and then slide it back in when I'm finished. See the ugly blue container? My son had a wart a long time ago and the stuff to freeze it with came in that container. We threw away the medicine (it was expired) but I kept the container.

Now it holds all of my hair ties, clips, and pins

(I'll do something to pretty up the front of it, but for now it works.)

Oh, and here's the container with all of the first aid supplies.

I put it in a red box under my son's cabinet,

so that it'd be easily recognizable and easy to get to.

Because I coupon, we tend to have more products on hand than the average family. So we bought a small shelf to place in our garage to hold these extra products. This shelf was only $14 and well worth it.

Right now this shelf is holding 10 boxes of medicine, 8 packages of tissue, 6 sticks of deodorant, and at least 10 bottles of body wash, among other things. A lot of this was just being stuffed under the bathroom cabinet, which is completely ridiculous because it might be months before we need any of it. So why was it under there?! Seriously. Why?!

I am so, SO happy to have all of that clutter gone. I honestly don't know how I let it get that bad but I am so glad to have it all organized now.

Next up? Organizing all of my crafts supplies!!

Secret Sunday (inspired by PostSecret.com) 101: What is it & How Can I Link Up?

2012-01-27T09:09:00.003-06:00

I am a huge fan of www.postsecret.com. In case you're unaware, Post Secret is a blog that is comprised of anonymous secrets that are mailed to the blog owner's address each week in the form of post cards. New submissions are posted on Sundays.

I started My Secret Sunday Series about six weeks ago, after realizing that I should be writing about how much I'm inspired by the submissions. (Duh!) There's not a single week that I am not inspired or touched in some way. On many occasions, I can also relate to some of the submissions on a personal level. Some secrets can be very moving, and others unforgettable.

So, each Sunday I visit Post Secret and then share the secret here that stood out to me the most. I then use it as a writing prompt. Now, you can join me!

How to Link up:

Go to http://www.postsecret.com and check out this week's secrets. Remember, new secrets are posted each Sunday, although sometimes the owner will put them up on Saturday evenings.
Write your amazing blog post. Did that secret make you sad? Can you relate? What advice would you give that person? Did it inspire you? Did it make you think of something else? Anything goes! [Optional: Save the image of the submission you choose to write on, and include it in your post.]
Please be sure to mention that it's for Secret Sunday and link back to the Secret Sunday post. The more that know about the link-up, the more responses everyone will get to on their post.
Link up below my Secret Sunday post, which will be posted no later than NOON each Sunday (central time). My linkys are open from Sunday to Saturday so if you can't post until later on in the week, no worries.
Visit others' blogs to see what they wrote about and share some bloggy love!
Come back next Sunday and do it again! :)

If you'd like to see my past Secret Sunday posts, to get more of an idea of what I post on each Sunday click here.

Also, Feel free to follow my blog to be reminded about Secret Sunday, but it's not required to participate. You can also follow me on FB to know exactly when the linky is up!

I hope to see you this Sunday!!

The Many Faces of Yoda

2012-01-25T10:05:00.000-06:00

An {almost} Wordless Wednesday Post

Happy Yoda

"You want some of this?" Yoda

Crippled Yoda

(notice the imaginary cane he's holding)

Scary Yoda

Bashful Yoda

Serious Yoda

And last, but not least... Pancake Yoda

Yoda Robe purchased from Etsy Seller 219eileen

Star Wars pancake molds purchased here

{Love to link-up? Check out my new Secret Sunday Series.}

Hit My 10,000th page view AND my 100th Google Friend Connect Follower Milestone Today: A Thank You!!

2012-01-23T13:53:00.000-06:00

When I started this blog on March 22, 2011 with a post entitled I Feel Nakie it never crossed my mind that almost exactly 10 months later l'd be writing this post.

Sure, 10,000 page views and 100 GFC Followers isn't crap compared to many (in fact, MOST) of the blogs that I enjoy reading. But to me, it is. To me, it's my first big milestone and I'm genuinely appreciative of it. So I just wanted to take this time to say thank you.

Thank you for allowing me to express myself on this forum.

Thank you for being supportive.

Thank you for commenting.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.

Thank you for the friendships and the connections made.

Thank you for sending me emails, "liking" my Facebook page, and for following me on Twitter and Pinterest.

And thank you for the inspiration.

In June of 2011 I discussed how the most difficult part of blogging to me is simply trying to find my voice. While I'm still searching for it, I feel that I find it a little more with each post and with each new follower. The support, the emails, the comments, and even the friendships have helped me realize that I really can just be myself.

So thank you for helping me find my voice and thank you for helping give me the confidence to speak it. In fact it's that support that lead me to get up the courage to post a weekly Linky for my Secret Sunday Series. So thank you for that as well!

I'm excited to see what the next 10 months of blogging will bring for me (and for you as well.)

Thank you for making today special.

Thou Shalt Organize Thy Jewelry: How To Turn A Hanger Into Necklace Storage for $3

2012-01-23T00:08:00.000-06:00

Saturday my mother, sister, and I decided to stop into this jewelry store in town. When we walked in, we realized that almost EVERY piece of jewelry in there was 99¢. Um, can we say costume jewelry HEAVEN? This resulted in me purchasing about 8 necklaces, 2 rings, 1 bracelet, and some headbands.

So, once I got home I realized that I seriously need to organize my jewelry. I started going through it all, but I couldn't figure out what to do with my really long necklaces. Then I remembered seeing a neat idea for a hanger turned necklace holder a few months back on Pinterest. [[Shameless Plug: Follow me on Pinterest by clicking here!]]

But, since I hadn't pinned it myself and couldn't find it, we had to wing it. Nonetheless, I'm pretty darn pleased with how this sucker turned out.

Here's what you'll need to make this little beauty:

{1} A drill

{2} A tape measure & pen

{3} A wooden hanger (Purchased a pack of four at Wal-Mart for $4)

{4} Two packs of hooks (Purchased at Wal-Mart for 98¢ each)

My hubby did all the work for this project, so I can't take any credit for the way it turned out. It only took him a few minutes to complete it and he was finished before I'd realized he'd started.

First, he counted out how many hooks he wanted to use. Mine has 16, but we probably could have fit 2-4 more on there. Then he simply used the tape measure to make sure the hooks would be spaced out evenly, using a pen to mark where he wanted them. Afterward, he drilled holes for the hooks and screwed them in. Simple enough.

Now, all of my necklaces are organized! I have the jewelry hanger hung on a 3M Strip on the edge of the shelving in our bedroom closet and I love it! My hubs even made my sister one. Isn't he the sweetest? *hold for 'awww'*

So, here she is all prettied up:

YAY!!

Bonus: My son managed to take four pictures of himself with my iPhone without me noticing in the 35 seconds it took me to put my necklaces on the hanger. So, I thought I'd share!

What a goofball! :)

To My Son: Who You Are is Who I Want You To Be

2012-01-22T17:46:00.001-06:00

Picture Source

This submission to Post Secret makes me so, so sad. It makes me sad as a human. But it especially makes me sad as a mother.

I am probably what most would consider to be a liberal mother. Basically the only rule we have in this house is to be respectful to yourself and to others. Period. In my opinion, that's pretty much the only rule that you need. It's almost like an umbrella that covers everything that's really important. And it works for us.

Everything else pretty much goes. I think that being creative and silly and having no inhibitions is such a beautiful part of childhood that we somehow (unfortunately) lose as adults. So I let Madd express himself in as many ways as he wants to. I think that this has allowed him to truly form (and continously form) his personal identity.

So, when he picked up the loose powder finish I apply to my face everyday and asked if he could put some on, I didn't think twice. Of course you can. Here, let mommy show you how to do it. And then we topped it off with some shimmery lipgloss.

The week before when he wanted my sister to paint his toenails with the new polish she'd gotten for Christmas, I watched as he stared down at his shiny toes and smiled.

His favorite colors are pink and purple, and he often tells people that. And given the choice between picking out a pink yo-yo or a blue yo-yo as a toy at Chuck E. Cheese's, he'll go with the pink.

All of that might seem insignificant to you (just as it does to me), and if it does, I applaud you. But, I know many, many people who would never allow their son to do those things. They would flat out forbid them.

But why? In my opinion, it's fear. It's fear that somehow allowing your son to be curious about makeup or think polish looks neat is going to mean that your son will somehow "grow up" to be gay.

But I don't think that way. It's just him being a kid. No one has told him No, that's wrong. You can't do that!! so it's never crossed his mind. And I'm so thankful that it hasn't, because that means that other people's opinions of what he should or shouldn't be doing with his life are not holding him back.

Now, I know eventually that people will get in his head and he'll think certain things are "wrong" or that he shouldn't do them because he's a boy. I can't control that.

What I can control is what he hears from me. I want my son to be the best him that he can be. And I want him to know that he has my full support as he journeys through life and tries to discover who that him really is.

When he walks into this home and into my arms, HE is safe. HE is welcome. HE is who I want to be here. Whoever that he is, is for him to decide. My job is just to let him know that HE is who I love.

I'd like to end this post with an article that a friend of my sent to me the other day. She read it and said it reminded her of how I parent. Although I can only hope to be like the amazing mother who wrote this article, I took it as a compliment. It discusses the reaction she received from her blog readers when she posted about her 6-year old son telling her that he had a crush on a popular male TV actor and the revelations she's had throughout this experience. You can read it here.

Now it's your turn. How did Post Secret inspire you this week?

Secret Sunday is a series of posts inspired by the weekly submissions to Post Secret.

Click here to visit postsecret.com OR click here to visit other posts by this author in this series.

The Best of #FactsWithoutWikipedia

2012-01-19T23:30:00.000-06:00

So, yesterday was a the big Sopa Strike day. I'm sure you're aware of it, but if you'd like to learn more click here.

Many websites such down in participation of Strike, one of which was the almighty Wikipedia. Twitter responded to this by trending #FactsWithoutWikipedia.

The results were hilarious.

Here are my favorite #FactsWithoutWikipedia tweets that I came across

Tweeted by @LouisNel

"Fox News *is* fair and balanced." Tweeted by @tromboneforhire

"Anne Frank's diary ends on a happy note when she finally hunts down and kills Hitler who is hiding in an attic." Tweeted by @TheGreatBaldo

"Stacy's mom does not have it going on." Tweeted by @TheLoveShack4

"Bill Clinton did NOT have sexual relations with that woman." Tweeted by @ZacAttak92

"The IV drip is named after Henry IV." Tweeted by @paulkerensa

"The moon is actually hollow. NASA believes the underneath the surface contains large quantity of gummy bears." Tweeted by @shahreezane

A Few of My #FactsWithoutWikipedia tweets

[Shameless Plug: Follow me on Twitter by clicking here.]

The Fighting Flamingos football team turned to music after its mascot Floyd was killed, forming the band Pink Floyd.

All brown cows are boy cows and all white cows are girl cows. [If you've read this you'll know why I tweeted this.]

The Westboro Baptist Church is a civil rights organization, most known for its advocacy of gay rights.

Big Foot and his family came out of hiding in March of 2011 to be he first in line for the iPad2 release.

Jessica Simpson was admitted to MENSA after making the discovery that there are, indeed, chicken of the sea.

For every pair of Toms shoes you buy, Blake Mycoskie personally beats up a small child in another country. [To find out how I really feel about Blake read this post.]

Just Face It, Your Doctor Is Simply More Important Than You

2012-01-17T15:46:00.001-06:00

Fair warning... this a rant.

I walk into my doctor's office today for my appointment. I'm greeted by the usual faces. I sign in and go to sit down. Jackie, hang on... we need you to sign this new policy. Okay. No biggy. It probably has to do with insurance or copays.

Nope.

I'm paraphrasing here, but it basically reads as follows: You are now required to give a minimum of 24-hours advance notice that you are unable to attend a scheduled appointment. If you fail to follow this new policy, you will be assessed a fee of $25 which will be billed directly to you. We value our patients' time, and by failing to keep an appointment or provide a minimum of 24-hours advance notice of cancellation you have kept another patient from being seen during this time period.

OKAY, TIME OUT.

Are you kidding me? I really have to sign this?

Yes, it's a new policy.

But whose pocket does this $25 go into? I mean, this is more than most people's COPAY!!

[no answer]

And, since when did my doctor care about my time? Or anyone's for that matter? Do you know how many times I've sat in this lobby for OVER two hours only to have to reschedule my appointment because I can't wait any longer... I had to pick up my son or be somewhere else?

[no answer]

There's no way I'm getting out of signing. It's crap. But I sign.

I have SUCH a problem with this policy, both as a professional and as a patient.

First of all, $25 is WAY too much! That is such a ridiculous amount. Not only is that higher than many copays, to many people, that's several hours worth of wages. Pretentious much?!

Secondly, my time does NOT matter so don't pretend it does. That's just insulting my intelligence.

I get that it's a problem when people make appointments and fail to cancel or show up. I get it. I really do. But isn't there a better way of going about this?

For example, my other doctor's office has a policy in place to combat the same problem. Their policy is that if you fail to cancel your appointment with at least 24-hours notice and fail to show up two or more times within a one year period, you're subject to no longer receiving treatment there. Basically, they reserve the right to tell you to take your records and move on. THAT. MAKES. SENSE.

So to all those doctors out there who simply wish to pad their pockets when a patient accidently misses an appointment once every year or two rather than weeding out the patients who continuously fail to show at scheduled appointment times by refusing to work with them anymore: GET OVER YOURSELF!!

[end rant]

Do you "LIKE" me? Then tell me so!

2012-01-15T14:28:00.001-06:00

I'm participating in this week's Sunday Social at spilledmilkshake.com. It's all about the Facebook like!

Please stop by and "like" my facebook page! Also, please join in the fun by adding your page to Spilled Milkshake's linky and supporting the others that have linked up as well.

Don't have a fan page yet for your blog? Have one but your posts won't automatically import? Check out this how-to guide!

Thank you for supporting me and other bloggers. :)

Hippies Over Cell Phones

2012-01-15T02:34:00.002-06:00

ANNOUNCEMENT: Secret Sunday is now a linky!

Please check out the linky info below & join me! :)

Picture Source

When I saw this Post Secret submission, I knew it was the one I just had to write about! I catch myself thinking about how differently my mother grew up than I did, and in return, about how differently my son is growing up than I did.

My six-year old can't comprehend a world without cell phones. (Mom, what's a phone booth?) In fact, he can't comprehend a world without smart phones. Off the top of my head, he is exposed (in some way or another) daily to three smart phones, two laptops, two iPods, an iPad, a Nintendo DS, and a Nintendo Wii.

Technology is great. Don't get me wrong, I love it. But you have to wonder just how big of an impact it's having on your child's life when he asks you if he can bring the DS with him for a car ride to the store.

I want his passions to be about politics and current events, not a video game. And when I think of hippies--true hippies--I think of the reasons for their passions and reasons behind their "rebellion" from the norm.

So, although technology is a blessing in many ways, it can also be a very powerful force in our lives that we need to stay conscious of. As many other parents probably know, it can be hard to combat the prevalence of electronics in a child's life, but we're trying to do our part.

In fact, just two weeks ago I announced that one of my resolutions is to designate at least a one our period per day where no one is allowed to use electronics. This "rule" applies to all of us, not just my son. I want to make sure we all stay conscious of how much we're plugged in.

Although I can't bring back the 60s and the 70s for my son (or me for that matter), I can make sure that he realizes that he can survive without electronics, and I know I have to start now. I have to start now while electronics aren't a "must" but are just something we do to have fun. So, continue to wish me luck with my resolution!

Secret Sunday is a series of posts inspired by the weekly submissions to Post Secret.

Click here to visit postsecret.com OR click here to visit other posts by this author in this series.

--------

Now for the Linky info!

I am a huge fan of www.postsecret.com. In case you're unaware, Post Secret is a blog that is comprised of anonymous secrets that are mailed to the blog owners address each week in the form of post cards. New submissions are posted each Sunday.

I started Secret Sunday four weeks ago, after realizing that I should be writing about how much I'm inspired by the submissions. There's not a single week that I am not inspired or touched in some way. On many occasions, I can also relate to some of the submissions on a personal level.

So, each Sunday I post the secret that stood out to me the most, and I use it as a writing prompt. Now, you can join me!

How to Link up:

Go to http://www.postsecret.com and check out this week's secrets. [Optional: Save the image of the submission you choose to write on, and include it in your post.]
Write your amazing blog post. Please be sure to mention that it's for Secret Sunday. :)
Link up below!
Visit the link of someone else to see what he/she wrote about and share some bloggy love!

Share your secret below!

One iPhone App That You Just HAVE to Have

2012-01-13T02:06:00.001-06:00

The other night I stumbled across an app that is probably one of the best iPhone apps of all time and best of all, it's free!

Picture Source

It's called Apps Gone Free. Basically, the geniuses behind this app list about 5 new apps everyday that have temporarily (usually one day only) made their app free.

I love this app for so many reasons! This obvious one is that I'm saving 99¢ to $1.99 per download. But, I also love that it lists free apps for the iPhone and the iPad! Not to mention that it's a great way to download new apps and not feel guilty when you never use them.

Of course you won't be interested in every app posted on AGF, but in just two days of having it I've downloaded three apps for my son: Fish Fury, Cover Orange, and Doodle Fit.

I purchased Cover Orange and Doodle Fit for the iPad about six months ago and we all love them both, so I know when the time comes to whip out the iPhone to entertain the kid, he'll be excited to see they're on there!

Although I don't let the kiddo make a habit of playing on my iPhone, it's nice to have apps that I know will bide me time when it's needed. And of course, since this app also lists temporarily free apps for the iPad, maybe we'll discover some new favorites as well.

Celebrity Crushes: Warning--May Cause Hot Flashes

2012-01-08T10:23:00.000-06:00

This week's Post Secret submission made me think about how everyone has a celebrity crush (or two or three.)

Picture Source

Usually for women, they're typical. You know who I'm talking about.

Brad Pitt

Matthew McConaughey

Jared Leto

Tyson Beckford

But I've never really had a celebrity crush on any of the typical actors. Okay, wait... maybe one.

Leonardo Dicaprio

Picture Source

But that crush started back in his Basketball Diary days and has stayed with me. Other than Leo (I like to pretend we're on a first-name basis) my celebrity crushes include:

Colin Firth

Picture Source

Edward Norton

Picture Source

Alec Baldwin

Picture Source

Although I find these men attractive, I believe that one of the main reasons these men would qualify as my celebrity "crushes" is because of their talent. I admire each one of these men for attributes that go beyond their handsome looks.

On a somewhat-related note: I've come to discover that if you can dream it up someone out there has either tried it or would LOVE to try it--no matter how crazy an idea it may seem. (Side Note: Have you ever seen the show Taboo? It reinforces my point.)

So, when I ask myself whether anyone out there currently has a celebrity crush on the following famous men, I'm forced to answer with a resounding yes. Yes, there has to be at least one person on this planet who would LOVE to get a piece of the action below.

Steve Buscemi

Picture Source

Gary Busey

Picture Source

Who are your celebrity crushes? Maybe one of the two gentlemen directly above? *wink. wink. nudge. nudge.*

Secret Sunday is a series of posts inspired by the weekly submissions to Post Secret.

Click here to visit postsecret.com OR click here to visit other posts by this author in this series.

YAY for Kroger Deals: Spent $4 Total on $30 Worth of Tide, Axe, Dawn, and More!

2012-01-07T23:23:00.000-06:00

Kroger has a few great deals this week.

These deals are good until Tuesday, January 17th.

Buy 4 participating P&G products get $4 off your total

1: Buy (1) Tide liquid, 50 ounce

Priced at $5.99
Use $2 off Manufacturer Coupon (MC)
Use $2 off Kroger Coupon (SC) (found here & loaded onto your Kroger card)
-$1 for purchasing 4 products from promotion
Total = 99¢

2: Buy (1) Tide in-wash stain release, 10 pack

Priced at $5.99
Use $2 off MC
Use $2 off SC
-$1 from promotion
Total = 99¢

3: Buy (1) Crest 3D White, 4 ounce

Priced at $2.69
Use 75¢ off MC
Use 75¢ off SC
-$1 from promotion
Total = 19¢

4: Buy (1) Dawn Hand Renewal, 19 ounce

Priced at $2.99
Use 50¢ off MC
Use 50¢ off SC
-$1 from promotion
Total = 99¢

Total before promotion and coupons = $17.66

Total for (4) products listed above = $3.19

Savings of $14.47 or 82%

I also purchased Axe and Tampax Pearl because the deals were too good to pass up.

Buy (2) Axe Shower Gel

Priced at $3.89 each ($7.78 total)
Use Buy One Get One Free MC
Use $2 off MC
Use $2 off SC
= 11¢ overage (Kroger paid me 11¢ to purchase these)

Buy (1) Tampax Pearl, 18 count

Priced at $4.59
Use $2 off MC
Use $2 off SC
Total = 59¢

Total for entire purchase (all 7 items) before coupons = $30.03

Total for entire purchase after coupons = $3.67

Total Savings of $26.36 or 88%

YAY for Kroger Deals!!

It's 20 Freakin' 12 Y'all!

2012-01-03T23:16:00.003-06:00

Picture Source

It's 20 freakin' 12 y'all. That just sounds so futuristic. I feel like I should be teleporting the cookies I'm craving right now from the fridge directly into my mouth. But instead, I guess I'll have to get up and get them myself. LAME!

Honestly I don't even KNOW what all of my New Year Resolutions were last year. But, if I had to guess I'm sure one of them was to lose weight. #fail

One awesome thing that DID came into my life in 2011 and stick around to ring in the new year with me was this blog. I started it in March of 2011 with a post entitled 'I Feel Nakie'. And, although this blog wasn't part of a New Year's Resolution, as busy and chaotic as 2011 was at times, I'm thankful to be celebrating my one-year bloggy birthday in just two and a half months!

This year, my New Year's Resolutions are pretty normal, which is pretty strange for me. After all, you're reading the chick's blog whose past resolutions have included things like 'to open all of my chip bags upside' or 'to find a way to work the word echelon into a sentence at every opportunity possible.'

So, back to 2012:

Picture Source

Not yet, but it could be if I don't get it together....

One of my main focuses will be to make organization a priority. I'll be *cough* starting my own business this year and running it from home so organization will play a big part in my sanity during all of this.

To help me get organized I'm taking part in the 52 week organizational challenge at Home Storage Solutions 101. I've already done about 80% of week one (holla). Did I mention how extremely thankful I am that someone took the time to break household organization into 52 easy steps so that it might actually have a chance of getting done? Because I am.

Picture Source

I want to purposefully turn off ALL electronic forms of entertainment for one hour per night on weekdays--not just my electronics--all of them. Honestly, I'd love to get that number to two hours a night, but I'm planning on starting it with 30 minutes beginning next Monday, after the kiddo has been back in school from the break and we have more of a routine. (Note--No, electronics are not always on at my home. That's not what I'm saying. I'm talking about designating a specific time that they are not allowed so as to facilitate more talking, family time, and togetherness.)

Picture Source

Another obvious resolution is weight loss. *yawn* I love My Fitness Pal and have been using it off and on for quite a while. I hope to use it a little more religiously throughout the year and to shed some excess poundage. {Oh, and if you're using MFP email me and I'll give you my SN so we can like, totally be MFPBFFs!}

Picture Source

What else? What else? Oh, I'm also (of course) hoping to knock out some more of my 30 before 30 list. I also want to live more in the moment (which is very hard for me and I hate that.)

So, yea... 2012's goals are pretty calm but they'll be challenging in many respects. Above all, so long as my my family, friends, and our health greet me as I welcome in 2013 in a year I can't say I'll have too many complaints about what happens with much else. It's the little things people.

This post idea came from Mama Kat's Writing Workshop. Be sure to stop by there for creative inspiration!

Will You Marry Me?

2012-01-01T00:13:00.000-06:00

Picture Source

This Post Secret submission made me smile. I know, that doesn't seem like the normal response, I'm sure. But, I smiled because it reminded me of my husband. ;)

I can't count the number of times I've been asked the same common questions.

So, how long have you been married?

Where did you meet?

How did he propose?

Well, while it's easy to give answers to the first two questions, the third one is a little difficult to answer.

How did he propose? Ya know, I'm not sure that he did.

I remember sitting in a small area with other parents during my son's gymnastics class a few months before my ~~husband~~ boyfriend deployed. We were chatting--about what I don't know--and all I remember is him leaning over to me and saying well, why don't we just get married then.

PUT ON THE BREAKS!

Did I just hear him correctly? I have him repeat himself.

Well, why don't we just get married then?

Okay, so at least I'm not hearing things. That's good. I think.

But is he serious?

Are you serious?

Yea, I'm serious. I mean, sure. Why don't we just get married?

I start to laugh. I laugh uncontrollably.

At this time I become uncomfortably aware that I'm sitting within earshot of at least six other ~~strangers~~ women. For some reason, this only makes me laugh more.

Through my own raging giggles I manage to cough out--Did you just propose? I mean, did you REALLY just basically ask me to marry you? At my son's gymnastics class? Is that what's happening? I think I've lost my mind.

This entire interrogation is continuously cut short by my own laughter. And it's not a mean laughter. It's more of a shocked, happy, what the hell is going on, kinda laughter.

Yea. I mean, I obviously didn't mean to go into this here, but I want to marry you. So, let's get married.

Robert, I want to marry you too but we can't have this talk here. Can we? Wait, ARE we?

I laugh some more. We hold hands and smile, knowing that we've just given the other nosey parents something to go home and talk about.

Later on that evening we finalized our decision in a private post-gymnastics discussion. It was official. We were engaged!

The next day, I nervously told my mother. I didn't know how well it'd go over with her considering Robert and I had only been together a little over three months when we got engaged.

About two weeks later his mother and father made the drive from his home state to mine to meet me. They brought a few rings with them for me to pick from that she thought I'd be interested in from her jewelry store. I picked the biggest one (duh!) and Robert placed it on my finger.

So, I guess that's the story of my proposal. :)

Although I sometimes look back and think that I wish he'd have proposed in some really romantic way and had planned it, I honestly don't think I'd change a thing. Sure my proposal (if you can even call it that) wasn't romantic. But it's ours. And honestly, I love that story. It's us. And I love us and everything that makes us 'us.'

I think society puts way too much pressure on men with regard to proposals and making everything super romantic and perfect. My favorite kinds of romance come at times where none is expected. I think the best example of this is receiving flowers.

I love flowers. But don't you dare give me flowers on Valentine's Day from some expensive florist. Instead, while you're out at the store on a random day--pick me up a small bouquet for $5 of daisies or sunflowers and surprise me with them. That means so much more.

So if I could tell the sender of that postcard anything, it'd be to let up on the guy. If you love him and if you want to marry him for the right reasons, you'll look past those moments that didn't quite come in the perfect little package you'd always planned for them to. Instead, try to appreciate how non-generic your proposal was and laugh about it. For better or worse--it's now a part of your story.

And ya know, I'd much rather stick with my funny, awkward proposal story and tell it until the day that I die because my husband and I have had a happy, long marriage than to trade that in for a spectacular proposal that ended in a broken engagement or divorce.

Secret Sunday is a series of posts inspired by the weekly submissions to Post Secret.

Click here to visit postsecret.com OR click here to visit other posts by this author in this series.

Dear Santa

2011-12-28T19:01:00.001-06:00

Santa, I've been a very good boy this year.

Thank you for the presents. Enjoy the milk and cookies.

This was his first ever handwritten letter to Santa.

See that look of pride on his face? It doesn't even compare to the look I was giving him behind the camera. <3

I'm Just Here for the Free Music

2011-12-25T00:01:00.002-06:00

Picture Source

I could really relate to this submission to Post Secret. Although I'm not an atheist, I've yet to find a church that really nails (no pun intended) my beliefs in God. I won't get into them here (because that's a whole post in and of itself) but I do long to find one (hence the reason behind number 10 on my 30 before 30 list.)

Growing up, I was raised southern baptist. Although going to church was something I never looked forward to, I always loved the music. In fact, you never had to beg me to go on a Sunday night, because Sunday nights consisted of about 30 minutes of singing hymn after hymn and then 15 to 20 minutes of a sermon.

I miss church, a lot. I miss the friendships. I miss the sense of community. I miss the volunteering. And I even miss hearing certain sermons, such as those about love, forgiveness, and kindness.

I really do miss those aspects of being a part of a church. But the one thing that stands out in my mind the most is how much I miss the music.

I loved hearing everyone sing, from the great to the not-so-great. I always got so excited anytime the music director would say, "Now turn your hymnal to page 251," and I would realize that I knew the harmony to that song. I miss the everyday church music, and I especially miss the CHRISTMAS music.

To hear the choir and the congregation belting out some of my favorite gospel music is an experience I don't get anywhere else. And I miss it. I really, really miss it.

So, although I'm not atheist, I can completely relate to the poster of the card above. Gospel music kept me in church for as long as it did, and is likely to play a large role in the reason behind why a certain temple/church ends up being "the one" that lets me cross off number ten.

Secret Sunday is a series of posts inspired by the weekly submissions to Post Secret.

Click here to visit postsecret.com OR click here to visit other posts by this author in this series.

"Candy Wrap" Gift Certificates Using your Wrapping Paper Tube: DIY Tutorial

2011-12-22T23:09:00.004-06:00

Let's face it, sometimes things get done a little more last-minute than we'd like.

Tonight I printed off the gift certificates I'd purchased for my mother and sister as Christmas gifts only to realize I hadn't put much thought into how I was planning on wrapping them.

Yes, you heard me right. I wanted to wrap gift certificates. I'm a big kid and I love seeing someone tear open wrapping paper before getting their gift. It's part of the fun!

So, I walked around the house looking for boxes to throw them in. I strongly considered using granola bar boxes, before it hit me...

I could use the wrapping paper tube that was laying in the floor. Then I got excited because I realized if I did that 1) they wouldn't realize they were gift certificates and 2) I could wrap them to look like candy!

So, here's how I did it & how it turned out....

Each tube could be used for three certificates at 8.5 x 11 each. Since I only used two, I'll be stashing the other piece with my wrapping paper to use again in the future.

Since we started recycling earlier this year, I've tried my best to reuse materials whenever possible. So, besides how stinkin' cute these are, I'm also thrilled to be reusing something that would have just been thrown away other wise.

I will never look at a wrapping-paper tube the same again, ever.

And I couldn't be happier about it!

$25 Gift Certificates for $1 through 12/24 at Restaurant.com!

2011-12-20T20:56:00.001-06:00

This was a deal too good not to share!

Right now restaurant.com is offering $25 gift certificates for $1! The only thing you need to do differently is enter the code JOY when you check out. The code is only good through 12/24/11 so don't wait too long!

Be sure to pay attention to the terms of each certificate before you purchase it. Some certificates state that they're only available for dine-in only. Others will state that a minimum purchase is necessary in order to redeem the certificate. So, just make sure you know what you're buying so there are no surprises when you redeem your certificate.

You should receive your certificate by email within a day or so. You can also log into restaurant.com and print it from there when you're ready. Just take the certificate to the restaurant with you when you're ready to redeem.

Also, as a courtesy to your server, tell him that you're using the certificate before he goes to grab your bill. And, ALWAYS tip on the full amount of your bill--not the discounted amount.

Happy dining!

I Don't Understand Either

2011-12-19T00:36:00.003-06:00

I've been a fan of Post Secret for a while now. In case you don't know, Post Secret is an extremely popular blog that is comprised entirely of the anonymous postcard submissions mailed in by fans each week. Each week (on Sundays) 10 of the postcards are posted on the blog.

I'm very inspired by Post Secret on many, many levels and have decided to start a regular Secret Sunday here on the blog. My goal is to take the postcard that stood out to me the most (either because I can relate or because it got me thinking about a specific topic) and giving my perspective on why it was significant to me.

This week's post surrounds this submission:

Picture Source

I can completely relate to this poster. I don't understand either.

I feel that I'm at a unique age where I'm young enough to be sensitive to the necessity of a certain amount of political correctness in our society but am old enough to remember when everyone just said, "Merry Christmas." In fact, that doesn't seem like it was too long ago.

Could it have been that 10 years ago there were no atheists?

Did nobody celebrate Hanukkah?

Surely not, right? So what's changed?

In my opinion, we've crossed a line. We've gone from being aware of other cultures and belief systems (which, as a pretty liberal individual, I'm ALL about) to being afraid to just say whatever comes natural to us.

Tell me Joyous Kwanzaa, please. I'll appreciate the sentiment. Don't be afraid to offend me.

If it's more natural for you to say Merry Christmas, then haye... I'll take those well wishes also!

And of course, if you prefer to say Happy Holidays, have at it!

There's a great difference between being socially aware and being socially inept, yet the line between the two seems to be blurring more over time.

Don't purposefully offend anyone. But don't freak out over the thought of accidently saying 'the wrong' blessing to someone during the holiday season.

When you fumble around searching for the most politically correct phrase, any genuineness in your intent is lost in those few seconds I saw your mind flipping through its pages trying to ascertain what to say.

Maybe I'm the only one, but it's somewhat more offensive to me when people try so hard not to be offensive. I find myself thinking, do I come across as someone who would get upset over a 'Happy Hanukkah?'

We're all trying to be kinder, especially this time of year. But I don't expect for anyone to 'tiptoe' around my beliefs (or lack of). And, I think if you took a poll, most people would agree that they would not be offended by you wishing them a blissful holiday season in the terms and expressions that mean the most to you, whether Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukkah.

It's more human that way. It's realer. It's authentic and personal. Let's keep that part of the holidays alive. This generic 'one-size fits all holiday mumbo jumbo' isn't doing any of us any favors--at least not in my mind

I'd ask if I'm alone in this, but ya know... Post Secret made me realize today that there's at least one other who agrees with me.

Anyone else?

Secret Sunday is a series of posts inspired by the weekly submissions to Post Secret.

Click here to visit postsecret.com OR click here to visit other posts by this author in this series.

Today Only: Select Melissa & Doug Toys 50% OFF on Amazon!

2011-12-08T14:25:00.000-06:00

Today only, Amazon has select Melissa & Doug toys on sale for 50% off! AND, if you your purchase totals $25 you'll get free shipping!

This makes me so excited because I have really been eyeballing this stamp set for my son. I've seen it on several sites for $20+ and I just purchased it for $10.00 thanks to this deal! He's learning to read and this will be a great way for us to practicing his spelling in a fun way.

Picture Source

I also purchased this magnetic responsibility chart as well, for only $10! It comes with 90 magnets depicting behaviors and rewards. It received great reviews on Amazon and I'll be taking one of the reviewer's ideas by awarding my son 10¢ a week for each completed responsibility task as an incentive! Love it!

Picture Source

I also picked up some paint brushes for him (for around $5) to go with some paints he'll be receiving for Christmas to make my order almost exactly $25. I'd much rather spend $5 and get another gift for my child than spend $8 on shipping for not reaching the $25 amount required to receive free shipping.

Happy Shopping!

The Beauty & Benefits of Learning to Play the Piano: Both Music to my Ears

2011-12-04T21:15:00.003-06:00

My little man, who just turned six, has been taking weekly-piano lessons since the 1st of September.

I've always loved music. So of course, I've been eager to share this passion with my child since before there were two lines on that pregnancy test! And the fact that it's beneficial to him to learn to play? Icing on the cake!

Madd just had his first piano recital, where he played two pieces in front of about 100 people.

This is his "I'm excited but nervous" face.

He kinda puffs out his cheeks and tucks in his bottom lip.

Such a sweetie.

This is more of an actual "smile."

Once we got seated, I realized that no one had ever told me how absolutely NERVOUS I would be for him. I turned to my mother and asked her, "Were you nervous when I would perform on stage? I have butterflies in my stomach that I was not prepared for!" She told me that she always felt the same, which made me feel better (read: normal). But serious--WHY didn't anyone tell me this?!

Thankfully he performed everything just as practiced. I've never been more proud of him! Watching your child have his moment in the spotlight to reap the benefits of his hard work is by far one of the best feelings in the world.

His first piece: Up On The Housetop

His second piece: O Christmas Tree

{Be sure to watch his bow at the end.}

So, now that you've seen my little man play at his Christmas recital, I'd like to share with you the five most prevalent benefits a child receives from learning to play the piano.*

1. It helps them in school.

Children who play an instrument score higher on both standard and spatial cognitive development tests in school.
Children who play the piano score higher in the area of math than children who do not.

2. It raises self-esteem.

Children who play the piano receive increased self-esteem with each song they master due to the dedication and time it takes to learn each new piece.
Likewise, recitals give children an opportunity to receive praise for their accomplishments, which also increases the child's self-esteem.
Most importantly, to me at least, is that learning to play also teaches children to keep a positive outlook when facing difficult tasks. It teaches the child that learning is a process which takes patience and practice. This knowledge helps children approach other tasks with confidence, decreasing the likelihood of frustration and discouragement.

3. It increases coordination.

Sure it increases hand-eye coordination. But, it also increases fine motor skills.
Unlike any other instrument, playing the piano requires each hand to work independently of the other. For example, one hand may be playing soft while the other is playing loudly. Or, one may be playing quickly, while the other is playing slowly.
Playing the piano increases dexterity and complex thought process.

4. It helps improve concentration.

Think about all of the focus that is required to play one piece: the child must interpret each note and rhythm, translate those notes into actual movement on the instrument, and then immediately move forward to the next note and do the same.
The child must read and think critically and creatively, which will assist them in many other areas in the future.

5. It helps the child be more well-rounded.

Children are exposed to genres of music they otherwise may never have heard, whether classical or otherwise.
Children may develop an appreciation for composers, such as Mozart or Bach.
The skills and knowledge acquired will aid them in any other musical or instrumental endeavor taken up by the child in the future.

As for my son, over the past three months I have personally noticed that he is notably better at understanding that conquering anything new takes practice and that it's okay not to immediately know how to do something. He has always been very hard on himself and piano has definitely taught him to have patience with himself. I've also noticed that he's able to pick out change of tempos in songs on the radio now as well as recognize when a piano is playing in the background, whereas before he didn't seem to pay attention to things.

Overall, I am VERY glad that he is taking piano lessons. It has been nothing but beneficial to him. His next recital is in May and I can't wait to show him these videos six months from now so that he can see all the new progress he'll have made.

Does your child play an instrument? If so, let me know how you feel it is personally benefiting your child.

*The benefits stated above were taken from this site, although the same information is available throughout numerous studies and webpages.

5 x 4 = 20 Things About Me (That I'm OBVIOUSLY Awesome at Mental Math? That's a freebie.)

2011-12-01T03:30:00.001-06:00

{5} Things You Don't Know About Me

{1.} Sometimes when I'm belting out songs in the car by myself, I pretend I'm on the phone. Haye, I'd rather a stranger mistake my passion for 80s Love Ballads for an angry business call than to chance being on the next season of Tosh.0. I have a reputation to uphold here.

{2.} I've licked The Alamo and a Mammoth's tooth... on purpose. Why would I want to do that you ask? Who else do you know who can say they've licked both The Alamo and a real Mammoth's tooth? Hmm? Nobody? Exactly. If you don't think I won't put that on a resume as a conversational piece, think again.

{3.} I've played The Stepmother in Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella. What's the opposite of being typecast? Whatever.

{4.} When I turned 20, I was so sad about not being a teenager anymore that anytime someone would ask my age I'd tell them I was twenty-teen.

{5.} I'm ranked in the top 15% of my law-school class. (I had to put one "fact" about me in this section that wasn't self-deprecating to please my mother who will undoubtably read this. Hi mom!)

{5} Things I'm Knowledgeable About

{1.} Surrogacy: both the process and the laws governing it. I researched it for 9 months then wrote a 60-paged paper on it for law review and to satisfy my upper-level writing requirement. Oh, and I was a surrogate in 2009 too, duh. Ask away. ;)

{2.} Shakespeare and Dr. Seuss: I have quite a few works by both authors memorized by heart

{3.} Breastfeeding: I never planned on breastfeeding my son, but when he was born sick and it was all I could do to help him, I read everything about it I could get my hands on and ended up not weaning him until he was 18 months old.

{4.} College: Oh, college. The "do's" and the "don't you dares!" From financial aid to organizations, I pretty much know it all. In fact, I posted about The ABCs of Being a Student back in April!

{5.} How Much I Still Have to Learn: That's right. I know that I have a TON of learning left to do! I know everyday I learn more. I know that every person I meet has a lesson to teach and a special talent or skill to share. I know that learning doesn't come from a book. It comes from listening, sometimes with your eyes closed and your ear up against the wall, but other times just with your heart.

{5} Things I Know Nothing About

{1.} Technology: Sure, I know how to work a Mac (well, I was going to use an analogy here but the only one I can think of is "like a stripper works a pole," and that doesn't sound very appropriate so I just won't use one.) But if you told me to guess what's inside this thing, I'd tell you that I guess whatever it is doesn't need to see in order to work because it's probably dark in there... I mean, duh.

{2.} THIS!!

I mean... is it magic? HOW do people do that?! Obviously *looks at category* I do not know!!

{3.} Cows: That's right. I said it. COWS. Sure, there's black ones and brown ones and some are white with black spots. But like for example, do the cows that give the milk ALWAYS have milk? Are they born producing milk? Or, are they like humans and only produce milk after giving birth? And why are there black and white boy cows? To me--ALL black and white cows are girl, milk cows. All black cows are boy cows. At least, that's how it should be. Color coat those suckers. Well what about brown cows you ask? Well, I was going to say they just shouldn't exist at all but "How Now Black and White Cow" just doesn't have the same ring to it, now does it? So, we'll just have to consider them as the "mule" of the mommy cow, who is white with black spots, and the daddy cow, who is solid black. And apparently they have like 38.16 stomaches? Whatever. I'm over it. Moving on. Or should I say, Moooooving on!

{4.} Hair: Some hair on our body will grow indefinitely. It will grow until we cut it or until we die. Got it. But other hair KNOWS to stop at a certain length. How does it know that? Like, if I trimmed my eyebrows with scissors to half their normal length, the hairs would be like, "Alright guys, lunch break's over. We're down an 1/8th of an inch. Looks like we're putting in overtime tonight." HOW DOES IT KNOW?!

{5.} The alphabet: Sure I can say it, but I have no clue why the letters are in the order they are. At first glance you might think it's in the order in which they're most frequently used. (We obviously use 'A' way more than 'Z' but upon closer inspection, this is not the case.) So who picked this order? And why? Someone had to have done that. I need answers. And while I'm complaining about the alphabet, allow me to share this thought as well. It should be a RULE that if you can SPELL OUT a letter, it CANNOT be a letter. For example: 'A' is very short. But then there's 'W.' Clearly it does not belong: DOUBLE U?! Really?! It's NOT a letter. 'W' is a blatant alphabetic impostor if you ask me.

{5} Things I Believe

{1.} I believe that being able to be a mother by far makes up for all the other crap we have to put up with as women--from being seen as inferior in the workforce to being forced to work in sheen pantyhose. It makes up for it all.

{2.} I believe that for many, myself included, independence is spelled e-d-u-c-a-t-i-o-n.

{3.} I believe that the ability to genuinely laugh at how absolutely ridiculous you are or have been gives you one of only a few golden tickets that exist in this life which can alter your situation and circumstances in far greater capacities than Charlie Bucket's golden ticket altered his.

{4.} I believe that we, as humans, only have the ability to truly and intimately know a dozen or two people at any given stage in our lives and that what we think we know about all others really isn't knowledge at all--it's our perception of their actions completely removed from their life's story. I believe that if we would stay conscience of this limited perception the world would be a lot kinder place.

{5.} I believe that there's a cosmic symmetry to life, a balance, always teetering to find its center. And therefore, in whatever ways it is that you are blessed, it is your responsibility to bless others to the best of your ability. Because if you don't do your part to level the balance, it will find a way of doing it itself. It's not karma in the one-dimensional sense some make it out to be. It runs deeper.

This post idea came from Mama Kat's Writing Workshop. Be sure to stop by there for creative inspiration!

The Birthday Boy (And Some Apparently Angry Birds)

2011-12-01T00:10:00.001-06:00

Okay, so yet again I have super sucked at blogging lately. I didn't realize it had been over a month since I'd posted until just looking back at the dates. WOW, November flew by!

Okay--catch up post. Where to start, where to start....

OH, What was it that The King said in Alice in Wonderland?

"Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop."

Yes, I suppose that's what I'll do. And the beginning (of where we left off) would be Madd's birthday! I still can't believe that yet another birthday party is in the books and that my little man is now a six year old. [sigh]

His actual birthday was on a school day, so we started out with surprise birthday chocolate-chip pancakes (complete with birthday candle, of course)!

**Note, I made the pancakes myself. If you're thinking, "Um SO?" well.... then first of all you can kiss it (and I think we all know what that "it" is) and second of all, it's obvious that you've never read this post. Judge me if you must.**

Where was I? Oh yes, I made pancakes. At 6am. Because ~~that's just what I do~~ I only have one kid and I guess I can sacrifice a little sleep to ~~burn~~ prevail in the perpetration of pancake perfection!

So rub those eyes and wake up birthday boy....

"Maddy, smile for mommy."

He smiled, but those eyes still weren't ready to open.

The day after his birthday was his party. It was honestly the least stressful birthday party we've ever thrown for him. For once, I felt like I got to enjoy the party too. Usually I'm running from one end of a room to another, so it was nice to sit back and soak it all in.

Here's a few snapshots from his special day, including a few pictures of his cake I promised I'd share.

Here's daddy with his birthday boy on the water inflatable.

He helped all the kids across (and okay, threw a few off too!)

After about two hours of swimming, we headed upstairs.

Something tells me this was the last birthday

we'll have to read his birthday cards to him.

[Another sigh.]

And here's the cake and party favor table.

[Sorry about the poor quality of the cake close-ups.

I took them at the house before the party in a hurry.]

Photo-op while waiting on mommy to light the candles.

I can't help but wonder what he wished for....

Oh, how I hope all his wishes come true!

But for now, a more serious question.

Who gets to eat which Angry Bird/Green Pig?

As you can tell by that half exhausted, but ear-to-ear grin,

my little man had a wonderful time.

And with six birthday parties under my belt,

I'm beginning to feel like an ~~old~~ pro!

Again, thank you to everyone for sticking with me through my bloggy-blahs, which I'm slowly trying to escape from.

And a special thank you to my newest readers who found my blog by happening upon my DIY Angry Birds Invitations post and have taken me up on my offer to email me and ask for the Invitation PDF. It makes me so unbelievably giddy to know that someone is actually taking the time to read a little bit about what's going on in our lives.

So again, thank you so much.

And yes, if you're reading this right now I'm talking about YOU!

So quit being modest because you really rock my world.

Angry Birds Birthday Cakes

2011-10-24T21:04:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned in my previous post, my son is having an Angry Birds birthday party. Of course, this means I've been on the prowl for the perfect Angry Birds birthday cake. And OH, have I found some cute ones!!

Here are some of my favs! I emailed the ones pictured below to the bakery in charge of whipping up our delicious cake and can't wait to see how it turns out!

Picture Source

And.... CHECK this out! How awesome?!

Oooooh, I can't WAIT to see how my son's turns out! I'll be sure to post pics! ;)

DIY Angry Birds Birthday Invitations

2011-10-19T23:42:00.000-05:00

Hello friends!

I've been absent from blogging for far too long (TWO months... YIKES!) and I think the best way to jump back in is to share this ADORABLE little craft with you!

My son turns six soon and he wants an Angry Birds birthday party. Well, although Angry Birds merchandise is popping up everywhere, the brand hasn't officially started marketing birthday party paraphernalia.

But, with the help of my good friend Google, I was able to ~~steal~~ find an awesome idea, which made for great invitations!

Meet helmet pig:

Picture Source

Did you just fall in love? I did! And I knew I had to make him mine! It's actually pretty simple, although if you plan on making 30 like I did, be prepared to spend some time.

Supplies:

Green, black, grey, white, and brown card stock
1/2 inch circle punch for eyes
5/8 inch circle punch for the nose holes
A "large circle" punch for the eyes (about 2 inches in diameter)
A "large oval" punch for the lip
Glue sticks
Blue ink pad
Green ink pad
Sponge
Foam adhesive stickers

We purchased all of our supplies at Michael's.

If you want to keep costs down, here's what I recommend:

Skip the expensive card stock for the whites and blacks and buy one poster board in each color. The use is so minimal on the finished project that no one will notice it's not card stock.
Skip the foam adhesive stickers. (We purchased these, but ended up deciding we liked the way the pigs looked without them.)
Borrow ~~or steal~~ the punch holes! They're pretty freaking pricey (between $4 to $15 each)! Ouch! We choked down the cost and justified it by saying, "Well, at least we'll have them for future projects." (Yea right.) But if you know someone who will lend you theirs, do it! Or, if you have some laying around that aren't the exact sizes I have listed above, don't sweat it. No one is going to notice if the black circles are 1/2 inch rather than 5/8 inch, trust me.
Gotta sponge in the garage? Got a Dollar General down the road? Great, you've just saved at least $4. Michael's sells theirs for about $5 each. It's a freaking sponge people. Ridiculous.
Don't have a sponge? Don't care to buy one? Great, skip the ink all together. No one will miss these minute details.
Instead of making a card that opens up with details on the inside, put the details on the helmet! You'll use half the green card stock this way!

Okay, so now that we're past all that... let's get down to business! I promise this is ridiculously easy. All it takes is time!

Click here to get the pattern. That's right... there's a pattern! BUT it will cost you about $5 to download IF you're not already a contributing member to Scribd. Contribute something, and you can download it and save it to your computer for free. OR, if you know someone SUPER AWESOME (ahem... ME) who already has the PDF downloaded, you can email HER through the email address conveniently located at the top of her blog and ask her if she'll email you the PDF. Something tells me that she'll gladly do that. But just for you, because she likes you. A lot.

Now here's all that's left:

Get to cutting! You'll use the pattern to cut out the helmet, straps, head, and nose. (If you choose to make a card that opens, you'll want to fold your card stock in half before cutting on the pattern.)
Get to punching! (Notice: the eyes, nose holes, and lip are NOT to size on the pattern. You'll use the punches for those. Easy peasy.)
Get to inking! If you choose to do this step, you'll lightly ink the outer rim of the pig's head, nose, and lip in green. You'll lightly ink the rim of the white eyes in blue. (You can also ink the helmet in white as shown above, but we tweaked ours a little so we skipped this step.)
Get to gluing! Everything is glued down with regular glue except for the helmet and the nose. Those are glued with the foam stickers to make them stick up, if you choose to use those.
Admire your awesome work.

Here's how ours turned out:

{The helmet looks crazy because I erased the address and date of the party,

as well as my phone number using photoshop in about 20 seconds.}

Rather than going by the pattern exactly and making invitations that opened up, I decided to put the details of the party on the helmet. (This also insures that when the invitations get displayed on the fridge, it's the front of the pig that's showing, rather than the inside. Haye, I didn't do all this hard work for nothin'!)

Ours obviously aren't as amazing as the one we modeled them from, but considering that 30 of them were made, I'm pretty impressed with myself. And, of course, I'm using this as one of my DIY projects on My 30 Before 30 List! Woohoohoo! (<--in my best Angry Birds impression)

Oh, and one more thing.... we purchased 6 x 9 envelopes from Walmart (about $3 for a pack of 25) to mail our invitations in. The pigs are about 6 x 6 when complete, which makes for a snug fit. My advice is to keep an envelope in front of you as you're gluing the helmet to the pig so that you can do a quick sight check to make sure you're not putting the helmet up so high that it won't fit into your envelopes. ;)

The party is quickly approaching, but I hope to have time to for one more Angry Birds project before then. If I get a chance to make it, I'll be sure to share! And of course I must say, thank you to all of my followers and readers who have stayed with me during my bloggy break. I really appreciate you all!

{Note: If you need some Angry Birds cake inspiration click here. Or, you can also see how my son's party and cake turned out by clicking here.}

Take Your 'Toy' & Shove It!

2011-08-20T20:06:00.000-05:00

Remember when you were a little kid and your mom would pull up to the drive-thru? It was always such a treat to see this...

Picture Source

And why was it such a treat? Well, sure the chicken nuggets rocked! But that wasn't why! It was for the toy.

Ah.... the toy.

It was always something you could play with... ya know, actually enjoy.

"I wonder which one I'll get this time, mom!"

A barbie?

A Hot Wheels Car?

Maybe Batman?

Or, possibly even The Lion King himself!

What has happened?! I mean, I know that the quality of the toys are never going to be as awesome as when we were kids, but even WITH lowered standards I find myself thinking.... what is THIS crap?!

I mean, my son actually got THIS as his kids meal toy a few days ago.

Picture Source

WHAT.IS.THIS?!

What can he do with THIS?!

My husband had to put it together (and did so only out of pure amusement). And of course my son had absolutely no interest in it.

The thing is made out of paper!! I've had paper CUTS that were more amusing to my child.

He doesn't even ask what toy he's going to get in his kids meals on the rare occasions we eat fast food. He doesn't care. There's ZERO expectation that it will be anything of interest to him.

It's sad honestly, and it's a little pathetic.

If companies aren't going to put a toy into the kids meal that will at least give the child some sort of entertainment, if only for 10 minutes then just don't put them in there! SPARE ME! I'm sick of picking the crap up out of the floorboard of my car because it's been immediately dismissed by my kid. Keep the "toy" and lower your prices.

AND SPARE THE ENVIRONMENT! I mean good GRIEF, everyone keeps blabbing about Green THIS and Green THAT and fast-food places are throwing cardboard "toys" into the millions of kids meals they pump out a day.

They're honestly more likely to make a kid of the 21st century happy by placing a tiny little message on the chicken-nugget box that says, "In lieu of giving you a piece of junk cardboard monstrosity and labeling it a "toy" we've donated 25 cents toward saving the rain forest!"

Until then, they can just take their TOYS and shove 'em!

Life with Maddox

2011-08-16T21:11:00.000-05:00

"Um, mom... I accidently spilled something.... on the ceiling."

"Girls, girls, you're both beautiful."

[Talking to my sister and me as we were having a disagreement.]

Maddox: "You're racing me [at Mario Kart.]

Me: No, because if I beat you, you'll get mad."

Maddox: "No, when I beat YOU, I'll laugh."

[He beat me.]

How Can This Be?!

2011-08-15T13:01:00.000-05:00

This little boy started kindergarten today.

My little man is growing up.

OUR SUPER FANTASTIC ANNOUNCEMENT!! :)

2011-08-09T16:20:00.002-05:00

Two months ago, I posted about the baby maybes. In that post I mentioned that I have health problems and that it's one of the reasons my husband and I haven't had a baby. But, I didn't mention the cause of those health problems or the severity of them. {Toward the end of this post, I'll give you the link to where you can find this information.}

So due to my health, needless to say, although my husband and I want a little one, we've decided (after speaking with specialist after specialist) that it's just not worth the risk that I carry. INSTEAD.... we've decided that we're going to adopt!!

Yes, THAT'S the big announcement. We're adopting!! YAY!! I am so, so excited!! We're going to have a baby!! :) Our goal is to begin our home study during the month of September. I cannot wait to begin the process.

Our problem now is finding creative ways to finance our adoption. Everyone knows that adoption isn't cheap, and we're estimating that our adoption will cost between $20,000 to $30,000 (OUCH) and while I finish school my husband (who's an active-duty military member) is our sole-income provider. But I will not let that big scary number stop us from having a baby!!

We'll be doing fund raisers, raffles, rummage sales, and tons of other stuff along the way to help us come up with the money we need to fund the adoption. We're also accepting donations.

Donations are being collected through our WePay site. (Hopefully within the next month, we'll be holding raffles there as well.) This WePay site I just set up tells our story and why we're choosing adoption, as well as allows individuals to donate. I hope that you'll consider visiting it to learn more about us.

So, this is where I need your help. In addition to visiting it yourself, PLEASE pass our WePay site along to others. Send it out through your email, post it on FB, "Like it," anything to get the word out about us. We need all the exposure we can get to make this dream come true.

I've also started another site, choosing-adoption.com. This will allow me to network with other adoptive moms and insure that my personal blog isn't all about adoption from here on out (and let's face it, it would be otherwise!) I will still be making "big announcements" regarding adoption here as well... duh! But, check out Choosing Adoption and pass it along as well! :)

Thank you SO MUCH for all of the past support you've shown me. It means the WORLD to me. I wouldn't be the woman, blogger, or mommy I am without all of the amazing people who continuously support me and cheer me on. So.... Operation Bring Home Baby begins NOW!!

{Whew, SO glad I could share that with all of you. I am not good at keeping my own secrets! Oh, and yay for babies!!}

--Update 01.25.2012: Unfortunately, right as we started searching for agencies something very personal happened which made us rethink whether pursing adoption at that time was best under the circumstances. It was upsetting to admit that our plans had to be put on hold, but that's life. We haven't abandoned our dream of adopting, and still hope that 2012 will be our year!--

AHH!! Where Have I Been?!

2011-08-08T00:46:00.000-05:00

I haven't blogged in like, 10 days. YIKES!!

There is a big reason why, but I can't share that with you just yet. :) The other reason is... well, I don't know why! I guess I've been in a bloggy funk.

So, I asked my son what I should write about. He said, "Well... just write about something funny. Maybe make a funny video or something that will crack them up... oh, and talk in an alien voice."

But, I'm pretty sure that none of you want to see what I look like right now (at almost one in the morning) and I'm certain I can't do an "alien voice" (despite Maddox's attempts to teach me how) so I'll pass on the video idea.

Instead, I'll ask a question.... Do any of you ever get in a bloggy funk? Maybe you can't think of anything to write about? Or, maybe you're just not interested in blogging that week?

I hope my spark for blogging will come back soon! After all, my poor blog has never been so neglected.

Back AWAY From the McFlurry aka One Small #Fail for Man; One Giant #Fail for Mankind

2011-07-28T03:11:00.002-05:00

So, I posted last Tuesday about this ridiculous diet that I was going to attempt.

I lasted five whole days (which I happen to be very proud of, thank you very much) before I gorged on popcorn while watching a movie about this boy named Harry Potter. You've probably never heard of it so I'll move on....

That #dietfail aside, I did manage to redeem myself and have done well. I've even lost 6 pounds. Holla!!

However, today.... I did something really bad.

But it's not totally my fault. In fact, I write this post as a warning. This is no joke people. You have every right to be alarmed. In fact, if you're not alarmed yet you better check your batteries because your no-freaking-way detector is obviously not working.

Now hold on to your love handles because you are in for a surprise.

You see, several months ago McDonald's did something ~~amazing~~ horrible. It combined two of my greatest weaknesses into one ~~delicious~~ disastrous temptation.

It took this...

Picture Source

and then it added a little of this....

Picture Source

to create THIS ~~masterpiece~~

Picture Source

Isn't she beautiful? Yea, I thought so too.

I should have known from the start there was a catch, that it was too good to be true. But alas, love is blind. So I ignored the signs that were right in front of my face all along.

I loved her like I've never loved before, even if only from a distance as I chugged my low-fat fresh fruit smoothies. But they could never be her. No, this had to stop! I had to have her... to make her my own!

So tonight I told my diet, "Diet, I need some space... some time to reflect on us. Don't worry, I'm not going to do anything crazy. I'm just gonna go hang out with my friends, I promise. You can trust me."

And being the amazing Diet that he is, he let me go. Deep down, I think he knew I wouldn't be faithful, but what could he say? He had to let me try things my own stubborn way.

So I left, and I grabbed the McFlurry. It was everything I'd been craving this past week. I was so happy.

That is, until I learned her deep, dark secret. One so shocking and heinous that I can never look at her the same again.

She contains almost 700 calories for a regular size!! SEVEN hundred!!

This is an actual photograph taken of ME at the exact moment I found out.

[Caution: Image may be disturbing to younger viewers.]

Picture Source

Okay, so maybe that's not the actual photo of me, but it's a pretty dang accurate depiction of how it all went down. Such a tragedy....

After the shock wore off I returned home to Diet. Needless to say he's upset that I cheated, but he forgives me and we're going to try to work things out. I'm going to try to be more faithful from now on and hopefully, over time, things will get easier.

Until then, well.... I'll always have the memory of her, at least for the next 3 months while I try to sweat her off at the gym. And, if I can save just one person from herself and the tasty, diet-destroying wrath of the Rolo McFlurry, then my job here is done.

**While you're here enter my current giveaway

for a chance to win $30 to spend on Frigidaire accessories!**

The Colors of a Car Wash

2011-07-20T13:20:00.001-05:00

**While you're here enter my current giveaway

for a chance to win $30 to spend on Frigidaire accessories!**

Foldable Flats for $8!! YAY!!

2011-07-18T19:55:00.000-05:00

I love a good deal and I try to share the ones that really make me happy when I get a chance. In fact, in May I shared my favorite sites to snag a deal. Eversave isn't listed in that post because I rarely use them, but today they are having a great online deal that I couldn't pass up.

FYI: This deal is good through Friday, July 22nd.

For $10 (or $8 if you use the code I'm about to give you) you'll get $20 to put toward a purchase of Clouds.

So, what are Clouds? Taken from their website, "Clouds are portable ballet flats that fold and fit in a small pouch. You can carry this pouch in your purse and have easy access to a comfortable and stylish solution when your feat hurt from wearing high heals."

I've heard of these but never owned a pair. But, I start a new clerkship next month and the walk from the parking lot downtown to the office will be about one block. It will be so nice to wear my Clouds during that walk everyday! (And of course, they'll be great to wear during the 30 minute commute as well.)

Here's the pair I've got my eye on, but they have several styles/colors...

Prices range from about $19 to $25. Shipping is only $3! So this deal will cover all (or almost all) of your purchase.

If you decide to purchase this deal, enter the code SHARE at checkout and you'll save an extra $2, meaning you'll get $20 toward Clouds for only $8. Holla!

Take Me To The Deal!!

**While you're here enter my current giveaway

for a chance to win $30 to spend on Frigidaire accessories!**

If I Seem Cranky Over the Next 30 Days, This is Why....

2011-07-18T17:29:00.001-05:00

Have you ever Googled weightloss or heard of programs that promise you'll lose like 800 pounds in a week if you do these simple little tricks?

Well, a few weeks ago my husband brought home a packet that he got from someone he works with who has apparently lost about 50 pounds in two months of following this thing. I'm always super skeptical of any of these diets and have thus, never even attempted one.

But my husband and I want to lose some weight and for the sake of curiosity, have decided that we're going to give it a try to see what happens.

The diet is four weeks long and is extremely strict. (From what I can tell, if it tastes good or if you've ever craved it in your LIFE, you cannot have it.) I'm going to follow this diet exactly (and trust me, this will be painful considering my love of chocolate) AND will be blogging about my progress to keep you ~~amused~~ informed.

So, here goes nothing! (HELP!)

The Diet: Week 1

Day 1

Breakfast: 1/2 orange or grapefruit AND one of the following: 1 or 2 boiled eggs OR 1/4 cup low-fat cheese OR 1/2 cup low-fat yogurt
Lunch: As much as you'd like of ONE of the following fruits: oranges, strawberries, pears, apples, plums, cantaloupe, watermelon
Dinner: Grilled meat (cut or ground) fat-free (no mutton or lamb due to high fat content)

Day 2

Breakfast: 1/2 orange or grapefruit AND one of the following: 1 or 2 boiled eggs OR 1/4 cup low-fat cheese OR 1/2 cup low-fat yogurt
Lunch: Grilled or boiled chicken (no skin)
Dinner: 2 boiled eggs OR 1/2 cup low-fat cheese OR 1/2 cup low-fat yogurt; green salad (which may include lettuce, tomato, green peppers carrots, cucumbers, but no dressing); 1 slice of dry toast or 1/4 pita; 1 orange OR grapefruit

Day 3

Breakfast: 1/2 orange or grapefruit AND one of the following: 1 or 2 boiled eggs OR 1/4 cup low-fat cheese OR 1/2 cup low-fat yogurt
Lunch: 1 tablespoon fat-free cheese; 1 piece of toast; tomato
Dinner: Grilled meat; green salad (which may include lettuce, tomato, green pepper, carrots, cucumber, but no dressing)

Day 4

Breakfast: 1/2 orange or grapefruit AND one of the following: 1 or 2 boiled eggs OR 1/4 cup low-fat cheese OR 1/2 cup low-fat yogurt
Lunch: As much as you'd like of ONE of the following fruits: oranges, strawberries, pears, apples, plums, cantaloupe, watermelon
Dinner: Grilled meat; green salad (which may include lettuce, tomato, green pepper, carrots, cucumber, but no dressing)

Day 5

Breakfast: 1/2 orange or grapefruit AND one of the following: 1 or 2 boiled eggs OR 1/4 cup low-fat cheese OR 1/2 cup low-fat yogurt
Lunch: 2 boiled eggs OR 1/2 cup low-fat cheese OR 1/2 cup low-fat yogurt; boiled vegetables (zucchini, squash, spinach, carrots, green beans, peas)
Dinner: Grilled shrimp OR fish, OR 1 can of tuna in water

Day 6

Breakfast: 1/2 orange or grapefruit AND one of the following: 1 or 2 boiled eggs OR 1/4 cup low-fat cheese OR 1/2 cup low-fat yogurt
Lunch: As much as you'd like of ONE of the following fruits: oranges, strawberries, pears, apples, plums, cantaloupe, watermelon
Dinner: Grilled meat; green salad (which may include lettuce, tomato, green pepper, carrots, cucumber, but no dressing)

Day 7

Breakfast: 1/2 orange or grapefruit AND one of the following: 1 or 2 boiled eggs OR 1/4 cup low-fat cheese OR 1/2 cup low-fat yogurt
Lunch: Grilled or boiled chicken (no skin); boiled vegetables (zucchini, squash, spinach, carrots, green beans, peas); 1 orange or grapefruit
Dinner: Boiled vegetables (zucchini, squash, spinach, carrots, green beans, peas)

I'll be updating soon.... probably from the bottom of a gallon of ice cream, crying with defeat. Wish me luck. ;)

**While you're here enter my current giveaway

for a chance to win $30 to spend on Frigidaire accessories!**

I Miss Her So Much

2011-07-13T23:39:00.001-05:00

On June 29, 2010 I lost my great grandmother.

I knew I'd miss her long before she left us, but I could never have guessed how much. Looking back I was crazy not to have realized how much of a hole she'd leave in me. After all, she was a part of every special memory in my life.

Every Easter I that I can ever remember was spent in her backyard.

Granny would sit on the porch and watch the children go wild.

Everyone would hunt eggs....

....and spend time with their cousins, aunts, uncles, and siblings.

Our last Easter together, she wasn't feeling well so I'm thankful to have snagged one photo with her.

Every Halloween we'd stop by to make sure she saw our costumes.

Every Thanksgiving, it was her house the whole family flocked to in order to fill up on turkey and dressing.

And every Christmas Eve, it was her tree that everyone always gathered around to pass out gifts.

She hadn't been herself months before she passed, but two days before she left us she gave us all one last special gift--the gift of her company.

She was very alert and ready to talk to everyone.

She even smiled. Oh, she smiled.

And she even gave us a hard time and all of us laughed.

I'm so thankful that she gave us one last day to soak her in. When I get too sad about her not being with me anymore it's these memories, and many more, that I try to focus on. I'm so blessed to have had a relationship with this strong-willed, opinionated woman that I often see in myself.

The day she passed was a very bad day, even though we knew it was coming. And this past year has been difficult for my family as we seek out a new way of coming together to celebrate without her. In many ways, she was our family's center of gravity and we've all been off balance since her passing.

But thankfully, she left a little bit of herself in each of us and that gives me the hope I need to know that no matter what, we'll get stronger everyday.

I miss you granny.

This post idea came from Mama Kat's Writing Workshop. Be sure to stop by there for creative inspiration!

**While you're here enter my current giveaway

for a chance to win $30 to spend on Frigidaire accessories!**

No One Tells You About THE MOMMY GUILT....

2011-07-11T22:37:00.001-05:00

Everyone loves to open their pie hole anytime they find out someone is expecting to share their opinions on how the mommy-to-be's life is about to change.

Ah.... how I love unwanted advice.

But ya know, out of all that unwanted advice I've ever received, not once did anyone mention the mommy guilt.

Oh.... the mommy guilt.

Every night I lay in bed and my mind turns on me:

You didn't play with Maddox enough today. Oh, and remember when he asked you to watch that movie with him yesterday and you said you would tomorrow? Well, you didn't do it. How much TV did he watch today? That was way too much. You should have been bonding with him during that time. And let me guess, you won't have time tomorrow because you need to study? Typical.

And it goes on... and on..... and on.....

I literally beat myself up mentally. Why did no one tell me this would happen?

And what's sad is that my baby is almost 6 years old. I keep thinking the mommy guilt will magically go away once he hits a certain age. It doesn't. In fact, I think the more time that passes, the easier it is for me to guilt myself.

For example, today I found myself planning the child's birthday party. Today. I repeat: I was doing this TODAY.

His birthday? The week of Halloween! When I stopped to think about how ridiculous I am for planning his birthday party so early this year, I realized that I do this every year.

And then I realized why I do it. It's because his third birthday happened a few months after I started law school. I was completely overwhelmed and busy and the time got away from me, so his third birthday party was extremely thrown together.

I felt horrible about it. Like.... OMG, I've just ruined my child's life horrible.

I still guilt myself for that. STILL. The child was three.... like he even remembers!

But MOMMY GUILT never forgets!!

At first I thought I was the only mom who constantly felt guilty, but every time I bring it up to other mothers they completely relate.

We have got to quit doing this to ourselves dang it.

I'm going to make a conscious effort to cut myself some slack in an attempt to calm the mommy guilt.

So tonight when I lay down (and any other time that I start beating myself up mentally with this mommy guilt nonsense) I'm going to repeat this to myself over and over again until I believe it:

I am only human. I am doing the best I can, and that is all I can do.

Do you have mommy guilt? If so, what helps you?

**While you're here, enter my current giveaway

for a chance to win $30 in Frigidaire accessories!!**

Walgreens Deal This Week on Old Spice

2011-07-10T22:52:00.001-05:00

{Week of 7/10 - 7/16}

The Deal:

Get $10 in Register Rewards when you buy $30 or more

of participating Gillette or Old Spice Products

{Sorry for the HORRIBLE pic quality...}

Items Purchased

(3) Old Spice Fresh Collection Deodorant @ $4.99
(3) Old Spice Fresh Collection Body Spray @ $4.99
(1) Old Spice Original Deodorant @ $2.99
Total Before Coupons: $32.93 + tax

Coupons Used

3 Manufacturer Coupons (MC) x Buy 1 Old Spice Fresh Collection Deodorant Get 1 Old Spice Body Spray Free [these coupons are located in the 7/3 Smart Source Newspaper Insert]
1 MC x $1.00 off two Old Spice Products [from 7/3 Smart Source]
$5.00 RR [from previous purchase]

Totals

Total Before Coupons: $35.89
Total Out of Pocket [after coupons]: $14.92
[Received $10 Register Reward (good toward next purchase)]
Overall Total: $4.92
Savings of: $30.97 (or 86.29%)

My hubby likes Old Spice products so he's happy to be stocked up!

**While you're here, enter my current giveaway
for a chance to win $30 in Frigidaire accessories!!**

So I'm a chick that doesn't cook.... sue me!!

2011-07-08T15:51:00.001-05:00

That's right. I don't cook. In fact, let's be real....

Picture Source

My husband does the cooking in this relationship.

And the way I see it, why mess with a good thing?

He likes to cook. He's a good cook. I like to eat. I'm a good eater.

It's a win/win!!

Me as a cook? Well.... let's just say I've managed to make even instant mashed potatoes inedible. (Sadly, that is NOT a joke.)

In fact, when others see me in the kitchen, it's a scary thing.... like they expect me to kill someone.

"Jackie, step away from the knife!!"

"But I'm just cooking.... ?"

"No one needs to get hurt..."

"It's lettuce. I'm chopping lettuce, see?"

"There's no need to get hostile!"

"But...."

"Set the knife down slowly..."

"I give up!"

But lately, I've been trying to become a more well-rounded person. Why? I don't know. I always feel the need to be able to do it all. And I have some free time.

So.... when no one was looking, I did something WILD.

I baked!!

And, then.... something even wilder happened.

People ATE it!!

I give you: banana-nut bread!

{Cue angelic music as the sky opens up

and sheds light down upon this MIRACLE!}

It's so beautiful, I almost cried.

Kinda like the day my son was born, I had this moment of, "I created this!?"

I was so afraid to taste it, to cut it. I thought once I did that THIS was going to happen...

But, I slowly cut it and then I ate it...

And am happy to report it was as good as it looks!

So, even though I'm not the cook in this house.... maybe I do have a few skills I didn't know about. And you might just see more of them in the future.

And even though I'd like to think this baking adventure was a success because I'm AMAZING, the recipe probably had a ~~lot~~ little something to do with it too. (You can find the recipe here.)

Just do me a favor if you end up making this and don't tell anyone I know that it really wasn't my awesomeness and that it really was the recipe, okay? Thanks.

**While you're here enter my current giveaway

for a chance to win $30 to spend on Frigidaire accessories!**

Congrats to THIS Winner of the Antique-Style Frame Giveaway

2011-07-07T10:47:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Chacoy for winning this giveaway!

So which frame in Nikki's Nifty's Etsy Shop did she choose?

This beautiful liquid gunmetal frame!

Don't you love it?

Picture Source

Thank you to Nikki for donating this awesome frame to our winner

and to everyone who entered, making my first giveaway a success!

Speaking of giveaways, my current giveaway for $30 to spend toward Frigidaire accessories has zero entries! (So sad!) Anyone want to change that?

And, did you know that Chacoy loves to host giveaways as well?! Check them out and then take a look around her wonderful blog by clicking here!

Thanks again to everyone for the support!

It means the world to me!

Giveaway: $30 to Spend on Frigidaire Accessories!!

2011-07-02T17:08:00.000-05:00

We all know and love Frigidaire, so I know you're going to love this!

Enter below to win $30 to be used toward any item

at the Frigidaire Accessory Website!

Frigidaire Accessory Division has tons of great items for your home

(including several under $30!)

So, what would you spend your $30 on if you won this giveaway?

Here are some of their items under $30 that I love!!!!

You can't have enough baking stones!!

Click here to be taken to this item!

Tell me you don't LOVE these and I'll call you a liar!

Click here to be taken to this item!

Cutting boards that aren't a bore to look at?

Yes please!

Click here to be taken to this item!

A drying rack that attaches to the dryer door

allowing you to dry shoes without all that clanking and noise!!

Why didn't I think of that?!

Click here to be taken to this item!

Just like everything else, grill covers need to be replaced too!

(And Frigidaire's are seriously on sale right now.)

Click here to be taken to this item!

I love my stainless steel appliances

as much as they love my son's fingerprints.

I could definitely use this cleaning kit!

Click here to be taken to this item!

Now that you know about my favorite items, here are the giveaway details!

THE GIVEAWAY

This giveaway will run from July 2nd, 2011 until August 2nd, 2011 at midnight (central time). The winner will receive one $30 coupon code (via email) to be used on any product available for purchase at the Frigidaire Accessory Website. Please note: the coupon code is not good toward tax/shipping.

HOW TO ENTER

[Mandatory Entry] Follow Mad Jackie using Google Connect. Leave one comment below stating that you do and telling me something you love about Frigidaire, whether it's a product in your home or an accessory on their website.
[Optional Entry] Follow @Mad_Jackie on Twitter. Leave a separate comment below stating that you do.
[Optional Entry] "Like" Mad Jackie's NEW Facebook Page. Leave a separate comment below stating that you do.
[Optional Entry -- Limit One Per Day] Tweet about this giveaway! [Be sure to mention @Mad_Jackie in your tweet.] Leave a separate comment below (one max per day) letting me know that about it.

Good Luck!!

The following is true of all my giveaways unless stated otherwise in the giveaway rules itself:

One winner will be randomly selected and contacted via email.

Winner will have 48 hours to respond or else risk forfeiting the prize.

If forfeiture occurs, another random winner will be contacted in the same manner subject to the same stipulations.

Note: I was not compensated in any way for hosting this giveaway.

What I Find Most Challenging About Blogging....

2011-06-30T12:28:00.002-05:00

What do I find most challenging about blogging? This is easy for me to answer, really.

.....just being myself....

In many ways, stepping into the blogging community in the year 2011 can be a lot like stepping into a new high school.

Everyone has their cliques, their groups, where they "belong."

Picture Source

"See her.... she's the cool girl."

"Her.... everyone LOVES her because she makes everyone laugh."

"Those girls, they're part of the group that only blogs about __________" [Fill in the blank: parenting, being a stay-at-home mom, deals, being crafty, and the list goes on and on.]

In many ways, everyone has their friends. They've carved out a place for themselves among them. And this can be intimidating to "the new girl" despite how kind I've found many individuals in the blogging community to be.

It's difficult to begin a blog, know your goals, and then to visit the blogs that have already obtained those goals (and way more).

"Oh, well her blog is extremely successful and she does this. Maybe I need to do that too if I want a successful blog."

"But she does that and everyone loves her blog. Maybe I should blog about that."

No, I just need to be myself. I need to blog about whatever I want to blog about, when I want to blog about it, and how I want to blog about it.

Sometimes my blog will be funny.

Sometimes it will be informative.

And sometimes, it may be ridiculous.

But that's me.

And ya know what?

Picture Source

So just know that what you get when you read this blog is me.

And I hope that what I get when I read your blog is YOU.

My advice for the newbies of the future? Don't worry about what others are doing. There's room for all of us.

And of course, whether in the real world or the bloggy world, never forget....

Picture Source

This post idea came from Mama Kat's Writing Workshop.

Be sure to stop by there for creative inspiration!

Great Deals at Walgreens on Dove & Toothpaste: Week of June 26th

2011-06-29T19:43:00.001-05:00

If you have the right coupons this week, Walgreens has some pretty good deals!

Deal #1

The Deal:
Participating Dove Products are on Sale 4/$15

Buy $15 worth and Receive a $5 Register Reward (RR)

Items Purchased:

(2) Men's Body + Face Wash @ $3.75
(1) Men's Deodorant @ $3.75
(1) Women's Deodorant @ $3.75
(1) Pack of Gum (filler item) @ $1.29
Total Before Coupons: $16.29

Coupons Used:

[All of these coupons were from the previous week's mail insert. Sorry I don't have the date! I'll try to be better with that from now on.]

1 MC x B1G1 Mens Body + Face
1 MC x $1 off body wash
1 MC x $2 off men's deodorant
1 MC x 75¢off women's deodorant
$3 RR from previous purchase

Totals:

Total Before Coupons: $16.29
Total Out of Pocket [after coupons]: $7.20
Received $5.00 Register Reward (good for next purchase)
Overall Total: $2.20
[Savings of $12.80]

Deal #2

I'd also like to pass along one other deal. Unfortunately, I didn't get to take advantage of this one because I waited too late and the product was sold out, (boo!) but hopefully someone will still be able to.

The Deal:

B1G1 Colgate Total Toothpaste (4.2oz)

Picture Source

The deal should look like this:

Items Purchased:

(2) Colgate Total Toothpaste (4.2oz) @ $2.79 [Price may vary]

Coupons Used:

(2) MC x $1 off any Colgate Total Toothpaste (size 4.0oz or larger) [from the 6/12 Smartsource Coupon insert]

Totals:

Total before Coupons: $2.79 (due to the B1G1 deal)
Overall Total (out of pocket): 79¢ for two!!

Dang it I wish I would have been able to buy this. Grr...

Just Follow The Sign....

2011-06-29T12:59:00.001-05:00

This is the magnet board that hangs on our fridge.

It was purchased with the intent of being useful, you know... a place to write last-minute phone numbers or items that need to be purchased at the grocery store.

But instead... it's turned into a place for nonsense.

And we like that around here.

How To Create a Facebook Page for your Blog & Import Your Posts

2011-06-28T00:11:00.005-05:00

Today I set out to create a Facebook Page for my blog and to import my blog posts onto my Page. Unfortunately, this was slightly more complicated than initially anticipated. But, after searching Facebook (and the internet) for a little while I was able to figure it out.

If you're interested in setting up a Facebook Page for your blog and/or having your posts imported never fear!

I'll walk you through it!

How to Set up a Facebook Page for Your Blog

1: Log out of your personal Facebook Account. This will take you to the home screen. Toward the very bottom, right below the green "sign up" button, click Create a Page.

2: Select Brand or Product.

3: Select Website and enter your blog name (which will be the name of your page). Select Get Started.

4: Then you'll be asked to create a Facebook account. If you have one already, simply enter your login information. If not, take a minute to create an account.

You'll then be directed to your new Facebook Page (yay!) where you can upload a picture, enter your basic information, etc. Your page is now officially set up.

Importing Your Blog Posts to Your Facebook Page

But now, it's time to add your blog to your page so that when you publish a new blog post, it's automatically updated on your Facebook page. (This was the part that made me want to pull my hair out. But now that I know how to do it, it won't be difficult to explain.)

1: Click Edit Info. (It's difficult to see, but it's directly under the words "Get Started.")

2: Now, on the left-hand side of the page, select Apps.

3: Under the Notes heading, select Go to App.

4: Then, on the left-hand side select Edit Import Settings.

5: Then enter your blog URL.

6: And confirm, and you're good to go! Your previous blog posts will begin importing. And from now on, your posts should automatically be uploaded to your Facebook page! YAY!!

{Edit on 12.01.11: It seems that sometimes Facebook is super fast about importing my posts and other times it takes it a bit. Nevertheless, looking back it does appear that they are all importing on their own. So, for me at least, the process explained here has been successful and it should be for you as well!}

{Edit on 01.17.12: For some reason my last few posts have not been automatically importing. I'm sure this has something to do with the fact that Facebook is--yet again--making changes (rolling out Timeline). I'll keep paying attention to see if this is a problem that's only temporary. Hopefully it is.}

Okay, so now is the part where I ask very nicely for you to LIKE My Facebook Page! Pretty pretty please, with sugar on top? I'll be your best friend!! :)

The Signs I'm Using to Determine Whether My Interview Goes Well

2011-06-24T00:53:00.003-05:00

In less than twelve hours something crazy happens.

It's good crazy, but crazy nonetheless.

I interview for a job... as an attorney! [Told you it was crazy!]

We all know that after an interview everyone always asks, "Well, how'd it go?"

I never know how to answer that. So to help me out, I've devised a list of possible scenarios that may take place tomorrow to help me rate my experience tomorrow as "good" or "bad."

This man is present conduct my interview = bad sign

Picture Source

This man is present to conduct my interview = good sign

[P.S. I've been a very good girl this year.]

Picture Source

Entering room to find pot of gold at the end of a rainbow = good sign

Picture Source

Entering interview room to find an angry leprechaun = bad sign

Picture Source

Being asked my opinion about current laws = good sign

Picture Source

Being asked whether I'm Team Jacob or Team Edward = bad sign

Picture Source

Being handed large sums of cash before leaving = good sign

Picture Source

Being handed trash to take out before leaving = bad sign

Picture Source

Now you know how I'll be determining how my interview goes,

so all that's left to do is wish me luck!!

Update: I didn't get this job. In fact, my interview was on a Friday afternoon and Monday I received my "thanks for interviewing but we've chosen someone else" letter in the mail. Now, I'm no expert on how the postal service works, but considering that I was told it'd be at least a week or two before a decision would be made, unless I accidently hibernated, I'm pretty sure that the interview was a waste of my time & that a previous applicant had been chosen during his/her interview prior to me interviewing. Fun stuff. :)

Mind Your Own Damn Business

2011-06-23T01:12:00.005-05:00

Ten things I wish I could say to strangers

when given unsolicited advice about my parenting skills....

Picture Source

1) Hmm.... I'd never even considered the fact that he may be sneezing because he's allergic to something. Wanna know what I'm allergic to? People who don't know how to mind their own damn business!

2) Maybe I do need to learn how to be more time efficient. Say, while you're at the store later multi-tasking, why don't you go ahead and pick me up a bag of mind your own damn business!

3) Thanks for the great idea! You know, I have a great idea too! What if.... stay with me now.... just what if.... you learned how to mind your own damn business!

4) You sure seem to know a lot about how to parent other people's children. But, you know what you don't know an awful lot about? Minding your own damn business.

5) You're right, I probably should teach him that. You know what someone should have taught you? How to mind your own damn business!

6) That's absolutely fantastic. You know what else would be fantastic? If you'd learn to mind your own damn business!

7) I'll get started on that right away. You just be sure to start right away on learning how to mind your own damn business!

8) Since you put it that way, maybe we should give him a sibling after all even though I must admit, he's never complained about being an only child. You know what he does complain about? People who don't mind their own damn business.

9) Well, why didn't I think of that? Geez, you're so smart. Maybe you can help me out with this other problem I'm having too... See, I'm having trouble getting you to mind your own damn business!

10) Oh, really? Well, I'll buy that book for him then since it taught your child how to read at age 2. Speaking of books, you know what book I've really come to enjoy? It's in the children's section and it's entitled Mind Your Own Damn Business!

Whew! Now, I don't know about you but I feel much better! ;)

This post idea came from Mama Kat's Writing Workshop. Be sure to stop by there for creative inspiration!

What Am I Gonna DO With This Child?!

2011-06-22T21:33:00.002-05:00

Here are a few memorable moments with Maddox, my silly five-year old,

that have taken place within the past 24 hours.

Maddox: [Talking to my husband.] "Will you make me some cereal?"
Me: "Oh, I'm sorry babe. I told him I'd make him a bowl and I forgot."
Maddox: "Yea, that's why I don't trust you."

Me: [While singing and dancing like an idiot.] "Drop it like it's hot... drop it like it's hot..."
Maddox: "If you don't move out of my way, I'm going to drop you like it's hot."

Maddox: "I don't want to eat dinner. I just ate."
Me: "If you're not hungry enough to finish everything that's fine, but you're sitting at the table. The important thing is that we sit around the table together and enjoy . . . ."
Maddox: "But, I'm on a diet!"

Kids!

The Available Parent [book review]

2011-06-21T01:02:00.001-05:00

Our children grow. They change. Suddenly, they're teenagers. The joyous conversations and similarities between the two of you that once appeared seemingly endless are now a distant memory. You may feel confused. After all, who is this kid? And where did my baby go?

We all know, either because we've raised or are raising teenagers, or because we were all at one time teenagers ourselves, that the teenage years are inevitable and that they bring about unique challenges for both the teen and the parent.

But what you may not know is that fostering a deep connection with your child during his or teenage years, one that will benefit him as he faces difficult decisions, is possible. It is possible to guide your teen through these tough years, to be available, without controlling him.

But how?

Dr. John Duffy addresses this simple, yet complex, question in his book: The Available Parent.

Dr. Duffy's book is broken up into three parts.

Part One: Your Teenager's Wild World The first part is designed to help you understand the whirlwind that is the mind of your teen and the reality of your teen's daily life.

Part Two: What Never Works After having a better understanding of the inner-workings of your teen, the second part discusses the many mistakes that (yes, even good-intentioned) parents make in a frantic attempt to help their changing child make the right decisions. This part also helps the reader understand why these attempts often prove to be more fatal than helpful.

Part Three: What Always Works Now that the reader is armed with the knowledge obtained during the first two parts of the book, the author explains the methods that need to be put into place in order to be effective in parenting today's teens--in order to be an available parent.

Dr. Duffy's methods are simple. His advice is practical. And his techniques are effective.

One of the beauties of this book is that its techniques can be applied at any stage. I have already begun using certain advice of this book with my five-year old (such as not to lecture or smother him).

Therefore, whether you (like myself) have a small child or have a tween or a teen, this book is one that will help prepare you for the road ahead and aide you in effectively parenting your child as he or she grows and changes while moving toward the teenage years.

No matter what age your child is, it's never too early (or too late) to be a non-judgmental ear, to be the person that builds up your child through encouraging words, actions, and expectations--to be available.

I highly recommend this book and its teachings to all parents.

Go ahead, "embrace fearless parenting." Learn how to "[m]inimize conflict and maximize satisfaction in your relationship with your child." And in doing so, learn how to "[r]emain available for your child through the teenage years and lay a foundation for a healthy, loving relationship."

To purchase this book (which is available in hardback and on Kindle) or to read more reviews, click here.

Note: The book featured in this post was provided to me at no cost by FSB Associates.

I was not compensated in any other way by this post and the opinions displayed are strictly my own and not influenced in anyway by the author or publisher.

I've Missed Couponing :)

2011-06-19T19:48:00.003-05:00

Two years ago, during my summer break from school, I started couponing to see what all the fuss was about.

Let me tell you, I freaking loved it. I thought it was so much fun!

But, because I stay so busy with school I haven't clipped a coupon since the summer of 2009. However, since I'm not working this summer and am only taking evening classes I decided to pick it back up again.

For me, it's a really neat hobby. I am always looking for deals and to try new products so if I can do that without breaking the bank, I'm thrilled. Plus, it makes me feel like I'm somehow "contributing" to the income around here even though I'm still in school.

Just like the last time I couponed, I'm not sure how long I can keep it up considering that once the fall semester rolls around, by my calculation, I will be spending a minimum of 68 hours a week either clerking at the firm, sitting in class, or studying. :( But, I promise to enjoy it while it lasts!

Today we were out and about so I made my first coupon trips in two years and thought I'd share my deals.

Walgreens #1

The G-Fit Series is on sale this week at Walgreens so I picked them up for the hubs. :)

Items Purchased: Prime 01: $1.50; Perform 02: $1.00; Recover 03: $2.25

No Coupons

Total out of pocket: $5.25

Received a $5 mail-in-rebate

Overall Total: 25¢

[Savings of $5]

Walgreens #2

Walgreens' deal this week:

Buy $10 worth of Suave Products and Receive a $3 Register Reward

Items Purchased: 4 Suave Body Washes @ $2/each + 1 Suave Deodorant @ $2

Total Before Coupons = $10.90

Used 3 Manufacturer Coupons: 2 x Buy 1 Get 1 Free Body Wash + 1 x 50¢ off Deodorant

Total Out of Pocket = $4.40

Received $3 Register Reward (good for next purchase)

Overall Total: $1.40

[Savings of $9.50]

Target

Items Purchased: 2 @ $3.64 each

2 MC Used: 1 x Buy 1 Get 1 Free + 1 x 75¢ off

Overall Total: $3.49

[Savings of $4.39]

Today's Totals

Purchase Price (before coupons): $24.01

Out of Pocket: $10.14

Rebates & RRs: $8.00

Total Spent - Rebates & RR = $5.87

Savings of: $18.14 (or 75.56%)

Not too bad considering I'm very rusty!

Through Sat 6/18: Free 8x10 Collage Print From Walgreens!

2011-06-17T01:06:00.001-05:00

Don't you just love free stuff? I know I do!!

Now through Saturday, June 18th, you can receive a free 8x10 collage from Walgreens!

Picture Source

Here's how:

Click here and follow the steps to create a free account (if you don't already have one), upload your photos, and order your collage.

Upon checkout enter the code 1FREEBIE. Select in-store pickup & you've got yourself a free 8x10 collage. [If you elect to have your collage shipped, postage charges may apply.]

What will you use your freebie on?

I haven't ordered my free collage yet because I'm trying to decide what photos I'd like to include.

I'm considering using the ones I took of my son on his 5th birthday. We'd rented a private plane to fly around the city in for a few hours.

Here are some of my favorite shots from that day of him being silly that just might end up in my collage:

[Note: I wasn't compensated in anyway for this post.]

Ever Bribe Your Kids? I do!

2011-06-16T19:11:00.002-05:00

My child is smart.

No really, he is. I know he is. How? Mostly because he's a smart ass.

And only someone with a high amount of intelligence can be that quick on his toes at age 5. Well, and I have other reasons too I suppose.... like the fact that he knows the downtown area better than I do (sadly, I'm not joking) and that his spatial reasoning and ability blows mine out of the water (again, not joking).

But he won't perform.

You know what I'm talking about.... The children that randomly come find you at the grocery store, asks you what your name is, and then proceed to tell you that they're 4 years old and everything else they know.

Yea, that's not my kid.

In fact, even when we're at home by ourselves I have a hard time pulling information out of him that I know he has to know.

It's getting better as he gets older, but honestly when he was 4 and his teachers told me he could count to 100 I about fell out in the floor. MY child?! Seriously? I don't think I'd ever heard him count past 10.

He's five and finally a few months ago I heard him sing the alphabet for the first time. I've known he was capable of doing it for a long time. After all, the child's been writing his damn name for almost two years. He'll even "accidently" slip up in front of me occasionally and admit that he recognizes that a certain letter is a lowercase "L," etc. "Ah-HA! You ARE smart!"

I don't know if this is because he's a boy, or WHAT but it makes parenting a little scary. Fortunately, he doesn't act like this at school so I have confidence that he'll do well when he begins kindergarten in August. And again, it's getting better.

Well, a few months ago I realized that I'd never worked with him on learning my phone number. And in order to get him to ADMIT to me that he knew what it was (and to recite it on command) I knew I was going to have to bribe him.

So I did what any good parent would do.... I bribed him.

And it was the mother of all bribes. "If you'll memorize my phone number, I'll take you to Toys R Us and let you buy anything that you want."

Yes, you'd be correct if you assumed the following two things from the previous statement. 1) It was important to me that I be absolutely certain that he KNOWS my phone number by heart in case of emergencies. 2) My kid is that unwilling to perform on command otherwise.

So, overnight he had my phone number memorized. (Imagine that!) But, to make sure that he really, really had it memorized... that it was permanently stored in his brain, I've made him recite it a few times a week over the past few months. Let's just say I have no doubt in my mind that he definitely knows it. (Whew!)

Well last night, the time finally came for me to live up to my end of the bargain. Thankfully, the damage was only $50. (We all know it easily could have been 10x that.)

What'd he buy?

Picture Source

Fun for the whole family! It was a win. :)

I got what I wanted (the peace of mind knowing my stubborn child, without a doubt, knows my phone number in case of an emergency) and it only cost me $50.

Plus, I picked a little something up for me while I was there too.

Picture Source

Nothing like reliving your childhood, huh? ;)

So yea, I bribed my child. Yea, I'm sure you're "not supposed to do that." But let me tell you... it was worth every penny!

Have you ever bribed your kids? Do share.