WE ARE...
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Shocked & Saddened.
I'm shocked by the events leading to the firing of the greatest coach in the history of college football. I'm trying to wrap my head around it, but I can't. I am saddened that the University as a whole has lost its dignity because of one selfish offender, and he took everyone down with him. Try explaining all of this to a 9-year-old {in terms he will understand} who has known and loved JoePa and Penn State football for as long as many years as he is old. As a graduate of one of the best Universities the Commonwealth has to offer, I still bleed blue and white. I will not allow this to tarnish my opinions of Penn State. Thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved, especially the innocent victims of these heinous acts.
WE ARE...
WE ARE...
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Big Deal
I always get those $10 off $10 coupons for JCPenney, and I never seem to make time to stop at the mall to use them. I finally made it a point to stop yesterday. Dan got a pair of leather gloves for $1.99 {reg. price $30 on sale for $14.99 + door buster brought it down to $11.99 + $10 off coupon}. I got a sweater for $3.20 {reg. price $44 + 70% off clearance + $10 off coupon}.
Then...we ventured over to Bath & Body Works, because I had two coupons {$10 off $30 purchase and FREE item from the signature collection with any purchase...as long as the coupons come in the same mailing, they can both be used in the same transaction}. I stocked up on 10 winter foaming hand soaps that were on sale for 6/$20 or 4/$15 {I plan to stick one of these in with several Christmas gifts} and a full-sized warm vanilla sugar body spray. Without coupons, I would have spent $67, but I got all of that for a grand total of....wait for it....$24.72!
If I would have paid full price for everything I bought today, I would have spent $141...I got it all for under $30, which gives me a total savings of $111.09!
Then...we ventured over to Bath & Body Works, because I had two coupons {$10 off $30 purchase and FREE item from the signature collection with any purchase...as long as the coupons come in the same mailing, they can both be used in the same transaction}. I stocked up on 10 winter foaming hand soaps that were on sale for 6/$20 or 4/$15 {I plan to stick one of these in with several Christmas gifts} and a full-sized warm vanilla sugar body spray. Without coupons, I would have spent $67, but I got all of that for a grand total of....wait for it....$24.72!
If I would have paid full price for everything I bought today, I would have spent $141...I got it all for under $30, which gives me a total savings of $111.09!
This is my haul. I love good deals, and I can't wait to continue finding them during this holiday season when gift-giving abounds :)
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Happy {belated} Halloween.
Better late than never, right?
Joel's first Halloween
"Casper"
Joel...opening his Halloween presents from Gee & Pappy :)
"Joepa" & his Nittany Lion
Our littlest Nittany Lion :)
Daniel shoveled the whole driveway...yes, it snowed in October. Seven inches.
Daniel telling Joel about the first snow of the season
This puts a whole new meaning to "frost on the ole pumpkin."
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Half - birthday...really?
I haven't been able to believe it each time Joel has turned another month older, but half the year has gone by, and I truly don't know where the time has gone. Six months old is bittersweet. Our baby will only be a baby for another six months, and then he'll be considered a toddler. I'm not sure how I feel about that. Wait, I do know how I feel - I am so sad that he is growing so fast (yet thankful that I get to witness his growth every day)...and those infant days are almost in the past...I cried when I changed out his dresser with 6-9 mos. clothes a couple weeks ago :(
But I also look forward to when he will be crawling, walking, and talking & I am excited to watch him grow as I've done with his big brother...who will be 10 in less than three months - let's not even talk about that yet!...moving on...
*He doesn't roll over much (and it has only been belly to back), but we have reports from the babysitter that he rolled from his back to his belly at about 5 months, 1week. It will be official when I see it with my own eyes, as I wish to believe I'll witness all his "firsts" whether they really are or not - being a working mom & all, I have that right, right? :)
* Joel can sit by himself!!! He sits and plays with his toys for long periods of time, and is so much more content when he is upright, even though he topples over now & then. :)
* Not only is he eating solids, he loves them now! He gets excited and starts waving his arms when we put his bib on and when the veggies come out. His favorites are sweet potatoes & bananas, but really - he eats anything (as of now) I will even mash up potatoes and carrots that we're having with dinner & he likes that :)
*He goes to bed between 8 & 9 and is pretty much sleeping through the night. There are some nights when he will grace us with fussing at 3am, but we have recently tried turning Froggie on and giving him Monkey, and he goes right back to sleep without needing to eat. Side note: Froggie's batteries died this week...I will be stocking up on AAA batteries ASAP.
* He doesn't have any teeth yet, but he gums everything he can get his hands on...we are now keeping small things out of his reach!!
* He recently started to make this silly screeching sound - and then he giggles! He squeals and giggles when anyone makes funny faces or talks to him. He "talks" lots & likes to make his motor run :)
* Favorite toys: Froggie...mentioned above - shines stars on the ceiling and plays lullabies (from Gee & Pappy when he was born), Pooh crinkle book, O-ball, Jumperoo...he bounces like crazy in that thing & gets a serious look on his face when he plays with the jungle animals on it - we just moved it up to the second setting today...he couldn't quite reach & made a big fuss...I stuck a pillow under his feet, and he started to giggle..cute! Monkey is still a must-have at bedtime...Another note to self - pack Monkey and Froggie on our next road trip!!! :)
* I can't believe Joel's first Halloween & Thanksgiving will be in the past the next time I update for his 7-month b'day.
*He weighed 19lbs. 7oz. and measured 27 1/4 in. at his six month well visit...definitely growing fast!!
* No pictures yet, but today Joel is witnessing his first snowfall. In October. Yuck.
Happy Six Month Birthday to our sweet baby boy! We love you, Joel!
And, yes...there will be cookie cake. Cause that's how we roll.
But I also look forward to when he will be crawling, walking, and talking & I am excited to watch him grow as I've done with his big brother...who will be 10 in less than three months - let's not even talk about that yet!...moving on...
*He doesn't roll over much (and it has only been belly to back), but we have reports from the babysitter that he rolled from his back to his belly at about 5 months, 1week. It will be official when I see it with my own eyes, as I wish to believe I'll witness all his "firsts" whether they really are or not - being a working mom & all, I have that right, right? :)
* Joel can sit by himself!!! He sits and plays with his toys for long periods of time, and is so much more content when he is upright, even though he topples over now & then. :)
* Not only is he eating solids, he loves them now! He gets excited and starts waving his arms when we put his bib on and when the veggies come out. His favorites are sweet potatoes & bananas, but really - he eats anything (as of now) I will even mash up potatoes and carrots that we're having with dinner & he likes that :)
*He goes to bed between 8 & 9 and is pretty much sleeping through the night. There are some nights when he will grace us with fussing at 3am, but we have recently tried turning Froggie on and giving him Monkey, and he goes right back to sleep without needing to eat. Side note: Froggie's batteries died this week...I will be stocking up on AAA batteries ASAP.
* He doesn't have any teeth yet, but he gums everything he can get his hands on...we are now keeping small things out of his reach!!
* He recently started to make this silly screeching sound - and then he giggles! He squeals and giggles when anyone makes funny faces or talks to him. He "talks" lots & likes to make his motor run :)
* Favorite toys: Froggie...mentioned above - shines stars on the ceiling and plays lullabies (from Gee & Pappy when he was born), Pooh crinkle book, O-ball, Jumperoo...he bounces like crazy in that thing & gets a serious look on his face when he plays with the jungle animals on it - we just moved it up to the second setting today...he couldn't quite reach & made a big fuss...I stuck a pillow under his feet, and he started to giggle..cute! Monkey is still a must-have at bedtime...Another note to self - pack Monkey and Froggie on our next road trip!!! :)
* I can't believe Joel's first Halloween & Thanksgiving will be in the past the next time I update for his 7-month b'day.
*He weighed 19lbs. 7oz. and measured 27 1/4 in. at his six month well visit...definitely growing fast!!
* No pictures yet, but today Joel is witnessing his first snowfall. In October. Yuck.
Happy Six Month Birthday to our sweet baby boy! We love you, Joel!
And, yes...there will be cookie cake. Cause that's how we roll.
He looks so much like his dad and big brother :)
one of my favorites :)
"tailgating" at a soccer game
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
{almost} Thursday Thoughts...
I'd be lying if I said working full time and trying to keep up at home wasn't wearing me down. There are days when I feel like I'll never catch up...there are days when I don't even try...then there are days I work like heck to get it all done. I cry almost daily because I feel like I'm missing out on Joel's first year. I want to quit my job and stay home, but I can't. Posts have been scarce, but I haven't had time for blogging as of late.
cleaning bathrooms
Instead, I've been...
rushing to early morning meetings
fighting a cold
working on fourth grade book reports and other homework
helping study for math, spelling, social studies & science tests
arguing with a certain nine-year-old about said homework & practicing good hygiene habits
making lists
grocery shopping
changing dirty diapers
scheduling & driving to doctor's appointments
making bottles
doing dishes
giving baths to a cute baby
cooking with Daniel
running to soccer practice two nights a week & games on Saturdays
writing lesson plans
wiping off of almost every shirt I own
playing with blocks
washing, drying, folding & putting away never-ending mounds of laundry
carving pumpkins with my buddies
beginning to stress about the holidays...yes, already
living for the weekends.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Favorite shopping tips - what are yours?
The only real trick I have is to visit www.retailmenot.com before you check out when making an online purchase. Some of their amazing offers include codes for free shipping and percentages & dollar amounts off.
There are several coupon sites that I "like" on Facebook. They share online coupon codes, printable coupons, grocery deals, giveaways, free samples, and more!
Target also has a daily deals site that offers great bargains with FREE shipping (the best ones sell out quick) and another site that shares free samples (these run out fast, so you have to hurry)!
There are a few awesome flash sites that have great daily finds! They offer FREE membership, and you receive credit for referring friends. Sweet!
Click on any of the links below to join and start saving today :)
Zulily
Totsy & Zulily are my absolute favorite finds for kids!! :) I visit all these sites on a regular basis and purchase great finds for my kids, myself, and gifts for all occasions throughout the year. I hope you love them as much as I do.
I also shop online & pick small gifts up in stores throughout the year when I find a bargain. I stockpile them in a cabinet & keep inventory so I always know what I have. I save lots of things for Christmas (mostly stocking stuffers - but I hit Target's toy clearance at the end of summer, and I am just about done shopping for Joel!)...it is also a great go-to cabinet for last minute birthday parties, hostess gifts, and other special occasions that pop up when I don't have time for a shopping trip.
I know you might not be thinking Christmas right now, but it's just over two months away!...Happy Saving! :)
I also shop online & pick small gifts up in stores throughout the year when I find a bargain. I stockpile them in a cabinet & keep inventory so I always know what I have. I save lots of things for Christmas (mostly stocking stuffers - but I hit Target's toy clearance at the end of summer, and I am just about done shopping for Joel!)...it is also a great go-to cabinet for last minute birthday parties, hostess gifts, and other special occasions that pop up when I don't have time for a shopping trip.
I know you might not be thinking Christmas right now, but it's just over two months away!...Happy Saving! :)
 |
| This is just one shelf of my stockpile collection ;) |
Disclosure: referral links used
Friday, September 30, 2011
Where do you shop for kids?
~ Link up at at Kelly's Corner - Show Us Your Life: Favorite Places to Shop for Kids. ~
I'm fortunate that Daniel (9) isn't picky about what he wears, but the days of buying "cute" clothes for him are over :( I bring things home, and he will normally wear them without saying a word. I buy most of his clothes at Target, Kohls, Old Navy, and The Children's Place. I typically won't buy something unless it's on sale and/or I have a coupon (unless it's something he really wants). I love clearance racks & online coupon codes!
Our baby boy is sooooo fun to shop for. I am a member of a couple private flash deal sites that sell merchandise at close-out prices...I love, love, love them! Membership is free, and you get credit for referring friends. How cool is that? It's a win-win. Both of these sites have products for boys & girls, as well as grown-ups...so it's fun to grab a little something for yourself when you're shopping for the little people in your family :)
My favorite flash deal sites for kids are Totsy and Zulily. They have awesome bargains on clothes, shoes, toys, and accessories for babies through pre-teens (and grown-ups). Beyond the Rack also has some great deals...they had baby wellies boots last week for just $14.00!
Heartsy is another one of my favorite sites to shop for kids. They have exclusive deals on fabulous handmade designer items. They sell discounted credit vouchers to lots of unique etsy shops (for both children & adults). For example, I most recently purchased a voucher for $28 worth of product for $11. You absolutely cannot beat that! They offer a VIP membership that offers an even bigger discount on vouchers. You also get credit for referring your friends...I got a $5 credit for just signing up to be a member. I'm not sure if they are still offering the $5 sign-up credit or not. Simply sign up and go to "my credits" at the top of your membership page to check your credits.
All of those sites have great gifts, too! I find myself stocking up on birthday and Christmas presents year-round. Happy Shopping :)
Disclosure: referral links used
I'm fortunate that Daniel (9) isn't picky about what he wears, but the days of buying "cute" clothes for him are over :( I bring things home, and he will normally wear them without saying a word. I buy most of his clothes at Target, Kohls, Old Navy, and The Children's Place. I typically won't buy something unless it's on sale and/or I have a coupon (unless it's something he really wants). I love clearance racks & online coupon codes!
Our baby boy is sooooo fun to shop for. I am a member of a couple private flash deal sites that sell merchandise at close-out prices...I love, love, love them! Membership is free, and you get credit for referring friends. How cool is that? It's a win-win. Both of these sites have products for boys & girls, as well as grown-ups...so it's fun to grab a little something for yourself when you're shopping for the little people in your family :)
My favorite flash deal sites for kids are Totsy and Zulily. They have awesome bargains on clothes, shoes, toys, and accessories for babies through pre-teens (and grown-ups). Beyond the Rack also has some great deals...they had baby wellies boots last week for just $14.00!
Heartsy is another one of my favorite sites to shop for kids. They have exclusive deals on fabulous handmade designer items. They sell discounted credit vouchers to lots of unique etsy shops (for both children & adults). For example, I most recently purchased a voucher for $28 worth of product for $11. You absolutely cannot beat that! They offer a VIP membership that offers an even bigger discount on vouchers. You also get credit for referring your friends...I got a $5 credit for just signing up to be a member. I'm not sure if they are still offering the $5 sign-up credit or not. Simply sign up and go to "my credits" at the top of your membership page to check your credits.
All of those sites have great gifts, too! I find myself stocking up on birthday and Christmas presents year-round. Happy Shopping :)
Disclosure: referral links used
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Happy Five Months, Joel!
I know I say the same thing every month, but seriously, where have the past five months gone!?! I think back to those first few days of Joel's life and can't believe how tiny he was. He is growing fast and learning so many new things...here he is at five months :)
* Joel continues to eat about six ounces every two hours (for me - he spaces his feedings about four hours for the sitter - not sure what's up with that, other than his pediatrician said he probably just likes me to feed him, so as long as he's growing, I'm okay with that!) We tried carrots, peas, and apples just after he turned four months...he loved them the first time, but didn't want anything to do with them when we tried them again the next day. We took a break & started back up a few days ago...his new favorite is sweet potatoes, but he's still not very interested.
*He loves to be held, talked to, and sung to...if we're doing any of those things, he is usually happy....but put him down to get some work done around the house & he throws a screaming fit...hence the current state of our house...clutter, dust bunnies, mountains of laundry, a kitchen floor that looks like a jungle because of all the grass that has been tracked in, get-your-own-or-don't-eat-dinners...yep, that's life in these parts these days. Oh well!
* He didn't want much to do with a pacifier the first four months of his life...he sucked his thumb for a while, but never relied on sucking to soothe himself (he would cuddle his monkey or just want to be held)...until right after his four-month birthday! He has been taking most nights to get to sleep, and sometimes it's the only thing that will calm him down...and he's been sucking his thumb a lot more - so cute! :)
*He loved having Gee, Pappy, Aunt Maggie, Uncle Jake, Parker, Fischer, and Finn spend the weekend with us for our birthdays (Maggie's & mine). He looks so big compared to his cousin who is only six weeks younger than he is! He would pull on Finn's bib and they just looked at each other in amazement...cute! :)
*First tractor ride with Daddy last night...he was so calm & content...
*He celebrated Mommy's birthday by sleeping the whole time while we were out to dinner at Texas Roadhouse...probably the best gift I could have asked for - I got to eat in peace while watching him sleep :) - sad that I don't have any pictures of my kids & me on my b-day, but didn't think about it! oh well!
*He rolled from his belly to his back last week, but hasn't done it again since. He tries so hard to go from back to belly...one of these days! He scoots all around on his belly...he still loves tummy time.
*He is sitting up for short periods on his own...it won't be long until we have a sitter :)
* We tried short trials in the crib earlier this month, and he did pretty well for short naps. We finally transitioned from the swing to the crib. He does so well and almost sleeps through the night...only waking up once to eat and then going right back to sleep. Hopefully, he'll go back to sleeping through the night every night again, but we wanted him to like his crib before he grew out of his swing!!
* He's settling into his routine of being away from me during the week (I guess I am, too - although I'm not a fan).
*I don't know what I was thinking when I bought up a bunch of 6-month clothes...I guess I thought that meant he would fit into them at 6 months...but I was reminded that they are up to six months (which really threw me off for some reason)! I'm only buying things 9 months and up now, because he's growing so fast!
*He weighed in at 16lbs. 3 oz, measuring 25 1/4 inches at his four-month well visit!! Although he is on the bigger side, he is only in the 70th (approx) percentile for both weight and height - so he's proportionate and healthy! His brother was always in the 90th and above for everything!
* Favorite toys this month are...his new OBall, My Pal Scout, rocking snail mirror, and his Monkey (of course).
*He's also been showing his team spirit with his brother & cousins :)
*He loves to be held, talked to, and sung to...if we're doing any of those things, he is usually happy....but put him down to get some work done around the house & he throws a screaming fit...hence the current state of our house...clutter, dust bunnies, mountains of laundry, a kitchen floor that looks like a jungle because of all the grass that has been tracked in, get-your-own-or-don't-eat-dinners...yep, that's life in these parts these days. Oh well!
* He didn't want much to do with a pacifier the first four months of his life...he sucked his thumb for a while, but never relied on sucking to soothe himself (he would cuddle his monkey or just want to be held)...until right after his four-month birthday! He has been taking most nights to get to sleep, and sometimes it's the only thing that will calm him down...and he's been sucking his thumb a lot more - so cute! :)
*He loved having Gee, Pappy, Aunt Maggie, Uncle Jake, Parker, Fischer, and Finn spend the weekend with us for our birthdays (Maggie's & mine). He looks so big compared to his cousin who is only six weeks younger than he is! He would pull on Finn's bib and they just looked at each other in amazement...cute! :)
*First tractor ride with Daddy last night...he was so calm & content...
*He rolled from his belly to his back last week, but hasn't done it again since. He tries so hard to go from back to belly...one of these days! He scoots all around on his belly...he still loves tummy time.
*He is sitting up for short periods on his own...it won't be long until we have a sitter :)
* We tried short trials in the crib earlier this month, and he did pretty well for short naps. We finally transitioned from the swing to the crib. He does so well and almost sleeps through the night...only waking up once to eat and then going right back to sleep. Hopefully, he'll go back to sleeping through the night every night again, but we wanted him to like his crib before he grew out of his swing!!
* He's settling into his routine of being away from me during the week (I guess I am, too - although I'm not a fan).
*I don't know what I was thinking when I bought up a bunch of 6-month clothes...I guess I thought that meant he would fit into them at 6 months...but I was reminded that they are up to six months (which really threw me off for some reason)! I'm only buying things 9 months and up now, because he's growing so fast!
*He weighed in at 16lbs. 3 oz, measuring 25 1/4 inches at his four-month well visit!! Although he is on the bigger side, he is only in the 70th (approx) percentile for both weight and height - so he's proportionate and healthy! His brother was always in the 90th and above for everything!
* Favorite toys this month are...his new OBall, My Pal Scout, rocking snail mirror, and his Monkey (of course).
*He's also been showing his team spirit with his brother & cousins :)
Friday, September 23, 2011
Favorite Places to Shop for Adults...
~ Link up at Kelly's Corner ~ Show Us Your Life: Favorite Places to Shop for Adults ~
Shopping...it's a favorite past time of mine. I love to shop...for everything...clothes, shoes, handbags, scarves, kids' clothes, home decor, toys, and the like. But...since Joel was born, I haven't had much free time, so most of the shopping I've done in the past five months has been online or when I get a chance to peruse the clothing & shoe departments while I'm at Target on a toilet paper & toothpaste run. Cash isn't exactly flowing freely in our household these days either, so I have to watch my spending...And anyone who knows me, knows that isn't easy. However, my birthday was three days ago...My family came to celebrate last weekend...and they delivered!! I was blessed with cash, gift cards from Mom & Dad and a gift certificate to my favorite day spa from Dan & the boys. I can't wait to take a day and spend those babies!!!
I don't have one particular style...a mix, I guess. I love to layer with jackets, sweaters, and camis. I like embellishments. Matching is usually a must, but I'm getting better at mixing colors that compliment each other...and scarves are a favorite accessory. I have more shoes and purses than one can imagine, and I don't carry a purse for more than a few weeks before switching to another. I like capris, dressy pants, and jeans. I rarely wear dresses & skirts - just not my thing. So...what style would you call that!? ha! My favorite stores are Kohls, Target, Old Navy, TJ Maxx, and Ross. I rarely buy anything unless it is on sale and/or I have coupon(s).
Here are a few looks from Old Navy that I love...
I am also a member of a few awesome private flash deal sites...membership is free & you get credit for referring friends. Some of my favorites are... Totsy (they mostly have stuff for kids, but I always seem to find something for me when I'm there! Another favorite is RueLala.
Beyond the Rack is another great site...they currently have the cutest sweaters for $39 (reg. $100)! I also love Heartsy - they sell handmade items at reasonable prices - I have an infinity scarf from TeaRex on Heartsy and I love it!!!
Have a great weekend...happy shopping! :)
Disclosure: Referral links used.
Shopping...it's a favorite past time of mine. I love to shop...for everything...clothes, shoes, handbags, scarves, kids' clothes, home decor, toys, and the like. But...since Joel was born, I haven't had much free time, so most of the shopping I've done in the past five months has been online or when I get a chance to peruse the clothing & shoe departments while I'm at Target on a toilet paper & toothpaste run. Cash isn't exactly flowing freely in our household these days either, so I have to watch my spending...And anyone who knows me, knows that isn't easy. However, my birthday was three days ago...My family came to celebrate last weekend...and they delivered!! I was blessed with cash, gift cards from Mom & Dad and a gift certificate to my favorite day spa from Dan & the boys. I can't wait to take a day and spend those babies!!!
I don't have one particular style...a mix, I guess. I love to layer with jackets, sweaters, and camis. I like embellishments. Matching is usually a must, but I'm getting better at mixing colors that compliment each other...and scarves are a favorite accessory. I have more shoes and purses than one can imagine, and I don't carry a purse for more than a few weeks before switching to another. I like capris, dressy pants, and jeans. I rarely wear dresses & skirts - just not my thing. So...what style would you call that!? ha! My favorite stores are Kohls, Target, Old Navy, TJ Maxx, and Ross. I rarely buy anything unless it is on sale and/or I have coupon(s).
Here are a few looks from Old Navy that I love...
Beyond the Rack is another great site...they currently have the cutest sweaters for $39 (reg. $100)! I also love Heartsy - they sell handmade items at reasonable prices - I have an infinity scarf from TeaRex on Heartsy and I love it!!!
Have a great weekend...happy shopping! :)
Disclosure: Referral links used.
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