DIY Sidewalk Chalk Paint (Repost)

I love Pinterest, it's my go to place for new craft ideas for Lady A. When I first saw it, I knew we had to try out the DIY Sidewalk Chalk Paint. It is so easy to make! Check it out below:

In a medium bowl mix together 1 cup water and 1 cup cornstartch
Divide equally into small bowls or a muffin tin
Add 2-4 drops of food coloring to make your colors (the more drops the brighter the color)

The paint looks the best after it dries a bit. Mix together some colors to make your own shades.

We had tons of fun and hope you have fun too!

Apple Fritter Cake, Weight Watchers, and Neighbors!

I love to bake almost as much as I love to eat but have been trying to scale back on all the yummy desserts since joining weight watchers back in September. So far I have lost 25 pounds but have also gained knowledge in how I need to eat to be healthy. I know what your thinking.. is she really talking about weight lost and Apple Fritter Cake in the same blog post?  I am and its because of that knowledge I have gained about eating, I learned that this is not a diet its a 'lifestyle change'.  If I don't allow myself to eat sweets sparingly, I would not last long and would soon find myself going back to my old ways. I would end up running to Publix to picking up every sweet, salty, gooey, and horrible for you to eat items that they sell.

So when I simply have a craving or have been given a reason to bake I do just that, I bake!  Last week my neighbors brought over a loaf of whole wheat honey banana bread for us which Lady A loved. {Yes we have the best neighbors ever!} A few days later after the list slice was devoured, my husband asked what I would make in it in return. My husband is a firm believe in sending back dishes with a little treat in return and I knew instantly what I wanted to make.

I had pinned this recipe for Apple Fritter Cake a few days earlier and seeing as I didn't want to have a whole 13 by 9 pan of cake in my house I figured I could split it into two loaf pans one for us and one to return to next door.  The recipe calls for about a cup of apples but I used about 2 cups and might even use more next time we make this. Hope you enjoy the recipe!

Diy Sidewalk Chalk Paint!

I love Pinterest, it's my go to place for new craft ideas for Lady A. When I first saw it, I knew we had to try out the DIY Sidewalk Chalk Paint. It is so easy to make! Check it out below:

In a medium bowl mix together 1 cup water and 1 cup cornstartch
Divide equally into small bowls or a muffin tin
Add 2-4 drops of food coloring to make your colors (the more drops the brighter the color)

The paint looks the best after it dries a bit. Mix together some colors to make your own shades.

We had tons of fun and hope you have fun too!

Recipe Share: Banana Muffins

Bananas rarely go 'bad' in this house.. between my husband and daughter who both love bananas in their cereal they never make it to the 'perfect for muffins' stage. Somehow this week they did, I'm thinking I just bough too many at the store. Anyways I hunted around Pinterest for a little bit in search of a yummy and moist muffin recipe. I ended up going with the below recipe as the comments raved about how moist and dessert like the muffins turn out. I was not disappointed they are delicious! I ended up adding an extra banana as I had four that were ready to be used, I like the exact banana flavor it has. Enjoy!

Banana Crumb Muffins

Rated: Submitted By: Lisa Kreft Photo By: chibi chef Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 20 Minutes Ready In: 35 Minutes Servings: 10

"A basic banana muffin is made extraordinary with a brown sugar crumb topping that will melt in your mouth."

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 bananas, mashed 3/4 cup white sugar

1 egg, lightly beaten 1/3 cup butter, melted 1/3 cup packed brown sugar 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon butter

Directions:

1.	Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease 10 muffin cups, or line with muffin papers.
2.	In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, beat together bananas, sugar, egg and melted butter. Stir the banana mixture into the flour mixture just until moistened. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.
3.	In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour and cinnamon. Cut in 1 tablespoon butter until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Sprinkle topping over muffins.
4.	Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean.

Little Miss Sassy

Lady A officially entered the 'terrible twos' recently and has gain the title of Little Miss Sassy! My once peaceful home has turned into a place where the words NO and MINE are way over used.

She is still my sweet girl for sure. Anytime someone says ouch she is the first one to run for 'elmo' (one of those boo-boo things you put in the freezer) The other day I bumped my head on our bed, she looked right at me and said "Mommy hurt? Oh Honnneyy! Elmo?"

Dealing with the terrible twos isn't going to be blast but I have already realized a few things to make it easier for the both of us. Like most toddlers, she LOVES to help! I can easily avoid a tantrum with simply asking her to help me with something. She is just as frustrated with me as I am with her... She isn't doing what I want her to do and I am not doing what she wants me to do which can leave us both annoyed.

It will get better... rigtht?

Any toddler advice, I'd love to hear it!

Recipe Share: Spinach Dip

Had to share this yummy and easy to make spinach dip recipe.

Check it out HERE!

Dinner Sucess

Can she cook it?  Of course she can!  Yes the above photo looks nothing like the posted photo attached with the recipe over at Cooking Creation, but that's okay.  
Why? Well because it was delicious! I followed the recipe for the most part but we ended up picking up Pepper-jack with roasted red peppers instead of the plain pepper-jack and I love the little extra kick it gave it.  
Would I change anything? Yes next time a little less spinach and I would also marinate the chicken over night. Next time we are thinking of using a pork tenderloin too!

Like I mentioned in my previous post we try to plan one new meal each we so check back often to see to see what we make next!

Can she cook it?

(Photo credit Cooking Creations)


Doesn't this look delicious??


Once a week we try a new recipe, I normally grab the recipe from Pinterest and again this is the case this week. The above recipe comes from Cooking Creation, and looks easy for me to tackle. I can cook, but I wouldn't call myself an expert, that is my husbands title. He is the cook of the house and loves cooking dinner but seeing as I am home during the day I try to cook a few times a week so he can relax.

I will be trying this out tomorrow so stay tuned for the results!

The most important thing I will ever do..

is give you all my love to help you grow into a beautiful person...

SAHMs or Working Moms who has it harder?

I recently came across the top 10 things not to say to a SAHM and the top 10 things not to say to a working mom. After reading them, I started to think about who has it harder a stay at home mom or a working mom. Tough question right? Honestly I think both sides have great points and the arguing could go back and forth for days on this subject. Read the lists and let me know what you think!

Top 10 things not to say to a Working mom:

1. It must be hard missing all those special moments every day.

2. I suppose it's smart that you're working. You know, in case your husband leaves you some day.

3. I'm surprised you went back to work. Your husband seems so successful.

4. It's cute when they call your nanny "Mama."

5. I just love my kids too much to leave them during the day.

6. Did you see Dateline? The one with the hidden camera in the day care?

7. I could never let someone else raise my children. But that's just me!

8. I hated my mom because she was never home after school like everyone else's mom.

9. You must feel so guilty.

10. I wish I were as laid-back as you and could just let the housework go.

Top 10 things not to say to a SAHM:

1. When the kids are older, do you think you'll get a real job?

2. How June Cleaver of you!

3. Oh, so you don't work?

4. Since you have extra time on your hands, could you whip up a few dozen brownies for the bake sale tomorrow?

5. All day with your kids? I can't even imagine.

6. I'm jealous. I wish my husband were rich so I wouldn't have to work either.

7. What do you do all day, anyway?

8. I'm sure you're not the only one who's ever wasted money on a college degree.

9. That explains why your son is so clingy!

10. Weird. I assumed your house would be superclean.

Conclusion:
For the first 3 months of Lady A's life I was a stay at home mom, and its tough. Now I work out of the home and that's tough too. Can we call it a tie? Maybe look at the positive side, we have amazing kiddos that we get to enjoy, love, cuddle and watch grow. Now go hug you kid!


*Lists are from   thelaughingstork.com and  Mom-101.com

Is it the weekend yet?? & Count your blessings!

See that cute little face? I can't wait to spend the whole weekend with her! She is at daycare now, while I'm working (on lunch break now) Wish I could be a stay at home mom, thought I know its hard work, I'm sure it's worth it. At the same time when I count my blessings I know how lucky I am!

**Please note, I know her head rest is messed up, She was leaning forward during the picture so it slipped down a bit. Figured I'd mention it before someone else did lol

Happy Thursday!

Sorry Doc but I think your wrong...

Have your ever felt your kids Doctor is wrong? I did yesterday! What a day it was, actually it was my birthday and we had some great plans but Lady A got sick. The poor baby had a fever, cough, discharge from her ear and was very fussy, not her normal self. So I knew she had some type of cold, but the discharge from the ear made me think she might also have an ear infection. Off to the Doctors office we went.

We were waiting for a hour before the doctor came in, not our normal doctor as she wasn't available but another one at the same office. He checked her out, very quickly I might add, and said she had the start of a cold, which I already figured. Then when we asked about the ear he said it was normal, a type of dandruff for babies that can sometimes be found behind the ear. I really thought he was wrong. It had to be something more than that. He suggested a humidifier and some vicks rub for the cold but nothing for the ear besides normal cleaning.

Fast forward to this morning after an almost sleepless night, I just knew he was wrong. There was white puss like ooze in her ear and any time I touched it to look she screamed like I never heard her scream before.  At first I contemplated what to do. Bring her back to the Doctor office or try my luck with urgent care? Then I thought really I am her mother and if I think something is wrong with my baby then why should I worry about what the doctor or nurses might think if I bring her back demanding they recheck her. So I made a sick kid appointment this time with her normal doctor.

I was right! She has a type of infection on the outer ear caused by the cold. Her normal doctor prescribed an ear drip and antibiotics for the upper respiratory infection.

Sometimes you just need to go with your gut feeling, I guess I should have said something the day before. Well, I'm just a first time mom learning all about this stuff... next time I'll just say... Sorry Doc but I think your wrong.

I love Bumbos!

If I met the person who invented the Bumbo seat I think I would kiss them! Seriously this weird mass of soft foam is a lifesaver for me and Lady A's favorite seat! If not for the bumbo my arms would ache and my house would be unlivable.  Currently I think this is the best creation ever. Lady A loves sitting up but isn't able to support herself yet so the Bumbo is a must have. She is able to keep watch on her puppies, talk to them as they play and reach for toys within the Bumbo radius.  Wonder what my favorite creation will be in a few months?

What makes you smile?

I saw a post on a great blog the other day about things that make you smile.

Here are a few things that make me smile:

• The way Lady A stretches and smiles in the morning 
• Getting sweet texts from my love
• Lunch dates with my gals
• Lazy rainy Sundays at home (haven't had one of these in awhile)
• Putting a bow on Lady A.. they are too cute on her!
• Switching to a new handbag
• Listening to Lady A and Daddy talk before bed time on the baby monitor (yep I spy on them)
• When Lady A gets "kisses" from her puppy Miley.. the expression on her face is priceless!
• Talking about my day w/my love right before falling asleep
• Trying to play fetch with our Pup Jessie.. she always runs and hides the ball.. silly puppy!
• A clean organized house!

What makes you smile?

What do you get a 3 month old for Easter!?!

A good book for Mommy and Daddy to read to you, a DVD that you will probably not watch til next Easter and bubbles that you can watch Mommy blow for you.  I'm sure the bubbles will be the most entertaining as your puppies will go crazy jumping at and 'eating' them. Happy Easter Lady A! 

To show or not show?

The moment we found out we were expecting last year one of the first things my fiance said to me was "were not putting her on your blog" Okay over protective daddy! He is very very firm on this subject and of course I respect his wishes. I would love to share her cute little face with everyone around the world, but I understand where he is coming from. This is also why I decided to give our baby girl a nickname for blogging.. I shall refer to her as Lady A. Simple and cute. Do you or would you put pics up of your kiddos on a public blog?

Where is Waldo.. I meant Where is Jenn?!

I haven't been doing much blogging lately and I wonder if any of you fine folks have been wondering where in the world have I been?  Well if ya have I'll let ya know. I haven't been on here to blog in a bit because I have been too busy enjoying my new baby girl who was born on January 19th.  I have finally joined the wonderful world of motherhood and I'm loving every minute of it!  I hope you all understand and I hope to be back to regular posting shortly! 

I love blogging and sharing the deals so stay tuned! 

Blog Make-over

Notice anything different around here? Yep a blog make-over! It was much needed and I love it. You should check out April Showers Blog Design. She currently has her waiting list on hold. Yep she is that amazing that everyone wants a blog design by her :) It's worth the wait!  Can't wait? She does have some free blog layouts. Check out her site by clicking the button above!

What's your budget?

     So what is your budget? Right now we don't have one. Not that we don't need one, I have just been slacking a bit in that area. Plus recently I lost of few of my babysitting gigs, and its been hard to pick up extra work. At about 28 weeks pregnant not many people are looking to hire me as a sitter, and I understand. Soon I won't be available and also I'm not as energetic as I used to be.
     Anyways, this of course means that we are really in need of a budget. I have also got back into couponing, tho I will admit that I'm not up to par with the deals I used to get. I'd like to say its because when I started there were better deals, but I'm sure its just me. My stockpile is down, especicially my food stockpile. Were working on it! Plan on heading out this week to stock up on some cheap butter and chicken. We have a deep freeze so I plan on picking up a lot of chicken, at $1.48 a pound for chicken breast!
      So my question to you is... What is your budget?  Any tips on getting back on track?

Pregnancy Update + Looking for Advice from Mommys!

Yep that's me. I don't do a lot of life posts but I figured I'd give ya a little update on the pregnancy.  Well first off I'm 25 weeks and I can't believe how fast it is going by! I honestly have been blessed by the pregnancy gods so far, just a few sick days or actually hours here and there. One trip to the ER, yesterday to be exact. I was sick last weekend as in like not being able to keep anything down for about 30 hours.(Pretty sure it was NOT pregnancy related)  Then on Wednesday I had some blurred vision, called the Dr Thursday morning and he sent me to the ER. They monitored the baby checked me out and determined I was dehydrated from being sick. Sent home, drinking lots of water and were fine. 

We picked out a name but I haven't decided if I wanted to reveal it on my blog or not.  Registered at the hospital that I love after doing a tour. Crib, Dresser and changing table are put together in her lavender painted room. She has tons of clothes but of course will need more. We also  have decided to Breastfeed.

Even tho I have been babysitting and been a Nanny for years now I'm still no mom, so..

 Mommy's out there any advice that you think is a must know for a new mom? Anything you wished someone told you before you had kids?  Anything helps.