Crafty Mommy Diva

74th Fashionable Fridays

2012-02-10T00:12:00.019-07:00

Today is February 10th! Wow. First off its' my parents anniversary along with the anniversary of my 2nd date with my husband. I was 16 on that date! We went to Turnabout (aka Sadie Hawkins). Here's a picture of us from that date. =) Fashion 11 years ago!

Before the Dance

My husband was 19 and I was 16

Our 2nd Date

At the Dance

Ever heard of Freecycle!? I love it especially since we're way low on money and my husband already has to lose hours at his job again.
Anyway here are some of the following tops I've worn in January that I received FREE that no one wanted any more paired with my jeans faves from Old Navy. Pretty simple outfits, but I have needed simple in my life!

Crochet Headband with Crochet Flower from Forever and a Day - my favorite crochet style place!

This is a fave since it's loose fitting.

Please link up your Fashion, Hair, Make-up to Fashionable Fridays! This week feel free to link up your fashion from the past! I'd love to see!

Social Spark Deal

2012-02-07T13:58:00.002-07:00

73rd Fashionable Fridays - Paint that Nail

2012-02-03T20:29:00.004-07:00

Today I'm going to show you how to do these kisses, kiss marks or lips, whatever you want to call them, LOL, for Valentine's day! Its quick and easy to do!

First put a base coat on your nails then pick a color to paint your nails, I chose to paint mine white with Revlon- white on white then put one coat of Tip Toe- pretty in pink.

Then with a detail brush, tooth pick or anything small to create the lips, make a lower case "m" but more elongated and not as high of an arch. I used a detail brush with acrylic paint but any paint will work or nail polish would be fine!

Then make the bottom lip by just making a curved line almost connected to the upper lip.

Once you have repeated that on all your nails going in different directions, your nails should look something like this.

I chose to add some glitter over the lips which was China Glaze- ring in the red with a detail brush but of course you could just skip this step and add a top coat! That's it, you're finished with your Valentine's Day nails! I hope you all liked this and had a great day!

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Thanks Kristyn! Perfectly kissable for Valentine's Day! For more ideas on your nails, be sure to check out Paint that Nail!

What to Expect Winner!

2012-02-01T14:41:00.001-07:00

Ahhh it's February already! My break is over...if you call it that. My kids were sick once every week (mostly my son) just enough to throw me off. On Sunday, he threw up in our church library right before my husband and I had to teach lessons. Oh well. Let's hope February has no sicknesses for my family!
I'm somewhat ready to get back things to normal on here for you so be on the look out for some great posts =) I would have loved to have my new blog look ready too, but it's not yet. My husband is still working on it for me.

Now for the winner of the What to Expect books (1st year and 2nd year) - #6 bcriminger is the winner! Congrats!

72nd Fashionable Fridays - Paint that Nail!

2012-01-06T08:59:00.005-07:00

I hope you all are having a great Friday!

Let get started!(:

First paint your nails with a base coat then any color you want. I chose Revlon scented parfume- not so blueberry.

Start making the shape of the flower petal. You can use a small paint brush, striper, old eye liner brush anything that works for you I used Rimmel London French White Tip pro which is a little striper.

Fill it in.

Make another petal and continue the same process until you have three petals.

I outlined my petals but you can skip this step if you just wanted to keep it a bit simpler. I used Kleancolor nail to toe nail art decoration- black onyx.

Then make some lines in the petal I used Kleancolor nail to toe nail art decoration- baby lavender.

Lastly put a middle to your flower and your done with the flower! I put some dots coming out of the flower to just add a little something more lol.

I hope you like this and if you try it out I would love to see a picture!!:D Have a great rest of you day!!

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Those are so chic Kristyn! Thanks for sharing these fabulous nails with us! I think of of my goals this year is to try at least 3 of Kristyn's fabulous nails! Check her out at Paint that Nail!

I'm still on a break, but I can tell you my talented husband is working on my new design for me! You'll see more from me in February! Don't forget to enter in my giveaway from What to Expect! Ends January 28th.

Taking a Break! and GIVEAWAY!

2011-12-22T13:54:00.067-07:00

I've been pretty behind on life once again and getting super stressed trying to balance everything with a 3 year old who doesn't nap and a crawling 8 month old who gets into everything bad for her! =D I'll be taking December and January off from the blog to catch up, get family life organized (along with starting a preschool with my son - since we can't afford to put him in one yet) and play with my Christmas present (see below). Also be prepared for a new look for Crafty Mommy Diva!
Good news - I now own a Silhouette Cameo!!! It's my Christmas/Anniversary present! I actually received it on my son's 3rd birthday (November 30th) and I ordered it on Black Friday. I haven't gotten to play with it much, but for the few hours I tried it out, it was the best feeling in the world! When I first bought it though, I regretted my decision because we're so tight on money as is...thus I spent most of December trying to sell sell sell! My hard work paid off because I feel like I mostly paid it off my credit card. I'm excited to create and try new crafts!!

Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and wonderful New Year!

Here's a giveaway to end the year!
What to Expect has generously offered a giveaway!
I love What to Expect! As soon as I found out I was pregnant, I went and bought What to Expect When You're Expecting. It sure answered lots of questions and provided me with other helpful information through my pregnancy.
Later when my first born was in his toddler years, I decided to buy What to Expect: Toddler Years because this age group was the hardest for me when I was teaching in day cares because I didn't know all that they could do. This book provided me lots of ideas of What to Expect and things to work on with my son. I love how it is organized by months. It was a great tool to make sure my son was on track for growth.

What to Expect sent me The First Year and The Second Year which will be really helpful because it has been so much harder to teach my 2nd child all the things I want her to learn so I'll be using these books to remember what things she should be doing and learning each month. It sure seems like time really really flies with the 2nd child!
In The First Year along with the monthly milestones and tips, they even have special sections about comforting crying and helping baby sleep through the night - both I definitely need for my baby girl! It even has a section about weather and seasons and when baby gets sick. The internet is nice, but having an actual book is so much quicker! There are other sections for preemies and for special needs babies. I have tons of friends who have had preemie babies so this is very useful!
The Second Year just has different sections from feeding to behavior to talking to health - all different areas of their life. Lots of interesting and useful information. If you're looking for the info for your child by months, that's all in The Toddler Years (which I highly recommend!).
Currently I receive What to Expect's e-mails too - great tool! They send me information about each of my children's stages, tips and how other moms are doing things too. I've Pinned a lot of their links on Pinterest - my board: Raising and Teaching Children. I'm grateful to have these books though because searching on the internet can take longer go through different links.

What to Expect is giving 1 reader both of these books!

What to Expect the First Year
What to Expect the Second Year

MANDATORY ENTRY:

To enter this giveaway you must follow Crafty Mommy Diva publicly, and leave a comment telling me what you like about What to Expect. Please include your email.

You must do this before you complete any of the extra entries! Even if your child isn't at this age, you can enter for a friend or family member!

EXTRA ENTRIES: leave a separate comment for each - please leave your e-mail so I can contact you if you win.

Follow What to Expect on Twitter
Facebook about the giveaway with a link to What to Expect's FB page on Facebook.
Blog about the giveaway: leave link - blog must be public.
Leave a comment on a Mommy Mondays Post.
Leave a comment on one of My Projects Posts.

OPEN TO U.S. - GIVEAWAY ENDS JANUARY 28TH at 11:59PM MST.

Free Chicken Soup Download!

2011-12-22T12:13:00.000-07:00

Chicken Soup for the Soul books are available in e-book format for your e-reader, smart phone or computer! Chicken Soup for the Soul books is offering my readers a free e-book download of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Tough Times.

This free e-book works on all e-readers -- Kindle, Nook, iPad, Kobo, iPod Touch, iPhone, and others, and all generations of them. Don't worry, though - If you don't have an e-reader (or receive one this holiday season) you can still enjoy this free book on your computer.

The free download is included below. They are only available for a limited time.

To download from Amazon: http://amzn.to/shsW6O
To download from Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/tYS2cB
To download from Apple iTunes: http://bit.ly/tYiaoD
To download from Kobo Books: http://bit.ly/uMSyrX

Merry Christmas!

Stationery card

2011-12-08T21:49:00.001-07:00

Bright Laughter Christmas Card

Shop Shutterfly's collection of Christmas photo cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

Gratitude Giveaways WINNERS

2011-12-06T18:04:00.001-07:00

WINNERS - Please e-mail me at ScrappyDiva2129 at yahoo dot com OR I will try to contact you by the end of the week.

book from Chicken Soup for the Soul (open to U.S. and Canada) - #14 TASHA

necklace from Shabby Apple (open to U.S. only) - #20 KATIE

Free Calendar and Holiday cards from Shutterfly (several winners) - EVERYONE WINS!

Shutterfly Codes: Mistie, Sam and Rachel
Plum District Gift card Codes: Annie, Zoo Keeper, Amber, Katie, BCriminger and Tasha

Monthly Onesies and Custom Glammed Rosette Headband from me, Crafty Mommy Diva (Several winners) - Digital Designs open to International too. Headband open to U.S. and Canada. - EVERYONE WINS

Since there were 9 prizes and only 6 people entered, all those who entered: Rachel, Annie, Zoo Keeper, Katie, BCriminger, and Tasha can pick 2 Prizes from these options below!

a set of 13 Monthly Onesie DESIGNS. You will get a file for you to iron on the designs yourself. You pick colors/theme. Can be adapted for those babies who are older so we could do 4mo-1 yr, 18 months, 6 mo-1yr, Birthday Design, Big/Little Sister/Brother, etc.
a Year Design so if you have a 3 year old, you'd get a 3 years design. Great for birthday photos. You will get a file for you to iron on the design yourself.
Glammed up Rosette Flower Headband or Fabric Necklace. You pick colors.

Gratitude Giveaways!

2011-11-18T14:10:00.006-07:00

I have several giveaways just for all of you because I am so grateful for all my readers! These prizes would make great gifts: something for everyone! Click on each link to enter.
All giveaways will end Tuesday, December 5th at 11:59MST.

book from Chicken Soup for the Soul (open to U.S. and Canada)

necklace from Shabby Apple (open to U.S. only)

Free Calendar and Holiday cards from Shutterfly (several winners)

Monthly Onesies and Custom Glammed Rosette Headband from me, Crafty Mommy Diva (Several winners) - Digital Designs open to International too. Headband open to U.S. and Canada.

Gratitude Giveaway #1

2011-11-18T14:05:00.017-07:00

book from Chicken Soup for the Soul (open to U.S. and Canada)

I have always loved Chicken Soup! I read like all of the Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul, and they sure helped me be inspired or feel peace or comfort with trials I was facing. I think this would be a great gift for grandparents!

MANDATORY ENTRY
Follow Crafty Mommy Diva on Google Friend Connect publicy. (right sidebar) AND share with friends via e-mail (include ScrappyDiva2129 at yahoo dot com), Facebook and/or Blog.
Leave a comment telling me you are a follower and how you shared.

EXTRA ENTRIES (leave a separate comment for each.)

Leave a comment on a Fashionable Fridays Post.

Leave a comment on a Mommy Mondays Post.

Leave a comment on one of My Projects Posts.

Leave a comment on what you are grateful for.

Like Chicken Soup for the Soul on Facebook or Follow them on Twitter.

GIVEAWAY will end on Tuesday, December 5th at 11:59pm MST

Gratitude Giveaway #2 - Shabby Apple!

2011-11-18T13:47:00.060-07:00

necklace from Shabby Apple (open to U.S. only)

I'm so jealous of you guys! Shabby Apple is giving away this necklace to one of you!!! Check out their other vintage jewelry.
They even have a discount code for you too! 10% off coupon code - just use "scrappygifts10off" - expires December 3rd.

Along with their vintage jewelry, I love their clothes. Did you know they sell maternity dresses? I didn't - no I'm not pregnant, but thought that was cool that they did that. One of my favorite print dresses is the Bernini. Love the colors and print - so calming.

Be a part of their Affiliate Program! It is an easy and rewarding way for you to benefit from featuring Shabby Apple on your blog! If you'd like to sign up, please do so here: http://www.shabbyapple.com/t-affiliate.aspx

WANT TO WIN THE NECKLACE? Again I'm so jealous!
MANDATORY ENTRY
Follow Crafty Mommy Diva on Google Friend Connect publicy. (right sidebar) AND share with friends via e-mail (include ScrappyDiva2129 at yahoo dot com), Facebook and/or Blog.
Leave a comment telling me you are a follower and how you shared.

EXTRA ENTRIES (leave a separate comment for each.)

Leave a comment sharing your favorite items from Shabby Apple.

Leave a comment on Shabby Apple's blog: An Apple a Day... and come back here saying which post you commented on.

Like Shabby Apple on Facebook or Follow them on Twitter.

Leave a comment on a Fashionable Fridays Post.

Leave a comment on a Mommy Mondays Post.

Leave a comment on one of My Projects Posts.

Leave a comment on what you are grateful for.

GIVEAWAY will end on Tuesday, December 5th at 11:59pm MST

Gratitude Giveaways #3

2011-11-18T09:45:00.031-07:00

Free Calendar and Holiday cards from Shutterfly (several winners)

I had a House Party for Shutterfly and had some leftover goodies from the party that I want to share with my readers!

3 Winners will receive Promotional Codes for 15 Free Holiday Cards and 1 Free Calendar to make at Shutterfly.
6 Winners will receive a $10 gift card to Plum District - for moms, by moms.

MANDATORY ENTRY
Follow Crafty Mommy Diva on Google Friend Connect publicy. (right sidebar) AND share with friends via e-mail (include ScrappyDiva2129 at yahoo dot com), Facebook and/or Blog.
Leave a comment telling me you are a follower and how you shared.

EXTRA ENTRIES (leave a separate comment for each.)

Leave a comment on a Fashionable Fridays Post.

Leave a comment on a Mommy Mondays Post.

Leave a comment on one of My Projects Posts.

Leave a comment on which you'd like to win the Shutterfly codes or Plum District gift card.

Like House Party on Facebook or Follow them on Twitter.

Like Shutterfly on Facebook or Follow them on Twitter.

Like Plum District on Facebook or Follow them on Twitter.

GIVEAWAY will end on Tuesday, December 5th at 11:59pm MST
*this is not a sponsored giveaway* I wasn't compensated for this post.*

Gratitude Giveaway #4

2011-11-18T08:29:00.026-07:00

Monthly Onesies and Custom Glammed Rosette Headband from me, Crafty Mommy Diva (Several winners)

1 Winner will receive a set of 13 finished Monthly Onesies! with sayings of Newborn - 1 year. I will ship you the finished onesies.Winner picks colors/theme. (Open to U.S. only)
3 Winners will receive a set of 13 Monthly Onesie DESIGNS. You will get a file for you to iron on the designs yourself. Winners picks colors/theme. (Open to International too)
3 Winners will receive a year design so if you have a 3 year old, you'd get a 3 years design. Great for birthday photos. (Open to International too)
2 Winners will get a Glammed up Rosette Flower Headband. Winners picks colors. (Open to Canada and U.S.)

EXTRA ENTRIES (leave a separate comment for each.)

Leave a comment on a Fashionable Fridays Post.

Leave a comment on a Mommy Mondays Post.

Leave a comment on one of My Projects Posts.

Follow my Scrappy Gifts on Google Friend Connect publicy.

GIVEAWAY will end on Tuesday, December 5th at 11:59pm MST

new at Eden Fantasys

2011-11-18T00:06:00.000-07:00

They have lots of new things over at Eden Fantasys. They have some clothing now too. Here is a cute, modest and fun top.
I love the bright yellow color especially to wear during the upcoming winter, to brighten up those gloomy days, especially out here in Idaho. You can get some bad cabin fever so I think this bright yellow top would really bring some sunshine inside. Plus as a mom, I think I would be happier wearing something so bright and cheery - because of late, I've been having a hard time staying in a good mood with all the things I've been trying to keep up with. While I type this, that tops just sounds even more appealing to help with my mood! Do you have certain clothes/colors that help brighten your mood?
I also love the flutter sleeves on this top, very breathable looking. That would be helpful in staying cool while running around with kids in tow.

They also have a little bit of makeup too. Here is some face make-up for a flushed look or glow. Sometimes I look so pale so I try to put a glow/rosiness on my face and this sounds like this would help do that.

Would you like to work with Eden Fantasys too as a blogger? Click on the banner below.

*This post brought to you by EdenFantasys, an online sex toys retailer. My opinions are my own.

First Fondant

2011-11-17T02:30:00.022-07:00

My husband and I love watching Cake Boss so for my birthday this year, my husband wanted to try to make me a fondant cake. (He's only cooked homemade things like twice now.....he makes awesome breadsticks though with all his practicing =D). I gave him the idea of doing a 27 dresses cake since I was turning 27 (on October 21st) and he thought that was doable.
Well with the craziness of our lives and us going on a vacation soon, we decide to do the cake on October 16th and I helped him because I'm nice.

My husband mixing cake mix.

Mixing the fondant. We used chocolate marshmallows.....I was hoping that it would give it more a chocolatey flavor, but nope. I'd stick with white in the future unless you want a purply gray fondant.

We added caramel to our cake and then stuck it in the freezer to cool faster.....not smart. It was stuck. If you want a caramel cake then don't stick it in the freezer. If you're just doing a plain cake, stick it in the freezer - it helps it be softer/moister later.

I then dirty iced it while my husband rolled out the fondant.

Then we placed the fondant on top. As you can see, it was very thick....wish we had one of those fondant rollers like on Cake Boss!

Since the fondant was a grey purply color, I made it Halloween themed! With our leftover fondant, I cut out Halloween shapes with cookie cutters and then painted it with food coloring and added some candy corn pieces to it. It's definitely not the greatest, but we would love to try again....maybe for our son's birthday on November 30th.....maybe.

It tasted pretty good....the fondant though was just as gross though - I think eating fondant is yucky (pure powdered sugar!)

Have you been successful with fondant on your first attempts?

16th Work-out Wednesday

2011-11-16T19:01:00.001-07:00

Here are my stats:
Height: 5'4
Beginning Measurements

Around the Belly: 39 in. (47 in. 38 weeks pregnant with my daughter in April- I was only 45 in. with my son, but I weighed almost 10 lbs. more)
Waist: 38in.
Around my bottom: 40.25 in.
Upper Arm: 12.25 in.
Inner Thigh: 23.5 in

Goal: flatter tummy - 34 in. around my belly, 130 lbs. by the New Year (have to leave room for the holidays =D). Ideally would love to be 120-125 again and 30-32 in again.

Pre-pregnancy: 131 lbs. Gained 36 lbs. when pregnant: 167 lbs. (had my baby April 19, 2011) Beginning weight: 147 lbs.

Today's Weight: 133lbs. - no change from last week unfortunately.
Today I did a lot of cleaning, some crunches and one of the 60 second stress solutions (putting your legs up against a wall while laying on the floor - works wonders!). I really need to work on toning and just getting my life in better order so I'm not so stressed out. The cleaning today (scrubbing my kitchen) really helped me feel less stress....now I'm exhausted!

Also I wanted to share with you this cool blog, Let's Get Fit Together, that has challenges. Many of the people are looking to lose about 10 lbs minimum so I think it covers a lot more people. Check it out and maybe join in! I'm going to try and join. The first challenge is up.

Dragonball Z Birthday

2011-11-15T12:58:00.004-07:00

For my son's 2nd birthday last year! - we did a DragonBall Z themed birthday.

Here's the invite I made:

During the day, I took some nicer pictures of him since we didn't have money to do professional ones. I think they turned out pretty well.

Then I worked on his cake(s). I made chocolate cupcakes into the shape of the dragon, Shenron from the show. This was my first time attempting cool cakes for a birthday. For his 1st birthday, we had money to pay someone to make his cake. I tried at least- some people thought it was a caterpillar! I was running out of green frosting too so that was difficult! With mini cupcakes, I made most of the dragon balls. Then with one round cake, I did the 2 Dragon Ball for him.

I made a door sign for people to come in. (this picture was taken a couple days after the party thus the shrunken balloons)

We ate homemade pizza and then played some games.

One was Pin the Tail on Goku. If you know the Dragon Ball series, you'll know understand why we played this =D

I had prizes for the kids and then Restaurant.com certificates (on sale for $2 each!!) as prizes for the adults.

We opened presents next because lots of people had to leave early for a meeting at church. Typically I do presents after cake. I brought our kids' picnic table out front so kids could eat there, and we ended up having the presents there too.

Then seeing that we still had time, we sung to the birthday boy. =D

Here's just a little bit of the decor - it was hard finding the colors I wanted. I did green and yellow with orange balloons, but I wanted to add more colored balloons too.

This year for my son's 3rd Birthday Party, we're doing a Ghostbusters theme! My little guy loves looking for Ghosts ever since my husband introduced the movies to him. I thought he'd be scared, but he's not.

Thanks to winning a giveaway from PickleDoodle Designs over at Crafting and Creativity, I have some awesome Ghostbusters printables. Here's a look at the invitation PickleDoodle Designs created for me! Both my son and I were super excited when she sent us the finished product. She also created Subway Art, Thank You's, and a Door Sign for me too. You'll have to wait to see pictures after his party on the 30th =D

56th Mommy Mondays

2011-11-14T05:54:00.000-07:00

I was having another rough day on Friday morning. My son woke up early and then my baby girl did too and neither would go back to sleep so I threw my frustrations into getting the dishes done. What I needed was some good food and a nap and for the house to be clean when I woke up =D....how dreams change.

Anyway, my son started this conversation with me.

"Mom, are you happy?"

"NO"

"I can make you smile."

I turn to look at him and can't help, but smile and stay smiling.

What a sweet sweet boy, though very annoying too at times! Boy do I love my kids, but I seriously need to get my life better organized or maybe I'm finally getting my period soon? After I had my son, I didn't get my period until he was 7 months. My daughter will be 7 months on the 19th so maybe I'll be getting it soon and maybe that's why I'm such a big grouch and hormonal! At least my house is looking pretty good now now to keep up with it!!! No one better get sick where I fall behind again or I'll go CRAZY!

71st Fashionable Fridays

2011-11-11T23:11:00.008-07:00

Last week, I wore my new trouser jeans. My MIL bought them for my birthday. We went shopping together and I picked them out from Old Navy. They are super comfortable!
My top is from Down East sale - $5

Tonight, I wore my hair curly to a wedding reception. I rarely curl my hair because I usually feel like I look way too young with it, but when my hair is super long, it looks pretty good with some curls in it.
Baby blue shirt from Down East major sale - $5. and navy blue tank my mother-in-law also bought for me from Down East.

Did you do anything fun or have a lucky day with it being 11/11/11 and Veterans Day!? Later after the reception, I enjoyed a girls night "watching" Eclipse, but mostly we just did a lot of talking which really was most needed and lots of fun even though I barely knew most of the girls there. I'm so excited about watching Breaking Dawn, part 1 soon....a bunch of us girls are not seeing it until December though.

Also I just wanted to say thank you to all those veterans who have fought for my freedoms and for the United States and I'm grateful to those who are serving our country today. What brave men and women and their families too who sacrifice so much.

Rosette Flowers Glam!

2011-11-10T06:22:00.039-07:00

I've been wanting to make more glammed up rosette flowers so I've been trying to add feathers and tulle, some flair! =D

I made these first few for some friends'

Then for our upcoming family photo shoot, I wanted to make a really big one so I started messing around some more.

Here's the beginning part....

...and it turned into this! Woot woot! I loved it!

Then I had to make some thing for my baby girl so she could be glammed up too!

I made her a smaller piece since it would be big on her and then I made her a fabric necklace too!

To make the Fabric Necklace: I took an inch wide of fabric about 24 inches long and tied it on the end. Then I twisted, put some glue in between and twisted some more and let dry. Then I made it into a double necklace and added the rosette to it to keep it secure. So Simple!! I need to make one for myself now! =D

15th Work-out Wednesday

2011-11-09T16:26:00.001-07:00

Here are my stats:
Height: 5'4
Beginning Measurements

Around the Belly: 39 in. (47 in. 38 weeks pregnant with my daughter in April- I was only 45 in. with my son, but I weighed almost 10 lbs. more)
Waist: 38in.
Around my bottom: 40.25 in.
Upper Arm: 12.25 in.
Inner Thigh: 23.5 in

Goal: flatter tummy - 34 in. around my belly (so I don't look pregnant still when I wear my pre-pregnancy shirts), 130 lbs. by the New Year (have to leave room for the holidays =D).

Ideally would love to be 120-125 again and 30-32 in again.

Pre-pregnancy: 131 lbs. Gained 36 lbs. when pregnant: 167 lbs. (had my baby April 19, 2011) Beginning weight: 147 lbs.

Today's Weight: 133lbs. so I'm almost there. I'm doing pretty well I think.

Today's Measurements: now to work on getting these numbers down more!

Around the Belly: 37 in. - same
Waist: 36 in. - lost 1/2 in.
Around my bottom: 37.5 in. - lost .75
Upper Arm: 11.25 in. - lost 1/4 in.
Inner Thigh: 22 in - same

I guess Halloween didn't mess me up too much. I've been trying to do some crunches and some more dancing when I'm cleaning.

Halloween Costumes 2011 Mini Tutorials - Peter Pan themed

2011-11-08T05:29:00.080-07:00

Captain Hook costume
I found a red coat at DI (Deseret Industires - thrift store).

I bought some white ruffles and gold trim. Since this coat was really thick and I'm not an expert sewer, I used velcro that I had and put pieces inside the wrists and across the chest to place the ruffles.

Captain Hook Hat
a friend mentioned how important the Captain Hook's hat was so I decided against the $1 store kids pirate hat I was originally going to use (now it can just be for dress up) and figured out how to make my own hat.
I took cardboard and cut a large oval and then cut a hole in the middle to fit an adult head.
Then I took one of my son's old turtleneck onesies (3T - so it would be hard for him to wear now that he's potty trained) and cut it to cover the cardboard. My husband is 6'4 so once I covered one side pretty well; I figured most people won't see the top of his head. I used a combination of hot glue and craft glue...craft glue did better with so much fabric being used.

For the feather, I cut a piece of cardboard, covered it in white felt and added slits to the side. I had some small white feathers on hand so I covered it with that too.

Wendy

I took my old hospital gown and pinned down the neckline then sewed so you couldn't see the brown so much and then added a big blue ribbon around my waist.

Peter Pan

I found a dark green thermal underwear set at DI and cut that up zig zag style. I used the scraps to make the hat. I sewed these two pieces together (from the bottom of the shirt and the bottom of a pant leg.)

In the end, I didn't use the pants bottoms because Peter Pan wears more like tights for his bottoms. I figured if it was snowing though, I'd have him wear those over his others. His bottoms are just pjs pants from Old Navy. I got the pink sword at DI for 50 cents....I wanted to spray paint it a better color, but with being gone before Halloween, didn't get a chance. The brown belt is also from DI probably like $1.

TinkerBell

She was the inspiration for our costumes. I have been obsessed with lime green and hot pink so when I saw the lime green tutu dress at Crafty Moms, I bought it along with some other stuff during her FB deals. When I looked at it again later, I was like my baby girl can be TinkerBell! I put another lime green tutu underneath to make it more full. Then she wore tights and lime green pants to keep warmer underneath. I found the green fairy wings at the $1 store! I also found a glow stick wand at the $1 store too, but didn't get any pictures with it.

I was so happy with the outcome! I was especially impressed with how well I did with Captain Hook! We'll have to use these costumes again!

Let me know if you have any questions about this and I'd be happy to answer!

55th Mommy Mondays

2011-11-07T02:37:00.003-07:00

I know I haven't done Mommy Mondays in forever! Every time I thought of ideas to share for this, I would forget them when time to blog about it. Oops! Lately again, I feel like I can't catch up with life: cleaning, finances, etc. so I've been down on myself not feeling like a great mom.

Here's some funny things my son says.
"That's what I said Mom" - He's not 3 yet (end of the month) so sometimes it's hard for me to understand him so when I mess up first and then understand next, this is what he says.
When did your kids start saying Mom instead of Mommy? It made me really sad when this happened! It started probably about 3-4 months ago.

Yesterday, I tried telling my son about the difference between he and she. He knows the difference between boys and girls easily, but has been calling his sister and he and brother so we have to work on that still.
Anyway, I asked him what his sister was after I told him a girl is a she and he said, "He's a she." =D
LOL! We'll keep working on it. He knows the difference between I/me great.
We can't believe he'll be 3 on the 30th! It has been really making me sad when I think about it. I handled turning 2 easily, but 3, I keep getting teary-eyed!

This little girl is 6 months old now! She won't crawl, probably because she doesn't really like being on her stomach. She'll go back to sitting position by herself when she's on all fours. She prefers to scoot on her bottom everywhere! When she is on her tummy, she'll turn and go backwards. It's funny to watch.

70th Fashionable Fridays

2011-11-04T01:49:00.004-06:00

Here's what we wore to our family photos. Thank you Dash Photography! Check out her FB page too.

I made the hairpieces and the fabric necklace for my baby girl.

Here's what we were for Halloween!
I made Captain Hook's hat, altered a red coat, made Peter Pan's hat, altered his shirt, altered my dress and bought accessories: ribbon, swords, hooks, wings...
Inspiration for the costumes was my daughter's tutu dress. I bought it because I've been addicted to lime green and hot pink and figured it looked like Tinkerbell =D

Come back next week and I'll give you the details on how I made my headpiece, fabric necklaces and costumes! =D

Link up your fashion, hair, make-up, Halloween costumes, etc.

Shutterfly Holiday Cards

2011-11-02T11:32:00.000-06:00

Here are my favorite holiday greetings from Shutterfly this year!

I'm loving the photo Christmas cards! This one you can have it in 5x5 or 5x7! I think the colors would work well with our family pictures we just took (see what we wore to them on tomorrow's Fashionable Fridays!).

This one is also fun. You know I've been addicted to hot pink and lime green!

I'll be needing some of these Thank You cards this year after my son's birthday party at the end of the month! Most are on sale right now for 74 cents a piece! I'm liking the Cherry Red one to go with the Ghostbusters theme we're doing for my son's party, but the choo choo trains and dump trucks ones they have are also so fun! I always love photos on cards too to help you remember someone.

I love Shutterfly! I use them all the time! Lately I've been using them to send birthday cards to family with pictures of my kids. Plus they'll address and ship the card for you for just 99 cents! Saves me a lot of time! Shutterfly always has amazing promotions like getting free greeting cards and photo books or big discounts of 30% off and Free Shipping. I'm always impressed with their quality. If you haven't tried them, I would check them out now!

69th Fashionable Fridays

2011-10-21T11:25:00.005-06:00

Here's what my daughter and I wore on Sunday.

Dress - Down East $10
Ankle Boots - too old to remember....maybe my mom gave them to me.
Green Flower - Cover Your Hair.com $4
Green Necklace - Maurices $5-$7

Dress - Kohls
Sweater - Mommy n' Me (consignment) 25 cent sale, 25 cents!
Headband - Cover Your Hair.com
Grey Flower Clip - Paparazzi Accessories $5 (technically it was free for me since I hosted a party, etc.)

Attempting to crawl...

Today is my birthday! 27 years old...
Here's what I'm wearing today. Going out to lunch with some girls and then getting family pictures taken. Then tomorrow, we're leaving for Utah to see my husband's family.

Link up your fashion, hair, make-up, etc.

14th Work-out Wednesday

2011-10-19T09:04:00.001-06:00

Here are my stats:
Height: 5'4
Beginning Measurements

Around the Belly: 39 in. (47 in. 38 weeks pregnant with my daughter in April- I was only 45 in. with my son, but I weighed almost 10 lbs. more)
Waist: 38in.
Around my bottom: 40.25 in.
Upper Arm: 12.25 in.
Inner Thigh: 23.5 in

Goal: flatter tummy - 34 in. around my belly (so I don't look pregnant still when I wear my pre-pregnancy shirts), 140 by September 1st. OR to fit into my 7-9 jeans comfortably.

Ideally would love to be 120-125 again and 30-32 in again.

Pre-pregnancy: 131 lbs. Gained 36 lbs. when pregnant: 167 lbs. (had my baby April 19, 2011) My baby girl is 6 months old today!
Beginning weight: 147 lbs.

Today's Weight: 135.6 - actually earlier this week I weighed 134.5. It's been making me nervous though about having enough milk to nurse or it could just be my baby girl wants more of the solid foods. I get paranoid about having enough milk though until I'm done nursing. I nursed my son until he was 15 months....he was really sick at the year mark so it was too hard to wean him then.

Today's Measurements:

Around the Belly: 37 in. - I lost 1/2 inch
Waist: 36.5 in. - lost 1/2 in.
Around my bottom: 38.25 in. - lost 0
Upper Arm: 11.5 in. - lost 1/4 in.
Inner Thigh: 22 in - lost 1/4 in.

I figured I'd share my measurements today since I will be out of town, leaving Saturday and coming back next Thursday. I guess now I need to focus on toning - which I really stink at!

Link up your progress, health tips, etc.

68th Fashionable Fridays

2011-10-14T18:01:00.000-06:00

Here's what I wore one morning to run errands in the snow we got last week. Fortunately we don't have snow anymore, but it has gotten a lot colder. I love wearing my green hat in this weather though!

Yeah my son doesn't technically match (at least both Elmo) and that shirt keeps getting unbutton - time to store it away. He had just woken up.

Link up your fashion, hair, make-up, etc.

13th Work-out Wednesday

2011-10-12T17:55:00.007-06:00

Here are my stats:
Height: 5'4
Beginning Measurements

Around the Belly: 39 in. (47 in. 38 weeks pregnant with my daughter- I was only 45 in. with my son, but I weighed almost 10 lbs. more)
Waist: 38in.
Around my bottom: 40.25 in.
Upper Arm: 12.25 in.
Inner Thigh: 23.5 in

Goal: flatter tummy - 34 in. around my belly (so I don't look pregnant still when I wear my pre-pregnancy shirts), 130 by December 31st.

Ideally would love to be 120-125 again and 30-32 in again.

Pre-pregnancy: 131 lbs. Gained 36 lbs. when pregnant: 167 lbs.
Beginning weight: 147 lbs.

Today's Weight: 136 lbs. - not much change. I've been doing a lot of cleaning and reorganizing, but I've eaten lots of junk because I don't want to go shopping when we'll be leaving on a little vacation soon. Plus I've been stressed trying to get so much done!

I wanted to share with you a link to 60 second stress solutions from Parents.com. I know for some people when they get overly stressed, it's very hard to lose weight. I know just being a mom and trying to get so much done and spend time with your kids, I've been super stressed these past couple of weeks. When I tried the move in the picture below, it actually did wonders to help me relieve tension and stress!

What are some of your stress relievers?

Link up your progress or fitness/health tips and ideas

67th Fashionable Fridays - Paint that Nail!

2011-10-07T11:59:00.001-06:00

Happy Friday everyone!! Today im going to show you how to do these cupcakes!

What I used~
-OPI: unknown name the label came off (the base pink color)
-Wet n Wild: party of five glitters
-OPI: pink-ing of you (sheer pink color over the glitter)
-Kiss nail art paint: beach pink (cupcake cup)
-Kiss nail art paint: soft pink (the lines on the cupcake cup)
-Rimmel French White Tip PRO (white)
-Sally Hansen Insta- Dri: lightening (yellow)
-NYC long-wearing nail enamel: times square tangerine creme (orange)
-Studio M: whose that girl
-Revlon top speed: lily (light purple/lavender)
-China Glaze: ruby deer (red)
You could used whatever colors you want just have fun with it!! (:

First paint you nails a light pink color then put a coat of glitter

Now put a sheer pink color over the glitter

Then put one more coat of glitter and now it gives it more of a layered effect

To make the cup for the cupcake just make a square and then curve it up just a little bit and then take a thin paint brush, striper or toothpick and make little lines on the cup part

Make three big dots going along the edge of the cup, you could use the back of a paint brush, dotting tool or a bobby pin

Then make a half circle connecting to the dots to make the cupcake!

Add different colored dots for sprinkles I used a toothpick

To make the heart I used a toothpick and just cut the tip off and made a dot the dragged it down and did the same to the other half

Just add a top coat and thats it your done!! Have a great weekend!(:

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Thanks Kristyn! These look so adorable and fun - perfect for a birthday party too =D

Barter/Trade or Donate with Scrappy Gifts

2011-10-06T21:57:00.001-06:00

I am looking Christmas gifts now and prizes for my son's 3rd birthday party on November 30th. You don't have to own a business/shop to trade; you can just be a crafter/artist, etc.

So if you have something to offer that would make a great prize, leave me a comment or shoot me an e-mail at ScrappyDiva2129 at yahoo dot com. You can trade for an item on my site, Scrappy Gifts or donate it to get some publicity/advertising for your site. If you donate, I'll happily post pictures and links to your site on mine.
I'm pretty flexible though so if you're interested in my products, let me know what items you have to trade. I have an almost 3 year old son and a 5 1/2 month old daughter.

For the PARTY - I would especially love any gift certificates, Towel Bibs, toddler ties, child sized hooded towels, games, learning toys/activities, unique gifts or any local gifts for the Southeastern Idaho area.

For CHRISTMAS - I'd especially love to trade advertising/product for towel bibs, rompers, pettipants, peg boards/coat hooks, fabric/canvas totes for storage, baby girl shoes, baby girl dresses, carseat strap covers, anything for a three year old boy, hooded towels, etc.

12th Work-out Wednesday

2011-10-05T18:11:00.002-06:00

Here are my stats:
Height: 5'4
Beginning Measurements

Around the Belly: 39 in. (47 in. 38 weeks pregnant with my daughter- I was only 45 in. with my son, but I weighed almost 10 lbs. more)
Waist: 38in.
Around my bottom: 40.25 in.
Upper Arm: 12.25 in.
Inner Thigh: 23.5 in

Goal: flatter tummy - 34 in. around my belly (so I don't look pregnant still when I wear my pre-pregnancy shirts), 140 by September 1st. OR to fit into my 7-9 jeans comfortably.

Ideally would love to be 120-125 again and 30-32 in again.

Pre-pregnancy: 131 lbs. Gained 36 lbs. when pregnant: 167 lbs.
Beginning weight: 147 lbs.

Today's Weight: 136.2 so I've lost a pound in the last week.
I've been reorganizing basically my whole house to make more room for my baby girl's stuff as well as turning my scrapbook room into a more conducive room for having Joy School, parties, or crafting time with friends. I was exhausted the first couple days, but now I just have little things here and there to find spots for or waiting for money to get some large storage bins.

Link up your progress or fitness/health tips and ideas.

66th Fashionable Fridays

2011-09-30T20:59:00.000-06:00

I've taken a lot of pictures since last week, but unfortunately I forgot to take any of myself! Here's some pictures of my kids' fashion.

We're getting ready for Halloween in our house! Fairy wings and pirate hat from the $1 store!!! Woot Woot!

The picture is mixed up - we were just having fun. We're going to do a Peter Pan theme.
My husband is going as Captain Hook.
I'll be Wendy.
Our son will be Peter Pan
Our daughter will be Tinkerbell.

What are you/your family going to be for Halloween!? Feel free to link up last year's costumes too.

Link up your fashion, hair, make-up, Halloween costumes!

Shutterfly

2011-09-29T22:00:00.000-06:00

I'll say it again how much I love Shutterfly! They always have freebies. Here's a greeting card I made for my mom's birthday coming up. Did you know you can have Shutterfly address and mail your cards for you so you don't deal with double shipping? I love it! (These are my own opinions)

5x7 Folded Card

View the entire collection of cards.

11th Work-out Wednesday

2011-09-28T18:27:00.000-06:00

Here are my stats:
Height: 5'4
Beginning Measurements

Around the Belly: 39 in. (47 in. 38 weeks pregnant with my daughter- I was only 45 in. with my son, but I weighed almost 10 lbs. more)
Waist: 38in.
Around my bottom: 40.25 in.
Upper Arm: 12.25 in.
Inner Thigh: 23.5 in

Goal: flatter tummy - 34 in. around my belly (so I don't look pregnant still when I wear my pre-pregnancy shirts), 140 by September 1st. OR to fit into my 7-9 jeans comfortably.

Ideally would love to be 120-125 again and 30-32 in again.

Pre-pregnancy: 131 lbs. Gained 36 lbs. when pregnant: 167 lbs.
Beginning weight: 147 lbs.

Today's Weight: 137.2 so I've lost a pound in the last week. I've been doing a lot of walking this week, pushing my kids (about 50 lbs. of kids) in our "new" double stroller since my husband accidentally broke our other single stroller.

Link up your progress or fitness/health tips and ideas.

65th Fashionable Fridays

2011-09-23T16:22:00.000-06:00

Here's what I wore today! Just a simple outfit for going out visiting teaching and later having a girls' movie night. We watched Midway to Heaven based on the book by Dean Hughes. It was pretty cute, but kinda weird that Michelle from the Bachelor was in it.

Anyway here's where my clothes are from.
Pink Shirt: Wal-mart, on sale for $3!
Jeans: shhh... I'm still wearing my Old Navy Maternity jeans since I only have like 2 pairs of jeans I fit into at the moment.
Green Necklace: Paparazzi Accessories
Green Flower Ring: Paparazzi Accessories

Sorry I don't look very happy...maybe I'm just tired from my very busy last 2 weeks. Anyone else seem like they've been crazy busy more so these past couple of weeks?

Anyone know the rules with horizontal stripes!? When is it not okay to wear them? I've been wearing some lately because I don't feel like I look wider in them or maybe it helps hide my protruding baby belly?

10th Work-out Wednesday

2011-09-21T14:24:00.002-06:00

Here are my stats:
Height: 5'4
Beginning Measurements

Around the Belly: 39 in. (47 in. 38 weeks pregnant with my daughter- I was only 45 in. with my son, but I weighed almost 10 lbs. more)
Waist: 38in.
Around my bottom: 40.25 in.
Upper Arm: 12.25 in.
Inner Thigh: 23.5 in

Goal: flatter tummy - 34 in. around my belly (so I don't look pregnant still when I wear my pre-pregnancy shirts), 140 by September 1st. OR to fit into my 7-9 jeans comfortably.

Ideally would love to be 120-125 again and 30-32 in again.

Pre-pregnancy: 131 lbs. Gained 36 lbs. when pregnant: 167 lbs.
Beginning weight: 147 lbs.

Today's Weight: 138.6 so in 3 weeks since my last post, I've lost about 3 lbs. Not bad since I haven't done much due to potty training the first week in September and then starting a joy school/preschool last week. Busy busy! Maybe that helps though.

I wanted to share with you my favorite salad! We like green leaf lettuce (the darker the greens, the more nutrients!) or romaine. I put tomatoes or mandarin oranges, carrots, cheese, and chow mein noodles with some Caesar dressing.

What's your favorite salad?

54th Mommy Mondays - Guest Post - A Hungry Child Can't Wait: Ask 5 for 5

2011-09-19T00:56:00.000-06:00

Guest Blogger: Sarah Lenssen from #Ask5for5
Family photos by Mike Fiechtner Photography

Thank you Crafty Mommy Diva and nearly 150 other bloggers from around the world for allowing me to share a story with you today, during Social Media Week.

A hungry child in East Africa can't wait. Her hunger consumes her while we decide if we'll respond and save her life. In Somalia, children are stumbling along for days, even weeks, on dangerous roads and with empty stomachs in search of food and water. Their crops failed for the third year in a row. All their animals died. They lost everything. Thousands are dying along the road before they find help in refugee camps.

At my house, when my three children are hungry, they wait minutes for food, maybe an hour if dinner is approaching. Children affected by the food crisis in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia aren't so lucky. Did you know that the worst drought in 60 years is ravaging whole countries right now, as you read this? Famine, a term not used lightly, has been declared in Somalia. This is the world's first famine in 20 years.12.4 million people are in need of emergency assistance and over 29,000 children have died in the last three months alone. A child is dying every 5 minutes. It it estimated that 750,000 people could die before this famine is over. Take a moment and let that settle in.

The media plays a major role in disasters. They have the power to draw the attention of society to respond--or not. Unfortunately, this horrific disaster has become merely a footnote in most national media outlets. News of the U.S. national debt squabble and the latest celebrity's baby bump dominate headlines. That is why I am thrilled that nearly 150 bloggers from all over the world are joining together today to use the power of social media to make their own headlines; to share the urgent need of the almost forgotten with their blog readers. Humans have the capacity to care deeply for those who are suffering, but in a situation like this when the numbers are too huge to grasp and the people so far away, we often feel like the little we can do will be a drop in the ocean, and don't do anything at all.

When news of the famine first hit the news in late July, I selfishly avoided it. I didn't want to read about it or hear about it because I knew I would feel overwhelmed and uncomfortable. I wanted to protect myself. I knew I would need to do something if I knew what was really happening. You see, this food crisis is personal. I have a 4-year-old son and a 1 yr-old daughter who were adopted from Ethiopia and born in regions now affected by the drought. If my children still lived in their home villages, they would be two of the 12.4 million. My children: extremely hungry and malnourished? Gulp. I think any one of us would do anything we could for our hungry child. But would you do something for another mother's hungry child?

My friend and World Vision staffer, Jon Warren, was recently in Dadaab Refugee Camp in Kenya--the largest refugee camp in the world with over 400,000 people. He told me the story of Isnino Siyat, 22, a mother who walked for 10 days and nights with her husband, 1 yr-old-baby, Suleiman, and 4 yr.-old son Adan Hussein, fleeing the drought in Somalia. When she arrived at Dadaab, she built the family a shelter with borrowed materials while carrying her baby on her back. Even her dress is borrowed. As she sat in the shelter on her second night in camp she told Jon, "I left because of hunger. It is a very horrible drought which finished both our livestock and our farm." The family lost their 5 cows and 10 goats one by one over 3 months, as grazing lands dried up. "We don't have enough food now...our food is finished. I am really worried about the future of my children and myself if the situation continues."

Will you help a child like Baby Suleiman? Ask5for5 is a dream built upon the belief that you will.

That something I knew I would need to do became a campaign called #Ask5for5 to raise awareness and funds for famine and drought victims. The concept is simple, give $5 and ask five of your friends to give $5, and then they each ask five of their friends to give $5 and so on--in nine generations of 5x5x5...we could raise $2.4 Million! In one month, over 750 people have donated over $25,000! I set up a fundraiser at See Your Impact and 100% of the funds will go to World Vision, an organization that has been fighting hunger in the Horn of Africa for decades and will continue long after this famine has ended. Donations can multiply up to 5 times in impact by government grants to help provide emergency food, clean water, agricultural support, healthcare, and other vital assistance to children and families suffering in the Horn.

I need you to help me save lives. It's so so simple; here's what you need to do:

Donate $5 or more on this page (http://seeyourimpact.org/members/ask5for5)
Send an email to your friends and ask them to join us.
Share #Ask5for5 on Facebook and Twitter!

I'm looking for another 100 bloggers to share this post on their blogs throughout Social Media Week. Email me at ask5for5@gmail.com if you're interested in participating this week.

A hungry child doesn't wait. She doesn't wait for us to finish the other things on our to-do list, or get to it next month when we might have a little more money to give. She doesn't wait for us to decide if she's important enough to deserve a response. She will only wait as long as her weakened little body will hold on...please respond now and help save her life. Ask 5 for 5.

Thank you on behalf of all of those who will be helped--you are saving lives and changing history.

p.s. Please don't move on to the next website before you donate and email your friends right now. It only takes 5 minutes and just $5, and if you're life is busy like mine, you probably won't get back to it later. Let's not be a generation that ignores hundreds of thousands of starving people, instead let's leave a legacy of compassion. You have the opportunity to save a life today!

64th Fashionable Fridays

2011-09-16T01:39:00.000-06:00

Here's what I wore last Sunday, my new dress that I got from Down East's tent sale during Labor Day Weekend.

I don't look that great because I was way tired, but I love the print and color of the dress along with the length of it.

Husband's Birthdays

2011-09-16T00:12:00.000-06:00

My husband turned 30 a little while ago. Here's what I did for him. Even though my husband doesn't care about all this stuff; I can tell he still appreciates it and now he's going to attempt to do something special for my birthday =D Can't wait! The little things are so important!

First my son and I went to the $1 store to pick up some decorations. Then we went to my husband's work before he had to work and decorated. This was a total surprise to my husband. He didn't think I could surprise him 2 years in a row! I'm awesome! =D

Then when he came home from work, he had this waiting for him just to remind him all the great things he's done. Some of the accomplishments his family shared with me.

This was based on this idea from the Dating Divas. 30 envelopes decorated with a little scrapbooking paper with a paper inside with each one of his accomplishments.

For my husband's birthday last year; it was his golden birthday so I got this cake made and added some gold coins.

Golden Birthday means the age you're turning matches your birth date day.

Colortime Contest and Coupon

2011-09-13T00:28:00.000-06:00

Colortime Crafts And Markers™ contacted me with this opportunity. They are looking for some new ideas for their products. It would be helpful if you took a look at http://www.colortime.com. They want you to think of an idea, this idea maybe interpreted and printed on a Colortime Crafts And Markers™ product.

In order to participate, you must complete the following survey: Colortime Survey.
1) By participating, you will automatically receive a 30% coupon on retail orders up to $100 to be used until December 15, 2011 for all Colortime Crafts And Markers™ products. This coupon cannot be combined with any other Colortime Crafts And Markers™ offers or discounts.

2) We will select one winner to be picked randomly that will receive a $100 gift certificate for Colortime Crafts And Markers™ products that can be used one year from the day you receive your certificate. If a purchase is made prior to receiving the gift certificate with the 30% coupon, we will refund the amount spent up the $100 gift certificate.

3) The contest will end on October 7, 2011.

4) We will only accept one submission per person. You cannot enter through multiple blogs.

Colortime Crafts And Markers™ is a wonderfully creative craft activity that can be used for birthday parties, sleepovers, scout troops, and many other group events. They give their customers the chance to design their own t-shirts, pillowcases, backpacks, tote bags, bandanas, and more! Since 1990 over 2 million children and adults throughout the country have enjoyed Colortime Crafts And Markers™.
With a broad line of products, along with their special Colortime™ quick-drying permanent fabric markers, they have provided their customers the opportunity to take home a very special keepsake. Colortime also offers wholesale pricing and custom artwork for orders over 72 pieces.

63rd Fashionable Fridays

2011-09-09T10:20:00.009-06:00

Here's what I wore for my husband's birthday last week!

Asymmetrical Ruffle Shirt from Old Navy - only $8.97!
Red Belt from Kohls.
Necklace from Wal-mart.
Skinny Jeans from Old Navy.

Link up your fashions, make-up, hairstyles!

Making Extra Space for Family Life - Guest Post

2011-09-08T00:04:00.001-06:00

Making extra space for family life

A few years ago it looked like the property bubble had well and truly burst. Prices had fallen almost universally across the UK, and many owners of so called ‘buy to rent’ properties seriously considered selling their investments. Unfortunately for some, house prices have recovered at an alarming rate, and we now find ourselves in a situation where prices have either reached or almost surpassed pre-recession levels. The problems this has caused new buyers has been well documented, but it is also an issue for people with expanding families looking for more space.

If this sounds like you then an extension to your existing house could provide an ideal solution. An extension can provide you with the extra room you need without a move away from the family home. You can tailor the space to suit your needs, and match existing features to modern ones to create continuity within the household. Period features such as internal oak doors or original pine beams are readily sourced, and can be installed by your builder into any extension with ease. Whilst it will be clear that some parts of the home are newer than others, the overall feel and character of the house will remain the same.

An extension also offers you the opportunity to change the way a household operates, by re-purposing existing rooms and creating new spaces. This is ideal for older houses with unusual or archaic layouts. For example, a small and ugly UPVC main entrance, perhaps backing onto another house, can be re-appropriated as a back door, with a new, larger oak doors leading into a reception room taking its place as part of an extension.

An extension can make great financial and practical sense too. The financial pitfalls of a move can be off putting and with good reason; the cost of estate agent fees, removal companies and possible deals falling through all add up. The money saved on these can be used to purchase quality fittings and finishes, from high calibre furniture to luxury fittings to real teak window frames or internal oak doors. From a practical perspective, the hassle of having to pack up your entire life into cardboard boxes to be placed in the back of a van is something everyone is keen to avoid. Furthermore, the feeling of being settled in an area can be hard to achieve and even harder to leave behind.

Of course, an extension isn’t ideal for everyone – some houses may be built on plots of land which are simply too small. In other areas, planning restrictions may make any additions to a house difficult – although ensuring that the same ‘style’ of building is consistent throughout and maintaining period features such as oak doors or bare stone work can often help in such cases. For other families, it may be that the criteria mentioned above – settled family, admin costs etc – aren’t applicable for a variety of reasons. However for a great deal of families it makes a great deal of sense, so why not enquire into the costs today?

This article was written by Amy Fowler on behalf of UK Oak Doors; suppliers of external and internal oak doors.

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Thanks Amy for your post. It would be fun one day to be able to add an extension to a house to add rooms and repurpose other rooms. The current place we live was originally a trailer. The owners added a large master bedroom and a living room to the trailer when they were living in it and had 5/6 of their children in it while building their dream home next door.

53rd Mommy Mondays

2011-09-05T00:08:00.003-06:00

Happy Labor Day! Hope you had a fun-filled weekend!

Potty training this boy has begun - using the 3 Day Method!

I'm terrified, but hoping this works!

I'll have posts this week if my scheduled posts work! See you next week!

Anyone else use the 3 Day Method?

Link up your Mommy Moments!

62nd Fashionable Fridays - Paint that Nail

2011-09-02T00:21:00.004-06:00

Want to get to know more about me? Population 250 did a spotlight on me! I feel so honored! She has an awesome blog. Go check it out!

Have a fabulous Labor day Weekend!

Check out these fun nails from Paint that Nail!

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Happy Friday!!! August has now past; I'm so sad I don't want it to get cold!! Today I'm going to show how to do this fading cheetah print, so lets get into it!

Start off by painting yous nails yellow I chose Essence colour & go- mellow yellow.

Using a make up sponge, sponge a light orange color leaving some yellow at the bottom. I used Wet n Wild wild shine- sunny side up.

Now sponge a darker orange on top but leave a little bit of the light orange showing at the bottom thats what creates the gradient. I used Sally Hansen Xtream wear- sun kissed.

Taking a light coral color sponge it the same way we did with the darker orange. Leave some color showing at the bottom. I used Wet n Wild wild shine- blazed.

Now for the last color your going to sponge it in the corner so it goes from coral to yellow.

If you want to try the cheetah print this is how you can do it or you can just keep the fading and thats really cute too! All you do is make C's and they dont have to be perfect some can be more straight and some can be more curved no animal has the same pattern! I used black Acrylic paint and a detail brush.

Add a top to make everything glossy and last longer. Also if you use acrylic paint the water can wash it off so you want to make sure to seal it in. You also dont have to use those colors just have fun with it!!:)

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So fun Kristyn! I like what you said about no animal has the same pattern - so true! Don't be afraid to try this and the end no one can tell if you made a mistake or not - it will still look cool! Same goes with crafting and scrapbooking =D

Link up your fashions, make-up, hairstyles!

9th Work-out Wednesday

2011-08-31T10:09:00.002-06:00

Here are my stats:
Height: 5'4
Beginning Measurements

Around the Belly: 39 in. (47 in. 38 weeks pregnant with my daughter- I was only 45 in. with my son, but I weighed almost 10 lbs. more)
Waist: 38in.
Around my bottom: 40.25 in.
Upper Arm: 12.25 in.
Inner Thigh: 23.5 in

Goal: flatter tummy - 34 in. around my belly (so I don't look pregnant still when I wear my pre-pregnancy shirts), 140 by September 1st. OR to fit into my 7-9 jeans comfortably.

Ideally would love to be 120-125 again and 30-32 in again.

Pre-pregnancy: 131 lbs. Gained 36 lbs. when pregnant: 167 lbs.
Beginning weight: 147 lbs.

Today's Weight: 141.4 so I gained 0.4 lbs. since last week- I had a feeling I might with birthday cake from my husband's birthday!

Today's Measurements:

Around the Belly: 37.5 in. - I lost 1/2 inch
Waist: 37 in. - lost 1/2 in.
Around my bottom: 38.25 in. - lost an inch - not sure if I want to lose their or not....I used to have a fuller bottom before my first pregnancy, but not it's flat - Today my husband said oh no, not your bottom
Upper Arm: 11.75 in. - lost 1/2 in.
Inner Thigh: 22.25 in - lost 1/4 in.

Making some progress with measurements at least. I did do some swimming on Saturday which was fun. Mostly I've been a slacker though because I'm prepping up to potty train my son - getting the house all clean especially getting all the laundry done. I start Sunday after church! I'm terrified!

This week's goal is to try out the Zumba DVD I borrowed from the library. I'm a little scared I won't be able to finish it!

LINK UP YOUR Work-outs, Weight Loss, Staying fit Blogs/Posts so we can motivate each other!

61st Fashionable Fridays

2011-08-26T00:17:00.000-06:00

Here's what I wore 2 Sundays ago...maybe not the best choice - I look fat.

Here's me in a Mommy outfit.....

Pointing my finger at my son for making a mess....

Here I am after a Mary Kay party. We did skin care and learned some little tricks. I love eyebrow gel! It makes my eyebrows look amazing and really frames my eyes. Plus I love Mary Kay's new foundation, seems much lighter. (my opinions)

Link up your fashions, make-up, hairstyles!

8th Work-out Wednesday

2011-08-24T00:16:00.024-06:00

Here are my stats:
Height: 5'4
Beginning Measurements

Around the Belly: 39 in. (47 in. 38 weeks pregnant with my daughter- I was only 45 in. with my son, but I weighed almost 10 lbs. more)
Waist: 38in.
Around my bottom: 40.25 in.
Upper Arm: 12.25 in.
Inner Thigh: 23.5 in

Goal: flatter tummy - 34 in. around my belly (so I don't look pregnant still when I wear my pre-pregnancy shirts), 140 by September 1st. OR to fit into my 7-9 jeans comfortably.

Ideally would love to be 120-125 again and 30-32 in. again.

Pre-pregnancy: 131 lbs. Gained 36 lbs. when pregnant: 167 lbs.
Beginning weight: 147 lbs.

Today's Weight: 141 so a little over 1 pound since last time
Yesterday I weighed 140 because I got sick again, just a major stomach ache (not nausea) in the middle of the night, waking me up so I was careful with what I ate yesterday. I had a little one again last night so I'm not sure what I've been doing/eating to cause it.... I had hot dogs Monday night and I hadn't had them in a long time?? Black beans Sunday night with taco salad?
Next week, I'll share my measurements again because it will be the last day of August. Since I'm pretty sure I'll meet my goal of 140, I rewarded myself and bought this shirt from Old Navy using my $10 Old Navy Rewards that I've had for the last 5 months. Since it's out of stock, probably because it only costed $8.97 this is the only picture I could get of the Asymmetrical Ruffled shirt.

Link up your fitness/health posts/blogs too so we can motivate each other! I'd love to hear your progress.

52nd Mommy Mondays

2011-08-22T00:26:00.002-06:00

So I've started thinking about potty training especially since money is tight with my husband's hours being cut for the last 2+ months. I cringed when I had to buy another case of diapers! My goal is to do the 3 Day Method during the 1st week in September. I'm starting to read the whole method and taking notes.

My son woke up dry yesterday morning since I didn't give him anything to drink 2 hours before bedtime and checked his diaper as soon as he woke up.

I'm scared though because he doesn't like to pee in the potty. He'll pee in his diaper, underwear or bathtub. I think I might need to incorporate him just going naked because he was holding his legs waiting for me to put his diaper on so he could go. He's been dying to have a toy motorcycle so I'm hoping this can be his motivation to go on the potty. I have to read the rest of the 3 Day Method though and see what they say about my concerns.

Anyone else use the 3 Day Method? My friend used it on her son last month and he's 2 days younger than my son and it worked amazingly with him! It took a little longer than 3 days, but he's fully trained both day and night - pee and poop, though poop took longer. I have big hopes for this to work, but I'm scared!!

7th Work-out Wednesdays

2011-08-17T17:35:00.000-06:00

Here are my stats:
Height: 5'4
Beginning Measurements

Around the Belly: 39 in. (47 in. 38 weeks pregnant with my daughter- I was only 45 in. with my son, but I weighed almost 10 lbs. more)
Waist: 38in.
Around my bottom: 40.25 in.
Upper Arm: 12.25 in.
Inner Thigh: 23.5 in

Goal: flatter tummy - 34 in. around my belly (so I don't look pregnant still when I wear my pre-pregnancy shirts), 140 by September 1st. OR to fit into my 7-9 jeans comfortably.

Ideally would love to be 120-125 again and 30-32 in again.

Pre-pregnancy: 131 lbs. Gained 36 lbs. when pregnant: 167 lbs.
Beginning weight: 147 lbs.

Today's Weight: 142.2 so a little over 2 pounds since last time

I might just make my 140 goal by September 1st though my husband's birthday is on the 29th so I better not stuff my face then =D. Breastfeeding and not eating so much junk seems to be helping the most! Last night I walked almost 3 miles pushing my kids in the stroller. We did this to walk with my husband after he got home from work since our car was in the shop. We met him more than a little half way and we walked home as a family which was nice. I got a cramp in the middle of it though since I haven't walked that far in a long time.

Link up your fitness/health posts/blogs too so we can motivate each other! I'd love to hear your progress.

60th Fashionable Fridays

2011-08-12T00:25:00.002-06:00

A couple week's ago I played around on Cover Girl's virtual makeover. It was pretty cool and helps you pick out what make-up to buy. I mostly played around for the hair. I'm going crazy with my hair or should I say rat's nest. Having 2 kids has been hard for me to find time to do my hair plus it's been so hot! I have so much thick long hair that I might do something drastic. My husband likes it long though, but would he prefer long hair and not done or short hair and done???? I should ask him that too.

Anyway here are cuts that I thought were fun or cool. Vote on your favorite. I'll number them for you. OR there are styles: I should keep my hair long and try to style it like the styles below.

I'll be 27 in a couple months and I want something where I look my age and like a mom. If you really want to help, send me links of styles/cuts that might look good on me.
I have Asian thick hair that's naturally wavy.....

CUTS

CUT #1 - LAYERS

CUT #2 - SHORT AND A-LINE

CUT #3 - SHORT AND SPUNKY

CUT #4 - SHORT AND LONG BANGS

maybe I could just do those bangs?

CUT #5 - MEDIUM LENGTH, STYLED WAVY

STYLES - THE STYLE WITH THE MOST VOTES, I'LL TRY TO DO AND TAKE PICTURE FOR NEXT WEEK'S FASHIONABLE FRIDAY.

STYLE #1 - LOVE, MY FAVE

but I'm not very good at styling my hair - any tips on how to pull this off?

STYLE #2 - HAIRSPRAY UP-DO =D

STYLE #3 - PULLED BACK SOME

STYLE #4 - SIMPLE, PULLED BACK

STYLE #5 - SLEEK AND STRAIGHT, PULLED TO THE SIDE

STYLE #6 - SLIGHT WAVES, LONG BANGS AND A BRAID

LINK UP YOUR FASHION, HAIR, MAKE-UP, etc. to this week's Fashionable Fridays!

6th Work-out Wednesday

2011-08-10T14:50:00.001-06:00

Well I didn't work-out. My son got the stomach flu from Wednesday night until Saturday. Then I got it Sunday night until last night. I feel pretty close to better today.

Unfortunately the stomach flu didn't even really help me lose any weight....must have been eating too many cookies again before I got it.

Link up your fitness/health posts/blogs too so we can motivate each other! I'd love to hear your progress.

59th Fashionable Fridays

2011-08-05T10:31:00.001-06:00

Paint that Nail!

What you need:

~four shades of purple or a dark & light purple and white then you can just mix shades

~a detail brush/small paint brush (you can cut a regular paint brush as well)

~glitter- optional

dont forget you can use whatever colors you want to!

Onto the nails!!

Paint all your nails the lightest color of the bunch.

Sponge your nails the second to lightest color about 3/4 of the way down and if you go down to far dont worry about it we can go back in and fix it later!

Now sponge your third color about 1/3 of the way down just so that the second to lightest color is peeking through.

Sponge the darkest color just at the tips. If you feel like you went a little far down to the bottom of your nail take the lightest color and sponge that from the bottom going up a little bit. Then thats it with the sponge!

If you want you can add glitter I like to because it helps the fading fade better I think.

You can stop there and you have really cute nails or continue and add a flower!

To do the flower all you have to do is start at the top make a circle (try to mine never come out exactly like a circle no flowers are the same!) then just point it off (the point doesnt have to be perfect the middle is going to cover it) do that in a circle rotating where the point is.

Add a couple dots in the middle or just add a big dot like I did on the other fingers with the smaller flowers. I also put the second to lightest color on the flower just coming out of the middle. You could just make one flower on your ring finger or thumb.

What I used:

~Revlon- lily (lightest)

~OPI- planks a lot (second to lightest)

~Orly- charged up mixed with white (third lightest)

~Orly- charged up mixed up a little bit of Rimmel London lasting finish pro- purple rain (darkest)

~Ruby Kisses HD- HDP18 (white)

~NYC long wearing nail enamel- stary silver glitter

~Detail brush: Loew-Cornel 5/0 American Painter 4650 Spotter (can be fond at Micheals and probably online)

Thanks for reading and just have fun with it!!(:

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What a cool technique! Thanks for sharing!

5th Work-out Wednesdays

2011-08-03T12:49:00.000-06:00

Here are my stats:
Height: 5'4
Beginning Measurements

Around the Belly: 39 in. (47 in. 38 weeks pregnant with my daughter- I was only 45 in. with my son, but I weighed almost 10 lbs. more)
Waist: 38in.
Around my bottom: 40.25 in.
Upper Arm: 12.25 in.
Inner Thigh: 23.5 in

Goal: flatter tummy - 34 in. around my belly (so I don't look pregnant still when I wear my pre-pregnancy shirts), 140 by September 1st. OR to fit into my 7-9 jeans comfortably.

Ideally would love to be 120-125 again and 30-32 in again.

Pre-pregnancy: 131 lbs. Gained 36 lbs. when pregnant: 167 lbs.
Beginning weight: 147 lbs.

Today's Weight: 144.5 so 1.5 pounds since last time, some progress
Today's Measurements: Since it's been a while, I figured I should see...

Around the Belly: 38 in. - I lost an inch!
Waist: 37.5 in. - lost 1/2 in.
Around my bottom: 39.25 in. - lost an inch - not sure if I want to lose their or not....I used to have a fuller bottom before my first pregnancy, but not it's flat
Upper Arm: 12.25 in. - same
Inner Thigh: 22.5 in - lost an inch!

Seeing that I've lost an inch in a lot of places makes me pleasantly surprised and very happy! If you saw my Mommy Mondays post from this week, I'm trying not to be so harsh on myself about my body. It was all for me beautiful babies, and I would do it all over again.

I didn't accomplish my goal to try this exercise plan (I was super stressed trying to get a bunch of things done again). The next goal is to start this exercise plan that I found through Pinterest. If you'd like the other levels to this plan, check out January from the original source. I would love if you tried this exercise plan with me! I made it my desktop to help me to remember to do it!

Link up your fitness/health posts/blogs too so we can motivate each other!

Express Jeans

2011-08-02T08:06:00.001-06:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Express for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I've been desperate for some new women's jeans. Express jeans have them all.

From boot cut to flare jeans and even the ever so popular jean leggings, Express has the denim essentials you need! For a limited time, enter for a chance to win free jeans! Express will be giving away 50 free pairs that you could possibly be rockin’ on the sidewalk!

Go enter the Express giveaway on Facebook! I'm hoping to get lucky since I don't have the money to go shopping! But I've definitely been looking a lot.

These jean leggings look like a great alternative to skinny jeans. I've been having trouble finding skinny jeans that fit....I guess my calves are too fat. I bet these ones would fit better.

I love these flare jeans in this color. I used to have a pair from Express, but now I'm too big for them. Lots of my friends would comment and rave about the light jean color. I think this color is a great day look.

New Trend - colored jeans!

When I first heard this trend, I wasn't so sure about it. Looking at their options though I really think I would try them out. I think the red pair would be really fun!

Comment with which jeans you love and why! Do you own some Express jeans? Tell me what you love about them!women's jeans Express jeans Express giveaway

51st Mommy Mondays

2011-08-01T14:00:00.002-06:00

This I found this through Pinterest, and it brought tears to my eyes!

Here are past photos of my pregnancies and the stretch marks I had....

1st pregnancy

2nd Pregnancy

battle scar from scraping my tummy across the corner of the dishwasher!

only 36 weeks - you'd think I was 40+

I look back at these photos with new light and perspective. It brings tears to my eyes again. It will help me not be so hard on myself while trying to lose this baby weight. I endured (especially with the 2nd one) and brought life into this world.

Link up your Mommy Moments!

58th Fashionable Fridays

2011-07-29T17:02:00.000-06:00

I'm still working on my posing so don't make fun! =D I need to watch more America's Next Top Model!

Anyway here's a blazer that I also got at the Clothing Swap. I was wearing a different skirt than this one, but my baby girl pooped all over me again! She gets more poop on me than on her clothes. I had to leave church to go and change so I wore this skirt instead.

Here's an outfit I wore to a FHE, my neighbors had. They did a mini concert with her brother singing a bunch of songs. My kids were fussy, and it was a really hot evening so I was totally sweating trying to get ready, dessert to share made, etc. Seeing this picture, I probably should have added a belt to give me more shape.
This shirt I also got at the clothing swap.

LINK UP YOUR FASHION, HAIR, MAKE-UP, etc. to this week's Fashionable Fridays!

Help Japan

2011-07-28T00:02:00.002-06:00

With the recent earthquake and tsunami devastation in Japan, the two entities united to create a charitable opportunity to give back to the mothers and children in Japan. Our songwriters, Matt Palmer and Pascal Guyon, collaborated with a children's choir from HoriPro Music Academy to record and film Be Strong.

It is our hope that the song and video will inspire a donation to the mothers and children of Japan, who have long left our news headlines, but still face the reality of rebuilding their lives and the lives of their children, each day.

HORIPRO RELEASES MUSIC VIDEO TO RAISE SUPPORT FUNDS FOR JAPANLos Angeles, CA, June 2, 2011—Musicians from HoriPro Publishing and Music Instruction Academy offer “Be Strong.” in exchange for a donation to help mothers and children in Japan
In response to the March 11th earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan, HoriPro Entertainment Group songwriters Matt Palmer and Pascal Guyon teamed up to write an inspirational song dedicated to the mothers and children affected by this tragedy. A few weeks later, a choir of children from the Los Angeles HORIPRO Music Academy, ages 3-13, joined the effort to add their voices to the song, and make a music video to accompany their message of hope.

It is HoriPro’s intent to create awareness of the continued need for relief aid to the mothers and children of Japan. As such, HoriPro Entertainment Group is hosting a donation site, www.bestrongjapan.org, offering a song/video package of “Be Strong.” available for download for a minimum donation of $5.00.
The campaign is designed to give contributors control over where their money is sent by allowing 3 options for charities focused on aiding mothers and children—UNICEF, Save the Children, or JOICFP. 100% of net proceeds will be delivered to the organization of their choice.
HoriPro is delivering the following official statement:
“Help spread the message of hope and support. Be Strong. Pass it on.”

DONATION SITE:
http://www.bestrongjapan.org/

LINK TO VIDEO:
http://www.youtube.com/user/HoriProOfficial

HoriPro Entertainment Group (http://www.horipro.com/)
Originally founded in 1960, HORIPRO has continued to be one of the preeminent total entertainment providers in Japan. Here in the United States, HoriPro Entertainment Group recently celebrated its 20th anniversary as a leading independent music publisher, representing the music of KISS, REO Speedwagon, Marilyn Manson, Jerry Reed, and more.

HORIPRO Music Academy (http://www.horipromusicacademy.org/)
With two locations in the Los Angeles area, HORIPRO Music Academy is a music instruction school focused on providing quality music education to hundreds of students throughout Southern California.

JOICFP
JOICFP is a non-profit organization that helps give back to women and mothers in disaster affected areas, focused on improving maternal health, responding to the reproductive health of women in devastation areas, as well as the delivery of diapers, sanitary napkins, and relief clothing for women and newborns .

UNICEF
UNICEF is a foundation focused on working with others to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, disease, and discrimination place in a child's path. UNICEF works in 190 countries through country programs and National Committees.

Save the Children
Save the Children is the leading independent organization dedicated to improving the lives of children in disaster-stricken areas by providing food, medical care, and education.

CONTACT:
Lauren Reynaldo
Marketing/Press Manager, HoriPro
2372 Veteran Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
(310) 470-6005 x204
Lauren@HoriPro.com

ColorTime coupon

2011-07-27T00:50:00.002-06:00

Beat the Heat
We're in the heart of the summer, and with that, some places are approaching nearly triple digits!
Rather than suffer through the high temperature, we suggest you
"Beat the Heat" with Colortime Crafts and Markers relief discount of
15% off your entire order!
Use code HEAT11 to receive your discount.
Offer expires 8/1/11

This coupon code may be used once. This discount is not to be combined with any other offers or discounts. This offer is for retail, online orders only and is not applicable to Wholesale orders.

Christmas in July project

2011-07-26T14:48:00.001-06:00

Here's what I made for a giveaway for Memories by Christine's Christmas in July. Check out all the fun ideas she has shared about Christmas!

I know I haven't been crafting too much. I'm still trying to catch up with laundry, dishes, sending out thank-you's and baby announcements, scrapbooking, church callings all while taking care of 2 kids. Hopefully I get there soon!

50th Mommy Mondays

2011-07-25T14:11:00.003-06:00

How Many Children to Have? ...

I used to always want 5-6 children....still did after my first....but now maybe 3-4. I believe that we're meant to have at least one more child, but we won't be trying until our 2nd is almost 3 so that they'll be at least 3 years apart. We tried for our 2nd when our first was at least 18 months so that they'd be close to 2 1/2 years apart. Maybe I'll feel differently in a couple years, but for now that's how I feel.

Some might read this and be shocked and want to judge me for not wanting lots of kids. I would love lots of kids, but my 2nd pregnancy was so tough for me that I don't think my body can handle having a lot of kids. My first pregnancy was a breeze; I thoroughly enjoyed it. My 2nd was pretty good up until the last month when I was in so much pain that it was hard to walk. I had to be on slight bed rest. The delivery was painful too.

Since having my 2nd, my eyes have been open to how much we judge each other especially in LDS communities where so many people have lots of kids. In my ward, one family has 10 kids and some others have 6+. For them they can handle being pregnant with that many, but others they struggle to have more for many different reasons. We don't know everything going on in their lives so we shouldn't judge instead try to think why that might be.

If for some reason, I couldn't have any more children, I'd be very happy with my 2 - maybe because I have a boy and a girl or because my 2nd pregnancy was rough for me. I know if I couldn't have any more after my first, I would have been devastated.

What amount of kids do you feel is right for your family? How did you come to that decision?

Link up your Mommy Moments/thoughts, kids stuff.

57th Fashionable Fridays

2011-07-22T21:28:00.001-06:00

Here's what I wore to church on Sunday. I look kinda dumb with my posing. I was trying to pose all different and copy some other fashion blog posing, but I stink at it and need more practice =D

Just in case I have new readers, I want to share that I'm not a fashion expert by any means! I just have Fashionable Fridays as a way for me to actually get ready some days and look nice instead of sweats/robe and my hair in a bun with no make-up. In the 2 pictures I'm posting today, I actually have no make-up. Summer heat makes me lazy because I just sweat all day! I've been boring my husband's Degree deodorant to help me!

Anyway today I had a very busy day! I went to the bank, library, farmer's market and lastly a clothing swap all with my 2 kids. Have you ever been to a clothing swap!? I highly recommend them. The girl who did it took our clothes days/week before the swap and organized them. For every item we brought, we could trade it for a "new" item that someone else brought. I traded 20 of my pieces. You can trade clothing, jewelry, shoes, purses - anything a woman wears. I loved it especially since I'm in my in between stages with my weight from just having a baby. I was able to get shirts and pants that actually fit me and hide my baby belly for FREE! If we ever leave this town, I'll be hosting my own clothing swaps in the future.

Here's one shirt that I got at the swap! I love the sleeves on it - perfect for the summer heat.

LINK UP YOUR FASHION, HAIR, MAKE-UP, etc. to this week's Fashionable Fridays!

4th Work-out Wednesday

2011-07-20T00:44:00.032-06:00

Instead of my typical Work-out Wednesday (remember I'll share my progress again in August), I have a wonderful guest poster, Susan sharing how we can stay motivated in fitness!

Oh and just so you know, I haven't been slacking off! I did tons of walking Monday. 1 1/2 hours in the morning and almost 2 hours in the afternoon - passing out fliers (while pushing my kids in the stroller) for my ward's talent show and dinner activity! Plus it was hot outside!!! I was so tired and sore by the end of the day!

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5 ways to stay motivated with fitness
Everybody does it: start a new, exciting fitness regime only to completely abandon it three days later. Failure isn’t great for fitness, mainly because people generally tend to console themselves with a tub of ice cream but also because it’s easy to believe that because we’ve failed once we’ll fail forever.

Thankfully there are some simple but effective steps that can keep you motivated when it comes to fitness making failure less likely and in turn making you less likely to turn to calorie-laden treats.

1. Set small, achievable goals.
Ever started a fitness regime in which, according to your plan, you’ll be doing a 24 mile run by the end of the week? Perhaps this is a bit of an exaggeration but often the reason we fail at fitness is because our goals are unrealistic. Before you set yourself a goal ask yourself: do I actually have a good chance of achieving this? If you’re honest with yourself and the answer is no then do not set that goal. You are setting yourself up for failure. Instead set yourself a more manageable task. If you achieve it before your given deadline you can always increase your target – won’t that make you feel good?

2. Make fitness work around you.
When planning a fitness regime many people, inexplicably, believe that their day has somehow lengthened by 6 hours and that they’ll be able to fit in a range of heart-racing activities around their already over-committed timetable. This approach forces you to make hard decisions: at some point you will have to choose between your fitness commitments, your family commitments and your career commitments. Nobody wants to choose between these things. Consequently rather than planning in marathon sessions it is best to look for gaps of 20-30 minutes in your schedule – write them into a diary if necessary and commit that time to yourself. If you can find three of these gaps in one week you’ve already hit the basic recommended exercise for a week. As time goes on rather than working for longer you could simply work yourself harder in the time you have spare to improve your fitness levels.

3. Don’t compare yourself to others.
Most people have that friend who can run faster, swim quicker and row with more control. The quickest way of de-motivating yourself is to draw comparisons between yourself and them. The only person’s progress you should be interested in is your own, if you’re not then it’s time to start questioning why you started the regime in the first place. Competing with those around you is not always the best motivation for getting fitter. It can take away a lot of the joy of doing something positive for yourself. Keep the focus on you and remember your reasons for starting a fitness regime in the first place which are hopefully all based around self-improvement and enjoyment.

4. Make fitness fun.
Confining yourself to an air-conditioned prison of a gym is not going to make you particularly willing to stick with your regime. If possible try going for runs or walks in the park – the beautiful surroundings will add to the enjoyment of your exercise and make it feel more like quality time to yourself. Alternatively try and locate outdoor swimming pools in your area. On a warm day this can be a very welcome way to pass the time. Nobody dictates how you should keep fit, as long as you get your heart rate up, so why not choose activities and environments that you enjoy such as skipping in the garden or taking a football to the park?

5. Praise yourself.
We’re taught to praise children all the time but adults need praise just as much if they’re to stay motivated and happy. When you achieve a goal find a way of rewarding yourself – preferably something that doesn’t involve food! Perhaps award yourself a certain amount of money for each goal you hit so that at the end of the regime you can buy a new dress. Or perhaps you could reward yourself with a manicure / beauty treatment. For many people simply looking into a mirror and acknowledging themselves with a “well done” is enough to keep them going; others need more tangible motivation. Whatever carrot it is that drives you onward – although I suspect it is not in fact carrot – use it to reward yourself and enjoy your success!

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Susan writes on behalf of sofasandsectionals, a leading Palliser furniture retailer.

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Thanks Susan! Great tips. I definitely need fun; I guess that's why I use my Wii! Praise is also key for me too!

Link up your fitness/health posts/blogs too so we can motivate each other!

49th Mommy Mondays - late...

2011-07-19T13:09:00.000-06:00

Who needs a double stroller!? =D We did tons of walking yesterday passing out fliers for my ward's talent show and dinner activity Wednesday...like 3 hours!

What silly/inventive things have you done with your kids?

Link up your Mommy moments, kids stuff, etc.

56th Fashionable Fridays

2011-07-15T00:25:00.007-06:00

This week, here's another fun outfit I'd love to have that I created through Polvore. All items are from Kohls, one of my favorite and afforadable stores! Let me know what you think!

All Kohls-everyday by Crafty Mommy Diva featuring a pocket tote

LINK UP YOUR FASHION, HAIR, MAKE-UP, etc. to this week's Fashionable Fridays!

Top
$23 - kohls.com

Skinny leg jeans
$36 - kohls.com

Wedge sandals
$24 - kohls.com

Pocket tote
$35 - kohls.com

Stretch bracelet
$9.10 - kohls.com

Jewelry
kohls.com

Belt
$24 - kohls.com

Handbags & Accessories at Kohls.com
$6.60 - kohls.com

Eden Fantasys

2011-07-14T14:34:00.003-06:00

If you read my Mommy Mondays post about trying to find time with my husband, then one other thing that is difficult is being in the mood when you do find time to spend together. I'm always thinking that one child or the other will interrupt us so I feel like we have to hurry. One thing I think that would be helpful is for me to wear something that I feel good in and helps me be in the mood.
Have you heard of Eden Fantasys? I heard about them on another blog and thought they had some cute things to create that romantic feel. They have some cute lingerie. I've been looking for a long black gown like this one for a while. Unfortunately locally, all I have is a small Victoria's Secret nearby with very little lingerie so shopping online at Eden Fantasys would help me. I also love this short piece. I think it would hide my baby belly well and accentuate my top (thanks to nursing).

They also sell some mood candles. The sense of smell is powerful so it can be really helpful. Having the bed with rose petals is really simple way to set the mood. The bed of roses set comes with petals and candles.

Would you like to work with Eden Fantasys too as a blogger? Click on the banner below.

3rd Work-out Wednesday

2011-07-13T14:22:00.056-06:00

Thanks again to all the sweet and encouraging comments last week!

Here are my stats:
Height: 5'4 (I should have shared that last week!)
Beginning Measurements

Around the Belly: 39 in. (47 in. 38 weeks pregnant with my daughter- I was only 45 in. with my son, but I weighed almost 10 lbs. more)
Waist: 38in.
Around my bottom: 40.25 in.
Upper Arm: 12.25 in.
Inner Thigh: 23.5 in

Goal: flatter tummy - 34 in. around my belly (so I don't look pregnant still when I wear my pre-pregnancy shirts), 140 by September 1st. OR to fit into my 7-9 jeans comfortably.

Ideally would love to be 120-125 again and 30-32 in again.

Pre-pregnancy: 131 lbs. Gained 36 lbs. when pregnant: 167 lbs.
Beginning weight: 147 lbs.

Today's Weight: 146 before eating...so really no change
This week I finally realized why it's been hard to lose weight, I'm too stressed with too much on my plate right now. I've been trying to play catch-up with life now that my baby doesn't have RSV anymore. I didn't realize that I was stressed until I got a canker sore on my inside bottom lip this week. I read that stress can cause canker sores. I know that sometimes when I'm stressed I either lose a lot of weight or I don't lose any....I guess this time it's just not losing any. I'm bad at realizing that I'm stressed. It usually takes something happening to realize that I've been stressed. I know I'm a lot better this week, trying not to worry about all that needs to get done, but I still have a lot to do. Since I'm still trying to catch up on life (I know technically we're always playing catch-up, but I'm really behind with us taking 2 months to just get everyone feeling better), I won't report and do another Work-out Wednesday until August 3rd.

I did go on some walks this week, did some hand weight exercises and then yesterday did a fun relay with my Activity Day girls as part of our Word of Wisdom Workout! The last part of our activity was to do a little relay. The first part was to do 1-3 pull-ups on the monkey bars (I couldn't even do one real one!!!! That's my next goal), swing 5 pumps, go down the slide, climb up the rope ladder and touch the top, 10 jumps on the trampoline, 20 jumping jacks and 5 push-ups (at least I can still do those really well!). After that I was worn-out. The girls did it like 3-4 times. It was fun though.

Pull-ups

I'm the one in the turquoise/teal shirt - jumping on the trampoline

I also tested my balance skills again and I was able to take 4 steps this time while balancing on the edge of trampoline unlike 2 weeks ago when I wasn't able to take any steps without losing balance!

I accomplished my goal at least; I ate a lot less ice cream - no cookies either! The next 2 weeks' goal is to follow this exercise plan that I found through Pinterest. If you'd like the other levels to this plan, check out January from the original source. I would love if you tried this exercise plan with me!

Link up your fitness/health posts/blogs too so we can motivate each other!

Colortime Crafts Coupon

2011-07-12T13:24:00.002-06:00

Check out Colortime Crafts! I love their fun pillowcases to color. They sent me a coupon to share with my readers too! EXPIRES Tuesday, JULY 19TH!

They give their customers the chance to design their own t-shirts, pillowcases, backpacks, tote bags, bandanas, and more for parties, slumber parties, and scout meetings with their permanent fabric markers. Since 1990 over 2 million children and adults throughout the country have enjoyed Colortime Crafts And Markers ™ and proudly display their keepsakes. Also, they are a licensed vendor of the Girl Scouts of America.

Colortime does a weekly fan giveaway via our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/colortimecrafts).Here are the instructions:

Each week Colortime Crafts and Markers will randomly draw 3 lucky FANS who will receive a special craft package, which includes a Colortime color-your-own "Recycle Tote Bag" and three special permanent Colortime FABRIC MARKERS. All you have to do to be eligible is to "like" and become a fan of Colortime Crafts and Markers on Facebook.

The winners' Facebook name will be posted each Monday on the Colortime Crafts and Markers Facebook page. We will send you a message on Facebook informing you that you won. Look for it, and if your name is a winner, you can also send us an email message to info@colortime.com with your full name and address and in either case we will ship your prize within 2 weeks.

Rules:
1) You must be a fan of Colortime Crafts and Markers (www.facebook.com/colortimecrafts) Facebook page.
2) Once you win a prize, you are not eligible for additional prizes for this promotion for 12 months after the prize has been awarded.
3) Prizes not claimed within 2 weeks will be forfeited.

48th Mommy Mondays

2011-07-11T13:28:00.004-06:00

A couple people have asked me, how is it with 2 kids or how are you handling the adjustment of 2 kids? Truth - 2 kids isn't difficult for me. When I was pregnant there were moments where I was scared of having 2 kids especially in the middle of the night when my son would wake up. Now that I have my 2nd, it really hasn't been an adjustment at all for me in that area at least. I'm used to taking care a lot of kids. I did day care from when I was 18 until I was 23. I've handled 5 babies up to 15 mo. old before or other times: 5 toddlers 15-2 years old, or eight 2 year olds. I've done 12 3-5 year olds before too. Plus all of my elementary school experience when I was getting my degree in elementary education.
On Saturday, I had both kids with me out of the house pretty much all day from 9-5. I "worked" at my scrapbook class I teach and then I took both of them to the circus by myself. I'm just lucky to have a good 2 1/2 year old boy who doesn't run off.

The one hard adjustment was having 2 kids seriously sick so soon after our 2nd was born.....but now we've gone through that, we'll be able to handle all the little sicknesses easy.

I'd say the biggest adjustment though to having 2 kids instead of just the one is finding time to spend with your spouse! Our son doesn't take naps often anymore. He goes to bed now at like 9pm instead of 10-11pm when he was taking naps. Our baby girl is the most awake from 8-11pm so it's been a challenge to spend time with my husband who works 11:30-8pm. Our baby girl sleeps most of the morning, but our son is wide awake wanting some time with his dad before he goes to work. We don't really have money for babysitters and we're not good at asking people to baby-sit anyway. Then when we do find time, I feel like any minute we'll be interrupted by one or the other child.

So any suggestions/tips on how to spend time with your spouse when you have more than one kid?
Sometimes the TV works for our son...or we could stay up really late after our baby girl goes to sleep, but I'm still in the tired stage (trying to catch up with life now that everyone isn't sick).
I just miss my husband.... I know this won't last forever. I'm glad we're not ready for any more kids any time soon =D

Link up your Mommy Moments.

55th Fashionable Fridays

2011-07-08T09:18:00.001-06:00

This was on Sunday, the day before the 4th of July. My son has this thing about putting his hands in his pockets lately =D My baby girl had another 4th of July outfit so we had her wear this one for church on Sunday.

Here's what I wore to church....not the best outfit for hiding my stomach, but I tried to look nice. Check out my Work-out Wednesdays as I try to lose the baby weight.

Here's my cute baby girl on the 4th of July!

What did you wear for the 4th?

Here's what my baby girl and I wore 2 Sundays ago for our friend's baby blessing. I did a little better hiding the tummy this time.

LINK UP YOUR FASHION, HAIR, MAKE-UP, etc. to this week's Fashionable Fridays!

Photo Canvas Land WINNERS

2011-07-07T12:06:00.000-06:00

The Two Winners of the Photo Canvas Land Giveaway are...

Crystal said... 8
I registered
June 21, 2011 1:39 PM

octoberthings said... 20
I'm following you on GFC

June 24, 2011 11:05 PM

CONGRATS! I will e-mail you and forward your e-mail to the sponsor!

2nd Work-out Wednesday

2011-07-06T13:00:00.003-06:00

Here are my stats:
Height: 5'4 (I should have shared that last week!)
Beginning Measurements

Around the Belly: 39 in. (47 in. 38 weeks pregnant with my daughter- I was only 45 in. with my son, but I weighed almost 10 lbs. more)
Waist: 38in.
Around my bottom: 40.25 in.
Upper Arm: 12.25 in.
Inner Thigh: 23.5 in

Pre-pregnancy: 131 lbs. Gained 36 lbs. when pregnant: 167 lbs.

Beginning weight: 147 lbs.

Today's Weight: 147.4 (boo!) after morning work-out and breakfast, 146 after walking outside and before lunch (see how much your weight can flunctuate in one day! Remember to weigh yourself the same time each day either always before or after eating)
Today's Around the Belly: 38.5 in.

Goal: flatter tummy - 34 in. around my belly (so I don't look pregnant still when I wear my pre-pregnancy shirts), 140 by September 1st. OR to fit into my 7-9 jeans comfortably.
Ideally would love to be 120-125 again and 30-32 in again.

Well truth I didn't do very well this week. I only worked out once, this morning, and that was because of all the comments I received last week - it was a great motivation to know people read my post. It's been super hot in our house like 88 degrees....our swamp cooler isn't working correctly yet and we have no AC....so I've been eating probably too much ice cream, my weakness! Anyone have any good cold/frozen treat recipes that are healthier?
I also have to remember that my weight lost will be slow.....here's an article below from Baby Fit.
BREASTFEEDING AND LOSING WEIGHT
I am breastfeeding and want to lose weight. Is this safe?
--------------------------------------
Part of the reserves that your body has retained are so that you would have plenty of energy for feeding your baby. Don't try to lose weight until breastfeeding is well established and you are producing plenty of milk for your baby's needs.
The goal of weight loss while breastfeeding is to lose gradually, about half a pound to a pound each week. In order to accomplish this, it is advised that you eat a nutritious diet with 300-500 calories above your pre-pregnancy needs, exercise every day and cut back on foods high in fat and sugar, such as potato chips, cookies, candy, soft drinks, and fried foods. Do not try diet pills, liquid diets, or other weight loss products. They do not work and could be harmful to yourself or the baby.
Becky Hand R.D., L.D.

GOAL for the week: I will try to eat less ice cream and work out more (charge batteries up for the Wii in advance!).

This morning, I couldn't do my Wii Fit because my batteries died so I just did the running on there (not my favorite, but I did it.). I did 2 long distances on the Wii Fit and the second time I did it with 2 lbs. weights. I did some weight exercises and stretching too. Then later I went to play group and walked home pushing my kids in the stroller instead of getting a ride home from friends - it was only a couple blocks though.

Link up your fitness/health posts/blogs too so we can motivate each other!

Americana

2011-07-05T16:10:00.000-06:00

So I meant to share my 4th of July decorations last week, but forgot to! So here they are and they'll stay up at least until the end of the month. I made the American Frame last month in the Scrapbook Class I teach every 2nd Saturday, although to me this had very little to do with scrapbooking....
The sides are supposed to be little firecrackers. I was going to add pipe cleaners for the wick, but a friend recommended using those party wire stars that come with those balloon weights so I plan on doing that when I remember =D.

Hope everyone had a good 4th of July weekend and a good Canada Day (July 1st) for you Canadians =D. We did go to the parade and found a nice shady spot to watch. My son loved it and even got some candy, but wasn't candy crazed like the other kids. He even gave up one of his pieces to a little girl. I have such a sweet boy!

47th Mommy Mondays

2011-07-04T00:01:00.002-06:00

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY! I am grateful for the freedoms I have in the U.S.A. God Bless America! Today we're going to a parade. It will be our kids' first. Last year we were back home in Chicago, but didn't do much since it was on a Sunday. Years before that when we had our son, we fell asleep early. Now that our son is 2 1/2, we figured we better try to do something this year. We'll see if we can stay awake for some fireworks! What fun things have you done this weekend or are going to do today?

So I am so behind on life!!! Now that my kids are feeling better - scratch that my son may be sick. He has a fever, but that could just be our super hot house yesterday! When they were better, I've been trying to catch up on life. I thought I was doing well and this past week, I've stunk! I'm behind in everything! I've done several loads of laundry, but they haven't all been put away. I haven't been doing dishes every night like I was. I need to to catch up on at least a month's worth on my family blog. I have baby announcements and thank you's to send out. ETC. ETC.

How do you catch up after tough/big events like kids getting really sick? I know there's always something to do in life, but now I'm super behind. If my son really is sick, I think I'm going to stress. I was doing well with not stressing, but everyone was just getting better!

Link up your Mommy Moments, kids' stuff, etc.

54th Fashionable Fridays - Paint that Nail

2011-07-01T15:49:00.003-06:00

4th of July nails from Kristyn at Paint that Nail! Seriously you must check out her fun and fabulous nails!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wow it's almost 4th of July! So today I am going to show how I did fireworks and American flags on my nails. Then I did my moms nails red, white and blue. I will show how I did my nails first.

What you need:

~White nail polish I chose to use NK- really white.

~Acrylic paint but any paint would work just make sure to add a clear coat over your design when you are done. You could also use nail polish if you wanted; I just think paint is easier and a detail brush which you can even just cut your paint brush you already have to make one but there are some at any craft store.

~Stripers which you can find at a drugstore and your local beauty supply store, online too. In red, blue and silver glitter and white I chose to use Art Deco- blue, red and silver glitter and a white Stripe Rite.

~A bobby pin or something you like to make dots with. You can also get Dotting Tool which you can find on Ebay for about $4 for 5 dotting tools!

First paint your nail white. It may take a couple coats but let them dry.

Now we are going to work on the flag so get your blue, red, red glitter and silver glitter out. first paint a square in the corner of your nail.

Now make horizontal stripes.

Make dots to represent the starts on your nail in the blue corner.

Add glitter to your nails the red over the red and the silver just dotted with the brush over the blue. You could just use silver glitter nail polish to do that part but I think striper is just easier.

Now onto the fireworks!

First thing you're going to want to do is get your detail brush and get a lighter blue and start where you want the center of the firework to be. Press down putting a little pressure and then flick up. This doesnt have to be perfect - it is a firework, fireworks aren't all the same! You could use any colors you want also.

Then do that again with a darker color. Now it should look like a fuzz ball...

Put silver in the middle and add glitter.

Now is when it really turns into a firework! Take white paint with a detail brush or striper and make lines going in a circle curving down a little.

Now onto my moms nails! These are a bit easier than mine.

First paint your nails white.

Make a swipe across the corner of your nail you can make it curved or straight however you want!

Fill in the red.

Do the same with blue at the bottom of your nail.

Add glitter if you want she used Sally Hansen diamond strength- diamonds.

If you try these out let me know how they turned out and have a great 4th of July and a fantastic rest of the day!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Awesome Kristyn! Those little details really do help make it look like fireworks! I love the simplicity of your mom's nails too. I think I'll do some 4th of July nails this weekend!

1st Work-out Wednesday

2011-06-29T17:07:00.001-06:00

Last night was the first time I really work out since having my baby.....bad huh! I'm 9 weeks postpartum and haven't lost any weight since my 6 week check-up. I've gained 2-3 lbs. since then! I blame it on having gestational diabetes! Now that I don't have that anymore, I've probably been pigging out on too many carbs! What an eye opener since having GD, I eat tons of carbs and so do a lot of people.
I also blame my family all getting sick. Now that we're all better, we're catching up with rest of life. Plus how do people have the time to work out with 2+ kids. I'm lazy; I don't like working out unless it's fun like playing basketball or volleyball with friends or I doing Wii Fit. That's how I lost the weight after I had my son (plus being a bridesmaid for my friend's wedding 4 months after having a baby and needing to fit in a dress was good motivation - by the way, I didn't end up fitting in the dress....).

I am going to try and do the Wii Fit at least twice a week for now and decided I should report my progress here so I can be more accountable! I'll have Work-out Wednesday every other week. Feel free to link up your fitness/health posts/blogs too so we can motivate each other!

I'm breastfeeding so I'm probably not going to change my diet too much, just eat less sweets now that I've had my fun of them from being without a lot of them when I was pregnant. But those who are breastfeeding and would like to diet as well as exercise, I recommend Baby Fit. It incorporates the amount of calories you need while breastfeeding, lets you keep track of what you eat, gives you a meal plan even! It's pretty sweet.

I guess I've been getting motivated the last couple weeks because we have no money to buy me new clothes. I hate the transition phase. Other motivation the Wii Fit says I'm borderline overweight so my Wii Character turned into a chubby one instead of a normal one.
At least my husband has gained 10 lbs. - he used to weigh 155 and is 6'4, but now weighs 165. His brothers all have gained some weight too so I'm not fatter than all of them, just one.

Here are my stats:
Pre-pregnancy: 131 lbs.
Gained 36 lbs. when pregnant - 167 lbs.
Current weight: 147 lbs.
Goal: flatter tummy (so I don't look pregnant still when I wear my pre-pregnancy shirts), 140 by September 1st. OR to fit into my 7-9 jeans comfortably.
Ideally would love to be 120-125 again.

May 29, 2011 -postpartum

April 2010 - before baby #2

Link up your fitness/health posts/blogs too so we can motivate each other!

46th Mommy Mondays

2011-06-27T00:11:00.000-06:00

My 2 1/2 year old son has developed quite the imagination in the last month. My husband introduced him to Ghostbusters several months ago and just recently our son created his own "Proton" Pack with a sound stick, string, and his truck. He then goes around the house spotting ghosts and getting them. It's hilarious! What a smart kid to create that.

He's also started playing with action figures (what he calls his ninjas). He played with them before, but now he has little mini conversations with them and has them do things like jump and climb off buildings, etc. Oh to be a kid again and to use your imagination in that way. So fun!

Link up your Mommy Mondays - anything Mommy related. I'd love to hear about things you think all moms should know or sweet moments and milestones in your child's life.

53rd Fashionable Fridays

2011-06-24T00:41:00.006-06:00

Anyone on Pinterest!? I'm on it and it's addicting! It's a great way to save your favorite links. If you ever need to reboot your computer, you'll still have all your favorite links. If you use multiple computers, you can still access your favorites through Pinterest. Come check me out over there. Leave your pinterest link too so I can look at your pins!

Anyway through Pinterest, I found this link to curling your hair without heat. Here's the original pin and here's the video tutorial from thelipstickdiaries.

I attempted it since it looked so fast and easy. I moussed my dry hair first and then tucked my hair into the headband as directed. I added some bobby pins to mine because it was during the day and with 2 kids, it was bound to get loose and fall out.

After a while though, I was getting a headache, so I took it out to see if that would help my headache. Before taking it out though, I hair sprayed it since my hair doesn't hold curl well all the time. Since I only had it in for a couple hours, the back didn't work so well, but the front looked fabulous. I brushed down some frizz and I was good to go. Very pretty- a nice confidence booster to someone who just had a baby. I will try it again before I go to bed sometime in the future to see what it looks like with the back all curled too.

Here's some pictures of the after. As you can see I'm one tired mommy, so I did my make-up some really quick so I wouldn't look so horrible.

Find me on Polyvore

Any hair tips/tutorials you'd like to share?
Link up your fashion, hair, make-up, etc.