So Much

So much has been going on and so much about to.  

A 4th birthday this week!!!  And a 4-0 birthday too!!!!

For now, this is super sweet of the two playing together.  

Yes, she pulls up to standing and play all on her own!

No, he is not always so compliant with her playing with his legos.  But let's just go with it for now.

Books

I spotted this at Target in the clearance section yesterday.

It brought me right back to being six years old (maybe younger? maybe older?) and reading it with my sister.

It's very surreal to be reading it to my child.

And their fingernails still creep me out.

Everyday Products You've Been Using Wrong

Some I knew, some I forgot, some I had no idea.

Everyday Products You've Been Using Wrong

photo from article

This & That on a Monday

These reminders that popped up on my computer this morning make me happy.

Tomorrow's will be good too.

I also found these shirts at Target yesterday.  Finally.  He had two last summer and wore them almost everyday so I knew I wanted some for this summer but they never had them.  Soft and just a little nicer than a regular t-shirt but not as rough as a pique.  So glad they brought them back.

I'm also working on a set of patriotic place mats.  So far we may just have one really large hot pad.

I also tried a new tutorial for a onesie dress.  I'll post more this week.

Lots of family coming to town this week.  So excited.  Lots of cleaning to do and pool time.

Steve is very into grilling these days.

After his successful three hour smoked chicken, he had the dream of these 8 hour ribs.

Seriously.  2 hours to marinate, 6 hours to cook.  Plus with "Steve time" that's an additional 2 hours.

Took him all day Sunday but they were delicious!!!

Then he also made chocolate chip mint ice cream.  And you know I don't like mint but this was GOOD!

The recipe was from this month's Real Simple.  Definitely cut the chocolate in half and also the mint.  It was way too minty even for a mint lover like Steve.

Father's Day Car Shirt

I thought this was a funny/cute idea.

Photo and tutorial here.

Or you can buy them from her Etsy store here.

Top That Yoga Guru

The other day while watching a healthy living segment on Good Morning America I knew that I knew the trainer's voice from somewhere other than discussing strength training.

US News | Weird News | More ABC News Videos

 I was right.

Tracy K. (now S.) I for some reason feel like you would know this.

Skip to the 1:45 mark



Not only is she Jennifer Aniston's Yoga guru and healthy living book author, she was the geeky friend with a "killer" rap in Teen Witch.

Top That.

Her name is actually Mandy Ingber and she is a famous celebrity yoga trainer responsible for "Yogalospohy".  You can check out her website here and her many appearances and fitness videos.

Photo Booth

When your 2 1/2 year old figures out how to take pictures of himself.

Month of Cards

I'm a big "card" person and May is my busiest month.

Mother's Day aside, we have a few birthdays, a graduation, new babies and there's always time to send a "thinking about you' card to someone special.

I'm not cheap on cards, but man can they get expensive.  And Hallmark doesn't give any kind of breaks on Mom's Day cards.

So hopefully you have already purchased your Mom's day sweet notes but in case you haven't, there are a few deals out there.

Target printable coupons has a $1 off purchase of 3 cards.  (Use to be $2 off 2 cards)
CVS has $5 CVS cash back with a purchase of $15 in cards. (Easy to do)
Hallmark has a printable coupon for $5 off any purchase of $10 or more in any Hallmark store.  That's probably the best one.

This doesn't have much to do about Mother's Day but just in case you are at Target, these really cute watches are on sale this week.

There is another printable coupon for $5 off your purchase of Merona wedges or sandals.  Many which are already on sale or clearance.  I think there is also a separate coupon for something off flip flops too.

Some Nights...Cluck Version

Fallon - Funny
add Amy Poehler - Hilarious
and then Michael Buble? - Genius.

Sorry, I don't know who the Willie Geist look alike is.

{Tip Of The Day} Detergent Stream

Brought to you by my sister.  She's household smart too.

Did you know that if you just unscrew the cap (on the top right of the bottle) to your economy size detergent just a little when it is on it's side for the easy pour position (on the left) your bottle will pop open with air and the flow will be much faster and easier?

Didn't know until my sis told me last week....and she was right.

You're welcome.

Speaking of "you're welcome", how good is Awkward this season?  I know I'm slightly hormonal but I almost lost it when I thought they were breaking up this week.

The People You Work With

My husband stumbled upon this interview with Jon Glaser last night.  Jon is the creator and actor in the popular Adult Swim (Cartoon Network at night) show that my husband worked on as a few other projects.  He was his boss, coworker and comedy amusement.  When you sit side by side in a small office, it's not terrible to have a comedian next to you all day long.

You may have also seen him recently on Girls and Parks & Recreation.



I just overheard most of it but I think it's a great interview that shows the kind of guy/writer/comedian he really is without his usual "bit" that you would see if he were on a talk show.  I guess I am just talking to my Dad.

And if you make it to the 16:40 mark, we are pretty sure when he mentions "some shows that are unenjoyable to work on are still worth it for the people you meet, like Producers that may bring you on to something else or work together again", is referring to my husband.  Possibly.

And turns out the guy doing the interview was actually a location production assistant on the show.  See you never know what someone is going to do for their next job or even while they are working on your current show.  As a PA, none the less.  You've got to be nice to everyone in this business.

Trader Joe's Review

There's been a lot of talk about Trader Joe's lately.

It's been expanding around the country and I keep reading different posts about what to get and favorites.

One thing I have learned over the years of being a TJ consumer is recommendations are everything.

Their prices are so great (especially compared to NY grocery prices) and they have great options that are almost always good quality with no preservatives.  I just trust them.  Plus their staff is always incredibly helpful and nice.  But it can be overwhelming since they aren't the normal name brand items so word of mouth has been my best success.

Did you also know they have a return anything policy?  You don't like it?  Take it back or just tell them and they will refund you, no questions asked.  I know, it's my kind of store.

So here are my pics that are my go to or things that others I know recommend.  I happened to make a trip today so I have pictures of some, the rest I'll just try to list by memory.

This is the closest thing I can get to the Central Market Sparkling limeade.

A staple in our pantry.

I love their soup especially paired with a grilled cheese.  Just make sure to add some salt and pepper.

They have a few that are all pretty good.  We usually use a jar of sauce once or twice and then it goes bad so I don't feel so bad at less than $2 a jar.

Chips-

I love their organic yellow round chips, sweet potato chips and if they have it in stock, chocolate drizzled kettle corn popcorn.  Their pita chips and potato chips are also good but small packaging.  My friend suggested their Surf Board Tortilla Chips.  I didn't love because they were a little plain.

Their Veggie & Flaxseed Tortilla Chips are pretty good and my son will eat the whole bag.  I figure if he's going to eat chips at least he can get some flax seeds in his diet or the sweet potato chips.

Almost any of their chocolate covered treats are good.  Edamame, pomegranates, berries.  I love these powerberries.  What?  They are berries covered in chocolate.  Win win.

I love their almond butter.  I feel like it's a good switch from my peanut butter obsession.  Also comes in crunchy.

I just bought their Cookie Butter for the first time from a recommendations.  It's pretty good, a little sweet.  More like a desert treat.  Like Nutella, which I'm not a huge fan of either.

Another staple, Puffins.  We love their peanut butter flavor but their cinnamon, original and multi grain is also pretty good.  A little card board'y but good.  Cheaper at TJ than the regular store and larger packaging.  Full of fiber.

$2.50 is usually the best price I can get HN Cherrios on sale so the TJ brand is just as good for the always low price of $2.50.  We are big HN fans in our home especially when Steve comes home late and I haven't cooked.  So, like very night.

They have a great selection of frozen veggies and fruit at good prices.  I buy the mixed berries for smoothies.  I buy their broccoli florets for last minute cooking, green beans, kale and spinach.  Their brussels sprouts are better fresh.  Great organic options too with a low price.

Crisp and tasty.  Add salt after cooking.

Another staple.  I put these in pasta with a little olive oil, salt and pepper and one of my favorite meals.  I've tried the meatless ones and not a fan but I know people that love them.

My dad recommended their Orange Mandarin Chicken which is delicious.

Other favorites:
Multi grain waffles - Staple for my son almost every morning although a little card board'y for my taste.
Kale and Spinach Greek Yogurt Dip - my favorite but it has raw eggs so off limits during pregnancy    Rice Crackers - goes really well with the above dip
Warm Spinach dip - amazing!  Found in the frozen appetizer section.
Oatmeal Cranberry Drizzle Dippers - really good frozen too
Butternut Squash Ravioli
Soft Mozzarella Cheese Sticks - a favorite of babies and young kids too
Mix Blend Shredded Cheese
Brussel Sprout Bags - fresh
Granola
Organic Chicken Selection
Ground Beef Selection
English Muffins (I think they call them something else)
I used to be obsessed with their low carb tortillas but I think they stopped making them
Their ice cream is pretty good
Animal crackers in chocolate and graham.  I forget what they call them.
Roasted Corn Salsa
Salad bags
Fresh Veggie bags
BBQ Chicken Pizza (frozen)
Margherita Pizza (frozen)

I will say their fresh fruits can be iffy.  Even if not organic not always so fresh looking.

A few things I did not like:
Whole Wheat Pita Bread
Kale Chips
Margherita Puff Pastry Pizza
Maple Syrup
Meatless Meatballs

If you are looking for some of those rare healthy options like coconut oil, safflower seed oil, grains or those ingredients that are usually only at a health/natural store TJ usually has a good selection at 1/3 of the price.

Voicemail Feelings

image from here

The other day I got a long voice mail message (that went straight to voicemail so I didn't even see it) describing something followed by a text of just a picture of what they were referring to.  So I ask?  You couldn't just text the picture with the question?  That is how lazy we (I) have become with voicemail and cell phones.

No mom, it wasn't from you.

Although now I have bluetooth in the car so call away!

New Thought...On The Way

By the way...

It is March 1st today.  This is big.  That means, in like a lion, out like a lamb.  Warm weather is on its way!  Well first we have a little cold front next week but steady warm weather isn't too far.

New car...on it's way!

Steven's shoot schedule....1 week down so kind of an end is on it's way?  (not really but go with me)

New baby....almost on it's way!
We are at the point where my shirts are too short, pants too tight and it's very common to be asked when I am due followed by an "oh wow".  Which by the way, I still act a little surprised each time someone asks me which always makes them nervous for a second.  I guess I just forget.

Busy Lazy Days

I feel like I'm lazier than ever but at the same time knocking one thing after the other off my to-do list.

This week I offered to bring the "adult" snack to our parent-child group.  Yes, I was that annoying new girl that asked if it was ok to bring homemade pastries instead of store bought (you know, because some schools only allow store bought for safety reasons) and then followed by offering to bring the snack every week because I like to bake.

I got a few looks but I think the other moms get it now.  I hope.

I need someone to bake for and this is the perfect opportunity.

So I made pumpkin crumb cake (obvy) and some pumpkin muffins way back from my very first TWD week.

Both hits.

Then I've been trying to get my "orders" done downstairs.  I seem to get very frustrated, very easily.  I sure do love finally using all my girly fabric.

But ruffles?  Not so easy each time.  With lots of breaks and a few Grease 2 and Can't Buy Me Love screenings, I'm pushing through.  I am constantly reminded why I don't charge for my crafts.

In other unimportant news, my husband is shooting his last episode ever of Delocated this week.  So sad, or is it?  That show has been good to us for many reasons.  He's jumping right onto two more shows so don't be worried for us.  Just worry about his stress level.

Since he is gone at 5am each morning I have found a super sweet snuggle replacement.

Also, we tried fried pickles for the first time.  Not really a fan.  I think I just prefer a plain pickle minus globs of fried fat.  But that's just me.

Just for the record, Steven does not approve of the word "obvy".

I've got some other fun stuff ahead.  Like a really awesome Halloween care package arrival, ruffle hoodie tutorial and maybe a new recipe.

The Mexican Change-Up

We eat a lot of Mexican food in my household.  It's my go-to dinner, appetizer, Sunday afternoon snack.  A tortilla with cheese always hits the spot.

But sometimes you have to try something new.

I mean, not if you are my father, but most other people.  That's not true, I usually get my best new finds from him.  Hello, Keurig five years ago.

A few months ago I wanted some nachos with queso and I just wasn't into the old classic, Velveeta and Rotel.

So I tried something new.  Not the Kraft or Tostito kind, something with a little more substance and reputation.  I mean, it's melted, canned cheese.  How healthy can you really get?  I really like Desert Pepper's black bean salsa so I tried a few of their other products.

I was pleasantly surprised.  I also switched up my salsa and jalapenos.

Candy Corn Oreos

I love an Oreo.  I love a cookies n' cream ice cream, Oreo blizzard and even an Oreo McFlurry.

But I can not imagine a candy corn Oreo.

I do however enjoy the orange colored Halloween Oreos, but a candy corn?  Yuck.

McKayla Is Not Impressed

McKayla is not impressed.

Funny.  Click here for many more.

All images from here.

Hair Impulse

Last week I had a hair appointment. It was a pretty summer day and I felt like a change the minute I sat in the chair.

I had also been watching way too many episodes of Baby Daddy and Awkward with two adorable hair styles.

BTW- are you watching them yet because they are my fav.

Anyways, I decided maybe I just didn't need to go blonder but a major cut.  Like these two girls.

Cute, short, probably need some styling to do it, but different.

I'm not an idiot, I know that my hair, face, frame, patience is different.  That every time I chop my hair off I instantly gain 10 lbs in my face and cry for a week (but the third week because the first two are always fresh and fun).  But this time would be different.  Right?

I did my usual before any big decisions and texted my sister and Meg.  Both said no.  Then the stylist said no.

So I went blonder and cut an inch.  I'm crazy like that.  It looks exactly.the.same.  But at least I like it.