Friday, June 06, 2008
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Corn Bread
I have written about my search for the perfect cornbread before. I have tried many, many recipes and never been happy with the results.
It occurred to me today to think about all of the cornbread I REALLY liked and see if I could find the recipe. Well, as bad as it is, the corn bread I really like comes from Boston Market. So I Googled it and came up with a recipe clone that I think I will be making tonight after Nate goes to sleep. Here it is:
It occurred to me today to think about all of the cornbread I REALLY liked and see if I could find the recipe. Well, as bad as it is, the corn bread I really like comes from Boston Market. So I Googled it and came up with a recipe clone that I think I will be making tonight after Nate goes to sleep. Here it is:
Ingredients
- 2 (8 1/2 ounce) boxes Jiffy corn muffin mix
- 1 (18 ounce) box butter recipe cake mix
- 5 egg
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 15 oz can of creamed corn
- Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
- Pour into greased cupcake pans or mini loaf pans.
- Bake 30 minutes or until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly in the pan (until pulls away from side a bit).
- Remove from pan and serve warm.
Frugality and Health
There are many frugal habits that turn out to be very good for your health as well. Cooking from scratch for instance is usually healthier than eating pre-packaged foods and, as we all know, generally a frugal endeavour. Right now I am wondering about taking frugality too far, when is being frugal actually bad for you?
For instance, I wash and reuse plastic bags unless they contained meat or cheese, in which case they get throw out after one use. But Now I am beginning to wonder how many washes before a bag is kaput? Same thing for plastic water bottles? How many times can you wash and reuse these things before you begin to breakdown the plastic and it leaches into the food or beverage?
If anyone knows the answer I wold be grateful to hear it.
For instance, I wash and reuse plastic bags unless they contained meat or cheese, in which case they get throw out after one use. But Now I am beginning to wonder how many washes before a bag is kaput? Same thing for plastic water bottles? How many times can you wash and reuse these things before you begin to breakdown the plastic and it leaches into the food or beverage?
If anyone knows the answer I wold be grateful to hear it.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
My Painter's Roses
I am not a gardener, in fact, I am not a huge fan of dirt unless it is i some way attached to a horse, so I take absolutely ZERO credit for these roses, they came with the house. That being said I am one who appreciates people who garden like the previous owners of this house.
Produce Outlet
I have blogged about going to the Produce Outlet before, and even though I know they have the best produce prices I do not always go there becasue it is out of the way and it is easier to buy my produce at the supermarket with the rest of our food. However, in an effort to combat rising food prices I am going to make a more concerted effort to buy our produce there. Today, for $14.50 I got:
-- 6 pounds of carrots
-- 2 avocado
-- 1 pint of grape tomatoes
-- 3 pounds of apples
-- 1 pound of lemons
-- 1 pound of limes
-- 1 pineapple
-- 2 pounds of zucchini
The carrots were 6 pounds for $2.50 my market sells 5 pounds of carrots for $3.50, so I saved $1.00 there and got an extra pound. grape tomatoes were $1.50 a pint where are my supermarket sells them for $2.50 a pint on sale. The pineapple was $2.00 and they are at least $5.00 at the supermarket. The last time I looked at lemons they were $.79 each, so I definitely saved there. Off the top of my head I don;t know what the supermarket sells the other items for but I know there was money saved.
I would urge you to investigate if there is a produce outlet (Produce Junction) in your neighborhood!
-- 6 pounds of carrots
-- 2 avocado
-- 1 pint of grape tomatoes
-- 3 pounds of apples
-- 1 pound of lemons
-- 1 pound of limes
-- 1 pineapple
-- 2 pounds of zucchini
The carrots were 6 pounds for $2.50 my market sells 5 pounds of carrots for $3.50, so I saved $1.00 there and got an extra pound. grape tomatoes were $1.50 a pint where are my supermarket sells them for $2.50 a pint on sale. The pineapple was $2.00 and they are at least $5.00 at the supermarket. The last time I looked at lemons they were $.79 each, so I definitely saved there. Off the top of my head I don;t know what the supermarket sells the other items for but I know there was money saved.
I would urge you to investigate if there is a produce outlet (Produce Junction) in your neighborhood!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Ditching Disposables
I have been thinking a lot lately about all of the disposable products we use everyday. Things like paper napkins and paper plates are things that you don't usually spend too much time thinking about, but with gas at $4 + a gallon and food prices going up I thought it was time to reevaluate the type of things that we (literally) throw our money away on.
Disposal products you will find in my house currently:
1. Paper Napkins
2. Paper Plates
3. Small Paper Bathroom Cups
4. Tissues
5. Toilet Paper
6. Paper Towels
We are currently experimenting with cloth napkins and so far it is going well. I am not doing extra laundry and we have not run out of cloth, so I think I can say that we have eliminated #1.
We have 12 place settings of our everyday dishes and we run the dishwasher about 2x a week. Unless we are having a party or a BBQ there is no need to keep paper plates on hand at all times, so I think we can eliminate #2.
#3 is a sticking point for me. It just seems to be more hygienic, but I am the only one who uses a cup in the bathroom so I would only be sharing my germs with myself. I think #3 can go.
I am not getting rid of #4 and #5. I know that there are handkerchiefs, but this is a hygiene issue and tissues and TP are here to stay in my house.
#6 I deem a necessity. We have a baby and 2 large dogs in our house. All of which occasionally make messes I would not want to clean up with anything reusable. For anyone who has has to clean poop off of a carpet you understand completely.
So that means that we can stop buying 3 of the 6 disposable products we currently use with little to no impact to our daily lives. This means less money thrown away and also less impact on the environment (I hope).
What disposable products can you not live without? What have you eliminated from your lives and why?
Disposal products you will find in my house currently:
1. Paper Napkins
2. Paper Plates
3. Small Paper Bathroom Cups
4. Tissues
5. Toilet Paper
6. Paper Towels
We are currently experimenting with cloth napkins and so far it is going well. I am not doing extra laundry and we have not run out of cloth, so I think I can say that we have eliminated #1.
We have 12 place settings of our everyday dishes and we run the dishwasher about 2x a week. Unless we are having a party or a BBQ there is no need to keep paper plates on hand at all times, so I think we can eliminate #2.
#3 is a sticking point for me. It just seems to be more hygienic, but I am the only one who uses a cup in the bathroom so I would only be sharing my germs with myself. I think #3 can go.
I am not getting rid of #4 and #5. I know that there are handkerchiefs, but this is a hygiene issue and tissues and TP are here to stay in my house.
#6 I deem a necessity. We have a baby and 2 large dogs in our house. All of which occasionally make messes I would not want to clean up with anything reusable. For anyone who has has to clean poop off of a carpet you understand completely.
So that means that we can stop buying 3 of the 6 disposable products we currently use with little to no impact to our daily lives. This means less money thrown away and also less impact on the environment (I hope).
What disposable products can you not live without? What have you eliminated from your lives and why?
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
BPA Free Bottles
So this is the hot topic is babyhood these days, what bottles are BPA free and where can you find them. Since I am nursing Nate I don't have a stockpile of bottles and really haven't been worrying about this, I'm certainly not throwing out my perfectly good and fairly expensive Dr. Brown's bottles although I did return some that weren't open yet and decided that if I were going to buy anymore bottles I would buy glass or the BPA free plastic ones. Although around here Dr. Brown's glass and BPA free bottles are really hard to find, so I was kind of stuck.
Maybe this is old news to everyone else but I am just finding out about this. Dr. Brown's will replace your old bottles with BPA free ones (up to 3) if you send them the UPC from the box.
Safe Mama has the whole story and the address to send the codes in order to get the replacement bottles.
Maybe this is old news to everyone else but I am just finding out about this. Dr. Brown's will replace your old bottles with BPA free ones (up to 3) if you send them the UPC from the box.
Safe Mama has the whole story and the address to send the codes in order to get the replacement bottles.
First Day Back
So today is my first day back to work. I was a little teary when I dropped Nate off at my mom's this morning, but it isn't really as bad as I thought it would be.
my co-workers seem excited to have me back (which is a nice little ego boost) and had pics of Nate all over the library along with flowers and food in the staff lounge.
Pumping in my office is not so much fun but a necessary evil as Nate is EBF (exclusively breast fed). No formula for my kiddo! I did go to my mom's house to feed him on my lunch hour and that worked out rather well. He was happy to see me and that little smile makes everything better.
Update: My mom just called to say that Nate pooped all over every stitch of clothing he had on... maybe this work thing isn't so bad after all.
my co-workers seem excited to have me back (which is a nice little ego boost) and had pics of Nate all over the library along with flowers and food in the staff lounge.
Pumping in my office is not so much fun but a necessary evil as Nate is EBF (exclusively breast fed). No formula for my kiddo! I did go to my mom's house to feed him on my lunch hour and that worked out rather well. He was happy to see me and that little smile makes everything better.
Update: My mom just called to say that Nate pooped all over every stitch of clothing he had on... maybe this work thing isn't so bad after all.
Monday, May 19, 2008
The End...
Today is the last day of my maternity leave, I start back to work tomorrow. I am trying today to get as much baby lovin' as possible... regular blogging will begin tomorrow I promise.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
First Mother's Day Present
My mother's day present from hubby and Nate which will be arriving tomorrow... Am I one lucky mommy or what?
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
New Wreath
I cannot claim the idea as my own, but all of the ribbons on this "horse show ribbon wreath" are mine from years of competitive horseback riding.
I didn't make this wreath to show off I put it together to brighten up my front door and to re-purpose an otherwise useless item.
I didn't make this wreath to show off I put it together to brighten up my front door and to re-purpose an otherwise useless item.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
My New Daily Schedule...
Last summer I posted a blow by blow account of what my usual day is like. Things have changed quite a bit and I thought it might be fun to compare...
Before:
-- Alarm goes off at 7:15, snooze until 7:30 get up. Make bed.
-- Shower, brush teeth, throw up (when will this end), re-brush teeth, get dressed, put on make up, twist hair into French twist.
-- Pack up yoga clothes
-- Put away clothes that were dried and taken down the night before. Thanks hubby for bringing the laundry basket upstairs.
-- Head downstairs and open curtains.
-- Head to the kitchen to make breakfast and get lunch together.
-- Let dogs outside. Hear a lot of barking and see raised hackles, go outside to see what is going on. See that dogs have cornered a raccoon in the back of the yard, try to get the dogs inside so that we don't have to go to the emergency vet again. Luckily the little dog listens and goes inside. The raccoon scampers off but the big dog is not deterred. I lure him away from the back of the yard with the leash and the promise of a treat. I get the leash on him and bring him inside.
-- Once both dogs are inside I can get back to breakfast and lunch. Dogs are throttling themselves against the sliding glass door to get back outside. It ain't gonna happen boys!
-- Gather up lunch items: Chicken noodle soup, grapes, dried apricots, and animal crackers. Toast bagel for breakfast, spread with peanut butter (more protein than butter).
-- Put up baby gates to contain big dog, put the little dog in his crate, give everyone a treat and then head out the door. Eat bagel in the car with ever present ginger ale while driving to work.
-- Decide I need coffee. Stop at Wawa to get said coffee with milk and sugar.
-- 8:45 - 4:30 WORK
-- After work head to Goodwill to see if they have any good maternity clothe, baby clothes, books, or anything that could be used as a gift. I end up with an armful of books for me and the baby. I will post picks later.
-- After Goodwill I head to my parents house to visit with them and kill time before yoga begins.
-- at 5:50 I head of to the yoga studio for my prenatal yoga class.
-- 7:45 leave yoga studio and head home. I'm home by about 8:10.
-- Greet hubby and the dogs. Put my bags away and lunch containers in the sink. Eat dinner (a bowl of shredded spoonfuls and soy milk) ok 2 bowls of shredded spoonfuls with soy milk. Read my mail.
-- Put dinner dishes in the dishwasher which is full and needs to be run. Add dishwasher detergent and start dishwasher.
-- Hubby and I head to the family room with the dogs to catch up on Rescue Me on DVR.
-- Watch the episode we missed and 3/4 of the new episode before heading upstairs to bed.
-- Brush teeth, remove makeup, wash face, get in bed with body pillow @ 11:00.
-- hubby and the dogs come up a few minute later.
-- I am asleep immediately.
Now:
-- Wake up when baby wakes up, today it was 7:45
-- Change diaper
-- Nurse baby
-- Change baby out of PJs and into clothes
-- Pump (breastmilk) while baby plays on bed
-- Shower while baby naps in bouncy seat
-- Get dressed while baby naps
-- Eat breakfast while checking email and blogging
-- Baby wakes up.
-- Feed baby, change diaper
-- Run errands (if there are any) or clean
-- Eat lunch
-- Feed baby
-- Change diaper
-- Hopefully baby takes a nap. If not entertain baby
-- Feed baby
-- change diaper
-- Feed Dogs
-- Eat Dinner
-- Bath baby
-- Put baby in PJs
-- Feed baby
-- change diaper
-- Put baby to bed
-- Collapse
Before:
-- Alarm goes off at 7:15, snooze until 7:30 get up. Make bed.
-- Shower, brush teeth, throw up (when will this end), re-brush teeth, get dressed, put on make up, twist hair into French twist.
-- Pack up yoga clothes
-- Put away clothes that were dried and taken down the night before. Thanks hubby for bringing the laundry basket upstairs.
-- Head downstairs and open curtains.
-- Head to the kitchen to make breakfast and get lunch together.
-- Let dogs outside. Hear a lot of barking and see raised hackles, go outside to see what is going on. See that dogs have cornered a raccoon in the back of the yard, try to get the dogs inside so that we don't have to go to the emergency vet again. Luckily the little dog listens and goes inside. The raccoon scampers off but the big dog is not deterred. I lure him away from the back of the yard with the leash and the promise of a treat. I get the leash on him and bring him inside.
-- Once both dogs are inside I can get back to breakfast and lunch. Dogs are throttling themselves against the sliding glass door to get back outside. It ain't gonna happen boys!
-- Gather up lunch items: Chicken noodle soup, grapes, dried apricots, and animal crackers. Toast bagel for breakfast, spread with peanut butter (more protein than butter).
-- Put up baby gates to contain big dog, put the little dog in his crate, give everyone a treat and then head out the door. Eat bagel in the car with ever present ginger ale while driving to work.
-- Decide I need coffee. Stop at Wawa to get said coffee with milk and sugar.
-- 8:45 - 4:30 WORK
-- After work head to Goodwill to see if they have any good maternity clothe, baby clothes, books, or anything that could be used as a gift. I end up with an armful of books for me and the baby. I will post picks later.
-- After Goodwill I head to my parents house to visit with them and kill time before yoga begins.
-- at 5:50 I head of to the yoga studio for my prenatal yoga class.
-- 7:45 leave yoga studio and head home. I'm home by about 8:10.
-- Greet hubby and the dogs. Put my bags away and lunch containers in the sink. Eat dinner (a bowl of shredded spoonfuls and soy milk) ok 2 bowls of shredded spoonfuls with soy milk. Read my mail.
-- Put dinner dishes in the dishwasher which is full and needs to be run. Add dishwasher detergent and start dishwasher.
-- Hubby and I head to the family room with the dogs to catch up on Rescue Me on DVR.
-- Watch the episode we missed and 3/4 of the new episode before heading upstairs to bed.
-- Brush teeth, remove makeup, wash face, get in bed with body pillow @ 11:00.
-- hubby and the dogs come up a few minute later.
-- I am asleep immediately.
Now:
-- Wake up when baby wakes up, today it was 7:45
-- Change diaper
-- Nurse baby
-- Change baby out of PJs and into clothes
-- Pump (breastmilk) while baby plays on bed
-- Shower while baby naps in bouncy seat
-- Get dressed while baby naps
-- Eat breakfast while checking email and blogging
-- Baby wakes up.
-- Feed baby, change diaper
-- Run errands (if there are any) or clean
-- Eat lunch
-- Feed baby
-- Change diaper
-- Hopefully baby takes a nap. If not entertain baby
-- Feed baby
-- change diaper
-- Feed Dogs
-- Eat Dinner
-- Bath baby
-- Put baby in PJs
-- Feed baby
-- change diaper
-- Put baby to bed
-- Collapse
Monday, April 21, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Washington CapitalsFans -- Boo Hiss
Last Sunday the Hubby and some friends went to see the Philadelphia Flyers play the Washington Capitals in Washington. Since this is playoff hockey hubby was very excited and decked head-to-toe in Flyers gear including a cat in the hat type hat. You can see him here in this video (second video from the top) posted on Hockeybuzz.com.
After the Flyers smoked the Capitals (Lets Go Flyers!) some capitals fans decided they were drunk enough and pissed off enough the attack some Flyers fans in a stairwell. Well, my hubby was one of those fans and sustained a broken nose, a bruised lip, bruised temple, two blacken eyes, and assorted other cuts, scapes and bruises.
Way to support the home team Caps fans... random acts of violence.
To the Caps fan/s who perpetrated this act I say Boo... Hiss...
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Fuzzi Bunz For Sale
I have four (4) size SMALL Fuzzi Bunz diapers which are brand new and never been worn that I am looking to sell.
They are all in the "Day at the Zoo" print which is very cute.
Each comes with two (2) microfiber inserts. I am asking $15.00 each.
If you are interested email me at diaperwolf@gmail.com
They are all in the "Day at the Zoo" print which is very cute.
Each comes with two (2) microfiber inserts. I am asking $15.00 each.
If you are interested email me at diaperwolf@gmail.com
They're Baaaaaaack...
My wedding rings are back... on my finger... where they belong. [For the epic saga of how they got off my finger in the first place, read this]. Ever since I got home from the hospital I have been trying to get those suckers back on my chubby little finger. It didn't work until yesterday. I was very excited to be able to leave the house LOOKING like a married woman and not like some poor unwed mother to be pitied by strangers (I used to get the strangest looks from nosy people).
YEAH!
YEAH!
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
7 Random Things
I was tagged by Lisa to share 7 random facts about myself,so here goes...
1. I have seen the movie Gone with the Wind 47 times and counting. When I get to 100, I will stop.
2. I would much rather cook and eat at home than go out to eat at any type of restaurant.
3. I am reluctant to put my favorite childhood toy (a stuffed dog named "Drooper") into a space bag for fear that he wouldn't be able to breath.
4. My favorite city in all the world is Annapolis, MD. With London coming a close second.
5. I have driven 2 + hours for a bowl of soup (She-Crab soup, and it was worth it)
6. Hubby and I had Marge and Homer Simpson on top pf our wedding cake.
7. I am obsessed with pearls of every shape, size, and color.
Here are the rules:
1. Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog. Some random, some weird.
3. Tag up to 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names.
4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
1. I have seen the movie Gone with the Wind 47 times and counting. When I get to 100, I will stop.
2. I would much rather cook and eat at home than go out to eat at any type of restaurant.
3. I am reluctant to put my favorite childhood toy (a stuffed dog named "Drooper") into a space bag for fear that he wouldn't be able to breath.
4. My favorite city in all the world is Annapolis, MD. With London coming a close second.
5. I have driven 2 + hours for a bowl of soup (She-Crab soup, and it was worth it)
6. Hubby and I had Marge and Homer Simpson on top pf our wedding cake.
7. I am obsessed with pearls of every shape, size, and color.
Here are the rules:
1. Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog. Some random, some weird.
3. Tag up to 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names.
4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
Monday, April 07, 2008
New Diaper Bag
When Vera Bradley is 40% and 50% off I take notice! The Hallmark store around the corner from me was have a sale on Vera's retirin colors, so I seized the opportunity to get myself a new diaperbag, one that I can put over the handles of my stroller or wear across my body. This messenger bag fit the bill perfectly!
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Free at Last... Free at last...
...From the shackles of maternity jeans!
For the first time since May of 2007
I am wearing my regular (pre-pregnancy) jeans!
YEEEEE-HAW!!!!!
For the first time since May of 2007
I am wearing my regular (pre-pregnancy) jeans!
YEEEEE-HAW!!!!!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Grocery Outlet
I had heard Meredith talk about salvage grocery stores but have never encountered one before. I even went looking to e if they are in this area, hidden gems waiting to be discovered, but alas they are not.
What I have discovered is that we have something just as good, or maybe even better. We have a grocery outlet! Amelia's Grocery Outlet sells grocery overstocks from NAME BRAND manufacturers at truly rock bottom prices. I went for the first time yesterday and walked out with a cart full of name brands like Tropicana, Jenny-O, Pillsbury, Cascadia Farms, Ore-Ida, Betty Crocker for$44.00. They had a HUGE selection of organic food which really impressed me.
Although it appears that Amelia's is a local chain, I am sure that they are not the only chain out there, so it is worth looking around to see if there is one in your area.
What I have discovered is that we have something just as good, or maybe even better. We have a grocery outlet! Amelia's Grocery Outlet sells grocery overstocks from NAME BRAND manufacturers at truly rock bottom prices. I went for the first time yesterday and walked out with a cart full of name brands like Tropicana, Jenny-O, Pillsbury, Cascadia Farms, Ore-Ida, Betty Crocker for$44.00. They had a HUGE selection of organic food which really impressed me.
Although it appears that Amelia's is a local chain, I am sure that they are not the only chain out there, so it is worth looking around to see if there is one in your area.
Hot Damn and Hallelujah!
Well, I stepped on the scale this morning and discovered that I have lost ALL of my baby weight plus 1 pound! Not bad for 8 weeks.
Now I can use the rest of my "9 months to lose it" (as in "It took 9 months to gain it. It will take 9 months to lose it) to shed some more of the weight that crept on before I got pregnant.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Yellow Flowers, Red Vase
Daffodils: $1.39Vase: $1.99 (Goodwill)
Cheery colors on a gray and rainy day: Priceless
Sunday, March 16, 2008
An Open Letter to the Medela Corporation
To Whom it May Concern:
Thank you for making such wonderful breastfeeding products! Before I had an infant I assumed that boob + baby = breastfeeding success. Once the baby arrived I quickly realized that it is not that easy for everyone and sometimes assistance and intervention is needed. The 24mm silicone contact nipple shield was a lifesaver for me and my son. Not only did it allow a baby with a poor latch to latch on to a mother with flat nipples, it saved me a great deal of pain and discomfort that often accompany those first few days of breastfeeding.
Since I use this nipple shield with every feeding and wash it after every feeding I know and can vouch for the durability of your product.
And, just in case anyone should ask. The 24mm silicone contact nipple shield can go through the entire intestinal tract of a 2 year old Labrador retriever and come out the other end unscathed. Bravo!
Thank you for making such wonderful breastfeeding products! Before I had an infant I assumed that boob + baby = breastfeeding success. Once the baby arrived I quickly realized that it is not that easy for everyone and sometimes assistance and intervention is needed. The 24mm silicone contact nipple shield was a lifesaver for me and my son. Not only did it allow a baby with a poor latch to latch on to a mother with flat nipples, it saved me a great deal of pain and discomfort that often accompany those first few days of breastfeeding.
Since I use this nipple shield with every feeding and wash it after every feeding I know and can vouch for the durability of your product.
And, just in case anyone should ask. The 24mm silicone contact nipple shield can go through the entire intestinal tract of a 2 year old Labrador retriever and come out the other end unscathed. Bravo!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
More Firsts...
My dad stopped by this morning and offered to watch the baby if I needed to run out for anything. it just so happened that I needed to go to the bank and the post office so I took him up on his offer.
Running errands alone (for a grand total of 15 minutes tops) never felt so glamorous.
I am also going to attempt to bake today. Don't get too excited they are only blueberry muffins, from a mix, but they do involve opening a can of blueberries and a packet of struesel topping.
I'll let you know how it goes.
Running errands alone (for a grand total of 15 minutes tops) never felt so glamorous.
I am also going to attempt to bake today. Don't get too excited they are only blueberry muffins, from a mix, but they do involve opening a can of blueberries and a packet of struesel topping.
I'll let you know how it goes.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Sugar Tush -- Going Out of Business
A friend of mine has a company called Sugar Tush which makes the cutest yoga themed clothing for babies and toddlers. I could not resist the "Downward Facing Baby" tee. Sadly, she is closing her business to try other endeavors so there is a HUGE sale on everything in the store... 70% off with the code "goodbye"
Not only do they have great clothes they also have custom photo albums embroidered with your child's name and birth date. If you need a gift for someone having a baby this is a great gift, in fact, I just ordered one for Nate!
Check out http://www.sugartush.com for more cute gifts!
Not only do they have great clothes they also have custom photo albums embroidered with your child's name and birth date. If you need a gift for someone having a baby this is a great gift, in fact, I just ordered one for Nate!
Check out http://www.sugartush.com for more cute gifts!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Firsts...
So Nate and I have been spending our days together since hubby went back to work and so did my mom.
Yesterday was a day of firsts for both of us. Nate and I took our first walk around the block (which was probably too much for me since my incision is bothering me today) and I cooked dinner for the first time since Nate came home. It was a modest meal, baked chicken, stuffing, and roasted cherry tomatoes but it was quite a feat to pull off (for me anyway).
Today I think we are going to venture to nana's house for a visit. Mommy NEEDS to get out!
Yesterday was a day of firsts for both of us. Nate and I took our first walk around the block (which was probably too much for me since my incision is bothering me today) and I cooked dinner for the first time since Nate came home. It was a modest meal, baked chicken, stuffing, and roasted cherry tomatoes but it was quite a feat to pull off (for me anyway).
Today I think we are going to venture to nana's house for a visit. Mommy NEEDS to get out!
Friday, February 15, 2008
Postpartum Joys
Although I loved just about every minute of my pregnancy there are a few things I am REALLY enjoying about the postpartum period.
1. I have ankles again. I completely forgot how tiny and pretty they are!
2. Wearing non-maternity clothes. Now, granted they are just tops but still it opens up my entire wardrobe to me.
3. Being 27 pounds lighter!!!! (I gained 32 pounds, so only 5 pounds to go)
Baby's awake... gotta go... :)
1. I have ankles again. I completely forgot how tiny and pretty they are!
2. Wearing non-maternity clothes. Now, granted they are just tops but still it opens up my entire wardrobe to me.
3. Being 27 pounds lighter!!!! (I gained 32 pounds, so only 5 pounds to go)
Baby's awake... gotta go... :)
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
I'm Back!
So... I failed all of my tests last Monday and after finding out that I had little amniotic fluid left and an "old" placenta I was induced. The induction didn't work (apparently I was too happy being pregnant) so at 3:00 Tuesday morning (1/29/08) I had an emergency C-Section and Nathan Elliott came into this world. Being the ultra-hip techno-baby that he is, he already has his own blog, so you can read his full birth story and the 7 day NICU stay that followed.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Pregnancy Updates
So I am still pregnant. People have been asking me for a while if I was ready to stop being pregnant and have the baby already. I kept saying no, I feel great... that was until Thursday. That was when I hit the pregnancy wall so to speak. I was ready.... now. It might have something to do with the fact that after being crampy for a few days and thinking I had lost my mucus plug my doctor told me "nope. no change." ARG!
Anyway, my blood pressure has been high as of lately, so I have a non-stress test this afternoon to make sure that the baby is tolerating it well. If I pass the test, I continue to be pregnant. If I fail the test I could be induced shortly. Right now we just have to wait and see.
I'll keep you posted.
Anyway, my blood pressure has been high as of lately, so I have a non-stress test this afternoon to make sure that the baby is tolerating it well. If I pass the test, I continue to be pregnant. If I fail the test I could be induced shortly. Right now we just have to wait and see.
I'll keep you posted.
Monkey Bread Obsession
Lately I have been OBSESSED with monkey bread. I don't know exactly why, but I have made three loaves this week and hubby made one last night. I have finally (or I should say we, hubby helped) perfected my monkey bread recipe and I thought I would share:
Molly's Monkey Bread
1/2 cup sugar
3 heaping teaspoon cinnamon
2 large cans refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (like Grands) or 4 small cans of refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup raisins
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
3/4 cup butter (melted)
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease 12-cup fluted tube pan.
2. In large plastic food-storage bag, mix sugar and 2 tsp. cinnamon. Separate dough into biscuits; cut each into quarters. Shake in bag to coat. Arrange in pan, adding walnuts and raisins among the biscuit pieces.
3. Mix brown sugar, butter, 1 tsp. cinnamon, and remaining cinnamon sugar mixture from bag; pour over biscuit pieces.
4. Bake 28 to 32 minutes or until golden brown and no longer doughy in center. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Turn upside down onto serving plate; pull apart to serve. Serve warm.
Molly's Monkey Bread
1/2 cup sugar
3 heaping teaspoon cinnamon
2 large cans refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (like Grands) or 4 small cans of refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup raisins
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
3/4 cup butter (melted)
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease 12-cup fluted tube pan.
2. In large plastic food-storage bag, mix sugar and 2 tsp. cinnamon. Separate dough into biscuits; cut each into quarters. Shake in bag to coat. Arrange in pan, adding walnuts and raisins among the biscuit pieces.
3. Mix brown sugar, butter, 1 tsp. cinnamon, and remaining cinnamon sugar mixture from bag; pour over biscuit pieces.
4. Bake 28 to 32 minutes or until golden brown and no longer doughy in center. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Turn upside down onto serving plate; pull apart to serve. Serve warm.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
I'm Still Here...
And the baby is still inside.
Since I don;t really have much to say I thought I would share some Maternity Pics that hubby took when I was 32 weeks preggo. Not much has changed looks wise since then, just more stretch marks.
Since I don;t really have much to say I thought I would share some Maternity Pics that hubby took when I was 32 weeks preggo. Not much has changed looks wise since then, just more stretch marks.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Great Blog About Real Bodies
Maybe I am just sensitive about this topic right now, but I found a great blog called The Shape of a Mother. showing real women's bodies during and after pregnancy. There is some nudity, so be warned if that type of thing offends you or you don't want your children to see it.
Check it out!
http://theshapeofamother.com/
Check it out!
http://theshapeofamother.com/
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Things I Learned Yesterday
1. Chocolate is not my friend. Not because I don't like him, but I don't like the people he hangs around with... namely heartburn and indigestion.
2. My ankles and my calves have had a love child... her name is CANKLE.
3. "You're carrying like a girl" (i.e. you look FAT from behind now too) is the cruelest phrase in the English language.
4. "You're still here" (i.e. you haven't had that baby yet???) comes in a close second.
2. My ankles and my calves have had a love child... her name is CANKLE.
3. "You're carrying like a girl" (i.e. you look FAT from behind now too) is the cruelest phrase in the English language.
4. "You're still here" (i.e. you haven't had that baby yet???) comes in a close second.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Check, Check!
I was able to check one more thing of the pre-baby to do list today. I found a laundromat where you can drop things off, have them washed, and pick them up later that day. This is the best thing I have ever heard of. For some reason I was really dreading taking the comforter to the laundromat and sitting there while it washed and dried. But for a whopping $12.00 (I would have cost at least $10.00 to do it myself) someone will take care of it while I am at work. Well worth the addition $2.00 in my opinion.
Boy will it be nice to sleep under comforter that does NOT smell like two large labradors!
Monday, January 14, 2008
What a Great Idea!
So I was reading Motherload, who linked to Danny Seo's Blog, who had this picture showcasing organic bedding. I however could care less about the organic bedding... LOOK AT THAT WREATH!!! When I was younger, that would be 3rd grade through college I rode horses and competed in my fair share of horse shows. Somewhere in my mother's attic is a plastic bag filled with the ribbons I won. I didn't want to get rid of them but I didn't have any where to store them, nor did I have anything to do with them until now... I will be making that wreath!
What a great summer or in-between season wreath for the front door. And since I have the wreath form and all the ribbons, it would be FREE!
[Update: Someone else took this idea and ran with it... Looks good Corgipants!]
What a great summer or in-between season wreath for the front door. And since I have the wreath form and all the ribbons, it would be FREE!
[Update: Someone else took this idea and ran with it... Looks good Corgipants!]
New Nursery Additions
Hubby and I went and returned a few things to Babies R Us this weekend and with all of that store credit we were able to get, among other things, a swivel glider and nursing stool for the baby's room.
The swivel glider was such a great deal. Regularly $299.00 the floor model was on clearance for $90.90. It is a little dirty on the bottom, but nothing that the upholstery attachment on my new carpet cleaner can't handle. Since it was on clearance and there was no matching ottoman (which would take up way too much room ) I opted for the Medela Nursing Stool, which several friends have used and love. For $25.00 how could you beat it.
The swivel glider was such a great deal. Regularly $299.00 the floor model was on clearance for $90.90. It is a little dirty on the bottom, but nothing that the upholstery attachment on my new carpet cleaner can't handle. Since it was on clearance and there was no matching ottoman (which would take up way too much room ) I opted for the Medela Nursing Stool, which several friends have used and love. For $25.00 how could you beat it.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
How I Make My Challah
Step 1: Gather the ingredients
Step 2: Add wet ingredients to the bread maker pan
Step 3: Add the dry ingredients (minus the yeast) on top of the wet.
Step 4: Add the yest on top of the dry ingredients.
Step 5: Turn the bread maker to the dough setting for a 1.5 pound loaf
Step 6: Once the bread maker is finished turning raw ingredients into dough, turn out onto a non-stick surface. I LOVE my roulpat.
Step 7: Divdie dough into 3 (somewhat) equal portions.
Step 8: Roll each portion into equal length ropes.
Step 9: Start braiding. I start from the middle and braid to one end, flip the dough around and braid to the other. Thanks to Ari from Baking and Books for that idea.
Step 10: Place the braid into a greased 1.5 pound loaf pan and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
Step 11: Bake!
Step 2: Add wet ingredients to the bread maker pan
Step 3: Add the dry ingredients (minus the yeast) on top of the wet.
Step 4: Add the yest on top of the dry ingredients.
Step 5: Turn the bread maker to the dough setting for a 1.5 pound loaf
Step 6: Once the bread maker is finished turning raw ingredients into dough, turn out onto a non-stick surface. I LOVE my roulpat.
Step 7: Divdie dough into 3 (somewhat) equal portions.
Step 8: Roll each portion into equal length ropes.
Step 9: Start braiding. I start from the middle and braid to one end, flip the dough around and braid to the other. Thanks to Ari from Baking and Books for that idea.
Step 10: Place the braid into a greased 1.5 pound loaf pan and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
Step 11: Bake!
Friday, January 04, 2008
36 weeks and counting...
I had my 36 week checkup this morning and despite looking as if the baby had dropped I am assured by my OB that the baby is still very high up and I am not dilated at all.
Hubby keeps saying that I am going to have the baby next week but it looks like that is a little early. Thank God! I am not mentally ready yet and I still haven't shampooed the carpets yet.
Hubby keeps saying that I am going to have the baby next week but it looks like that is a little early. Thank God! I am not mentally ready yet and I still haven't shampooed the carpets yet.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Pecan Sticky Biscuits --- :)
Today as I was getting ready to go to work, I picked up the last of the holiday goodies, packed them in a bag and hauled them with me where I stationed them in the staff lounge. Feeling very proud of myself that I had cleaned all the goodies out of the house so I wouldn't over indulge any more I started to trawl though my favorite blogs. I came to bake or break and saw these. Now I have to have them... right now... or at least tonight when I get home.
Update: The universe WANTS me to make these as one of my co-workers just handed me a bag of pecans that she picked off of the trees in her family's pecan grove in Georgia.
Update: The universe WANTS me to make these as one of my co-workers just handed me a bag of pecans that she picked off of the trees in her family's pecan grove in Georgia.
Stocking up
'Tis the season for stocking up thanks to after-Christmas sales. I have been trying not to go overboard, as I am so apt to do, and this year have been pretty successful since I don't really feel like leaving the house much anymore.
Any way, thanks to 50% and 75% off sales I have been able to stock up on the following items:
-- Holiday cards for next year
-- Ribbon for sprucing up plain brown wrapping paper
-- Gift tags for the same purpose
-- Candy for baking (m & m's, Reeses Peices, and Reeses Peanut Butter Cups)
-- Body Wash from Bath and Body Works
-- Meat. The end of the month is the beat time to shop for meat and when I usually find veal, sausage, and steak at obscenely cheap prices.
I have also been picking up some non-sale (but essential) items in preparations for mommy-hood. Things like nursing bras, a nursing nightgown and robe, breast pads, milk storage bags, Purell, wipes, and who knows what else.
Any way, thanks to 50% and 75% off sales I have been able to stock up on the following items:
-- Holiday cards for next year
-- Ribbon for sprucing up plain brown wrapping paper
-- Gift tags for the same purpose
-- Candy for baking (m & m's, Reeses Peices, and Reeses Peanut Butter Cups)
-- Body Wash from Bath and Body Works
-- Meat. The end of the month is the beat time to shop for meat and when I usually find veal, sausage, and steak at obscenely cheap prices.
I have also been picking up some non-sale (but essential) items in preparations for mommy-hood. Things like nursing bras, a nursing nightgown and robe, breast pads, milk storage bags, Purell, wipes, and who knows what else.
Cooking up a Storm
Maybe it is all part of nesting, or maybe it is because I have been off for over a week and have regained some energy, but I have been cooking up a storm.
Monday I made the Barefoot Contessa's Coconut Cupcakes for a potluck New Year's Eve party as well as Bran Muffins for the freezer (cross that off the pre-baby to do list).
Tuesday for diner we had meatball sandwiches. I made the meatballs (of course) and 2 pouinds extra for the freezer (also crossed off the to-do list). I even made the rolls to put the meatballs on. Hubby had bought me the Bread Bible Cookbook and I used the Whole Wheat Sesame Long Roll recipe. Boy were they good!
Last night I made Orange Peel Chicken and served it with brown jasmine rice (purchased at Trader Joes) and steamed broccoli. It was really good, there were hardly any leftovers, I really feel like I haven't eaten chicken in forever and have been craving it recently.
Tonight I will be making one of my favorite meals which is oven fried talapia (my version of a Weightwatchers Recipe for Fish and Chips, minus the chips) served with cheddar grits (I use real cheddar cheese not processed cheese crap and add a dash of tabasco to bring out the cheese flavor) and roasted artichoke hearts. Yum!
Monday I made the Barefoot Contessa's Coconut Cupcakes for a potluck New Year's Eve party as well as Bran Muffins for the freezer (cross that off the pre-baby to do list).
Tuesday for diner we had meatball sandwiches. I made the meatballs (of course) and 2 pouinds extra for the freezer (also crossed off the to-do list). I even made the rolls to put the meatballs on. Hubby had bought me the Bread Bible Cookbook and I used the Whole Wheat Sesame Long Roll recipe. Boy were they good!
Last night I made Orange Peel Chicken and served it with brown jasmine rice (purchased at Trader Joes) and steamed broccoli. It was really good, there were hardly any leftovers, I really feel like I haven't eaten chicken in forever and have been craving it recently.
Tonight I will be making one of my favorite meals which is oven fried talapia (my version of a Weightwatchers Recipe for Fish and Chips, minus the chips) served with cheddar grits (I use real cheddar cheese not processed cheese crap and add a dash of tabasco to bring out the cheese flavor) and roasted artichoke hearts. Yum!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Nursery in Progress
Finally... the promised pictures of the baby's room (in progress)
Walking through the door... we have a place to store toys and the crib.
The crib, decked out in Noah's ark bedding
The book shelf stocked with books and stuffed animals (what baby doesn't need a stuffed Yoda and Darth Vadar?)
The closet, which will be getting an overhaul this weekend:
The newly cleaned changing table
We still have to hang curtains, install blinds, hang the quilt on the wall and get a rocker/glider.
Walking through the door... we have a place to store toys and the crib.
The crib, decked out in Noah's ark bedding
The book shelf stocked with books and stuffed animals (what baby doesn't need a stuffed Yoda and Darth Vadar?)
The closet, which will be getting an overhaul this weekend:
The newly cleaned changing table
We still have to hang curtains, install blinds, hang the quilt on the wall and get a rocker/glider.
Pre baby Preperation
Since I have a nice long break, the university is closed, I am trying to do at least one thing off of my pre-baby preparation list a day. Today I will be washing the slip cover on the sofa in the living room.
I also plan to wash to furniture in the baby's room. The furniture we are using is hubby's from growing up. I wanted to wax it or refinish it, but both of those processes have too many chemicals for me to feel comfortable doing it while pregnant. So, I bought so Murphy's oil soap and will channel my inner Kim and Aggie and give the furniture a good scrub. I will post pictures once the scrubbing is finished.
I also plan to wash to furniture in the baby's room. The furniture we are using is hubby's from growing up. I wanted to wax it or refinish it, but both of those processes have too many chemicals for me to feel comfortable doing it while pregnant. So, I bought so Murphy's oil soap and will channel my inner Kim and Aggie and give the furniture a good scrub. I will post pictures once the scrubbing is finished.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Carpet Shampooer
So I finally broke down and bought my very own carpet cleaner. With two big dogs, a muddy backyard, and tan carpets this purchase was inevitable. Lucky for me Target was having a sale. The Bissell Proheat 2x which is regularly $249 was on sale for $199 and you got a free $20 gift card.
Now you all know how I will be spending my Christmas vacation... steam cleaning carpets.
Do I know how to have fun or what?
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Baby Updates
I had another doctor's appointment yesterday and I am pleased to report that the baby is head down. I know that there are still 6 weeks to go and that the baby could flip around a couple of times but... I had this feeling that the baby was transverse, so it was god news. Also good news was my blood pressure 110/64. I don't think it has ever been THAT low pregnant or not. :)
The baby's room is being painted as we speak so hopefully I'll have pictures to post of the completed room soon.
The baby's room is being painted as we speak so hopefully I'll have pictures to post of the completed room soon.
Thanks Lisa!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Information you can use
I don;t know about you, put I HATE wrestling with "clamshell" packaging. You know, that packaging that is molded around the item in question and that is notoriously hard to open, cut though, melt with a blow torch. Anyway, someone came out with the Package Shark that is supposed to solve the problem of clamshell packaging once and for all. [interestingly enough the Package Shark comes in clamshell packaging which begs the question of how you are supposed to open the Package Shark if you don't already own a Package Shark, but that is a little too existential for me today].
ANyway, it seems that there is no need to purchase a Package Shark since most of us already own a gadget that will do the job... a manual can opener. Read about it here...
LOVE IT!
Cookie Exchange Menu
I am hosting my first ever cookie exchange this Sunday. Since it starts at 2:00 I don't feel the need to have a very elaborate menu but I feel the need to have something for people to nosh on over girl talk.
My plan was to make this Christmas Crescent Ring and serve it alongside a fruit salad. I was also planning on having coffee and tea and something cold to drink. The problem is I have no idea what to serve that is cold. Thoughts?
Do you think that is enough food? Do I need something savory to balance the sweet?
Any help would be appreciated!
(oh, there are only 5 people attending so please don't think I'm being stingy with the food)
My plan was to make this Christmas Crescent Ring and serve it alongside a fruit salad. I was also planning on having coffee and tea and something cold to drink. The problem is I have no idea what to serve that is cold. Thoughts?
Do you think that is enough food? Do I need something savory to balance the sweet?
Any help would be appreciated!
(oh, there are only 5 people attending so please don't think I'm being stingy with the food)
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
I didn't want to do it...
but I had to. Today I pried both my wedding band and my engagement ring off my grossly swollen finger before someone had to cut them off.
This was no easy feat. First I googled "get ring off swollen finger" and found many strange and unusual solutions like Windex, dental floss, KY Jelly, and call 911.
I also found some suggestions that sounded probable, so I combined a couple and was able to remove my precious rings.
Step 1: Ice and elevate swollen finger. I did this for 10 minutes with my arm propped straight up in the air on the wall.
Step 2: Lube up finger. First I tried the Windex, because if you've ever seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding you will know that Windex can do anything. Well, anything except get a ring off. It didn't really work, so I tried grape seed oil which was the oil I could reach at the time.
Step 3: Twist and pull as hard as you can. This took about 10 minutes and hurt I have to tell you, but I was able to get them off finally. My finger is swollen and red, with a few burst blood vessels but my rings are safe from the jaws of life or whatever it is they use to cut jewelery off of chubby pregnant people.
Step 4: Be sad and cry a little. Ok, so I actually did cry a little about not having my rings on. I have gotten over it as it is only a temporary situation, but I do feel a little naked without them.
This was no easy feat. First I googled "get ring off swollen finger" and found many strange and unusual solutions like Windex, dental floss, KY Jelly, and call 911.
I also found some suggestions that sounded probable, so I combined a couple and was able to remove my precious rings.
Step 1: Ice and elevate swollen finger. I did this for 10 minutes with my arm propped straight up in the air on the wall.
Step 2: Lube up finger. First I tried the Windex, because if you've ever seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding you will know that Windex can do anything. Well, anything except get a ring off. It didn't really work, so I tried grape seed oil which was the oil I could reach at the time.
Step 3: Twist and pull as hard as you can. This took about 10 minutes and hurt I have to tell you, but I was able to get them off finally. My finger is swollen and red, with a few burst blood vessels but my rings are safe from the jaws of life or whatever it is they use to cut jewelery off of chubby pregnant people.
Step 4: Be sad and cry a little. Ok, so I actually did cry a little about not having my rings on. I have gotten over it as it is only a temporary situation, but I do feel a little naked without them.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Egg Nog
I don't think that I have ever actually tasted egg nog and until this very moment I don;t think I ever wanted to. This year is a different story all together and now I really want to make it and try it... like right now... while I am sitting at my desk... at work.
Ok, so I will have to wait until I get home but I am thinking about trying either the egg-less eggnog recipe that Jenn from Frugal Upstate mentioned or this one from Tammy's recipes.
Actually, now that I look at them both, they look pretty similar. Anyone try either of them? Thoughts?
Monday, December 10, 2007
Baking Bug
It appears I have been bitten by the baking bug. Yesterday I spent most of the day in the kitchen and with an unusual burst of energy made:
I will be making a Pumpkin Caramel Pound cake for a pot luck lunch on friday, and Ina's Jam Thumbprint cookies for the cookie exchange I am having on Sunday.
- 2 batches of peanut butter fudge
- 1 butter pound cake for my mom's birthday
- 1 batch of cinnamon schmear scones for hubby
I will be making a Pumpkin Caramel Pound cake for a pot luck lunch on friday, and Ina's Jam Thumbprint cookies for the cookie exchange I am having on Sunday.
Superheros all Around?
I hate to use my lunch hour to run errands, it makes my work day seem that much longer, so I try, whenever possible, to run errands on the way to work. This morning I stopped at the post office to mail my Christmas packages (ML its in the male, Meredith sorry it will be late, and Steph I hope it gets to you before your birthday). I then decided to stop at the Wawa (like a 7-11 only WAY better) to get orange juice which is my craving of the moment. Ok, so I also stopped to get an apple fritter another craving of the moment, but that is really here nor there, I stopped at Wawa, that is the important part of the story.
I pulled in the parking lot, parked my car, turned to car off, got out, locked the car and started to walk to the entrance when I noticed that every other car in the parking lot was idling in its parking space. "Strange," I thought to myself thinking there were other people in the cars waiting for someone inside. As I got closer to the building I realized that there was no one in any of these cars, they were still running because their owners were TOO LAZY to turn the car off before getting out of it. An uncharitable thought ran through my head that it would serve them all right to have their cars stolen from the parking lot, but I then thought that I really didn't mean it, even if deep, deep down, I did just a little bit.
Are people really in that big of a hurry? How long does it take to start your car? 2-3 seconds maybe. Not to mention all of the car exhaust being spewed into the environment, all the gas being guzzled as the car sits idle. Why not turn the car off? What is the benefit of leaving it run while you go get your caffeine fix or buy today's newspaper?
I could maybe, possibly understand if this was Alaska and it was -40 degrees and we all ran the risk of having our engines freeze solid if we turned them off for just a minute. I could also understand if you needed to make a quick getaway in the event you were robbing the place, but after that I can't think of why you would need to leave your car running while you are inside the Wawa. Unless of course you are a superhero in disguise and need to get out of the parking lot fast in order to go solve a crime or save a kitten or something like that.
Maybe my Wawa has a disproportionately large population of superheros I don't know.
[Note: New Jersey must not have any superheros as it is illegal to leave your car idling outside of a convenience store].
I pulled in the parking lot, parked my car, turned to car off, got out, locked the car and started to walk to the entrance when I noticed that every other car in the parking lot was idling in its parking space. "Strange," I thought to myself thinking there were other people in the cars waiting for someone inside. As I got closer to the building I realized that there was no one in any of these cars, they were still running because their owners were TOO LAZY to turn the car off before getting out of it. An uncharitable thought ran through my head that it would serve them all right to have their cars stolen from the parking lot, but I then thought that I really didn't mean it, even if deep, deep down, I did just a little bit.
Are people really in that big of a hurry? How long does it take to start your car? 2-3 seconds maybe. Not to mention all of the car exhaust being spewed into the environment, all the gas being guzzled as the car sits idle. Why not turn the car off? What is the benefit of leaving it run while you go get your caffeine fix or buy today's newspaper?
I could maybe, possibly understand if this was Alaska and it was -40 degrees and we all ran the risk of having our engines freeze solid if we turned them off for just a minute. I could also understand if you needed to make a quick getaway in the event you were robbing the place, but after that I can't think of why you would need to leave your car running while you are inside the Wawa. Unless of course you are a superhero in disguise and need to get out of the parking lot fast in order to go solve a crime or save a kitten or something like that.
Maybe my Wawa has a disproportionately large population of superheros I don't know.
[Note: New Jersey must not have any superheros as it is illegal to leave your car idling outside of a convenience store].
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
First Night of Puppy Hanukkah
This was Beo's second Hanukkah but it was Jax's first so the boys celebratedin style with new fire hydrant toys!
Jax and the Green Hydrant
Jax (Green) & Beo (Red)
Happy Hanukkah
Our Hanukkah set up. And yes, that is a bush. That's what you get when you leave the decorating up to a shiksa! :)Wet Shoe Update
Ah, the saga of my wet clogs.... they dried completely and didn;t shrink at all! I wore them to work today and was very pleased. Miracles do happen people!
More Memes
I was tagged by Gina at Six in the County with the following meme, so here it goes...
Now I get to tag 5 people, lets see...
Lisa, from Sofia Vincenza
Grace from Rose Cottage Lane
Tiany at Less of Me More of Him
I will have to stop at three that I all I can think of at the moment. :)
1. What did you accomplish this past week? I got my holiday cards written and mailed, we moved a bed to my parent's house for storage, I gave away two book shelves, and took a load of stuff to Goodwill.
2. Did anything not go as expected? Well, I had planned to get more done around the house and wrap some presents, but that didn't happen.
3. What was the highlight of your week? Wednesday of last week was my birthday, so getting cards from friends and presents from hubby, puppies, baby-to-be and parents was definitely the highlight.
Now I get to tag 5 people, lets see...
Lisa, from Sofia Vincenza
Grace from Rose Cottage Lane
Tiany at Less of Me More of Him
I will have to stop at three that I all I can think of at the moment. :)
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Holiday Fun
I got this as an email but thought it would make a fun Meme.
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both or Neither it depends on the gift.
If you've read through this whole thing consider yourself tagged!
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both or Neither it depends on the gift.
2. Real tree or Artificial? Artficial :( The real are too expensive and I am allergic to them, plus I'm pretty sure the dogs would eat a real tree.
3. When do you put up the tree? Before Christmas, does that help?
4. When do you take the tree down? New Years Day
5. Do you like egg nog? I don't know that I have ever actually tasted it.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? My Bryer Horses
7. Do you have a nativity scene? No
8. Hardest person to buy for? My grandparents
9. Easiest person to buy for? the dogs
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Humm... a used umbrella.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Muppets Christmas Carol
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? The Day after Christmas
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yup and I'm not afraid to admit it either.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Peanut Butter Fudge
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Green, although our tree has clear
17. Favorite Christmas song? last Christmas by Wham I listen to it on my Ipod all year long.
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay Home, drive 20 minutes to my parents.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? yes.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? We open our presents at Hanukkah.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Too many stressed out people
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Noah's Ark.
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Thanksgiving part II (Tureky, stuffing, cranberries, etc.)
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? A healthy full term baby.If you've read through this whole thing consider yourself tagged!
Odds & Ends
I feel like I haven;t posted in forever, so I thought I would start with wrapping up all of the odds and ends bopping around my head.
Hubby and I went to see George Carlin Saturday night and he was very funny as expected. Sunday I was supposed to go have lunch with a friend in Bethlehem, PA but because of the weather (we had sleet/snow/rain) we had to cancel and still need to reschedule. Sunday I was in a miserable mood for no good reason whatsoever. Sorry baby!
On the up side I was able to get decorated for Hanukkah (which starts tonight) and write out all of our holiday cards.
I keep feeling as if I am getting nothing at all done and letting everything pile up until it is going to drown me, but then I realized that I am growing another human being, so anything that gets done on top of that is really gravy. :) Nice to know I am even multitasking in my sleep. Which I could use a whole lot more of, but I digress.
I had three things on my to do list that I finished last night which was make bread, wrap all of hubby's Hanukkah presents, and find missing addresses and stamps for the holiday cards. I was actually able to accomplish all of those things. YEAH ME!
I had a doctors appointment yesterday. All is well with he baby and with me. My blood pressure actually keeps getting lower which is good, the baby's heartbeat was 134 bpm, and next time the doctor should be able to tell if the baby is head down or head up. Can't wait to find out.
I took pictures last night of my bread making process which I will post when I get home... I promise... oh, maybe not, hubby and I have our birth class tonight... we'll have to wait and see what happens....
Hubby and I went to see George Carlin Saturday night and he was very funny as expected. Sunday I was supposed to go have lunch with a friend in Bethlehem, PA but because of the weather (we had sleet/snow/rain) we had to cancel and still need to reschedule. Sunday I was in a miserable mood for no good reason whatsoever. Sorry baby!
On the up side I was able to get decorated for Hanukkah (which starts tonight) and write out all of our holiday cards.
I keep feeling as if I am getting nothing at all done and letting everything pile up until it is going to drown me, but then I realized that I am growing another human being, so anything that gets done on top of that is really gravy. :) Nice to know I am even multitasking in my sleep. Which I could use a whole lot more of, but I digress.
I had three things on my to do list that I finished last night which was make bread, wrap all of hubby's Hanukkah presents, and find missing addresses and stamps for the holiday cards. I was actually able to accomplish all of those things. YEAH ME!
I had a doctors appointment yesterday. All is well with he baby and with me. My blood pressure actually keeps getting lower which is good, the baby's heartbeat was 134 bpm, and next time the doctor should be able to tell if the baby is head down or head up. Can't wait to find out.
I took pictures last night of my bread making process which I will post when I get home... I promise... oh, maybe not, hubby and I have our birth class tonight... we'll have to wait and see what happens....
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