Thanksgiving Recap

This was the 5th year that I hosted Thanksgiving at our house and I have to say, hands down it was the best and easiest year ever! I guess you learn a thing or two over the years. This was however, the first year that I did the turkey (RIP Bob! What? You don't name your turkey?) because we usually deep fry them and anyone who knows me is aware that I shouldn't be let near anything that could explode/catch the house on fire! 


And my favorite hosting tips of the year include:

• Cleaning my whole house a few days ahead of time, I'm sure y'all are thinking "DUH" but for some reason I usually wait until the last minute
• Make your mashed potatoes and then throw them in the crock pot on warm. No one likes cold mashed taters! 
• While you are at it, throw your Paula Deen ham in the biggest crock pot you can find. This clears up so much oven space and keeps the ham nice and juicy! (Don't forget to keep basting it! And put the crunchy glaze on last!) 
• Enlist help. I have a VERY HARD TIME asking for help with entertaining. So instead I put all of my relatives to work "watching" Trey and keeping him out of the kitchen (thank goodness for childproofing the oven with locks recently) this kept me free to cook and JD free for whatever crazy task I have in my mind at that current moment
• Send as much food as you possibly can home with relatives. This year we were headed out of town so it was an easy one for us but usually I end up throwing so much food away because JD and I can't eat it all or just get sick of it. This year I made sure I was stocked up on paper plates, press n seal and containers that I didn't want back so that we could find homes for the rest of the food. 

 I didn't get as many pictures as I would have liked because it was such a busy and quick day - but here are some!! 

What a difference a year makes!! 

Plum Organics & Baby Feeding Magic

 

Thanks to Plum Organics for sponsoring my post about tips for baby feeding magic. What if you let baby choose what's for dinner? Check out their cute "Quest for Yum!" video and see what happens!

Back when Trey first started solids I made each and everything from scratch, organic, with lots of mommy love. I read books, I went to all sorts of stores for just the right type of apple/banana/pear. I steamed, I pureed, I froze, I jarred. And you know what I LOVED it. 


BUT..... 


I quickly learned that sometimes we needed something that I could keep in my purse, that didn't need to be refrigerated and that was still organic for when we were out and about. 


Luckily I was contacted by Plum Organics and was sent some of their awesome products to review. I took that little spoon that hooked onto their pouches EVERYWHERE. And each and every time I pulled it out it felt like people came out of nowhere with "That's awesome!" "What is that?" "Where'd you get that?" and sadly, LOTS of "I WISH they had those when my kids were little!"


Can you blame them? Easy peasy for Mama and Trey always loved the flavors. 


Now that he is older, we have ditched the spoon but I still buy the Plum Organics pouches often for quick, easy and healthy snacks while we are on the go! 


And since this post is all about baby feeding magic, I thought I'd share some of the magic tips that I have learned from other Mama's along the way:

• Try again. I'm lucky to not have a picky eater but that doesn't mean it won't change or that the next baby won't "make up" for Trey's easy-going personality when it comes to food. LOTS of my mom friends made sure to say - even if he doesn't like it at first, wait a few weeks and then try again. You'll be surprised what reaction you may get!  
• Have FUN with it. I feel like the baby food stage went by so quickly. I feel like it was over so quickly, all of a sudden he wanted what he were having and wanted nothing to do with the "baby" food, I had so lovingly prepared. 
• Go with your gut. (And your dr's advice) Everyone will have different opinions on when is the right time to start each food. YOU are the Mama, you know if something doesn't feel right. Call the dr and do your research, you will know what is right, and when it is right!

What baby feeding magic tips do you have?

And I will leave you with this adorable Pac-man-like video by Plum Organic organics: The Quest for Yum! 

 I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. To learn more about Plum Organics, visit their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/PlumOrganics.

Wordless Wednesday: Mini Beach Bum

Pinterest-ing Laughs for Today

Sometimes at night J.D. will be on the big sofa watching TV and I will be over on the little one all curled up with my slanket laughing hysterically. 


For real y'all, so much relatable hilarious stuff all in one place! 


And I'm simple really. I frequently text J.D. 3rd grade level jokes. You can imagine my excitement when our Halloween candy had laffy taffy's in it AND they each had 2 jokes on the back. 


Talk about winning.... 


So I thought for a fun Sunday afternoon post I'd share some things that have made me laugh lately. It's good for the soul. 

Source: lauraface.tumblr.com via Beach on

Source: Uploaded by user via Beach on Pinterest

Source: fashnsswthrt.tumblr.com via Beach on Pinterest

Source: thingswealldo.tumblr.com via Beach on Pinterest

Source: twiceshy.bitedaily.com via Beach on Pinterest

Source: someecards.com via Beach on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Beach on Pinterest

And last but not least, some Pinterest humor as well! 

Source: someecards.com via Beach on Pinterest

My Heart's A Stereo

I was recently inspired by two of my blog-friends-turned-real-life-friends A & M to share the soundtrack of my life as they recently did. I felt like I needed a few days to really think about this. I mean music is so important. It can change your whole mood at the drop of a hat.


Like Friday when Kanye, Jay-Z and I were getting DOWN to Otis. I was a cleaning, dancing, getting down FOOL. And Bam Adele "Someone Like You" comes along and kills my flow. Yo. 


I'm sure I left some off that I adore so I may have a round 2 in the future!!


p.s. These are in NO specific order!

1. Common, "The Light"
2. U2, "Beautiful Day"
3. The Roots, "What They Do"
4. Randy Travis, "Forever & Ever, Amen"
5. Brad Paisley, "She's Everything'
6. Tupac, "I Get Around"
7. Alison Krauss, "When You Say Nothing At All"
8. Taylor Swift, "Mine"
9. NKOTB, "The Right Stuff"
10. 702, "Where My Girls At"
11. Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, "It's Your Love"
12. Carrie Underwood, "Jesus Take The Wheel"
13. Gavin DeGraw, "Follow Through"
14. Duran Duran, "Hungry Like The Wolf"
15. Rascall Flatts, "God Bless The Broken Road"
16. Jon Mayer, "Comfortable"
17. Jessica Simpson, "With You"
18. Maroon 5, "She Will Be Loved"
19. Coldplay, "Viva La Vida"
20. Bryan Adams, "Everything I Do, I Do it for You" 

SMS: Team Santa!

I got Trey this outfit last year on clearance at Target for $1.50 (for the top and the fleece pants both)! And that, my friends is why it pays to shop ahead when you can! 


We just did the usual today, Starbucks and the park! It's gorgeous outside here today. Not too chilly, and nice and sunny! 

Cheese-ball

LET's GO Mama!!!

 And just for fun, some Friday Night Scenes! 

J made this for us! Found here! p.s. Nope, it's BETTER than it looks!

Reading Ten Fat Turkeys

Yes, I was HEARTBROKEN that A didn't want to cuddle up for storytime. She was clearly on a mission! 

iPhoto Friday

Wow, it's been a while since I've done an iPhoto Friday. Here's what has been going on in our little corner of the world! 

These are the books that we have recieved from the Children's Book Exchange so far. SO fun and I am SO SO glad I did it! We mailed (well, Amazon mailed) "Happy Birthday Little Pookie" to an 11mo old boy in Cali! I hope he loves it!

Oh yes, this would be how Trey wants to STAND in the Maclaren now.  He just wants to RUN! My hairdresser gave me a backpack/leash thing that she used with her daughter. But for reals, I just can't do it. I am kicking myself for even *thinking* of using it. 

I don't know if I ever blogged about my Erin Condren life planner. Well, here it is! I LOVE it!!! 

A rare picture where Trey actually kept his hat on for more than 5 seconds. It's going to be a long winter!

Oh yes, we are in full Christmas mode here. The decor starts going up next week. No, I don't wait till after Thanksgiving. What of it?

Oh yes, the AWFUL morning at Sam's club. We were there for a whole 20 minutes and Trey thought I was torturing him? Anywho, I added this to remind myself to tell y'all that they have Carter's fleece jams for $7. I had to get a few since he has almost outgrown everything in this house. 

My new addiction thanks to J (who she found from another J! Hi!!!!)  Seriously I could drink this every day. $5.99 at Trader Joe's in case y'all were wondering! 

J.D. bought this shirt for Trey, I think it's hilarious! 

OOTN for a friend's birthday. And yes, it's totally the mirror angle that is making me look thin-ish. It's amazing what a little tilt can do, ha!! 

While I was getting ready for said party, Trey and Dada had a blast at the aquarium!! 

Our new reading spot!

Someone started sleeping with a blanket. And totally needs a trim. The mullet is just not becoming. You know I'm going to cry. 

And finally, an amazing day at the park! It was sun showering for the first 30 min but we didn't care - we had so much fun! Then the sun came out and we got to see a gorgeous rainbow!! 

p.s. T.G.I.F.!!!!

Save It, Baby

This post was underwritten by BMO Harris Bank, which offers a matching $25 on a new savings account opened for your child through their Helpful Steps for Parents program. Learn more at bmoharris.com/parents.


Since we found out that we were pregnant the hubs and I have tried our hardest not to go completely overboard buying "things" for Trey. Sure, we wanted to make sure that he had a comfortable nursery and plenty of necessities (being diapers, not a million different outfits - which I am sure is MUCH easier with a boy... I digress) as well as a safe car seat and a stroller that could last us until we were done having babies. 

Source: amazon.com via Lauren on Pinterest

This was a favorite of ours! 


From the get-go we researched and compared prices, models, brands and tried to make simple changes such as spicing up an inexpensive dresser with cute hardware. We saved gift cards, bonuses, and coupons to make the purchasing a little but easier. 


Since Trey was born 15 months ago we have gotten even more frugal where we can. I love a fancy bag or a nice pair of shoes as much as the next person but we have made sure that these things are "special" purchases and not our everyday lifestyle. 


Most of Trey's morning naps are spent with me scouring couponing blogs, clipping coupons from multiple newspapers, and making lists. I can't tell you how much I have saved from this alone. I often text pictures to the husband with captions like "saved $60!" or "got all of this for $40!". And no, I am in no way, shape or form talking about that tv show (we all know what I am referring too). I'm talking about good, old fashioned stretching our budget! Making sure that we can still have organic products at the lowest possible price. 


I know that I don't work outside the home, but I do my best to work inside our home. Everytime we are able to save a few dollars I know that is something we can put towards Trey's college fund, our next home, retirement or even just a family vacation. I know that memories are also priceless and I want to make sure that we will be able to afford fun trips as a family. 


For holidays we ask relatives for savings bonds for Trey. Let's be real. This kid doesn't NEED more toys. He has plenty and as far as books and clothes, I like to buy him books myself (so does J.D.!) and we purchase clothes and shoes as needed or when I find a good sale. 


He received his first piggy bank for his first birthday and J.D. and I have been in the habit of sticking a few dollars in it here and there, when we can. I want to teach Trey the importance of saving, the value of a dollar (and a dime!!) as well as good work ethic and how to earn money himself for things that he wants or things that one day he will need. 


I do think he's picking up on it, he likes to run around the house with my coupon file. I ask him if he's going to use those coupons to save money? 


Hey, at 15 months? I'll take it! 


I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. To learn more about BMO Harris Bank, visit their website http://bmoharris.com/parents.

Thankful Thursdays

Today I am linking up for the first time with "Adventures with Gwen" for Thankful Thursdays!


Head on over and check out her blog and link up with us!!

I am SO thankful for:

• Sweet neighbors that come hang out and have dinner with Trey & I on the nights that J.D. has class. Trey adores them and it's nice to have some distractions while waiting for da-da to get home! 
• My blog/twitter friends that have become IRL friends. Barely a day goes by that I don't text/email/get together with at least one of them. They have become so important to me! 
• The new books that we are receiving as part of a book exchange that we participated in. Trey loves to read, and getting a new book in the mail is like Christmas to us both! 
• The nice weather that we are having here this week. Trey and mama both need the long park trip we are headed out on today! 
• What a great sleeper Trey has always been. He has gotten a little off of his nap routine this week and it's been rough! I blame DST and all of his molars coming through at the SAME time!  
• And lastly, I'm thankful that tomorrow is FRIDAY. Can I get a *whoop whoop* on that?!?!

What are you thankful for?

Say "Cheese" for Tiny Prints Cards!

Or "GEEEZ" as Trey says when I pull the camera out! Ha! 


Is it just me or does it seem like once you have a baby everyone and their Mama wants a Christmas card from you? When it was J.D., me and the doggies no one cared! (Well maybe my mother in law, but that's about it!)


Now I have a list of almost 100 people I send cards to! And I know lots of my readers send out even more than that! 


I love things that serve multi purpose functions and guess what? Tiny Prints has NAILED that with their photo cards! Check these out!! 

I love this - it's so whimsical and yes, that baby is PRECIOUS!

This would be darling with a picture of J.D. and I kissing Trey!! 

I'm always a sucker for good stripes! Found here.

Card + Ornament? Genius, right!! I love that people will take the extra time to look at it and display it somewhere a little more *special* than your average card!


And in case you aren't convinced that Tiny Prints has the holiday card game down:

{via}

And y'all know I love a good address label, I will leave you with these!! I love that this one has the year on it!! 

What type of holiday cards are you doing this year? You can take a look at the Tiny Prints holiday collection here. 




Disclaimer: in exchange for a blog post about Tiny Prints photo cards I am recieveing 50 free holiday cards. All opions on here are my own and I am not being paid in any other way. 

Quickie Meme

I found this online a while ago and have been saving it for a day when I couldn't come up with anything exciting for the 'ol blog. Let me know if you play along - I love reading these about fellow bloggers! 


Guilty Pleasure? Starbucks (Venti Hazelnut Iced Coffee w Cream in case you were wondering), Nailpolish (Used to be pedicures but I'm trying to scale back)

I can't travel without? Said coffee. And like 3 things of Burts Bees chapstick. 

Recent Splurge? iPhone 4s

My go-to flower? Lillies

In bulk, I buy? wipes, diapers, snacks for Trey. Nothing worse than running out of something for him! 

I sleep on?  An old but oh-so-comfy Laura Ashley pillow. I probably need a new one... that being said does anyone have a Brookstone pillow? I really want one!

Comfort Food? Pizza, Ice Cream & J.D.'s mac n cheese

For Breakfast? Coffee. 

For Dinner? Favorite - MEXICAN! (Or pizza, gosh I LOVE pizza! HA!) 

Love/hate relationship with? Target. Great stuff, good prices = TOO much shopping!

Can't Stop Watching? REVENGE! Don't lie. You know you watch it too! 

Best online shopping find? Plum District. I'm obsessed. I have gotten the best deals on there lately! (Haven't signed up - you can get $10 when you sign up here)

Dreaming about? Christmas!

Crushing on? Kyle Richards. Yep, girl crush. Her hair = my hair goal

Every girl should have? Confidence and the ability to laugh at themselves sometimes!

My style in five words? Classic, comfy, fun, beachy & easy

I love wearing? Flip Flops

Dream Job? SAHM :)